Since gambling first emerged as a legal form in America, its relationship with it has fluctuated wildly throughout its history. Certain forms were banned while others became legal or even encouraged in some parts. More recently, however, several states have legal online gambling options for their residents; powered by software that can be customized to local laws and regulations so gamblers can play in their native language and currency. While federal officials have made clear that online gambling is legal across states, it is still vital that bettors understand which specific state regulations they need to know before placing their bet.
Gambling is legally permissible in 48 out of 50 states, with Utah and Hawaii prohibiting all forms of gambling, while most other states permit some form of it within their borders. Laws differ by state; however, most allow at least some type of online gambling such as casinos or sportsbooks.
While some states have set up their own legal gambling sites, others have chosen to partner with companies based outside the country instead. This has resulted in some forms of online gambling being regulated and taxed while others aren’t, making it hard for US residents to compare all available options available to them.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 is the main piece of legislation impacting online gambling in the US. This piece of legislation forbids financial institutions from processing transactions to and from unlicensed online gambling websites; however, this doesn’t make wagering illegal – though some companies attempting to operate within US markets may face significant difficulties due to this legislation.
As a result, many gambling-related businesses have been forced offshore. Furthermore, service providers such as payment processors, hosts, and advertisers have been targeted by the federal government for violating gambling prohibitions; as a result, many have faced fines totaling millions of dollars due to past activities.
Congress has introduced various bills designed to ease restrictions, yet none of them have passed. Some would make it easier for companies to operate gambling sites, while others exempt specific types of games from the Wire Act.
Federal legislation to open up the American online gambling market is unlikely to pass; instead, industry has had to adapt on a state-by-state basis, with New Jersey leading the charge. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA last May, nearly 20 states have legalized sports betting for their residents – with more likely joining soon – creating a diverse and dynamic market likely to keep growing over time.