Online gambling has exploded over the past decade. The legal environment is a bit slower to catch up, but it seems that legislators have finally started entertaining ideas about regulating sites that offer games of chance. The big reason for this is the revenue that can be generated by sports betting alone, but online casinos and poker are expected to bring in even more money.
Delaware is widely considered the first state to legalize online gambling, and they launched their online casino in 2013. In 2022, New Jersey added an online casino, and West Virginia and Michigan joined them in 2023. These states share player pools and are expected to drive traffic for the iGaming industry as a whole.
While the legal status of online gambling varies by state, the general rule is that you must be 21 to play for real money. If you’re under 21, you can still gamble on a variety of websites that offer free practice versions of the game. You can also try out a number of mobile apps, which make playing on the go possible. These apps are a great way to get a feel for the game before you play for real money.
In order to gamble legally, you must be registered with a licensed casino. This is important because if you are caught, you could be facing fines or even jail time. A reputable online casino will make this information very easy to find, so it’s worth checking with them before you start playing.
The best place to start is by looking for the casino’s license, which is a mark of quality. Each license has been acquired through a very rigorous process and comes with its own set of rules and regulations. Then, you’ll want to look at the casino’s security measures, which are designed to protect your personal and financial information.
If you’re interested in trying out an online casino, you can sign up for a free account with one of the many regulated sites. Once you’ve registered, you can choose from a wide selection of games and start playing for real money. There are also plenty of tournaments and other promotions to keep you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for more info on legal online gambling in the US, check out our guide to learn more about the various options and what each state has to offer. We’ll continue to update this page as more states launch their own online casinos, and you can count on our team of experienced lawyers to help you stay on top of the latest developments.