Are monopolies lawful? Can you combat them in court?
In this heightened age of capitalism, it’s easy to believe that everything is based on competition and that there’s no limit of what an individual or a small company can achieve as long as they can provide value to the market.
But what exactly is the value? How do we measure it? Through the pricing? The number of problems solved? Or through just sheer emotion and the way we feel after using a specific product or service?
The thing is that value is a very subjective thing, it doesn’t really have a universal explanation and can’t be measured based on pure logic. It needs to take the subjective impact it has on its consumers. Only after that can it be taken into account and compared to the rest of the world in a sense.
But no matter what type of product is created nowadays, we always hear a large tech or other corporation mimic it and “monopolize” it. Take for example the search engine “industry”. No matter how much any new service may try to enter the market, they will be met with a brick wall called Google.
Nobody is complaining that Google is the most used service right? But what if we look at the market share of this tech sector? Can you name a few search engines off the top of your head? Ok, Bing and DuckDuckGo, but those are slowly dying as we speak, and the companies that operate them don’t really believe in their success in the future, and neither do the few people that use them.
In this sense we can easily say that Google has a monopoly over the search engine sector, right? But does the government or a law firm have the capability, or the authority to challenge it? In a sense, yes, yes it does, but it will be quite hard to outline the clear signs of monopolies.
You see, a monopoly is defined not by how much market share a particular brand holds in a specific segment, but how much they try and disrupt competition.
One example that we have about just pure, blatant monopoly is Regular Oil way back in the past. The company was purposely lowering their prices to a point where they were losing money, as long as they could limit that income for new competitors.
It’s not like Google is lowering its prices or anything, right? Well, because it doesn’t have anything to sell on a B2C basis, it’s more B2B.
However, on that B2B basis, it does indeed have the opportunity to offer the best deals should it decide to. You see, the competition that Google has right now is not “alarming for them, meaning that they don’t have to worry about lowering prices or disrupting the competition in any way. This is why no lawyer or government can challenge them in terms of antitrust law.
But as soon as a new search engine appears that does indeed offer a lot of competition and prices move, it may be perceived as a method for disrupting the competitor’s business, and can be tried in court.
This is a very basic explanation of how one can just spot a monopoly. Combatting one is a completely different topic, and is usually the government’s job.
What if the government owns the monopoly?
Combatting a privatized monopoly in the 21st century is not a hard process, as in most cases lawyers from the individual are not required. The only thing that can be done is the supply of information to relevant agencies such as the DOJ in the United States, which will then take care of the issue.
But what can one do when the government itself is the owner of the monopoly? Do they have the right to it? Well, they are the law, so why wouldn’t they, right? No, not really.
In most cases, one may believe that governments own monopolies in manufacturing industries. Things such as natural resources, consumer goods, etc. But in some countries, governments even control several service segments.
One example of a government-held monopoly is in Finland, of all places, and most of the Nordic countries as well.
The governments in these countries refuse to privatize the gaming sector, thus narrowing it down to one or two companies that are SOEs( State Owned Enterprises).
How does one combat this?
Well, for one, it needs to be decided if the monopoly is unlawful in the sense that, the end customer is getting much less value than he or she is paying for.
In the case of government-held monopolies, this is rarely the case, as the government is usually not oriented on profit as much as a private company would be.
But the Nordics are a completely different example as they monopolize the gaming industry to “get rid of it”.
But, we all know that getting rid of an industry is impossible simply through limiting its supply. The only thing that can be done through this just decreases the number of people that openly use the product, while in reality, the number remains the same as people find “illegal” means to access the product.
This is exactly the case in Northern Europe, according to Сasinopånett website, a local gaming news outlet.
Experts from the outlet say that people use untraceable currencies in order to surpass the country’s firewall, and access online methods of gaming as local, monopolized services are simply too taxing. This means that by decreasing the value of the product, the government is hoping to remove the sector completely when in reality, they are subjecting their users to even more risk than a privatized company would.
The only way to combat these monopolies is through sheer democracy, and the folks in Finland have already started.
If you want a very detailed explanation of the process, you can follow this link and see the outlet’s report. But, in short, it’s just the beginning of the process.
First is the task of determining that it’s an issue, which means surveys on surveys. Once the surveys show a majority recognizing it as a current or potential problem, it could be used as data to draft a bill in parliament. Naturally, though, it will have to be done through an opposition party, as the majority would never back such a thing.
Once the bill is drafted, it needs to be promoted across the nation, to a point where a referendum will have to be held for its approval. At that moment, the citizens have much more power than the lawmakers, therefore potentially making them into lawmakers.
This is the most democratic way of achieving justice, but it most certainly isn’t an easy way.
Therefore, if you are an owner of a small business, and find yourself at a disadvantage from a monopoly, make sure you identify it first before you draft a complaint to the government.
If it is a government-held monopoly, however, it’s best to inform research firms about it, or hire lawyers that are experts in antitrust law. Popularising the problem is the only way through that mess at this point in time.
Online Casinos In Canada: What’s Legal & What’s Not
Online gambling has become one of Canada’s favorite pastimes, but you’ve got to ensure that you’re doing it the legal way before you start betting the big bucks.
It’s important to read up on what you can and can’t do when it comes to online gambling in Canada. Canadian gambling laws have evolved a lot over the last 40 years. We’re now at the point where it’s pretty lax compared to other governments, but there are still some things you should know.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what you can and can’t do with online casinos in Canada. You can never be too safe when it comes to this stuff, so let’s get started.
How to Navigate Online Casinos in Canada
Unlike most places, gambling is completely legal across Canada. Here, we’ll teach you a bit about the laws and get you on your way to getting your riches.
It might surprise you to learn that gambling in Canada before 1970 was pretty much restricted to unsavory mob-related figures. After that, regulations were loosened quite a bit, resulting in provinces and territories being able to oversee slots, charitable gaming, and lotteries in 1985.
Online Gambling
Obviously, things have changed a lot all over the world with the advent of online gambling. In Canada, this has meant that it’s completely legal to use online gambling websites, so long as they’re international.
You can spend as much or as little time gambling online as you want. You can do it as a hobby to make some cash on the side or try to make it your full-time gig. There are no legal repercussions to using these websites in Canada.
In fact, no Canadian has ever been prosecuted for online gambling, so you’re completely safe to do proceed at your own financial risk. Winnings aren’t taxable unless you’re considered a professional. It is illegal, however, to operate a gambling website in Canada, because of the government’s involvement in proceedings.
How to Find Legal Sites
Instead, most online casinos are based outside of the country in places like Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao. These are licensed and legal under Canadian law. When you’re researching online casinos, you need to make yourself aware of where the website is based out of.
Sites like SlotsWise Online Slot Reviews and Gambling Insider can give you the intel you need to figure out which ones are legal and which ones aren’t. It’s also illegal to promote unlicensed casinos under Canadian law, so you know that you’re getting good and honest reviews from these sites.
Build Your Fortune Today
Now that you know that you can gamble to your heart’s content at online casinos in Canada, you can start to build your fortune. There are literally hundreds of great and legal websites that make it easy for you to play slots, games, and lotteries to make loads of cash.
For more posts about legal matters regarding gambling, bankruptcy, personal injury, and estate planning check out our site, where you can also use our search tool to find a lawyer to suit your needs.
Rules and Regulations for Gambling in the UK
Gambling is part of the economy in the UK and with online gaming becoming increasingly popular it will only become more a part of the economy. Are you interested in learning how to gamble online in the UK? Perhaps you’ve been playing for quite a while but never really looked into the laws and regulations of online gambling? Maybe you just want to educate yourself without having a desire to play? Either way, there are some basic things to know when it comes to UK casino regulations.
The History
First, let’s talk a little bit about the history of gaming laws in the UK. In the UK gambling has deep roots. It’s been around since early on in the 20th century. Sports betting, bingo, and lotteries are all forms of gaming in the UK. In fact, the very first national lottery took place in England in 1694, which parliament authorized.
In order to advertise and offer gambling services to UK residents and operator or an individual needs to be fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. However, it should be noted that with 35% of gambling in the UK coming from online casinos sometimes residents are playing under foreign laws.
In 1960, The Betting and Gambling Act allowed for commercial bongo halls to operate legally. On May 1st, 1961 Betting Shops became legal and within six months of that about 10,000 shops sprung up. Bookies were forced to “go legit” or risk losing their hole empire.
In 1968, The Gaming Act was passed and that allowed for table games at commercial casinos to be set up. The Betting and gaming duties Act of 1981, established guidelines for offshore betting.
The Gambling Act of 2005 was a way the authorities tried to ensure regulations on gambling so it didn’t become a source of crime, prevent underage betting, and provide an open and safe gambling environment. The law states that if you want to operate and advertise to British players then you have to be licensed with the UK Gambling Commission. The Act also states that it is completely legal to gamble online if you are a UK resident. You can also establish a gambling service if you so desire, as long as you are credentialed.
The gambling Act of 2015 established the UK Gambling Commission and pretty much was the full circle of the cycle and UK residents now have a great environment to gamble in.
The Basics
One of the basic laws in the UK is that anyone over the age of 18 is allowed to gamble whether it be online or in a casino. You will not be required to pay taxes on your gambling winnings, however, the UK does have several strict regulations that are in place to ensure fair play.
UK residents should feel completely at ease because they are playing in one of the safest gambling environments around.
From the Strip to the Web: An Interesting History of American Casino Laws
You may not realize it, but gambling is as American as apple pie. The country has a history of gambling and casino laws that have led to the explosion of legal gambling beyond the borders of Nevada.
How have American attitudes toward gambling been reflected in our laws since we gained independence? We will take you through that history in this guide.
Keep reading to learn the storied history of gambling in the United States.
Early Days of Gaming
The history of gambling in the U.S. goes back to pre-Revolutionary War days. A British law from 1769 restricted lotteries, which the colonies used to fund essential services. This stoked tension between American settlers and the crown, which contributed to our fight for independence.
Once the war was won, legal gambling had a brief golden age in the country. The Las Vegas of the early 1800s was the Mississippi River. This was the era of riverboat gambling, and this form of entertainment flourished.
Growing Pains
Puritanical morals started to brush up against betting-related entertainment in the mid-1800s. This was around the time of the Gold Rush in California. Gambling migrated west with the prospectors.
One form of betting that has remained relatively untouched by restrictions is horse racing, which is legal across the country. All three races in horse racing’s Triple Crown—the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness, and the Kentucky Derby—were established by 1875. Since then, Derby Day has become one of America’s most beloved and nostalgic makeshift holidays.
Since gambling has been regulated by various government bodies over the years, it would fill a library for us to compile all of the laws around it. But by the early 20th century and especially Prohibition, games of chance were on the outside of the law. They were mostly the domain of the Italian mob and other organized crime syndicates.
Modern Casino Laws, Sports Betting, and Online Gambling
Gambling grew in popularity as the 20th century progressed. The stock market crash of 1929 that gave way to the Great Depression saw the legalization of gambling is Nevada as a way to generate revenue. From there, havens of gambling emerged in the following cities.
- Atlantic City: Gambling legalized in 1977.
- Native American reservations: The Seminole tribe opened the first reservation-based casinos in 1979. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 puts decisions around gambling on tribal lands in the hands of the states.
- Illinois, Louisiana, and other states: Riverboat gambling legalized in the 1990s.
Sports betting and online gambling remain issues of states’ rights, thanks to a couple of key laws. In 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) went into effect. This left Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana as the only states exempted from its restrictions on sports betting because of their existing industries.
In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act put online gambling in the hands of state regulatory agencies. As a result, there are still many murky areas around interstate internet gambling. This blog is a great resource for parsing some of the confusion in this area.
Don’t Leave Your Representation up to Chance
Gambling is big business in the United States, despite the fact that casino laws remain complicated. Most of them come from state governments, with the federal government staying relatively hands-off.
If you find you need help sorting through these laws because of your own gambling winnings, we recommend searching for representation in our database of lawyers.
Won a bet? Here’s some info about the pertinent tax laws in US
There is not much similarity between religion and taxation but if one parallel could be drawn between the two it is that many tax regulations and religious principles are set in stone. They have remained the same for ages and the people are expected to follow them by the letter.
Different countries have different laws but the core principles of taxation are true for all the countries. Income from various sources is deemed taxable under laws of various countries. For e.g. The Internal Revenue Service taxes (IRS) all income accrued from any source under the laws of the United States of America. This means that winning money from gambling, lottery, etc. is also taxable in America.
We have brought you some tax rules which can help you legally manage your gambling winnings.
Forms 1099 must not be ignored
You must be familiar with the various 1099 forms that you receive at the beginning if each year. Your social security number is attached to these forms and they include sort of a notice about what part of your income is taxable. If you are not certain if income received from a certain source is taxable or not you must also report that in the Forms 1099.
The Forms 1099-Miscellaneous cover almost all type of income. If you are employed in a corporation then your payer will roll out the forms on regular basis and send them to you. In a scenario where you don’t receive the forms it is wise not to ask for them as you might end up getting two set of forms, one which is issued in the ordinary course and another because you asked for it. This means that the income reported to the IRS will be twice your actual income.
Refrain from altering tax returns
As per the IRS rules you should file to amend the returns if you find a mistake in it afterwards. But be careful about taking this step as the amendment request go through strict scrutiny of the IRS. So when you file to amend you must correct every mistake, if the IRS finds that you have not sought to alter something from which you were benefiting you could land in trouble.
Don’t overdo documentation or try to explain too much
First thing to know here is that you must file for your returns within the stipulated time even if you are not able to pay within such time. Filing returns on time can save you from the unnecessary penalties. You can even arrange for an agreement with the IRS wherein you pay the tax in instalments.
Secondly, you must not attach too many documents and if you are required to explain or disclose something then try to keep it concise. And there is no need to attach documents that are not asked for in the forms for filing return. If the IRS needs any particular document from you they will ask for it.
Can You Bet on the Super Bowl? Here’s How to Legally Win Big
If you’re suffering through bankruptcy or tough financial times, you might be considering other ways to make some quick cash.
Or maybe you’re just looking for the next big payday.
How about gambling? Depending on your luck, the Super Bowl can either win you a lot of money or leave you in a worse situation than before you placed your bet.
You don’t have to go big. If you’re looking to place a bet on the Super Bowl, here’s everything you need to know about it.
Make Sure It’s Legal
Check your state and federal laws for gambling.
If you live in a state with legalized gambling, chances are you are safe to place your bet.
But what if you’re not in a state with legalized gambling? Find an online betting site.
Your research isn’t over if you find an online site that you like. Make sure the site is licensed at the state level to be legal under federal law.
Online betting isn’t a free pass for gambling. Discover more here about online betting.
Verify that the site is reputable and legal. Make sure they honor their payouts. After you’ve confirmed you’ve found a good online betting site, do your research about the game.
To Win, You Have to Consider the Odds
If your favorite team is in the Super Bowl, but they aren’t favored to win, you need to place your bet on the opposing team.
Put your pride in check. Wear your team’s colors. Cheer for your favorite to win.
But to win money, your money needs to go where the odds are in your favor.
Research everything about the game:
- Teams
- Players
- Coaches
- Past winning history
- Injuries
- Game Day temperature
- Superstitions
With your fortune on the line, no detail is too small for research.
Know what plays into the odds for each team to win. Use this education to make your best-educated decision on your bet.
Bet on More Than the Game
The overall winner-loser isn’t the only thing worth your wager.
Prop bets can be your friend in the Super Bowl gambling game. People place these bets on specific events within the game.
So, even if you lose you wager on the winner, you could still win money on prop bets.
These kinds of bets can be sports-related: total passing yardage, stats per specific players, or the win-loss spread.
Prop bets can also get more fun and silly.
Look for bets about:
- The number of time announcers will say specific things during the game
- How many Super Bowl commercials will involve cute animals?
- Will the halftime performer be shirtless?
Have fun with your Super Bowl bet. It doesn’t have to all be about the winner or loser.
Research Your Bet On the Super Bowl
The best way to bet on the Super Bowl is to do it safely and legally. Do your research ahead of time.
But if your gamble doesn’t pay off, use a lawyer to help minimize the damage. Search our database of available lawyers for any legal situation.
The Legality and Ramifications of Gambling Online for Americans
Online gambling is taking over the internet in some ways. There are a plethora of online gambling sites which are located overseas (and some in the U.S.) that citizens of the United States can frequent and it’s pretty much entirely legal. However, you should study local and state laws before you start participating in online gambling. You should also learn about which countries outside of the U.S. that you can legally gamble with using the internet. Another thing you really should do is look into which sites are certified and trusted by using platforms such as ban scammer city.
Offshore online gambling websites have been around for quite some time now. However, it’s only in the last 10 to 15 years that they’ve really taken off. Part of the reason for their more recent popularity is the fact that laws have started to become much clearer about what is actually allowed and what is not. In America, things are still kind of figuring themselves out. But, most Americans can use offshore sites without much of a problem or worry.
With the rise of fantasy football and websites like FanDuel and Draft Kings, it’s becoming much more acceptable to wager on professional sports. It’s not quite gambling although it’s also not much different in some ways. But, since you aren’t technically wagering on the outcomes and or scores of games it’s thought to be acceptable. You are more or less betting on each player you choose for your team to have success and score a lot of points within the fantasy scoring system. And by using these two sites you have the potential to earn tons of money if you are lucky enough to win one of the big pots.
Where to go?
If you are an American citizen things aren’t quite black and white when it comes to gambling and gambling online. The best thing for you to do if you want to wager on sports or play the casinos online is to find a site that is located outside of the U.S. in a country where online gambling is considered legal, like gambling online in Canada. Most sites like this allow Americans to participate and are free of any legal worries in this case.
Sites like the ones listed below are best for people from the United States and are operating outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Many countries have lesser regulations as say land-based U.S. casinos so it’s important to use this guide for trusted casinos which are known to operate and payout real funds and the games are thought to be on the up and up. These sites also making it pretty easy for U.S. based players to load and take out money to and from their accounts.
Bovada
Bovada has been in operation since 1994. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop with sports betting and a full online casino with games like poker and blackjack. On Bovada you can pretty much bet on any sport you want and during election seasons you can even wager on political wins and losses. This site has a respectable reputation and is a favorite of many players from the U.S.
Bovada takes on all comers from the United States exclusively except those from Maryland, New York, and the state of Washington. Deposits on Bovada can be done with prepaid cards, some credit cards, and your Visa debit card. You’ll also need to show proof of residence and that you over the age of 21. Withdrawals are sent via Rapid Transfer or a check.
Bovada offers an initial deposit matching bonus of up to $3,000 and is widely considered the number one online casino for players in the USA. They also offer a Bitcoin bonus. One thing to keep in mind is Bovada’s sister site Bodog88 allows players from some Asian countries to play poker with those on the Bovada platform since they are using the same network.
BetOnline
BetOnline is another great place for Americans to gamble online. Here you can bet on sports, horses, and several casino games as well. They also have a feature called Betting edge which offers great tips for players who are beginners to experts. You can bet on hockey, football, golf, baseball, basketball, among others and even the Olympics. If auto racing is your thing you can bet on that too with BetOnline. BetOnline offers a 50% initial deposit bonus match of up to $2,500.
CafeCasino
Cafe Casino offers a 500 percent initial bonus match of up to $5,000. This is a highly trusted online casino that is also mobile friendly. CafeCasino is known for their slot games and they are said to be pretty loose. So if the slots are your bag then this is probably the site for you. They have tons of different slot games so you’re sure not to get bored. They also offer a $100 referral bonus and specialty games too.
So, What are the Legal Ramifications of Online Gambling for U.S. Residents?
As mentioned earlier things are still a bit confusing and they are also rapidly changing when it comes to online gambling laws in the U.S. Well, let’s look at what we do know. The DOJ (Department of Justice) has stated that each individual state has jurisdiction over what their laws should be when it comes to both online and land-based casinos and or gambling. Also, most states don’t have statutes which speak about online gambling. However, it could be understood that if a law mentions gambling this means gambling in any form. Like I said things aren’t even remotely crystal clear on this subject.
The DOJ and other federal entities have gone back and forth over the years concerning online gambling. First, they said it was completely illegal. Then, last year they stated that all forms of gambling online wasn’t illegal. After that, they’ve come to their current stance of saying that it’s up to each state to determine what is what when it comes to online gambling in the United States. This prompted many states to move forward with legalizing some forms of online gambling. Some states allow for more options than others.
It should be noted that in many states that do say online gambling is illegal, the laws are pointed and in reference to the bookmakers and not the players. Many states are planning to move forward with further legislation by 2020 to loosen the reigns on gambling online even more. This being said and like a broken record things are still not extremely clear across the country.
To sum it up, it appears that federally bettors participating in online gambling in the United States are good to go. However, it’s the state statutes that need to be studied and adhered to if you want to keep your nose clean and avoid any problems.
Understanding Legal US Gaming & Licensing Jurisdictions
The internet has brought the whole world closer. So many things have changed in a global matter since the invention of the internet and in light of its startling growth rate, most people from countries around the world have access to the wealth of information and plethora of connections available through the internet. However, online gambling like joker casino has many restrictions, jurisdictions, and laws that prevent most of the world from participating. The United States is no exception to those restrictions, although things are progressively changing.
Below are some thoughts and steps to understanding said jurisdictions and licensing practices across the U.S. First let’s talk about what licensing and jurisdiction is exactly when it comes to online gambling sites.
Regions all over the world who have certain laws in place to allow online gambling are regulated by their specific governments. Companies running online gambling websites are under the thumb of regulation administered by its government. There are even regulations on companies who supply software used by online gamers and bookmakers. All of these regions around the world are termed online licensing or online gambling jurisdictions and the organizations responsible for giving out these licenses are mostly known as licensing authorities.
If you have an online gambling site and you want to keep things on the up and up then you need need to obtain and maintain a license for gaming which is issued by the proper authority for gaming licenses. Then, the online gaming site will need to have at least some of its business and operations running within the jurisdiction in which it is registered. After that, any company offering these gaming services shall comply with the laws and regulations that apply to where they are based and where they were granted a license.
Some might think that the more restriction a region or state has the worse off it is, especially for the player. However, this is not the case. Most of these licensing practices and restrictions are there for your protection. Furthermore, some companies opt for operating their business in less restricted regions and jurisdictions simply because they can get away with things that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
For instance, they can decide not to pay you by using certain loopholes is less strict areas. They can use these tactics to delay payment or pay less than what you might have won. The good thing about this is that you can look for websites that are blacklisted. There is a compiled list of these sites all over the internet, and you should always check whenever you are signing up with an online gaming site.
So, that being said, let’s discuss the legal gaming and licensing jurisdictions in the U.S.
One thing we must talk about is the Wire Act of 1961 or the Interstate Wire Act. The Wire Act basically states that anyone who engages in betting and or wagering and uses a wire or phone intentionally across state or foreign borders or anyone who sends or receives money as a result of a bet on sports or any other contest can receive fines and a possible prison sentence of up to two years.
There was some uncertainty as to whether this applied to internet gaming or not. Up until the early to mid-2000,s, there didn’t seem to be a problem with online gaming since the internet wasn’t invented yet when they wrote the law. However, in 2006 the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act passed Congress and brought some changes.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act didn’t state that it was illegal to gamble online. But, it does state that banks and other financial institutions cannot process any transactions for U.S. residents and online gaming websites. What happened next was a mutiny of sorts and most of the websites currently conducting business with U.S. residents jumped ship. They simply didn’t want to mess with the government and the other powers that be.
There were some sites that pushed on and kept up business with bettors from the U.S. There was a loophole for those who pushed on. They were based in jurisdictions in which betting and taking bets online was legal and licensed. As far as the American people making bets, it was about a 50/50 split on who stopped gambling online and who didn’t.
That brings us to where we are now, which is that many states have legislation that says online gambling is legal. There are even a few states that give out gambling licenses to website operators as long as they only take bets from people located inside their own state.
It is probably an understatement to say that things are still a bit murky when it comes to U.S. gaming licenses and jurisdictions, although things are becoming more clear with each passing year. States in which it is completely illegal to gamble online are; Illinois, Louisiana, Indiana, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Washington, and Maryland. And according to New Jersey and Nevada statutes non-state regulated online gaming is illegal.
Maryland and Washington are leading a push to rid the internet of online gaming altogether. If those states have it their way, there will be a ban on internet gambling nationwide.
The rest of the states have several different types of law which allow online gambling in some form. However, these laws can be fairly confusing and sometimes a bit contradictory in some states.
It should be stated that most of the anti-gaming laws in many states are pointed at bookmakers and purveyors of online gaming sites, not citizens placing the bets. Although that doesn’t mean that a person placing a bet can’t get in trouble at the end of the day. So it’s best to have a grasp on all of your state gambling laws and remember which jurisdiction you are in at any given moment if you are placing a bet online.
There are typically three categories of gaming and licensing jurisdictions in the United States and they are as follows.
Citizens can place bets at designated pari-mutuel facilities on games such as e-bingo. You can also play video poker and video slot games at tribal venues.
A state like Massachusetts has no wording in any of its laws stating that online gambling is illegal. There are very few regulations in Massachusetts when it comes to all forms of gambling, especially online gaming.
Then there is the most widespread category, the middle of the road so to speak. These states have cloudy laws which are confusing to even astute online gaming connoisseurs. It is often hard to fully grasp the gaming and licensing jurisdictions in these particular states. And yes, they are often changing and conflicting.
The best things to keep in mind are that like mentioned above most laws are aimed at entities taking the bets instead of those placing them. However, the best thing you can do is thoroughly read through your own states’ gambling laws and jurisdictions before participating in any form of online gaming.
A Short History of American Gaming Laws
American gaming laws at present can be considered as an evolutionary concept that has resulted from years of exposure to various gaming products and the general cultural perceptions during certain periods in the country’s rich history and traditions. Unlike the popular misconception among the public, gambling in America is not an illegal activity, but it is mostly regulated and is restricted to a few cities and states. In fact, only two US states have declared gambling to be entirely illegal, which include Hawaii and Utah, while all other states have legalized some form of gambling, including lotteries and slots.
America is home to some of the most amazing collection of casinos and is often considered as one of the primary tourist destinations for people who love to gamble. Several innovative technologies and gaming products that were designed in the US have earned a prominent spot in casinos around the world. Regardless, gamblers in the USA can now enjoy the convenience of gambling online through US regulated casino operators, which provide an option to gamble on the move through a supported app for smartphone or tablet devices. However, it is indeed interesting to track the history of gambling in America, and how Las Vegas turned out to be the most popular gambling strip in the entire world.
Gambling during the Time of Settlers
The American continent started receiving settlers from as early as the 1400s, but gambling took root in the country during the colonization efforts of the British in the 17th century. In its early forms, gambling did not face any legal restrictions, neither did it have any negative influence on the socio-economic norms of the native civilization. Settlers and colonies even used gambling as a form of revenue for various social projects, chief among which was the sale of lotteries to raise revenues for building schools and universities in the 18th and 19th centuries.
However, the concept of gambling did not enjoy a favorable stance with the British Crown, who placed several restrictions on lotteries in the 18th century. Therefore, the first law regarding the regulation of gaming activities came into being via the 1769 restriction by the British, which had an adverse effect on the colonies. The law induced a drastic difference of opinion between the two sides and is often attributed as the first sign of resistance by the colonies towards the British regime.
Gaming during the American Revolution & the Different Eras
Gambling flourished during the immediate aftermath of independence, with lotteries being used at both the state and federal levels. Eventually, New Orleans became the gambling capital of the new United States, with the sale of lotteries and other gaming activities increasing across the nation. However, gambling started facing strict opposition from anti-gaming movements, which slowly pushed the market away from the mainstream. Several organizations and social movements worked hard to eliminate gambling from the land, which saw some success in the form of the decline of the market and the dispersion of the gaming activities towards other regions.
The relative difficulties in the industry also led to the rise in illegal operations, eventually leading to San Francisco taking the crown as the gambling capital of the US from New Orleans. The Gold Rush Era in California also resulted in the popularization of the market in San Francisco, but subsequent intervention from the authorities in the form of gaming laws led to the ban on all types gaming activities in the state.
The Reconstruction Era saw the concept of gaming turning out to be an honest trade in the South, but the different Governments soon stepped in to ban all forms of gaming towards the early 20th century. Such a move led to a rise in underground gambling and organized crime. The introduction of Prohibition laws also added to the woes of the industry, as numerous mob figures started offering extravagant gambling establishments in cities like Miami, Hot Springs, Denver, Kansas City, Deadwood, and Texas, which formed the underlying basis for mafia’s entry into the industry. The popularity of the market in regions with relatively negligible restrictive laws meant that gambling became synonymous with crime and anti-social elements.
Modern Iterations of Gaming Laws
The constitution and legal framework allowed individual states to determine their own policies concerning gambling within their borders. Therefore, during the Great Depression, several states resorted to approving a few types of games of chance, such as Bingo, in order to raise revenue during the crunch time. However, Nevada faced the most disastrous economic turmoil among all states, owing to the problems in the stock market and the construction of the expensive Hoover Dam. Therefore, the state authorities started looking for alternative ways to raise money and fund their developmental activities.
During the 1950s, gaming in Nevada flourished through the investment from mobs, mafia members, and gangsters, but 1960s saw the influx of wealthy and trustworthy investors, who changed the face of the casino industry. Las Vegas turned out to be the most favorite spot for gamblers, which started invoking interest from both domestic and international investors. Till this day, the Las Vegas Strip is considered as the gambling capital of the world, especially with its glittering lights, awe-inspiring monuments, and luxurious hotels & resorts.
During the late 1970s, New Jersey came into the picture by legalizing gaming in Atlantic City, which helped increase revenue through tourists, resulting in Atlantic City earning a notable name in the gaming industry. However, the later parts of the 20th century witnessed almost all states legalizing some forms of gambling, with Hawaii and Utah being the only exception.
Online Gambling Laws & Recent Rulings
Online casinos are not entirely legal in the United States, as the Federal Wire Act of 1961 and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 prevent US citizens from indulging in any interstate or international transactions that relate to gaming. Therefore, US players can only access online casinos that specifically target their location or those that are approved by the authorities to carry out operations throughout the country.
The Supreme Court had only recently overruled a 1992 federal law on sports betting, which ensures that punters can now take part in sports betting through all legal channels. Sports wagering had been estimated to reach $150 billion in a calendar year, which were usually wagered through illegal channels. Therefore, the Supreme Court ruling has indeed helped quite a substantial number of punters, which can be considered as a win-win situation for all other types of gaming markets. The current trend indeed sets a favorable tone for the future, as gamblers can now expect the authorities to take a flexible stand in the domestic, as well as the international gaming market.
Is it Legal to Gamble Online in Every State in the USA?
Gambling online is becoming increasingly popular these days. Not only in America but all over the world. Citizens are betting on sports, poker games, among others such as 918kiss Malaysia. Online gambling is legal in many countries around the world, however, when it comes to the United States things can get a bit complicated especially when you go state by state.
Technically it is illegal to gamble according to most federal laws in America. Although there are loopholes and amendments across the country that state you may be able to gamble legally. Some states are fully legal and several others are in the process of trying to get online gambling legalized at least in some form.
Currently, there are eight states in which online gambling is considered totally legal mostly in the eastern half of the country. Below is a list of different states and what may or may not be considered legal when it comes to online gambling.
Wyoming
In the state of Wyoming, you can gamble “socially” otherwise it’s illegal to gamble online in Wyoming. If charged for gambling online you will face a fine of $750 and up to six months in jail.
Wisconsin
There are some “state allowed” forms of gambling in Wisconsin, however, any other forms of gambling such as bets made online are considered a class b misdemeanor for the bettor.
West Virginia
In the state of West Virginia, there are several casinos where you can gamble legally. They also have what is called “slot parlors” that allow you to play slot machines legally as well. However, any other kind of gambling is considered illegal throughout the state. If you make a bet you are obligated to pay a fine of anywhere between five dollars and $300. If you don’t pay the fine you will be ordered to spend between 10 and 30 days in jail.
Washington
The state of Washington has made several attempts to legalize and regulate poker over the internet. However, those attempts to pass HB1114 were unsuccessful thus far. There are some forms of legal gambling in Washington, but the current law states that if you transmit or receive gambling information over the internet you can be charged with a class c felony.
Virginia
According to the statutes in Virginia, you cannot in any way make a wager on anything left to chance. Your computer is considered a gambling device if you use it to make a wager as well. If you do so, then you may be charged with a Class III misdemeanor.
Utah
In Utah, it is totally illegal to gamble in any way shape or form. There was even a recent amendment that specifically mentions online gambling. It is considered patently and expressly illegal and is considered a Class B Misdemeanor.
Vermont
There are some forms of gambling that are “State-Sanctioned”. If you do engage in any of the forms of gambling that is illegal in the state you are subject to a fine of anywhere between $10 and $200.
Tennessee
In the state of Tennessee, some gambling is legal by state law. However, if you use any kind of electronic device to make a wager then it would be considered that you are in possession of an illegal gambling device. In such a case you could be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor.
Texas
You cannot participate in wagering on any game decided by chance in Texas. If you do this you are committing a Class C Misdemeanor. However, there are some state-sanctioned games of chance considered legal.
South Carolina
If you gamble or operate a gambling institution in your South Carolina home you may be subject to harsh penalties. Although the state laws don’t mention anything about online gambling you can be charged with a $100 and up to 30 days in jail. The laws here are quite ambiguous and open to broad interpretation.
South Dakota
You could be charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor if you engage in gambling that is not already state legalized.
Rhode Island
There is no mention of online gambling in the Rhode Island statutes, however, if you participate in what is called “social games” you are subject to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Pennsylvania
All forms of gambling are illegal in Pennsylvania, although the penalties appear to only be for operators and not players.
Oregon
It is a Class A Misdemeanor for participating in any non-state sanctioned gambling in Oregon.
Oklahoma
If you are involved in any form of gambling here that is not State authorized you can be fined $25 to $100 or 1 to 30 days in jail or both.
Ohio
There are no penalties for online gambling according to Ohio law. However, that law does state that engaging in illegal gambling as a source of income including bookmaking and betting with a bookie is outlawed.
North Dakota
You can make bets of up to $25 per event in this state. If you exceed $25 with your wager you are subject to an infraction and if you go above $500 it is a Class A Misdemeanor.
New York
Online gambling operators are subject to penalties in New York for illegal gambling including online gambling. However, players are not subject to penalties according to the statute, There is a Bill they are trying to pass that would consider Poker a game of skill and therefore not gambling.
North Carolina
Any game of chance is considered gambling in this state. It is considered a CLass II Misdemeanor and any money gained from online gambling can be seized by the state.
New Mexico
All types of gambling and or “making a bet” are illegal in New Mexico. It is considered a misdemeanor here as well.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, it is entirely legal to gamble online. All of the crimes for other forms of gambling are pointed at operators and not bettors.
Nevada
Online Poker is legal in Nevada under State-Licensed operators, however, most people simply gamble at casinos instead.
New Hampshire
All online gambling is considered illegal here.
Nebraska
If you risk “something of value” with any game up to chance then you have committed a Class IV Misdemeanor when the wager is up to $500. If you bet more than $500 you are Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree.
California
It is technically not illegal to wager online in California according to State laws. However, you may be subject to penalties on a more local level.
Kentucky
The law here states that gambling as a player is ok but being an operator is not ok.
As for the rest of the states in the union where placing a wager is considered at least partially legal; they are Maine, Minnesota, and Delaware. Alabama is fairly ambiguous when it comes to online gambling as well.
As always you should do your own due diligence when it comes to state and local laws. The good thing is that many states are planning to put forth Bills up for House and Senate votes to get online gambling legalized across the board.
