In the 1990s, online gambling was a growing industry. It seemed like an end-run around government control, as online gambling operators could set up their businesses in an offshore jurisdiction and provide access to the public through web browsers. Anyone with a credit card could access these sites and place wagers. Nevertheless, Congress and the Department of Justice investigated the industry and tried to regulate it. Eventually, online gambling became legal in some states.
Although gambling is legal on the federal level, each state has the right to regulate its activities, including online gambling. The United States government defines gambling as “sporting events, games of skill, or chance.” The list of states that allow online gambling is lengthy, and each state has different rules and regulations. Today, twenty states allow their residents to bet on sports events online, and a handful allow poker sites. In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives has held hearings on online wagering policies.
When choosing an online gambling site, make sure that it is regulated and has a high security standard. Legitimate gambling websites have industry-standard 128-bit encryption, and they are monitored by independent auditors. This ensures fair play and accurate payouts.