US Online Gambling rules explained.
Over the years there have been issues with US Online Gambling Rules within the USA. In 2011 the now infamous “Black Friday” event seen the Federal Bureau of Investigation shut down PokerStars, PartyGaming,and Full Tilt Poker.
Under the instruction of the Department of Justice, the FBI declared that Online Gambling in the US was illegal. They justified this with the “Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act”. As a result, criminal charges were brought against CEO’s, COO, CFO and CMO’s of online gambling companies. All of which were accused of a variety of dubious crimes. Money Laundering, Bank Fraud and Illegal Gambling to name but a few.
Since then the US have loosened their unrealistic stance on US Online Gambling to the extent that they have declared that it is no longer a “Federal Crime”. Which, in short means that they haven’t declared it legal, but have deferred to individual states.
Simply put: With the exception of Online Sports Betting, ONLINE GAMBLING IN THE USA IS NOT ILLEGAL. At least not on a Federal level. This means that individual States have control over player restrictions and or Gaming licences.
To further complicate matters there is also a “Federal Wire Act”. This prohibits Banks and Payment processors (VISA, MASTERCARD, etc) from sending money to offshore gambling sites from the US.
This means that once you have found a site that accepts you, you’ll need to find an alternative payment method such as BitCoin and or Pre-paid credit cards
US Online Gambling rules and what to look for.
Finding a US based online site is rare, so you’ll have to look for sites outside of US jurisdiction. That comes with its own problems, especially if they are not regulated.
The Gaming Licence is always displayed at the bottom of every gaming site. Most of these are outside of the US in areas that allow Online Gambling to take place. The safest and best regulated sites are within Europe, such as Malta, Gibraltar, UK, Isle of Mann, Alderney and Cypress to name a few. Others include Canada, Antigua and Curaçao. All of which are regulated.
Every regulated and registered Poker, Casino or Bingo site has a gaming licence. IF there is no licence or no mention in their T&C’s of a licencing authority, then this is not a site that we recommend.
Online Bingo in the USA
Online bingo in the USA is legal, except in the eleven states (Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin) in which all online gambling is outlawed.
Age limit for online gambling in Europe is set at 18+. USA facing sites will be set at 21+. Online Gambling from within the US isn’t without issues, so make sure that you read Terms and Conditions before depositing on any sight. Stay legal.
