Some form of gambling is legal in most states in the U.S., but it is highly regulated. It pays to know the gambling laws in your specific state. A local bar may offer gambling, but this does not necessarily mean it is legal. What’s permitted in Nevada may not be legal in Utah.
Gambling machines in bars
Video machines are popular in bars and may include keno, poker, blackjack, and slot machines. Not all states allow video machine gambling in bars. You may be able to buy keno or state lottery tickets at a local bar.
Legal poker is not as common as lottery or video gambling. Some states allow gambling in bars for charitable purposes. In Montana, bars offer poker action, but most states don’t allow bars to offer poker tournaments.
Michigan is liberal when it comes to gambling, but the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) prohibits it unless authorized under state law. Gambling machines can be found at state-licensed casinos. Michigan online gambling is also legal on licensed casino and sportsbook sites or apps. Wagering online is more convenient than going to a bar to play.
Gambling games in bars
You can play various gambling games in bars that are fun and entertaining. One of the popular bar games is “bar dice”. Players may play it to decide who will buy the next round of drinks. Dice players put five dice in the cup, shake, and roll them. The object is to get the most dice with the same digits. If two players roll the same number of matching digits, the higher digits win. A player who wins sits out, and the other players continue until only one person is left. This player pays for the drinks. Bars can’t legally run a game like this but usually don’t have a problem with players who play it.
Bouncing quarters into a beer or shot glass is another popular bar game. Every round starts with a full glass in the center. Each player has an empty glass and puts $1 on the table. Players have to bounce quarters into the glasses opposite them. A player who succeeds wins $1, and the other person has to drink.
States where all gambling is illegal
As American gaming laws differ from state to state, you are more likely to find bars that offer gambling in some states than others. In bars in places like Utah or Hawaii, you are unlikely to find bars with any gambling opportunities. Utah is hostile towards gambling, and it is prohibited in its constitution. Bars may offer poker tournaments in Hawaii as long as there is no buy-in.