Here, we will look into how the online casino industry in the US has increased in popularity over recent years and the market boom since Planet Poker launched in 1998.
Introduction
The US online gambling market had an estimated value of 2,178.29 million in 2020, according to Mordor Intelligence. Throughout history, America has had a fondness for gambling, as proven by famous casino mechas like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. In recent years, the online gambling industry has rapidly increased users across the United States, something we believed was worth researching.
What is an online casino?
An is an establishment where players can enjoy their favorite casino games from the comfort of their own homes or anywhere with an internet connection. Players at these casinos can enjoy various authentic-feeling games such as live Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette; they can also play a multitude of video slots and various other games. Unlike in brick and mortar establishments, players use digital currency to place wagers on games such as bank transfers, E-wallets, and cryptocurrency.
The Appeal of Online Casinos
<p>Apart from the obvious advantage of playing your favorite games at home or on the move using mobile or tablet devices, there are a lot of features moving users to online play. The selection of games at the touch of a button available from online casino sites offers some of the most popular games at the press of a button. As well as classic casino table games and slots, these sites can offer players live or video bingo games, scratchcards, and many more niche game genres to try out. This, combined with brilliant customer service features, informative guides, and great promotional offers, results in a brilliant casino experience.</p>
Casino Bonuses
Players can collect multiple different bonuses when using online casinos; almost everyone offers a signup bonus, with many providing more bonuses to repeat players. These bonuses can offer new players free spins of specific slots, game credits to enjoy based on their initial deposit, and even money back from certain losses during play. Repeat players of a specific game might find they are awarded several free plays of that game as a reward providing the chance to win free of charge. Online casino bonuses are a great feature of sites that attract new players and reward those that use that site regularly.
Rising Popularity
How and why has the US online casino market grown in recent years? The most notable increase in online casino use came during the Covid19 pandemic when brick and mortar casinos closed their doors. This saw a huge influx in players signing up for casino sites with their favorite table games and slots available during the lockdown. Another reason for the continued growth of this market could be the expanding selection of games on offer; with developers releasing titles regularly, there is more choice than ever.
Online Casino State by State
Online gambling is legal in most states now, except for Utah and Hawaii, although that could change in the future. A major shift came in 2011 when the Department of Justice released a legal opinion that the 1961 Wire Act applies only to sports betting and not online gaming. This allowed states to legalize and regulate online gambling, with Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey the first to legalize online casino play. Another shift in online casino play came in 2018 after the Supreme Court ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act unconstitutional. Before that, only four states were exempt; however, any state can now legally seek to make sports betting legal and regulated.
Popular Casino Games in the United States
The huge list of online slots available in the states makes them one f the most popular features among online casino players. Slot games from the big-name developers such as NetEnt, Play N Go, and Pragmatic Play are the most popular, with titles like Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, and Big Bass Bonanza. According to casinos, around 16% of gamblers said Blackjack was their favorite game; with video and live titles on offer, it is little wonder 21 is so popular amongst gamers. Many traditional casino table games are popular online; from Poker to Roulette, Baccarat to Craps, the selection is likened to having Las Vegas on your computer screen. Along with the games you would expect from online casino sites, they also offer bingo and many more exciting and innovative live games to play.
United States Gambling Industry
According to the American Gaming Association, the US gambling industry employs 1.7 million people. Although the legality of various types of gambling changes state by state, this industry’s contribution to the economy is clear, paying out $8.85 billion in state and local taxes in 2016. Gambling in the USA is categorized into Commercial Casinos, Native American Casinos, Scratchcards, and Sports betting, each with different laws and regulations.
Responsible Gambling
Activists against gambling claim that it leads to crime, corruption, and, in some cases, addiction. Most online gambling sites include features to help players who are worried their gambling is becoming a problem. This includes helpline phone numbers, deposit or time on site limits, and the ability to self-exclude from the site. The effort gone into making sure users gamble responsibly has increased with the industry ensuring players responsibly enjoy the games on offer
Summary
The US online casino industry is growing rapidly, and the players are enjoying what these sites offer. Now that pandemic restrictions have subsided, will players return to the brick-and-mortar casinos or stay at home enjoying games online? There is now a demographic of players that have never experienced a physical Blackjack table but are enjoying the online titles available. Remember always to gamble responsibly.