Best Online Casino Joining Bonus
Imagine going to a land-based casino and being handed some cool cash at the door just for walking in. Not a very likely scenario. However, online casinos will gladly give you a sign-up bonus upon registration and more offers as you come back to play. From the welcome match-up to the no-deposit bonus to free spins, cashbacks and tournaments – there’s a special offer waiting for you every day, for every season and every reason. Of course, there are certain criteria you have to meet in order to take advantage of all the generous promos but with some research and bankroll management, you can clean up pretty well. And we’re here to help you with that by reviewing the best online casino offers.
Our team of bonus experts at BestCasinos.com has examined a variety of bonus offers and compiled a list of the Best Top 10 Casino Bonuses for the benefit of players who visit our website. While choosing an online casino bonus, players have to be careful because the biggest is not always the best. What are the best legal NJ online casinos for real money play? Which casino sites offer the best bonuses? We track over 20 online casino sites in New Jersey and have compiled the top bonus codes. Try your favorite online slots, live dealer games, blackjack and more with over $2000 in bonuses, many of which don't require any deposit to claim. Introduction to free slot bonuses. No deposit bonuses are a promotion given by online casinos to attract new players. These bonuses usually take the form of free credit, which can be used to bet on various games, or the form of several prepaid spins on certain slots. If you’re new to online casino, perhaps you’d like just a handful to test the water and break yourself in. Either way we’ve got you covered. Check out our best casino offers below and sign-up today! 100+ No Deposit Free Spins If you’re lucky enough to be playing from Scandinavia, you could grab yourself as many as 450 free spins.
The Quest for the Best Casino Bonuses
Sixty percent of all gamblers say that bonuses are the main reason why they would choose one casino over another. As alluring as they may seem, casino offers always have conditions attached that you need to be mindful about. Failing to meet the wagering requirements or missing the expiry date of the offer may lead to having the bonus and all winnings made from using it forfeited.
Casino | 1st Deposit Bonus | Match Bonus | No Deposit Bonus | Specials | Cashbacks | Free Spins | Live Bonus | Claim |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22bet | Up to | 100% | 0 No |
| 0 No | €300 | ClaimBonus | |
PlayAmoTo Review | Up to | 100% | 0 No |
| 150 | 0 No | ClaimBonus | |
Spinia | Up to | 100% | 0 No |
| 50 | 0 No | ClaimBonus |
Special deals will tempt you all throughout the year and they will be categorised neatly to suit your gambling needs. Whether you opt for a welcome deal or a one-off promotion, there are technicalities to consider still. Let us look at what casino offers are available online and familiarise ourselves with the subtleties of gambling, such as play-through requirements and promo codes.
First Steps to Understanding Casino Offers and Bonuses
There’s hardly an online casino that would say no to bonuses. You may think of them as an operator’s own distinct signature, a way to stand out from the crowd and put forth something appealing and rewarding, and admittedly make some profit in the process.
First, you need to find out how it can be obtained. Most operators will send you a link you need to follow in order to claim it or a code you need to enter when making your registration. If you’d like to opt out of a bonus, don’t click on the link or use the code – simple as that. Other operators, however, may load the bonus automatically, so you will need to contact customer care and make it clear you have no intention of using the bonus to avoid any confusion and possible losses.
Welcome Offers
- Money upon sign-up & first deposit
- Bonus money equal to a % of your first deposit
- Tied to wagering conditions
Your First Casino Sign Up Bonus
When you first cross the virtual threshold of an online casino, you can certainly pick a welcome offer. Now, there are a few minor caveats to observe here. Nearly all ‘free money’ you get out of an operator are tethered to some criteria that need fulfilling.
Whether you receive some additional money, or you are rewarded bonus amounts on several occasions is really up to the casino you are playing at. All you can do as a gambler is to be mindful of the so-called wagering requirements (the number of times you need to play through your bonus and deposit). Most bonuses, single or bundle, come with an expiry date that you should observe as well. It is worth noting that you get free spins with almost any type of offer, as spins tend to fetch big money for casinos.
No Deposit Offer
- Bonus upon registration
- Wager on selection of game titles
- Cashable or non cashable as per wagering provisos
No-Deposit Offers
The best casino bargains you can get often come in the form of no-deposit bonuses. Operators quite readily reward you with a handful of free spins on slots and other goodies. There could be some what’s and if’s attached to the bonus as well. For starters, you may be entitled to withdraw the bonus amount after you’ve finished playing through the wagering specifics. The rest of the time, it will be deducted from your total winnings. A no-deposit offer can easily be part of your welcome package, too!
Monthly and Seasonal
- Monthly, daily and seasonal offers
- Recurring promotions on particular days
- Cash treats and free goodies
Monthly or Seasonal – The Best Bonuses Are Always There
It may just be the time of the year, but rest assured a decent online casino bargain is never too far! In February, you’ll inevitably get a St Valentine’s offer. New Year’s is often a popular occasion to be splurging out bonuses en mass as well! Operators do think outside the box, too. Hot promotions sometimes feature the Chinese New Year. And to make your stay more remembering and build up excitement and anticipation, casinos will pick particular days of the month and launch recurring special deals. Notch up a little extra here and a free spin there, it is all possible as long as you check the list of available promotions regularly.
Game Specific Offers
- Get tailor-made offers for blackjack, slots and others
- Boost the war chest for your favourite game
- Remember to read the wagering requirements
Game Specific Deals
It is difficult to pinpoint the ‘best casino bonuses’. There is simply too many churning about and it would be rather inaccurate to say that one deal is better than another. Gambling is meant to be fun and as such, personal preference will play a big part of what you do at your favourite online casino. Perhaps you are keen on roulette or just tend to be a dab hand at blackjack.
Well, you may be after some game specific bonuses after all! Extra play money is always quite welcome. And why would you turn down a decent top-off to your war chest? On occasion, you may even combine promotions. Pluck the best from the seasonal bargains and add it to your game specific offer. It is certainly going to be worth it!
Payment Methods Bonuses
It is not a rare occurrence that online casinos will grant bonuses to players using a specific banking method to make a deposit. Especially when it comes to cryptocurrencies. Some gambling websites offer a bigger welcome match-up deal if you decide to deposit in Bitcoin than in any of the other more popular deposit methods like credit cards. Keep in mind, though, that some deposit methods will not qualify you for a welcome bonus. Look up all the conditions on the casino’s website and make the best choice that suits you best. Usually, all deposit transactions are free of charge and processed instantly but US players need to be mindful that their cashout options will include mainly Bitcoin and check.
Other Goodies on the Bonus Spectrum
If we were to put down every possible promotion on our page, we would be oozing with paragraphs soon enough! A fair trade off is to categorise what bargains there are. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the most popular casino offers that may not read as bonuses initially. Read on to find out more about the different treats and perks you can get when you gamble online.
Bring A Friend
Most gambling venues will inevitably want you to have fun. And what better way than bringing on board your chums. A quite common casino deal with online operators, referring friends can earn you some free play or a small bonus amount to begin with. Again, the sums are modest, but still worth it. It would be silly, though, to expect to make shiny penny by just referring anyone. Try to pick someone who actually shows interest and keeps at it for a while. And it’ll certainly help if said person is someone with whom you can share a gambling tip or two.
Free Plays! Free Spins!
Best Online Casino Joining Bonuses
Casinos are eager to tempt you into new and engaging bargains. In the pursuit of fresh customers, operators will often allow themselves to entertain you to a few quick spins and additional funds. You can take off from there and participate in a selection of games, and even go after the big pot! Still, free plays will be tied to some pre-set conditions! Yes, it’s a bit of a bugbear, but it’s how things work. Most importantly, when sifting through bonuses you should try to decide whether you could collate certain offers. Perhaps you can select a few promos that have similar fulfilment requirements. Whatever you choose, it’ll be challenging and fun, but above else – you ought to make it work for you.
Cashbacks
No casino bonus is as desirable as the cashback. It is free money drop out from the sky. We say free money, but cashback bargains are pegged to certain conditions and while deposited directly into your account, you will still need to commit them to actual gambling before proceeding with a withdrawal of funds. Again, they are a generous token of gratitude, but one that mostly targets players who have been in a bit of a dry spell lately. In order to get a percentage back on your losses, you will need to have negative balance in your account.
Sticky Bonuses
Sticky bonuses are different from deposit match-ups in that you don’t need to make a deposit in order to receive a match-up. However, they’re not no-deposit treats either. They are a sum of money you receive and can use to play but if you win, the amount you’ve received will be deducted from your winnings. For example, if you receive $10 as a sticky bonus and win $30 from using it, you will only keep $20 because the casino will keep the $10 it gave you to get you playing.
Loyalty Goodies
- Awarded for long-term membership in a casino
- Exclusive offers and treats with redeemable points
- An in-house ranking system available to loyalty users
Top Players Go after Loyalty/VIP Casino Bonuses
Loyalty members are a private lot. As an average gambler, you wonder if it is worth committing so much money into gambling and expecting to make a return on your investment. Certainly, it sounds like pushing your luck. It is all about what you think is best for you. If you are a regular, you may benefit from some specific casino bonuses. All good online operators tend to cater to their customers.
However, if you are exclusively after the prizes offered to the select few, you may want to reconsider. It would cost you dearly to amass enough redeemable points and claim the coveted treats. On the other hand, if you don’t mind committing hefty sums of money, testifying your affinity for a casino may open up new and exciting aspects of gambling!
Casino Offers for Players on the Go
Whether you are at home or on the go, most operators have adopted their offers for portable devices as well! Yes, if you love to gamble outside the house, you can do so from a host of devices. Just have your pick as smartphones, tablets and iPads, Kindles or smart watches – all lined up for your attention. Certainly, you will be entitled to any promotion that runs on the desktop version, but even better – you may get an extra leg-up! Casinos like to attract the sort of gamblers who love to play from odd spots and hours. You could receive a decent incentive for signing up and downloading a casino’s mobile app!
Pick your preferred OS today and power up your mobile casino!
Rolling in the High
Every now and then a gambler who is willing to commit loftier sums of money turns up. We usually refer to those types of gamblers as high rollers. Basically, casinos put an importance on keeping people who cough up generously interested precisely because of the copious amounts they tend to deposit.
Most commonly high roller bonuses are matched offers. There could be a limit on the % of the matched amount, and most often there is. High roller bonuses truly stand out because they are more substantial when it comes to pure monetary value. Because of the bigger sums in play, it is normal to expect the minimum qualifying bonus to also be heftier.
Decoding Casino Bonuses
Choosing where to commit your money can be gruelling on occasion. It isn’t easy and there are quite a few venues to pick from. You’ll ask yourself how to get decent value for your money. When it comes to their deals, casinos are on point with promotions and codes! A bit of an heirloom according to some, codes are still widely used by certain operators. They allow you to contribute to your war chest and you will most often be asked to punch a particular string of digits so that a casino knows what particular offer you are picking.
Now, software improvements have made the practice rather unnecessary, but some venues still use them generously, perhaps to add a bit of exclusivity. And if you are a bit concerned that you would pass up on something nice, we advise you to take a look the bulky but helpful terms and conditions.
Terms and Conditions – No Way Around Them
We are all familiar with T&C, whether we realise it or not. Or at least, we know about the bit where the amount of the bonus is stated. However, having your eyes on the coveted prize may end badly if you fail to acknowledge that there a few provisos to sort out first.
In fairness, quite a few complaints could have been nipped in the bud should gamblers have bothered with the fine print. But far from trying to dress-down the errant gambler, we are here to help you get back on track.
In almost all cases, promotional bargains will come with an expiry date. This could range from several days to a few months! Basically, you will have to deal with the play through specifics – meaning that there is a certain number of times that you have to wager your deposit money and any bonus amounts you have been awarded.
Some casinos opt for a lenient approach with their bonuses and they demand that you only play through one of those amounts. Then, depending on how many days you have to fulfil the conditions and how many times you ought to play through the sum you have been granted, you will be a little better at telling if a particular offer is worth it.
Fulfilling A Bonus Takes Game Contributions
Game contributions are casinos’ way of making sure that bonuses aren’t abused. Generally, low-risk games or games where you can deploy strategies would still count towards the wagering conditions, but they’ll contribute a smaller sum. In other words only a certain percent of the money you wager on low-risk blackjack versions will be considered part of the bonus’ pre-set demands. On the other hand, games where the outcome tends to be rather more unpredictable, such as slots and scratch tickets, will grant you 100% of the value of your wager. Such is the case at Sloto’Cash, which offers an amazing array of slot games including traditional 3-reel offerings as well as 5-reel video slots and progressive jackpots.
How To Make Use Of That Knowledge?
Contributions are another important factor to consider when setting up your gambling strategy. You certainly want to benefit from bonuses, as they’ll allow you to make a splash as soon as you hit a new venue. On the other hand, if these prove too complicated and risky to fulfil, you might want to stay away.
In picking the right venue for yourself, you’ll do well to check if these metrics are available at the website you are playing with. All online casinos that have been cleared by the UK Gambling Commission will adhere to common rules of transparency and you’ll be able to find everything you need to know. One such casino is 888 Casino, which has been licensed by the commission to operate in the UK. On the flipside, lack of information about the transparency may signal foul play.
When to Avoid Bonuses?
Certainly, as a gambler you will often ask yourself which bonus to choose. But as a consummate professional, you will more often try to decide if a bonus is valuable it right now. Playing at a smaller casino or one that runs fewer options is a bit of a relief, but when faced with the rich choice presented by flagship operators one can’t help but wonder if it’s all really worth it. Certainly, you may choose to forego a bonus. No casino promotion is obligatory – always keep this in mind!
You should decide what you want – if you are looking for small and incremental profit based on a skill-based game, or at least one where you can employ a stratagem, it would not hurt to drop the bonus and free yourself from wagering requirements. And if you fancy yourself a wild-spinner, bonus offers will give you enough gambling fuel to proceed well ahead.
Drawing the Line
Bonuses hold a dear promise for all new punters. Try to remember, though, that casinos are in the business of earning more than they dish out on players. Some of the best bonuses out there are tailored to appeal to a broad audience rather than reward gambling skill and foresight. Not all is lost, though, and apt players can always prod the ironclad offers of any casino for chinks. And if you are more of the recreational player sort, then there is no shame in that either! In fact, you can get quite a bit out of a casino even if you don’t want to commit hard currency. Opt for the demo versions instead!
Legal online casinos offer a real-money gambling experience combined with the convenience of mobile gaming. Many of the games seen on the floor of a land-based casino can be found at legal online casinos in the US.
New Jerseystands as the undisputed US leader in online casino gaming. Players in the Garden State enjoy access to some of the world’s best mobile casinos. The platforms include Golden Nugget Casino, DraftKings Casino, Caesars Online Casino, and many others.
Delaware, West Virginia,Pennsylvania andMichiganjoin New Jersey as states offering legal mobile casinos. Michigan is the latest state to launch online casinos, doing so on Jan. 22, 2021. Learn more in our Michigan Online Gambling Guide.
List Of States With Legal Online Casinos
State | Status | Year Launched |
---|---|---|
Delaware | Live | 2013 |
New Jersey | Live | 2013 |
Pennsylvania | Live | 2017 |
West Virginia | Live | 2020 |
Michigan | Live | 2021 |
Not in one of the above states? You can play at Sweepstakes Online Casinos for real cash prizes.
Cached
You can also view our complete online casino guides toNew Jersey Online Casinos andPennsylvania Online Casinosfor more information.
The Best Online Casino Sites In The US
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings’ continued expansion into the US legal gambling industry includes the DraftKings Casino platform. DraftKings Casino debuted in New Jersey in December 2018, marking the company’s first foray into online casino gaming.
True to the brand, DraftKings Casino offers unique sports-themed versions of blackjack and roulette among its selection of games.
New players at DraftKings Casino can unlock a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,500 plus $10 in free credit. The bonus requires a 10x playthrough.
DraftKings Casino operates in New Jersey as a licensed partner of Resorts Digital Gaming. A Pennsylvania platform launched in May 2020, partnered with Hollywood Casino. They launched in West Virginia with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Michigan, DraftKings Casino operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Casino and Resort.
Check out our complete DraftKings Casino Review for more details and the latest promo offers.
FanDuel Casino
Mirroring the efforts of DraftKings, FanDuel’s US legal gambling offerings include an online casino platform. FanDuel Casino first launched in Pennsylvania in January 2020.
FanDuel Casino operates in Pennsylvania in partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort. Immediately upon its debut, FanDuel Casino established itself as one of Pennsylvania’s most popular online casinos. FanDuel also launched in Michigan in January 2021.
Table games at FanDuel Casino include blackjack and multiple versions of roulette. These games represent some of the platform’s most popular game choices.
New players are eligible for a $200 risk-free day upon registration.
FanDuel Casino also operates in New Jersey but does so under the name of Betfair Casino. They will be launching in West Virginia sometime soon.
BetMGM Casino
Formerly known as playMGM, the new and improved BetMGM platform debuted as a project from Roar Digital. Roar Digital operates as a joint company between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings.
BetMGM online casino debuted in New Jersey in September 2019. The platform operates under the license of Borgata Hotel Casino, an MGM-owned retail property in Atlantic City.
Since then, BetMGM launched in Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia and Michigan.
BetMGM Casino has one of the best reputations when it comes to its selection and variety of online slots and table games. In NJ, BetMGM, along with other casino skins under the Borgata license, hosts the biggest progressive slot jackpot among US online casinos. Known as “The Big One,” the jackpot links to a network of slots with jackpots that can reach over the $3 million mark.
Sign-up bonuses at BetMGM include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.
BetRivers Casino
BetRivers might not have the same brand recognition as other online casinos, but they are quickly expanding across the US. The BetRivers Sportsbook app is live in seven states already. They are often one of the first apps to launch in states legalizing sports betting.
BetRivers Casino launched in Michigan in January 2021. BetRivers is live in Pennsylvania in partnership with SugarHouse Casino. BetRivers Casino operates in New Jersey under the SugarHouse brand.
Unibet Casino
The Unibet brand established itself as a powerhouse in the international online gambling industry before moving into the US market. Unibet Casino launched in New Jersey in June 2019, as a license partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Unibet launched a second online casino for Pennsylvania players in November 2019. Unibet Casino operates under the license of Mohegan Sun Pocono for the Pennsylvania platform.
The game selection at Unibet Casino includes progressiveslots, videopoker, and table games. Games like Micro Stakes Blackjack offer action for even the most conservative of bankrolls.
New players at Unibet Casino can unlock a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500, as well as a $10 sign-up bonus.
Caesars Online Casino
Caesars Atlantic City stands as one of the most iconic properties on the East Coast. Caesars Online Casino offers an online gaming experience that lives up to the Caesars name.
Caesars Online Casino launched in New Jersey in 2013, operating under the Caesars Interactive license. The online platform offers one of the most robust slot selections available at any legal US online casino.
New players at Caesars Casino can take advantage of a $25 free sign-up bonus, as well as a 100% deposit match bonus up to $300.
A Pennsylvania version of Caesars Online Casino launched in April 2020, under the Harrah’s Philadelphia interactive gaming license. In Pennsylvania, Ceasars offers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500.
PokerStars Casino
Poker players know the PokerStars brand as the world’s biggest online poker site.
PokerStars’ US operations include hybrid online casino and poker sites in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PokerStars Casino operates as a license partner of Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, and Resorts Digital in New Jersey. In January 2021, Stars Casino by PokerStars also launched in Michigan.
The PokerStars Casino side of these platforms offers table games, video poker, and popular progressive jackpot slots like Divine Fortune.
Bonus offers for new players at PokerStars Casino include a $30 free play bonus on deposits of $20 or more.
Golden Nugget Casino
Golden Nugget’s online casino platform stands as the gold standard in the US mobile casino market. Golden Nugget Atlantic City launched the site in New Jersey in 2013.
The Golden Nugget mobile platform has stood as one of the most popular online casinos in the US for most of its existence.
Golden Nugget online casino offers an unparalleled game menu. The platform presents New Jersey players with more slots, video poker, and overall game options of any US legal online casino.
Sign-up offers at Golden Nugget online casino include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, and a $20 no-deposit bonus.
Golden Nugget online casino debuted a Michigan platform in January 2021. The brand will eventually expand into Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well.
Tropicana Online Casino
One of the first online casinos to launch in New Jersey, Tropicana Online Casino debuted in the Garden State in November 2013. The platform is licensed to its parent property, Tropicana Atlantic City.
Games available at Tropicana Online Casino include many of the same selections enjoyed by players at Tropicana Atlantic City.
Tropicana Online Casino offers a unique “community jackpot” promotion. Anyone playing on the site at the time the jackpot hits could be eligible for a share of the prize.
Bonus offers at Tropicana Online Casino include a $25 sign-up bonus and a $100 rebate on losses for new players.
What Kind Of Bonuses Are Generally Available At Legal Online Casinos?
Risk-Free Day And Loss Rebate Bonuses
Several legal online casinos offer new players the chance at a rebate on losses for a short period after sign-up.
FanDuel Casino, for instance, presents new players with a $200 risk-free day offer. After making an initial deposit, players unlock a rebate on up to $200 in losses incurred during the first 24 hours playing on the site.
For example, a player signing up for an account at FanDuel Casino can deposit $200, and wager the $200 at the casino. If the player’s account is at $0 after a 24-hour period, FanDeul Casino will award a rebate of up to $200.
The rebate only applies to net losses on the first deposit. If a player deposits $200 and has a $150 balance after 24 hours, the rebate is $50. If the player’s balance is higher than $200 after the 24-hour period, no rebate applies.
Deposit Match Bonuses
At many online casinos, a player’s first deposit makes them eligible for bonus money matching a certain percentage of the deposit. These deposit match percentages can equal anywhere from 20% to 100% of the first deposit.
BetMGM offers a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $1,000. Using this offer, new players can make an initial deposit and earn 100% of the deposit in bonus money, up to $1,000.
Most deposit match bonuses require a certain amount of playthrough, or money wagered, to unlock the bonus. Playthrough requirements generally range from 20x to 30x the initial deposit amount.
No-Deposit Bonuses
Some online casino platforms award free betting credits just for registering for a new account.
Golden Nugget Casino is one platform offering such a bonus. New players start with $10 in free bets just for signing up with the site.
Types Of Games Available At Online Casinos In The US
Slots And Video Poker
Much like their land-based counterparts, virtually all online casinos present a game selection menu dominated byslots.
Many of the same slots enjoyed on the floor of retail casinos can be found at legal online casinos. These include five-reel multiway win slots and classic three-reel slots.
New Jersey online casinoslike Golden Nugget Casino, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, and SugarHouse Casino offer hundreds of different slot variants. The library of slots at legal online casinos expands regularly.
Many different versions of video poker can be played at legal online casinos as well.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots offer some of the biggest potential payouts found at legal online casinos. These grand prizes can sometimes reach into seven-figure totals.
The Big One
The Big One network of slots offers the biggest progressive jackpot found at legal online casinos in the US. This series of slots, found at Borgata, BetMGM, and PartyCasino in New Jersey, all link to a progressive jackpot that sometimes goes over $3 million.
Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune finds a home at many legal online casinos in the US and offers a grand jackpot that can reach above six figures.
Best Online Casino Joining Bonus Poker
Resorts Casino, Mohegan Sun, Caesars Casino Online, and many other platforms host the Divine Fortune progressive slot.
Table Games
Players looking for table games can find plenty of action at legal online casino sites. Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Three Card Poker represent just some of the table games available on mobile casino platforms.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games offer the best of mobile gaming, combined with the live casino experience. These games allow online players to interact with a real-life dealer though live stream.
Human dealers oversee live dealer games from a physical table at a secure studio location. Live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other casino games can be found at many mobile casinos.
Sweepstakes Casino Sites
Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Michigan enjoy access to state-regulated online casinos.
In other US states, sweepstakes casino platforms present the best opportunity for players to enjoy the online casino experience. Sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints legally operate in virtually every US state except Washington.
See our comprehensiveGuide To Sweepstakes Casinos In The US.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Platforms like Chumba Casino operate legally as sweepstakes sites. Sweepstakes games at Chumba Casino offer prizes in the form of “Sweeps Coins,” which can be redeemed for cash prizes.
This business model allows the games at Chumba Casino to legally operate as mini-sweepstakes games. Direct real-money deposits aren’t permitted at sweepstakes casino sites. But players can acquire and purchase Sweeps Coins in various other ways.
Chumba Casino operates play money games, using “Gold Coins” as currency, in addition to the Sweeps Coins Games.
Gold Coins packages are available for purchase and with some Gold Coins packages Chumba Casino awards an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift. The Sweeps Coins can then be used in the sweepstakes casino games, and later redeemed for cash prizes.
Sweeps Coins can also be obtained for free, through mail-in and social media offers.
Sweepstakes casinos operate legally in 49 US states and Washington DC. Only Washington state outlaws sweepstakes casinos.
How Can I Gamble Online In The US?
iOS Mobile Devices
Nearly all legal US online casinos can be downloaded as mobile apps for iOS devices. These apps optimize the playing experience for the iOS device. They also offer the convenience of playing from anywhere within the borders of a legal online casino state.
Owners of an iOS device can find mobile casino apps at the App Store. Players located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states with legal online casinos can find all of these free apps available in those states.
Android Devices
Most legal online casinos are available as Android apps as well. Like their iOS counterparts, Android apps are free to download and present a gaming experience optimized for mobile devices.
Android apps can only be downloaded directly from an online casino website, as the Google Play store doesn’t allow for the download of real-money casino apps.
Desktop
The simplest way to access and play at a legal online casino is directly through a desktop browser. Playing on a desktop device doesn’t offer quite the same mobility as iOS or Android apps. But it allows players to enjoy full access to online casinos with no download required
Registering For An Account At A Legal Online Casino
On mobile devices and desktop browsers, new players can sign up at an online casino through a quick process.
At DraftKings Casino, for example, new players can click on the “Sign Up” button to start the registration process. A menu then appears where players can choose a username and provide a valid email address.
The next step requires documentation of first and last name, date of birth, residential address, and last four digits of a social security number.
After submitting this information, DraftKings Casino sends a mobile verification link through text message or email. Once that link is verified, players must download geolocation software that allows DraftKings Casino to verify that the player is within the borders of a state in which it legally operates.
With personal details and geolocation verified, new players can then navigate to the cashier, deposit funds, and begin playing.
What Deposit And Cashout Options Are Available At Legal Online Casinos?
ACH/eCheck
Virtually all legal online gambling sites accept ACH/eCheck as a method for both deposits and withdrawals.
When used for deposits, this method drafts an electronic check (eCheck) from a player’s bank account, and pushes the check through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH). This clearing process happens instantaneously. If approved, the funds immediately become available for play at the online casino.
ACH/eCheck deposits are occasionally stopped by the issuing bank. They go through successfully around 80 percent of the time.
Debit/Credit Cards
Like ACH/eCheck, most online casinos accept debit and credit cards as a deposit method. This method can’t be used for withdrawals, however.
Debit and credit card deposits come with one of the highest rejection rates among all deposit options, but when successful immediately make funds available for play. Credit card deposits can sometimes carry cash advance fees from the issuing bank.
PayPal
Many mobile casino platforms accept PayPal as a method for both deposits and withdrawals. The deposit process takes a few extra steps compared to other methods. But PayPal deposits offer a nearly 100% acceptance rate.
Players with a valid US PayPal account can use this method at numerous legal online gambling sites.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are issued directly by an online casino, and function as a gift card that allows funds to be loaded on a player’s balance.
With this method, players can load a prepaid card with funds using ACH/eCheck, debit card, PayPal, and various other ways.
Casino Cage Deposit
Deposits and withdrawals can also be made directly at the casino cage of a retail property that operates an online casino.
At Golden Nugget Casino, for example, deposits and withdrawals for the online casino could be made by visiting the land-based Golden Nugget Atlantic City property.
The History Of Online Casinos In The US
US laws allow states to offer legal online casino gambling on an individual basis. Delaware became the first state to legalize online casinos in 2012, followed by New Jersey in 2013.
Online casinos debuted in both states in November 2013. Since then, New Jersey’s online casino industry developed into a robust market, with more than 20 different platforms available.
Pennsylvania became the next state to legalize online casinos, doing so in October 2017. Mobile casino platforms started to launch in the state in July 2019. West Virginia followed suit, legalizing online casinos in 2019.
The first online casino launched in West Virginia in the summer of 2020. Michigan became the latest state to debut online casinos in January 2021.
Legal online casinos operate under the license of retail casinos. Gaming regulation agencies like thePennsylvania Gaming Control Board(PGCB) and theNew Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement(DGE) oversee online casinos in their respective states. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all iGaming.
Players located within state borders in each legal online casino jurisdiction can access mobile casinos in those states.
Michigan was the latest state to join the US mobile casino market. Michigan passed online gambling legislation in December 2019 and the first online casino apps launched on January 22, 2021.
Legal Online Gambling Sites Versus Illegal Online Gambling Sites
State-regulated online casinos are owned by land-based properties, using licensing agreements with technology partners.
These partnerships allow for trusted gaming brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betfair to operate legal online casinos in collaboration with legal retail casinos. Golden Nugget Atlantic City, for instance, operates Golden Nugget Casino, Betfair/FanDuel Casino, SugarHouse Online Casino, and BetAmerica in New Jersey.
This legal union of retail and online casinos ensures that players can enjoy secure legal online gambling. Playing at a state-regulated online casino offers the same level of safety as playing at a legal retail casino.
Other retail casino operators behind online platforms include Caesars Entertainment, Parx Casino, Resorts Digital Gaming, and Borgata.
These brands stand as some of the biggest and most trusted names in the legal gambling industry. They each operate online casinos with a keen interest in player safety. Players at legal online casinos can count on prompt payouts, fair games, and security of personal information.
Why Avoid Illegal Gambling Sites
Government agencies like the PGCB and DGE assure that state casino industries operate with transparency, accountability, and security of player funds and personal information. Depositing money at a legal online casino site offers players the security of knowing those funds can be withdrawn safely at any time.
Offshore or illegal gambling sites do not operate with this same obligation to player safety. These platforms aren’t regulated by any US governing body.
Depositing money on these sites can be a risky proposition, as illegal gambling sites have no obligation to allow for the withdrawal of funds.
Legal Online Casinos FAQ
Yes. Federal law allows states to individually determine their stances on legal online gambling.
New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania each allow for legal mobile casinos. Michigan will eventually join the list of US states with legal online casinos in 2021.
State regulatory agencies oversee all state-regulated, legal online casino platforms.
No. Only New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan currently offer legal online casinos.
Apart fromsweepstakes siteslike Chumba Casino, any platforms offering online gambling outside of these five states operate illegally.
The legal minimum age for playing at an online casino is 21 in all states with legal mobile casinos. This age matches the minimum age for gambling at a retail casino in these states.
Yes. Nearly all legal online casinos are available as apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.
iOS users can find online casino apps in the App Store, while Android users can download the apps directly from an online casino’s website.
Players using mobile devices must be located within the borders of the state offering a legal gambling site when playing.
Deposit options at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and casino cage deposit.
Other ways to deposit include PayNearMe, wire transfer, and eWallets like Neteller and Skrill.
Yes. Legal online casinos are owned by retail casino brands like Golden Nugget Atlantic City and Caesars Entertainment. Player funds at legal online casinos are just as safe as they are when playing at a legal retail casino.
Secure withdrawal methods at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, prepaid cards, PayPal, eWallets, casino cage withdrawal and check by mail.
Some of these methods, like eWallet withdrawals, can involve fees.
Yes. Legal mobile casinos use high-level encryption to ensure the security of customers’ personal and financial information.
Extra security measures, like two-step verification, can be added at player request.
Retail casino companies operate legal online casinos in collaboration with licensed technology partners.
Unibet Casino in New Jersey, for example, operates as a licensed partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City. New Jersey law permits retail casinos to operate multiple online platforms.
Yes. Many legal online casinos offer live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, and other table games.
Live dealer games feature a human dealer overseeing the game at a physical table. The dealer and the table are located in a secure studio.