Legislation is underway to regulate online gambling. The House Representatives have introduced several bills to soften federal online gambling laws. The Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act would regulate and tax internet gambling companies, but would not prevent them from taking bets from individuals in the United States. A second bill, the Skill Game Protection Act, would clarify the Wire Act to exempt certain games from regulation. If passed, this legislation would be the first step towards regulating online gambling.
The United States has legalized gambling in 48 states. There are some restrictions, however. The largest are in Hawaii and Utah, which have large Mormon populations. Residents in Hawaii and Utah worry that gambling will damage family relationships. Idaho has been less interested in legalizing gambling. In addition to these restrictions, online gambling is legal in many countries. But the legality of online gambling in the United States is a matter of national concern. It is illegal to gamble in many states.
States that do permit online gambling have many advantages. Many states allow it, but some don’t. The US and Canada have legal online gambling markets. The European Union and some Caribbean nations have legal online gambling. As with any new industry, online gambling service providers must obtain licensing in a variety of legal markets. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, and the Isle of Man are among the many licensing authorities that regulate the industry.