President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Federal Wire Act of 1961, which was intended to target illegal bookies. However, the US government has (incorrectly) tried to say this law applies to online gambling as well.
Casino & Lottery
First and foremost: online gambling is legal in the USA.
Gambling laws are constantly changing on a state-by-state basis, but here is what you need to remember: while running your own casino, sportsbook, or poker room inside the United States is not legal, individual U.S. residents will not be prosecuted for making online bets. Most importantly, all the casinos we recommend are licensed, safe and secure.
In this guide, we have compiled everything you need to know about online gambling for real money in the USA. Readers will learn about US gambling laws, see an FAQ with common questions answered, and view a timeline of online gambling laws in the USA.
A timeline of crucial moments in US online gambling history.
There are three main pieces of legislation that apply to gambling and regulated online gambling in the United States. These bills set precedent, but have since been repealed at either the state or federal level.
The Interstate Wire Act makes it illegal to make bets “using a wire communication facility”. Until recently, the Department of Justice interpreted that to include all wagers made online.
Though the Interstate Wire Act has been re-interpreted to allow some forms of online gambling, the Department of Justice still maintained that the Wire Act makes sports gambling illegal.
PASPA was passed in 1992 and attempted to make sports betting illegal across the country, and to block any “governmental entity” from allowing bets on amateur or professional athletics.
Until recently, this language has gone so far as to outlaw bets on fantasy sports, the results of which are directly tied to the individual performances of athletes.
No piece of legislation has had a greater impact on online gambling than UIGEA. This legislation could not pass on its own and was attached last minute to a national defense bill; in fact so late in the process that lawmakers admitted they weren’t given enough time to read it.
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Yes, it is entirely legal to visit, register, deposit, and play at a casino site in the USA at any of the registered & audited offshore gambling sites that we recommend. Online bettors will not face legal action by registering at any of the casinos recommended here.
While US law prevents citizens from operating casinos, it is within your right to play at registered casinos.
Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it. The majority of players test out multiple sites before setting on their favourite. Online gambling sites typically offer generous welcome bonuses, so hopping from one site to the next is often profitable for players.
The process has already begun on a state-by-state basis to allow regulated casinos to operate within US states. JP Morgan Chase believes that as many as 20 US States will have legalized online gambling by 2025.
However, while many states do not allow online casinos to be run within state borders, very few penalize citizens for playing at registered offshore gambling sites. Read our guide to online gambling in your state to learn more.
As long as you choose the correct site, yes.
The sites we recommend are subject to regulation and regular audits by third-parties. These organizations ensure fair play, testing things like a casino’s random number generator to ensure they are truly providing a fair experience for users.
Our guide to safe online casinos will teach you more about what to look for in a safe site and how best to protect yourself while gambling online.
Regulation for online casinos within states varies on a state-by-state basis. While states like Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey have begun offering regulated online gambling within their state, the majority of states have not, although this is expected to change.
However, while you cannot operate a gambling site within these states, it is acceptable by state law in virtually every state to play at an offshore casino. Visit our guide to online gambling in your state to learn more.
This is regulated on a state and jurisdiction basis, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, most online casinos set a minimum age limit of 18 years or older.
Check out our expert casino reviews to learn which gambling sites are legal and available for U.S. players.
Yes, some U.S. online gambling sites allow new players to learn new casino table games and slots for FREE. While you can’t win real money by playing FREE games, you can pick up the rules and create a strategy before making a first deposit.
Yes, the top rated online casinos in U.S. typically offer instant-play, browser based mobile betting from a smartphone or tablet that are compatible with Apple, Android and Windows devices without the need to download an app.
That all depends on what you are looking for in an online casino, like game variety, deposit options and bonuses, but you can scroll to the top of this page to see our top-rated USA online gambling sites.
