When it comes to online gambling and sports betting, Each state has its own rules, regulations and legalities.
Sports betting has become widely legalized throughout the United States, but online gambling remains fairly rare from state to state.
Much of the hesitation is due to fear that offering online gambling as an option will drive people away from casinos. Some will prefer to try their luck on the couch, while others will enjoy the atmosphere of a busy casino.
Playing at home doesn’t produce the same excitement, especially for those who prefer to play games like blackjack with others.
Many skeptics of Internet gambling fear that the option to play from home will lead to a decrease in in-person traffic at casinos.
The concern that Internet gambling will destroy in-house casinos has been studied by experts, including Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University.
Bokunewicz observed through his studies that in-house casinos and Internet gambling actually complement each other, and that growth simply occurs at a slower pace. Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, backed up these claims.
“New Jersey showed it,” Schwartz said, according to The Associated Press. “Post-pandemic casino revenue has stabilized and online revenue is setting new records.”
For the few states in the country that have tried online gambling, the amount of revenue earned demonstrates their success.
Those states have racked up a combined $16.3 billion in revenue, according to the American Gaming Association.
AP
To date, the six states that have Legalized online casino games are New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.
Nevada has tested the waters with online poker and Rhode Island passed an online casino bill, which is expected to go into effect in March 2024.
Online gambling essentially consists of all the games found in land-based casinos, perhaps even more, from bingo and slot machines to table games like blackjack, roulette, craps and poker.
Online sports betting has become increasingly popular over the years and is now widely available, with companies like DraftKings and FanDuel dominating the online gambling space.
Currently, there are more than 30 states that offer some type of online sports betting to users.
“The volume of bets, the interest of the people, the enthusiasm that surrounds them as an entertainment option shows the power and Internet reach”, said David Rebuck, director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
“We were able to do it in a responsible and professional manner that avoided embarrassment and scandal.”
Those in favor of online gambling say that because federal stimulus funds for the pandemic are ending, states will be looking for new ways to raise tax revenue.
This alone could make online gambling legal in more states across the country.
Whether Internet gambling will gain traction in the coming years remains an unanswered question.
The playing method could benefit those who simply don’t want to go to the casino, or beginners willing to place bets on table games with less pressure.
As of now, speculation appears to be quite high, with most states opting to continue in-person betting.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
