Online Gambling USA - Your Guide to Safe and Fun Gaming

Casino Games

Gamble online casinos have generally been prevalent in the states of Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Various types of gamble games can be played on these websites, including:

• Slots
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Video poker
• Live dealer games

Online Poker

Since 2013, the online poker market has increased in the United States. Seven states have legalized online poker so far: Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Some states have created interstate compacts that enable players to play against opponents in other participating states, thereby assuring huge player pools and being able to support many types of games.

State Lotteries

Many states now offer online lottery options, allowing residents to purchase tickets and play instant-win games from their computers or mobile devices. Some notable examples include:

• Illinois - First state to sell lottery tickets online, back in 2012
• Georgia - Selling tickets online and instant-win games since 2012
• Michigan - Running various online lotteries since 2014
• Pennsylvania - Kicked off its iLottery system in 2018

Welcome Offers

One such lucrative promotion open to new players is welcome offers. The bonuses are often awarded as deposit matches, free bets, or no-deposit bonuses.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a must for any decent online casino. These programs provide incentives to players to help build long-term relationships. Most loyalty programs are based on a point system where players get points for their wagering activity. One can progress through multiple tiers, which results in progressively better rewards as players gain more and more points.

Some loyalty programs are for all registered players, others are exclusive and by invitation only. Programs for high-rollers are usually available to players who consistently wager big. Cashback-only loyalty programs are very prevalent and provide players with a portion of their losses returned as insurance.

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements are the T&Cs of every bonus offered by an online casino. These specifically detail how much a player has to bet or play before winnings can be withdrawn.

Other important terms to understand include the following:

• Minimum Deposit - The smallest amount one needs to deposit to receive or qualify for the bonus.
• Contribution Rates - Not all games are created equal when it comes to meeting the wagering requirements.
• Expiration Dates - How long must the gambling bonus be redeemed? Cash-Out Options: Any restrictions on cashing out winnings derived from the bonus money.

Limitations

There are several responsible gambling practices U.S. players can oblige with to keep control of their online gambling activities. One of the most effective methods is setting limitations. Many online sportsbooks and casinos offer tools that allow the player to limit their gambling activity. These include deposit, playtime, and timeouts.

• Deposit limits - Gamblers can pre-determine the maximum amount they are willing to deposit on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. After reaching that maximum, the gambler cannot deposit any more funds. Playtime limits: gamblers can establish limits on the time they spend using the website or software. Timeouts result in no money being disposable for gambling.

It is recommended that players first consider their monthly income and then allocate an amount of their gambling budget not to be more than 10% of one's salary. At a land-based casino, it is prudent to take just the amount of cash one is willing to lose and not carry bank cards or credit cards.

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is a serious disorder that significantly affects an individual's life. Some of the major signs and symptoms include becoming preoccupied with gambling, having an increasing preoccupation with gambling more and more money, and making repeated efforts to cut down or stop unsuccessfully. The individuals may feel restless upon cutting down, gamble to escape problems or improve unpleasant emotions, such as chasing losses. Other signs include lying about gambling behavior, risking relationships or opportunities due to gambling, and depending on others to pay for financial crises caused by gambling. The early detection of these indications, therefore, is very important in seeking help to solve the problem.

Self-Exclusion Facilities

Self-exclusion can prove to be a useful tool for the problem gambler. This allows the player to 'self-exclude' themselves from gambling for a set time of their preferred choice. The below options can be employed to facilitate self-exclusion:

• By contacting the online bookmaker/casino directly
• Contact the state regulator and self-exclude on several sites

These periods of self-exclusion typically vary from 6 months to 5 years. During this period of time, access to their accounts is denied, their name is removed from mail marketing lists, and if recognized at land-based casinos, the individual will be asked to leave the premises.