Emma Oosthuizen
MY PAGE
Latest posts by Emma Oosthuizen (see all)

Casinos have existed since the beginning of time. At the very least, it appears to be the case. There has always been a demand for legalized gambling (not to mention illegal gambling), but many regions are hesitant to go all in because of a perceived immoral cloud that hangs over the activity.

Again, similar to the lottery, which provides supplemental funding to educational institutions, states, and other areas that allow casinos to operate benefit financially. Regardless, there will always be people with strong opinions who hold their beliefs close to their hearts. This has resulted in a relatively small number of casinos, at least in the United States.

This, of course, refers primarily to traditional casinos, which have been the only type that has existed for hundreds of years. A quick leap forward in time brings us to the present, where everything is starting to shift to digital format. And I don’t mean anything. I believe it will be several years before we start chewing on ones and zeros.

Since the dawn of the digital age, irregular betting and gambling, also known as iGaming and online casinos, have proliferated.

What exactly is iGaming?

What exactly do people mean when they say “iGaming”? Simply put, it’s a more appealing alternative to the phrase “online gambling.” It includes almost every wager placed on online sports, poker, and casinos, as well as other online gambling venues. You’ve probably seen it in advertisements for large corporations like FanDuel and DraftKings. The total value of the online gaming industry is close to $100 billion.

It is also linked to land-based casino establishments that have developed their online gambling platforms that adhere to the specific regulations of the state or region. Despite high demand, online casinos have struggled to expand because they are subject to stringent regulation and have few opportunities for innovation.

The success of FanDuel and DraftKings can be attributed in part to their emphasis on the overall user experience. Although serious gamblers will bet in almost any setting, you will need to attract a larger customer base to establish a solid foothold and fully support an online operation.

This foothold must include a nearly completely immersive gambling experience. In other words, they will want to create an experience that is nearly identical to being in a real-life casino. If you work with the right third-party tech designers, you will be able to complete this task. Be creative. Be daring.

Despite this, some legal constraints prevent online casinos from reaching their full potential. This is not an anarchistic operation. They are only permitted to provide certain games (such as slot machines) in specific locations. It’s not that things aren’t improving; it’s just that progress is slow at best.

The Current Legal Situation Concerning Online Casinos

Although several states have passed or reversed legislation favorable to online casinos, it is the federal government that has put a crimp in the expansion of iGaming. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the Interstate Wire Act into law. It is also known as the Federal Wire Act in some circles.

The application of this law results in the regulation of gambling done over the internet. It is ironic given that it was enacted many years before the internet was even invented and decades before the World Wide Web became meaningfully accessible to the general public.

The Federal Wire Act makes it illegal to transmit or wire any information or payments related to sports betting activity. It is now illegal for gaming entities to accept money over the internet as a result of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA). Even though payment processors can accept money from any state where online gambling is legal, it is still a significant barrier for any operation to overcome.

Because of these two laws, the explosive growth of online gambling, which would unquestionably benefit the US economy if allowed to continue, has been stifled. Individual states have taken it upon themselves to legalize internet gambling in response to these federal mandates. This is done to avoid falling within the scope of any federal law restrictions.

The Future of Internet Gambling and Virtual Casinos

Given the consistent progress made toward the legalization of all forms of online gambling in the United States, there is no doubt that online casinos will play a significant role in our future. Traditional land-based casinos have never had much room for growth. When you have a gambling urge, the first thing that comes to mind is “Hey, let’s go to Atlantic City for the weekend” or “I’m planning a trip to Vegas.”

Thanks to online casinos, you can enjoy the thrill of gambling without ever having to leave your couch. Start the appropriate app and place your bets there. Unfortunately, the United States of America has a Puritanical history that is so deeply ingrained in its culture that it cannot see certain things as anything other than evil.

While the fight in the United States continues, many countries around the world are on a roll when it comes to online gambling. Take the country of England, for example. At any of the numerous casino websites based in the United Kingdom, you can play online poker, Blackjack, place sports bets, and much more.

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission regulates and polices online casino games. They may advertise their gambling services as long as they comply with the Gambling Act of 2005 and have been “whitelisted” by the Commission.

Summary

When it comes to gambling, including online gambling, the United States may not be as progressive as the United Kingdom, but they are making progress. The future of online gambling will be a highly regulated, immersive casino experience that does not require players to leave their homes.

Before you dive into online gambling, make sure you are by the laws of your home state. Do not assume that you are completely aware of your region’s position on the issue. Many states are working hard to make life easier for their citizens. You may live in one of the few places where marijuana is already legal.