10 Criteria For Finding The Best U.S. Gambling Sites Online
Gambling Guy’s interests go far beyond the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021. In addition to listing many of the best American betting sites for U.S. Online in 2021. Our online casino list lists the best New Jersey sportsbooks, as well as many others across the country. However, you may not be looking for the best American betting sites for the U.S. that are online in 2021.
Whether you’re looking for the best American betting sites for the U.S. that are online in 2021, or the best online casino for poker, Gambling Guy has you covered.
Choosing a casino or online betting site isn’t something lightly decided. There are many important things to consider, and we have ten criteria that we apply to all sites when we review the best U.S. gambling sites. We review several online casinos to give players an accurate view of what to expect from different operators. The casinos are tested to see what makes them unique and what they bring to the table. We cover a range of topics to help you decide if an operator is right from you. Here’s a list of all the different factors we consider when we review sites that want to be considered one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021.
Trustworthiness, Reputation, and Customer Support
Good customer support is a cornerstone of any reputable online casino, so we always check both the customer support options (such as email, telephone, and live chat) as well as how well the customer service performs. What’s more, to be one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021, having a trustworthy reputation is very important. A player needs to be able to trust the services of the casino or sportsbook. We only recommend gambling websites that are regulated and certified by gambling associations, from the latest betting sites in New Jersey to the latest online casino in Pennsylvania. All of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 are reputable sites.
Financial Security
When you join a gambling site, even one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021, financial security is key. Players are giving away their financial information and betting with real money. An operator must take that responsibility seriously. Our recommended best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 always make use of encryption software to keep their players safe. When dealing with sensitive personal information such as payment details, you need to know that a casino is as robust and securely as it can possibly be – so we put all security-related topics under the microscope whenever we conduct a review.
Payment Methods
There are many different payment methods available online today. However, variety isn’t enough to get an operator listed as one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021. Some payment methods can only be used in specific countries, while many of them have waiting periods, limits, and fees. It’s important that gambling websites have payment methods that are easy for players to use, and that are available in their countries.
Speed is also essential to consider. While payment providers usually have their waiting periods, some casinos and betting sites have their waiting periods that apply. Whether you choose one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021, or not, always check the terms and conditions of a website to be sure of verification requirements and waiting periods. We also check the variety of options available at a particular site: a huge array of payment methods are now available to online players, but not all operators include every potential option – so we always check and verify which are available at each individual site.
Game Software
An online casino can have a massive variety of games and bonuses, but that alone won’t make them qualify as one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021. The quality of a game is also important. Players want to enjoy beautiful graphics, great audio, and excellent game features. For that, operators must partner with experienced and trusted software companies. There are many of these, most notably NetEnt and IGT, as well as Spin Games and many others.
When we do our reviews for selecting the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021, game software is one of the key things we look at. If an operator can’t provide quality and reliable games from reputable developers, we don’t recommend them to players. Looking for gambling in New Jersey? We’ve got you covered.
Game Variety
The best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 are different for everyone. Game variety, in particular, is a somewhat debated topic. Some players prefer a casino with excellent bonuses and less, higher-quality games and services, over casinos with a massive variety and less quality. That’s why we consider both types of casinos and betting sites on their own merits when we look at game variety as a factor in recommending the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021. To truly meet the needs of a variety of users, we believe that casinos have to offer an impressive array of games from the latest developers, so analysing the full game portfolio is an important component of our reviews.
Welcome offers, bonuses and promotions
Bonuses help operators to differentiate themselves from one another and draw the attention of prospective customers, so we always ensure we focus on the bonus provision – both for new and existing customers – of any operator that we review. Most of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 offer regular bonuses. Welcome offers, bonuses, rewards, and promotional schedules are one of the most effective ways online casinos can draw new players and entice previous players to come back. A good bonus doesn’t have to be constant – many online casinos make excellent use of rotational rewards and promotions. There are, however, things that do make a good bonus.
To qualify as one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021, sites should do more than just offer many rewards. The rewards must be worthwhile and achievable for players. They should also entice players to try out different games and sections of a website or online casino. From NJ online poker sites to online slot machines in New Jersey, our guides help you find the right welcome offers for your needs.
Bonuses and VIP/and Loyalty Programs
A great loyalty or VIP program can enhance the gaming experience for players if they’re done right, so we always check to see if there’s any special deals available for long-term players of a particular operator. Some of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021 offer rewards programs, but not all of them are worthwhile. Tiers or rewards offered by these programs should be achievable, while also offering worthwhile returns for the players’ efforts or loyalty. Not all the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 have VIP programs.
Look, Feel and User Experience
The design and functionality of a website is always an important component when it comes to overall usability, so we dedicate part of our reviews to investigating the overall esthetic and performance. Unfortunately, lagging websites, glitching games, horrible navigation, and awful player experiences are far more common than it should be. Such things are definitely not things that you want to encounter at the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021.
Gambling and betting sites should be fun to look at, but also easy to navigate and to use. Important sections should be marked clearly, and customer service or help sections should be readily available.
These are all factors that we consider before recommending a site as one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021.
Live streaming and betting
Live casino games have risen in popularity in recent years and become a firm user favorite, so we always check the availability of live options and – if possible – evaluate how well they work for the end customer. The need for this is obvious, with live features fast rising in popularity amongst players who want access to in-play betting and cash-out features. It’s an excellent addition to any betting site, and is something we look for when deciding which sites may be the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021. In New Jersey, online poker sites have become increasingly popular due to the amount of them that offer live streaming and live betting options. Most of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 offer live streaming.
Best Odds and betting lines
Any player who joins a sportsbook or betting site wants the best possible odds. That’s why we look at the best U.S. gambling sites that offer great odds, giving you more bang for your back. You’ll find some fantastic odds at the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021.
Games and Slots
There are many casino and slot games available, and several different developers make these games. Some of the most popular developers include NetEnt and IGT, who make some of the most reliable games in the gambling industry. To be one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021, variety and quality games are important.
Our team carefully tests different games, creating strategic tips to help players. We also recommend casinos that feature these games, allowing you to pick the one that suits you best. Some of the best online slot machines are in New Jersey. However, we’re not too concerned with the locations of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 if they offer good service.
Mobile Gambling Apps
Today, people expect almost everything to be available on their phones – including gambling sites. Players want to be able to access the games quickly and easily from their mobile devices, and most of the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021 have created mobile applications for their players.
Gambling mobile apps can look very similar to the online casino website, or it could be completely different. They usually also contain a smaller selection of the games that are available on the site itself, since not all games can be adapted to work well on a mobile screen.
Smart devices can run on one of several operating systems, including Android, Apple iOS, BlackBerry, or Windows. For that reason, most online casinos and betting sites will make sure that there’s a native app for any of these operating systems. The best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 must offer apps for various operating systems.
Slots and table games should be able to load quickly and even allow you to use gambling apps with real money deposits by using secure payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Apple iOS: Most players on iPhone or iPad devices can find and download the casino apps directly from the App store. Sometimes the app will also be available for direct download from the casino website itself. Apple devices do tend to have issues with Adobe Flash, but most of the HTML5 gamers should work just fine. The best U.S. gambling sites should be offering a mobile app that is compatible with IOS.
Android: Android users can find gambling and casino apps in the Google Play store. They can also visit the casino website to download the app from there. Phones that run on Android should run most games without any issues, including Samsung and HTC phones, and the Kindle Fire Tablet.
Windows Phone: Newer Windows OS phones have fewer issues running gambling apps than the older phones did.
There aren’t many Windows apps, but you’ll find mobile support for Java, Flash, and HTML5. In other words, no matter the software used to run the games, you should be able to play.
BlackBerry: Many of the new Blackberry phones can support instant-play games from online casinos and gambling sites. They can also handle Android OS, so you can sometimes gain access to games that way.
With mobile games becoming more and more popular, it’s reasonable to expect an online casino or betting site to have an app for players.
Blacklisted Sites – Casinos to avoid
You won’t find any of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 to be blacklisted. Casinos can be blacklisted for several reasons. It may be unsafe to make real money deposits or to play their games, and in some cases, they might not even really exist. These gambling sites pose a direct risk to players, their safety, personal information, and finances. To be classified as one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021, operators must be reputable.
To protect yourself against blacklisted casinos, or casinos you might not be legitimate, it’s essential to know which red flags to keep an eye out for. There are a few different signs that can indicate you’re dealing with a less than reputable casino, with payment issues and poor customer service response being amongst the most prevalent concerns – if you experience these, then it might be best to look elsewhere. Other concerns you might notice include misleading advertising, licensing issues, signs that games have been pirated or games that seem to have been rigged in the casino’s favor, little to no discussion of the site being regulated by an authoritative body, and – last but not least – poor encryption and lax website security standards.
If you do notice any of the aforementioned issues and subsequently develop concerns about the reputability of a casino, you can contact the appropriate authorities for further assistance.
Gambling Laws in the United States
When you’re looking for the best American betting sites for the U.S. that are online in 2021, there are many legal factors to consider. The legalities of gambling in America is complex, and U.S. gambling laws tend to change frequently. It’s no surprise that people are often left asking, ‘Is gambling illegal in the US?’.
The one thing that’s constant is that online gambling sites make a significant amount of money. Today, the gambling industry online makes over a billion dollars annually. It’s a huge business, and people want to cash in on it. Unfortunately, this has led to several ambiguous legal issues. Gambling laws are frequently challenged, as is the legalization of gambling in the US.
The biggest problem that legal gambling faces today is how confusing the different laws are. There are various gambling laws regarding taking bets, making bets, advertising, and facilitating payments. We’ve decided to give you a thorough breakdown of what is legal in gambling, what is illegal in gambling, and where the grey areas are.
Federal Gambling Laws
All the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 abide by federal laws. Most people want to know about Federal gambling laws first, so here’s what you should know: there are no U.S. federal laws against online gambling sites. Online gambling sites are perfectly legal on a federal level, but only because there is no actual law against it. You can run afoul of a state’s laws, but prosecution is rare, and penalties are usually not that harsh. Even the U.S. Attorney has admitted that placing wagers online doesn’t violate any federal laws.
Why does this confuse many players? In 2006 several outlets incorrectly reported that Congress had banned online gambling sites and that online gambling sites in the U.S. were now illegal. The report is wrong. The actual law just made it illegal for banks to move gambling money for placed bets in states where placing those bets are already illegal. The law didn’t create or extend a ban on gambling in the US itself.
The law states, “No provision of this subchapter shall be construed as altering, limiting, or extending any Federal or State law or Tribal-State compact prohibiting, permitting, or regulating gambling within the United States.”
In other words, state laws still dictate whether online gambling sites or sports betting platforms are legal. Placing bets isn’t illegal, according to Federal law, but taking online bets, or any bets for that matter, is classified as illegal gambling.
Yes, the FBI posted a warning online where they said that placing bets online is illegal. They lied, and the Department of Justice eventually reversed that position.
To be clear, taking bets is illegal. It’s always been against federal law to take any sports bets online, but not to make them. You can’t set up a website and accept sports bets. Placing online bets is legal in the United States. But this is all at a federal level, and it can still come across as confusing to most players.
So, are the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 legal? Let’s make things a little simpler.
Definitely Legal
Placing wagers online is classified as legal gambling in the U.S.A. However, a bet must not be placed on a site located in the United States, depending on the state – we’ll cover that in more detail later. Although there’s a chance that you could run into trouble with the state, the chance of prosecution is low. Rest assured, the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 are operating legally.
Gambling sites that are set up outside of the country are legal. As long as it’s not on United States soil, you’re safe. You can bet on casinos in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, etc. without any worries. You just need to make sure you find a reputable casino, for your safety.
Definitely Not Legal
If the website is based in the United States, it’s not legal – again, depending on state law. Sports betting is highly regulated, and you can’t take any bets over the telephone. Advertising the services of online gambling sites is also illegal.
There are also specific laws that apply to banks that prohibit them from allowing transfers related to gambling. That’s why many websites will deny American players access.
Sports betting is still a grey area. The Supreme Court overturned a law prohibiting sports betting in 2018, which now means that it’s up to individual states to legalize it should they choose.
States that have explicitly legalized online gambling
Although most states have laws against gambling in general, very few have laws that apply specifically to online gambling sites. There are a few states that allow gambling in the US online, but that only applies if you’re gambling at an approved online casino. There are a few cases in which only certain kinds of games qualify as ‘legalized gambling’.
At the time of writing, the states where online gambling site are legal include Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey. In fact, the latter is a particular standout: New Jersey online gambling has been one of the fastest growing online gambling industries in the United States. Pennsylvania is seeing similar levels of growth; there are plenty of new PA online casinos, and the Pennsylvania online gambling industry has been growing just as much as that of its neighbors.
However, we still recommend that you check your local laws before placing any bets at the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 – especially as there are some states (such as California) where the rules are far from clear, but are not necessarily prohibitive. What’s more, the laws are constantly evolving, so what’s true today might not necessarily be so tomorrow – so always search for the most up-to-date information for your specific location.
Why is gambling illegal in the US?
U.S. gambling laws are still unclear on many aspects of how online gambling sites operate, and it leaves people confused about gambling in the U.S. One of the big problems with the current online casino laws, and laws about gambling in the U.S., is that there are no overruling laws, leaving many grey areas.
So why is it that gambling in the U.S.A and U.S. gambling law is so confusing? Why haven’t they legalized gambling in the US in a more general way across states?
Many states have strict gambling laws to prevent money laundering schemes. It’s also to avoid interference in sporting events. There are many other reasons, but most of them relate to the government wanting to prevent illegal activities from being facilitated through online gambling.
However, as the popularity of online gambling sites continues to grow, more states are legalizing online gambling. There are also regulating bodies set up in these states to monitor the best American betting sites for the U.S. that are online in 2021. As the industry continues to grow, more states might legalize online gambling sites in the future.
5 Tips to choose the right casino
When you’re looking for the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021, choosing the right casino is a very personal choice, and often depends on the types of games and features you want. Here are five of our top tips to find a casino that works for you.
1. Do your research
Before you decide on a casino or betting site, do your research. It’s a good idea to read a few online reviews about the website and to compare what they have on offer to other betting sites and online casinos. You can also check blacklist directories to make sure that they’re a legitimate website. Finding online casino ratings can give you a good idea of what to expect and should help you to know if the site if one of the best U.S. gambling sites.
2. Check to see if it’s available in your country
Not all casinos can accept players from around the world, depending on the local laws. Even if they do accept players from other countries, there may be a limit on which games or functions they make available to you, depending on which country you’re from. Reach out to customer support if you’re not sure about joining.
3. Test the free games
Free games are there for a reason! If you don’t want to commit to a casino before you know if you like the games, you can often try out a few of their free games to get a feel for what they have available. That way, you can see if you like the site before you sign up or deposit any real money.
4. Understand bonus requirements
When online casinos and betting sites have welcoming bonuses or promotional offers, there are often specific requirements and steps that you have to follow before you can claim the bonus. You must read the terms and conditions of these bonuses before you sign up. You don’t want to put in the effort and then be unable to claim your winnings.
5. Check the pay-out speed
There’s nothing worse than having to wait for weeks or months to claim your winnings after you’ve won a massive jackpot. When you choose an online casino or betting site, you want to make sure that you’ll receive your winnings quickly and without any extra effort. You can check out our operator and bonus comparison sections to see which casinos have the best payout times.
14 Ultimate Tips for Online Gambling in the US
Whether you’re using one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021, or another online casino, there is much to know.
There are many tips we can give new and existing players when they gamble online. Here are fourteen of our top tips for players who want to get the most out of their online betting experience at the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021:
- When it comes to sports bets, keep it simple. That’s especially true if you’re a beginner, and still need to learn. The odds are usually better when you place a money line bet, so start there if you want a better chance to win.
- Only start with sports that you already have strong knowledge about. The more you know, the better bets you’ll be able to place.
- Give live betting in in-play betting a try. If you see the odds change in real-time, you’ll have a better chance of spotting any profitable opportunities.
- Don’t pay for tips. There are many so-called tippers who will give you a skewed view of their betting results. Instead, try to find places – like our strategy section – where you can get advice from real players.
- Keep betting records. Those records will eventually show you where you’ve done the best, and where you’ll stand the best chance of winning again.
- It’s essential to know the rules of a game. It’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not sure how a game works, and how to place your bets to stand the best chance of winning.
- Accept that you’re going to lose, and only wager what you’re willing to part with. Everybody loses, so don’t bet with more money than you’re ready to lose.
- Stick to table games if you want to reduce the house’s edge as much as you can.
- Avoid chasing your losses. There’s a high chance that you’ll be losing a lot more money before you start winning it back.
- Don’t rely on betting systems. Often they don’t work and are only for entertainment.
- Save some of your winnings for the next time that you play and quit while you’re ahead. Don’t blow your whole betting budget every time that you play, or you’ll never start making a profit.
- Find community forums where you can ask advice from real players. There are many experienced players that will share their tips and strategies for free.
- Remember that the games aren’t running in real-time unless you’re playing a live game. If you need to stop for a minute to look for hints or tips, take a break and do that first.
- Finding good odds and return rates are essential. The return rates are how much casinos usually pay back to players. Sometimes those rates can go as high as 98% or 99%. You might not see that kind of return when you start playing, but it’ll pay off as you keep playing.
Most important sections of the site
We make several comparisons between different operators, betting sites, bonuses, and games. There are also reviews, strategies and tips, and a wiki guide that will cover almost everything new and existing players need to know about online gambling. You should look for the following things to help you find the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021.
Casino Comparison
If you want to know who the best American betting sites for the U.S. online in 2021 are, this would be one of the best places to start. We have tried and tested these operators, and our in-depth comparisons will give you a thorough overview of what to expect at these different online casinos.
Bonus Comparison
Many of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 offer bonuses. Players who are more interested in the bonuses offered by different operators than the operators themselves, should read our bonus comparison section. There are many different types of bonuses available online, and each one has its terms and conditions. With our comparisons, you’ll be able to navigate the maze of all these different bonuses and be able to choose the best one for you.
Operator/Bonus Reviews
To find the best American betting sites for the U.S. that are online in 2021, our team went out to try several different operators. Our in-depth review section gives users a look at the operator from a player’s perspective and why one operator or bonus is considered better or worse than another. With these reviews, you’ll get to see the good and the bad about every operator.
Games/Slots
All players have their taste in games. Some prefer the relatively simple gameplay and beautiful graphics of slot games. Other players prefer the risk of roulette or the challenge of poker. We look at the different games and their variations, allowing us to give you useful information and recommendations regarding these games.
Payments
With so many different payment methods available to online gamblers, it can quickly get confusing for many players. Our payments section gives a thorough overview of the different payment methods, their limits, and fees, where they might be available, and more. With this information, players can make an informed decision about which payment method would work the best for them. We’ll provide you with in-depth coverage of payment methods such as Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Strategy
When you play online betting games, you must have a strategy. Having a strategy for any game can give you an advantage, and every game is different. In our strategy section, you’ll find different tips and guides to show you how to get the best results, no matter which game you’re playing – be it fantasy basketball, fantasy hockey, or fantasy football. Experienced players can also share their tips and strategy guides.
Guide Wiki
The guide wiki section of the website is dedicated to gambling content that players might find educational. Players of any experience level can visit the guide wiki section to learn about different betting concepts, whether they want to brush up on the basics or learn more advanced tricks. You can also check out our US Gambling Guide for Beginners 2021 for useful tips.
Operator FAQ
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about how to find the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021.
Is it legal to gamble online in the U.S.?
Yes, but as our legal section mentioned, it depends on your state. You can find a lot more detailed information regarding which states have legalized gambling, as well as what types of gambling in the US are legal and which ones aren’t.
Is it safe to play at U.S. online casinos?
Yes, it’s safe if you play at the right betting sites and online casinos in the United States. The gambling sites that we review and recommend are all tested, have good reputations, and are known to be secure and reliable. You can play at any of these sites without worrying about your safety. Some of the best betting sites are in New Jersey, including fantastic new NJ sportsbooks.
Am I able to play for free?
Many online casinos allow players to enjoy free gameplay after creating an account. That way, new players can try out games and learn a bit about how they work before investing real money. There are a few online casinos that even offer no deposit rewards to give players a small amount of cash to play with. However, when you’re playing for free, you won’t be able to win any real money.
How do I determine which casino is the best?
Your game and gameplay preferences are what determine which casinos or betting sites might work best for you. Some sites have great bonuses, while others have a better variety of games, or live betting services. You can visit our comparison sections to find a casino or betting site that has the best options for you.
What type of information should I research about a casino?
There are a few things that will quickly tell you whether it’s for you, or whether it’s safe to play there. The brand of software a casino uses, for example, can quickly tell you if their games are reliable, and if you would enjoy them.
Also, make sure that the online casino or betting site is licensed by a reputable authority, that they’re regulated, and that their games are frequently tested for fairness. One of the most common authorities that you’ll see for the United States is the New Jersey Gambling Commission.
What types of games can I play?
Depending on which casinos and betting sites you join, you’ll find a massive variety of games. Most casinos offer games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. There are also casinos with poker and video poker, live games, and special games like bingo, keno, and baccarat. If you’re more interested in sports betting, there are several sportsbooks as well. Many of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021 offer a great casino section as well.
What kind of bonuses will I receive?
It depends on the casino where you decide to play. Most online casinos will offer new players a welcome or first deposit bonus. These are usually matched up to 100% but can also go as high as 400%. Some also offer rotational or sectional promotions and bonus offers, tournaments, and more.
Make sure that you always research the terms and conditions of a bonus. Most of them have specific steps you have to follow before you qualify.
Does a 3rd party audit all online casinos?
The most trustworthy casinos will have 3rd party verification companies do their audits. These include companies like eCOGRA, Gaming Associates, Technical Systems Testing, and iTech Labs. If a site has approval from one of these groups, it proves that they’re legitimate.
What form of gambling in the US should beginners start with?
There’s no real way to confirm that one type of betting is better than the others. It comes down to player preferences. We do recommend that new players try different types of games and take advantage of free gameplay to learn these games before they start betting real money.
We strongly recommend that new players also keep to low bets, to begin with, until they’re more comfortable with the rules of any given game. This may minimize losses in the long run and give players a better chance of winning.
Why do I have to provide gambling sites with ID documents?
Regulated online casinos and betting sites must confirm your identity, as required by law. This helps prevent fraudulent activity and prevents money laundering. They also have to report winnings to the IRS. Doing this is proof that your operator may be one of the best American betting sites for the U.S. Online in 2021.
Online Gambling Sites FAQ
