The Murky Rules Associated with Online Gambling in the United States

The presence of the Internet has given rise to several truly massive sectors. A handful of the most well-known include social media platforms, online sales portals and the virtual gambling community. While rules associated with the first two categories are generally quite clear, the regulations behind online gaming are often misunderstood. This has led some to believe that online gambling has been deemed illegal throughout the country. It is important to clear up this misconception so that you can better understand your rights as well as the position of the government as a whole. Let’s break this subject down into a couple of sections in order to come to a rational conclusion.

Is Online Gambling Legal?

To be very clear from the start, there is no federal law which prohibits online gambling. This arises from the simple fact that (at the time that this article was written) there is no statue stating otherwise. However, this is when things can get a bit tricky. Federal and state laws are often at odds with one another. In other words, the exact extent of legality will sometimes depend upon where you reside. Let us take a look at Missouri to highlight this observation.

While it is perfectly legal to enjoy fantasy sports betting or other types of casino games such as poker or slots, current Missouri laws state that horse and greyhound betting is prohibited. This is even the case when accessing online platforms. So, users will often choose other alternatives such as sportbook wagers. It should also be mentioned that first-time offenders are not likely to be prosecuted. However, those who are deemed “professionals” (such as those who earn a full-time living from placing bets on greyhound races) may be charged with a Class D felony; a stiff sentence indeed.

The good news is that popular platforms such as SkyCity roulette and others can be accessed without any type of ramifications. This is why it is very important to perform a bit of research in regards to where you live before registering for a specific online casino.

What About Taking Bets Online?

A considerable portion of the confusion associated with online gambling laws in the United States has arisen from the ways in which these regulations have been presented. While there is nothing wrong with gambling in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to take bets. To put it another way, you cannot legally set up a website intended to be used by others to place wagers. The only exceptions to this rule are those handful of regions which explicitly state otherwise.

Online gambling regulations throughout the country are not as complicated as they may initially appear. However, it is critical that players are fully aware of their rights as well as any prohibitions before attempting to place any type of wager. A simple Internet search will normally provide you with a host of relevant information. When in doubt, it could also be a good idea to speak with your local law enforcement office.