With each of the 50 states having the right to regulate its laws, the US online casino legal landscape can be tricky to navigate. Online casinos may be legal and accepted in one but banned in the next state, so players who haven’t done their homework can get into trouble. But with some preparation and our trusty guide below, potential players can join many others enjoying online casinos around the US.
1. Offshore sites
It may sound counterintuitive since offshore sites are not technically present in the US, but via offshore sites, online gambling is universally available. For any player living in a state where online casinos are in a legal gray area, like North Carolina, offshore sites can be a viable alternative, and players can enjoy with confidence and certainty surrounding conversations about online casinos, as expert Jamie Wright advises. Offshore sites can accept cryptocurrencies, offer better odds and rates for players, and many other benefits, filling the void that regular casinos left out in states currently resolving online casino laws.
2. Legal game types
Let’s take Nevada, for example, where even a state with lax gambling laws can still have specific restrictions. Since 1931, gambling has been legal in Nevada, and with the status Las Vegas enjoys today around the world, welcoming over 40 million people in 2023, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Such popularity is mostly due to brand identity, where Las Vegas is recognized worldwide as one of the best places to gamble. And by extension a safe and regulated place for all players.
While online poker has existed since 2013, online slot machines are still not digitally present, so the only alternative remains to visit their real-world counterparts. Players who wish to play online are also protected by the law in states where it’s regulated, and casino sites employ strong levels of cybersecurity because their reputation depends on it. So it’s always good to know and research casino sites that strive to provide a protected gaming environment to their users, as that level of protection adds an extra layer of security and provides ground for legal protection.
3. The legal age of gambling
18 and 21 years of age are legal standards in the gambling industry, but even such a small time frame can widely vary between states and types of gambling. A good example is California, where you can buy lottery tickets if you are 18, but the same player would be fined if caught playing bingo or gambling on horse racing.
And while some laws may seem outdated or too complex, it’s worth noting that many states are working on reforming them. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has laid the foundation for each state to regulate and fine-tune its online gambling laws, and the law has been in effect since 2006.
4. Casino licenses
Any type of licensed business should instill trust and confidence in its visitors. Just as brick-and-mortar casinos must obtain and apply for licenses from the government, so must online casinos that wish to operate in the US. By applying for a license the online casino verifies its legitimacy, and by obtaining it, players can have complete confidence that online casinos are legal to operate in said state, as the license would not be issued otherwise.
Safety and legitimacy are the main driving factors behind online casinos that display their permits. On the other hand, states can then know that an online casino is not breaking any laws, engaging in illegal financial activity (like money laundering), and aims to provide a secure playing environment. Players are protected because they know all their private and sensitive data (credit cards, personal info, etc.) are safe and protected.
Licensed online casinos also guarantee fair and just games because licensed online casinos must be comfortable with the laws regarding the fairness of the online games presented. So, it’s always better for the player to seek out any online casinos in the US with a visible license.