Can I Bet the FIFA World Cup Online From Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont Using Bitcoin?
For this year's FIFA World Cup, the best way to place bets online from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will be with bitcoin using a cryptocurrency wallet that can be linked to one's banking account. In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individual states can offer legalized sports betting but must first develop regulatory instruments before doing so. For now, a few dozen of internationally licensed sportsbooks will accept wagers on this year's World Cup.
*Bookmaker Welcomes Players From Around the World - Most Crypto-Currencies Welcome
WILL THESE STATES WELCOME SPORTS BETTING?
Maine is not expected to introduce sports betting any time soon.
“I would say we were behind the eight ball and that’s not uncommon for Maine to be that way,” said state Rep. Donald G. Marean, R-Hollis, who also serves as vice chairman of the U.S. Trotting Association.
Milton Champion, executive director of the state’s Gambling Control Board, said there is no sports-betting legislation pending in Maine.
Next year will probably be a different story, however.
State Rep. Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth, said he anticipates multiple bills on sports betting will be introduced during the 2019 legislative session.
“In my view under the current law, Maine would have to pass a law to expressly legalize sports betting,” Luchini said.
Charlie McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery and chair of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries’ (NASPL) government relations committee said that NASPL has been wanting to participate in an open dialogue on sports betting and wanted the lotteries to have the ability to incorporate sports betting though there are no indications that this will be happening any time soon.
Vermont probably won't be offering sports betting any time soon.
The Vermont Legislature has no pending bills related to sports gambling, and legislative action seems unlikely in the near future.
"I don't know of anybody who is pushing for this in Vermont," said Danny Rachek, executive director of the Vermont Lottery.
Needless-to-say, Florida gamblers will need to rely on international websites to place all their World Cup bets.
HOW TO USE BITCOIN AND OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCIES FOR BETTING THE FIFA WORLD CUP
The online betting site will simply have you send them the special address/token obtained from the Bitcoin wallet or exchange.
You would select either SEND (to deposit funds) or RECEIVE (to withdraw funds).
Some exchanges allow customers to link directly with their bank accounts or PayPal. The Bitcoin can be converted into the currency of your choice then transferred into your account in as little as 24 hours.
You will want to verify all your information (including personal identification) with the exchange prior to sending and receiving funds. Typically they will suggest setting up an authenticator on your mobile device for added security.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
