While sports betting is now legal in more than 30 states, online casino gambling has had a much slower progression. This is due to the fact that many legislators are still wary of federal laws like the Wire Act, which prohibits gambling activities over the internet.
Despite this, several states are working towards legalizing iGaming. New Jersey has been the first state to pass legislation, allowing its residents to enjoy a number of top-notch iGaming operators. These include all of the biggest names in the industry, from BetMGM to bet365. Pennsylvania is following suit, with its first wave of online casinos set to launch later this year. Meanwhile, West Virginia has already passed legislation to allow its residents to play at real money online casinos and poker sites.
New York is another state that is keen on iGaming, and multiple campaigns have been launched to get politicians there to change their tune. The state currently has a few in-person casinos that can be visited by residents, and iGaming could be coming to these locations soon.
The same cannot be said for Hawaii, as the Aloha State is one of the only states in the country that does not allow its residents to wager on casinos. This is likely to change at some point, but it is unlikely that this will happen anytime soon.
Social casinos are a popular alternative to online casinos, and these are legal in most states, except for Hawaii and Utah. These platforms allow players to wager using in-game currency against the house, and they can win virtual prizes. Players can also set loss limits and self-exclude. These are all great incentives for responsible gambling, and these sites are regulated by reputable bodies.
Online gambling is still not available in every state, and some states have not even managed to introduce a single site for their residents. This is unfortunate, as iGaming offers a number of benefits to those who choose to play at these sites. These benefits include tax revenue and job creation. This is why it is so important for state legislatures to support the growth of online gambling in their jurisdictions.
In addition to online casinos, some states have also made it possible for residents to gamble at charitable games like bingo and pull-tabs. This is a great option for those who do not wish to participate in traditional gambling, but want to benefit from the same taxes and social benefits that come with it.
In 2023, Florida is expected to become the next state to pass legislation to allow its residents to gamble at real-money online casinos and poker rooms. In the meantime, residents in the Sunshine State can enjoy social online gambling sites and a handful of tribal casinos. This is not unlike how New Jersey has handled its iGaming laws since 2013, with its platforms currently pulling in more than $80 million each month for the Garden State. This makes it one of the most profitable iGaming markets in the United States.
