A Guide For Gambling Online Legally In The United States In 2024
The topic of United States gambling online is a complex one because the laws in each state are different. However, you don't actually have to worry about all that, because at the best online gambling sites, USA players can safely and legally join no matter where they live in America with very few exceptions.
To gamble online for real money, USA-based sites (i.e. domestic operators) are limited to those living in states that have actually legalized the pastime at the state level. If your state hasn't yet done so – or if you simply want the biggest selections of online casino games, online sports betting odds, online poker tournaments, or online racebook action available to players at 18 and up – the United States gambling sites that we recommend are your best bet for legal, secure, and high-quality online gambling entertainment.
Best Online Gambling Sites For USA Players For November, 2024
Each of the following gambling sites accept USA players from most states and are considered some of the most trusted names in online gambling. Every single site listed is known for having incredible bonus packages, fast payouts and an overall fantastic gambling experience for players.
In addition, every single gambling site below offers an incredible signup bonus for new depositing players. It's hard enough to win at gambling online anyways, so we strongly recommend taking advantage of some of these incredible offers to give yourself the best shot at walking away a winner.
- All
- Bingo
- Casino
- Poker
- Sportsbook
$500
$3,000
$500
$5,000
$3,125
$1,000
$2,500
$5,000
$9,750
$250
$500
$8,000
Is Online Gambling Legal In The United States?
Yes, but there are caveats. Legal online gambling that is locally offered in USA states is available, but fewer than 10 states actually allow all forms of online betting from state-licensed operators. The most widely legalized type of online betting is sports betting, with 25-30 states now hosting domestic sportsbooks accessible both in-person and online.
However, you can only join a state-licensed betting service if you are physically located in that state. These services are all geo-fenced, so you have to be inside the borders of a legal betting state to participate. The typical legal gambling age at USA online betting sites operating within individual states is also 21 or older, which isn't ideal for those adults aged 18-20.
Fortunately, there's a solution: international betting sites. Because these venues operate outside of US borders, they can legally accept players from any US state, including yours! To sign up for safe, real online gambling, USA residents can simply join any of the operators recommended here, as there are no USA gambling laws that say you can't. Tens of millions of players can't be wrong!
Federal Gambling Laws, Legal Timeline And American Jurisdictions
The UIGEA Explained
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, is a piece of federal legislation that became law in 2006. The UIGEA simply places regulatory oversight concerning how gambling-related transactions can be processed. The law addresses payment processors, not individual players, and it does not make online gambling illegal in any way.
The primary effect the UIGEA gambling law has on American gamblers is that it can occasionally cause a credit or debit deposit to be declined, which happens about 10% of the time. It also put an end to card-based chargebacks for online betting payouts.
However, the industry has evolved to work in compliance with the UIGEA, and there are now multiple new USA gambling banking methods you can use for both deposits and payouts. Of these, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are the most popular, and they make mobile casino USA gambling and mobile USA sports betting easier than ever, no matter where you are.
USA Online Casinos
For residents fortunate enough to live in one of the handful of states that have embraced locally regulated online casinos, it's a simple matter to get started. Just pick a service, sign up, and make a deposit. Keep in mind that a lot of these local casinos require you to register as a player in person before you can use their online gaming services. The vast majority of Americans don't live in these states, and most of these potential players believe they're out of luck. But they aren't!
That's because offshore online casinos – that is, those USA online casinos operating legitimately over the Internet – are also legal to join. Remember, US and state gambling laws apply only to domestic gambling. There are no federal laws that bar the use of non-USA betting sites by American players.
Indeed, only one state in America – Washington – has specific laws on the books barring online casino gambling (and other forms of online wagering), and even these laws aren't historically enforced. All the established and new USA online casinos listed here accept WA residents, though you are advised to follow all local regulations and join these services only at your own risk.
USA Online Sports Betting
The US sports betting market has dramatically expanded since the overturn of PASPA in May 2018. This has given American sports fans an increased range of options for betting on their favorite players and teams. As it stands today, over half of all USA states have legalized online sports gambling. However, despite PASPA no longer being in effect, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 remains law. This means that domestic sportsbooks cannot accept bets from players across state borders.
Again, however, the Wire Act only applies to United States-based sports betting sites. If you wager on athletics using an offshore operator that's trusted and reputable within the global gaming community, you can wager online legally 24/7. When it comes to sports betting, USA players are welcome at all the venues we recommend, and the best sports betting sites accepting USA players are all just a click or tap away!
USA Online Poker
Of the "Big Three" legal USA online gambling markets, online poker is the least available domestically. Even in the few states that have legalized online poker within their borders, several have yet to actually roll out these services. Unlike other types of gambling, online poker requires a tremendous technical backend, as the game is multiplayer in nature.
Of course, as with the other types of US gambling online, you're not limited to domestic options! Safe, online poker tournaments, cash tables, and Sit-N-Go events are hosted at many of the best-reviewed gambling sites we suggest. Best of all, there's always room at the digital felts, because online USA poker is available around the clock.
You can join pot-limit and no-limit tables with buy-ins and antes for players of all means and skill levels, and multi-hand and multi-table options are supported, too. From Texas Hold 'Em to Omaha to Omaha Hi-Lo, you'll never run out of online poker hands to play.
USA Online Bingo
Bingo may not be the most popular form of online gambling, but the pastime's move to the digital space is gaining momentum. Over the last several years, USA-friendly online bingo has established a notable presence in the gambling market. Real-money online bingo games are not prohibited by any US federal gambling laws and are primarily available through legal online bingo sites operating offshore.
Best of all, you don't need to navigate any smoke-filled bingo halls or worry about getting blotter ink all over your good shirt, because the online game is fully automated, completely interactive, and allows you to enjoy every moment from anywhere in the United States. If Bingo is your game-o, you've finally found the best place to play!
Other Popular Sections On Our Website
Legal Online Gambling - With all the recent changes taking place in the US online gambling arena, finding legal betting sites can be a bit tricky for new players. To help first-time US online gamblers navigate the world of real-money wagering legally and securely, we've assembled a useful legal betting guide. Here, you'll discover the best places to place your bets, and you can also learn about the more detailed gambling laws for each individual state.
Online Gambling Laws - For US online gamblers interested in learning more about the specific betting laws of their own states, we've created this helpful index. While we recommend that you contact a legal expert for more detailed interpretations of any laws or regulations, this section should provide you with all the basics necessary to feel confident moving forward.
USA Live Dealer Casinos - Live-dealer casinos have lately become a standard feature at all legitimate online gambling sites. USA players with access to live casino streams can get all the sights and sounds of Las Vegas itself right on their computer or mobile device displays! You can chat with your dealer, gab with other players at the table, and track every shuffle, draw, and spin in real time. When you want to be at a casino but don't have one nearby, live-dealer options are the answer.
