Considering the massive tax revenue that these online gambling platforms bring in, lawmakers should be more eager to pass laws that regulate and legalize this form of gambling. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some states, such as New Jersey, have taken the lead by making iGaming legal and allowing players to deposit and withdraw money at licensed operators. However, other states seem reluctant to follow suit. Some of these reluctances stem from the morality surrounding gambling and fears that it will lead to addiction and other social problems. However, other concerns may also include a lack of regulatory oversight and player protections.
Some of the earliest states to legalize real-money online casino games and poker have seen a boom in revenue as a result. New Jersey in particular has raked in over $80 million per month from the iGaming industry. This has helped to change lawmakers’ minds regarding iGaming and its benefits for state coffers. However, other states like Arizona, Georgia, and Missouri have yet to make the switch and are currently enforcing anti-iGaming laws.
It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to states that allow online gaming, with some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the nation being reversed in recent years. The United States Supreme Court’s decision overturned the federal ban on sports betting, giving individual states autonomy to make the call on whether or not to legalize this type of wagering. Many of these changes have occurred in the Mid-Atlantic region, with New Jersey leading the charge.
A few more states have followed suit, with Pennsylvania and West Virginia becoming the latest to join the ranks of iGaming legality. These two states joined Nevada in 2017 and 2021, respectively, in allowing residents to play online casino games and poker. These online casinos offer a wide variety of options, including top-tier brands such as BetMGM and Caesars.
Florida is another state that allows for online gambling, albeit not at real-money sites. The Sunshine State has a handful of retail casinos and is home to a number of daily fantasy sports operators. While real-money online casino gambling remains out of the question, it’s possible that Florida could one day see a launch.
Other states that have already legalized iGaming include Connecticut, Delaware, and Michigan. The latter has even gone as far as to establish an iGaming commission. It’s a safe bet that more states will see the light and legalize online gambling in the coming years, especially considering how popular these games are and how much they contribute to state revenues. With the exception of Hawaii, which doesn’t allow any sort of gambling, most people in the US can legally gamble on online casino games and sports bets. The Inquistr will continue to keep you updated on the status of these laws as more states move toward regulating iGaming. In the meantime, enjoy your favorite online slots and other casino games!
