The popularity of online gambling grew in the 1990s. It seemed like an end-run around government regulation, with operators able to set up shop in offshore jurisdictions and accept wagers from anyone with a credit card. Even minors were able to take part. As a result, the Department of Justice and Congress started investigating whether there should be regulations on online gambling.
Online gambling has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of people playing on various platforms each day. However, before you start gambling, it’s important to understand the rules. There are some countries that have strict laws about online gambling, but others allow it without restrictions. The laws vary by state, and you should consult your state’s law regarding online gambling before signing up for a casino account.
For example, in California, a bill regulating online poker and casino websites has been pending for over a decade. It’s not clear whether the bill will pass, but sports betting and online casinos are expected to be up for ballot measures in 2022. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, lawmakers have passed a bill to regulate online gambling, though it must be reconciled with the state house bill before it can become law.
The Department of Justice maintains that online gambling is illegal in the United States. But the Fifth Circuit disagreed, finding that all forms of gambling online are legal.