Your Trusted Guide to Online Gambling in the US in 2024

With the widespread popularity of online gambling in recent years, almost everyone is now involved. Many countries have legalized gambling online, including many states within the US.

Are you a US player looking to learn how to get involved with online gambling?

Below, we have written a guide to online gambling in the US in 2024. We'll discuss some types of online gambling that you can try out and how to select a reputable gambling site in the US.

Legal regulation

The US has passed the responsibility of legislating gambling to the individual states. At this point in time, not all states have passed legislation for online gambling.  In fact, very few have. Only seven states permit gambling in online casinos, while just over 25 states allow online sports betting.

If you intend to engage in any online gambling activities, you will need to make sure that online gambling is legalized in your state.

Currently as we enter into 2024, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia each allow online casinos while Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada online poker games, the latter of which inevitably relies on player pooling between states in order to be viable.

With sports betting, some states such as Mississippi, Wisconsin and Washington only allow mobile betting while on a casino property or certain desigated tribal land.

Choose a gambling site

The next step is to choose a safe gambling site. Choosing a good gambling site might seem like a hassle but it is worth the effort. To pick a good gambling site, the first step is to verify that the platform is licensed by trusted gaming authorities. This helps ensure that your data and privacy are secure.

Another way to select a good gambling platform is by checking reviews online, as hearing about other’s experiences will help you know whether a site may be a good choice. For instance, you can check for online casino reviews found at Paygamble.com.

Claim bonuses and promotions

Whether you are new to gambling in the US or you simply want to try out another gambling site, make sure to always look out for bonuses and promotions. Almost all online gambling sites offer bonuses to bring in new players and to retain existing users.

Welcome bonuses for new players will often be in the form of deposit match bonuses alongside free spins. There are also reload bonuses and cashback bonuses which you may encounter as a returning player. Regardless of the type of bonus, it’s important to review the terms and conditions that come with these bonuses. Sometimes the terms and conditions may make it nearly impossible for you to fully enjoy the bonus.

Understand that some states such as New York prohibit the advertising of certain types of bonuses.

Types of online gambling

Most people are familiar with online casinos and the variety of game play can be quite extensive. Players can also enjoy sports betting, poker gambling and even lottery gambling; however, states in the US do not legalize them equally.  With sports wagering alone there are strict provisions where some states do not permit betting on in-state schools, others prohibit player prop bets on college sports, and so on.

Online casinos are legalized in fewer states in the US. In states where online casino gambling is regulated, players will find they typically have a variety of options to choose from. When choosing a casino, one aspect to review is the selection of games, such as slots, table games and live casino games, to ensure the casino offers games you will enjoy.  Live dealer casinos are offered by most operators as well.

Again, there are only a handful of US states (mentioned previously) that allow online poker.

Sports betting is legalized in more US states than other types of online gambling.

Mobile Accessibility

Before you join any online gambling site, ensure that it can be accessed on a variety of devices, including phones, tablets and desktops. Many gambling sites offer apps that are downloadable on Google Play and the Apple Store, making it easy for players to download the application on their devices.

Almost all sites are available on both iOS and Android. Select a gambling site that works with your type of device to make sure your online gambling experience is seamless.

In addition, choose a site that has a user-friendly interface on mobile devices, so navigating around the platform will not be difficult for you, especially as a new player.

Though states have vastly improved geo-locating features, it is not unusual for sites to be overly cautious as not to allow users in neighboring states access where online casino gambling is not yet regulated.  As such, there are situations where an online casino may not always be accessible when in close proximity to borders.

Additionally, rural and mountainous regions could at times present internet access issues.  This has been a common complaint in states like West Virginia since the inception of web gambling.

Payment methods

Aside from the entertainment gambling provides, you may also occasionally win some money that you may want to withdraw from your account. Many gambling websites provide a wide range of transaction methods for payment deposits and withdrawals. Below are some of the most popular payment methods available:

E-wallets, such as Neteller and PayPal
Credit and debit cards
Cryptocurrency
Wire transfers
Online banking

Before you deposit any money with a platform, ensure it is safe and licensed.

Keep in mind that not all payment methods are available in all states.

With this in mind, these states do not allow opening betting accounts using a credit card:

• Iowa.
• Massachusetts.
• Tennessee.
• New Hampshire.
• Rhode Island.

None of the US regulated online casino sites accept cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin as of this time.

Always remember to play responsibly

Most online gambling sites are required by law to promote responsible gambling. Players should avoid gambling when emotions are running high in order to avoid making poor decisions.

Make use of the gambling site’s controls to avoid spending more money than you intend to and never wager money that you cannot afford to lose. Take a break from gambling whenever you need to. If you lose, walk away and don't chase your losses in an attempt to recover. Gambling can be addictive, so seek help if it becomes a problem.

- B.E. Delmer, Gambling911.com