Is It Allowed to Bet Online in The US?

Online betting is a phenomenon almost as old as the internet itself. It is widely popular in all corners of the world, and even in the US. However, there are some limitations that everyone should know about, and that’s exactly what we will be talking about here.

Federal Law Says That You Are in The Clear

There is no federal law that prevents you from placing a bet online. Cases of anyone being prosecuted for betting online in any form in the US are rare, especially for casino and poker bets. Taking sports bets is not legal, however, so if you are taking part in any illegal online betting it’s the website that could get into trouble rather than you. There are a lot of gray areas here as well, so make sure to brush up on US gambling laws if you wish to know the details.

States That Legalized Online Sports Betting

There are 4 states that legalized online betting in all forms: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, an overseas territory of US Virgin Islands also allows this type of gambling. In some states, 26 to be exact, the only legal sport for online betting is horse racing. These states include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Florida, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Vermont.

What About Casino?

When it comes to casino betting, the laws are the same just like for any online betting. This includes both taking and making bets, so if you are taking part in online casino gambling you will be at risk in most states.

Where Should I Bet?

Whether you are betting on sports or casino games, make sure to only use the best and most trusted websites to do so. This is also for your own benefit, since shady sites might be trying to scam you which can get you into more trouble.

How Old Must I Be to Bet Online in The US?

Most websites follow strict procedures when you register at their website. These include you to be over the legal age limit. Sometimes this limit is only 18, other times it’s 21, and it depends on the state and the laws implemented by their local governments.

Conclusion

By asking the question of whether you are allowed to bet online in the US, you are probably concerned as to not break any laws of your country and risk being prosecuted, which is more than reasonable. There’s currently no federal law against online betting in the United States, so there’s currently no reason for you to worry as well. However, keep yourself informed of all the exceptions, and keep in mind that these laws might change in the near future.