When the internet first came around in the 1990s, online gambling looked like it would be an end-run around government prohibition and control. After all, the operator of an online gambling site only needed to register in a friendly offshore jurisdiction and start accepting wagers via credit card from anyone with access to the World Wide Web. This blatant challenge to American policy spurred Congress and the Department of Justice into action.
During the process, lawmakers established guidelines that state that gambling will be illegal unless the person engaging in it is licensed, authorized or registered to do so. They also enacted laws stating that it will be illegal to invite others to gamble with you, or to encourage them to gamble in any way, and that it will be considered an offense to make a bet through a wire communication service.
With all the changes in the gambling industry over the last two decades, many people have wondered whether or not they can legally gamble on sports and other events online in the United States. The answer to this question is a little complicated, with the exact rules changing from one state to the next. It’s important to understand that different types of gambling have varying legal ages and locations, and there are a number of states that prohibit the activity altogether.
In the past decade, several states have opened the door to allow their residents to gamble on sports and other events by using the internet. New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware began offering these services in 2013, and they have since been joined by New York, Michigan and Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA has accelerated the process of legalizing sports betting in additional states.
While sports and other event wagering is legal in most states, casino online gambling has progressed more slowly. Some states, such as Utah and Hawaii, have strict anti-gambling policies and will not allow any online gambling at all. Other states, such as Vermont, have passed legislation to legalize sports betting, but not online casinos.
Other states, such as Colorado and Washington, have taken a more balanced approach to online gambling and are open to both sports and casino games. However, they do have restrictions, such as the fact that player prop bets on in-state college games are prohibited. In addition, the state of Maine is a no-go for online casinos, but that could change in the future, depending on how the sports betting launch goes. If you have any questions about online gambling and its legalities in the United States, the Rodriguez Law Group can help. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation! The sooner you get your legal representation, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your life. We’re here to fight for your freedom and your future. We’ll be with you every step of the way.