Legality of online gambling in the US has always been an ongoing challenge, yet many states have legalized local forms of it without violating federal restrictions that make offering casino and poker games difficult. While federal restrictions such as the Wire Act of 1961 forbid transmission of wagering information across state lines, individual states often determine how best to regulate this form of activity – some choose ban it altogether while others welcome their profits and reaping them profitably.
Nevada and New Jersey were among the first states to legalize online gambling when they opened their markets in 2013. Delaware and Pennsylvania soon followed suit, while several other states have license and regulate online gambling as well, such as Kahnawake Gaming Commission which grants licenses to many of the world’s premier casinos and poker rooms; some states even limit activities by only permitting sports betting.
How a state permits online gambling depends on many factors, including its tax structure, population size and availability of other forms of recreation. Alaska, for instance, has stringent gambling laws which may make online betting impossible within its borders; players visiting Alaska via international cruise ships can place bets on sporting events; other states, like Utah have banned most forms of gambling except lottery and land-based tribal casinos.
Other factors can also impact the legality of online gambling, including its effects on society and political resistance to it. But legislators may find the profits generated from this industry convincing, especially when used for public good purposes. Early adopters of legal online gambling have demonstrated its benefits by contributing millions to state coffers as early adopters’ experience demonstrates it doesn’t bring with it negative social repercussions that critics fear, making early legal gambling games viable options that don’t pose as many ills than expected.
As well as generating significant revenues, online gambling provides for greater regulation and protection of players’ funds – an attractive feature to legislators seeking ways to boost revenue streams. As it becomes easier to monitor and protect player funds with online gambling, legislators find this activity more attractive when legalizing it in more states.
Vermont could soon legalize online gambling. While its state constitution prohibits lotteries and gambling in general, Vermont has seen its laws gradually liberalize over time. When its sports betting operation launches in 2022, Vermont could open its markets up for online casinos if multiple bills proposed within Vermont were to pass into law.