Now that the world is on the road to recovery, people are looking for ways to spend their time online. For those who love gaming, online casinos have opened their doors to provide the same action from the comforts of home. The option of playing from a mobile device or computer has truly made gaming a globe-trotting activity. Unfortunately, not all states are friendly to online casinos and the many who do allow them to operate have placed restrictions on where the games may be played. This article is a quick hit on the legality of online gambling in the United States:
Alabama
According to Alabama state gambling laws, it is illegal to “gambol[e] away” or “win[]” money at “device[s] or instrument[s] designed for the purpose of providing amusement and entertainment” (Alabama Code section 13A-12-2). Therefore, playing games on your computer or mobile phone at home is prohibited, as well as most forms of online gambling. The definition of “gamboling” includes acting as a bookmaker or accepting wagers, which are both against the law. As for “win[ing],” this is often associated with cheating, which is also a serious offense in Alabama. Home gaming is also restricted, as it requires you to have a console or device that can connect to a TV (usually through a cable box), projector, or external monitor.
Arizona
Arizona gaming laws specifically prohibit playing certain games at “a device that accepts or allows payments by… using… a card, code, number, or other electronic means of identification” (Arizona Code section 36-2915). This applies to online casinos as well as the traditional kind, so it is best to avoid those that rely on any form of electronic payment.) If you’re looking to engage in some mobile gambling, you’re better off heading to Massachusetts, which allows for all types of mobile gaming, including online casinos.
Arkansas
Like many other Southeastern states, Arkansas prohibits gambling, but it specifically targets sports betting, which is a common form of online gambling in other parts of the country. State law still considers it illegal to “use a device or implement” designed for gambling or lottery purposes (Arkansas Code section 5-71-203).
California
According to the California gaming laws, it is illegal to “gambol[e], bet, or wager on any game, contest, or event, whether or not illegal, where credit is accepted” (California Code section 432.2). The act of playing games on a computer or mobile device is often considered “gambling” under this law. However, the law defines “gambling” to include “the activity of running a lottery or bookmaking…” (California Code section 432.2). Therefore, it’s not just about whether or not you win or lose, but also about how you bet. Simply put, in California, all forms of gambling are punished equally.
Colorado
Colorado state gambling laws make no specific reference to online casinos, but they do ban “electronic, chemical, or mechanical gambling devices” (Colorado Code section 13-64-104). Although the act of playing games on a computer or mobile device is not considered “gambling” per se, it’s often associated with illicit activities, including underage gambling, which is a serious offense in Colorado. Home gaming is also restricted, as it requires you to have a console or device that can connect to a TV (usually through a cable box), projector, or external monitor.
Florida
Florida law makes no specific mention of online casinos or gaming activity, but it does ban “gambling devices or instruments.” These are defined as “electronic, mechanical, or hand-held devices that allow gambling or lottery playing, and that generate wins or losses based on the outcomes of game programs or contests” (Florida Code section 849.01). Therefore, in Florida, playing games on your computer or mobile phone at home is prohibited.
Georgia
Under Georgia state gambling laws, it is illegal to “gambol[e], bet, or wager on any game, contest, or event” (Georgia Code section 17-10-30). Simply put, mobile or online gaming is prohibited in Georgia.
Idaho
Idaho state gambling laws make no specific reference to online casinos or gaming activity, but they do list the following games and activities as being illegal: (1) gambling, (2) bookmaking, (3) cockfighting, (4) sports betting, and (5) lotteries (Idaho Code section 53-301). These are the same types of prohibitions that you often find in the Western United States, but with the addition of online casinos, which are popular in that part of the country.
Illinois
Illinois state gambling laws specifically prohibit “betting or wagering on the outcome of sporting events or contests” (Illinois Code section 17-24). Although traditional forms of sports betting are legal in Illinois, all forms of wagering on sporting events are illegal, which includes nearly all forms of online gaming. This is one of the strictest anti-gaming laws in the country.
Kansas
Kansas state gambling laws make no specific reference to online casinos or gaming activity, but they do ban “electronic gambling devices.” These are defined as “any device that accepts or allows wagers or bets via electronic communications network[s]” (Kansas Code section 65-4104). As for home gaming, it requires the same cable box, projector, or external monitor connection that other states mentioned so far have required. Additionally, minors are prohibited from using these devices (Kansas Code section 65-4104).
This is a brief overview of the legality of online gambling in the United States. Most states have generally prohibited most forms of online gambling, including but not limited to: casino games, betting, and lottery playing. In a few states, it’s been legalized for some forms of gaming or wagering, but restrictions apply, so it’s still generally considered wrong to play any games on a computer or mobile phone at home. This being said, the laws in these states are often outdated and inconsistent, so it’s best to check the laws in your own state before playing at an online casino that is outside of your home state.