Online casino gambling in the US is a complex matter. Unlike sports betting, the industry is not regulated at the federal level.
Only Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia allow players to play at legal online casinos. Among new online casinos, these are the states that exist, however other states may soon join the ranks as several bills have been introduced to expand iGaming this year.
The question of legality has always been iffy, in particular due to iGaming carrying a certain stigma, but also due to the fact that it is extravagant in nature and inspires grandiose commitment such as the recent Vegas concert sphere.
Illinois
Despite the state’s sweeping gambling expansion, Illinois is still without online casinos. The Land of Lincoln’s casino-style gambling is centered around ten riverboat casinos. These casinos offer a total of more than 10,000 slot machines and 500 table games.
Fortunately, lawmakers are open to the idea of legalizing online casino gaming. A recent bill by Senator Christina Castro would allow land-based casinos to partner with regulated operators for an online gambling license. This means that players will have a safe and secure environment to gamble in, as well as a fair way to play the games. These sites will use the same encryption that online banks use to protect personal information and ensure that game outcomes are determined by random number generators.
The bill also includes language to speed up implementation, giving Illinois a leg up on states like Kentucky, which launched its sports betting market in early 2023. With its proximity to Indiana and its large population base, the Land of Lincoln could soon leave behind its “sleeping giant” nickname and become a top gambling destination.
Indiana
With the laws surrounding betting and gambling sites in the USA being relaxed over recent years, there is some hope that online casino games may be legalized in Indiana in the future. As of now, the state does not allow any form of iGaming beyond sports betting and charitable bingo.
While iGaming legislation has failed to pass in recent years, there is a chance that a push for legalized casino games will happen again in 2023. In the meantime, residents can wager at land-based casinos in the Hoosier State and play at sweepstakes sites that operate under US federal sweepstakes law.
In addition to allowing charitable gaming, the State of Indiana has made Daily Fantasy Sports legal since 2016. Considering the conservative nature of the State’s other gambling regulations, this is an interesting move and could be seen as a sign that an eventual expansion of online casino gambling is in store for the Land of Lincoln. However, at this time, iGaming remains illegal in the State of Illinois.
New Hampshire
While New Hampshire has several charitable gaming casinos and a DraftKings Sports Book, real-money online casino games aren’t yet available. However, the Granite State’s residents can play social and promotional sweepstakes casino-style games to win cash prizes. These sites operate under New Hampshire gambling laws and boost state tax revenues. It is possible that regulated online casinos may appear in the future, as they have already been introduced in other states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
In the past, New Hampshire lawmakers have failed to pass legislation that would allow online casinos, but this could change in the future if sports betting outperforms expectations. If it does, lawmakers will probably want to introduce additional revenue streams from other types of gambling. This could include online poker, roulette and other table games. It is also likely that New Hampshire will allow players to use their preferred deposit methods. This will give them more options when funding their accounts and make withdrawals faster. This means that players will have a better experience when they gamble at regulated online casinos in the state.
North Dakota
Online gambling in North Dakota has been a long-time challenge for lawmakers, but the state is slowly moving closer to legalization. Its residents can currently enjoy lottery games, charitable gaming operations, several large and mid-sized tribal casinos, and pari-mutuel wagering at two racetracks.
While sports betting went live in the state in March of 2020, online casino play wasn’t a part of that move. The state’s conservative approach to gambling might keep it from embracing iGaming in the same way as New Jersey, but players can always gamble at offshore casino sites.
The state’s residents can deposit and withdraw money using a variety of banking methods, including credit cards, bank wires, e-Wallets, and MatchPay. The state’s official gambling ages are 18-years for lotteries and bingo and 21-years for all other forms of gambling. Online casino operators should be aware of these laws and ensure that their websites comply with them. They can also benefit from having a good customer service team that can answer questions quickly and efficiently. They can also offer a good range of bonuses to attract new players.
Ohio
Despite the fact that Ohio lawmakers have shown initiative in introducing daily fantasy sports and sports betting, it looks like it will take time before they decide to bring online casino gambling on board. Nevertheless, the state boasts 11 brick-and-mortar casinos and seven racinos. The biggest names in the casino industry, such as Hard Rock and MGM Resorts International, are already active in the state.
Moreover, the Ohio Gaming Control Commission regulates the state’s commercial land-based casinos and racinos, while the state lottery oversees race betting and single game sports betting. Therefore, if online casino gambling becomes legal in the state, it will be heavily regulated and secure.
Until then, Ohio residents can enjoy real money online casino games at offshore sites. These sites offer a wide range of payment options, including credit/debit cards, cryptocurrencies, and e-wallets. Additionally, they offer fast payout times and comprehensive security measures. Some even offer dedicated customer support teams. Among the leading options is Wild Casino, which offers thrilling games, generous promotions, and high payout rates. In addition, its extensive slot game collection and commitment to security make it a great choice for Ohioans.
