Online Casino Bonuses USA

Online Gambling in the US

iGaming was never really defined in the USA, which is why it was generally accepted that the law that regulates this field is the 1961’s Wire Act. But after New York and Illinois’ inquiries in 2011, the Department of Justice established that this act applies only to interstate sports betting. This didn’t legalize gambling online but made it not illegal. In the decades after, there was a certain back and forth, but the general principle stayed the same. The states could decide the status of iGaming in their territories.

Traditional land-based gambling has been restricted to a few areas and Indian reservations, while in the states that have allowed iGaming since the Department of Justice intervened, the licenses for online gambling have been mostly granted to those who already had similar licenses.

In some cases, states allow third-party entities to apply for an online gaming license, or casinos are allowed to use different brands to run independent online gaming websites, but most of them are handled by established companies.

Compared to Europe and many other parts of the world, the USA doesn’t have an incredibly favorable approach to gambling. There are hubs for iGaming, such as Malta or Gibraltar, that dominate the online gambling field. Sites run from these hubs can be accessed from the States, however, the legal framework is that accessing a gambling site that isn’t licensed in the US is illegal. Furthermore, people who do use offshore sites to gamble - or sites that are available in other states but their own, aren’t protected against fraud or any financial problems that may occur. Hence, legal sites offer client protection.

These are the states that made iGaming legal.

● Connecticut (2021)

● Delaware (2012)

● Michigan (2019)

● New Jersey

● Pennsylvania (2017)

● West Virginia (2019)

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USA’s Gambling regulations

The Interstate Wire Act of 1961, known as the Federal Wire Act, is the most significant gaming law in the U.S. This is what’s used to regulate online gambling, though it was established long before the internet.

This bill was initially introduced to fight organized crime and prohibits the transmission of information and payments connected to sports betting across state lines. In 2011, a re-interpretation of the statute opened the doors for other types of gambling across state lines, but not sports betting.

This approach halted the nascent U.S. sports betting market, which can’t pool players like online poker and iLottery. Each state with legal sports betting acts independently, and players can only place bets with providers licensed in their state, and not those in other jurisdictions.

This also means that players are limited just as operators are. Like with most other federal gaming laws, there isn’t a big chance that this will be changed any time soon. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have proposed a new bill that could integrate the Wire Act and federal sports betting regulations, but the legislation is opposed to the industry and the proposal wasn’t given much of a thought to.

Is online gambling legal in the US?

Gambling is legal in the US on a federal level. This means that each state regulates it according to their preference, both in land-based casinos and online.

Considering that the term gambling encompasses sports betting, games of chance, and skill, the list of states that allow online gambling is long and each state regulates the different aspects differently. Twenty states currently allow online sports betting, which makes it the most accessible form of online gambling in the US. Poker sites and online casinos don’t enjoy the same freedom.

Online Casino Bonus USA Terms and conditions

It’s always important to read the fine print of every online casino bonus you choose to claim. Though it’s the most boring part of the deal, and terms and conditions tend to be long and drawn out, they’re also the place where you’ll find an answer to most of your questions regarding the bonus deal. What type of information are we referring to?

Minimum deposit

‍If you’re required to deposit to get to your bonus, this is where you’ll learn what’s the lowest amount possible you can invest to get it. Sometimes, that’ll be as low as £10, while most of the casinos require a £20 deposit to get the bonus. Make sure you check this information, as depositing any less than the required amount will result in losing the bonus.

Maximum bet

‍It’s another common rule that you can only bet a certain amount when playing your bonus. Even with free spins, there’s often a limit to how much you can bet on your deposit and bonus money. For example, this could be £2 or £5. If you exceed the maximum betting size, the bonus will be forfeited.

Wagering requirements

Most casino bonuses come with wagering requirements (how many times you need to play the bonus before you can withdraw your winnings.) A usual turnover is 30-40x the bonus amount. If you deposited £50 and got £50 of the deposit, and you need to wager it 30 times, you’ll need to play £300.

Validity period

Casino bonuses expire, which means that if you want to keep your winnings, you’ll need to go through the wagering requirements before the validity period ends.

Games that contribute to turnover

In the T&C of the casino, you’ll also find information about which casino games contribute and to what percentage. For example, it’s fairly common for slots to contribute 100% (with the due exceptions) but live games and table games might contribute with a lower percentage.

Excluded games

Some games won’t count toward the wagering requirements. This is especially true for free spins, which are usually provided for a certain number of games only.

Profit cap

This is the maximum amount you can win from the bonus. For example, if you play your 100% bonus up to £30 and during your turnover you end up winning £500, you might be disappointed to find out you can only withdraw £200 from the bonus. Remember to check all these details before accepting a bonus.

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Gambling Licenses used by USA casinos

Nevada has always been one of the main gambling destinations, not only in the US, but all over the world, especially when it comes to cities like Las Vegas, which is the universal symbol of gambling.

Nevada is also one of the three US states to have legalized internet gambling operations within its borders. There are two organizations at the moment which monitor and regulate casino operations within the state, specifically the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Online Gambling in New Jersey is also the epitome of Internet casinos and gaming operations, as the gambling industry in the state is really big. Atlantic City is ranked second, only after Nevada, in US territory, when it comes to gambling. New Jersey was one of the first US states to legalize online gambling, followed by Nevada and Delaware. Hence, there are plenty of regulated casinos and websites to play poker.

Delaware also has legalized some forms of gambling and casino operations within state limits. It’s considered to be one of the main territories for gambling in the US. The first steps toward the legalization of gambling operations in Delaware were taken in 2012 when the State Senate passed the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act. Three local casinos have applied for getting online licenses to operate casino and gaming websites.

Aboutslots 4 tips to choose the best casino bonus for you

It’s always important to read the fine print of every online casino bonus you choose to claim. Though it’s the most boring part of the deal, and terms and conditions tend to be long and drawn out, they’re also the place where you’ll find an answer to most of your questions regarding the bonus deal. What type of information are we referring to?

Minimum deposit

If you’re required to deposit to get to your bonus, this is where you’ll learn what’s the lowest amount possible you can invest to get it. Sometimes, that’ll be as low as £10, while most of the casinos require a £20 deposit to get the bonus. Make sure you check this information, as depositing any less than the required amount will result in losing the bonus.

Maximum bet

It’s another common rule that you can only bet a certain amount when playing your bonus. Even with free spins, there’s often a limit to how much you can bet on your deposit and bonus money. For example, this could be £2 or £5. If you exceed the maximum betting size, the bonus will be forfeited.

Wagering requirements

Most casino bonuses come with wagering requirements (how many times you need to play the bonus before you can withdraw your winnings.) A usual turnover is 30-40x the bonus amount. If you deposited £50 and got £50 of the deposit, and you need to wager it 30 times, you’ll need to play £300.

Validity period

Casino bonuses expire, which means that if you want to keep your winnings, you’ll need to go through the wagering requirements before the validity period ends.

Games that contribute to turnover

In the T&C of the casino, you’ll also find information about which casino games contribute and to what percentage. For example, it’s fairly common for slots to contribute 100% (with the due exceptions) but live games and table games might contribute with a lower percentage.

Excluded games

Some games won’t count toward the wagering requirements. This is especially true for free spins, which are usually provided for a certain number of games only.

Profit cap

This is the maximum amount you can win from the bonus. For example, if you play your 100% bonus up to £30 and during your turnover you end up winning £500, you might be disappointed to find out you can only withdraw £200 from the bonus. Remember to check all these details before accepting a bonus.

Payment Methods and Restrictions at USA online casinos

There are plenty of alternatives when it comes to payment methods available at USA online casinos. When playing in the US, you’ll notice some are more common than others. Let’s see which are the popular payment methods you’re likely to find in US gambling platforms.

Interac

Interac is a payment platform available with 250+ financial institutions. Players who would like to use this banking option can turn to the reviews of the best Interac casinos.

Pay by Phone

Pay by Phone is a popular banking method used by most online casino players worldwide. It’s connected to your phone, so you can deposit and withdraw easily no matter where you are. Not all casinos accept this type of payment method, but it is wildly popular in the country.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is becoming all the more popular within online casinos. Players can use it in total safety and without having to disclose their personal information. Bitcoin is one of the most secure and reliable online casino payment methods, and using it ensures the lack of any type of delay.

Visa and MasterCard

Visas and Mastercards are the most commonly used debit and credit cards. Because they have a history of success and a safe network they can count on. Furthermore, most banks provide either one or the other, so they’re easy to get your hands on! American Express cards are also an alternative to Visa and Mastercard but aren’t as common in online casinos.

Neteller

Neteller offers 24/7 seamless deposits and withdrawals, perfect for online gaming. It also charges low fees on withdrawal requests and has additional protective measures against cyber theft to avoid false requests from third parties.

Skrill

Skrill is almost as popular as Paypal and Skrill, as it is safe and simple to use. It’s accepted for both deposits and withdrawals, however, it often does charge some commissions.

Paysafecard

Paysafecard is one of the most common prepaid cards in the online gambling industry, especially when it comes to players in Europe and the U.K. It’s accepted at most casinos because it’s highly safe, and it’s also available in the US.

Ecopayz

The service, born in 1999, has become increasingly popular since its inception. It offers all e-wallet services and has an ecoAccount feature to complete online casino payments. It also offers a prepaid card (ecoCard) which functions similarly to a Paysafecard.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new way to make and receive online payments with fast and secure transactions. It’s also fairly complicated for the average user, so it’s not exactly as popular as the other methods described. The most common remains bitcoin.

Top Game providers for USA casinos

There are plenty of providers out there, so it’s important to make sure your favorite ones are featured in the casinos you end up choosing. Let’s look at the ones you’re most likely to find in USA casinos.


● Aristocrat This Australian provider is one of the biggest slot developers worldwide and is responsible for games like the Buffalo series. Their games usually have big jackpots and a great gameplay. Furthermore, they’re licensed in 240 jurisdictions, including the US!

● Bally Bally was opened in 1936 and develops retro-style Vegas slots, such as Blazing 7s and Hot Shot. The company was then bought by Scientific Games (SG) in 2014.

● Barcrest The brand was launched in 1968 as a developer for bricks and mortar casinos, but it’s now plenty available in the online gambling market with titles such as Rainbow Riches. The brand has then been absorbed by Scientific Games.

● Betsoft Betfosft was founded in 1999 and boasted a collection of 150 games. They specialize in cinematic 3D slots, blackjack, and other table games. It also has a series of To-Go games for iOS and Android.

● Blueprint Blueprint was opened in the early 2000s and is now fully available for online gaming. The software provider focuses on slot games - including classic three-reel fruit machines and

complex jackpot slots. Some of their titles are Eye of Horus, Rick and Morty, and Deal or No Deal Megaways.

● Big Time Gaming (BTG) Big Time Gaming, mostly known as BTG, is known for groundbreaking slot titles and for coming up with the Megaways mechanic, which gives players 117,649 ways to win. The Bonanza Megaways slot game is what brought them the most success. International Game Technology (IGT) Since its foundation in Las Vegas in 1975, IGT has become one of the most popular game providers worldwide. It has since then acquired companies such as Barcrest and Wagerworks.

● Microgaming Microgaming is one of the giants in online gambling, with more than two decades of experience creating games for casino sites. The software provider creates pioneering slot titles and poker games. Its progressive jackpot slot, Mega Moolah, has broken several world records and is as of today one of the most popular games out there.

● NetEnt NetEnt is one of the most popular game companies in online gambling. The software provider launched in 1996 and has created over 200 titles for slots, live dealers, and progressive jackpot games.

Conclusion - Play Safe

Regardless of where you gamble, the most important rule is to play sensibly. Always remember to play within your budget, and if you feel like you’re losing control, feel free to get in touch with someone who can support you. Besides friends and family, there are plenty of organizations that will do just that, completely anonymously.

In every USA casino, you’ll be able to set deposit limits. Remember that the most important thing is that you play responsibly and not more than you can afford. To make sure you’re safe at whatever casino you land at, check that it has:

● a USA operating license

● An SSL encryption

● Clear terms and conditions

Furthermore, if you'd like to speak to someone about your gambling, you can contact The National Council on Problem Gambling