The idea for introducing online gambling activities in several states has been a subject to debates and disagreements for quite some time. At the end of 2014, market analysts kept projecting which would be the states that would legalize online gambling or at least take serious actions in that direction. To a certain extent, their predictions came true, although some of the states expected to legalize online gambling, abandoned the idea.
Meanwhile, the well-known Restoration of America’s Wire Act (RAWA) has managed to gain a lot of proponents, which therefore, posed a threat to the further expansion of the online gambling in the United States.
In point of fact, Delaware gambling officials expressed their concern that if RAWA comes into force, they will be prohibited from providing online gambling services, regarded as critical to the financial condition of the state.
Currently, Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada are the three states where iGaming activities are legalized but we would like to introduce a thorough list of states, likely to follow suit and make the remote gambling a source of stable revenue.
Alabama
Mere days ago, Alabama officials announced that they are considering to bring lottery and online gambling to the state but before that a couple of prerequisites need to be met. Gambling legislation is a subject of approval and the legislation bill itself is expected to be compiled and submitted no later than the first week of May.
What made Alabama authorities and the Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, in particular, opt for online gambling legislation was the fact that they need to fill a considerable gap in the budget. It seems like iGaming is among the few possible alternatives, otherwise tax increase is to be put on the agenda.
Iowa
Apart from Alabama, Iowa lawmakers also eyed the online gambling activities but according to preliminary information, they are more likely to give the green light to the online sale of lottery tickets. Anyway, it is a good start that can lead to further expansion once the lottery venture has a successful outcome.
California
Those who keep themselves informed about the online gambling legislation should have expected California to be included in the list of states likely to provide their residents with iGaming options.
At the beginning of the week, California lawmakers gave their consent to a bill that would legalize online poker in the state. What is more, next month is expected to be critical to the online poker affairs in California as the aforementioned bill will be further discussed. However, the question about the so-called “bad actors” remains unsolved but it has all chances of preventing PokerStars from entering California online poker segment.
Connecticut
In point of fact, Connecticut once considered the online gambling legalization but such a venture was not expected to be quite successful given the small population of the state. If the plans for remote gambling activities are materialized, Connecticut will have no other alternative but to sign interstate agreements with other states in order to avoid failure and insufficient revenue.
Illinois
A few weeks ago, market analysts said that the online gambling legislation has been brought to a standstill but yet, there are some states, including Illinois, believed to legalize iGaming before the end of 2015. What is more, key political figures seem to be among the proponents of such a move, which would undoubtedly accelerate the process.
Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania has been considered to be among those that want a piece of the iGaming pie but surprisingly, a few days ago, an anti-gambling legislation bill was proposed. Once it is passed into law, those who violate the prohibition will be fined. The aim of the Bill, known as HB 1013, is to protect the residents of Pennsylvania by establishing strict rules related to the online gambling and preventing the social issues that may potentially arise.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has never been a state regarded as a gambling Mecca, let alone a state that takes imminent actions towards online gambling legalization. Yet, the last couple of months proved the above statement wrong as online poker seems to be particularly appealing to Rhode Island-based players. For the time being, the legislative matters are in limbo but the growing demand for iGaming options might make state legislators consider such an alternative.
Texas
Strange as it may seem, the birthplace of Texas Hold’em Poker is yet to legalize it. Now, it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel and Texas is going to join California in the legalization of online poker. It is a well-known fact that many Texas residents engage in illegal gambling activities, which leads to thousands of dollars “leakage” every year.
Washington
When it comes to online poker legislation, Washington gambling officials have quite an unusual approach. Back in January, a bill, aimed at legalizing poker for real money was introduced. The reason is the same. The lack of iGaming options makes local players engage in casino games on the unregulated markets. If legalized, online poker is expected to have considerable contribution to state coffers. The idea for signing multistate agreements like the one between Delaware and Nevada was also proposed.
Conclusion
Market analysts pointed several factors valid for all the states mentioned above. According to them, there are common reasons which halt the legalization procedures and some of these are the ineffective advertising, payment issues and last but not least, inability to determine if a player is located within a state where online gambling is allowed.
As for RAWA, the chances to be passed into law are considered slim but still, there is a risk of being legalized.
