We had to “dress” the whole of America, “visit” all 50 states and collect the most interesting information about the activities of American casinos to prepare this article for you. All casinos have been tested according to such criteria:
- which casinos are licensed? Different states have different laws, so below we will check in more detail the legality of casinos in each state;
- bonus programs in casinos. Are the bonus programs at American casinos different from the bonuses at European casinos? We will describe everything and show you;
- gambling. casinos from our list offer only the best games from global providers;
- payment methods in casinos. there are many payment options at US casinos, below we will see what Americans use;
- where does gambling begin?
We have compiled a list of the best casinos where you can play in the USA, see what conditions they offer.
History of gambling in the United States
Do you think Americans have always had the same attitude to risk? The ever-changing conditions, the spectrum of threat sources, the multiplicity of scenarios and the quest for reliability have caused what we see at the moment. So it's worth seeing how it all began.
Have you ever watched Westerns? Close your eyes and imagine such a scene: a handsome man with bright eyes, in a plaid shirt and hat enters the “living room”. His gaze falls on those sitting in the pub: someone drinks whiskey and smokes cigars, and someone does the same, just playing poker. Whether it is an imaginary scene from a Western or a real story - we will try to undress.
The opinions of researchers about the emergence of gambling in America are divided. The first believe that history in the United States began when the first settlers of the British colonies appeared. Others say that the indigenous people knew what gambling was even before the settlers appeared, but used it for other purposes, mainly during divination. The former claim that it was the settlers in particular who instilled the custom of organizing lotteries, but all the income goes to the financing of schools and universities. The rooting was really spectacular, because the lottery game was popular until the early 19th century, and its activities were sponsored even by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In the 1930s, a scandal broke out around the people who were responsible for the operation of casinos, since then, in such states as New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, lottery activity has ceased. By the 1860s, lottery play was only possible in three states: Kentucky, Missouri, and Delaware.
Gold fever
We mentioned this concept at the beginning of our article. Do you remember imagining the scene from “the living room”? We have just described the next stage of gambling development in the USA. It all starts with building a railroad and gaining fame, fortune, and $ota, which later became known as”$OTA fever." Between 1848 and 1849, the number of people who “fell ill” with the so-called $OTA fever increased from 6,000 to over 100,000. The real heyday of gambling occurred between 1850 and 1910. That's when the image of a real gambler - a C$sheep, who is never afraid to take risks and will forever remain a part of American culture-takes shape. In those days were popular mesh, roulette and dice. They were played by everyone: miners, Cowboys and even law enforcement. In each new construction object there had to be a special hall for games, which was always well decorated, and its dimensions often “removed into the shadow” all the buildings in the city. Usually this hall consisted of guest rooms, a bar and a stage.
Who was the gambler?
In those days, a gambler was what we call a businessman today. Gamblers were truly respected and everyone believed that they were performing a profession that enjoyed the highest social trust. Among gamblers, it was popular to rent entire tables to play in game rooms. Those who never swore or drank and paid their bills on time were called " honest gamblers." There were three types of gamblers: a businessman with an established reputation, a professional who moved from place to place, and a gentleman who kept up the tradition.
Such a powerful spread of gambling made San Francisco a real hot spot, and the names of such salons as Parker House or El Dorado Gambling Saloon quickly made a splash all over America. Even the trail that led to California through Panama in those days was called The Gambler's Trail.
Woman in Casino-a mixture of charm and gambling
Our subtitle speaks for itself. We all know that such a mixture is dangerous, but what an attraction lies behind it! Women not only played in casinos, they ran so-called gaming houses. This gave women everything they always wanted: financial independence and social status. Have you ever heard of Alice Ives, who was also known as Poker Alice? She is known as a professional poker player. Her career spanned over 40 years. Poker Alice was a real, well-educated, well-mannered smart girl with great taste. She was always the center of attention for men, probably because she carried a gun and smoked cigars. Alice Ives still lived to the time when gambling had already gradually begun to lose its popularity and was perceived as something negative. Later, history began to develop differently in each state, but this is a completely different story.
Legal online gambling in the USA: current regulations
The most frequently asked question among players who are interested in the US casino business is: is online gambling legal in the US? With each passing year, online casinos are gradually gaining an advantage in the United States. Unfortunately, this country has a wide and complicated set of rules regarding the online casino industry. Nowadays, many people still do not know which casino has a license and which does not. We have a lot to discuss, so we'll start by explaining the legality of gambling in the US. To tell the whole story of gambling in the United States is not enough even the whole day, so we decided to briefly describe the most important.
As you can see, land-based casinos have been operating here for a long time and have usually been viewed positively. Online casinos are a bit worse. Federal and state laws determine what is allowed and what is not. It is important to understand that playing online casino games in the United States is not illegal. Many people believe that the online gambling unlawful Compliance Act of 2006 prohibits online gambling. That's not the point. This set of laws makes it illegal for an individual or entity to "accept" money. At the federal level, it is legal to place online casino bets through foreign websites. Each state has its own laws regarding legal online gambling. Our editorial team looked at and reviewed most of the laws that appeared on the path of gambling development in the United States:
- The Federal Wire Act is a United States federal law, also known as the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 or The Wire Act for short, has been involved in legal discussions about online gambling in the United States since online gambling first appeared in the mid-1990s. the purpose of this law was to prevent the use of illegal gambling by gangs. The subject of The Wire Act is sports betting.
- The UIGEA is often referred to as the U.S. anti-online casino act, but is actually an acronym for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (2006). This legislation was simply attached to a much larger project, which was mainly concerned with security in the country's ports. Until now, the goal of the US Federal Government was propaganda activities, and this strategy was continued in the UIGEA. Thus, this law applies only to gambling entities, online gambling operators, and not to players or financial institutions, as many people still believe. The UIGEA gives the government the power to block suspicious transactions.
- In the wake of the UIGEA, which was passed by Congress in December 2006, work began to create opposing legislation, which was initially initiated by Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts. While Frank gathered almost all the Press on the subject, he was joined by several other congressmen who sponsored the bill. Rep. Ron Paul also played a major role. It was called the online gambling regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007. this Act was not only intended to expand personal freedom, but also addressed player protection concerns, and this, in fact, requires regulation that did not exist then.
- In 2013, Representative Joe Barton of Texas introduced the Internet Poker Freedom Act. Unlike previous bills, especially those initiated by Barney Frank, this bill was not intended to regulate online poker, but rather forced the federal government not to try to stand in the way of any such regulation.
- In 2012, a new law was passed that allows authorities in individual states to issue licenses. Only two U.S. states have a total ban on gambling. These are Hawaii and Utah. States such as Vermont, Virginia, Alaska and Tennessee do not allow lottery betting.
In our table you will find various curiosities about each state regarding gambling:
Stan | Status information |
Alabama |
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Alaska | There are many ships equipped with casinos. In international waters, these vessels allow gambling in all forms. |
Arizona |
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Arkansas |
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California | They offer an extremely wide range of games, including such favorites as blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker, keno, slot machines, pai gow, sic bo and much more |
Colorado |
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Connecticut | As a state, Connecticut was one of the first to establish a lottery similar to that found in most other US states. Gambling facilities began to appear in the 70s of the XX century. |
Delaware | For a long time, the state does not allow the existence of traditional casinos, but recently Delaware has taken steps to legalize and regulate online casinos. This means that anyone living within Delaware's borders can play their favorite online gambling games for real money whenever they want. |
Florida | The state of Florida has entered into an agreement with the Seminole Indians that allows them to be the sole operators of casino games in Florida. |
Georgia |
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Hawaii |
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Idaho |
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Illinois |
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Indiana | In 1995, Indiana established its first casino, and since then, gambling has grown throughout the state. However, the first casino was not a traditional land-based casino like the one found in Las Vegas. Instead, people were harnessed to a river boat that was equipped with everything you could find on the casino floor. |
Iowa |
The only law regarding online gambling in this state is SF 617, which states that online sports betting is legal. The law sets out all the framework that gambling companies need to be able to enter the market as a state-regulated option.
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Kansas |
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Kentucky | Their definition of gambling is "...betting or risking something of value after the outcome of a contest or game based on an element of chance.” |
Louisiana |
In Louisiana, the activity of land-based casinos and river boats flourishes. While the rules for internet operators may be strict, the rules for traditional operations are the opposite. In 2018, a law was signed allowing riverboat casinos to operate onshore. They are legal:
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Maine | In 2012, a law was passed that established the first casino in the state. In 2019, the "law on ensuring proper supervision of sports betting in the state"was adopted. |
Maryland |
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Massachusetts | Until a few years ago, offline gambling in Massachusetts was not something that could be easily realized.. This is mainly due to Puritan roots, which are still quite widespread throughout the state. In 2011, a law was passed that allowed Massachusetts gamblers to build and operate several traditional casinos. |
Michigan |
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Minnesota |
Minnesota's traditional gambling laws make it clear what is legal and what is prohibited.Here are the key findings from Minnesota's gambling laws:
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Mississippi | Mississippi passed a new law in 2017 that allows sports betting. In June 2018, the Mississippi Gaming Commission passed an executive order that requires all bets to be placed landline. |
Missouri |
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Montana | About 99% of all real money casinos available to Montana players are not only completely legal, but also regulated in the country they come from. |
Nebraska | Currently, there are only 4 small casinos in the state. In fact, apart from video casino games and bingo, these casinos offer nothing more. In the State games such as blackjack and roulette, you can play, but only online. |
Nevada |
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New Hampshire |
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New Jersey | Just a few years ago, New Jersey legislators decided that they would offer licenses that would allow operators to create online casinos that would operate within the state's borders. |
New Mexico |
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New York | New York offers a large number of land-based casinos. Looking at the map, these casinos are distributed fairly evenly throughout the state. |
North Carolina |
After reading the North Carolina statute, you will find something unusual about casino sites and online gambling. land-based casinos in North Carolina are subject to the provisions of Article 37 of the North Carolina statute.
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North Dakota |
The fact confirming the openness of the North Dakota authorities to online gambling is a law that was adopted in 2005. Thanks to this law, playing online poker is legal.
There are many land-based casinos throughout the state. |
Ohio |
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Oklahoma |
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Oregon |
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Pennsylvania |
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Puerto Rico |
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Rhode Island | By law, as of November 26, 2018, only two locations can offer sports betting, and regulatory oversight is provided by the State Lottery. At the beginning of 2019, the law was changed to provide additional betting in the mobile version. |
South Carolina |
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South Dakota | South Dakota is not a gambling destination like it used to be, but it is still a thriving casino state. This is evidenced by the growing number of traditional casinos. On November 3, 2020, voters approved a ballot measure authorizing " sports betting in Deadwood." |
Tennessee | The "Tennessee Sports Gaming Act" allows you to place mobile sports betting without any comments. |
Texas | Texas Penal Code 47.02 declares that a person is guilty when he knowingly " plays and places bets on money or other valuable thing in any game played with cards, dice, balls or any other gambling device." |
Utah | Utah's anti-gambling stance is enshrined in that state's Constitution. Title 6: Chapter 10-Part 11 - Section 1102 of the Utah Criminal Code: a person is guilty if he " participates in gambling or ancillary gambling, including gambling offered on the Internet or online." |
Vermont |
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Virginia | Currently, there are no land-based casinos in Virginia, mobile betting is more popular. The only legal form of land-based or online gambling in Virginia is the State Lottery. |
Washington |
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West Virginia |
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Wisconsin | Most online casinos that serve Wisconsin residents are based by the sea or in other countries. Currently, you can find more than 20 land-based casinos located throughout the state. |
Wyoming | There are three traditional casinos in Wyoming. Although the state does not have any online casinos, the ones that are available are located in other countries. On April 5, 2021, Governor Mark Gordon signed into law a law requiring sports betting to be done exclusively by mobile phone. |
Playing in an American casino
How does our trip to the American casino begin? First of all, you should read the rules of the casino, read reviews and check what bonuses and promotions the casino offers and whether it provides players with a demo version. If everything suits you, register on the site:
- Choose the best online casino for Real Money in the USA and visit the new account registration page.
- Fill out the registration form by entering your personal data.
- Pay attention to the message that will be sent to your confirmation email or SMS.
- After verification, make a deposit to your account. If you want to claim your welcome bonus, make sure you have paid in the correct way.
- Choose your game and start playing.
All about payment methods at online casinos in the USA
The most popular online casinos in the USA for Real Money allow you to use Visa, MasterCard and Amex cards. In this case, when your payment to the casino is rejected, the best online sites also provide other options like Neteller and Skrill. There are also casinos that accept Paypal, credit cards, Western Union and Bitcoin.
To withdraw winnings, follow a few rules:
- open the US casino online banking page and choose your payment method;
- click on the payouts option and follow the instructions of the casino where you played;
- select the amount you want to withdraw from the balance;
- check your bank details and payment method and only then confirm the withdrawal;
- you will have to wait for your paycheck to settle (about 72 hours). The payout time depends on which method you have chosen;
- check your account.
Popular gambling games in US casinos
I think we've come to the most important point you've been waiting for. At this point, we will briefly describe what gambling is most loved by Americans and what sites have the best promotional offers.
Blackjack |
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Poker |
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Video poker |
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Roulette |
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Dice games |
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Keno online |
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Scratch cards online |
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Bingo |
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Bookmaking | Betting was allowed only by state governments, a rule that existed until 1992. When the professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was promulgated, Oregon, Delaware, Montana, and Nevada gained the right to place sports bets. |
Bonus programs at American online casinos
Online casinos offer a great selection of bonuses and promotions to their players. The main task of bonuses is to facilitate the game and understand the rules of the casino for novice players. As for welcome bonuses, such bonuses are offered only to newcomers and are available with the first few deposits. Usually the welcome bonus doubles your bankroll. Free spins are available for every player, you should follow the information that casinos provide. Another type of bonus is the no deposit bonus, which is the most popular in the United States. No deposit is required, it suits Americans the most, so, in any American virtual casino you will find this type of bonus. When it comes to cashback, it is a rather rare phenomenon, not all casinos offer such an option. Typically, the casino can withdraw cashback in the amount of 10% to 25% of the previous week's losses.
Conclusions
In this article, we have presented the gambling Life Of The "Wild West" and other areas of the United States. As it was said, gambling in the US originates from scenes from the Western, which took place on the wave of “$ota fever”. No rules and regulations can deny it, because it is deeply rooted in the hearts of real American gamblers.
When developing information about casinos in the United States, we often came across the term “unregulated”. To be honest, websites in the US are regulated, but only not at the national level. The great advantage of such national regulations is the licensing, the impact on operators and the economic benefit. The United States mainly tries to prevent financial transactions, but with the development of Bitcoin, this is not 100% possible. Online gambling continues to grow and nothing will stop it. So, sooner or later, the US government will be forced to accept the activities of virtual casinos. Of course, it will take some time. Americans can only wait.