Gambling in the USA

Gambling Laws in the USA Explained – NJ + South Dakota State Legislation Examples

Published

3 years ago

March 11, 2022

Gambling laws in the US may seem complex, but once you break them down, they actually make perfect sense. It all begins with Federal Law passed through Congress where there is a ban on American financial institutions allowing players to fund any type of online gambling accounts.

If caught, the fine is exorbitant to say the least, so naturally the financial arena in the US obliged by banning all online casino transactions. Even crypto wallets based in the US are susceptible to fines if caught allowing US subscribers to fund an overseas online casino account. However, state level laws can override Federal law using land-based casino licenses where taxes on gambling revenue are still applicable.

Explanation of how US online casinos can operate under land-based casino licensing

To explain further, New Jersey is perhaps one of the best examples to use. Land-based casinos have licences to operate in Atlantic City—the only place where casinos are legal in the state under the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC).

Next, under the Division of Gaming Enforcement’s Licensing Forms (NJDGE), online casino brands can apply for a partnership under one of the land-based casinos. For example, you can check out this virgin-casino review, which is a US online casino available in New Jersey under the Tropicana Atlantic City land-based casino licence. As long as Virgin Casino operates its online gambling servers on the premises of Atlantic City’s Tropicana land-based casino, players that connect with these servers are effectively betting inside the casino.

As a result, betting using US dollars is legal, and financial institutions can legally offer deposit and withdrawal methods with these casinos. Adding to this, if you search for legal/licensed online casinos in New Jersey, you will also see the Tropicana online casino is another option.

Both Virgin and Tropicana online casinos operate under the same Tropicana land-based casino license and, as such, revenue earned via the online casino is clubbed together and reported to the Inland Revenue for tax purposes.

Explanation of states that use different frameworks for multiple gambling verticals (South Dakota)

Both online sports betting and online casinos can operate in the Garden State under the laws laid out by the NJDGE. However, in some states, online gambling is illegal, while making deposits to online and/or mobile sports betting are legal. This may seem odd at first, but in effect, both gambling verticals operate under different laws in some states. Then there are separate land-based sports betting, horse racing, and casino laws that do not coincide with online gambling laws. In South Dakota, there are different laws for all verticals.

South Dakota Gambling Laws:

Online Horse Racing—legal framework in place (Permitted)
Land-based Horse Racing—legal framework in place (Permitted)
Dog Racing—no legal framework (Not permitted)
Online Casinos—no legal framework (Not permitted)
Land-based Casinos—legal framework in place (Permitted for certain games)
Poker—legal framework in place (Permitted)
Online Sports Betting—no legal framework (Not permitted)
Land-based Sport Betting—no legal framework (Not permitted)
Fantasy Sports Betting—no legal framework (Not permitted although some confusion)
Lottery—legal framework in place (Permitted)

As you can see, in South Dakota, the laws allow online and land-based horse racing bets. Yet, this does not fall under sports betting, which refers to football, soccer, basketball, and so on. Meanwhile, no forms of online casino gambling have a legal framework in place. Lottery is permitted thanks to a 1986 constitutional amendment approved by voters.

Land Based Casino Games Permitted in South Dakota

In 1989, land-based ‘Video Keno’, ‘Bingo’, and ‘Video Poker’ came to South Dakota as the first casino games to legally operate in the state. Shortly after, casinos in Deadwood would come to town via a vote that made casinos legal here to save the city’s economy.

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Land-based casino games now legal in South Dakota’s Deadwood:

Video Slots
Blackjack
Poker
Craps/Roulette
Video Keno
Bingo
Video Poker

Casinos must abide by maximum bet limits on each game and the number of tables, slots, or other gaming machines allowed on the premises. With the laws regularly changing, the city is now a popular casino destination with over 40 land-based establishments operating today.

Why is it important to understand the different state laws?

If you are looking to gamble legally in the US whether online, retail, or at a land-based casino establishment, through this guide, you will now be aware that some states are straightforward with their laws, while others have various laws across multiple verticals.

New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and Connecticut have the most straightforward laws for pretty much all forms of gambling. Nevada is fairly straightforward legalising all forms of gambling online and land-based with the exception of online casinos. Then there are states you will need to do a little more research on, such as South Dakota, where gambling laws are applied to a variety of different verticals. Now you know what to look out for, you can travel across the country and know what to look for before deciding whether you can legally gamble.

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Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Published

2 weeks ago

April 25, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.

Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage

The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.

Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved

The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.

Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions

Among key licensing matters:

500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.

Key Employee Licensing Actions

The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:

Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny

The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.

Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.

Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals

Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:

HCAL, LLC
JCM Global
Konami Gaming, Inc.
PDS Gaming, LLC

Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.

Notable Withdrawals and Denials

In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.

A Broader Look Ahead

With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.

Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

Peter Tolan

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.

Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.

The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.

On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.

Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”

For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”

Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Published

1 month ago

April 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.

“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.

The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.

“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.