When it comes to online gambling, the most popular games are slot machines and video poker. These games are easy to learn and fun to play, with the potential for a huge pay day if you hit a lucky streak. They also work extremely well on mobile devices. Legal iGaming sites are required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards, so your money and personal information is never at risk. Unlike illegal casinos, where playthrough requirements are often incredibly steep (50x deposit plus bonus on $100+ deposits is not uncommon), legal operators have much more reasonable minimum wagering requirements.
The vast majority of state-regulated iCasino offerings feature slot games and other traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette, and video poker. Some offer a combination of these and more modern titles like keno or lottery-style games, while others are focused exclusively on iGaming. The latter have become especially popular as more people use their smartphones to access the internet, and many of those mobile devices are designed to handle touchscreen controls.
As iGaming has expanded across the United States, more states have legalized online casino games as a way to bring regulated gaming to the masses. These states may have different rules and regulations, but they are all working towards the same goal – to allow players to enjoy their favorite games in a safe and convenient environment.
Until recently, New York was not one of these states. However, iGaming has gained traction in the state, and some believe it is only a matter of time before the Empire State approves iCasino products.
New York iGaming is expected to follow similar laws as those in place for sports betting, which means age restrictions and geolocation technology will be key. In addition, the state will have to decide how much it wants to tax iCasino products and players who win.
The United States has a long history of gambling, and the internet has helped open up a world of opportunities. While the country has been reluctant to legalize iCasino games, lawmakers have begun to realize that regulated iGaming is not just convenient and fair for its citizens, but also helps boost local economies.
While the Federal Wire Act of 1961 still prevents real-money online gambling, a 2011 re-interpretation has made it possible for states to form interstate compacts to share player pools. This has helped to make iCasino platforms far more reliable and secure, while also opening up new opportunities for both players and states.
Currently, the only states where online casino games are available are New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Michigan, which has three commercial casinos and 20 tribal gaming facilities, is in the process of bringing its own online options to market. However, the state’s delays in getting its iGaming industry launched have been more than frustrating for those eager to try their luck. With the right push, New York can join this group of early adopters and give its residents access to a wide variety of iCasino games.