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Online Casinos for players from the US
Introduction
Internet betting is available in the United States, but unfortunately, the market isn’t as open as it is in other countries. A common misconception is that online casinos are illegal in the country, but that isn’t true at all. In fact, there is no law on the books that forbids online betting, and several states have already regulated the activity or are looking to do so in the near future in an effort to generate tax revenues.
With the activity not being recognized officially, there are some sites out there that are predatory toward players, and others that will outright scam you out of your money. Because of this, it is important that you pick a betting site that is reputable and fun. We recommend the following sites, as we consider them to be the top online casinos for US players.
Recommended Casinos for USA Players
Tips for American Online Gambling
If you’re looking to gamble online from the United States, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to keep yourself safe while ensuring you have a lot of fun. When looking for a spot to play you should consider:
- Reviews from reputable information sites. There are a lot of review sites out there, and all of them have one thing in common (this site as well): they make money by referring you to play at online casinos. This means that some sites will say and do anything to get you to play at a site, even bad ones. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you’re reading a review from a site that isn’t afraid to call out a casino for bad practices. We have done this over the years, and even though it has cost us money, it is best to be honest and act as an advocate for players rather than someone who looks to take advantage of those who don’t know any better.
Trusted Portals
- Read the terms and conditions. Casinos all have terms and conditions in place to make sure that they aren’t going to fall victim to advantage players. This information is useful for players too, as you can look through to see play terms, bonus terms, and what you need in order to withdraw money from the casino. If you see something you don’t like: stay away!
- Review bonus terms. This relates to the terms and conditions information above and can keep you from thinking you won big, only to see that money erased because you didn’t follow a rule. Bonus terms at US-friendly casinos are usually tighter than in other countries, and it is to your benefit to look over the terms of a bonus before you claim it. Bonuses with a 30x wagering requirement or lower are generally best, and I’d avoid playing anything substantially higher than that. You should also keep an eye out for the limit on bet amounts, as high wagers may not count toward your playthrough requirement and may actually hurt you when it comes time to cash out.
- Look at our blacklist, and avoid the casinos on the list. There are a lot of rogue casinos that are badly run and others that are just scams looking to take your money. We recommend you check out our blacklist and stay away from any of the sites on that page, as they’re money pits that will provide heartache.
Live Dealer Options for United States Players
Live dealer games are as close as you can get to playing a brick and mortar table game from the comfort of your own home. There are a few spots that offer live dealer games to players in the United States, and they can be found below.
Live Dealer Casinos For Players From United States (66)
Licensed and Regulated U.S. Casinos
A few states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Nevada) have regulated online gambling in one form or another. These states have the full backing of the state, offer reliable banking, and excellent games as well as reasonable bonus terms. The downside is that you have to be within their borders in order to play the games. Below is a list of licensed and regulated online gaming sites in the United States.
Online Casinos Licensed by U.S. (8)
Casino Trust and Security
When it comes to online betting, it’s vital to know that a casino’s games are safe and secure. To help ensure this, there are multiple companies that offer to test of the casino’s random number generator (RNG). A reputable site will have this information posted on their website, which can be clicked and verified. Good casinos also implement 128-bit SSL encryption, which protects data as it’s sent back and forth between the casino and your computer. Players should keep an eye out for both when looking for a new spot to play.
Banking Options for US Players
While the banking options for US players is restricted thanks to the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act of 2006, there are still ways for users to move money to and from an online casino. Different methods vary by the casino you’re playing at, but generally include Visa, Mastercard, bank wire, and an assortment of eWallets. Information on different banking methods can be found here.
More recently, some online casinos have begun offering transactions through Bitcoin, which offers greater anonymity as well as nearly instant financial transactions. You can find all the information you need regarding Bitcoin for online betting here.
Depositing and Withdrawing when in the US
Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.
U.S. Online Casinos Deposit & Withdrawal Grades
US Online Gambling FAQ
Are online casinos legal?
Yes, at a federal level there is no law that expressly prohibits online gambling. State laws vary, and a handful of states have strict laws against online betting. Generally speaking though, online betting is likely legal where you live.
Do I have to download software to play?
No. While many sites that use software from Real Time Gaming (RTG) do have software that you can download, this is not necessary anymore. Web-based instant play platforms are available at almost every site these days, allowing you to load through your internet browser.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Many sites have a mobile platform built into their casinos, which lets you load games through your phone’s browser. Libraries of games aren’t as large as you’ll find in spots like the UK, but there are enough games to play to keep most punters entertained.
How can I deposit/withdraw money?
Most casinos accept deposits and withdrawals through credit card and a handful of eWallets. These options vary by casino, so check with them to see what methods are available.
How long does it take to get my winnings?
This also varies by casino. Good sites will be able to pay you within a few days, while bad sites often draw out payments indefinitely and should be avoided.
Why can’t I play games from a certain developer?
Games from certain developers like IGT, Net Ent, Microgaming, and others are not available for play at most online casinos in the United States, as they only operate in licensed areas. Unfortunately, there are very few spots licensed to offer these games in the country.
What should I do if I have a problem with a casino?
If you have a problem with a casino, you should first try to work it out with the management team at the site. If that doesn’t yield results, we suggest taking to a forum on a reputable site to voice concerns, as these sites work with management and have better odds of mitigating a dispute.
Related Reading
- The Legality of Online Gambling in the US
- Online Gambling in the United States
- Proclivity for Gambling - The Most Gambling-Crazed States, Part 2
- Power to the People!
- Comparing the Gambling Proclivities of the Countries
- USA Friendly Online Slots
Written by: Dustin Jermalowicz
