Over 30 US states have legalized domestic sports betting, with a majority of them featuring options for online and mobile play. In states where there are web-based sportsbooks, the revenue collections are much higher than in those where only in-person locations are present.
The major reason is convenience, as gamblers do not have to travel anywhere to wager on sports. However, making a profit on sports betting requires volume, and that’s exactly what online sportsbooks deliver.
The profit margins are much higher when providing casino games. In fact, in-person sports betting mostly serves as a perk for casino customers. Operators hope that featuring a sportsbook will attract players to their more profitable table games and real money slots.
Naturally, online casinos would produce revenue streams that would exceed what sports betting brings in, but it is only available in eight states at this time.
States Where Online And Mobile Casinos Are Legal
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Michigan
- Nevada (poker only)
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island (no online casinos open yet – coming next month)
- West Virginia
So, why aren’t online casinos and poker rooms expanding at the rate of internet sports betting? Some of the hesitation is based on the potential impact that they will have on in-person casinos and card rooms.
Some experts suggest that the effect on retail casino customers will be minimal. Supporting rationale could be that some players desire to belly up to the felt or personally touch the buttons on a slot machine on a noisy gaming floor.
Online poker is incredibly popular, but seasoned players require head-to-head competition to learn the tells and physical actions of other gamblers at the table.
Still, there’s no doubt that some dropoff will occur if online casinos and poker rooms become common in the United States. It hasn’t been significant enough in the above-listed states to create a sizable dent, so perhaps their harmonious example will one day prove contagious around the country.
Another perk of the existence of online casinos is their availability during all conditions. In 2020, in-person casinos suffered greatly due to stop-and-go closures related to COVID-19.
No matter where you are in the country, players can sign up with a casino or poker site that operates offshore. We recommend limiting your options to the sites we feature here because they’ve passed our lofty requirements and deliver fast payouts of winnings.
These gambling sites are legal to sign up with because they are only subject to their local laws. There is no stopping international online poker rooms and casinos from drawing revenue domestically, but locally regulated options do seize a large chunk of the market.
Source: The Associated Press