Is Online Gambling Legal in the U.S.?

In simple terms, all forms of online gambling in the United States are now fully legal at a federal level.

So, whilst a recent reinterpretation of the Wire Act has once again prohibited any type of online gambling that crosses state borders (reversing the opinion issued by the Department of Justice in 2011), the legalisation of virtual sports betting on a national scale has proved beneficial for operators and punters alike.

However, it’s important to note that only a handful of state authorities have actually chosen to legalise online gambling at this time, with virtual casino gameplay only currently accessible in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The state of Nevada has at least joined these authorities in legalising online poker, however, whilst numerous states are now looking to regulate and monetise virtual sports betting following the recent ruling by the Supreme Court.

Now, whilst these states allow both domestic and international operators to sell their services, federal law dictates that U.S.-based sites cannot sell to American customers.

However, as there’s no law that prohibits customers from wagering their hard-earned cash online, it’s perfectly permissible for international brands to accept American citizens and process their bets lawfully.

This is a common loophole in the global iGaming market, where numerous markets simultaneously block domestic operators whilst allowing their customers to wager with international brands.

How do we Review the Top Casinos in North America?

Not only can major international betting brands operate legally in the States, but the U.S. market is also becoming increasingly popular thanks to the recent relaxation of federal gaming laws.

Whilst there may be a vast number of operators active in the U.S., however, we’ve reviewed these brands across a number of different criteria to determine which one is right for you. Here are some of the primary metrics that we use:

Safety and Security

Let’s start with the basics; as we ensure that all of our sites are safe and secure here at the Gambling Metropolis.

To this end, you can rest assured that our sites boast 128-bit SSL encryption as a minimum, whilst we also favour operators that are fair, transparent and regularly publish return-to-player (RTP) rates.

Welcome Bonuses

Next up is the welcome bonus, which is central to the value proposition offered by all online operators.

We’ll review each offer in terms of its total value and the number of free spins on offer, whilst also appraising the wagering terms attached.

Deposit Methods

With established and high-profile British operators now moving at pace into the U.S. market, players stateside can access a wide range of deposit methods.

Many of these will instantly credit your account, enabling you to start wagering just as soon as you register for an account.

Speed of Payouts

On a similar note, players in the States can also access a wide range of withdrawal options through British and international operators.

The vast majority of these allow for fast and instantaneous payouts, meaning that you’ll be able to bank your winnings immediately after meeting the associated wagering requirements.

Mobile Capabilities

Whether they operate an instant play platform or native apps on iOS and Android, all of our casinos boast a strong mobile presence.

We’ve reviewed each mobile platform in detail so that you understand which games are available on the move and how you can access them.

Customer Support

If you’re looking for a new online casino in America, the chances are that customer service will be one of the most telling metrics.

Whilst most operators now offer 24/7 support through live chat, email and telephone channels, we’ve reviewed each operator in detail to see who offers the best service.

Established Game Providers

There are some online casinos out there that now offer upwards of 1,000 casino games and slots, many of which have been developed by software houses such as Microgaming, Playtech and NetEnt.

Our team have thoroughly received each games’ library to see which developers provide the bulk of their titles.

Licensing and Regulations

As we’ve already said, most states in the U.S. currently prohibit domestic operators from selling their products and services to natives.

Fortunately, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of each casino’s licensing and regulatory information, enabling you to select an operator that complies with U.S. law.

Playing with Real Money – What Currencies can you wager with at America’s Online Casinos?

The so-called greenback (or U.S. Dollar) is the single most popular currency in the world, both from the perspective of international transactions and forex traders.

It’s also widely used by American casinos, enabling U.S. players to wager in their domestic currency without having to invest in costly and time-consuming exchanges.

Whilst some U.S. operators exclusively deal in U.S. Dollars, there are others who offer access to a far wider range of currencies.
Take 888 Tiger Casino, for example which allows players to wager in pounds, Euros, Australian dollars and even the South African rand as well as the greenback. Either way, you’re sure to find a reputable casino operator that accepts your preferred currency, and you can review the information on our site to find out more.

On a similar note, U.S. players can also use a number of different payment options when crediting their account (and completing withdrawals). These include:

• Mastercard
• Neteller
• Paysafe Card
• Visa
• Skrill
• UPayCard
• Maestro
• MuchBetter
• Bitcoin
• American Express

In the case of Bitcoin and American Express, these payment options are far more prevalent in the States than they are elsewhere. However, they’re not commonly available, so be sure to check with the Gambling Metropolis site before selecting a casino.

Which Casino Games are Available in North America?

Given the growing range of online casinos now available in the States, it’s little wonder that natives have access to such a large and diverse range of games.

But exactly which verticals and casino games can you expect to find at an online casino in the U.S.? Here’s a brief overview:

• Slots: Whilst slots tend to dominate the global iGaming space, they’re not quite as prevalent in the North American market. However, there’s still a large number of slots to choose from in the States, from low variance favourites like Mermaid Queen to progressive titles such as Aztec’s Millions (which regularly pays out seven-figure prizes!)
• Table Games: America (and particularly Nevada) is arguably the spiritual home of table games, and you’ll find various iterations of baccarat, blackjack and roulette available online. Pontoon is also incredibly popular in the States, with this iconic game providing fast and rewarding payouts across a number of different casinos.
• Poker and Casual Games: Whilst video poker activity is declining across the globe, the U.S. market continues to buck this trend. Operators in four separate states currently offer video poker to its players, with iterations such as Caribbean Stud, All American Poker and Casino Hold ‘em all immensely popular in the U.S.
• Live Casino: When it comes to live casino action, the U.S. market lags behind its contemporaries in Europe and the UK. However, the collaboration between American and European brands is helping U.S. players to access a wider range of real-time titles, which replicate the pace of corporeal table games and feature interactive dealers.

Popular Casinos Accepting American Players

Although American players have a slightly more restricted choice of casino operators that those who reside in the UK, there’s still a large and growing range of platforms currently trading stateside.

Players in states such as New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania can choose from an even bigger pool of operators, with the following casinos currently leading the market in the States:

• Slotomania: We start with Slotomania, which boasts 14 million active players and is recognised as the single most popular casino app in the world. It’s even the sixth leading Android app in the whole of the U.S., whilst it’s range of in-house slots and proprietary software affords it a huge competitive advantage over its rivals.
• Chumba Casino: The Chumba Casino is widely considered to be one of the fastest-growing operators in the States, and one that offers access to hundreds of video slots and table games. This platform is also highly reputable, having been fully licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority.
• Mr. Cashman: Last, but by no means least, is Mr Cashman, which is one of the most action-packed and slot heavy casinos in the iGaming marketplace. It’s available through native apps on iOS and Android and currently the 10th most downloaded casino platform on the App Store, whilst new players can earn a welcome bonus worth 3 million free coins when they register for an account!

Playing Online Casino Games with a Real Live Dealer

As we’ve already said, the live casino vertical in the States has yet to fully mature, but this doesn’t mean that American players cannot enjoy real-time table gaming.

In fact, several U.S. operators are now offering highly immersive and authentically paced live casino platforms, with MyBookie offering a relevant case in point.

Through this platform, you can access nine high-quality and premium titles, including roulette, baccarat and blackjack (which is available on both gold and platinum tables). The site is also home to both American and European roulette iterations, whilst some titles are now being made available in HD format.

Other popular live games in the states include Super 6 Poker, which is compatible on both desktop and mobile devices and ideal for competitive players.

Casino Bonuses and Free Coins

The U.S. market is particularly interesting from the perspective of the best casino bonuses, as players can access an unusually diverse range of promotional offers.

So, although numerous brands utilise the standard structure of offering a 100% deposit match up to a specific value (up to $3,000 in some instances), others offer an incredibly generous amount of coins or creative no-deposit bonuses in a bid to compete more aggressively with their rivals.

Playtika’s Slotomania platform is currently offering a particularly lucrative welcome offer, in the form of 20,000 free coins. This is a no-deposit bonus that’s completely unconditional, and whilst it’s restricted to a select number of games it translates into free gameplay and increased returns over time.

VIP membership structures are also commonplace in the U.S., allowing players to earn free coins, gifts and promotions as they continue to wager and their status grows. In the case of Slotomania, there are a total of seven membership levels, with the coveted Black Diamond Status unlocking a wealth of valuable prizes,

What’s a Bonus Wagering Requirement?

As we’ve already said, a growing number of U.S. operators are offering transparent, no-deposit bonus offers to help incentivise new players.

However, those that offer traditional deposit match bonus structures tend to come with various conditions attached, including wagering requirements and the amount that players will have to spend in order to access their winnings.

Some operators may apply a wagering requirement of 35-times the total value of a bonus, for example, which could reach £20 in instances where you credit your account with £10 and receive a further £10 with which to play.

All-in-all, this means that you’d have to spend through a total of £700 to access any winnings that are derived from your bonus funds, and this is definitely something to bear in mind when choosing a U.S. casino at which to play.

The Casino Market in North America

Back in 2015, the global iGaming market generated a total GGY of $37.91 billion, with this figure expected to increase to a staggering $59.79 billion by the year 2024.

This represents growth of just under 37% in five years, and there’s no doubt that the continued (if gradual) expansion of iGaming in North America is playing a seminal role in this trend.

Overall, offline and online gambling revenues in the States peaked at a combined total of $160 billion, whilst the legalisation of sports betting at the federal level means that this could increase to more than $200 billion by 2024.

The continued drive to legalise and regulate online activity is also impacting heavily on his market, by reducing illegal activity and increase the amount that local authorities are able to monetise.

Online gambling also happens to be the fastest-growing niche in the states, aided by rising demand and a significant shift in the perception of iGaming nationwide.

In total, the online GGY increased by 19.24% in 2018, rising from $247.5 million to more than $306.5 million in a little over 12 months. The market-leading state of New Jersey undoubtedly blazed a trail for others to follow in the iGaming space, with this niche generating in excess of $195 million during 2018 alone.

Online Casinos Gambling Rules and Regulations in North America

North America undoubtedly has a rich and unique gambling history, and one that dates all the way back to the pre-Columbian era.

Colonists from Europe also brought popular casino games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat with them when they settled in the states following the Renaissance, triggering second and third waves of gambling during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Despite this rich heritage, online gambling has met with several legal and legislative challenges since the late 1990s.
After all, it took 26 years to strike down the federal law banning on and offline sports betting in the U.S., whilst the Wire Act of 1961 (which was originally designed to restrict interstate sports betting by telephone) has been the subject of several revisions by the Department of Justice (DoJ) since 2002.

The so-called Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 is also a key piece of legislation in the U.S., which sought to make it illegal for domestic operators from knowingly accepting wagers from American customers.

Of course, the initial 2011 reinterpretation of the Wire Act created an opportunity for state authorities to start legalising virtual casino gameplay in spite of this law, whilst the recent ruling from the Supreme Court will trigger similar growth in the sports betting market.

This type of loophole is commonplace in the iGaming market, as U.S. players certainly benefit from the fact that there’s no definitive law that prevents them from wagering as individual customers.

However, it’s fair to say that the American marketplace is uniquely complex in the modern age, whilst it certainly faces more regulatory challenges than many of its peers across the globe.