legal online sports betting states

Introduction In recent years, the landscape of online sports betting has undergone significant changes in the United States. Following a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018, individual states have been empowered to regulate and legalize online sports betting within their jurisdictions. This article provides an overview of the current legal status of online sports betting across various US states. Key Takeaways: As of the latest update (2023), several states have legalized online sports betting.

Ad Disclosure

ALL Top Rated By Users Latest Popular

Updated: -

Lucky Ace Palace
new
Luck&Luxury100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Starlight Betting Lounge
Celestial Bet100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Cash King Palace
Royal Wins100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Golden Spin Casino
Luxury Play100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Spin Palace Casino
Win Big Now100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Silver Fox Slots
Elegance+Fun100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Lucky Ace Casino
Luck&Luxury100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Diamond Crown Casino
Opulence & Fun100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Royal Fortune Gaming
Opulence & Thrills100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more
Royal Flush Lounge
Opulent Play100% / $1500

Casino popularity:
Collecting more data...
Payment methods
Play
Wagering: 35 x (b)

Withdrawal time: 1 days

Minimum deposit to casino: $30

Bonus max bet: $5

Established: 2024

Free Spins: 200

1st Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 200 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT22nd Deposit Bonus:100% / $1500 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT33rd Deposit Bonus:75% / $3000 + 75 Free Spins

Bonus code: FRUIT44th Deposit Bonus:50% / $4500 + 200 Free Spins

Leading selection of slots

VISA casino site

HD streaming casino games

Newly unveiled casino

Signup offer now available

Mr. Gamble special bonuses
Get the full details
Show more

Table of contents

Source

legal online sports betting states

Introduction

In recent years, the landscape of online sports betting has undergone significant changes in the United States. Following a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2018, individual states have been empowered to regulate and legalize online sports betting within their jurisdictions. This article provides an overview of the current legal status of online sports betting across various US states.

Key Takeaways:

As of the latest update (2023), several states have legalized online sports betting.
A majority of these states allow both retail and online betting, while a few restrict in-person betting only.
Some states have specific regulations regarding operator licensing, tax rates, and age restrictions.
The landscape is subject to change as new laws are passed or existing ones are updated.

List of Legal Online Sports Betting States

The following list represents the current legal status of online sports betting across various US states:

1. Delaware

Legalized: June 5, 2018
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: 9% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

2. New Jersey

Legalized: August 6, 2018
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: 13.75% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

3. Pennsylvania

Legalized: July 24, 2019
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: 34% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

4. Iowa

Legalized: May 1, 2019
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: 35% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

5. Indiana

Legalized: October 15, 2019
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: 10% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

6. New Hampshire

Legalized: July 12, 2017 (online-only)
Type: Online only
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting ( operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

7. Illinois

Legalized: June 28, 2019
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: 15% tax on gross revenue from sports betting.

8. Colorado

Legalized: May 1, 2020
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

9. Tennessee

Legalized: November 1, 2020
Type: Online only
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

10. Virginia

Legalized: July 24, 2020
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

11. Washington D.C.

Legalized: June 3, 2020
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

12. Michigan

Legalized: December 13, 2020
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

13. Connecticut

Legalized: October 19, 2021
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

14. Arizona

Legalized: April 15, 2021
Type: Online only
Operator licensing: Operators must obtain a license to offer online betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

15. Wyoming

Legalized: July 1, 2021
Type: Online and retail
Operator licensing: Licensed operators can offer both online and retail betting.
Tax rate: No tax on gross revenue from sports betting (operators can deduct sports betting revenue for tax purposes).

The landscape of legal online sports betting in the United States has expanded significantly since 2018. While there are still some states where online sports betting is not permitted, many jurisdictions have established their own regulations regarding operator licensing, tax rates, and age restrictions. As new laws are passed or existing ones are updated, the list of legal online sports betting states will continue to evolve.

Important Notes:

This article only includes information up to 2023.
The status of online sports betting in various states may change over time due to updates in laws or regulations.
For the most current and accurate information on online sports betting, consult the official websites or regulatory bodies of the relevant states.

legal online sports betting states

online sports betting legal states

Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many states in the United States legalizing the activity. However, not all states have made online sports betting a part of their gaming regulations.

Legal Status of Online Sports Betting by State

Several states have legalized online sports betting, while others have explicitly prohibited it. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation:

Legal States

Delaware: Delaware was one of the first states to legalize online sports betting in 2018. The state allows residents to place bets through several licensed operators.
New Jersey: New Jersey legalized online sports betting in 2018, following a successful Supreme Court challenge to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Residents can access various online sportsbooks.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania also legalized online sports betting in 2019. Residents can place bets through licensed operators like FanDuel and SugarHouse.
Iowa: Iowa legalized online sports betting in 2019, allowing residents to access several licensed operators.
Indiana: Indiana became the first state to legalize online sports betting in 2020. The state has issued several licenses for online sportsbooks.
Illinois: Illinois followed Indiana’s lead, legalizing online sports betting in 2020. Residents can place bets through various licensed operators.
Michigan: Michigan legalized online sports betting in 2021, allowing residents to access several licensed operators.
Virginia: Virginia became the first southern state to legalize online sports betting in 2021. The state has issued several licenses for online sportsbooks.

Legalizing Online Sports Betting

While some states have not explicitly prohibited online sports betting, they may still be working on regulations or laws related to this activity.

Online sports betting provides an opportunity for users to earn money by predicting the outcome of various sports events. Users can access multiple licensed operators from one place, with some platforms offering a wide range of payment methods and rewards. The user experience is designed to be enjoyable, with live streaming available on many online platforms.

While some states are actively regulating online sports betting, others may still have restrictions in place. Users should always check the current laws and regulations for their state before engaging in this activity.

Online Sports Betting Regulations

In addition to the legal status of online sports betting by state, it’s also important to consider the regulations surrounding this activity.

Online sports betting can be regulated at both the federal and state levels. While PASPA was repealed in 2018, the U.S. government still maintains some regulatory authority over this industry.

At the state level, regulations often focus on issues such as:

Licensing: Online sportsbooks must obtain licenses to operate in a given state.
Age restrictions: Only individuals aged 21 or older are typically allowed to place bets online.
Payment methods: States may regulate which payment methods can be used for online sports betting transactions.

Users should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of their state before engaging in online sports betting.

online sports betting legal states

top online sports betting

Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a unique blend of excitement, social interaction, and competitive challenge. With the rise of online platforms and mobile devices, it’s now easier than ever to place bets from anywhere with an internet connection.

Introduction to Online Sports Betting

Sports betting involves predicting the outcome of sporting events, such as football matches, tennis tournaments, or basketball games, and placing wagers on these predictions. The most popular form of sports betting is known as “fixed-odds” betting, where bettors can place moneyline, point spread, or over/under bets.

Online sports betting platforms have revolutionized the industry by providing a convenient, user-friendly experience for users to explore various markets and place bets with ease. Some top online sports betting sites also offer additional features such as live streaming, statistics, and expert analysis, making it easier for bettors to make informed decisions.

Benefits of Online Sports Betting

There are several benefits associated with online sports betting:

Convenience: Online platforms allow users to place bets from anywhere at any time, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or those who want to engage in the activity discreetly.
Variety: Top online sports betting sites offer a wide range of markets and events, catering to different interests and preferences.
Competitive Odds: Many platforms provide competitive odds, enabling users to maximize their potential winnings.
Bonuses and Promotions: Some websites offer attractive bonuses and promotions, which can enhance the overall experience and increase user engagement.

Key Features of Top Online Sports Betting Sites

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, top online sports betting sites typically include:

Secure Payment Processing: Secure payment processing is essential for protecting users’ financial information and ensuring smooth transactions.
Variety of Deposit Options: Reputable platforms offer various deposit options to cater to different user preferences.
Responsible Gaming Tools: Many top online sports betting sites provide tools and resources to help users manage their gaming habits responsibly.
Multi-Language Support: Some websites offer support in multiple languages, making it easier for users from diverse backgrounds to engage with the platform.

Top Online Sports Betting Sites

Some of the top online sports betting sites include:

FanDuel: Known for its innovative approach to daily fantasy sports and traditional sports betting.
DraftKings: A popular destination for both fantasy sports and real-money betting, offering a wide range of markets and features.
Bet365: A well-established platform that provides an extensive array of markets, live streaming, and competitive odds.

Responsible Gaming

It’s essential to remember that online sports betting should be done responsibly. Users should:

Set budgets and stick to them.
Avoid chasing losses.
Take regular breaks from the activity.
Seek help if needed, using resources provided by reputable platforms or organizations.

Online sports betting has become a significant industry, offering users an engaging experience with unique benefits. By understanding the advantages and features of top online sports betting sites, users can make informed decisions and enjoy this exciting pastime responsibly.

top online sports betting

where is sports betting legal in the united states

Sports betting has seen a significant shift in legality across the United States over the past few years. With the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states were granted the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. As a result, the landscape of sports betting in the U.S. has become quite diverse. Here’s a breakdown of where sports betting is currently legal:

Fully Legalized States

These states have fully legalized both online and retail sports betting:

Nevada: Known as the gambling capital of the U.S., Nevada has long been a hub for sports betting. It was one of the few states where sports betting was legal before the PASPA repeal.
New Jersey: One of the pioneers post-PASPA, New Jersey offers both online and retail sports betting, with numerous options for bettors.
Delaware: Delaware was another early adopter, offering full-scale sports betting shortly after the PASPA repeal.
Mississippi: While Mississippi offers retail sports betting at its casinos, online betting is restricted to on-premises wagering.
West Virginia: Both online and retail sports betting are legal in West Virginia, with several operators providing services.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a robust sports betting market, with both online and retail options available.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island offers both online and retail sports betting, with the state controlling the operations.
New Mexico: Although not explicitly legalized by the state legislature, some tribal casinos offer sports betting under compacts with the state.
New York: New York has legalized retail sports betting at its casinos, with plans to expand to online betting in the future.
Arkansas: Arkansas allows retail sports betting at its casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
Colorado: Colorado legalized both online and retail sports betting in 2020, with a competitive market emerging.
Illinois: Illinois offers both online and retail sports betting, with a mix of state-run and private operators.
Indiana: Indiana has a thriving sports betting market, with both online and retail options available.
Iowa: Iowa allows both online and retail sports betting, with a growing number of operators.
Michigan: Michigan legalized both online and retail sports betting in 2020, with a diverse market.
Montana: Montana offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
Tennessee: Tennessee is unique in that it only allows online sports betting, with no retail options.
Virginia: Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2021, with plans for retail options in the future.
Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
Oregon: Oregon offers sports betting through a state-run app and retail locations.
North Carolina: North Carolina allows retail sports betting at two tribal casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
Washington: Washington allows retail sports betting at tribal casinos, with no current plans for online betting.
Wyoming: Wyoming legalized online sports betting in 2021, with no retail options.

States with Pending Legislation

Several states are in the process of considering or implementing sports betting legislation:

California: A hotly debated topic, California has seen multiple proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
Florida: Florida has legalized sports betting through a tribal compact, but the implementation is currently tied up in legal challenges.
Georgia: Georgia has seen several proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
Hawaii: Hawaii has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Idaho: Idaho has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
Kentucky: Kentucky has seen several proposals for sports betting, but no legislation has been passed yet.
Louisiana: Louisiana has legalized sports betting, with some parishes opting out. Implementation is ongoing.
Maine: Maine has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Maryland: Maryland has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Minnesota: Minnesota has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Missouri: Missouri has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Nebraska: Nebraska has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire offers online sports betting through a state-run platform.
New York: New York has legalized retail sports betting, with plans to expand to online betting.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
South Carolina: South Carolina has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
South Dakota: South Dakota has legalized sports betting, with implementation ongoing.
Texas: Texas has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Utah: Utah has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.
Vermont: Vermont has considered sports betting legislation, but no progress has been made.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin has not shown significant interest in legalizing sports betting.

States with No Current Plans

These states have shown no significant interest in legalizing sports betting:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona (Note: Arizona has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
Connecticut (Note: Connecticut has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
Kansas (Note: Kansas has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
Nevada (Note: Nevada is included in the fully legalized states list)
Ohio (Note: Ohio has legalized sports betting, but it is included in the fully legalized states list)
South Dakota (Note: South Dakota is included in the pending legislation list)

The landscape of sports betting in the United States is continually evolving, with more states likely to join the ranks of those offering legal sports betting in the coming years.

where is sports betting legal in the united states

Frequently Questions

Is it legal to bet on NFL games online?

Betting on NFL games online is legal in some regions but not in others. In the United States, online sports betting is regulated on a state-by-state basis. States like Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have legalized and regulated online sports betting, allowing residents to place bets on NFL games through licensed platforms. However, in states where online sports betting is not legal, engaging in such activities could result in penalties. It's crucial to check your local laws and regulations before participating in online NFL betting to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.

Is Betting on NFL Football Online Legal?

Betting on NFL football online is legal in certain regions, but it depends on local laws and regulations. In the United States, online sports betting is legal in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, where specific laws have been enacted to regulate and tax online gambling. However, in many other states, online betting remains illegal. Internationally, countries like the UK and Australia have well-established legal frameworks for online sports betting. It's crucial to check your local laws and use licensed, regulated platforms to ensure a safe and legal betting experience.

What are the legal aspects of online sports betting in America?

The legal landscape of online sports betting in America is complex and varies by state. As of 2023, over 30 states have legalized some form of sports betting, either online or in-person. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018, allowing states to set their own regulations. Key legal aspects include age restrictions (typically 21+), licensing requirements for operators, and compliance with state-specific gambling laws. Additionally, federal laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) still impact online transactions. Bettors should consult local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and understand the legal risks associated with online sports betting.

Is Khel9 Legal for Sports Betting in India?

Khel9 is a popular online platform for sports betting in India, but its legality is a complex issue. While there is no specific federal law prohibiting online sports betting, individual states have their own regulations. For instance, states like Sikkim and Nagaland have legalized online sports betting under certain conditions. However, other states may have different laws. It's crucial to check the local regulations in your state before engaging with platforms like Khel9. Always ensure that the platform you use is licensed and operates within the legal framework of your jurisdiction to avoid any legal repercussions.