Online slot gambling legality is a constantly evolving issue. As iGaming grows in popularity, state-level lawmakers are becoming increasingly receptive to the idea of legalizing it. This is a marked contrast from how they viewed the phenomenon when it first emerged in the 1990s, as many believed it was a direct challenge to American policies and a blatant end-run around state-level prohibitions.
The legality of online slot gambling hinges on several key issues, including the morality of gambling and how states regulate iGaming platforms. Those differences are the largest hurdles that must be cleared before a majority of states approve online slots for real money.
In the United States, federal laws that bar online gaming still exist, but their effect has been softened by state-level rulings and legislation. This has created a patchwork of legalities across the country, with some states defying federal law and others interpreting it differently. For instance, the 1961 Interstate Wire Act prohibits transmission of wagers related to sports betting, but a 2011 reinterpretation has opened the door for some states to offer this type of gambling.
New Jersey was one of the first states to allow regulated online poker and casino games, followed by Delaware and Nevada in 2013. More recently, Pennsylvania online casinos were launched and the Garden State is expected to join them shortly. New York remains a holdout, though there have been multiple attempts to change the state’s laws in recent years.
West Virginia is another iGaming state that has made it legal for its residents to gamble on online lottery games, social Texas online casinos and pari-mutuel wagers at its racetracks. The state is currently exploring options to add sports and online casino play to its mix, but it will probably want to wait until other states experience success with these games before doing so itself.
Despite being the most populous state, California has yet to permit any kind of iGaming. This is likely due to the state’s complicated relationship with tribal casinos, and the fact that the internet has essentially served as an end-run around federal regulations.
While New Mexico has not approved online gambling, it has made it legal for its residents to play real-money lottery games. The state also allows its citizens to play a variety of other games and activities for fun, such as charitable bingo and pull-tabs.
While Arkansas has legalized sports betting, it didn’t include online casino play in its initial legislative package. This may change as lawmakers consider adding these games in 2023, but for now, residents will have to head to Nevada or Rhode Island if they want to spin the reels on an internet-based slot machine. New Hampshire is the only other state that hasn’t embraced iGaming, but it may come around in 2023 as well. It’s worth noting that the Tar Heel State is a sports-centric gambling market, and has a handful of land-based casinos for its residents to enjoy.