Even though online betting and gambling is not legal in a large number of states, access to such platforms is becoming widespread. And, because of this, more players are able to access sports betting sites.
There are also a large number of hugely popular sports events in the USA, including the Super Bowl, which encourages bettors to enjoy a bet or two. And with increased accessibility to sports sites, this is going to be even higher.
Sports Gambling Legalization
Back in 2018, the US Supreme Court legalized online betting. However, the specific legalization was left up to each state. This means that some states jumped on this immediately, quickly legalizing and regulating online gambling in all forms. Many states have been slower to do this, while some are not making moves to legalize gambling in any form whatsoever.
But, according to Bettor In Green, this hasn’t stopped the steady increase in US players placing a wager or two on sports. Part of this is because horse racing betting is still widely available in many states that have yet to legalize other forms of gambling. Yes, sports betting is restricted, but many states allow betting at the track to be permitted.
Of course, a growing number of states have legal sportsbooks available online. This means that players have access to a huge number of sports betting options. Not just sports within the US, but from around the world, too. And, with more states legalizing betting, more visitors from around the US come to place bets. Betting holidays are on the rise as wannabe punters travel across borders to place bets on events in states where doing so is legal. Many of these sites also have easily downloadable apps, allowing players to place bets on the go, as long as they are within a legal state.
Alternative sports betting options
Of course, there are also offshore betting sites available. These are not licensed or regulated in the US, but typically located and registered in countries such as Curaçao. Due to rather hazy or gray areas within betting laws, many states who have yet to, or do not intend to, legalize sports betting, allow offshore betting to occur. For many US players, these sites are accessible and legal, which has further increased betting in the country.
Additionally, fantasy sportsbooks have long been an established option across the country. These sites allow players to create teams in different sports, earning points and potential rewards should they score points and do well with their team as a whole. These sites don’t see players win money, but they do encourage this type of gambling behavior.
Unfortunately, this is a growing concern in the US. While online gambling is just a hobby for many, it can mean something far more sinister for other players. With unfettered access to betting sites, there is a concern that problem gambling or gambling addiction might increase as well. As such, it could oblige many of the states yet to license gambling, to implement it alongside stricter regulations to help players.
