Another gargantuan success story — US casinos. More precisely, the growth of the US gaming industry over the course of a couple of decades! It began when gambling was only allowed in two states — where roulette, horse racing, slots, and poker were available in brick-and-mortar casinos. Now the opposite is true: internet gambling is legal in just two states — tourist haven Hawaii and conservative Utah. Each state has its own laws, as there is no one federal law governing internet gambling across the U.S. Instead, state laws view online casinos as a way to receive tax dollars. Now, gamblers are out checking out Michigan online gambling sites , which are among the nation's most popular and most regulated. And this: even cruise ships with American passengers have approved casino games — players can deposit, take a welcome bonus, and spin slots — just not online for real cash, but aboard.

Quick Facts

Let's quickly go through playing at USA online casinos for real money or how gambling action is regulated. The top online casinos in the USA are state-licensed but also regulated by federal legislation including:

• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
• The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
• The Interstate Wire Act

These laws are broken by a fine or time in jail for organizers. Players must be at least 18 years old. Penalties for players participating in illegal online casinos depend on the state legislation. For payment methods, top U.S. casinos providing no deposit bonuses accept:

• Visa
• Maestro
• PayPal
• ACH
• Play+
• Cash at Cage
• Online banking services

Federal Legislation Features

U.S. federal legislation controls electronic casinos under the UIGEA. Although the act doesn't criminalize internet gambling for cash, the older Interstate Wire Act does criminalize the use of telecommunication devices to place sports wagers across state lines. Violating these laws — even by foreign residents — could result in hefty fines.

Legal interpretations have changed dramatically over recent years. Online casinos began offering legal gambling services on their websites, such as roulette, as long as identity verification and payment checks were implemented and blocked transactions were addressed effectively.

How to Obtain an Online Casino License in the U.S.

Some of the prominent gambling regulators state-wise are:

• California: California Gambling Control Commission
• Delaware: Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Illinois: Illinois Gaming Board
• Iowa: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
• Nevada: Nevada Gaming Commission & Nevada Gaming Control Board
• New Hampshire: Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority & NH Lottery
• New Jersey: New Jersey Casino Control Commission
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Rhode Island: Department of Business Regulation - Gaming Section
• West Virginia: State Lottery Commission

Recent court decisions held that the Wire Act did not apply to online gambling, and with the elimination of PASPA, states could license and regulate sports wagering independently.

Registration Rules and Player Requirements

To register and deposit at a U.S. online casino, one has to be 18 years or older. That's generally the requirement. But this relative absence of regulation also leaves players in general without cover on illegal sites — a thorn in the side of American regulators. Punishment of outlawed operators notwithstanding, players are inclined to continue with these services. Problem gambling continues, despite treatment clinics open throughout the nation. There is not also a single self-exclusion list, so it is more complicated to ensure responsible gambling, though opt-outs are mandatory in some jurisdictions.

Slot Machines in U.S. Online Casinos

Slot machines have a deep history in America. The first 3-reel machine was invented by San Francisco's Charles Fey, and Brooklyn entrepreneurs created a 5-reel model.

Top 3 of the hottest slots in the United States:

• Gonzo's Quest – Famous for its bonus round and beautiful graphics. Extremely volatile and full of winning combinations.
• Book of Ra – Egyptian-themed slot with 20 free bonus spins and a volatility level of 94.2%.
• Crazy Monkey – an entertaining, high-RTP (98%) slot that's well-liked due to its simplicity and big prizes.

Leading U.S. Software Companies

The following are some of the most recognized American slot developers:

• International Game Technology (IGT) – Possesses hundreds of slots, card games, and lottery titles. Over half of no-deposit slots in the United States are IGT titles.
• WMS Gaming – Now developing modern slots and gaming platforms for Internet-based casinos. Also developed own player base.
• Genesis Gaming – Focused on high-quality, innovative slot machines, including outsourced exclusive ones.

Other smaller studios are:

• Chilko River Holdings
• Custom Game Design
• Slot Constructor
• Payment Methods in U.S. Online Casinos

Most employed payment methods are:

• Visa (Bank card)
• MasterCard (Bank card)
• PayPal (Digital wallet)
• PayNearMe (Cash deposit via 7-Eleven stores)
• Skrill (Email-based e-wallet)
• Neteller (International e-wallet)
• iDebit (Canadian online banking tool)

Conclusion

There are very few legal online casinos in the U.S. due to state governments having disagreements over gambling. All authorized sites have games for play only and only permit players who are 18+. But on-site casinos are thriving in the entire nation. Slots, roulette, poker, craps, and sports book bets are offered in U.S.-licensed casinos. The chips are purchased at the cashier and converted into real-life U.S. dollars when winnings are made.