US Online gambling guide

Part 3 of our online gambling guide. Part 1 was about Online Casino Providers. Part 2 has described the Online Casino games providers.

Now, with this article, we focus on the American online gambling world.

Note! We focus specifically on USA casino gameplay through this guide, excluded is sports betting.


SUMMARY

History of USA online gambling: How did it all begin

You can consult a list of all Microgaming Online Casinos here. Soon after, other software companies followed suit and started offering their own online gambling services for American players.

Despite this, online gambling continued to grow in popularity in the USA, with more states legalizing and regulating online gambling in the country.

Overview of the USA Gambling Market nowadays

The US gambling market is one of the biggest in the world. Fact is that the USA gambling market has experienced a significant shift in recent years.

With the legalization of online casino gaming in several American states, the industry is rapidly growing. This growth is due to the increasing availability of legal online gambling services in states across the country. Currently, 24 states have legalized sports betting while nearly 20 states allow some form of online casino or poker games.

The United States online gambling market has seen significant growth over the past few years. With more US states legalizing online gambling, there are now several options available to players across the country.

Currently, only a handful of states in the United States have fully legalized online gambling, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Other states such as Michigan and West Virginia have recently passed legislation allowing casino games for US gamblers online.

Today, the most popular forms of online gambling in the United States are online casinos, sports betting, and fantasy sports. Online casinos accepting American online gamblers, offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Sports betting is available in certain states and allows players to bet on professional and college sports. Fantasy sports are a form of online gambling where players create virtual teams and compete against each other for prizes.

Overall, it is estimated that the US online gambling market will continue to grow in the coming years as more states legalize and regulate their respective markets. However, due to ongoing debates about its ethics in society on both sides of politics, some limitations may still apply on certain occasions.

The legality of online gambling in the United States

For us, writers of articles about the legality of online gambling rules for American players, online gambling is a complex and difficult subject. That is because of so many different laws and regulations in the United States.

However, it is of the utmost importance that US gamblers have good, correct information before engaging in any form of online gambling.

Conclusion: since the different USA states regularly make an unclear mess of it, we do our best to keep this article up to date but it is far from easy. Even worse: practically impossible.

In fact, the legality of US Online Gambling can be summarized in one simple sense: in the United States, online gambling is generally prohibited! Thanks to the ´The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)´ of 2006, it is illegal for banks and other financial institutions to process payments from individuals, c.q. online casino players, to online gambling sites.

For clarity: this law does not make US online gambling illegal, but it does make it difficult for US players to fund their online gambling accounts. Meaning: to put real money in their player account at an USA online casino.

In addition, there are state laws that may prohibit or regulate online gambling. Some states have passed laws that make online gambling illegal, while other states from USA have laws that regulate online gambling. For online casino players with residence in US, it is important to check the laws in their state before engaging in any form of online gambling.

In summary, the legality of online gambling in the United States is complex and ever-changing. So, it is quite difficult to understand the US Gambling Laws.

Licensing and Regulation

As already mentioned above, some USA states have legalized and regulated online gambling. It is very important for US online gamblers with residence in US to visit only those casinos licensed and regulated in your country. This way, every US player is protected, and your funds are safe.

In the United States, the regulation of online casinos is handled at the state level rather than the federal level. This means that each state has the authority to establish its own laws and regulations regarding online gambling, including issuing licenses to operators.

The licensing process for online casinos in the United States can vary depending on the state. Generally, states require operators to apply for a license and meet certain criteria to ensure they operate in a fair and secure manner.

Here are a few key points regarding licenses for regulated online casinos in the USA:

State Licensing Authorities: Each USA state that has legalized online gambling has its own regulatory body responsible for overseeing the industry. These regulatory bodies are typically government agencies or gaming commissions. Some examples include the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Eligibility Requirements: To obtain a license, online casino operators must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the state. These requirements may include background checks on the company´s owner; financial stability, integrity, and a demonstrated ability to comply with regulations.

Geolocation: Online casinos in the United States are required to use geolocation technology to ensure that players are physically located within the state where online gambling is legal.

Age Verification: besides, they must implement strict age verification measures to prevent underage gambling.

Player Protection Measures: licensed online casinos USA are required to implement measures to protect players, such as responsible gambling tools, self-exclusion programs, and ensuring the fairness of games through independent audits and testing.

Financial Security: licensed operators must demonstrate financial security to ensure that player funds are protected. This may involve maintaining segregated accounts to separate US player funds from operational funds and providing mechanisms for players to easily deposit and withdraw funds.

Compliance and Auditing: licensed online USA casinos are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring and auditing by the regulatory authorities. This helps to ensure that the operator continues to meet the necessary standards and that the games are fair.

Conclusion
It´s important to note that not all states in the United States have legalized online gambling. Each state may have its own specific regulations and licensing processes. Therefore, it´s crucial for players to verify the legality and licensing status of online casinos in their respective state before engaging in any online gambling activities.

Gambling age and underaged gambling

Gambling ages differ for online casinos. It will depend on which USA state you live in and where the casino operates from.

Just as the gambling laws in the US vary state to state, also the consequences for anyone caught gambling underage are different. In most cases, fines will be assessed and certain privileges, like a driver´s license, could be revoked.

It can even involve prison time, so it is best to ensure you know the minimum age in your area before placing any bets.

Some USA examples:

Alabama: casinos and poker age is 21, bingo age is 18;
California: 18/21 (varies by casino), bingo age is 18;
Illinois: casinos and poker age is 21, bingo age is 18;
Massachusetts: 21 and bingo 18;
New Jersey: 21 and bingo 18;
Nevada: 21 overall;
Wisconsin: 21 overall;

In general the legal age for bingo is 18 years old.

Different forms of online US gambling

In order not to make this article too long, we will briefly list the different forms of online US gambling:

  1. Online Casino Games: these include popular casino games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and slot machines.
  2. Online Sports Betting: involves placing wagers on sports events such as football, basketball, baseball, and horse racing. (Not subject of this article)
  3. Online Lottery: players purchase lottery tickets through various sites hosted by state lotteries or third-party vendors. (Not subject of this article)
  4. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): allows players to draft a team of real-life athletes and compete against other players for cash prizes, based on their performance in real-time sporting events. (Not subject of this article)
  5. Esports: place bets on professional video game competitions with cash prizes at stake. (Not subject of this article)
  6. Social Gambling: Some US online casinos offer social gambling options that enable players to engage with each other while playing casino games without risking any money.

The different types of online gambling games available in the US

Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with more and more states legalizing it. And with the rise of technology and internet connectivity, it is now possible to play various types of online gambling games right from your home.

There are different kinds of online gambling games available in the US for players to enjoy. In this article, we will discuss some of these games:

  1. Online slots are one of the most popular types of online casino games available in the US. Slots are a type of game where players spin a set of reels to try and match up symbols to win money. There are a variety of slot games available. Players can spin reels on virtual slot machines and win cash prizes based on their luck. They offer a wide variety of themes, graphics and sound effects that make them exciting to play. Online slots also come with different pay lines, reels and bonuses that increase your chances of winning big.
  2. Blackjack is another popular type of US online casino game played by millions across America. This game requires skill as well as luck, making it an enjoyable experience for players who want to test their abilities against others. Blackjack is a popular casino card game that is played between the player and the dealer. Its objective is to have a hand with a total value of 21 points or as close to it as possible without going over.
  3. Roulette is a classic casino game that has been around for centuries but still manages to attract new USA players. Roulette is a casino game that involves spinning a wheel with numbered pockets. Players place their bets on the number or color they think the ball will land on. The game is usually played on a large wheel with a spinning ball. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, usually ranging from 0 to 36. Players can bet on a single number, a range of numbers, the colors red or black, or whether the number is odd or even. The dealer spins the wheel and then drops the ball into it. The ball eventually lands in one of the numbered pockets, and the player who bet on that number wins the round.
  4. Video Poker: these games offer players the opportunity to win money by creating winning combinations of cards. There are many different types of online video poker games, each with its own unique rules and gameplay. Some popular variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and Double Bonus Poker.
  5. One of the most popular USA online gambling games is poker. Poker is a card game that involves betting on the strength of your hand, with the goal of making the best possible five-card combination. There are a variety of poker variations, including Texas Hold´em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. Poker is widely available on online gambling sites, as well as on dedicated poker sites.
  6. Bingo is a classic American game and Americans all over the country play bingo in large numbers online. Bingo is also accessible in some states that don´t currently allow other forms of real money gambling, which has only increased the game´s popularity.
  7. Other Games are Scratch Cards, Virtual Horse Racing, Virtual Greyhounds, etc.

USA Types of Casino Bonuses

  1. Welcome Bonus: this bonus is the most common bonus type you´ll find at a casino and undoubtedly in every US online casino. Includes a cash reward as soon as you sign up. When you have made a deposit, your amount will be matched by 100% up to 200%, 300% and even 500%. Here is our list of Welcome Bonuses for US players.
  2. No Deposit Bonus: you get some cash to play with and try out a casino risk free with this no deposit bonus, all without spending your own cash. Here is our list of Nodeposit Bonuses for US players.
  3. Free Spins Bonus: receive a certain number of free spins to use on specific slot games or across all slots available at the casino. This bonus is, just as the No. 1 welcome bonus a part of a welcome package for new players. But also existing players can get this kind of bonus. Here is our list of Free Spins Bonuses for USA players
  4. Bonus with a code: some online casinos in the United States also offer bonus codes or special promotions that can be entered when players sign up or make their first deposit. These promotions can include free spins, match bonuses, or other special offers. The code is also expressed as ´coupon code´ or ´free chip´. Here is our list of Coupon Code Bonuses for USA players
  5. Exclusive bonus: is a bonus that we have received exclusively from specific online casinos in appreciation of our many years of cooperation with the casino providers. Here is our list of Exclsuive Bonuses for American players
  6. High Roller Bonus: Big cash amount players get bonuses for making regular large deposits. Thay play very often in the same online casino while getting much better player rewards, even exclusive bonus rewards to top up their bankroll. Mostly, these players are called ´VIP Players´. See also our article What is a High Roller Player Player
  7. Cash Back Bonus: is a promotional offer where players receive a percentage of their losses back in the form of cash. This bonus is usually offered on a weekly or monthly basis, and the amount of cash back varies from casino to casino. Read more in our article about Cashback bonuses.
  8. Game Specific Bonus: with this bonus, the casinos encourage you to play featured, mostly new, games. You get some extra free spins on the newest games for a short period, in the rule a month.
  9. Device Specific Bonus: Sometimes, smartphone and tablet players get a special reward for signing up at online casinos in order to play and try out their mobile games. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Responsible Gaming for Americans

Gamblers Anonymous: provides several online resources to help US players with addiction, as well as ways to get in touch. Not only important to visit for players but also for friends or family members. The meeting are open or closed and located in every state.

Benefits of Online Gambling in the US

There are several advantages to online gambling in the USA:

  1. Convenience: online gambling allows players to enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes, without having to travel to a physical,meaning brick or land-based, casino.
  2. Games Variety: online casinos offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, card games like bingo, specialty games, lotteries and live dealer options. This provides players with more options than they would have at a traditional casino.
  3. Bonuses and Rewards: every self-respecting online casino offers some form of a bonus and rewards for new players or loyal, meaning returning, players. These can include free spins on slot machines, cashback offers, coupon codes, or deposit match bonuses.
  4. Safety and Security: for the good of both the casino and the players, gambling sites must use advanced security measures to protect player data and ensure fair play. This includes encryption technology and random number generators for game outcomes.
  5. Mobile Compatibility: today, almost all online gambling sites are now optimized for mobile devices, so you can play your favorite games on the go. through smartphones or tablets.
  6. Lower cost: online gambling sites often have lower costs than land-based casinos, which means that you can play for less money. This makes it easier to stick to a budget and gamble responsibly.

Crypto-currency gambling USA

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency gambling in online casinos have gained popularity in recent years. Crypto currencies offer an alternative payment method for players. Besides this, they provide an added layer of privacy for players.

Here follows some information about Bitcoin and crypto gambling in the context of online casinos for US gamblers:

Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, but there are several others such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple etc. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital currencies that use cryptography for security and operate independently of traditional banking systems.

Advantages of Bitcoin Gambling: playing with Bitcoin (BTC) or other cryptocurrencies for online gambling can have several advantages. These include faster and cheaper transactions, enhanced privacy and anonymity, and the ability to bypass traditional banking systems, which can sometimes have restrictions on online gambling transactions.

Bitcoin Casinos: are US online casinos that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. These casinos operate similarly to traditional online casinos but allow players to deposit, wager, and withdraw in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. A few BTC casinos exclusively operate with cryptocurrencies, while others may accept both cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies.

Provably Fair Gaming: all Bitcoin casinos implement a concept called ´provably fair´ gaming. This includes that they use cryptographic algorithms to ensure the fairness of games. This measure allows USA players to verify the fairness of each game outcome and ensures that the casino cannot manipulate the results.

Regulatory: the regulatory landscape for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency gambling in the United States is still evolving. As mentioned earlier, online gambling is regulated at the state level, and not all states have legalized or regulated online gambling, including crypto gambling. Therefore, it is important for US gamblers to research the legality and regulatory status of online casinos and crypto gambling in their specific state.

Risks: It is an established fact that Bitcoin gambling offers certain advantages, but ... it also comes with risks. Cryptocurrencies are (very) volatile in value. So, as a crypto-gambler, you should consider the potential fluctuations before depositing or withdrawing funds.

License: due to the relative anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies, it´s crucial for players to choose reputable and licensed Bitcoin casinos to ensure the security of their funds and personal information. More about licenses in this article.

This article tells players more on cryptogambling and mining.

Players Reward Card (PCR)

The Players Reward Card (PRC) is a form of loyalty program or prepaid card offered by certain online casinos and gambling platforms. Read here some information about the Players Reward Card:

Conclusion: It´s worth mentioning that the availability and specific details of the US Players Reward Card may vary over time, and not all online casinos offer this particular loyalty program. Therefore, we recommended for players to research the current availability and terms of the Players Reward Card before considering its use.

More on this subject with this article: PCR

US Online Gambling Faqs

How many Americans gamble online regularly?

About 35 million Americans played poker regularly, and 25 million of them played online for real money. Poker is the absolute winner with about 10 million of them playing online poker at least once per month.

The number of Americans gambling real money on online casino games online is estimated to be even bigger: 20 million

Do I have to pay tax on my winnings?

Yes and the rules are equal to ´brick⁄land-based´ casinos and no matter where the internet gambling company is based. Meaning, the United States government requires a 25% tax on gambling winnings that exceed $600 at a horse track, 25% tax above $1,200 winning at a slot or bingo game, 25% tax above $1,500 in keno, and 25% tax above $5,000 in poker tournaments.

The good news besides is that players can often deduct losses to offset the amount of tax owed. For this, it is advised to make use of tax specialists.

In addition, US state taxes are different in each state, so make sure you are familiar with the local legislation.

Can I use USD to play with?

Even though they´re based abroad, in other countries, most international online casinos and poker sites operate using USD because it is a globally recognized currency. USA Players can deposit, play and withdraw in USD.

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