The online casino industry is booming, with more and more states legalizing iGaming. However, many state legislatures still prohibit online slots and table games, even in states that have legalized sports betting. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for gamblers to play real money casino games online despite these laws. International gambling companies, commonly known as offshore operators, offer a variety of online casino games, including slots and table games. However, these operators are not regulated and therefore do not adhere to state gambling laws. As a result, players who use these sites do so at their own risk.
The legality of online slot gambling is largely dependent on state gambling regulations. Each state has its own gambling or gaming department, and any company looking to operate an online casino within a state’s borders must register with the relevant authorities. In states where the industry is regulated, state-licensed operators are typically required to pay a percentage of their profits to the government in taxes.
Aside from a few exceptions, all regulated online casinos must be licensed by the state gambling authority in order to operate. This licensing process is often complex and time-consuming, and many online casinos choose to partner with reputable regulatory bodies in the United States. These partnerships help to protect the interests of players, and they also provide the iGaming community with more protections against fraud and cheating.
Currently, six U.S. states have regulated online casino gambling: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The seventh, Rhode Island, has yet to launch its iGaming market. The Ocean State’s law is expected to go live in early 2024.
Massachusetts’s iGaming market features three regulated online casinos and one dedicated slots-only site. The state’s casinos are overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and their online offerings include the brands of bwin, BetRivers, and DraftKings.
Michigan’s iGaming market went live in December of 2019, and the state is now home to several top-tier online casinos. It was the first state to pass legislation regulating the industry in 2011, and its online casinos feature some of the best brands in the business.
In Pennsylvania, online casino gaming is regulated by the state’s lottery commission. Licensed operators like BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel offer online poker, casino, and sports betting. The Keystone State is one of the most popular online gambling destinations in the nation, and it continues to grow its presence in the iGaming space.
In Illinois, the state’s constitution explicitly bans lotteries and gambling, so the legalization of online casino games is a long way off. Multiple legislative efforts have failed in recent years, and the issue may not come up for debate again until after 2023. In addition to limiting its gaming options, the state is also working to license video game terminals at its land-based casinos. This may be a factor in the eventual decision to legalize iGaming.