Can I Bet the FIFA World Cup Online From Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Using Bitcoin?
For this year's FIFA World Cup, the best way to place bets online from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts 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.
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WILL THESE STATES WELCOME SPORTS BETTING?
The Connecticut General Assembly has balked at the idea of being able to bet sports online.
Betting by smartphone is a concept that needs deeper study and public input, legislative leaders said this past Friday.
"A special session does not lend itself to something so complicated," said House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford. "How do you verify age? How does it work when you go across the border? Are there daily limits?"
"We really need to have the capacity for a full public hearing process and have it vetted. Unlike other issues, there's not necessarily a deadline that is required of us to act," said Deputy House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford. "I think generally all the caucuses are concerned. I don't believe there is one caucus saying we should bring it up."
Connecticut Governor Gov. Dannel P. Malloy believes the state legislature is open to sports betting at its brick and mortar casinos but may be resistant to online gambling.
"I think that the tribal nations are in a position to deal with reality, and if the reality is the legislature is not going to take up online gaming separate and apart from whatever is required from sports betting, that's the situation," Malloy said.
Rhode Island, while unlikely to implement sports betting this year, is certainly open to it with the state lottery likely to control most, if not all, aspects once they are ready to pull the switch.
Massachusetts anticipates sports betting to be available next year (2019).
From MassLive:
Rep. Joseph Wagner, chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, told WGBY-TV's "Connecting Point" that he and House Speaker Robert DeLeo have had "a number of conversations" about sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that states can decide on their own whether to allow wagers.
DeLeo has already said that it would be "difficult" to see the House taking action on sports betting before formal sessions end July 31.
"The approach here is to move this to the front burner but to not move so quickly that we get it wrong," Wagner, a Chicopee Democrat, said. He added, "It won't be taken up perhaps for formal action in this [session] but the work will begin immediately. The work has already begun."
Needless-to-say, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts 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
