Online gambling is legal in most parts of the USA. The states are given the authority to develop their own rules concerning gambling; therefore, the legality of gambling majorly depends on where you are situated in the US. Only two states have entirely banned gambling, however; Utah and Hawaii. Nevada doesn’t restrict at all while all the other states allow the players to gamble at different casinos – licensed casinos.
Law Governing gambling in the US
Some laws governing gambling activities in the US include the Federal Wire Act of 1961. This law prohibits gambling from taking place anywhere in the states. Not entirely, though; residents are allowed to gamble in a single state; a problem may now arise in a case where one wants to place a bet with bookies situated in other states. Other laws like the Amateur Sports Protection Act did not prohibit gambling but did not allow the states that didn’t already have gambling validated to proceed in legalising it.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act is the only law in America completely different from the other laws. Its main target is not the gamblers but the companies that provide and pay gamers from online gaming sites. It, however, does not prohibit players from playing the games; the main intention was to reduce money laundering and other financial crimes. Everything that has a bad side must have a positive side whatsoever. Unlawful Internet Gambling Act has made online gambling sites a safe and reliable source of income in the US environs.
Six American states that have legalized online gambling
The majority of the US residents take gambling as an entertaining activity during their leisure time, but others refer to it as a threat to their social and economic lives. However, games in many gambling sites are fair; hence, they give players a limit of their losses and can therefore exclude themselves when things seem to get worse. The most valuable thing about online gambling is that the revenues generated are tax-free.
There are states that have legalized online gambling and these are:
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Delaware
Determination of whether online gambling in America infringes any given laws depends on various factors. The Dominant Factor Test is run on an activity to determine whether the action is against the law. The violation is then checked by the state’s authority, where they decide whether to classify it as a simple crime or an intensified crime. Joining any online gambling casinos in the US is okay, but players are advised to consult a lawyer for legal advice on whether to join so that they will not be at risk of violating the laws.
