A few states still don’t allow online gambling, but the rest have moved closer to embracing it as they realize that these games not only bring revenue into their local economies but also help to mitigate social problems. As a result, more and more gamblers are turning to their computers or smartphones to find the best online slots. But is this type of gambling legal? The answer is yes, provided you follow certain rules.
The biggest factor to consider is if you’re playing at a regulated site. While there are many different kinds of online casinos, the most reputable ones are licensed and regulated by state gaming agencies. This means that you can rest assured that you’ll be dealing with a legitimate company and that you’re receiving fair treatment. In addition, you’ll be able to deposit and withdraw money with ease and confidence.
Another important point is whether your preferred casino offers a mobile app or website. More and more players are using their mobile devices to play online, so it’s imperative that your favorite site has a quality mobile version. Most reputable websites offer an instant-play interface for desktop computers, while others have dedicated apps that can be downloaded to your smartphone or tablet.
Once you’ve found a good casino, the next step is to sign up for an account. This process will vary slightly from one site to the next, but you’ll usually need to provide your name, date of birth and email address as well as a username and password. Some sites will require you to choose a payment method and agree to the terms of service before you can play. You may be asked to register with Facebook or Google details, while other sites simply require you to fill out a form with your personal information.
Most of the earliest proponents of real-money online gambling have been in the Northeastern United States, where New Jersey and Pennsylvania led the way with iGaming laws that went live in 2013. The Garden State has the nation’s most extensive iGaming market, with dozens of operators partnering with the state to serve its residents. Delaware has been a little slower to roll out its own online offerings, but it did so in 2013, with Gov. Jack Markell allowing players to wager at a few iGaming websites overseen by the Delaware Lottery.
Online casinos aren’t available in Iowa, but the state did legalize sports betting earlier this year. It’s possible that the launch of iGaming in the Hawkeye State will be delayed, however, by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hawaii is one of the few states that bans all forms of online gambling, but this doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. The Aloha State is renowned for its religious values and century-long history of gambling aversion, and lawmakers there are hesitant to change the status quo. However, the recent success of iCasino platforms in Nevada and New Jersey has opened the door to more conservative jurisdictions.