The online gambling landscape is continuously shifting. As technology advances and more jurisdictions legalize online betting, new legislation aims to keep up with the changes. In the United States and across the globe, lawmakers are looking at updating outdated laws or implementing new regulatory frameworks. What could the future of online gambling legislation look like?
The Current Legal Landscape
As of late 2022, 30 states have legalized some form of retail or online gambling. These range from retail and mobile sports betting to online casinos on poker or Wolf Treasure real money game. However, most states still prohibit most forms of internet gaming. The exceptions are Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut.
Globally, many countries allow some online betting, but regulations vary widely. Some markets like the UK and Malta have established licensing and regulatory bodies. Others take a more closed approach. Many jurisdictions are updating their laws to keep pace with the online sector.
Continued State-By-State Legalization
Despite lingering opposition, the US seems to be trending towards increased legalization of online gambling. With successful markets already operational in multiple states, others are likely to follow. Industry experts predict around 35 to 40 states could legalize retail or online gambling by 2025.
High on the list are large states like California, Florida and Texas. These states could open billion-dollar markets if legislatures pass bills. With huge potential tax revenues, legalization feels imminent despite past failures. The complicating factors are complex tribal compacts and operator lobbying.
Potential Federal Regulation
Along with state movements, federal oversight of the online gambling industry could also happen. There have been several attempts at legislation over the past decade. They focused largely on consumer protections and granting states the power to regulate markets as they see fit.
While early efforts failed to gain traction, Congress has shown increasing interest. It’s possible we could see a regulatory framework emerge that allows states to legalize while enforcing standards. Issues like geo-blocking technology, age verification, responsible gaming, and data security require attention. Federal commission oversight makes sense.
We could see something materialize in 2023 or 2024. It depends on lobbying efforts and bipartisanship, but the appetite is growing. States’ rights will likely curb anything too restrictive. The goal seems to be protecting consumers while facilitating open markets.
Global Regulation and Shared Liquidity
In Europe, regulation continues to evolve as well. Many EU members have mature regulatory bodies already. They manage licensing, compliance, consumer protections, and responsible gaming initiatives.
Bloc-wide legislation like GDPR impacts how operators manage and protect player data. Other EU directives focus specifically on the gaming sector.
The UK Gambling Commission is updating its critical license requirements for operators. This includes affordability checks, identifying markers of harm and strictings rules around bonuses and advertising. Rules like a source of funds evaluation may spread to other jurisdictions over time.
Many regulatory agencies also want to open shared player pools. Multi-state compacts allow conjoined live dealer tables and slot jackpots. They also improve liquidity for online poker. We will likely see an acceleration of shared player pools across state or country lines.
The Challenges of Regulating New Technologies
Emerging technologies present challenges for lawmakers trying to regulate online gambling. While legislation aims to cover relevant domains, innovations add complexity.
Two areas that need attention are blockchain-based betting and siru mobile casino in the emerging metaverse. Smart contract protocols that offer a trustless exchange of value introduce new problems like the cross-border movement of assets. And immersive gambling environments connecting users across the globe require oversight.
Regulators will likely treat blockchain platforms and metaverse casinos similarly to current online betting sites. But expect additional layers of legislation specific to these emerging technologies. Managing issues like identity verification and geo-restrictions calls for a global perspective.
The Ever-Changing Future
While the above provides a good outline of what to expect, it’s ultimately hard to predict the future landscape. Online gambling legislation and regulation evolve rapidly, with new challenges arising constantly. Complex political landscapes mean derailment or delays in once-promising bills.
However, the end goal is typically increased legalization and regulation. Lawmakers want to empower player choice while implementing safeguards. Mature markets demonstrate that this framework succeeds.
With so much momentum, we anticipate many more jurisdictions opening retail and online gambling over the next five years. How federal and state laws sync up remains to be seen. One thing we know is that the remaining issues invite innovative solutions.