The legality of online gambling depends on where you live and what type of gaming you enjoy. Some states have strict regulations while others only permit specific types of games and betting. In the United States, you can find regulated real money casino games and sports betting at reputable operators who are licensed by state regulators to ensure that bets are honored, funds are secure and that players’ rights are protected. These sites promote responsible gaming and provide tools for bettors to set loss limits and self-exclude for a certain period of time.
The Supreme Court ruling overturned a federal ban on internet gambling, making it legal to gamble online in the US, but the laws of individual states vary greatly. Some prohibit iGaming entirely while others only allow it to take place inside the borders of the state, and some have strict requirements for operators. Use our table below to determine which types of gambling are permitted in your state and to find a list of top-rated regulated casinos where you can play for real money.
Online gambling can be a great way to spend your spare time, but it can also be addictive. The best way to protect yourself from gambling addiction is to only play at reputable and trusted online casinos that are licensed by state gaming regulators. Licensed operators are monitored and audited regularly to ensure that they are following strict regulatory guidelines, which guarantee fairness, security and accountability for their customers. Additionally, they should have a variety of support services available to bettors, including helplines and self-exclude options.
Most regulated online casinos offer a range of payment methods that are safe and secure for US bettors. The most popular are credit cards, e-checks, and PayPal. In addition, some sites have a mobile app that makes it easy to make deposits and withdrawals on the go. Some even have live odds and bet tracking features. In some states, you can also deposit and withdraw using cashier checks.
While some states have been dragging their feet about legalizing iGaming, New Jersey has seen huge tax revenues from these platforms since launching in 2013. As more states realize the potential revenue streams, they may soon follow suit.
Online gambling is not for everyone, but most online casinos and sportsbooks have resources available for problem gamblers. These include educational guides on how to spot the signs of problem gambling, links to support services and tools to self-exclude from gaming for a set period of time. If you are concerned about gambling addiction, please contact the National Council on Problem Gambling or 1-800-GAMBLER.
The first legal iGaming site in the United States launched in 2006. It was called Action Network and was a free app that offered expert picks, live odds and bet tracking for all sports events. The company was acquired by 888 in 2011 and now is a leading online sportsbook.