{"id":372679,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/gambling-and-lotteries-laws\/details-on-state-gambling-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:51:39","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:51:39","slug":"details-on-state-gambling-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/gambling-and-lotteries-laws\/details-on-state-gambling-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Details on State Gambling Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Details on State Gambling Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Gambling, whether it’s horse-racing or slot machines, is regulated at the state level. The gambling industry<\/a> is undergoing tremendous change. It was not too long ago that Nevada<\/a> was the only state in the United States that allowed casino gambling. Today, numerous states are either considering legalizing gambling or already have done so.<\/p>\n

Controversy Surrounding Gambling in the U.S.<\/h2>\n

Despite the economic benefits, the idea of legalizing gambling is not without controversy. Opponents argue that gambling causes too much personal tragedy; as people who are addicted to gambling have been known to lose everything and wreak havoc on their families and personal lives. If you or a loved one has a gambling problem, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling<\/a>‘s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-522-4700.<\/p>\n

Types of Gambling<\/h2>\n

Casino gambling is not the only type of gambling that exists, nor is it the only kind of gambling addressed by state laws. There are many different ways to gamble. The most common subject of regulation is wagering on contests, such as horse racing.<\/p>\n

Pari-mutuel wagering is a betting pool in which those who bet on competitors finishing in the top three (3) positions share the total amount bet, less a percentage for the management.<\/p>\n

Horse racing, dog racing, or betting on sporting events are those most frequently and specifically banned. However, regulation of regional events is common. The state of Alaska<\/a>, for example, lists about 10 different events that are allowed. These include many that would be unthinkable in the south: Deep Freeze Classic, Snow Machine Classic, and the Ice Classic are examples.<\/p>\n

In Florida<\/a>, there are a number of legal gambling activities that appeal specifically to the state’s large number of retired citizens, such as:<\/p>\n