United States Online Casinos and Gambling

For many years, online casinos have been attracting the attention of players from around the world, including those from the United States. However, the gambling laws in this country have not been user friendly and many players who wish to engage in real money gambling online have not been able to do so due to certain restrictions. In addition to being restricted in terms of payment options, many of the leading software providers will not accept US players at their sites. This is common with sites powered by Playtech and Microgaming. However, despite some restrictions, there are ways for US players to enjoy a legal gambling experience online at some of the top rated sites operating in the industry.

US Gambling Legality

The legal issues surrounding online gambling for those that are from the United States has been rather confusing for many. There are actually no federal laws that prohibit players from accessing any site online and placing real money wagers. However, the UIGEA that was passed did restrict how players could fund these online accounts, and this is where many players encountered problems. Based on UIGEA, it was illegal for players to use any major credit card, debit card or bank transfer to fund an account online. This means that players were very limited in terms of how they could make deposits and withdrawals. While there were still deposit options, such as prepaid cards and some ewallets, the true hindrance came when players tried to make withdrawals.

In 2013, things started to change for players from the US when the government allowed individual starts to start operating online casinos. At this time, there are just a few states that offer online casinos and the only people who can access these sites are residents of those states. This still leaves millions of players without options to gamble online within the US, but there are still many off shore sites that will cater to their needs and will offer usable payment methods so that a great gambling experience can be enjoyed. As mentioned, there are no federal laws, so it is not illegal for any player from the US to engage in online betting actions.

Casino Software for US Players

As mentioned, there are some software providers that will not accept players from the US regardless of current US gambling laws. Microgaming and Playtech are two of the major providers that have banned US players, but there are still some amazing choices that can be enjoyed by those that are seeking gambling action online. With some trusted companies still catering to US players, one can find a site that offers realistic casino games, great payouts and many types of bonuses and player incentives that make for a rewarding experience.

Some of the preferred software providers that do accept US players include IGT, Net Entertainment, Real Time Gaming, NextGen, Amaya, ELK Studios and WagerWorks. These providers all create amazing games that can be played for real money and there are always new releases being offered at supporting casino sites. While most of these sites are operating in other countries, they do offer payment methods that can be used by US residents and offer a wide selection of games that are just like what is offered at a land based casino.

Playing for Real Money

The main problem that US players have faced over the years is the ability to create and manage a casino account online. The passing of UIGEA restricted any US bank from conducting a transaction at an online casino, preventing players from using their credit or debit cards or even a bank transfer to add money to a casino account. Due to these restrictions, many players found it quite difficult to find ways to collect their winnings once they were generated online.

Players who live in states where online gambling is now legal can use these methods that were once restricted, but they cannot be used for off shore gambling. It is unclear whether the Us wild lift this ban as more states start to operate online casinos, but for the meantime, players gambling at offer shore sites still have deposit and withdrawal issues. Those that are depositing can safely use some ewallets and prepaid cards, but withdrawing can be a hassle. Most players will have to rely on requesting a check from the online casino, which takes longer than other methods and is not as secure.

US Online Casino Resources

Below are some helpful resources if you're a player from the United States looking for information related to online casinos and gambling on the internet.

  • Casino Listings

    A popular guide for players across the globe including the United States is Casino Listings. Here you'll find detailed and up to date reviews of leading US and Non-US accepting online casino sites.

  • Vegas Click

    Provides American players with information on the legal ramifications and risk assessment based on the various types of online gambling activity one engages in as related to the United States.