Legalized online gambling has been a growing trend since the late 1990s. In 1996, there were fifteen gambling websites; by 1997, there were two hundred. The Frost & Sullivan report revealed that online gambling revenues topped $830 million in 1998. In the same year, the first online poker rooms were introduced. In 1999, the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was introduced in the US Senate, which would have prohibited U.S. citizens from gambling online. Nevertheless, online poker tournaments have remained a popular form of entertainment.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees internet gambling in the Garden State. Online gambling in New Jersey is legal in horse racing and fantasy sports. Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board regulates online gambling in the Keystone State. In Pennsylvania, online poker is wildly popular, especially with PokerStars’ presence in the state. But if legalizing online gambling in the United States is still a distant dream, here are some places where you can legally participate in online gambling:
The US government has more stringent laws governing online gambling. The Federal Act Wire of 1961 outlaws interstate sports wagering, but does not address other forms of gambling. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 bans payment processors in the US from conducting transactions involving online gaming. Because of these strict rules, most online gaming operators have moved their operations offshore. But this does not mean that the regulations have completely ruined the industry.
Teenagers and college students can access real world and online gambling sites, and should discuss the risks with their parents and teachers. While there are many risks and dangers to online gambling, it is best to seek help from a professional who is familiar with the subject. For more information, search for “Internet Gambling addiction help” in the city or state you live in. There are also plenty of resources available online for help. If you are serious about your gambling addiction, contact your primary care physician, or look online for Gamblers Anonymous.
New Jersey is an example of a state that has successfully legalized online gambling. The state has seen a massive increase in tax revenues and residents have put forward initiatives to change the state’s attitude toward iGaming. Perhaps New York can learn from the example of New Jersey by passing similar legislation. For the time being, however, this issue will remain a difficult one for legislators in the Buckeye State. It’s a good time to learn from the example of New Jersey, where legalized online gambling is flourishing.
While online gambling is becoming more regulated, rogue operators will continue to exist. It is imperative that online casinos adhere to the highest industry standards and adhere to these standards. While the industry is maturing, the lawmakers aren’t ready to put the internet gambling industry in the same category as land-based casinos. Gambling addiction is a dangerous problem, if left unchecked, can ruin savings, lead to depression, and be reckless.