The subject of Bitcoin gambling has always been a contentious one for the American gambling community. Recently there has been positive movement in favor of the playing public in the way of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 being overturned by the judiciary. However, members of the gambling community are understandably concerned regarding what is legal and are they safe to gamble online (with Bitcoin) under the current laws.
Is Bitcoin Gambling Legal in the USA?
This is the question on the forefront of most American gamblers and visitors to their shores. It is safe to say that gambling on the whole is legal under federal law, however, each state has different restrictions pertaining to their particular legislation.
Sports Betting was previously only allowed in Nevada but with the overturning of PASPA, more states are either actively providing or talking about being active Bitcoin sports betting states. These include:
New Jersey
They were the original challengers of the PASPA legislation. On June 11, 2018 wagering was formalized and made legal in the state. They will also legalize online gambling, with Bitcoin casinos and tracks starting to open their online gaming sites to the paying public.
New York
There was an existing law in New York allowing 4 of their top commercial Casinos to legally practice. This holds true still and we wait to see when casino, sports and Bitcoin betting will be opened up.
Delaware
This state was at the front of the queue when it came to gain legal single-game betting, besides Nevada. Sports betting can be accessed at the 3 horse race tracks open.
Delaware is also planning to roll out mobile gambling in the very near future.
West Virginia
WV became the 5th state to legalize Sports betting in its state in August 2018. They are the first to provide players in their state with a regulated sports gambling platform.
Mississippi
At the end of July 2018 sports betting became legal in Mississippi covering the NFL, major Baseball leagues, Nascar, Golf and Boxing.
Rhode Island
As part of its budget in 2017, RI made sports betting legal within its two casinos. They have no plans at this stage to offer online or Bitcoin gambling.
Pennsylvania
This is the newest kid on the block and is currently rigorously busy with new regulations regarding online gambling and sports book betting. If they are not live by the end of 2018, it will certainly be by 2019.
Nevada
The Godfather of Casino state has been around since 1949 as the Casino Capital. While they now have competition, the monopoly is largely theirs. All gambling is legal in Nevada and that includes Bitcoin.
Over 18 only. Terms & Conditions apply.