It was not long ago that legal gambling was limited to just one state in America – Nevada, home to the iconic Las Vegas Strip. But all that changed in 2018 when the ban was lifted, and sports betting was made legal in every state. This was welcomed enthusiastically by punters across the USA, and thanks to its legal status in dozens of states, it has become a multibillion-dollar industry in record time. The relaxation of the rules has meant that some states have adopted a free gambling policymaking, not only sports betting but casino games legal for all citizens over the legal gambling age.
Enticing Players
Many casino and sportsbook operators were already licensed in Nevada and other locations around the world with legalized gambling, so it was easy for them to move their businesses into the newly licensed states. The technology was proven, and by partnering with other companies, the set-up was easy, leading to many new casinos and sportsbooks in the betting and gambling arena.
With this came fierce competition with websites vying for new punters, offering generous welcome bonuses to new signups; for example, players can sign up to a PA online casino for real money with no deposit bonus. This enables players to bet and play games without having to deposit any cash and access anything they might win while doing so.
Still Some Restrictions
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey now have a booming industry, so much so that New Jersey is set to bring in higher revenue for sports betting than Nevada in the next year.
However, some states still refuse to allow their residents access to legal gambling. Still, with the wheels in motion, many feel it is only a matter of time before they will have to roll over and accept that this is a welcome industry, not just for the people, but for an increase in the revenue to the area. Hawaii and Utah are still stalwarts and refuse to change their policies. The only legal gambling is restricted to private residences in Hawaii, where people may meet and bet on poker games.
Legal Online Gambling
Other states that embrace legalized and regulated online casinos include Delaware, Illinois, California, Indiana, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Rhode Island. While it remains against the law to gamble if you live in Washington, Louisiana, and the already mentioned Uta, there have never been any convictions.
Of course, with internet technology, it is hard to track players who may access sites in other states because hiding locations and IP addresses are so easy to do. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are also changing the landscape for iGaming. An open and decentralized monetization system adds to the anonymity factor making it an attractive option for those living in states without gambling legislation in place.
A more communal experience at the online casino
And, that’s the rub here: The arrival of live slots on to online casino platforms is not designed to give players a new type of game. Instead, the idea is to deliver a new way to play popular casino games. The point is that you can get social by chatting to the host and other players as you play. The fact that everyone is aiming for the same outcome – a winning spin – adds to the communal theme that you experience.
We do predict that many more live slots will arrive in the coming years. We have already seen other developers like NetEnt experiment in the area with games like Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt. Others too, including Evolution (which acquired NetEnt in December last year) and Pragmatic Play will surely enter the arena with more ideas sooner rather than later. It’s all adding to a more communal experience at online casinos, and that can only be a good thing for the industry.
The Gambling Concern
One reason that will often be given for not legalizing casinos and other forms of betting is the fear of not gambling responsibly. However, most feel that this is not a responsibility of big brother but an individual concern. There is a big drive to raise awareness that gambling can become quickly addictive, and players should guard against bad spending habits. Sites that are correctly registered and legislated should offer self-limiting tools to punters meaning they can limit their own access.
There are also various organizations that can support someone who feels that their gambling habit has gotten out of control, and they are in danger of a financial crisis. Those choosing to place bets or play games for money should be aware that winning is by no means guaranteed, and the casino always has the house edge in its favor.
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