If you enjoy gambling online, we can help you find the best sites. We have rated and ranked the best online gambling sites to help you find the right one for you. We only feature safe and legal websites, so you can be confident that each of our listed sites can be trusted. Here are the top ten best gambling sites in the UK:

Mobile casinos, sports gambling sites and poker sites offer the same promotions as their desktop versions, and often have exclusive bonuses for smartphone players. The biggest casino bonuses aren’t always the best. Gambling sites make the offers significant, so they are attractive, but keep in mind to max out the offer you have to deposit more. Look at the match rate and the rest of the terms and conditions before you make a choice. GamblingSites.com is perhaps THE most comprehensive online gambling resource. This website is a genuine goldmine for gamblers, with information and expert advice on just about every gambling-related topic under the sun. Our main objective is to ensure you enjoy safe online betting and gaming at reputable and trustworthy gambling sites.

Our top ten gambling websites have been ranked according to detailed checks. We use various criteria to find the best online gambling sites the UK has to offer. We assess mobile app compatibility, bonus opportunities, payment options, game selection, and most importantly of all, we verify that sites are safe and secure. Our top gambling websites list features the overall best operators. But we know that different players have different tastes. So, if you are looking for something specific, you can be sure to find it in the next part of our guide.

• Gambling Games Sports, Poker, Bingo & More
• Best Gambling OffersTop UK Gambling Bonuses

List of the UK’s Best Online Gambling Sites for 2021:

Our ranking of top gambling sites is updated regularly. Offers and products change from time to time, so we endeavour to keep our listing accurate, truly reflecting the best gambling websites currently available to UK gamblers. Here is the latest list of the top online gambling websites:

• Betway (Top Gambling Website for Casino Games and Sports Betting)
• Mansion (Best Online Gambling Site for Slots)
• Grosvenor (Top Bonuses and Offers for UK Gamblers)
• 888 (Top-Rated Gambling Site for Poker and Bingo)
• Ladbrokes (Recommended for High Stakes Gamblers and VIPs)
• BetVictor (Recommended Mobile Gambling Site)
• LeoVegas (Best Real Money Gambling Apps)
• NetBet (UK’s Best Bitcoin Gambling Site)
• William Hill (Recommended Website for Live Casino Gaming)
• Betfair (Best PayPal Gambling Site for Casino Games)

Gambling online is safe at all of our recommended sites. We only include trusted gambling sites which have been approved for British gamblers. Each one is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. As such, the gambling platforms are secure, and your personal data is protected. You do not have to gamble on your safety when you choose any of our top-ranked gambling websites.

Best Online Gambling Games: UK’s Most Popular Types of Gambling

There are many types of online gambling available in the UK. Many top gambling sites offer a variety of different gambling products for you to enjoy. The most popular types of gambling games include poker, bingo, casino, and sports betting. In the following sections, we will delve into the various online gambling opportunities which are available at the UK’s best sites.

Casino Gambling Websites – Slots, Blackjack, Roulette & Live Dealer Games

When it comes to online gambling for real money, casino games are the most popular choice. At the best casino sites in the UK, you can enjoy a wide selection of exciting games. The best gambling sites give you the chance to play traditional casino games as well as some unique and innovative variants of classic games. You can also claim some juicy bonuses that give you great value for your money.

• Online slots are simple to play and come with many different themes and fun bonus features.
• You can play traditional French and European Roulette online, as well as interesting modern variants.
• Blackjack allows you to combine skill with luck to boost your chances of winning.
• You can play a variety of online casino games with real dealers, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

Slots are the most popular of all online casino games. There are thousands to choose from with a wide variety of themes and special features. We have created a specialist guide to playing slots online, where you will find the UK’s top 10 slot sites. You can also play a wide range of table games online, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, among others. Whilst live casino games give you the chance to enjoy a real casino playing experience with live dealers, from the comfort of your home.

Sports Gambling Websites – Bet on Football, Horse Racing & Other Markets

Sports betting is also extremely popular online, especially in Great Britain. The best sports betting sites give you the opportunity to bet on a wide range of markets. You can also benefit from generous bonus offers when you bet online. If you enjoy betting on sports, here is the best sports gambling site for UK punters:

• Football
• Horse Racing
• eSports
• Golf

• Rugby Union
• Cricket
• Boxing
• Basketball

When you choose a good online bookmaker, you can bet on your favourite sporting teams, or have a punt on major sports competitions. Top sites feature all the most popular types of sports betting, including football, horse racing, cricket, greyhound racing, tennis, and rugby. It is not just traditional sports that are featured either. At the top sites, you can also gamble on eSports and virtual sports. In-play betting is also offered at many of the best sports betting websites. With the option to bet on sporting events as they take place, you can assess the action and place your bets from a more informed and advantageous position.

Poker Gambling Websites – Win Against Other Players Online

Online poker is the game of choice for many gamblers. It is a form of gambling that allows you to combine skill with luck to boost your odds of winning. Online poker also enables you to compete against other players, adding to its appeal. According to our reviewers, this is the best poker gambling site that accepts UK players:

• Many Poker Tournaments
• Real Money Cash Games

The best online gambling sites for British poker players offer a diverse range of games. These include poker cash games, online poker tournaments, and speed poker. You can play a wide range of poker variants online, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Poker, and Five Card Draw, among others. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pro, there are a range of table limits and options that cater to your skill, expertise, and bankroll. Poker bonuses are another highlight of playing online. The best gambling websites for poker offer bonuses to new players. You can also benefit from a range of promotional offers, such as poker freerolls. Speaking of free, there are also a lot of free slots online you can take advantage of if you’re a fan of fundless wagers!

Online Bingo Sites – Popular Games for UK Players

Bingo has long been a favourite pastime for Brits. And online bingo sites have made it more convenient than ever to enjoy the fun gambling game. Bingo is a social game, and the best online bingo sites feature vibrant communities and lively chat groups. If you want to play the popular game online, here is the best bingo site in the UK:

• 90 & 75 Ball Bingo
• Many Bingo Jackpots

At top bingo sites, you will find a wide variety of games to choose from. Traditional British 90-ball bingo is widely available. You can also play the American version of the game; 75-ball bingo online. You will also find a range of branded games, based on popular TV game shows and soaps. There is a range of bingo jackpots, that give you the chance to win big money. Some sites also offer 30-ball speed bingo, as well as other unique variants. Online bingo tickets are reasonably priced, and with a range of bingo bonuses up for grabs, you can get plenty of playing time for your money.

Other Types of Online Gambling Games for Brits

So far in this guide, we have delved into the most popular types of online gambling in the UK. Yet many other online gambling options are available. Many online bookies offer novelty markets. Here, you can bet on politics, as well as on TV talent show competitions, the royal family, and other such options. There is also a variety of real money gambling games that are available online, such as backgammon gambling and dice games. Playing the lottery online also gives you the chance to win the world’s biggest lotto jackpots. The great news is that you can gamble on all of these types of games and more at our top UK gambling sites.

The Best Gambling Site Offers – UK’s Top Gambling Bonuses for 2021

A major highlight of gambling online is the generous welcome bonuses that you can benefit from. All good gambling websites offer a sign-up bonus to new players. It is a one-time deal that gets you started with a boosted bankroll. We have delved into the deals on offer to find the best gambling bonuses. Here are the top gambling site offers available in the UK:

Gambling bonuses might be alluring, but there is more to spotting a good deal than simply how much is on offer. The key to finding the best gambling bonuses is checking the terms. Different types of gambling games have different bonus levels and wagering conditions. So, you should consider what type of gambling games you want to play and check for favourable conditions. That way, you will find the best offer to suit you. We specialise in slots. As such, we have created a guide dedicated to the best online slot bonus offers. Check it out to find the best deals for playing slots online.

Free Gambling Sites – How to Gamble with No Deposit

Gambling websites with no deposit bonuses allow you to play without risking real money. They are a good way to try out the site and play some gambling games for free before you play with your own money. Want to gamble online for free? Then here is our featured free gambling site with a no deposit bonus:

• Excellent Casino Games
• Mobile-Friendly Casino

No deposit gambling offers are rare. However, there are a variety of offers available that allow you to play for free. Some casino sites offer you free play, which can be used to play a selection of games. You can find free bets offered at sports betting sites. Whilst bingo sites can give free bingo tickets as part of their promotions. We keep a close eye on the market and will keep you updated as and when there are any new free offers for you to take advantage of.

Casino Gambling Sites with Free Spins

Many casino sites offer free spins as part of their welcome bonus deal. Such offers are perfect for slots players, as you can play popular slots for free. Free spins bonuses can be awarded as part of a deposit bonus package. Some are awarded simply for signing up at a casino gambling site. As there are so many gambling sites with free spins, we have created a separate guide to the best free spin slot offers, where you can find the latest deals available for UK players.

Payment Methods at the UK’s Top Gambling Sites

Payment options are an important consideration when choosing the best gambling site for you. The UK’s top gambling sites support a wide range of methods for depositing securely. Your choice of payment method could impact how long it takes to deposit and withdraw. Payment options also vary in terms of convenience of use and levels of privacy. UK players often choose gambling websites based on the payment methods they support. In the following sections, you will find the most popular gambling site payment methods and recommended sites that accept them.

The Best PayPal Gambling Sites – Gamble Online with PayPal

Of all the payment methods you can use to gamble online in the UK, PayPal is the most popular option. PayPal deposits are simple, secure, and instant. The e-wallet is accepted at many of the UK’s best gambling sites. For your convenience, we have prepared a list of the best PayPal gambling websites available in 2021:

• Betfair Casino (PayPal Casino Gambling)
• Betway (PayPal Sports Betting)
• Grosvenor Casino (PayPal Roulette Gambling)
• BetVictor Casino (PayPal Blackjack Gambling)
• 888 Ladies (PayPal Bingo Site)
• 888poker (PayPal Poker Gambling)
• Mansion Casino (PayPal Slot Casino)
• 888sport (PayPal Horse Racing)

PayPal is preferred by many online gamblers as it adds an extra layer of security to your transactions. You do not need to enter your bank card details, protecting your privacy. It is also quick and simple to deposit with the e-wallet, as there is no need to enter lengthy card details. PayPal also offers the quickest withdrawal times of all payment methods. So, you get your hands on your winnings quicker when you use PayPal.

Pay by Phone Bill Gambling Sites

As more players prefer to gamble on mobile devices, pay by phone gambling sites have become increasingly popular with Brits. Pay by phone allows you to quickly and simply make deposits at gambling websites, using your mobile phone billing. Want to charge your online gambling deposits to your phone bill? Then here is the best pay by phone gambling site for 2021:

• Fully Mobile Compatible Site
• Wide Variety of Gambling Games

Boku is the company behind the pay by phone service. They provide the mobile payment platform that allows you to pay for services using your mobile phone number. Depositing at a gambling site using pay by mobile is fast and easy. You enter your phone number to make a deposit, then enter the code sent by SMS to confirm the payment. Deposits are processed instantly, and you can start gambling for real money instantly on your phone. Pay by phone bill is available on many of the UK’s best gambling apps.

Bitcoin Gambling Sites in the UK

Bitcoin has emerged in recent years a popular way to make payments online. The cryptocurrency is incredibly secure and provides complete anonymity to your transactions. As such, it is a suitable option for gambling online. As a fairly new trend, Bitcoin is not widely accepted at online gambling sites.

If you want to use Bitcoin the gamble online, there are no restrictions applied to the types of games you can play. You can deposit with Bitcoin and play a wide range of casino games, including slots, roulette, and blackjack. You can also bet on sports with the cryptocurrency. Yet your choice of sites is quite limited. As Bitcoin becomes more popular for online gambling, we expect that more operators will start to support the payment method. We will keep you posted when any new Bitcoin gambling sites get our approval.

Overview of Other Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

There is a range of other payment methods that you can use at UK gambling sites. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted for deposits and withdrawals. Due to changes in the law, as of 14th April 2020, UK gambling operators are no longer permitted to accept credit cards. But you can still use Visa and MasterCard debit cards to gamble online. You can also use a selection of e-wallets including Skrill and Neteller. Many gambling websites also support prepaid deposit options, such as Paysafecard.

Whilst most casino deposits are processed instantly, withdrawals take longer. This is because the operator will carry out security checks to validate your identity. They will also check that any bonus wagering requirements have been cleared. Once authorised, withdrawals with bank cards tend to take around 2-5 working days. E-wallets are processed quicker, varying from just a few hours up to 2 days, depending on the operator. Withdrawals will be paid using the same method used to deposit wherever possible. Although, some payment methods, such as pay by phone and Paysafecard cannot be used for withdrawals. In such cases, payments will be processed using an alternative method.

Mobile Gambling Sites – Play from Your Phone

Mobile gambling is extremely popular, and most Brits prefer to gamble using their mobile devices. As such, all good gambling sites offer their players the option to play on the go. Whether you want to gamble on an iphone or if you prefer to gamble on an Android device, all the top gambling sites are available for you to use. We have tested real money gambling apps to find the ones with the best usability, performance, and gambling game selection. These are the best mobile gambling apps available in the UK:

Most modern gambling sites are fully mobile compatible. They are built with a mobile responsive design, enabling you to play directly through your browser. As such, regardless of the operating system and the mobile device you use, in most cases, you can access all the best gambling sites on the go. In the following sections, we will delve into each operating system in more detail, to help you find the best gambling apps for you. Of course, if you’re already certain that playing on the go is your cup of tea, make sure to check the best mobile slot casinos!

Android Gambling Sites & Apps

If you want to play at a gambling site on an Android tablet or smartphone, you will be interested in finding Android gambling apps. Although it is quicker and easier to play through the browser, rather than downloading gambling Android apps. According to our research, here is the best Android gambling site in the UK:

• Apps for Sports, Casino, Bingo & Poker
• Download & Web Apps Available

Some gambling sites have developed real gambling apps for Android, which you can download from the Google Play store. Yet, given that Google banned real money gambling apps for many years, not all operators have invested in the development of Android apps. Still, you can enjoy convenient gambling directly in your browser with all reliable operators.

iPhone Gambling Apps & Sites

If you want to gamble on your iOS device, you will find many iPad and iPhone gambling apps available for download from the App store. It takes just minutes to install the apps and you then get quick and convenient access to real money gambling games. We have put iOS gambling apps and sites to the test and here is the best iPhone gambling site:

• Casino & Sports Betting Apps
• 1000+ Mobile-Friendly Games

Apple users do not need to download a native app to gamble on the go. All the best online gambling sites are mobile-friendly, allowing you to play directly in the browser. This is a good option if you want to avoid using up precious space on your device. You will still have access to the full suite of gambling products that are available on a download app when you play through the browser.

Other Mobile Gambling Websites

Android and iOS have the biggest mobile operating system market share in the UK. So, it stands to reason that most gambling sites are compatible with both operating systems. Yet, the best gambling sites also cater to users of other systems. If your device runs on Windows, Blackberry, Samsung, or any other OS, you can play directly through your browser at most of our top 10 gambling sites.

Safe and Legal Gambling Sites – How UK Gambling Laws Protect Players

According to the Gambling Act (2005), UK residents can legally gamble online, as well as in land-based establishments. For a gambling site to legally provide their services to players in the UK, they must hold a valid licence from the Gambling Commission. The UKGC is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in Great Britain. They impose the strictest standards of player protection and security. As such, when you play at a UK-licensed gambling site, you can be confident that the site is operating legally and responsibly.

The Gambling Commission is committed to protecting vulnerable people and minors from gambling-related harm. As such, in May 2019, the Commission introduced new rules requiring gambling operators to validate a player’s age before allowing them to gamble online for real money. The Commission also introduced a ban on credit card gambling in April 2020. The move was made in an attempt to protect UK players from financial burdens related to problem gambling. The regulatory body carries out research and enlists new rules to ensure that gambling is kept safe and fair for British gamblers.

The Gambling Commission carries out close analysis of the gambling industry in Britain. They produce reports detailing the statistics and trends across the market. According to the latest reports, online gambling has the largest revenue share in the UK. Online gambling generated £5.36bn revenue from April 2018 – March 2019. Whilst this was a 0.6% decrease from the previous year, it still shows the online gambling industry is thriving in Britain.

Casino games are the most popular type of online gambling, generating £3.1bn, the bulk of which coming from slots. Whilst sports betting is the next biggest sector, with betting on football and horses generating the highest revenues. Thanks to the UK’s strict gambling regulation, it is one of the safest and fairest gambling markets in the world. Needless to say, all of our top-ranked UK gambling sites have been approved by the UKGC and adhere to the required standards.

Online Gambling for Real Money: Tips & Tricks

Gambling with real money is not stressful if you know what you are doing. Choosing a safe and licensed site is the most essential factor. That way you can be sure that games are fair and payouts are guaranteed. Many players check the payout reports of gambling sites. Such reports are produced by independent authorities that audit and verify how much is paid out to players. The higher the payout report percentage, the better the payouts for players. Here are the best online gambling sites with real money payouts:

• NetBet Casino(96.54% Payout Rate for Casino Games)
• Betway(95.83% Payout Rate for Football Betting)
• William Hill(90.50% Payout Rate for Horse Racing Betting)
• 888poker(98.88% Payout Rate for Poker)
• 888casino(95.79% Payout Rate for Online Slots)

The best gambling sites for you will vary depending on the types of games you want to play. If slots are your game of choice, then be sure to check our guide to the best real money slot sites to find operators with the best games and payouts. Another important tip when it comes to online gambling for real money is to set yourself limits. Consider how much you are willing to spend gambling online and set yourself a budget. Gambling relies heavily on chance, so you should never be tempted to chase any losses. Stick to your budget, and you can enjoy the fun of real money gambling responsibly.

Questions and Answers and Gambling

To make our best online gambling sites UK guide as thorough as possible, we carried out detailed research. We collated the questions that are frequently raised about the topic. In the following section, you will find the most common online gambling-related questions, along with the answers you need.

Top Online Gambling Sites

🏆 What are the best online gaming sites?

The best gambling sites in the UK hold a licence from the Gambling Commission. Once safety is verified, you can rank gambling sites according to game selection, bonuses, mobile compatibility, and other such factors. We have reviewed operators to compile a list of the best online gambling sites for UK players.

💷 How to Gamble Online with PayPal?

To gamble online with PayPal, you must sign up at a site that accepts the e-wallet. You can check our recommended PayPal gambling sites to find the best operators. You can then open the banking cashier and enter your deposit amount. Fill in your PayPal username and password to make a payment. Your account will be instantly credited so you can start gambling instantly.

🎰 What is the best online casino for real money?

The best online casino for real money gambling is UK-licensed, verifying that it is safe and secure. The best casino to suit you will then depend on your preferences regarding games, bonuses, and other criteria. You can check our list of best real money casino sites to find the UK's top 10 online casinos.

📱 What is the best app for gambling?

The best app for gambling depends on the types of games you want to play. We have listed the best gambling apps for casino games, sports betting, and poker. Each of our recommended apps is secure, intuitive, and features a solid range of gambling games.

🙌 How do you win on gambling sites?

You can win real money on gambling sites by gambling with real money. Whilst some operators allow you to try out games for free, you cannot win real cash when you play in demo mode. By making cash deposits at gambling sites, any winnings you make will be paid as cash.

⚖️ Is Bitcoin gambling legal?

There are no specific laws regulating bitcoin gambling. Yet, as gambling is legal in the UK, Bitcoin gambling is accepted as legal in the UK. There are a variety of UK-licensed gambling sites that accept Bitcoin deposits. By holding a UKGC license, those Bitcoin gambling sites are operating legally.

⛓️ Where can I gamble Bitcoins?

You can gamble Bitcoins at gambling sites that accept the cryptocurrency. You should opt for a licensed site to be sure that the BTC casino is legit. We have compiled the best Bitcoin gambling sites in this guide, for your convenience.

⚖️ Are there any legal online gambling sites?

Yes, all online gambling sites with a UKGC licence are legal in the UK. According to UK gambling laws, an operator must hold a valid licence from the Commission to operate in the country. Each of the operators on our top gambling sites list is legal and above board.

👌 What gambling sites are legit?

Each of the gambling sites featured on this page are legit. We only list legal operators that hold a valid UK licence. Licensed sites offer fair games with guaranteed real money payouts. They also operate responsibly and offer self-help tools to enable players to manage their gambling activity.

💻 How many online gambling sites are there?

Of the total 2690 operators with a UK gambling license, 17.1% are comprised of online casino, betting, and bingo sites. As such, as of March 2019, approximately 460 online gambling sites are operating legally in the UK. Our list of the best gambling sites features the top 10 UK operators.

💰 Can you make a living from gambling?

There are professional gamblers who make a living from gambling. Many of the world's most famous gamblers have established their career playing at online poker sites. Of course, you should remember that you cannot guarantee that you will win when you gamble. Only highly skilled players with a lot of experience have earned a living through gambling.

You can Gamble Safely at the UK’s Best Gambling Sites

The best online gambling sites in the UK allow you to play safely for the chance to win real money. Our top ten gambling sites rank best overall. They feature a wide variety of popular gambling games, appealing bonus offers, and excellent mobile apps. So, you can choose any of our recommended sites and enjoy the best online gambling experience. To end our best gambling sites UK guide, once more, here is our top-rated gambling site for the UK:

• The Best Gambling Sitefor 2021Play Here!

Skip the Headaches and Play at a Legitimate Site

You’re looking for a legitimate U.S. gambling site, but can’t decide which site to trust with your hard-earned money?

Good news! We’ve been in the online gambling industry for over a decade (several decades, really, if you add all of our experience together), and we’ve spent countless hours to bring you a list of the most legitimate sites.

Here’s what all of these sites have in common:

• 10+ years in the business with strong reputations.
• Attractive promotions for first-time customers.
• Quick money withdrawals (relative to the U.S. market).

Why Bovada Is #1 in the U.S.

Gambling Site Offers Yahoo

#1: Fastest Check Cashouts

Bovada gets 10 times as much traffic as its second best US competitor and still delivers check payouts faster than any of them. Bovada processes check withdrawals in 7 days; many of its competitors take weeks, some more than a month to do the same. (There are other fast options, like the #3-ranked BetOnline, which delivers checks in 14 days.)

#2: Service

An equally important aspect of Bovada’s operations is its customer service. If there ever was an indication of how much a company respects its customers, it’s the level of customer service the company provides. I haven’t found any US-friendly site doing this aspect of the business better (although 5Dimes is a worthy runner-up).

#3: All-In-One

Finally, all parts of Bovada’s business (sportsbook, casino, poker, racebook) are popular. Bovada is best-known for sports betting and casino games, however, even its online poker room has around four times as many players online as the second biggest US poker site. You can access all of their games with one player account.

… But You Should Know This

Bovada is recreational-friendly, perhaps more-so than any other US site. You’ll find few golden opportunities in their sportsbook (read more about their use of dual lines), they have a relatively high overall house edge (especially after recently increasing house edge in video poker games) and their online poker room only has “anonymous” tables.

Although not everyone agrees with me, the recreational-friendly part is an advantage for skilled poker players. Since Bovada appeals to recreational gamblers, you’ll be like a shark among regular fish.

Bovada charges a 4.9% fee for credit card deposits (a lot considering how most sites charge nothing). The impact of the deposit fee is slightly compensated by their welcome bonuses, which are better than average.

All online gamblers look for entertaining games, attractive promotions and aesthetically pleasing software. To have a safe experience, however, you want a site to:

1. Serve its customers with safety and respect,
2. Operate with a reasonable house edge, and
3. Handle money transactions promptly.

Yes, the third point is included in the first point but it’s also such an essential part of the customer experience that it must be mentioned separately. Many online gambling websites operate without an adequate level of service so these points are worth considering. It’s rare to find a combination of all three points.

Bovada fulfills all of the above criteria better than other sites but 5Dimes does well, too. In fact, I’m confident in ranking those two as the best USA gambling websites specifically because they deliver so well in the areas related to safety and trustworthiness. A site without proper customer service and safety measures is not one you should deposit money to, regardless of its promotions and whatnot.

What Are Some Alternative Options?

For Sports Bettors

5Dimes.eu is the best betting site in the US for the following reasons: they’re professional-friendly and offer reduced juice betting lines (in other words, less house edge). Before betting on any game, I recommend taking a look at the odds 5Dimes is offering. They’ve been a reliable sportsbook for over 10+ years — you’ll find few complaints about 5Dimes online, and the ones you find have been resolved quickly.

For poker and casino games, I would go with Bovada. But for sports bettors, it makes the most sense to have an account at 5Dimes.

Another Solid Option

BetOnline.ag is my third suggestion. It’s not significantly better than the others in any area but they’re simply a solid option. Prompt cashout processing, decent poker traffic, good sports betting options and entertaining casino games. Additionally, I’ve had good experiences with their customer service.

For sports bettors, BetOnline is worth signing-up at simply to be able to compare betting lines among a few sites. For poker players, BetOnline may offer some good games every now and then (keep in mind: you can bet on sports and play casino and poker games with the same account, so plenty of gamblers will stumble on the poker games eventually). For casino gamblers, BetOnline has a basic but reliable offering.

BetOnline charges a 6% fee for credit card deposits.

Is It Legal to Play?

The definition of ”gambling” and the laws surrounding vary depending on which state you live in.

In Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey, some forms of online gambling have been legalized and regulated (only state-licensed sites are allowed to operate legally). In other states, it’s likely (although not widely agreed upon) that playing – and certainly operating – online gambling games for real money is illegal.

On a federal level, sports betting is the only form of prohibited gambling via the Wire Act of 1961. For several years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) maintained that the Wire Act applies to all forms of online gambling, but in December 2011, they corrected that stance by stating that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting – a result of a 13-page memorandum from the Office of Legal Counsel to the Criminal Division of the DOJ (source).

State laws, however, often indirectly prohibit gambling. Or to put it another way: it would be difficult to claim any forms of online gambling legal with absolute certainty in most states (lotteries and such aside). Most state laws indirectly prohibit gambling simply by making all forms of gambling unlawful that have not been made lawful.

Purely based on history, it’s unlikely you’ll get into legal trouble; then again, if something is illegal, you can get into trouble, and someone probably will. Gambling online may be illegal where you live. Contact a local gaming lawyer to get a better idea of your local laws.

Legal Troubles

Industry-changing events have taken place in the online gambling world – mainly concerning online poker – such as the UIGEA and Party Poker’s exit from the US market, or PokerStars’ exit from the US market in 2011.

Those crimes were committed by online poker operators, though, not players. Still, the mere fact that online poker companies were targeted was enough to cast a shadow over the legality of US online poker, and furthermore, players grew more and more worried about one of these sites getting shut down along with the money on their player accounts.

In fact, there is a legitimate reason to worry about dishonest US gambling sites taking your money. Some sites have indeed taken off with the money – a recent example is Lock Poker, which currently may owe its customers over $15 million. I created LegitGamblingSites.com mainly to give more exposure to the sites with strong track records of honest business practices.

The lawmakers, in that regard, have a point about not allowing unlicensed sites to provide online gambling games to US citizens. While that may not be the reason, it’s likely one of them. (If I had to guess, I’d say they’re more concerned about losing out on tax dollars and protecting the interests of brick & mortar casino owners such as Sheldon Adelson, although through the RAWA – Restore America’s Wire Act legislation – he tries to do that by himself.)

How to Move Money Around

Ever since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) became a law, US citizens have had a more difficult time finding a suitable deposit method.

There are only a few left, actually.

The most common deposit method for US citizens is still credit card deposits, out of which VISA is the most widely accepted brand, followed by Mastercard, with American Express being a distant third. Cards must be eligible for both international and online transfers.

The alternative method is to use a money transfer service such as Western Union. Western Union is mostly a deposit-only method. (Bovada is an exception since they only allow you to withdraw money via a check.)

Why to use a money transfer service instead of a credit card?

• A card deposit fails to go through. This happens every now and then, and the only way to know if your card will be accepted is to try. According to various forum reports, Vanilla VISA is declined at most sites while Netspend VISA has been successful.

  Surprisingly, players have had problems with card deposits even at state-licensed sites due to banks like Bank of America outright declining all gambling transactions. Things will likely get better with the new MCC codes for VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Distant which will help casinos to identify gambling transactions more accurately. It’s unclear how much of a help this will be since banks still have the right to decline transfers marked with the new MCC codes, and due to not wanting to violate the UIGEA (according to which they’re prohibited from knowingly processing unlawful gambling transactions), banks may decide it isn’t worth it and keep cancelling transactions even if they were for state-licensed sites.

  This is expected to change once bigger states – perhaps even the biggest of them all, California – join internet gambling, since declining the transactions will then affect such a large percentage of any bank’s customer base.

• You want a faster cashout. While money transfer services cost more (many sites, like Bovada, allow one free check cashout a month), the money is usually delivered to be picked up at a local Western Union location in five days or less.
• You don’t want a check cashout. You need to go to a cashier to cash a check. Most people would rather avoid doing this, especially since banks aren’t allowed to knowingly process online gambling related transactions (unless in Delaware, Nevada or New Jersey, but people have had problems in those states as well).

In general, you’ll have higher transaction costs with money transfer services than with a combination of credit cards and checks. BetOnline and Bovada are the only major USA sites charging for credit card deposits and most allow one free check cashout per month – some, like True Poker, allow a free check withdrawal every seven days.

How to use a credit card/check combination?

1. Enter your credit card details online after which you have the money on your player account instantly.
2. When done playing, order a check cashout, which will take from a week to over a month depending on which site you’re dealing with.
3. Go to your local bank to cash the check.

How to use a money transfer service (like Western Union)?

1. Go to their website or a live Western Union location and send money to the gambling site. (You’ll need to contact the gambling site first to get their transfer details.)
2. When done playing, initiate the withdrawal from your player account.
3. Go to a live location to collect the money.

State-Licensed Sites

As mentioned, Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey have legalized and regulated some forms of real-money online gambling. Delaware started with online poker but has since expanded into casino games as well; Nevada offers online poker games only; New Jersey offers online poker and casino games.

As you can see, not a single one of these states offer online sports betting. In New Jersey – clearly the biggest market of the three – there’s a clause according to which sports betting may be considered to be added in the future.

Requirements

You must be physically located within a state’s boundaries to play at the licensed sites. If you’re currently located in California but live in Nevada, you’re unable to play until you return to Nevada; if you’re currently located in Nevada but live in California, you can play as long as you stay within Nevada’s state boundaries.

Licensed sites have to make sure nobody outside of the state can participate in the games. Geolocation – identifying exactly where a person is located – has been difficult, and there are still people who are unable to play even though they’re located within those states. This is one of the reasons licensed online gambling sites have done financially worse than expected.

Only existing brick & mortar casino owners within those states can apply for licenses, although they can apply together with an existing online gambling site in a software-licensing agreement, like Caesar’s Interactive and 888.com have done. If a poker site kept operating in the US after the UIGEA of 2006, it will be subjected to a ”bad actor” clause in Nevada and be prohibited from operating in the state for now.

Sports Gambling Site

Performance

Each state has had a rocky start, although New Jersey is doing OK. In March 2014, they did $11.87 million in revenue, which grew into $13.16 million in March 2015. A growth rate of 14.57% year-over-year is better than nothing, but still a far cry from the $1 billion within the first 7 months of operating Governor Christie expected (New Jersey gambling sites were launched in November 2013). In other words, his expectations were a little over $140 million a month on average, or about ten times the current revenue.

Online Sports Gambling Site

According to PokerScout.com, Nevada’s online poker revenue is going downhill. Year-over-year decrease in revenue of around 44% (from February 2014 to February 2015) is, no matter how you look at it, a disappointing result. Problems with card deposits and geolocation – both of which exist in other states as well – and player liquidity have undoubtedly contributed to the significant decrease. Players have to deal with fewer problems when playing at offshore sites, and as long as that continues, it will be difficult for state-licensed sites to gain major traction.

In Delaware, the state keeps all yearly revenue up to $3.75 million. Since total revenue for 2014 was around $2.1 million, gambling operators have made nothing. The main reason for such a low amount of revenue is Delaware’s population of 0.94 million (in comparison, New Jersey has a population of 8.9 million). Liquidity is important for online poker since you need lots of players to run games at various stakes, in several forms and throughout the day. Delaware is trying to improve its poker liquidity by combining player pools with Nevada but so far there hasn’t been a significant improvement to its online gaming revenue.

If all of the three states were to combine their player pools, it would create a poker economy of around 12 million people, which could add significant liquidity to the games and thus bring in more revenue to each of the states.

Offshore Sites

Gambling sites accepting US customers from outside of the three states are all ”offshore” sites, meaning they operate from outside of the US and have no license to operate within the US. They have obtained a license in some other jurisdictions – such as Antiqua & Barbuda or Panama – but many of those jurisdictions have less-than-stellar reputations.

The disadvantage of gambling at offshore sites is the lack of safety. For an outsider, it’s impossible to know how strict testing measures these sites go through to prove their legitimacy, and hypothetically, if one of them were to disappear from the internet tomorrow along with your money, what could you do about it?

Lock Poker, as already mentioned, is an ongoing example. They’ve now lost their license in Curacao (weirdly, they were able to keep the license easily over a year after refusing to process customer cashouts) and there’s nothing anyone can do to make sure Lock Poker’s customers have their money returned. All we can do is spread the word to the people who are considering signing-up and depositing money to their site.

The best thing you can do is consider the reputation of the site rather than the jurisdiction since all jurisdictions have had dishonest sites. The longer a site has been fully operational, and the fewer complaints it has generated, the better. Essentially, Bovada has been in the online gambling business since 2000 when Bodog.com was founded (the US-friendly operations of Bodog were re-branded as Bovada in 2011), and as mentioned, they’ve achieved an excellent reputation with a high level of customer service.

But there are advantages to playing at an offshore site, too, and you can legitimately argue that the advantages override the disadvantages. Offshore sites place fewer restrictions on customers, need less personal information and have to compete with lots of other sites (within US states, competition is limited) which forces them to be at their best in order to succeed. There are no geolocation issues either.

Safety and legality aside – although obviously, both are big considerations – offshore sites are the better option in almost every area. Since only three states have legalized some forms of real-money online gambling in the US, they’re the only places for internet gambling for around 96.4% of US population.

Gambling Site Offers Websites

What’s Next?

US online gambling is in a transitional phase: after a long wait of legalization, three states have done it, mostly with lackluster success. Suggesting geolocation and deposit issues are resolved, revenue streams may grow. With online poker, though, most likely at least one of the bigger states has to legalize it and combine player pools with the others to create a meaningful poker economy.

A federal legalization would create much-needed competition and player pools, which in turn creates a bigger incentive for operators to participate and, in many ways, a better environment for gamblers. If internet gambling was to be legalized nationwide, every operator and their grandmother would want a license. As of now, it’s more beneficial for most operators to stay outside of the US.