The legal online gambling industry is growing, and it has become a hot topic across the nation. This page will explore the laws surrounding legal and illegal gambling online in the United States. In addition, you’ll find information on what types of gambling are currently available.
Ohio voters passed Ohio Casino Approval and Tax Distribution Amendment 3 in 2009. However, the state does not offer online casinos, poker or sports betting. Instead, it has a handful of true gambling locations. These include casino operations, racetracks, horse tracks, and tribal gambling facilities. Some of these are also regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Currently, the commission is licensing businesses to operate and to provide the gaming options that Ohio residents will enjoy.
Several states have launched sportsbooks and online casinos, and others have a wide array of betting options. While most Americans can still play their favorite games at their local casino, more can now play poker or bet on sporting events using their mobile phones. There are even apps that allow people to bet on recreational activities, such as basketball, football, or baseball.
One of the first states to make legal online gambling a reality was Arizona. After months of deliberation, the law was passed and the state’s first casinos opened in July. Two Native American tribes were granted exclusivity to major online casino operators. Among the sites that are authorized to offer online sportsbooks are FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. Additionally, several retail sportsbooks have joined the fray.
In July of 2018, the first casinos in Arizona opened, making the state one of the largest states to legally offer online gambling. Until then, most types of straightforward gambling were illegal in the state. Today, however, the state is moving to expand the types of online gambling that are offered to its citizens.
The federal government has a number of statutes that it uses to punish illegal Internet gambling. Section 1956, for example, creates several separate crimes, including laundering to evade taxes and disguise, and promoting an illicit activity. Using the Internet for gambling has also been challenged on constitutional grounds. Generally, these attacks have met with little success. Rather, the Commerce Clause and the First Amendment have been the most successful arguments.
Despite the growing popularity of online casinos, poker, and sportsbooks, the industry is still in its infancy. While a few states have taken the lead in launching new online gambling options, the industry is far from complete. It is only a matter of time before more states join the ranks of online gambling and eSports betting. Fortunately, the federal government is standing by the law, and state officials have expressed concern that the Internet could be used to bring illegal gambling to their jurisdictions.
Although the legalization of sports betting will be the litmus test for further online gambling in Ohio, the state is moving quickly to expand its options. The legislature passed House Bill 29 in December, giving businesses a chance to apply for licenses to host betting kiosks. Over 1,300 businesses have already been prequalified to provide these facilities.