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Posted on July 8, 2025 in Arizona Law
Online gambling might seem like a modern convenience, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. In fact, online gambling laws vary significantly from state to state across the U.S. Some states allow a wide range of legal online betting options, while others strictly prohibit it. If you’re caught gambling illegally online, you could face serious criminal consequences.
Here’s what you need to know about the legal landscape of internet gambling and when you might need to talk to a criminal defense lawyer.
The U.S. doesn’t have one nationwide law that either legalizes or bans all forms of online gambling. Instead, federal law mostly leaves it up to the states. However, there are some key national laws that impact the types of gambling that are allowed.
One of the most important is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA). This law doesn’t make online gambling illegal by itself; it just prevents financial institutions from processing payments related to illegal internet gambling. The law gives each state the power to decide what is legal or not within its borders.
That’s why gambling legally in one state might still be illegal in another. Since the law is often evolving, it’s critical to stay informed or speak with an attorney if you’re unsure of your rights.
A growing number of states have legalized online gambling in some form. For instance, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and a few other states currently allow a full range of online gambling, including casino games and poker.
Several other states, including Arizona, have legalized online sports betting, but not online casinos. Other examples include New York, Colorado, and Illinois.
It’s important to note that even in states where gambling is legal, the websites must be licensed and regulated by the state. Using offshore or unlicensed sites (even just as a player) can result in criminal charges in some jurisdictions.
Although many states have moved to legalize some form of online gambling, others have not followed suit. In several parts of the country, such as in Hawaii, Idaho, Alabama, Georgia, and many others, the laws are still restrictive, unclear, or simply outdated when it comes to internet-based betting.
The law in the area is evolving quickly, so it’s critical to make sure that you understand what is allowed and what isn’t before placing a bet online. If you’re in doubt, it won’t hurt to reach out to an attorney for legal advice.
The consequences for violating online gambling laws vary depending on the state. In some places, the penalties might involve a fine. In others, you could face:
In addition, operators of illegal gambling sites face much steeper consequences, including federal charges in some cases.
Online gambling in the U.S. is still a legal gray area in many places. Just because a site accepts your bet doesn’t mean it’s legal in your state. In fact, it’s your responsibility as a user to know the law where you live.
If you’re not sure what’s legal or if you’ve already been accused of illegal gambling, reach out to Orent Law Offices to set up a free case review with an experienced defense lawyer.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
