Gambling has been around for thousands of years, but it’s taken a huge leap forward with the advent of the internet. Now you can wager on sports events, games of chance and skill from your mobile device or laptop. But can you gamble online legally? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including your state’s laws and the type of gambling you are interested in. This article will break down the legality of online gambling in each state, so you can make informed decisions about where to place your bets.
In most states, the minimum age to gamble online is 21 years. However, the age limit varies by country and even within states. Some jurisdictions have a higher minimum age, while others set it at 18 years. It’s also important to note that many online casinos have age restrictions on their sites. This is to protect players from underage gambling and to ensure that only those who are of legal age can participate in the games on offer.
The first step to gambling online legally is finding a legitimate site that offers your preferred type of gambling. There are plenty of sites that offer a variety of different games, including slots, blackjack, roulette and poker. Some of these sites are free to play, while others require a real-money deposit. It’s important to read expert reviews of each site before making a deposit. This will help you choose a site that is licensed by your state’s gaming regulator and offers safe betting options.
New Jersey was the first to allow its residents to wager on sports events online, with the launch of its first online casino in 2013. The Garden State has since opened up its market to additional operators. Pennsylvania is one of the most recent to join its fellow New Jerseyans in allowing iGaming, with more than 10 secure, authorized sites now operating inside its borders.
Connecticut is another state that allows its residents to wager on iGaming, though it’s a bit more restrictive than most in terms of the number of available operators. As of right now, only two operators are allowed to offer iGaming in the state: DraftKings and FanDuel Casino.
Hawaii is one of the few states that doesn’t permit online casino gambling, and it’s not likely to change anytime soon. The Aloha State isn’t a big fan of gambling in general, and it doesn’t have any legislative efforts currently underway to change its laws. Thankfully, it does have some social casino offerings for its residents to enjoy.
Georgia is a state that’s still trying to figure out how to legalize online casino gambling, but it’s still early days. The Peach State does have online sports betting, and it may not be too long before the industry makes its way to the state’s cyber doors. In the meantime, Georgia residents can use sportsbooks in other states to place their wagers.