Online gambling is a massive industry in the United States. It was once seen as a way to circumvent state and federal laws on gambling, but over time Americans have warmed to the idea of real-money betting at regulated online casinos. However, the landscape is still fluid and the issue of legality can depend on which state you are in.

For example, Hawaii prohibits casino gambling and only offers a few tribal casinos for residents to wager at. Meanwhile, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have made iGaming available to their residents. The ability for states to choose how they want to regulate online gaming has created a unique system across the country. You can click on each state on our page on US gambling laws to see what type of online gaming is permitted within its borders.

In the case of New Jersey, its residents are able to place real-money bets at online casinos run by licensed operators. These operators have to meet high security and privacy standards, while those that operate illegally do not. This is why it is vital that you always check your local gambling laws before you begin gambling online.

Fortunately, more and more states are making it easier for their residents to gamble online. New Jersey’s iGaming market is now fully operational, with dozens of operators offering a wide range of games to its citizens. This is a major development and one that should encourage other jurisdictions to follow suit.

It is also possible to play free games at social casinos, which are not technically considered real-money gambling sites. These social casinos are designed to provide entertainment and are often based on popular social media platforms such as Facebook. Many of these social casinos are free to join, but you will need to provide a valid email address and date of birth when you sign up. You will then be able to use the site’s app or website to make your first bet.

The most recent addition to the list of legal states for online gambling is Rhode Island. The Ocean State legalized online casino play after witnessing the success of its neighbors in New Jersey and Delaware. Residents of the state can now enjoy all the benefits of iGaming, including live odds, bet tracking and expert picks from The Action Network.

Other states such as Massachusetts have been slow to adopt new online gambling laws, but are expected to join the ranks of iGaming-friendly jurisdictions. They are working to create an iGaming bill that will take into account consumer and business interests, along with potential revenue streams.