All eyes are on Nevada as the fight for legalized gambling heats up in Congress. Lawmakers are listening to the American public, who want online gambling legalized nationwide.
But what states are already outlawing online gambling? Let’s take a look.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania
In 2017, New Jersey passed legislation that would have allowed online gambling. The bill died in a state Senate committee, but not before it had drawn national headlines. That law would have allowed casinos and other gambling businesses to establish online gambling operations. It also would have allowed residents of New Jersey to participate in online gambling.
The following year, Pennsylvania passed a similar law. The state’s gambling bill is currently tied up in a Supreme Court challenge that will decide its fate. If the law stands, Pennsylvania will become one of the nation’s most-litigious and-powerful gambling states. It would also allow for online gambling in the state.
Michigan
Michigan is another state that has considered legislation to legalize online gambling. State lawmakers met in special session to consider the matter following the Supreme Court’s overturn of PASPA. The state’s sports betting industry is expecting to make a comeback under the new rules.
But, thanks to the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, passed in 2015, the state’s efforts to create an online gambling haven might not prove to be viable. That law, which was crafted by conservative state Rep. Steven Andrews, allows for-profit businesses to deny services to customers based on their religious beliefs. The constitutionality of that law will be determined this year by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. If upheld, it will enable faith-based organizations to skirt around state laws that forbid them from discriminating in their businesses.
New York
New York is yet another state that has considered legislation to legalize online gambling. This past winter, Governor Andrew Cuomo added his voice to the growing chorus of support for legalized sports betting and online gambling. Cuomo has long championed the cause of sports betting in New York. But, in a surprise move, he added a second proposal to the mix. The Democratic governor wants to allow for online gambling as well. His reasoning is that the federal ban on online gambling — which he described as “anachronistic” — prevents states from regulating the practice. The constitutionality of that law will be decided by the Supreme Court this year. If upheld, it will enable states to establish their own regulatory regimes for online gambling.
Idaho
Idaho is one of the most-conservative states in America. It is also one of the most-important gambling states. The biggest story out of Idaho this year surrounds legalized sports betting. After months of preparation, the Idaho government released a new set of regulations governing sports betting activity. The new rules will take effect in April 2020. According to reports, the Idaho government expects the new regulations to generate more than $150 million in annual revenue.
One of the most significant changes that comes with the new regulations involves the addition of sportsbooks and online gambling to the list of activities that are considered “gambling.” Under the new rules, sports betting, casino games, lotteries, and horse racing are all considered forms of gambling. The language in the new regulations explicitly references online gambling: “A remote gambling activity offered by a remote gaming site or application through a mobile phone, tablet, or other device.”
It seems clear that Idaho wants to embrace online gambling as part of its plan to turn the page on its gambling-free status. In March, the Idaho Commission on Sports and Entertainment released a statement that read, in part:
“The state of Idaho has a proud history of supporting its residents and their right to bet on sports. It is our hope that these new regulations will make sports wagering easily accessible to everyone who wants to participate and allow for growth of the industry in Idaho.”
Illinois
Illinois is yet another state that has considered legislation to legalize online gambling. In October, the state’s General Assembly passed a bill to that effect. The bill is now awaiting the signature of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). Whitmer, one of the most-pro-choice governors in America, has said that she is closely inspecting the legislation. If she signs the bill, Illinois will become one of the largest legalized online gambling destinations in the country. The only other state that currently offers legal online gambling is Delaware. But the lack of a sports book restricts the market share that casinos can achieve in the state.
In the meantime, it is not clear how the state will enforce the new rules. The executive director of the Illinois Gaming Board has said that the agency will work with its law enforcement partners to ensure that the “new paradigm” for gaming — as he described it — is enforced.
Vermont
Vermont is another state that has considered legislation to legalize online gambling. But, after several attempts to pass the bill, the Vermont legislature adjourned without having voted on the issue. While they await the next legislative session, which is expected to convene in May, the state’s gaming industry is planning for the day when the practice is legalized. According to reports, several casinos and other gaming businesses have set up headquarters in the Green Mountain State in anticipation of the day that online gambling is legalized.
Alabama
Alabama is yet another state that has considered legislation to legalize sports betting. Like many other states, the Alabama Legislature met this year and approved several proposals dealing with gaming. The biggest news out of Alabama this year surrounds the legalization of sports betting. After months of preparation, the Alabama government released a new set of regulations governing sports betting activity. The new rules will take effect in April 2020.
Under the new regulations, it is now legal for residents of Alabama to place bets on sports through an online sports book. It is also legal for states to collect taxes on winnings from sports bets.
Minnesota
Minnesota is yet another state that has considered legislation to legalize sports betting. In August, the state’s Legislature passed a bill to that effect. Democrat Governor Tim Walz has said that he will approve the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk. If he signs the bill, Minnesota will become one of the largest legalized sports betting destinations in the country. As you might expect, supporters of the bill have cited the opportunity for growth as one of the primary reasons why they support the practice.
But even before the bill was up for a vote, it was already causing controversy. In order to attract gambling firms, the state must set up a payment system that is separate from the one used by the federal government. This means that online gambling will have to be dealt with separately by the state government. While the bill was up for a vote, several lawmakers had to leave the chamber to attend an event on behalf of their respective casinos. It is clear that some in the state do not want a part of the bill. But, as long as the federal ban on online gambling remains in effect, there will be no stopping this particular train.
Utah
Utah is yet another state that has considered legislation to legalize sports betting. Like many other states, the Utah legislature met and passed several laws this past year. The biggest news out of Utah this year surrounds the legalization of sports betting. After several attempts to pass the bill, the Utah government released a new set of regulations governing sports betting activity. The new rules will take effect in July 2020.
Under the new regulations, it is now legal for residents of Utah to place bets on sports through an online bookmaker. It is also legal for states to collect taxes on winnings from sports bets.
Supporters of the bill cite the opportunity for growth as one of the primary reasons why they support the practice. But, given that the practice is still against the law — at least at the national level — there will likely be some who are hesitant to participate. After all, the last thing that an individual wants is to get caught by authorities.
Conclusion
It seems clear that 2020 is going to be the year of legalized sports betting. Several states have already taken the step, and more are expected to follow suit. If you are interested in getting involved in the exciting world of sports betting, check out the online sports books that are available to residents of Oregon and Nevada. Both states have legalized sports betting and have made it available to residents through online books and apps. It is completely legal for Oregon residents to place bets on sports, and it is also legal for Nevada residents to use an online sportsbook to do so. The best part is that you can use real money to make wagers. You may also want to consult a lawyer before getting involved in any sort of online gambling.