The legality of online casinos has been under debate for several years, especially in the United States where the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is currently in effect. This law, which went into power in 2006, ambiguously states that games of chance cannot be played on the internet for real money within the U.S. However, there are some big loopholes in the law. For example, you are still allowed to bet on racehorses online, even though there is an element of chance in this. Poker–a game that definitely involves a great degree of skill–is considered to fall under the UIGEA’s jurisdiction, though. Another grey area is lottery type games such as Bingo and baccarat, although popular political interpretation currently puts them under the UIGEA’s umbrella.
| Rank | Casino Site | Bonus | Payout | Mobile | iPad | US | Review | Go to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | $3,000 | 98.4% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 2 |  | $10,000 | 98.1% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 3 |  | $1500 | 97.2% | No | No | No | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 4 |  | $4500 | 96.9% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 5 |  | $3200 | 95.8% | No | No | Yes | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 6 |  | $2100 | 96.3% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 7 |  | $400 | 97.9% | Yes | Yes | No | Read Review | Visit Site |
| 8 |  | $550 | 96.9% | No | No | No | Read Review | Visit Site |
The real problem, though, is that the UIGEA makes financial transactions to and from gambling websites illegal. Many casinos interpret this as meaning that online gaming is illegal, while others just utilize third party agencies to take care of withdrawals and deposits for them. As of right now, there’s not much that can be done about this when it comes to enforcement because of differences in international law, but if you do have questions or concerns about the legality of playing at an online casino in your country, your best bet is to consult an attorney that specializes in gambling law.
If you do decide to play online, the same rules for picking a casino still apply. You want a site that will be trustworthy and secure first and foremost. This will be your number one way to avoid scams and protect your investment. You also want a site with a good reputation. Both of these things can be determined by doing web searches and reading independent, online reviews. You can also look at when the company was founded. A casino that’s been in business for over a decade obviously has kept customers happy for a while, while a brand new casino does not have this track record yet. There are many good new casinos out there, but it’s better to be safe than sorry in this respect. It also becomes necessary, if you live in a country with gambling restrictions to look at the reputations of the third party payment processors. For example, there are some casinos out there that accept U.S. players, but then pay them through illegal or fraudulent sham businesses when it’s time for a withdrawal. This can get you in a lot more trouble than just playing a fun game online can, so be careful and do your research.
Next, focus on the quality of the games that you will be playing. There are a number of factors that go into this, namely the software platform, the graphics, the casino’s speed, and the chances you have for making a profit on the game. A lot of people overlook this last point, but think about it. If a video poker game has a 98 percent payout, isn’t this going to be better over the long run than a slot machine with only an 88 percent payout? People play casino games online for a bunch of different reasons, but what it all boils down to is money. Making money playing a game is a lot of fun, and the better your chances of winning some cash, the more entertained you will be.
What it comes down to ultimately is the kind of experience you are looking for. If there are strict regulations against online gambling in your area, you probably can still find a casino to play at, but whether or not that casino will be worth your time is a different story. Where there are restrictions, your freedom to choose the very best casino for your needs and wants is severely limited, unfortunately. In these instances, you might just be better off waiting until you can travel to a real brick and mortar casino where you can have much more fun without worrying. It all depends on what you are looking for.
The United States might see their regulations change in the future, but right now, it is tough for a serious online gambler to get all that they want out of their experience. There are over 2,500 casinos on the web right now, and only a fraction of them serve U.S. customers. This means lost opportunities for bonuses, progressive jackpots, and cool new games. It’s uncertain what the future of the UIGEA is, so it is going to be a good idea to keep tabs on your country’s legal situation and make sure you are getting the best experience that you can.