The American Gaming Association (AGA) recently released a report discussing the online gambling market in the United States. The study indicated that Michigan residents gamble the most but often wager online instead of at the local casinos.

According to the report, Michigan wagered $1.92 billion on poker, blackjack, and other online casino games. For the third year in a row, the commercial gaming industry has set a revenue record for the state. In 2023, the total revenue for domestic casinos, sportsbooks, and other iGaming platforms was $66.52 billion.

The iGaming industry, with its impressive 22.9% growth from 2022, has emerged as the most popular choice among online bettors. In 2023, the iGaming sector of the online gambling market soared to $6.17 billion in revenue, a testament to its potential and appeal.

Other online gambling states on the market list include New Jersey #2, Pennsylvania #3, Connecticut #4, and West Virginia #5. Only seven states authorize local casinos to operate online from within their borders: New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Since 2021, when Michigan launched its state-regulated online casinos, local casinos have seen a decline. This decline is due to the shift in gambling habits, with more players choosing to wager online. While it was anticipated, the state now had the fourth-largest decline in traditional casino gross gaming revenue for 2023, at 2.7%. This trend is likely to continue as online gambling becomes more popular.

Online Casino Gambling Options

In the United States, residents have many online gambling options due to the lack of federal gambling laws. Since only several states offer casino gambling, many players venture online and wager with offshore casino sites.

Online casinos offer the same style of games you will find in domestic casinos, including slots gambling, blackjack, poker, and specialty games like bingo and keno.

In addition to casinos, US players can access online sports betting sites and virtual poker rooms. Options include betting with Bitcoin and the convenience of playing online from anywhere at any time.

Is Online Betting Legal In The United States?

Yes, US players have access to online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites since there are no federal or, in many cases, state and local ordinances. It is important to check local laws before wagering real money online to ensure you are not in violation, but for the most part, Americans can wager legally with offshore or state-based online gambling sites.

Today, most states have embraced online sports betting sites but need to offer their own state-licensed online casino sites faster. While several states have drafted legislation, the process could have been faster.

Down on the bayou, things are creeping. Well, the Treasure Chest Riverboat Casino in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, is creeping onshore as it looks to open its doors to a new land-based facility.

Over the past 30 years, the Treasure Chest has been a tourist attraction and a community staple. Over the weekend, the casino closed its doors as it prepares for its June 6th grand opening on land.

This past Saturday, at midnight, the last bet was placed on the riverboat. To send the casino off right, a second line of patrons followed the on-site parade around the casino floor. It was a night to remember for local patrons, employees, and the community.

The New Treasure Chest Casino In Kenner

The new Treasure Chest Casino facility will house a 48,000-square-foot gaming floor, four restaurants, and plenty of room dedicated to convention space. Located in the Laketown area on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, the new facility does not resemble a riverboat. Instead, it follows the standard set for a modern-day gaming facility.

Online Gambling Laws In Louisiana

Land-based casinos are not permitted to offer their services online in any parish. However, some parishes allow online sports gambling from domestic casinos and sportsbooks. Online poker sites are also forbidden to reside within state lines, opening the door for out-of-state or offshore casinos to provide their services over the web.

Federal gambling laws only reign over US businesses, and for the most part, the federal government lets states decide.

Many of the offshore gambling sites we review accept players from all 50 states, but there are some exceptions.

Live Dealer Casinos

While some casino staples in New Orleans and the surrounding areas offer live dealer games, atmosphere, and entertainment, some players would like to avoid all the charm while gambling. To satisfy everyone, online live dealer games were born.

While it sounds odd, live dealer casino games from the most trusted offshore betting sites are popular among residents and tourists. Popular live dealer games include blackjack, baccarat, super 6, and roulette.

An Atlantic City gambler found out that her 1.2 million dollar jackpot was voided due to a machine error when Bally’s Casino refused to pay out her winnings.

Roney Beal, a New Jersey resident, told ABC.com she won the big jackpot in February 2024 playing the Wheel of Fortune game. She stated that the match lit up and said, “You’re a winner,” before gold coins popped out. Another nearby player told Roney, “Oh my god, you hit, Lady, you’re a millionaire.”

After Roney hit the button to call for help, a “tilt” message appeared, indicating that the machine had experienced an issue. A casino employee quickly showed up and told Roney that she won nothing and that the machine experienced a “reel tilt.” As a result, the win was voided, and Bally’s Casino refused to pay the winnings.

The popular “Wheel of Fortune” game was also at the center of controversy in 2000 when a player at Harrah’s in New Orleans experienced the same issue. Eventually, the game developer IGT settled that case, paying the man for the slot dispute.

Roney Beal is currently seeking a legal team to take the dispute to court as she is seeking her winnings and an additional $1 million in emotional distress.

How Often Do Player Winnings Get Voided Online?

The only issue we have encountered with player winnings getting voided online is when players break the rules or try to cheat. When those instances occur, offshore betting sites typically lock a player’s account until the issue is settled with the site.

Each site allows different things, but a general rule is that you can’t use software to count cards or display favorable odds. Other issues, such as trying to withdraw bonus funds before you meet the requirements, can also result in account suspension.

Are Online Casinos Legal In All 50 States?

There are no federal gambling laws making online gambling illegal; however, states can pass their own laws concerning the matter. Washington is the only state that has passed a local ordinance banning online gambling activities. Residents and visitors to all other states can legally access the most trusted online casinos with a secure internet connection.

While online casinos often ask their players to abide by state laws concerning the minimum gambling age, many sites will accept anyone over the age of 18. Some online gambling sites require players to be over the age of 21 before accessing their library of games.