Where Can You Gamble Online
The truth is that online gambling has the potential to land you in jail but the likelihood is quite low. But as every gambler knows, gambling carries inherent risk. So for some players, perhaps the possibility of ending up in jail — just raises the stakes a bit higher.
Online gambling has become an entertaining and super convenient pastime, especially in the era of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders. Why venture out to the casino when you can play all of your favorite games from the comfort of your couch while wearing your favorite PJs?
If we are talking gambling only (not poker, where your skills can actually make a huge difference), then the answer is - yes, but if you are very smart about it. The thing is, online gambling on its own will not make you money, no systems, marting. A person commits the crime of gambling if he knowingly engages in gambling. Gambling is a class C misdemeanor unless: (1) It is committed by a professional player, in which case it is a class D felony; or (2) The person knowingly engages in gambling. With hundreds of online gambling reviews, expert staff around the world with hundreds of hours of experience between us, strict editorial guidelines and nearly two decades in the industry, you can feel confident that the Gamble Online team has your safety in mind. Learn more about us or get in touch. The New Jersey online gambling law allows online providers to offer any game that meets the state's current standards for casino games. The list includes popular table games such as blackjack.
The only downside to all of this is that online gambling is, in fact, illegal in the United States. Just flat-out illegal. The trouble is, however, laws in the United States are notoriously ambiguous and vary state by state, making the whole situation rather confusing.
So is it worth it to try your luck — or could your next spin land you in jail? Let’s find out.
The Federal Stance
Gambling laws in the United States have changed drastically over the years. There have been many changes to the laws, some overturned, that have muddled the situation even further.
The FBI’s website, although archived and very out-of-date, clearly states, “No placing cyber bets on sporting events or in virtual card games; No transferring money electronically for gambling; [and] No wagers in offshore Internet casinos even if you live in the U.S.”. Unless you are moving money across state lines, the FBI is probably not going to notice you.
Despite the federal stance on online gambling, the states are the ones with the real power. What’s clear is that the ambiguity of the laws allows the states to use the grey area to their advantage, strengthening or weakening the penalties to appease their constituency or fill the state treasury.
Operators vs. Players
The US government actively seeks out online gambling operations as a starting point for cracking down on online gambling in general. The FBI’s website even states that their, “strategy for tackling illegal online gambling—as a key enforcement agency—is to start with the companies providing the services in the first place.”
The likelihood of the federal government going after the end user is quite low. The reason for this is that the payoff is practically nonexistent. Taking down the operation, the House, the group in charge is more efficient and makes more sense for the federal agency.
Although it may seem insignificant, the distinction between the role of operator and the role of player is an important one to make. While playing casino games online is technically illegal, the chances of the government going after you are very small indeed.
The key here is playing online at an offshore casino. Any online casino that claims to be based in the US is definitely one you want to steer clear of. These operators are not legal and gambling across state lines can get you into big trouble with the federal government. FlashCasino.org has written a great guide on everything you need to know about offshore online casinos.
Penalties by State
The United States does not have a one-size-fits-all policy for illegal online gambling penalties. Each state dictates the penalties for breaking the law and they can range from “disorderly activities” to misdemeanors to actual jail time.
For example, Vermont treats the penalty for online gambling as a small fine. Players who get caught gambling online in Vermont might expect to pay around $200 (max), which is actually less than you could expect to pay in travel expenses if you chose to go to Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Many players in states that use fines as a punishment for online gambling simply look at this as a cost of doing business.
Other states, such as Oregon, label online gambling as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries the penalty of up to one year in jail. Besides the few states that actually allow some form of online gambling, the rest of the states have penalties that fall somewhere on the spectrum from fines to jail time. The good news is that currently, no states have made online gambling as a player a felony, which might give some people a little peace of mind.
Raise the Stakes
For many players, the notion of going to jail for playing online casino games is laughable. Not only does the punishment not fit the crime but the government has never clarified any of these laws to make them understandable to Americans. That being said, there are some states that will throw the book at players rather than operators, hoping that the penalty might dissuade others from doing the same.
The truth is that online gambling has the potential to land you in jail but the likelihood is quite low, depending on the state you’re in. But as every gambler knows, gambling carries inherent risk. So for some players, perhaps the possibility of ending up in jail — just raises the stakes a bit higher.
Where Can You Legally Gamble Online In the United States
Online gambling in the US may or may not be legal depending on which state you are based in at the time. Furthermore, some forms of online gambling may be legal, but other forms may still be outlawed. While it is true that online casino players are usually not persecuted and the law enforcement targets the casino operators, it would always be wise to check and be aware of the state laws for online gambling before you indulge in online gambling.
The different forms of online gambling recognized by US laws
State legislators in different US states have basically categorized online gambling into three forms, namely, online casino, online poker and online sports betting. When it comes to legality, some states may allow casinos and poker but ban sports betting, some states may allow sports betting but ban the other two, etc.
There are some software providers who have completely pulled out the US market and even if specific casinos can operate in the States, sometimes games from a specific software provider might not be available. Some online software providers, however, have stayed fast and are not being pushed out of this lucrative market. A good example would be iconic software provider, NetEnt, that still continues to provide excellent games to US citizens. Be sure to check out some of the top US casinos and Kasinohai Nettikasinot that are available.
Furthermore, the regulations regarding online gambling are still in its infancy and is there subject to frequent revisions and even considerable changes. While we mention here the states wherein online gambling is legal, it is worthy to note that there are plenty of US states seeking to regulate and legalize online gambling. They are keeping a close watch on the industry and its potential to bring in revenue for the state.
Legal Online Gambling Sites
US States where at least one form of online gambling has been legalized
New Jersey – New Jersey happens to be the biggest online casino market in the US at this time. The market in New Jersey is estimated to be worth over $225 million. The New Jersey online gambling laws allow for online casinos, online poker as well as online sports betting. This makes New Jersey one of the only three states where all three forms of online gambling have been legalized in the US.
Pennsylvania–Pennsylvania is the only other US state apart from New Jersey and Delaware where all three forms of online gambling (online casinos, online poker and sports betting) have been legalized. The legalization across online casinos, online poker and online sports betting happened just in 2019. At this time, a lot many of the states land based casinos have come out with their own online casino versions which make up most online casino options in PA.
West Virginia–Thanks to the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, online casinos and online poker rooms are likely to be legalized in 2020. However, at the time of writing, only online sports betting is technically legal in this state.
Indiana –Much like West Virginia, Only online sports betting is legal at this point in time in the State of Indiana. When it comes to online casinos and online poker rooms, there does not seem to be any plan in place to legalize, regulate and tax such operations in Indiana just yet.
Iowa–It was only in August of 2019 that Iowa legalized online sports betting. With the legalization, Iowa went from having 0 online sports betting websites to five in the span of under 6 months.
New Hampshire–Online sports betting was legalized in 2019. Online casinos and online poker are still outlawed. The popular sportsbook, DraftKings, was the first sportsbook to welcome NH based players.
Nevada – Online sports betting and online poker is legal
Delaware – Apart from NJ and PA, Delaware is the only other state where online casinos, online poker and online sports betting are all legal.
Rhode Island – Online sports betting is legal
Where To Gamble Online Reddit
Oregon – Online sports betting is legal
Gambling Sites
You can also legally gamble via affiliate websites that officially participate in Affiliate Programs from Betsson, Bet 365, and other providers with a legit license. While those websites receive rev-share from each real money bet, the player has an option to choose from multiple casino offers. Affiliate websites offer free slots with bonus and free spins, instant play free casino games no download or registration, and a chance to win real money by entering no deposit casino. Affiliate casino websites do not need licensing or compliance in the United States except for local regulations regarding affiliate marketing in some states. Only a few states have specific laws on affiliate marketing, while most do not regulate this aspect of iGaming at all. For example, New Jersey has the necessary conditions for running a licensed affiliate marketing business. It would be best to show a minimum level of financial stability, integrity, and fair character without violating the state’s casino and gambling laws.
Online Casinos Real Money
There’s no doubt that more states are likely to jump on the bandwagon and legalize online gambling in the near future. Stay tuned to this space for more on the latest.