Geolocation is a critical factor in ensuring that US online casinos comply with state legislation. Not all states have legalized online gambling, and for those that have, regulations stipulate players must physically be in that state to play legally.
Therefore, players who are not in a state that offers legal online gambling cannot participate in these activities. Find out below how the geolocation feature helps online casinos identify if a particular player is within the state boundaries where gambling is being offered:
Compliance with legal requirements
If you want to gamble at a Michigan online casino, you must prove that you are in the Great Lakes State. When you log onto a casino site, the law stipulates that the operator must use geolocation software to confirm where you are. If an online casino does not verify where players are, people from out of state can access the site and gamble in contravention of the law.
Players should be suspicious if an online casino site or app does not ask to confirm their location. They have likely accessed a non-licensed online gambling operator and are not protected by state legislation. When registering with an online casino, prospective users should check with the relevant state gaming control board that it is permitted to operate. These authorities have a list of registered online gambling operators on their websites.
Almost 100% accuracy
Geolocation software is so precise that it can pinpoint a customer’s location within a foot or two. This accuracy allows online casino operators to geofence the state’s borders and ensures that all players are within them.
However, like all software, geolocation programs sometimes run into problems. This can be frustrating for gamblers looking to find games to play online as they might be within the state’s borders, only for the geolocation software to say they are not or cannot be found. Such glitches should seldom occur, given that the software has become so advanced.
What if it does not work?
If you log onto an online casino site wanting to place a bet on some most-watched sports but find yourself locked out due to geolocation difficulties, the problem could lie on your side. Many people do not allow apps to track their location on their cellphones. However, if you do not, the casino operator cannot find you and automatically decides you are not eligible to play. Ensure that you give an online gambling app permission to see your location.
Computers do not have built-in GPS systems, so verifying your location works differently. When you connect to the internet, you do so from an IP address. Online casinos can access a list of IP addresses to determine which ones fall within state lines and facilitate legal gambling. Alternatively, you can allow geolocation tracking through your preferred browser, such as Google Chrome.
Can you buck the system?
The short answer to this question is no. Online gambling regulations are so stringent that operators will err on the side of caution and not allow players access if they cannot verify where they are. Operators who breach the rules can have their licenses revoked and stand to lose millions of dollars in revenue and penalties.
