WHERE ARE SOCIAL CASINOS LEGAL IN THE US?
Elen StelmakhThe online casino world has always been subject to several barriers that social casinos are now addressing. Take the example of cost. Many players got locked out of games because they could not afford to pay for wagers. But players who sign up for social casinos in the US don’t need to worry about this limitation. All games are free. While players may opt to pay for features that help them level up faster, this is not a requirement.
Another huge barrier to online casinos has been regulation. For a long time, authorities have barred online casinos from operating in several states and have thus forced players to either forego games or play on international sites that may look the other way. However, social casinos do not have this limitation. This guide will cover their legal environment and how players can take advantage of this development.
Are Social Casinos Legal?
Authorities bar online casinos from operating as their games feature real money elements. Players must pay to access the games, and they stand the chance to win money. As such, this constitutes gambling and is thus illegal. But what laws apply to demo or free games offered by online casinos? According to the law, these games are offered to players to draw them to the real money games and are thus associated with gambling. Even if players only play these demo games, they would violate gambling laws if their state does not allow such games.
So, how do social casinos differ? These casinos allow players to enjoy games at no cost. Their free games are not a platform to introduce players to real money games. Instead, they are the premise of the sites. Say, for example, a player gets 10 credits to use in a game. They can use the credits until they are over. At that point, the player may have to do something to gain more credits, e.g., wait a certain period, complete a challenge, etc. Once the player has enough credits, they can keep playing. All the winnings are virtual, and the player can use these virtual credits on subsequent games but cannot cash them out.
This lack of real earnings differentiates social and online casinos. And since players can enjoy these games without gambling, most states allow social casinos to operate.
Where Are Social Casinos Legal?
One aspect of social games that stands out to authorities is the ability to spend money on the games. When a player runs out of free credits, they can opt not to complete a challenge and instead buy more credits with real money. For example, a player can spend $10 to get a package to play 100 games without running out of credits. While the player won't earn real money from virtual wins, this exchange does not sit well with all states.
So, where can players enjoy social casinos? US states set their own gaming rules, and most have no issue with these sites. However, players in the following regions should note that their governments do not permit such games:
- Idaho,
- Washington, and
- Michigan.
States that permit these games require the following:
- The games must be free: While sites may offer players the chance to level up faster using special paid features, the games should essentially be free.
- The rules should be clear: Players should understand what the games constitute, how to play, and what outcomes they can expect.
Some states have additional rules regarding the prize limits and the payout processes.
How to Take Advantage of Legal Social Casinos
If you live in a state where social casinos are legal, you can make the best of the situation in the following ways:
- Learn how to play a specific game so you can progress in it,
- Use the virtual credits to understand how best to manage your money, and
- Interact with other players to get tips on your game choice.
Social casinos are fun interactive spaces where you can relax, meet new people, and challenge yourself, resulting in positive cognitive benefits. Make the most of this legal situation.
Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.