U.S. Online Gamblers Confused About How to Select Legal Online Gambling Websites

When people experience something new and different, they usually have to make some adjustments to the way they think or act. As state after state passes online gambling legislation, it puts each individual in each respective state in an unfamiliar position. They find themselves having to figure out how to discern legal online betting sites from the illegal operators.

Conscious Gaming, a nonprofit group that works closely with an online gambling technology firm, recently did a survey in states in the Northeast where all forms of online gambling are legal. That would include New Jersey and Pennsylvania, two of the first states to legalize online sports betting and casino gambling. The results of the survey were nothing short of perplexing.

Out of 500 people surveyed in the two aforementioned states, it turns out that almost 30% of the respondents were completely unaware that online gambling was even legal. Furthermore, the survey left indications that as many as 75% of the respondents had no idea how to distinguish legal online gambling websites from the ones that are operating in the U.S. without licensing.

As the U.S. online gambling market matures, these kinds of numbers point squarely to potential problems on the horizon. The bottom line is the gambling industry and regulators need to do a better job communicating with end-users, the gamblers themselves.

According to Seth Palansky, a vice president at Conscious Gaming, "Now more than ever we must educate consumers and equip them with the tools to make more informed decisions about online betting.” His comment came in response to the fact that the current COVID19 pandemic has been a catalyst to send more people seeking refuge to online gambling sites.

Admittedly, being able to discern a legal gambling site from a legal one is a difficult task for novice gamblers. It is something that needs addressing sooner than later to minimize potential problems. To that end, here are several ways to separate legal gambling sites from illegal gambling sites:

• Look for or inquire about licensing, which should be available from the state
  
• If a gambling website lists Bitcoin (crypto) as a banking option, it is an illegal site because Bitcoin has not yet been approved in the New Jerseys gambling community as a viable means of exchange
  
• Read recent reviews for the relevant sportsbook or online casino
  

Remember, it is ultimately the gambler's responsibility to make sure they are following state laws.