Online Casinos that Accept Players from the USA
Online Casinos that Accept Players from the USA
Online gambling is big business, so big in fact that the global online gambling market generated 59 billion US dollars in 2020. Don’t let the dollars fool you, though; the vast majority of the market share lies outside America.
As technological advances drive online gambling forward to broader acceptance, more Americans than ever are taking notice of the fantastic benefits and attractive offerings that are now available at online casinos as more licensed casinos vie for American players. Not only have Americans embraced online gambling, but numerous states have pushed for the introduction of online casinos in their particular jurisdictions and have already awarded multiple online gambling licenses.
The American gambling industry’s adoption of online casinos is steadily growing as states rally for the industry’s legitimization as it generates massive tax revenues and provides employment possibilities. Thus far, many states have successfully incorporated online gambling while others have opted to introduce online sports betting instead, both incredibly lucrative industries.
Licensed Online USA Casinos
The legalization of online gambling in America is fraught with issues that pertain to state and federal laws; despite the restrictions, several states have successfully legalized online gambling after successful court cases. The latest state to allow the introduction of online casinos is the state of Michigan.
The five other states where online gambling is already 100% legit and legal are Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These states have reported significant uptake and substantial tax revenues, which bodes well for both parties concerned – the state and the players.
In the wake of lawmakers regulating online gambling, numerous other states have also pursued legal action and enjoyed legislative breakthroughs in 2020 with an eye on the tax revenue prize following a turbulent year ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic. Players in Indiana, Nebraska, New York, and Oregon will be glad to hear that they can experience the thrill of playing at online casinos soon. It’s only a matter of time before states consider legalizing online gambling and reap the rewards.
Federal laws and what they mean for legit online casinos
As mentioned, individual states can challenge these laws in court and allow state lawmakers to have the final say about gambling legalization. Two federal laws, in particular, changed the legal implications of online gambling for Americans:
The tide turned for the online casino industry in 2011 when the US Department of Justice opinioned the Federal Wire Act of 1961, which effectively outlawed any interstate communication by sportsbooks and casinos to now exclude online casinos. This opinion opened up the possibility for individual states to legalize and regulate all forms of online gambling, with numerous states jumping at the prospect of a burgeoning new industry.
However, in 2019 the Department of Justice reverted to its pre-2011 interpretation of the Federal Wire Act, restricting online casinos’ operation. Despite the setback, other states have sought to legalize online gambling by contesting the DOJ’s interpretation so that players that reside in those states can gamble safely and legally.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)
This act targeted online gambling; to be precise, it targeted illegal gambling operations hosted on servers outside American borders. UIGEA does not outlaw online gambling by any stretch of the imagination; instead, it serves to outlaw financial transactions linked to online gambling service providers abroad. Well, that was the idea, at least.
It turned out that this federal law did little to impede illegal gambling. Still, it severely affected popular depositing methods, which not only hampered unlawful online casinos but legit online casinos too. As a result, the most reputable names in international online gambling promptly withdrew from the USA market.
While the American online gambling market steadily grows, it is still relatively new and fragmented, making it an ideal market for international online casinos looking to expand their global footprint and enter a relatively untapped market by international comparison.
Americans who reside outside states that operate US-based online casinos can play at offshore casinos and experience online gambling action without any restrictions or legal repercussions. Plus, these top offshore casinos offer exceptional bonuses and promotions that cater primarily to the American gambling market.
American Licensed Online Casinos
The very best online casinos groups have naturally followed the gambling legislature in America closely, with some of these top names initiating acquisitions and mergers to enter the market and help land-based casinos offer legit American online casinos. Merging with local partners is by far the best option as it makes it easier for reputable online casinos to operate in these jurisdictions.
Players that reside in one of the states that have legalized online gambling naturally have the opportunity of registering and playing at US-based online casinos. It’s important to note that these online casinos allow players to deposit and withdraw funds from other states; however, they need to be within the state borders if they wish to place a wager.
The best names in online gambling in America
These particular online casinos are licensed by local partners, more often than not land-based casinos.
- 888casino
- Betfair Casino
- bet365
- Unibet
Conclusion
The global online gambling industry is worth an estimated 59 billion US dollars, with America trailing the rest of the world regarding the widespread acceptance and legalization of online gambling. Thus far, a handful of states have successfully fought for the right to avail online gambling to their residents, while more states are in the process of legalizing online gambling.
The driving force behind online gambling legalization is undoubtedly the incredible tax revenue that online gambling offers these states, followed by new employment opportunities that this burgeoning industry is sure to create.
Online gambling options vary from state to state, but Americans in every state now have the luxury of playing at offshore online casinos that boast great bonuses and promotions. The rest of the world’s top online casinos have taken the opportunity to capitalize on America’s immature online gambling industry to good effect.
Hein has worked in the online casino and sports betting industries for over ten years. A wild man at heart with a passion for writing about what matters most about betting – turning a profit while enjoying the gameplay. He’s an avid fan of horse racing, baccarat, and the slots industry’s latest developments. When he’s not keeping tabs on the latest online casino developments and writing for OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com, he’s cycling, hiking, and swimming with sharks.