Over the past few years, the online poker industry in the United States has experienced considerable growth, driven by the legalization of iGaming in various states. According to a report from Prophecy Market Insights, the US online poker market is projected to grow even further, from $54.03 billion in 2024 to an estimated $183.30 billion by 2034.
This expansion has been accompanied by a heightened focus on responsible gambling, with both regulators and platforms implementing measures to promote safe gaming practices. The push for responsible gambling measures has become a critical aspect of the industry’s development, ensuring that players can enjoy online poker in a secure and controlled environment.
Online poker regulations in the US
Currently, seven states offer legal online casino games: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Nevada provides internet poker but not online casino games. The legalization of online gambling in these states has led to the establishment of comprehensive regulations aimed at protecting consumers and safeguarding the integrity of gaming operations. These regulatory measures focus on implementing responsible gambling protocols, maintaining transparency, and preventing problem gambling.
As recently as December 2024, legislators have continued to fine-tune regulatory measures, aiming to create a standard for all states to adhere to. These proposed standards include a tax rate of 15% to 25% and a ban on credit card deposits to fund gambling accounts. The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) has issued model legislation to provide guidance for states considering iGaming legislation. The proposal was later discussed at the group’s winter meeting in New Orleans, setting the foundation for uniform gambling regulations across the US.
The framework intends to provide a structured approach for states looking to legalize online gaming while incorporating elements that have worked well in jurisdictions like New Jersey. The proposal places emphasis on consumer protection and the need for strict oversight of internet gambling to ensure fairness, security, and accountability. Key measures include the establishment of a government agency to regulate online wagering, deposit limits of $20,000 within a 24-hour period, and a prohibition on using credit cards for gambling transactions. These policies are designed to prevent financial harm to players and limit excessive gambling behavior.
AGA’s responsible gaming guidelines
To further promote responsible gambling practices and steer gaming operators toward compliance with state laws, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has created the Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide. The AGA’s guide serves as a centralized collection of statutes and regulations addressing responsible gaming in the 34 states and the District of Columbia that have commercial casinos, sports betting, or internet gaming as of August 31, 2022.
The Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide outlines key requirements, including: a responsible gaming plan, self-exclusion programs, property signage and responsible gaming disclosures, advertising restrictions, wager and time limits, restrictions on the extension of house credits, financial instruments restrictions, and more. By following these regulations, online poker operators create safer environments for players while promoting responsible gambling behaviors.
Platform initiatives for safe and responsible gambling
In response to regulatory expectations and a commitment to player welfare, several online poker platforms have implemented robust responsible gaming features. These initiatives aim to protect players from problem gambling, offer self-exclusion tools, and enhance overall game security. Americas Cardroom (ACR), for one, has developed a comprehensive Responsible Gaming program designed to prioritize player well-being. The US online poker platform ensures that all players are of legal age and features options for self-exclusion from its tables, sportsbook, or casino. Players can also set game restrictions, such as capping tournament buy-ins with stop losses or disabling specific games to prevent them from appearing in the poker client during play.
For players who feel that gaming is negatively impacting their well-being, ACR provides the option to permanently disable their account, ensuring that they cannot reopen it or create a new one. This approach helps individuals take control of their gambling habits. In addition to self-exclusion options, ACR has introduced software features like Player Protection, which prevents individuals from targeting less experienced players by concealing player identities until a big blind is paid. This measure promotes fair play and protects vulnerable users from exploitation.
Similar responsible gaming practices have been embraced by BetMGM. Recently, the gaming entertainment company was authorized by the Michigan Gaming Control Board to enable shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games. This approval allows Michigan online poker players to compete alongside those in New Jersey, expanding the player pool and enhancing the gaming experience. The platform adheres to strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring that all gaming activities are conducted safely and transparently. By incorporating responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and real-time monitoring of player activity, BetMGM helps players manage their gaming behaviors effectively.
Notably, several online poker platforms, including ACR Poker, CoinPoker, and GGPoker, now also utilize cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum for deposits and withdrawals. One of the primary draws of cryptocurrency poker is the heightened level of security and anonymity it offers. Blockchain technology guarantees that transactions are secure and tamper-resistant, providing players with a sense of trust that is sometimes lacking in traditional platforms.
Moreover, cryptocurrency transactions are known for their speed and cost-effectiveness. As we discussed in a previous post, cashless transactions have become increasingly common with platforms like Venmo and Apple Pay. This has led countries like the US, China, and India to explore digital versions of their currencies to keep up with crypto trends. In the world of online poker and casinos, players can leverage cryptocurrencies to enjoy swift deposits and withdrawals without the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction fees and enabling seamless gaming experiences.
As the online poker industry continues to expand in the United States, the emphasis on responsible gambling has become more pronounced. Regulatory frameworks and platform-specific initiatives are converging to create safer, more responsible gaming environments.
Online poker operators, gaming regulators, and technology providers are working together to implement measures that promote responsible gaming while maintaining the excitement and accessibility of online poker. From self-exclusion programs to player protection tools, the industry is evolving to ensure that players can enjoy online poker in a safe and sustainable manner.
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