Due to the fact that each of the 50 states in the United States has its own set of gambling laws, the legal environment for gambling in the United States of America is highly diverse. There are some states that are more lenient when it comes to casino games and other kinds of gambling, while there are other states that are extremely conservative and do not permit any kind of gambling at all. One such state is Utah.
The state of Missouri is extremely tolerant of gambling, as seen by the presence of over 17 registered casinos that operate in the form of boat casinos along the state’s docks. Over the course of its history, the country has experienced both highs and lows in the gambling industry. At one point in time, it was the first state to implement casinos on riverboats.
However, at the turn of the century, gambling in casinos had been deemed illegal and had been driven underground. Due to a reversal of events in 1992, the state once again made riverboat casinos available for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Is it possible to gamble online in the state of Missouri?
The federal government of the United States has made it illegal to gamble online. Together, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and the Federal Wire Act make it illegal to gamble at online casinos and illegal to wire money to betting operators. This is because both laws criminalize activities that are already prohibited.
A number of states in the United States have successfully battled against this measure. They can now engage in business transactions with regulated casinos located within the state. However, unless there are provisions in the legislation of any state to legalize internet gambling, it will continue to be illegal in that geographical location.
Regrettably, the laws of Missouri make no reference to online gambling, which means that participating in such activities is not currently sanctioned in the state. There is reason to be optimistic about the future of online gambling in the state given the gradual but consistent push toward legalization of online gambling by states.
In Missouri, the minimum age to gamble legally is 21.
Players in casinos and poker rooms in the state of Missouri must be at least 21 years old in order to participate in gambling activities. Those who intend to purchase lottery tickets and/or make a claim on a prize must be at least 18 years old. Those who are younger than 18 years old cannot do either.
Who Is Responsible for the Regulation of Casinos in Missouri?
The Missouri Gambling Commission is a state-commissioned regulator that was put into place to ensure that the laws are upheld and that the inhabitants of Missouri are kept secure. This commission is responsible for strictly regulating all casino gambling practices that take place in the state of Missouri.
The Missouri Lottery Commission is responsible for the regulation and oversight of the lottery. In this manner, the state is in a position to exercise control over the distribution of funds and to prevent corruption as well as the inappropriate use of funds.