Gambling is an activity that involves risk, staking something of value on a random event, and an agreement that a prize will be awarded. Those three elements are what make gambling legal on the federal level, but the states have their own rules regarding sports wagering and casino gaming. Several states have introduced bills to legalize the activities. These laws will likely be voted on in the coming years.
Currently, there are at least twenty states that allow residents to wager on sporting events online. States such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been some of the most progressive in allowing residents to participate in gambling on their own. Other states include Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, and Colorado. Despite a few restrictions, internet betting and poker sites should be legal in most territories in the near future.
However, there are still some challenges that stand in the way of full sports betting. There are legalities to consider and voters should weigh the benefits of legalized wagering against the potential negative impacts. It is also important to note that states are free to regulate gambling and to ban it completely. Some lawmakers have opposed new gambling legislation, while others believe it is necessary.
There is some debate as to how many states have passed laws to legalize sports betting. Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah have not yet done so. While these states share a similar climate and population, each has different gaming interests. For instance, Hawaii has no professional sports teams. Many of the state’s residents have expressed concerns about the effect gambling can have on their families.
Interestingly, Nevada, which has long been a leader in sports gambling, has seen its lead erode in the past few years. The state recently passed legislation that allows for online casinos, but it does not yet have any gambling licenses. In 2020, two tribal casinos were able to sign a sports betting deal with the government, which could help the state make a move on the issue.
Unlike most other states, Iowa does not have a large sports team. However, it has one of the largest per capita gambling markets in the country. Although not yet a thriving market, the state has over a dozen online sportsbooks and has seen an immediate boost in handling in 2021 after the in-person registration requirement expired.
Mississippi has passed a few bills to legalize gambling on the state’s borders. However, its politicians are deeply opposed to the idea. Despite popular support for the idea, there is little chance of the bill being passed in the upcoming session. Rather, a new motion is expected to be brought up in the summer of 2023 to legalize sports betting in the state.
Ultimately, there is no guarantee that any of these or other US states will fully legalize Internet betting in the near future. The Department of Justice has issued a revised opinion on the Federal Wire Act, which opens the door for states to legally regulate their own online gambling industry.
