For a lot of new online sports bettors, there is a concern that online sports betting is illegal. The reality is, however, that online sports betting is legal in most areas. Despite some people’s misinterpretations of laws, the United States, for the most part, allows online sports betting. They don’t advocate it and they are not particularly thrilled that operators exist who serve US customers, but they can’t do anything about it. Certain sportsbooks have decided to not accept US customers, but this is a decision that they have made on their own. In 2006, the UIGEA was passed one night in the late hours while no one even knew what was happening. The intent of this bill was to help reduce online gaming, but it did not say that United States citizens could not place wagers on sports. There are some people who claim that the “Wire Act” and other various bills and laws are applicable to US sports bettors, but they are not.

What is Illegal in Online Sports Betting?

While US sports bettors are allowed to place bets on the internet, they are not free to start their own sports betting website. Online sportsbooks are run out of various remote islands and locations. These companies typically operate in jurisdictions where sports betting is actually regulated, but 100% legal. It would be a major crime if a US citizen decided to run their own online sports betting site out of the United States. There are major licensing guidelines that must be followed by any place where wagering is allowed in the US. This is why a random person can’t start a casino in their house. For online sports betting, however, there are no options available. It is possible that a corporation could found a new brick and mortar casino that accepted sports bets (though it would be very costly), but no one is allowed to create an online sports betting site in the US.

It is illegal for banks to knowingly process online wagering or gaming deposits. These deposit attempts are supposed to be stopped by banks in the United States. This is what the UIGEA (which was passed in 2006) states. Most banks, however, do not stop the majority of online gaming deposits and transactions. Part of the reason for this is because they don’t know how to identify these transactions. Another reason why is because they don’t want to. Some banks are more against online gaming than others. Banks are primarily concerned with online gaming transactions because they have a higher rate of fraud and chargebacks, both of which hurt the bank’s bottom line. If you are making deposits with your own credit card (or whichever method you prefer, be it e-checks otherwise), there is nothing to worry about. The worst case scenario is that your bank blocks your attempted deposit. There is nothing illegal about attempting to make a deposit, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the law when making a deposit onto an online sports betting site.

What is Legal in Online Sports Betting?

Betting on sports on the internet is legal. You should always check your state’s local laws, but the majority of US territories allow online bets to be placed. If a site accepts US sports bettors, it means that they are allowed to serve you. Always make sure that you are using a trustworthy sports betting website, because shady companies come and go on the internet all the time. For non US sports bettors, there is even less to worry about. There is no shortage of major online sports betting websites that advertise at sporting events and on TV. In the US, poker is advertised on TV and in some publications and even at some sports events, but sports betting is seldom seen. For whatever reason, online sports betting has a negative connotation that poker just doesn’t have to deal with. Nonetheless, there are a lot of great sports betting sites that accept US sports bettors.

Withdrawals are exempt from the 2006 UIGEA bill. If you have money in an online sports betting (or any type of online gaming) account, you are allowed to make a withdrawal. Banks do not have to stop a check or transfer made by an online sports betting site to your bank account. It is the bank’s job to keep an eye on internet gaming transactions, but they are absolutely not required (or even supposed) to stop a withdrawal or payment. If your bank decides to not process a withdrawal, you should find a new bank, because they are misinterpreting the law. Luckily, the majority of banks understand the law, and do not give their customers any trouble. There is nothing to worry about when depositing or initiating an online sports betting payout or withdrawal.

Future of Legal Online Sports Betting

In the future, many in the online sports betting industry are hopeful that online gaming will be completely regulated. This would not only make it easier for major US gambling corporations to enter the online market, but it would make online sports betting that much easier for US players. In the next few years, even months, there should be a lot of progress in the US as regulated online sports betting gets closer and closer. The ultimate goal is for online sports betting to work in the same way as any other industry. One day there is plans for online sports betting sites to be publicly traded companies. They would be able to advertise just as any other company would be able to, and there wouldn’t be any unfair discrimination. The United States Government is getting closer to regulating online sports betting, but there is progress being made. Online sports betting will be universal fun worldwide sooner rather than later. There won’t be any shady business, bettors will feel more comfortable placing bets, and everyone will be happy.