The Paradox of Online Gambling in the USA
There are thousands of land-based casinos in the USA. They are extremely popular because there is no better way to spend free time than to dive into the world of luck, risk, and entertainment. With the development of the virtual world, more and more providers decide to go online. You’ll probably agree that it’s more convenient playing casino games at home than to drive hundreds of miles to a land-based venue.
However, everything’s difficult with online gambling. Recently, the US Justice Department decided to increase internet gambling prohibition. The Wire Act forbids any internet gambling, which includes interstate transactions. So what is the difference between land-based and online casinos? Why the first is praised and the second – prosecuted? Let us discuss the modern state of affairs in the gambling industry and try to find a solution that will satisfy both the gamblers and authorities.
Modern State of Affairs
It is better to start with dry facts and to enumerate the federal laws, which govern online gambling (in case you want to dive deeper into the subject):
– Fraud by wire;
– Mail fraud: attempt and conspiracy;
– Broadcasting lottery information;
– Transmission of wagering.
All the above make sure that players can’t make any transactions inside an online casino, as well as to play on a website located in the US. But the bad news is over.
There is actually no federal law that prohibits playing online: placing a bet on the Internet is completely legal. The only case when a person was prosecuted was in North Dakota in 2003. Jeffrey Trauman has paid $500 for winning $100,000 in sports betting. The sites, which are located somewhere abroad are completely legal. So you just need to read independent reviews of USA friendly online casinos, check where they are based, and start playing. Even if you are located in the US, just pick a gambling website that is not situated on the American soil.
Another good news is that Google has recently updated its games policy to allow operators to create adverts through the platform in Colombia, Nigeria, and Kenya, as well as in several US states. This means that sports betting ads on Google will be allowed in Iowa, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Indiana.
And if you want to remain on the safe side without any fear of being caught, we recommend using cryptocurrency as a payment method. While it is prohibited in America to use banking transactions for gambling, the crypto market is not regulated by the governments, so choosing this payment method is legal.
Things to be done
The harsh approach to gambling on the Internet is outdated. Although morality aspects continue to prevail when anti-gambling discussions are held, legalization of gambling may be a step to the protection of US citizens and finding an additional way to replenish the treasury. Considering the experience of multiple countries abroad, creating a healthy environment for online gambling is beneficial for all participants – transactions are transparent, everyone’s abiding the law, and it is much simpler to track players with addiction.
Luckily, despite multiple restrictions, online gambling in the US is becoming more and more popular. This niche will soon reach its peak and will require more space and recognition. We are sure that in the nearest future this industry will blossom and even the government will have to reckon with it.
Recognizing the needs of gambling sites and making this activity legal is one of the ways to attract investments and to recognize that all hobbies are important and should be taken into account.
Online gambling is already on the rise
It is obvious that traditional governmental mechanisms are not suitable for the cyber market. The power, which US officials can apply on the Internet is rather limited because there are no clear borders. So the only way to make online gambling transparent and secure is to keep up with the latest technologies, creating viable laws, and allowing anyone to join a gambling site without any restrictions.
Forbidden fruit is sweet, so players will always find a way to enjoy video slots and table games. The only question is whether the government will ensure that the process is fair and protected.