Why Is Gambling Illegal in Some US States?
If you are wondering why gambling is illegal in some states, the answer to that is not always cut and dry. As a matter of fact, some forms of gambling are actually legal in all states, which makes it tricky to determine whether or not you might be breaking any state laws in a friendly game of poker, for example, or placing a sports bet online. Having said that, the reasons why gambling can be considered illegal are fairly standard in all 50 states – it’s a matter of what each state’s legislature deems problematic in their own state.
Common Reasons Behind Gambling Laws
To get a better idea as to why gambling may be considered illegal, let’s first look at some of the most common reasonings. Of primary importance is when there is an unfair advantage on the side of the house. This would be when it is almost always impossible for the person wagering to win – ever. It’s all about the redistribution of wealth in ways that the house almost always wins. When it comes to online gambling, it is somehow difficult to perceive if the software favors the house, so some states just outlaw online gambling altogether. Other states go the extra mile to investigate various online casinos and have found many to be above board. Online gambling in the state of Michigan is deemed to be legal and so those living within the state lines can safely wager bets on games, play in online casinos, and even play bingo for a chance at winning a huge jackpot. Michigan has found that online gaming is, for the most part, safe and fair.
How Gambling Affects Citizens
One of the reasons why many states take a closer look at whether or not gambling should be legal are the psychological and sociological affects gambling has on the citizens of that state. The way in which gambling socially or financially affects both the players and those around them is a huge consideration. In other words, addiction plays a determining factor. Often this is more prevalent in decisions as to whether or not land-based casinos should be allowed. This can lead to dominance and oppression which is why many states, most states in fact, have outlawed land-based casinos. However, many of these states do allow online gaming and gambling because the threat is much less prevalent online than in local casinos.
A Word About Online Gambling
Here is another often misunderstood aspect of online gambling. While some states have deemed online gambling illegal in their states, it generally refers to online casinos operating in their state rather than offshore gambling casinos. It can get a bit tricky because each state views it differently, but for the most part, if a casino is based in another country, then online gambling is probably not strictly forbidden. The best thing to do if you are unsure as to whether or not you would be allowed to place a wager in an offshore casino from the state in which you reside, it would be best to check the gambling commission in your state. Their website should give you all the information you need.
Tribal Casinos
Here is another area that can be a bit sketchy. While it has always been thought that casinos being operated on tribal lands fell outside of the jurisdiction of state and federal laws, there are 19 states without tribal casinos as well. Therefore, you will not find tribal casinos in those states. It could be that there is not a tribal federation in those states, but for whatever reason, this is why so many people will travel to surrounding states to visit a land-based casino or simply visit an online casino which costs much less and also tends to increase one’s odds at placing a winning wager.
The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, there are really only two places in the United States where land-based casinos and gambling are permitted outside tribal casinos. Those cities would be Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada. While there are several states that do allow online casinos and many states allow tribal casinos, offshore casinos still remain the most popular ways to wager a bet. You will find warnings on every reputable site about the dangers of gambling addiction, and they will further counsel you to get help if gambling is a problem for you. The one thing you should be left with is that if gambling is outlawed in your state and you are found guilty of violating laws, a stiff penalty could be imposed on you. For this reason, online gambling is often the safest way to play your games of choice or to bet on various sports when available. It is always better to be safe than sorry and, in this case, being sorry can add up to much more than you stand to lose at an online roulette wheel!
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