During the 1990s, the online gambling market was booming. Online casinos and bingo operators began a digital transformation that led to a flood of ads on TV and mobile sites. It looked like an end run around government control. However, there are still some states in the US that prohibit gambling. For instance, Michigan is one of the few states that does not have an inpatient treatment program for problem gamblers.
In the United States, Congress has used its Commerce Clause power to regulate gambling on Native American territories. However, Congress has also preempted states from regulating gambling activities on Indian reservations within their state borders. In the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, several operators went digital and migrated their operations online. This was the first step toward legalized online gambling in the U.S. In December 2019, Michigan legalized online casinos. However, sports betting is still illegal.
The gambling industry is highly fragmented, with key players focusing on product innovation and expansion. Some key players are global and some regional. In order to stay atop the competitive game, these players are expanding their brand portfolio, focusing on partnerships, and exploring mergers and acquisitions.
Sports betting has been a huge hit in the Asia Pacific region. In fact, Asia Pacific sports betting revenue has grown by almost 20% compared to last year. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 11.49% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the popularity of fantasy sports. In addition, the cost-effective access to high-speed internet has been a key pivot for the online gambling market.
Online gambling is legal in many states of the United States, but not all. For instance, New Jersey has a restriction that online casinos and poker rooms must be open to players ages 21 or older. In addition, New Jersey is one of the few states that has banned betting on in-state colleges.
The online gambling market is dominated by global players and regional players. However, there is still a lot of room for growth in the U.S., particularly in the West. In fact, California is set to vote on legal sports betting next year. If the state legalizes it, the sports gambling industry could double its revenues in the coming years.
Online gambling is also legal in the United Kingdom. However, it is illegal to gamble without a license. There are different regulations for each state, depending on the type of gambling and where the gambling is located.
For example, Connecticut has been receiving $750,000 in sports wagering revenue each month since the state legalized sports betting in December of 2018. However, the legalization of online sports betting opened the door for problem gambling. There is also a strong link between gambling and substance abuse. Problem gamblers often embezzle money, commit crimes, and are often incarcerated.
Internet-based gambling has also threatened to bring gambling directly into homes and businesses. This is due to the rise in immersive technologies, which are boosting the U.S. gambling market. As a result, Internet-based gambling companies are investing in product innovation, expanding their brand portfolio, and exploring partnerships. In addition, online gambling companies have also expanded their offerings to the Asia Pacific region.