Real Money Online Casinos
Real Money Casinos and Games [Complete Guide]
- Real Money Casino Games
- Top USA Online Casinos Perfect for You
- Casino Bonuses for Extra Cash
- Safe Deposits & Fast Payouts
- Are Online Casinos Legal?
- Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to have a great experience, especially when you use your own money to bet on your favorite online casino games. Find the most reputable real money online casinos, which we have reviewed for the highest quality service and player experience, including great customer service and plenty of deposit options.
The online real money games are broken down by category, where players can search for their favorite casino titles, including blackjack, video poker, and slot machines. There are many online casino bonuses that you can claim and use when playing for real money.
Reasons to Play at Online Casinos For Real Money
- Pick and play from hundreds of real money games at the top USA online casinos.
- Use a variety of secure and approved payment options to quickly deposit and withdraw your winnings.
- Use dozens of bonuses offered at our recommended real money casinos and start with extra cash!
- Reviewed by our team of casino experts to ensure safety, reliability, and quality player experience.
Use our complete online guide of real money casinos and games to help you find that special site that will offer you what you want and deserve. For your convenience, we have split the games up by category, where you can search for your favorite casino titles, including blackjack, video poker, and slot machines.
Best Online Casinos for Real Money 2019
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BetOnline CasinoUS100% up to $3,000- Accepts US Players, Highly Recommended
- Online, Download, Live, & Mobile Casino
- Over 100 Casino Games
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- skrill
- bitcoin
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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MyBookie CasinoUS150% up to $750- USA Players Welcome & Fast Payouts
- Very Reputable Casino
- Live Dealer Games Available
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- bitcoin
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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BoVegasUSUp to $5,500- US Accepted with Huge Bonuses
- Mobile, Flash, and Download Play Options
- Quick payouts
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- wire
- bitcoin
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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Betway CasinoUS100% up to $1,000100% up to €1,000100% up to £1,000- Uses the Microgaming Software
- Fast Cashouts in Just 1-7 Days
- Online, Mobile, Instant & Live Play
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- neteller
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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Spin PalaceUS100% up to $1,000100% up to €1,000100% up to £1,000- Premium 24 Hour Live Support
- Biggest Progressive Jackpots
- Safe and Trustworthy Deposit Options
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- bitcoin
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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Jackpot City CasinoUS100% up to $1,600100% up to €1,600100% up to £1,600- Big Jackpots and Massive Deposit Bonuses
- Over 400 Online Casino Games
- Play Live Dealer Games
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- bitcoin
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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JoeFortuneUS200% up to $1,000- Large Australian Bitcoin-Friendly Casino
- Mobile, Flash, and Download Play Options
- Fastest Payouts
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- neteller
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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888 CasinoUS100% up to $200100% up to €140100% up to £100- Operating in Good Standing Since 1997
- Great Graphics and Sounds that are Updated Frequently
- Fast and Secure Credit Card Deposits
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- neteller
- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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Fair Go CasinoUS100% up to $1,000- Safe and Trustworthy Australian Casino
- Mulitple Daily Deposit Deals
- 100s of Pokies, Slots, and Table Games
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- wire
- bitcoin
Real Money Online Casino Games
Before I discuss how to sign up for a website, I’ll give a broad overview of the list of games offered by typical real money casinos. Sites in the industry almost always have a similar layout, so this should give you an idea of how to search for your favorite casino game. Find below the list of types of games you can find at an online casino.
Real Money Slot Machines
Elite online casinos offer hundreds of online real money slot games, including 5-reel video slots, 3-reel classics, fixed jackpot games, and progressive jackpots. Some software developers focus on progressive gaming while others focus on graphics and entertainment value.
Licensed slots feature pop culture franchises while 3D slots have the best graphics and animated features that look like cut scenes from a video game.
Real Money Table Games
The term table games refer to games played with dealers at their own table, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. We have listed the most popular tables games you can find at any reputable online casino.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. You will also find several blackjack variants for real money like Spanish 21, Match Play 21, Perfect Pairs, Blackjack Switch, and Pontoon.
Roulette
Online roulette is one of the most popular and classic casino games that gamblers can play and win real money. You will find several variations of roulette at online casinos. These include American roulette, European roulette, French roulette, and live dealer roulette.
Craps
Craps for real money is definitely worth a player’s time. If the player learns which bets to make, they will be able to enjoy good odds in a fast-paced game which doesn’t require memorization, study, or basic strategy.
Baccarat
At online casinos, you will find baccarat in standard as well as live versions, so players have a well-rounded choice when it comes to real money play. Online baccarat games will allow you to play on your own and the table limits will vary from game to game.
3 Card Poker
3 card pokers combine the basic elements of blackjack and poker all mixed into one. Depending on the online casino you frequent, you might see the same game called Tri Card Poker, 3 Card Poker, 3 Card Brag, or Poker Three. No matter the casino you choose you will likely find a 3 card poker table to play for real money.
Other popular real money online casino games would include titles like Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Let It Ride, Casino War, and Caribbean Hold’em.
Real Money Video Poker
Video poker sometimes gets overlooked by new players, but these games have better odds than slots. Real money video poker is one of the few online casino games which, under the right circumstances, can be beaten.
Video poker is based on 5-card draw poker. Besides blackjack, video poker has the best-expected return of any game at online casino real money websites.
Real Money Specialty Games
Everything else fits into this category and usually have their own section at the real money online casinos. If you aren’t finding the game you want to play, try the specialty games category. Keno, lottery, bingo, and online scratch cards might be listed among the specialty games.
Play Real Money Games at the Best USA Online Casinos
Our team of experts here at OUSC have reviewed the USA casino sites for the highest quality service and player experience. This includes great customer service, plenty of safe deposit options, hundreds of the most popular games, and reliably fast payouts. Below you will find the list of the top online casinos that offfer real money games.
| ONLINE CASINO | START PLAYING | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | BetOnline |
100% up to $3,000 | # OF GAMES: 100 | MIN DEPOSIT: $10 | Play Now! |
| #2 |  Cafe Casino |
500% up to $5,000 | # OF GAMES: 254 | MIN DEPOSIT: $10 | Play Now! |
| #3 |  Bovada |
100% up to $3,000 | # OF GAMES: 250 | MIN DEPOSIT: $10 | Play Now! |
| #4 |  Slots LV |
200% up to $1,000 | # OF GAMES: 400 | MIN DEPOSIT: $20 | Play Now! |
| #5 | MyBookie |
150% up to $750 | # OF GAMES: 100 | MIN DEPOSIT: $25 | Play Now! |
| #6 |  Sloto Cash |
200% up to $7,777 | # OF GAMES: 150 | MIN DEPOSIT: $25 | Play Now! |
| #7 |  Wild Casino |
$5,000 Welcome Bonus | # OF GAMES: 74 | MIN DEPOSIT: $20 | Play Now! |
Real Money Mobile Casinos
Real money mobile casinos have a similar approach to games selection. The only real difference is you select gaming apps from an online store format. This is familiar to most mobile game enthusiasts. If you’re used to downloading apps with your Android smartphone, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android tablet computer, then you’ll have no trouble playing at a real money mobile casino. Real money mobiles games can be enjoyed by USA and Non-US players.
Online Casino Registration – Start Playing for Money
To get started, register an account with an online casino. Sign up by providing your name, username, address, and email address. Signing up incurs no obligation and costs nothing. The worst that might happen is you’ll end up on the site’s mailing list.
Some casinos offer a no-deposit bonus for signing up. This is a small amount of house money with which players can gamble. It’s a promotional tool for casinos, but real serious gambling is done after your account is funded and are ready to take advantage of everything that each online casino real money site has to offer.
Live Dealer Casinos
Live dealer casinos are a trend in online casino gaming. Instead of playing with a video simulation and determining results with a random number generator, the game is resolved by real dealers in real time. Live dealers administer a hand of blackjack or baccarat or a spin of the roulette wheel in a real casino studio somewhere in the world. One or more video cameras film the game as its played, then stream the video to your computer screen live in real time.
The software allows you to bet with a click of your computer keyboard or mobile touchpad, so live casino gaming is as convenient as traditional online casino gaming. If you’ve never tried live dealers, it is the newest and best way to play online. Find our recommended Live Dealer Casinos here.
Player’s Club – Online Casino Rewards Systems
Player’s clubs are influenced by the slots clubs that brick-and-mortar casinos have. A VIP club is an online rewards system which gives both loyal customers or high-volume gamblers rewards and incentives. Many have multiple tiers, so advanced players receive bigger bonuses, higher cash back, or quicker attention from a casino representative. VIP players can negotiate withdrawal terms or justify a personal account manager.
Player’s club’s online rewards can include anything, with some online casinos, offer free vacations, free entry into live tournaments, cars, and other merchandise. Always research the player’s club when choosing a real money online casino.
Why Play in a Real Money Casino?
Many people enjoy social gaming sites with casino-style games, but most players prefer the excitement and adrenaline rush that comes with playing casino games for real money. Whether you’re a penny player or a high roller, most games are more entertaining when something of value is on the line.
Practice mode in an online casino is useful for learning the rules and practicing basic strategy, but it’s equivalent to playing with Monopoly money. If you need further reasons to consider real money casino games, take a look at this list of advantages you might not have considered.
Advantages of Real Money Casino Play
- You Can Win Cash: Playing real money casino games is a gamble, but you have a good chance of winning money.
- Convenience and Privacy: Playing online for real money provide the same level of excitement as land-based casinos at a fraction of the cost or time spent playing.
- House Money: Casinos offer promotional money for players who sign up or make a deposit.
- Customer Rewards Program: Players receive rewards for customer loyalty and volume play. Online casinos provide entry into tournaments, special prizes and merchandise, casino rebates, and other rewards to VIP members.
- Cashback on Payments: Players who use credit cards, e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PaySafeCard can receive cashback incentives.
- VIP Treatment: When you play for real money, you can play games with live dealers like you would in a land-based casino.
- Progressive Jackpots: The best online casinos have huge lottery-style progressive prizes which have life-changing implications.
Disadvantages of Real Money Casino Play
- High Stakes: Not all online casinos are equal. Some disreputable sites slow-pay customers or decline payment for minor breaches of the terms and conditions.
- You Can Lose Cash: Real money casino play is a gamble, so you might lose more than you win. C
- Safety and Security: Choosing an online casino requires finding an operator which invests in safety and security.
Real Money Casino Bonuses
Any online casino is going to offer a deposit bonus to players willing to bet real money. Some sites call these promotions “welcome bonuses” or “initial deposit bonuses” though the latter term is a bit outmoded. Bonus money helps even the odds of playing against a house edge while letting gamblers get more play out of their bankroll.
Best Real Money Online Casinos With Bonus Codes 2019
| Rank | Online Casino | Deposit Bonus | Bonus Code | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  BetOnline Casino |
100% up to $3,000 | BOLCASINO | Claim Bonus Now! |
| #2 |  Cafe Casino |
500% up to $5,000 | CAFE500 | Claim Bonus Now! |
| #3 |  Bovada Casino |
100% up to $3,000 | NEWWELCOME | Claim Bonus Now! |
| #4 |  Slots.lv Casino |
200% up to $1,000 | HELLOSLOTS200 HELLOSLOTS100 |
Claim Bonus Now! |
Types of Bonuses Found at Online Casinos
There are several types of bonuses offered at online casinos. It is important to understand which ones they are and how players can take advantage of them. A deposit bonus has several components:
Matching rate
Bonus limit
Reload bonuses
Time limit
Playthrough
Common Real Money Online Casino Deposit Options
Gamblers make deposits with a variety of methods to fund their account. Deposits can be made with credit, debit, prepaid, and gift cards. If you don’t want to use any of those methods, depositing can be done with a wire transfer, eCheck, web wallet transfer, or e-voucher.
Online and mobile casinos make it as easy as possible for real money gamblers to make deposits. The only real restriction is from the processor because some financial institutions do not want to be involved in gambling.
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Credit Cards
VISA and Mastercard are the two most common payment options. These are allowed at thousands of casinos and is available in over 150 countries worldwide.
Discover Card (or Japanese Credit Bureau (JCB)) is another option, whenever Discover Card is not allowed, JCB is found in many online casinos which accepts Asians, Australians, and New Zealanders. JCB partners with Discover for some programs, so those using that credit card should research JCB.
American Express is another payment method at some websites, but Amex tends to avoid gambling. Your real money online casino selection will be fewer than the rest of the credit card options, but you will still be able to find casinos that accept American Express credit cards.
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Debit Cards
Debit cards and other prepaid options are preferred at many of the online real money casino sites these days. Some casinos even offer special bonuses for prepaid deposits. Among these cards, the VISA Electron and Switch programs are popular, while MasterCard Maestro is widespread. Regional options are supported on some sites. For instance, POLi Payments is offered on many sites friendly to Aussies.
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Wire Transfer Companies
Wire transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram can be used to fund an online casino for real money account. These methods are also useful for withdrawals, as they can be used by most players that live near one of them.
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Money Transfer Processors Transfer
Web wallets are money transfer sites which process and store electronic cash. There are dozens of these processors, many of which are used as international payment methods. Not as many of these options exist for American players because the U.S. government once hounded Neteller out of the market. In the wake of the UIGEA, most e-wallets left the U.S. market, but for non-US players this could be a great way to make a deposit at a real money online casino.
PayPal is not available at many offshore sites though it now supports New Jersey online casinos. PayPal is a preferred method by many Americans in the few locations which allow licensed gambling, because many have PayPal accounts due to its affiliation with eBay.
There are too many to list, but the most popular services players can use when playing at real money online casinos include: EcoCard, Entropay, ClickAndBuy, UseMyBank, UseMyWallet and many more
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Bank Wire Transfers
Bank wire transfers are a safe method of depositing cash but may take longer than some of the other real money online casino banking deposit methods. We will discuss these later on when we talk about withdrawals. This is a secure, instantaneous method of getting money directly from your bank account to your online casino account.
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E-Checks
Echecks, which are sometimes called “eCheques”, is another favorite payment method. An eCheck works much like a standard written check would, except it is handled electronically. Like the bank wire transfer, it is popular, because it is so secure.
Fast Withdrawal Options
Withdrawals are a bit more time-consuming and restricted than deposits because they require players to submit proof of identity. Security is the main reason cashouts take more time. Not many scammers are going to be depositing money in a casino, but plenty of identity thieves want to remove someone else’s money from an account. Online casinos want to be sure they’re paying real money to the right person.
Below is a list of the basic services uses to make casino withdrawals. I offer a basic concept of the cash out time and fees associated with each service. They are web wallets, bank check, cash transfers, and bank transfers.
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Ewallets
Web wallets are fast, but they require significant fees from the processor. Gamblers who want to take advantage of the much-advertised 12 to 24-hour withdrawal processes should use an eWallet.
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Check
As long as you make only an occasional withdrawal, then the bank check is a perfectly accepted payment method. In fact, it might be best if you do not mind slow processing time. Most sites allow 1 free payout every month through a service like this. The time for such transactions to complete can be outrageous, with a 2 to 4-week delay being common.
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Cash Transfer
Cash transfers using Western Union or MoneyGram are possible, also. These payments are fast, but not offered at every casino. This withdrawal method involves fees. Also, you need a Western Union or MoneyGram physical location in your city.
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Bank Transfer
The bank transfer is a withdrawal method offered by all real money online casinos, but it’s used mainly for larger cashouts. The fees are high, with $25 charged both by the casino and the bank involved.
Transaction Security
With so much money involved, security is a major concern. One of the main reasons a gambler needs to choose a trustworthy casino is the safety and security of payments.
A number of safeguards exist in the industry. The job of a gaming commission is to assure an operator is honest and legit. Gaming commission auditors need to check a system for the advancement of its security systems.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Online Casino
When it’s time to choose an online casino and make a deposit, new players need to keep a few things in mind, such as overall reputation, licensing, software support, game selection, bonuses and promotions, payment methods, and customer support. In the space below, I describe each of these categories, so you’ll have a checklist of factors when picking an online casino.
- Overall Reputation: If a site doesn’t have a good reputation, then it’s not worth your time and trouble. Our recommendations and reviews take into account the player-led review sites and authority sites found online.
- Licensing and Regulation: Online casinos need to be licensed, so you have the assurance that the site has passed a regulatory inspection. Look for casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, as well as regulators in Gibraltar, Malta, the Isle of Man, Alderney, Antigua & Barbuda, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, and Kahnawake (Canada). These are the best-known regulators.
- Software Support: Most online casinos license software from a well-known developer. They pay to use that game designer’s casino games. Top software companies include NetEnt, Microgaming, RealTime Gaming (RTG), Rival Gaming, Playtech, Betsoft, 888, IGT, Bally Technologies, WMS Interactive, and Pragmatic Play.
- Game Selection: A site’s game selection usually is tied to software choices, but some sites use proprietary software, meaning they design their own games in-house. Some, like Bovada and Bodog, use a combination of proprietary and licensed software. Others have a main provider, as well as a number of business-to-business (B2B) software suppliers. The most famous B2B suppliers are NYX Gaming, Thunderkick, Arrow’s Edge, Play’n Go, and ELK Studios.
- Welcome Bonuses: When selecting an online casino operator, many players shop for the biggest welcome bonuses or no-deposit bonuses. Make sure to check the wagering requirements (how many times you have to bet the money) and contribution rates (how much a particular game contributes to the wagering requirement).
- Casino Promotions: Most casino promotions are those offers given to ongoing players. These can be through a VIP rewards program, or through special bonuses and free chips.
- Payment Methods: Variety of payment methods for both withdrawals and deposits is very important when it comes to choosing an online casino
- Customer Support: Sometimes, issues and questions arise while playing online for real money. When researching an online casino’s reputation, check to see if they have fluent, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful customer service.
- Mobile Casino Apps: Most online casinos are compatible with Android, iPhone, and iPad, but you might want to check if you use Blackberry, Windows Phone, or Symbian devices. Mobile casinos now allow play in the web browser, so more devices are optimized for online casino gaming.
How Legal Are Online Casinos?
Make sure gambling for real money is legal in your location. In the United States, this means checking on the state and local levels. The UIGEA makes it illegal to process payments on sites which are considered illegal under the 1961 Wire Act.
The U.S. Justice Department’s interpretation is that online sportsbooks are illegal, but online casinos and poker sites are legal. Mobile casinos fall under the same interpretation of the law. That means federal authorities do not ban online casinos at the present, but the state and local governments might ban iGaming.
State Laws
Look at state laws to see if playing for money is legal. New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware have legalized, regulated, and licensed casinos. California and Pennsylvania lawmakers are both seeking to legalize online gambling, but both states might allow online poker only. A handful of other states has discussed legalization since federal policies changed in 2011. Most states ban online gambling for real money.
International Laws
The same can be said in other countries. For instance, the national government in Canada allows online gambling, but the provinces and territories have their own laws. The City of Markham in Ontario has a law against online gambling. In Australia and Germany, federal and state laws overlap, creating a complicated legal system similar to the United States (though less complicated).
Player Safety
Besides legality, many people wonder whether online casino gambling is safe. If you play at an offshore site which is illegal in your jurisdiction, this is a special concern.
As these sites might be legal elsewhere in the world, many of those casinos are still legitimate businesses that can be verified.
Licensing
Gaming commissions license certain sites as safe and secure. A number of gaming commissions worldwide specialize in such verification: Gibraltar, Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, Cyprus, Alderney, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, The Isle of Man, and the Netherlands Antilles (Curacao). When one of these agencies has licensed a site, it confers a certain legitimacy on it. Players should research further, though.
Third-Party Testing
Researching who handles third-party testing is important. Several services are hired to handle verification, including Technical Systems Testing (TST), iTech Labs, and Gaming Associates. All three companies are based in Australia and all three provide third-party testing of sites. They audit the site to make certain their software is secure and their games are fair. Sites with a seal of approval from one of those companies should be deemed safer.
Online Casino Fairness
People might be wondering if online casinos for real money are fair. A legit site has no reason to cheat if it is licensed and legal. Online casino operators license software from trusted companies, or design software themselves. This software uses true random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of events. Most real money online games have a built-in house edge which weights the game in the casino’s favor. Probability all-but-assures a profit, but the outcomes are determined by random chance. The house can be beaten in the short term.
An online casino that is allowed to set up a legal house edge would be crazy to cheat.
Think about it: online or land-based gambling under those terms is a virtual license to print money. The risk of cheating is losing that license and perhaps going to prison. The reward isn’t profit itself, but higher profits. A legitimate company would be a bit mad to cheat under those circumstances.
That being said, greed does win out over good sense at times. That’s why it’s best to research any site you use for reviews and recommendations. A site’s reputation helps you learn about bad actors who use deceptive methods and underhanded policies. Check player forums and review sites like this one to learn whether a site is slow to send out winnings, or uses nebulous policies to close down profitable accounts.
Keeping Your Money Safe – Online Casino Security
The advice about safety and fairness is about an operator’s intentions. Security is about an operator’s capabilities. It doesn’t matter if an online casino means well if it doesn’t have the technical capacity to handle funds security. Therefore, it’s important to learn about a site’s security profile.
Learning about the gaming commission and third-party verification process is important, once again. Other methods exist to verify, such as industry watchdog groups like eCOGRA.
eCOGRA
The eCOGRA network tests member real money online casinos each month to see whether they are secure and fair. The network then publishes the results of their testing monthly, so gamblers have a good understanding of a site’s payout rates and level of security.
Casino’s Frequently Asked Questions
Also, sites publish information about their software providers and verification technology in their Frequently Asked Questions. Read the FAQ to see whether a site uses 128-bit verification or not. Look over their site to see which software providers they use. In each case, do a bit of research away from the casino site to learn whether their technical support is sufficient and up-to-date.
Real Money Online Casinos FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions that new gamblers have had in the past regarding real money online casinos. This Q&A style discussion is meant to answer the most basic and common questions gamblers have. These are particularly targeted towards real-money gamblers.
Does card counting work in an online real money blackjack game?
No. Most online blackjack software has an automatic reshuffle on each hand. In those circumstances, card counting has no value. The only way card counting might work on the Internet is through live dealer games of blackjack.
Why do my deposits transfer instantly, but withdrawals take hours or days?
The real money online casino operator can be fairly certain that a person willing to send money their way is not a scam artist and it’s the person who says they own the account. They cannot be as certain about people withdrawing money. The waiting period is designed to cut down on identity theft, so it’s supposed to protect you.
Why does my first withdrawal take longer than subsequent withdrawals?
The first time an online casino sends winnings to a player, it takes longer. That’s because the site’s bursars are undergoing a verification process with a new bank. You’ve no doubt signed up for bank accounts or electronic transfer services before and been asked to perform a verification task. Your casino’s support staff is doing something like that.
What is a reverse withdrawal?
A reverse withdrawal is simply rescinding your decision to withdraw money. Many websites offer a 12-hour or 24-hour reverse withdrawal process. It’s a chance for a gambler to change their mind and decide to keep money in their casino account.
The reverse withdrawal option is an insight into an operator’s thought process, though. They want you to keep money in your account, knowing you might change your mind. The longer you keep money in the account, the more chance you face the house edge and lose your winnings. A reverse withdrawal is, therefore, a handy way to convince gamblers to test their luck one more time.
Should I be suspicious of slow cashout rates?
Yes, to a certain degree. A certain delay is warranted, but long delays should be looked at with suspicion. No doubt, a certain amount of delay in processing cashout payments is the hope you change your mind.
That’s only a problem if a casino waits days, weeks, or months to pay. If so, the site gets a bad reputation and fewer gamblers sign up. Research to know whether your operator has a bad reputation.
There is a danger in the reverse withdrawal process for the casino, by the way. In the past, scam artists have found ways to beat the casino out of their money using the process. I wouldn’t recommend such tactics, though.
Does the UIGEA make it illegal for Americans to gamble online?
Yes and no. The UIGEA makes it illegal for Americans to wager on sporting events on the Internet. From 2006 to 2011, the policy of the Justice Department made it illegal to wager at online casinos and card rooms, too. That policy was reversed in late 2011 when the states of New York and Illinois asked the Justice Department for an opinion about which forms of gambling were illegal under the UIGEA.
Since then, Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware have made it legal to gamble online. Nevada allows for online poker while New Jersey and Delaware allows online casinos and poker. It is state laws (not the UIGEA) which make it illegal to gamble at online casinos in some parts of the United States.
Those laws could change. The New York-based financial services institution Morgan Stanley estimates that online gambling in the United States will generate $2.7 billion in revenue by 2020. Morgan Stanley believes 15 US states will legalize online casinos and poker sites by that time. The number is down from previous estimates but shows the financiers still believe American gambling is headed in an upward direction.
Is Sheldon Adelson going to succeed in banning all online gambling in the United States?
That is unlikely.
Sheldon Adelson, the chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, wants to ban all US online gambling. To that end, he has lobbied the U.S. Congress to pass “Restore America’s Wire Act”, often shortened to “RAWA”.
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina sponsored the bill in the US Senate and Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah sponsored the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida signed on as a co-sponsor in June 2015, a week before he declared his candidacy for the Republican Party’s nomination for US president.
Despite the outward show of support, Beltway insiders believe the RAWA legislation has little chance of being passed. One congressional watchdog group estimated its chances between 1% and 7%. Though Graham, Chaffetz, and Rubio are Republicans, the legislation does not have a whole lot of support among rank-and-file Republican congressmen.
Sen. Rand Paul and former Rep. Ron Paul have called on their followers to oppose RAWA because it greatly expands the power of the federal government over state’s rights. Grover Norquist, arguably the most powerful lobbyist on Capitol Hill, is also against the legislation.
People who don’t follow American politics might not know Grover Norquist, but he is the lobbyist behind tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and he has tremendous sway among Republican politicians. Norquist is also the Vice President of the NRA, America’s most powerful lobby. With a gridlocked US Congress and such GOP power against Restore America’s Wire Act, there is little chance such a bill will pass.
Do online casinos cheat?
Legitimate online casinos for real money have no reason to cheat. The house edge provides for a hefty profit for casino operators who can drive traffic to their websites. They do that by gaining a reputation for fun games and fair play. No casino has to cheat to win, because of the house edge.
Does accepting a no-deposit bonus obligate me to anything?
No-deposit bonuses carry no obligation. If you make no deposit, then the real money online casino cannot force you to pay them. The worst that can happen is signing up for email newsletter which you can opt-out of.
The no-deposit bonus is a simple promotional offer to get you to try out a casino’s games and software. The operator’s marketing department thinks you’ll try the software, like what you play, and make a deposit. It is no different than offering a free birthday dessert at a restaurant.
What you might be missing is the wagering requirement on these offers. Because of the house edge, many players don’t have bonus money by the time their wagering requirement is met. This allows good offers to be made by the casino, which would be impossible if no terms and conditions applied.
How much money can I win at online casinos?
No upward limit exists to the amount of money you can win at an online casino. Sites which use RTG, Microgaming, or Net Entertainment software have progressive slots with multi-million-dollar jackpots. Other video slots have dynamic bonus games with the potential to pay out $100,000 or more without the need of a jackpot. High rollers can wager $5,000 or $10,000 a hand on live baccarat or bet the same amount on one spin of a French Roulette wheel.
Whatever game you prefer, whatever level of money you wager, you’ll find it’s possible to win an exciting level of cash. Remember that some sites have weekly withdrawal limit — with progressive jackpots almost always exempted — so you need to check withdrawal limits when choosing a casino. Also remember that it’s real money gambling, so there is risk involved. Conversely, you can win with any bet.
Which casino table games have the best odds?
Blackjack is the casino table game with the best odds. Classic Blackjack and European Blackjack have a return-to-player (RTP) over 99.50% better, if you play optimally. The house rules determine the house edge, though, so players search for single-deck blackjack or games where the dealer stands on a soft 17. Splitting and double-down rules are important.
Blackjack players have to study basic strategy to optimize their results. If you want advanced strategy, you’ll have to study card counting, though counting cards does not work in online and mobile casinos (live dealer casinos excepted).
Table games like Baccarat and Craps have been popular for generations, because they have a solid house edge and no strategy components. The reason baccarat was in the roped-off section for high rollers in land-based casinos is because it didn’t require skill, but had an RTP nearly at 99%. Craps has a house edge in the 1.35% to 1.41% range (or an RTP of 98.59% to 98.65%), if you know the right bets to make. Craps also has a bunch of sucker bets, which draw players into making horrible decisions. If you stick with the basic bets in craps, it’s got great odds.
Do other casino games have good odds?
Video poker has comparable odds to blackjack, if you know how to find the right pay tables. Jacks or Better, Loose Deuces, All Aces, and All American each have solid odds. If you find the optimal pay table for some video poker games, you’ll find games with an RTP of 99.50% to 99.75%. Once again, you’ll have to study strategy charts to optimize your results, because video poker is a game of skill.
Remember that some (indeed, most) video poker pay tables are not optimal, so the RTP goes down when playing those versions of the game. Learn how to read a pay table and pick the best version of video poker.
Do slot machines have good odds?
Slot machines generally do not have the best odds in a casino, but they also don’t require strategy and have huge potential payouts. As a general rule, the bigger the payout on a slot machine (or any casino game), the worst the house edge is. Some slot machines have a return-to-player as high as 97%, but the traditional level for the average machine is 93% to 95%.
Games with huge progressive jackpots might have an RTP at 89% to 90%, which is why many old-timers still prefer the 3-reel classics with the fixed jackpots. Online slots have a wide variety of RTPs, but you can find bargains when if you can find the return-to-player stats, which are published by some online casinos. Do your research and you can find great payout opportunities when you play casino slots for real money.
