- United States Sports Betting
- Best Sports Betting Usa
- Sports Betting Online
- Legal Online Sports Betting Usa
Online sports betting has never been more popular. Today in 2021 online sports betting is a billion dollar business for US citizens. The good news is that there are proven reputable, legit and trustworthy online sportsbooks you can gamble with right now no matter where you live in the USA. The following sports betting websites are absolutely the best in the business. I have been working with them for years (decades now for some sportsbooks like Bovada and Intertops) and you can be assured that you are getting competitive odds, fair bets and when you win you get paid.
You should avoid most online sportsbooks as a precautionary measure. If you are going to gamble online then know that these sportsbooks are the top betting sites in the industry and they have maintained a positive reputation for US bettors for many, many years.
Online sports betting has never been more popular.Today in 2021 online sports betting is a billion dollar business for US citizens. The good news is that there are proven reputable, legit. Nov 09, 2020 Sports Betting USA 2020 took place on November 12 – 13, 2020 and was an invite-only online event, limited to 500 tickets. The two-day conference featured sessions on maximizing media channels for player acquisition and activation, and financing the expansion of Sports Betting in America. Access Sports Betting USA on Demand.
We all have our favorites.
Do you support the home team or are you one of those people?
Honest Sports Betting Sites US Players Allowed
They say a rising tide lifts all boats. To that end, the entire online sports betting industry is seeing a massive influx of money. But the industry's growth poses a problem. It's difficult to know which USA-friendly sports betting sites are safe, reliable and trustworthy.
Here's the good news: we've done the heavy lifting for you. This site not only provides you with an easy-to-use list of the top U.S. sports gambling sites, but it also keeps that list updated.
We have no qualms about dropping sportsbooks that fail to meet our standards.
Bovada
Bovada is hard to beat. They're like the Amazon of the sports betting industry. They host lines and spreads in practically every sport you can imagine placing wagers on, from football and baseball to horse racing, cricket and darts. In addition, they'll help you get started with a 50% matching bonus up to $250.
Making deposits is simple.
Bovada accepts credit cards, bitcoin, Western Union payments and person-to-person transfers. The also accept Bitcoin Cash and are a crypto friendly online sportsbook so I expect this list to increase over time.
They also pay without fail.
If you win and make a withdrawal, you'll receive payment. Period.
How much do you have to wager per bet at Bovada?
If you bet online, the minimum bet is $1. That's as low as it goes. Maybe you just want to have a little fun.
By the way, you may be familiar with the name 'Bodog'. They managed to maintain a bulletproof reputation as an online sportsbook for USA players years ago. Bovada is run by the same folks.
Read our detailed bovada sports review for more information about our top rated sportsbook for US gamblers.
BetOnline
BetOnline is a great option. They take players from all 50 US states (Bovada has a few restrictions) and offer quality customer support, big bonuses and maintain a fantastic reputation. Especially if you're a high-roller or bettor who knows how to squeeze maximum mileage from the bonuses. They allow some of the highest betting limits in the industry. For example, NFL straight bets (or sides) can be wagered up to $25,000.
You can opt to receive a 50% matching bonus up to $1,000. Note that the bonus is anchored by a 10X rollover requirement. That shouldn't pose an issue if you're an active bettor or willing to stake large sums. There are a ton of on-going Betonline promotions which you can keep up to date with here or just check the promotions page on the official website.
BetOnline offers lines and spreads on as many sports as Bovada. They also have a reputation for speedy payouts. One of the ways BetOnline stands apart from the pack is by offering a range of withdrawal options. You can receive your winnings via Bitcoin, Western Union, bank wire, book-to-book transfer or check.
Don't be intimidated by BetOnline's high maximum betting limits. The site is still one of the best USA sportsbooks for beginning and intermediate bettors. You can wager as little as $1.
This company has been involved in sports betting for nearly 15 years. That's important. Sportsbooks don't enjoy that type of longevity without being dependable and responsive to their customers. Learn more in my comprehensive is Betonline legit review.
Bookmaker
Bookmaker is one of the oldest online sportsbooks. The company launched in 1985. That's 36 years of history in an industry known for its lack of constancy1 Although Bovada and BetOnline manage to score a bit higher on our list of the top sportsbooks for USA bettors, Bookmaker isn't far behind.
First, they're reliable. You never have to worry about whether you'll receive your withdrawals.
Second, they're flexible. You can deposit funds via credit cards, bank wires, person-to-person transfers, eWallet transfers, Western Union or physical check. If you deposit $300 or more, Bookmaker will even cover your Western Union fees.
You can make withdrawals via debit cards, bank wires, person-to-person transfers and check.
One of the areas we feel Bookmaker could be better is with its new account bonus. When you register a new account, you can receive a 15% matching bonus up to $600 plus 50% for the casino, up to $1000 for a grand total of $1600. This does come with a 5x rollover requirement for the sportsbook portion and a 40x rollover requirement for the casino portion.
Read our detailed review of Bookmaker:
When you win you will get paid.
Billions of dollars are wagered each year as bettors put action on the NFL, NBA, MLB and many other sports. The top USA sportsbooks, including Bovada, BetOnline, Bookmaker, and FortuneJack are all experiencing growth and continued loyalty from their long time bettors.
Above you'll find a current list of the best online sportsbooks that accept USA players. We'll highlight important details for each one and provide links to in-depth reviews that contain more information.
Making A Deposit – Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Crypto (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum etc)
Credit cards are the easiest way for you to deposit. When they work that is.
Today US gamblers are moving to crypto currency. Bettors like you and I need to get into the digital age of crypto's. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin.
Cryptocurrencies are the safest, fastest and easiest way to gamble online for real money from anywhere in the world.
If you already own bitcoin or another crypto then all you need to do is register at the site and send the crypto to the betting sites deposit address they provide you.
United States Sports Betting
If you do not yet own bitcoin, don't worry it's easy.
I'm going to quickly explain how to do this.
The steps needed to buy bitcoin
- Go to Coinbase.com, buy bitcoin (credit card or bank transfer will work).
- Go to Greenaddress.it, create a bitcoin wallet (you need this to hold the bitcoin you buy from coinbase).
- Send your bitcoin from Coinbase to Greenaddress.it – do not skip this step. (There will be a small fee to transfer to your greenaddress wallet but this is an essential step. Coinbase does not allow you to interact with an online casino, they will shut you down if you send or receive directly to an online casino or sportsbook. This is why you need to use Greenaddress.it or your own personal e-wallet to send and receive bitcoin from casinos.
- Create your account at a sportsbook of your choice, visit the deposit/cashier area and choose bitcoin for deposits.
- The sportsbook will provide you a bitcoin address to send your bitcoin to (they will provide a qr code for your phone to scan). Copy the deposit address.
- Open your greenaddress wallet which will now hold your bitcoin and send bitcoin to the sports betting site.
- Your deposit will be credited to your account.
- Bet, gamble, have fun
- When you are ready to cash out, visit the sites cashier and click withdraw and choose bitcoin as your method
- Now they will ask you for a bitcoin address to send the bitcoin to – so you open up your greenaddress wallet, create a new receiving address and provide that to the sportsbooks cashier.
- Verify the details and withdrawal amount and click the finish withdrawal button
- The sportsbook sends you the bitcoin back to your wallet
- From there you can do what you choose with it – keep it, spend it or turn it back into US dollars
- If you want to cash out to fiat currency, you will again use coinbase. This is why you don't want to burn your account here by using the built in wallet for gambling.
- Send your greenaddress bitcoin to coinbase. Do not send directly to coinbase from a casino.
- There are other wallets if you don't like Greenaddress. You could find a handful to choose from but I would start out with one you are comfortable is safe. If you plan to be in crypto for a while then get a hardware wallet like the Ledger or Trezor.io.
- If Coinbase won't work, there are Bitcoin ATM's popping up all over
5 Tips For Choosing The Best Online USA Sportsbook
Thus far, I've given you a short list of the top sportsbooks for players living in the U.S. There are hundreds of others. At some point, you may be tempted to try a few. Use the following tips for selecting a site that won't leave you feeling disappointed.
Test The Site's Customer Support
You may never need to speak with a sportsbook's support staff. But if you do, you'll want them to respond promptly and professionally to your questions.
Before making your first deposit, contact the site's service reps. Do it on the phone and via email. Make sure they're responsive before you sign up.
Review the Site's Deposit/Withdrawal Options
Some sites accept Bitcoin. Others don't. Some charge high fees on withdrawals. Others process payouts with minimal fees. Some accept funds transfers from other sportsbooks. Others require 'new' money.
This is strictly a matter of preference. If you're a Bitcoin user, check whether the sportsbook you're considering accepts them.
Take The Welcome Bonus With A Grain Of Salt
Sportsbooks use new member bonuses to compel people to join. It's a great strategy that has always worked well.
Unlike the more common deposit bonus, you get bonus cash in your hand to try out all a casino's games for free. Basically, with a no deposit bonus, you are getting a free bet. The exact nature of these bonuses. Have wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Play twin reels and flash jackpots. Increase your fun! Higher bet = more bonuses! Have wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Play twin reels and flash jackpots. Increase your fun! Higher bet = more bonuses! Play NowHave wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Games bonus. Free Games Slots Bonus – This feature is a second screen bonus that pops up after a scatter or wild is triggered, it will unlock a hidden free game feature where the player can win additional.
The problem is, a lot of people forget they have to earn out the bonus. That's what the rollover requirement is for.
To be sure, if you're a heavy or consistent bettor, meeting the rollover requirement won't be a challenge for you. But if you're only betting $5 a $10 a day, it's going to take time.
Look For The Best Lines
Don't assume the lines posted at one site are mirrored at every other site. They vary, sometimes dramatically so. That's why a lot of experienced sports bettors go line shopping. They seek the best odds, knowing they can increase their likelihood of a win.
BookMaker is often the first book out of the gate when it comes to posting new lines and spreads. Compare them with Bovada, BetOnline and any other site you're thinking about using.
Only Use Financially-Strong Sportsbooks
In a way, sportsbooks are like insurance companies. Some have substantial financial backing. Others are little more than fly-by-night ventures that operate on the precipice of bankruptcy.
If you're wagering large sums, definitely stick to sports betting sites with strong financial ratings. All of the sportsbooks on our list are rated at the top of the pile in this area. You'll never need to worry about the sites' solvency.
If you choose to play at lesser-known sites, be aware that you're taking a risk.
Register An Account At The Top U.S. Sportsbooks
Twenty-five years ago NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue remarked, 'We do not want our games to be used as bait to sell gambling.' A year later, sports betting was made illegal in nearly every state in the U.S. except Nevada and a few others.
Times have changed.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver opined in late 2014 that 'Congress should adopt a federal framework that allows states to authorize betting on professional sports.' He estimated the amount wagered each year was close to $400 billion.
Silver's claim might be overreaching, but his opinion reflects that of a growing number of sports betting fans. One thing is clear: more people than ever are registering accounts at sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker.
Why not join them and have a blast building your bankroll?
When discussing legal online sports betting, the majority of America's government has a very regressive, prohibition-style attitude towards it, buying into a negative perspective concerning the morality of gambling entertainment. This is what has led to a variety of state gambling laws in the past.
Best Sports Betting Usa
There are no US federal laws that make it a crime for Americans to place bets at offshore sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry. There are two states that legally prohibit all online gambling, domestic or offshore, leaving residents in Connecticut and Washington without legally sanctioned online betting options, though they have yet to start enforcing those restrictions.
For the most part, state lawmakers are becoming more progressive concerning betting entertainment and recognize the value that this type of revenue stream can bring to a state. Individual states are actively analyzing what the legalization of domestic sports gambling can provide them with in terms of opportunities, tourism, and tax revenue, and many have already taken action one way or the other through new legislation.
Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia currently permit state-regulated online sports gambling, with nearly two dozen additional states having launched land-based sportsbooks. Individual territories began embracing sports betting the moment that PASPA was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the infamous NJ case, with multiple states having had their legislation ready and waiting should the ruling go in the Garden State's favor.
Below we'll take a look at the relevant US federal gambling laws, and explain how state gambling laws intersect with federal laws to impact online and brick and mortar sportsbook gambling, as well as what these laws have to say about the legal status of offshore sports betting entertainment.
The Federal Laws on the Books
The sections below will detail and explain how each major federal law affects domestic gambling opportunities in the US.
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The Federal Wire Act
Passed back in 1961, the Federal Wire Act was made law in an effort to curtail the illegal gambling activities taking place over the phone by organized crime syndicates. It prohibited the transmission of wagers or betting information from being carried across state lines via telegraph or telephone. Sports betting new orleans. The Federal Wire Act targeted these illegal bookie operations as a means to curb the mafia from manipulating games and making a profit through these tactics.
This law was strictly focused on interstate gambling, and only targeted those accepting bets and not the individuals placing the bets. The goal was to crack down on illegal gambling services, not prosecute bettors. Between the DOJ Legal Opinion of 2011 and the repeal of PASPA, today's application of the Wire Act prohibits any gambling business from accepting bets across state lines or from foreign sources.
With the changes still being implemented, we are not sure yet how this will affect those states that had entered into interstate gambling pacts with one another, sharing player pools for their online gambling initiatives. Once that aspect of the legal situation becomes more clear we will update that information here.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act
Also known as the Bradley Act, or just PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was a sweeping federal regulation that passed in 1992, with the supposed intent of protecting the integrity of sports by making sports betting illegal.
At the time the bill was passed, there were sports lotteries in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon, as well as licensed and regulated sports betting in Nevada, so those four states were exempt.
The law effectively prevented the expansion of the sports betting market throughout the United States in what many categorized as a discriminatory law that favored a few states while restricting others.
New Jersey took on the mission of challenging the law and after several years of court battles, was given a favorable outcome by the highest court in the land as SCOTUS ruled PASPA as unconstitutional, nullifying the law.
As of May 14, 2018, each individual state now has the authority to dictate sports betting laws within their borders. They can now choose to authorize or prohibit sports betting at their pleasure. Following PASPA's repeal, we have seen multiple states move forward with legislation that legalizes sports gambling at the state level.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
This is the big one that shook the gambling industry to its core. Online gambling really started to explode during the early 2000's, especially in the realm of online poker. In 2006, then-President Bush signed into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, known all over as the UIGEA. In a nutshell, the UIGEA placed very stringent regulatory restrictions concerning how gambling-related transactions could be processed.
The most reputable sites started a countdown and allowed Americans to withdraw and closeout their accounts. Many trusted gambling sites left the US market at this time. After the dust settled, and the financial and gambling industries learned how to comply with the regulatory oversight provided by the UIGEA, many of these reputable gambling sites have returned to provide services to US sports bettors.
The UIGEA did end up making the online gambling market safer for both the bettors and the operators by imposing a more reliable and stricter regulatory structure for how gambling-related transactions are processed. Gambling sites invested in top tier payment processors while all parties implemented higher-level security protocols to ensure the validity and safety of those transactions that are processed.
While US online gambling funding options are still somewhat limited in some regards, things have stabilized. The emergence of cryptocurrencies have filled the void left by the elimination of US-friendly e-wallets and failed credit card transactions. The UIGEA does not make it illegal for Americans to gamble online. The law simply regulates how online gambling transactions are processed.
The 2011 Department of Justice's Interpretation of Federal Laws
With the growth of online commerce, several states became interested in offering lottery game services online. This raised questions concerning the application of the Federal Wire Act, driving the DOJ to issue a clarification of the law's reach.
The Department of Justice ruled, and accurately so, that the federal government had no right to tell states that they could not sanction online gambling and therefore established that each US state has the authority to determine their own fate concerning online gambling with the exception of sports betting.
The repeal of PASPA took care of freeing sports gambling as the last remaining federally prohibited form of state-regulated online gambling. As of now, all 50 states have the legal ability to legalize and offer online gambling such as casinos, poker, bingo, and sports wagering. To date, only a handful of states have taken advantage of legal domestic online gambling. However, many states have pending bills to allow various forms of sports betting.
The 2019 DOJ Interpretation of Federal Gambling Laws
Following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the reach of the Federal Wire Act has again come into question. In a new interpretation, which many believe was coerced by anti-online gambling activist Sheldon Adelson, the Department of Justice has indicated that the Wire Act prohibits not only interstate wagers but also the sharing of information across state lines.
This determination will certainly harm those states that have entered into interstate gambling compacts to share player pools and resources with other states. The opinion is being formally challenged through a lawsuit headed up by New Hampshire. As the situation unfolds, we will provide updates here.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
If you already own bitcoin or another crypto then all you need to do is register at the site and send the crypto to the betting sites deposit address they provide you.
United States Sports Betting
If you do not yet own bitcoin, don't worry it's easy.
I'm going to quickly explain how to do this.
The steps needed to buy bitcoin
- Go to Coinbase.com, buy bitcoin (credit card or bank transfer will work).
- Go to Greenaddress.it, create a bitcoin wallet (you need this to hold the bitcoin you buy from coinbase).
- Send your bitcoin from Coinbase to Greenaddress.it – do not skip this step. (There will be a small fee to transfer to your greenaddress wallet but this is an essential step. Coinbase does not allow you to interact with an online casino, they will shut you down if you send or receive directly to an online casino or sportsbook. This is why you need to use Greenaddress.it or your own personal e-wallet to send and receive bitcoin from casinos.
- Create your account at a sportsbook of your choice, visit the deposit/cashier area and choose bitcoin for deposits.
- The sportsbook will provide you a bitcoin address to send your bitcoin to (they will provide a qr code for your phone to scan). Copy the deposit address.
- Open your greenaddress wallet which will now hold your bitcoin and send bitcoin to the sports betting site.
- Your deposit will be credited to your account.
- Bet, gamble, have fun
- When you are ready to cash out, visit the sites cashier and click withdraw and choose bitcoin as your method
- Now they will ask you for a bitcoin address to send the bitcoin to – so you open up your greenaddress wallet, create a new receiving address and provide that to the sportsbooks cashier.
- Verify the details and withdrawal amount and click the finish withdrawal button
- The sportsbook sends you the bitcoin back to your wallet
- From there you can do what you choose with it – keep it, spend it or turn it back into US dollars
- If you want to cash out to fiat currency, you will again use coinbase. This is why you don't want to burn your account here by using the built in wallet for gambling.
- Send your greenaddress bitcoin to coinbase. Do not send directly to coinbase from a casino.
- There are other wallets if you don't like Greenaddress. You could find a handful to choose from but I would start out with one you are comfortable is safe. If you plan to be in crypto for a while then get a hardware wallet like the Ledger or Trezor.io.
- If Coinbase won't work, there are Bitcoin ATM's popping up all over
5 Tips For Choosing The Best Online USA Sportsbook
Thus far, I've given you a short list of the top sportsbooks for players living in the U.S. There are hundreds of others. At some point, you may be tempted to try a few. Use the following tips for selecting a site that won't leave you feeling disappointed.
Test The Site's Customer Support
You may never need to speak with a sportsbook's support staff. But if you do, you'll want them to respond promptly and professionally to your questions.
Before making your first deposit, contact the site's service reps. Do it on the phone and via email. Make sure they're responsive before you sign up.
Review the Site's Deposit/Withdrawal Options
Some sites accept Bitcoin. Others don't. Some charge high fees on withdrawals. Others process payouts with minimal fees. Some accept funds transfers from other sportsbooks. Others require 'new' money.
This is strictly a matter of preference. If you're a Bitcoin user, check whether the sportsbook you're considering accepts them.
Take The Welcome Bonus With A Grain Of Salt
Sportsbooks use new member bonuses to compel people to join. It's a great strategy that has always worked well.
Unlike the more common deposit bonus, you get bonus cash in your hand to try out all a casino's games for free. Basically, with a no deposit bonus, you are getting a free bet. The exact nature of these bonuses. Have wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Play twin reels and flash jackpots. Increase your fun! Higher bet = more bonuses! Have wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Play twin reels and flash jackpots. Increase your fun! Higher bet = more bonuses! Play NowHave wild fun in American Glamour 2, our newest game! Games bonus. Free Games Slots Bonus – This feature is a second screen bonus that pops up after a scatter or wild is triggered, it will unlock a hidden free game feature where the player can win additional.
The problem is, a lot of people forget they have to earn out the bonus. That's what the rollover requirement is for.
To be sure, if you're a heavy or consistent bettor, meeting the rollover requirement won't be a challenge for you. But if you're only betting $5 a $10 a day, it's going to take time.
Look For The Best Lines
Don't assume the lines posted at one site are mirrored at every other site. They vary, sometimes dramatically so. That's why a lot of experienced sports bettors go line shopping. They seek the best odds, knowing they can increase their likelihood of a win.
BookMaker is often the first book out of the gate when it comes to posting new lines and spreads. Compare them with Bovada, BetOnline and any other site you're thinking about using.
Only Use Financially-Strong Sportsbooks
In a way, sportsbooks are like insurance companies. Some have substantial financial backing. Others are little more than fly-by-night ventures that operate on the precipice of bankruptcy.
If you're wagering large sums, definitely stick to sports betting sites with strong financial ratings. All of the sportsbooks on our list are rated at the top of the pile in this area. You'll never need to worry about the sites' solvency.
If you choose to play at lesser-known sites, be aware that you're taking a risk.
Register An Account At The Top U.S. Sportsbooks
Twenty-five years ago NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue remarked, 'We do not want our games to be used as bait to sell gambling.' A year later, sports betting was made illegal in nearly every state in the U.S. except Nevada and a few others.
Times have changed.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver opined in late 2014 that 'Congress should adopt a federal framework that allows states to authorize betting on professional sports.' He estimated the amount wagered each year was close to $400 billion.
Silver's claim might be overreaching, but his opinion reflects that of a growing number of sports betting fans. One thing is clear: more people than ever are registering accounts at sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and Bookmaker.
Why not join them and have a blast building your bankroll?
When discussing legal online sports betting, the majority of America's government has a very regressive, prohibition-style attitude towards it, buying into a negative perspective concerning the morality of gambling entertainment. This is what has led to a variety of state gambling laws in the past.
Best Sports Betting Usa
There are no US federal laws that make it a crime for Americans to place bets at offshore sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry. There are two states that legally prohibit all online gambling, domestic or offshore, leaving residents in Connecticut and Washington without legally sanctioned online betting options, though they have yet to start enforcing those restrictions.
For the most part, state lawmakers are becoming more progressive concerning betting entertainment and recognize the value that this type of revenue stream can bring to a state. Individual states are actively analyzing what the legalization of domestic sports gambling can provide them with in terms of opportunities, tourism, and tax revenue, and many have already taken action one way or the other through new legislation.
Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia currently permit state-regulated online sports gambling, with nearly two dozen additional states having launched land-based sportsbooks. Individual territories began embracing sports betting the moment that PASPA was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the infamous NJ case, with multiple states having had their legislation ready and waiting should the ruling go in the Garden State's favor.
Below we'll take a look at the relevant US federal gambling laws, and explain how state gambling laws intersect with federal laws to impact online and brick and mortar sportsbook gambling, as well as what these laws have to say about the legal status of offshore sports betting entertainment.
The Federal Laws on the Books
The sections below will detail and explain how each major federal law affects domestic gambling opportunities in the US.
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The Federal Wire Act
Passed back in 1961, the Federal Wire Act was made law in an effort to curtail the illegal gambling activities taking place over the phone by organized crime syndicates. It prohibited the transmission of wagers or betting information from being carried across state lines via telegraph or telephone. Sports betting new orleans. The Federal Wire Act targeted these illegal bookie operations as a means to curb the mafia from manipulating games and making a profit through these tactics.
This law was strictly focused on interstate gambling, and only targeted those accepting bets and not the individuals placing the bets. The goal was to crack down on illegal gambling services, not prosecute bettors. Between the DOJ Legal Opinion of 2011 and the repeal of PASPA, today's application of the Wire Act prohibits any gambling business from accepting bets across state lines or from foreign sources.
With the changes still being implemented, we are not sure yet how this will affect those states that had entered into interstate gambling pacts with one another, sharing player pools for their online gambling initiatives. Once that aspect of the legal situation becomes more clear we will update that information here.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act
Also known as the Bradley Act, or just PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was a sweeping federal regulation that passed in 1992, with the supposed intent of protecting the integrity of sports by making sports betting illegal.
At the time the bill was passed, there were sports lotteries in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon, as well as licensed and regulated sports betting in Nevada, so those four states were exempt.
The law effectively prevented the expansion of the sports betting market throughout the United States in what many categorized as a discriminatory law that favored a few states while restricting others.
New Jersey took on the mission of challenging the law and after several years of court battles, was given a favorable outcome by the highest court in the land as SCOTUS ruled PASPA as unconstitutional, nullifying the law.
As of May 14, 2018, each individual state now has the authority to dictate sports betting laws within their borders. They can now choose to authorize or prohibit sports betting at their pleasure. Following PASPA's repeal, we have seen multiple states move forward with legislation that legalizes sports gambling at the state level.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
This is the big one that shook the gambling industry to its core. Online gambling really started to explode during the early 2000's, especially in the realm of online poker. In 2006, then-President Bush signed into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, known all over as the UIGEA. In a nutshell, the UIGEA placed very stringent regulatory restrictions concerning how gambling-related transactions could be processed.
The most reputable sites started a countdown and allowed Americans to withdraw and closeout their accounts. Many trusted gambling sites left the US market at this time. After the dust settled, and the financial and gambling industries learned how to comply with the regulatory oversight provided by the UIGEA, many of these reputable gambling sites have returned to provide services to US sports bettors.
The UIGEA did end up making the online gambling market safer for both the bettors and the operators by imposing a more reliable and stricter regulatory structure for how gambling-related transactions are processed. Gambling sites invested in top tier payment processors while all parties implemented higher-level security protocols to ensure the validity and safety of those transactions that are processed.
While US online gambling funding options are still somewhat limited in some regards, things have stabilized. The emergence of cryptocurrencies have filled the void left by the elimination of US-friendly e-wallets and failed credit card transactions. The UIGEA does not make it illegal for Americans to gamble online. The law simply regulates how online gambling transactions are processed.
The 2011 Department of Justice's Interpretation of Federal Laws
With the growth of online commerce, several states became interested in offering lottery game services online. This raised questions concerning the application of the Federal Wire Act, driving the DOJ to issue a clarification of the law's reach.
The Department of Justice ruled, and accurately so, that the federal government had no right to tell states that they could not sanction online gambling and therefore established that each US state has the authority to determine their own fate concerning online gambling with the exception of sports betting.
The repeal of PASPA took care of freeing sports gambling as the last remaining federally prohibited form of state-regulated online gambling. As of now, all 50 states have the legal ability to legalize and offer online gambling such as casinos, poker, bingo, and sports wagering. To date, only a handful of states have taken advantage of legal domestic online gambling. However, many states have pending bills to allow various forms of sports betting.
The 2019 DOJ Interpretation of Federal Gambling Laws
Following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the reach of the Federal Wire Act has again come into question. In a new interpretation, which many believe was coerced by anti-online gambling activist Sheldon Adelson, the Department of Justice has indicated that the Wire Act prohibits not only interstate wagers but also the sharing of information across state lines.
This determination will certainly harm those states that have entered into interstate gambling compacts to share player pools and resources with other states. The opinion is being formally challenged through a lawsuit headed up by New Hampshire. As the situation unfolds, we will provide updates here.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
All of this legal information is good knowledge to have under your belt, no doubt about it. However, all you really need to know going forward is that there are no federal laws making gambling illegal in the United States either online or offline, and this includes domestic and offshore sports betting. States now determine the legal status of all gambling entertainment within their borders. As a sports betting resource guide, we want to make this point clear.
For those of you interested in betting on sport but who live in a state that has not authorized state-regulated sportsbooks, you'll have to either travel to a state with legalized sports betting or use a legitimate offshore sportsbook such as the ones you find listed on this site. You can check out our list of states that allow sports betting here or follow our list of recommended online sportsbooks.
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