American Gambling Association

FinCEN Correspondence with the American Gaming Association Regarding Sports Betting Conducted on Behalf of Third Parties

Dear Mr. Freeman:

American Gaming Association Founded in 1995, the AGA is the primary trade group and advocate for the casino industry in America. The organization strives to develop greater understanding of the gaming industry by improving public awareness and opposing misguided policies.

Thank you for your December 23, 2014, letter to FinCEN Director Jennifer Shasky Calvery with your concerns about a news article referencing potential FinCEN guidance concerning sports betting. While the article apparently was based on unauthorized sources without a clear understanding of the facts, we have been planning on communicating to the casino industry directly with respect to a particular concern in this regard.

  • Aug 17, 2020 For decades, state-regulated brick and mortar sportsbooks in Nevada offered the only legal sports betting in the U.S. However, with the advent of the internet, illegal bookies have taken advantage of lax or even non-existent laws in places like Antigua, Costa Rica, Latvia, and Panama to set up online sportsbooks that target American customers.
  • Recent casino closures and re-openings. December 12 Pennsylvania: State-mandated closure of 12 commercial casinos (one commercial casino, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, has been closed since November 18) December 9 California: Havasu Landing Resort & Casino closed due to COVID-19 Michigan: Little River Casino Resort and all five Kewadin Casinos re.

It has come to the attention of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) and its law enforcement and regulatory colleagues that increases in sports betting conducted on behalf of third parties are facilitating criminal activity and posing a money laundering risk to the U.S financial system. In connection with this, it has also come to our attention that casinos may be under the impression that unless specifically directed to do so, a casino never has to ask a patron whether he or she is betting on his or her own behalf or on behalf of another party. We are communicating directly with your organization to correct any such misperception and to remind your industry about the importance of applying a risk-based approach with respect to this issue as well as the need to implement reasonably designed AML programs to address among other risks, the risks associated with third-party betting.

Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) Vulnerabilities and Risk Exposure

FinCEN understands that certain organizations and individuals have been circumventing various laws related to sports betting.1 More specifically, criminals are making bets with legally operating sports books, including by using intermediaries to place bets on behalf of unidentified third parties (third-party betting). In these cases, the intermediaries rarely voluntarily disclose to the casino that a transaction is being conducted on behalf of a third party, thereby disguising the third party’s role in the transaction and obscuring the source of funds used to place the bet. This poses distinct money laundering risks for casinos.

In addition to concealing the owner and the origin of funds, third-party betting poses distinct money laundering risks for casinos because it allows criminal organizations, illegal sports books, and others located in any state, where gambling may be illegal, to place bets within states where sports betting is legal.

Law enforcement has been focusing on this activity for some time. For example, in October 2012, law enforcement closed down a significant bookmaking operation associated with a major organized crime group that had connections to Las Vegas sports books.2 Additionally, FinCEN has observed numerous instances in which casino sports books failed to identify in Currency Transaction reports (CTRs) third-parties on whose behalf transactions had been conducted.

Money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance risks associated with unidentified third party-betting may include:

  • Increased money laundering exposure.
  • Failure to identify and report suspicious activity.
  • Failure to file accurate CTRs.
  • Possible AML Compliance program deficiencies.

AML Compliance Program Requirements

Casinos subject to the BSA are required to develop and implement a compliance program reasonably designed to manage the risk of illicit activity and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. The BSA requires casinos to file reports, properly identify customers conducting transactions, and maintain appropriate records of transactions. These reports and records are highly useful in criminal, tax, or regulatory investigations or proceedings, or in the conduct of intelligence or counterintelligence activities, including analysis, to protect against international terrorism.3 Casinos’ compliance programs also must include risk-based procedures to prevent customers from circumventing BSA requirements.

The BSA requires casinos to file accurate and complete reports of each transaction in currency involving either cash in or cash out, of more than $10,000 (Currency Transaction Reports) (CTRs).4 Casinos also are required to aggregate transactions in currency (that is, treat the transactions as a single transaction) if the casino has knowledge that the transactions are conducted by or on behalf of any person and result in either cash in or cash out totaling more than $10,000 during any gaming day.5 With respect to completing a CTR, the BSA requires casinos to verify and record the name and address of the individual presenting a transaction, as well as record the identity, account number, and the social security or taxpayer identification number (if any) of any person or entity on whose behalf such transaction is conducted.6

When implementing a compliance program, a casino must consider and manage the risks associated with sports betting on behalf of third parties in order to file complete and accurate CTRs, as required by the BSA. One way that a casino can obtain information about the identity of the person on whose behalf the transaction is being conducted is to ask the person conducting the transaction whether he or she is acting for himself or herself or on behalf of another person.7 This approach may be particularly effective for casinos that may not otherwise be able to identify a third party on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted. Casinos may also implement other approaches that are best suited to their business activities and customer base, but that allow them to identify effectively those persons on whose behalf a CTR-reportable transaction is being conducted. Casinos should also consider the possibility that a person conducting a transaction may intentionally fail to disclose a third party on whose behalf the transaction is being conducted. In circumstances where a casino knows or suspects this to be the case, the casino would be required to file a SAR consistent with FinCEN’s regulations.8

Casinos should be aware that failure to identify a third party on whose behalf a transaction is conducted may constitute a violation of the casinos’ recordkeeping and reporting obligations under the BSA. In addition, this may prompt concern over the adequacy of the casino’s overall compliance program and result in potential deficiencies and rule violations. FinCEN is authorized to assess civil money penalties against a casino, card club, or any partner, director, officer, or employee of the casino for willful violations of BSA anti-money laundering program, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements, and the U.S. Department of Justice prosecutes criminal violations of the BSA and related money-laundering statutes.9

FinCEN appreciates the efforts of your organization to help maintain industry focus on the importance of the BSA, and the effort that the American Gaming Association has put into the recent release of a best practices document. FinCEN invites the AGA to share this letter with its members in advance of FinCEN placing it on our website for future reference. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again with any of your concerns. Your association and members are welcome to contact FinCEN’s regulatory helpline at 800-949-2732 with any questions about this letter.

Sincerely, /s/ Jamal El-Hindi Associate Director Policy Divison

1There has been a ban on land-based sports betting in most states since the passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (“PASPA”) in 1992. Currently, Nevada and Delaware have legal land-based sports betting, though several other states are trying to implement legalized sports betting. Together, the PASPA, the Interstate Wire Act of 1961 (18 U.S.C. § 1084), the Travel Act of 1961 (18 U.S.C. § 1952), and the Illegal Gambling Business Act of 1970 (18 U.S.C. § 1955) prohibit sports betting between states that disallow sports betting. The Interstate Wire Act, often called the Federal Wire Act, prohibits the operation of certain types of betting businesses in the United States. The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Wire Act prohibition on the transmission of wagers applies only to sports betting. The Travel Act forbids the use of the U.S. mail, or interstate or foreign travel, for the purpose of engaging in certain specified criminal acts. The Illegal Gambling Business Act was enacted as part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and specifically aimed at syndicated gambling, that is, large-scale, illegal gambling operations that were thought to be financing organized crime.

2See FBI New York Field Office press release (February 17, 2012). Four Gambino Crime Family Members and Associates Plead Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court, http://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2012/four-gambino-crime-family-members-and-associates-plead-guilty-in-manhattan-federal-court.

3See 31 U.S.C. 5311.

4See 31 CFR § 1021.311-313.

5See 31 CFR § 1021.313.

631 CFR § 1010.312.

7See FIN-1989-R005.

8A SAR is required if a casino knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that the transaction (or a pattern of transactions of which the transaction is a part) is intended or conducted as part of a plan to violate or evade any Federal law or regulation or to avoid any transaction reporting requirement under Federal law or regulation. 31 CFR § 1021.320.

9See 31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(4) and 5324 and 31 CFR § 1010.820(e) and 31 CFR § 1010.314; see also 18 U.S.C. 1956 and 1957.

American Casino Guide is your ticket to all knowledge about casino gambling online in the USA. The online gambling industry in the US has taken a big turn for the bettor - pun intended - andnow the gambling options in America are opening up for players online.

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Online Casinos in the USA

Why Play With an Online Casino?

Playing with an online casino will allow you to play casino games for real money from your desktop at home or from your mobile devices at any time.

Operators are taking the US market by storm with diverse portfolios and popular reputations. USA online casinos provide massive game libraries. Online casino games strongly resemble those thatyou would play in a land-based casino, however, when you play online you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home or conveniently on your mobile device.

There are also live dealer casino games, which allow you to interact with a live dealer in real-time while playing on your own device.

Another great advantage of playing online is the opportunity to play for free! Operators are constantly dishing out new promotions and special offers. These offers can include free spins, freecasino cash, reload bonuses, and much more!

There are fun VIP rewards systems put in place by casino operators to ensure that you are constantly being rewarded. These VIP systems accrue points over time as you deposit money into youraccount. When you reach different tiers, you will receive different real money rewards and special perks from the casino.

How do we Review Online Casinos?

Our experts review online casinos by thoroughly analyzing each brand and all of the important assets. Comprehensive casinoreviews include detailed information on:

  • Bonus offers
  • Special promotions
  • Loyalty programs
  • Site features
  • User experience
  • Customer support
  • Game selection
  • Mobile apps
  • Deposit and withdrawal options

How to Play Online Casino

In order to begin playing online, the site will ask you to enter certain information. You are required to include name, address, and bank information before gameplay, but do not be alarmed! Allof your data and personal information is protected by the most secure encryption when registering with a legal casino site. You do not need to worry about your data being shared. All of yourdetails, along with your money, is safe and secure with legal USA casinos.

How do you know it’s a Legal Online Casino?

Our experts are here to show you which online gambling sites are legal and regulated. We only review legal online casinos, therefore, you can rest assured you’re safe with us.

Legal casino operators are monitored by the state government and regulated for player safety and fairness. A casino that is regulated will ensure that your money is protected and the games youplay are 100% fair and safe. This way you can relax and enjoy your online casino experience.

Finding the Best Online Casinos in the USA

Finding the best casino to register with is a piece of cake, thanks to our expert team. We are here to help you find the top onlinecasinos so you can begin playing your favorite games.

First and foremost, you want to make sure the online casino that you deposit money into will provide you with your favorite online casino games. If you are really into trying your luck onslots, it would make sense for you to deposit your money into an online casino that is dedicated in providing the latest and most exciting online slots titles on the market. If you are workingon your blackjack strategy, then perhaps you should choose an online casino that provides many different variations of online blackjack.

We also take into consideration many other aspects including:

  • Games selection
  • Available bonuses
  • Interface designs
  • Mobile apps
  • Response times
  • Customer support

Legal Online Casinos in the USA

American Casino Guide is divided into different sections according to the state. This is because casino regulations and the legal issues around online casino gambling in the US depend onindividual state laws.

Which States Have Legalized Online Gambling?

There are many states that have moved forward with legal online gambling and out of those, several have legalized online casinos thus far. Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are the onlystates that have launched legal, regulated online casino sites thus far.

List of Trustworthy Casinos in New Jersey

New Jersey was the first state to launch online casino gambling in the US. Casino gambling is actually illegal outside ofAtlantic City, therefore all NJ casino websites must be affiliated with licensed casinos in Atlantic City.

These platforms use age verification features and geolocation technology to ensure that players are at least 21 years of age and playing within the legal jurisdiction.

It is recommended that you only trust websites that are partnered with Atlantic City casinos in order to avoid getting scammed. Casino sites that are not affiliated with licensed casinos arenot legal or monitored by the state.

The following are the licensed and regulated NJ online casino sites that you can trust.

  • 888 Casino
  • Bet365
  • BetAmerica Casino
  • Betfair NJ
  • BetMGM Casino
  • Borgata
  • Caesars
  • DraftKings Casino
  • Golden Nugget
  • Hard Rock
  • Harrahs
  • Mohegan Sun
  • Ocean Resort
  • Pala Casino
  • PartyCasino
  • Parx Casino
  • PokerStars NJ
  • Resorts
  • SugarHouse
  • Tropicana
  • Unibet Casino
  • Virgin Casino

How do all of these sites differ? They all offer different promotions and special offers. There are also great loyalty and rewards programs on the New Jersey market depending on which site yousign up with.

So how do you narrow down your options? American Casino Guide has thorough reviews of each online casino to answer all of your questions and narrow down your choices.

List of Legal Casinos in Delaware

Although Delaware is one of the smallest states in America, it also holds some of the best casino options in the country.Racetrack casinos, or racinos, have become a thriving business in Delaware and from there, online gambling sites have evolved. In 2013, just after the re-evaluation of the Wire Act, thefollowing racinos launched their online platforms.

  • Delaware Park
  • Dover Downs
  • Harrington Raceway

List of Legal Casinos in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, online gambling is currently underway. Online casinos have been launching steadily since July 15th, 2019.There is a hefty list of those expected to go live on this date from the following casino operators:

  • Harrahs
  • Mount Airy
  • Parx
  • SugarHouse
  • Valley Forge
  • Presque Isle Downs

Casino Bonuses

Sometimes you are just after the huge bonuses, and there is no shame in chasing free casino money. Some operators offer bigger (and more frequent) online casino bonuses than others.

What are Online Casino Bonuses

Online casino bonuses are the best part about playing casino games online versus playing in a brick and mortar casino. Casino bonuses and rewards come in many shapes and sizes and unlockdifferent kinds of rewards.

Through registering with licensed USA operators, you can become eligible for a slew of bonuses and rewards. It is important to understand your bonus before using it to play casino games. We cansimplify that for you though.

There are ample opportunities to claim bonuses and play with free money when playing in an online casino. Because the market is so competitive, these brands will try to pull you away fromcompetitors. What’s the best way to do that? By throwing free money at you, of course!

Types of Casino Bonuses

Welcome/Registration Bonus Packages

Sign up and welcome bonuses are offered to new players. Practically all USA online casinos offer some sort of welcome package for depositing real money into your account. Most sites try to maketheir offers stand out from the rest, in order to win over those first-time depositors.

Welcome bonuses can include no deposit bonuses which can be claimed at registration. They almost always will include an online casino first deposit match bonus for new depositing players. Inaddition, some online casino welcome packages also include free spins or cashback.

It is important to note that a casino welcome package will usually come with certain requirements. These could require you to wager your real money bonus a certain number of times beforewinnings can be withdrawn from the account. It is always smart to read the terms and conditions before depositing your money.

No Deposit Bonus Offers

No deposit bonuses are a great way to try out online casino games without depositing your money onto thesite. Since the competition is growing in certain states, it is now easier than ever to find no deposit bonuses. A no deposit bonus is basically a free play bonus, rewarded to you just forsigning up.

Often times, US operators will offer special no deposit bonus codes so that you can try out the games on offer. With no deposit bonus codes, you can try out popular online casino games for freeand with no commitments or obligations. This is also a great way to learn how to play certain casino games, with no added pressure. The best part about a no deposit bonus is that you can playfor free and still earn real money!

Free Spins

Free spins are one of the most popular types of casino bonuses, allowing you to spin the reel on certain slots titles for a chance to earn real money for free. Free spins bonuses give you abetter chance of scoring bonus rounds. Bonus rounds can lead to multiplied winnings, exciting special features with bonuses, and sometimes even more free spins!

Best Casinos Bonuses

Finding the best casino bonuses on the market is as easy as following AmericanCasinosGuide.com. Our experts will show you exactly where to find the top bonuses in the US. We even read the Termsand Conditions for you!

We’ll tell you which deals are the best, and which deals you should pass on. Let us help you be sure that you’re getting everything you want, and nothing you don’t.

Online Slots

What are Online Casino Slots?

Online slots are the most popular casino games in America, created with high-quality technology and captivating graphics.

Most sites even offer free slots for you to try out before depositing money.

How do we review Online Slots?

When reviewing online slots, we break down many aspects of the game including:

  • Return to Player Rates
  • Volatility
  • Bonus Rounds
  • Graphics

Some of these factors can strongly impact the winnings that you take away from the game.

Slot Bonuses

Many slots come with real money bonuses. The majority of these slots bonuses come in the form of free spins. There are also online slots bonus rounds that can be activated randomly whenplaying, offering massive payouts and rewards. Bonuses differ from game to game.

Another form of slot bonuses comes in a bonus wheel spin. Bonus wheels are made of different sections including prizes, multipliers, free spins, jackpots, and bonus credit.

Then there are Pick’em bonuses, which reveal hidden prizes once activated.

Sometimes there are random bonus rounds for slots players. These bonuses are activated at complete random, during or after a spin. Random bonuses can turn a losing spin into a winning spininstantly.

Free Spins

What Are Free Spins?

Free spins are one of the best ways to make money playing online slots. Free spins are exactly as they sound - spins onthe online slot machines without having to spend any money.

How Do You Get Free Spins?

Free spins can be earned in a number of different ways.

When registering with an online casino, you will usually receive a hearty welcome package. 9 times out of 10, this will include a number of free spins to try out the casino’s most popular slotstitles.

Regular players can also receive free spins bonuses as a reward for their loyalty.

Another exciting way to earn free spins is through bonus rounds in certain slots games. Slots games with bonus rounds can be super exciting as you never know what rewards you will unlock!

Best Free Spins Bonuses

Hard Rock Casino has one of the best welcome bonuses around! If you register an online casino account with Hard Rock, you receive 50 free spins toward five select slot games.

  • Day 1: 10 Free Spins on Starburst (RTP: 96.1%)
  • Day 2: 10 Free Spins on the Guns N Roses Slot (96.98%)
  • Day 3: 10 Free Spins on Divine Fortune (96.59%)
  • Day 4: 10 Free Spins on the Jimi Hendrix slot (96.9%)
  • Day 5: 10 Free Spins on Finn and the Swirly Spin (96.61%)

Other casinos offer great bonuses which allow you a large number of free spins.

BetMGM offers $25 in free play plus a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to $1,000.

Borgata Casino follows close behind with $20 in free play and a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to $600.

Depending on how much you deposit, that could be a lot of free spins!

Online Casino Games

Almost all of your favorite casino games can now be found and played online in absolute comfort. The online casino market in the US has unleashed a wide variety of games with the technology toensure fair play across the board.

What Are Online Casino Games?

USA online casino games range from the classic popular game choices to more unique titles that are exclusive to certain sites.

Before you begin playing, it is important to brush up on strategies and learn the RTP rates associated with your favorite games. RTP stands for return-to-player and refers to the likelihood ofwinning that game or the amount of money a player could win back from the game after a certain period of playing.

Where to Play Casino Games Online

We recommend that you play casino games at any legal and regulated online casino. You can access massive game libraries at online casinos and enjoy playing any of the games once you haveregistered and made a deposit.

List of Different Casino Games

Roulette

Online roulette is another favorite in American casinos online. This French game has evolved into many different forms. Onlineroulette moves much quicker than live roulette and the randomness of the wheel relies on a random number generator. American casinos offer versions of both online American Roulette and EuropeanRoulette.

Blackjack

Blackjack is often a favorite amongst many different skill levels in America. The game is easy to learn and becomes more exciting as you catch on to card counting and more advanced techniques.Online blackjack is a great way to learn how to play the game and to practice your blackjack betting strategy without thepressure of other players sitting around you.

Craps

Online craps is offered in American online casinos with special features that are not available in the land-based casino versionsof the game. The rules in online craps are quite simple and the betting options are quite varied. In online craps, betting choices determine the course of action.

Bingo

Bingo is a popular game everywhere, and you can find many different variations of online bingo on US sites. Players purchase cards and the games begin at certain times. Bingo numbers are chosenvia a random number generator and then automatically painted to the player’s ticket.

Poker

Poker is one of the most popular betting games in the world. Online video poker is an online casino game for those who enjoy this game of strategy and skill. Video poker allows you to practicethe game of poker before playing at a live table under pressure. This game comes in many different variants including single-hand and multi-hand games. Different variations of online poker areoffered along with many different platforms, however, these are the most common:

  • Jacks or better
  • Bonus Poker
  • Double Bonus Poker
  • Deuces Wild

Once you have become a seasoned poker player, there are many online poker tournaments held through certain sites. Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular.

Live Casinos

What are Live Casino Games?

Live dealer casino games are games played in real-time, allowing you to interact with a live dealer while playing on your own device. Live dealer games give you the thrill of a live casino withthe convenience of playing online!

How to Play Live Casino

In order to play live casino games, you will first need to be registered with a legal online casino. Once you haveregistered, you can then play any of the casino games offered to you in the game library. Live dealer games will have allotted times so be sure to check the schedules for the live casino gamesyou wish to play.

Live dealer tables vs RNG

Playing at a live dealer casino table is going to give you a much different experience than playing with an online casino game powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG).

Regulated online casinos are able to offer fair outcomes as these outcomes are determined by an RNG. This is a system that provides random numbers, cards, or symbols at complete random to makesure that the games being played have completely random outcomes. There are no patterns generated by this system. The RNGs are checked every month to make sure they are still delivering fairresults.

When playing a live casino game, the action is happening in real-time as you watch on the screen. You can watch the dealer hand out the cards or watch the croupier spin the wheel. There is alarge social aspect to a live dealer game as you can actually interact with the dealer and other players throughout the game.

Mobile Casinos

Although it may seem at first glance that Las Vegas and Atlantic City are the main casino hubs, mobile casinos are the next big thing, thanks to the evolution of the American gambling market.The great American casino is now right at your fingertips!

How Does Mobile Casino Work

In order to play mobile casino games, you must register with an online casino. This can be done online or on a mobile device. Online casinos offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.Once the registration process is complete, simply download the app and start playing!

Are Mobile Casinos Legit

Mobile casinos are as real and trustworthy as they come. Playing in a mobile casino is no different than playing in an online casino. All of your deposits and withdrawals are secured with thehighest levels of SSL encryption technology. With the technology used, it is impossible for third parties to intercept any data being sent. All software used comes from highly regarded softwareproviders.

Mobile Casino Games

Mobile casino games are almost identical to the games you would play on your desktop. Mobile apps offer a smaller selection of games, however, the graphics and layout of the games make theexperience largely similar to that of playing on a bigger screen.

Casino Customer Support

Customer support is a very important aspect of an online casino. Most operators will offer a variety of customer support channels for users. You will usually find

  • Live Chat
  • Email
  • Phone Number
  • FAQ Section

Popular Casino Payment Methods

  • Visa - The most popular banking method in the US, Visa allows easy deposits into legal US online casino accounts.
  • Mastercard - Widely used across the US, Mastercard allows deposits into most online casinos in the US.
  • eCheck - Making deposits and withdrawals through your online casino account with the use of eChecks proves to be both convenient and safe. The funds travel from your bank account into youronline casino account and vice versa, seamlessly.
  • Prepaid Cards - This payment option is beneficial for those trying to not overspend but still want the convenience of fast and secure transactions. Most online casinos in the US offerprepaid cards

Games Providers

See Full List On En.wikipedia.org

American Gambling Association

Online casinos share many different casino games supplied by many different software providers. It’s important to make sure the online casino you register with offers games supplied byreputable software providers. There should be a wide selection of popular games

Be sure to consider the following when reviewing software providers.

  1. Visually Appealing Graphics: Top providers should deliver games designed in the latest technology. It is crucial that games are available for both desktop and mobileplay.
  2. Safety and Fairness: All games should be tested to make sure they are both secure and offer fair results.
  3. Game Selection: Players should have a wide variety of game variations, especially in slots titles. Game libraries should offer nice selections for both desktop and mobiledevices.
  4. Reputability: It is important that the games you play are created by reputable game providers. Look for providers who have been in the industry for a long time and haveproven themselves to be reliable.

Best Game Providers in the US

Some of the top providers include:

  • Pragmatic Play
  • Microgaming
  • NetEnt
  • IGT
  • Playtech
  • Realtime Gaming
  • Betsoft

Legislation and Regulation

Online gambling is not legal throughout the entire US and more importantly, playing on an online casino is only legal in four states for now - NewJersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.

In the USA, laws differ between federal and state legislation. Federally, online gambling can be made legal in any state. But if only it were that simple.

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Online gambling laws were assumed to be defined through the state’s rights. However the problem arose when it came to interstate gambling. When money changes hands, it becomes a federal issue.This became an international issue as offshore casinos tried to lure in U.S. customers. This is prohibited by federal law. Still, many illegal casinos have operated under the radar, and fundswere not always safe.

How are Casinos Regulated?

Each state is now able to create its own laws around online gambling. The four states which have legalized online gambling are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. This meansthat all licensed operators are controlled and monitored by the state governments to ensure player fairness and safety.

State economies are evolving as these states legalize online gambling, and these financial gains are encouraging many other states to follow suit. This domino effect of online gamblinglegalization in the US is spreading throughout the country.

The Risks of Playing with an Unregulated Casino

There are loads of illegal offshore casinos which cannot be trusted. The only way to be sure that you are playing fair games and that your data and personal information is safe is by choosing areputable, legal, regulated online casino.

When you play at an unregulated casino, you're putting your safety and money at risk. These types of sites have no protection and are the prime targets for hackers looking to steal money oryour personal information. We recommend avoiding off-shore casinos at all costs.

How Secure are Online Casinos?

Online casinos that have been deemed legal in certain states are very safe. All of the casinos we recommend are subject to random testings that are done on the games and software on thesite. Random number generators are also used by each casino to ensure every game has a randomized outcome for everyone who plays.

Every state legalizing online casinos has a Gaming Board to see over all of the gambling sites. New Jersey and Pennsylvania are two of the biggest hubs for online casinos in the country rightnow and both are very safe markets.

For a casino to avoid being shut down, they must see that all of the guidelines and rules are followed. The slightest misstep could cost an operator millions, which no one wants to risk.

Resources

Who Are We?

We are AmericanCasinoGuide.com, the best casino guide for US players. We are experts who believe that knowledge is money and we are well-equipped to enhance your online casino experience.

Whether it’s finding the best online casino to sign up with, discovering new bonuses, or understanding how slot machines work, we have it all! If your goal is to play online casino games andearn real money, you’re in the right place.

The more you know about each game and each casino, the more successful you will be. Although online casino games rely a great deal on chance and casinos almost always carry the edge, there areways you can increase your winning odds and enhance your overall online casino experience. Casino games are about having fun, but who doesn’t want to walk away with a profit?

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Our experts have the best game recommendations and strategy guides you can find. We are here to guide you to finding the best casino and playing smarter so you can start maximizing yourwinnings today!

American Gaming Association Sports Betting

Why Trust Us?

The internet abounds with stories of folks getting ripped off by off-shore casinos. That’s why we at American Casino Guide only review and recommend completely legal, state-approved, andregulated casinos. You have the same protection for your legal online casino financial transactions as you do when buying from a store. You can be sure you are shopping smart by using ourcomprehensive reviews.

You can trust us because our experts love online casino games just as much as you do. American Casino Guide has been around for years, and we know the industry inside and out. Our experts arescouring the market daily, trying out new games, and searching for the best deals.

Online Casino USA - A Glimpse Into the Future

There are just a handful of states in America with regulations in place around legal online gambling, but it's safe to say we can expect much more in the future. Many states are currently goingthrough the motions of putting legislation in order for the regulation of USA online casinos and poker.

American Casino Guide experts work hard to stay up to date with the recent news on American online gambling laws. We provide thorough overviews of the industry along with comprehensive listsand reviews of online casinos in the US.

Many state legislatures are - at this moment - debating legalizing online casino gaming in their states. Legalization is rapidly changing, sometimes overnight, and our team is committed tobringing you the latest developments of online casino gaming in the United States.

Land-Based Casinos - The Complete Guide

In American Casino Guide, you have everything you need to navigate the land-based casino territory of the USA. The United States has a mix of many different land-based casinos. Depending on thestate you are in, you could find a variety of different casinos including:

  • Indian
  • Pari-mutuel
  • Land-based
  • Riverboat
  • Casino boats

Our experts have compiled a plethora of information on all casinos in the country. You can view each casino in the US, listed by the state, as well as listed by the city. Finding reviews onthese is simple.

We provide the most honest casino reviews. In these listings, you will also find additional information on each casino such as:

American Gambling Association

  • hours of operation
  • casino games provided
  • hotel rates
  • maps and directions

Finding this information is simple. When navigating American Casino Guide, you will see a list of all American states. Here is where you navigate to the lists of casinos in each state.

Popular Casinos by State

Once you find the state of your choice, you will find an alphabetical list of land-based casinos in that state.Each of these is rated. You can read reviews on any of these casinos and find all of the information you could possibly need - from the types of games they offer to whether or not there is freeparking at the facility.

Popular Casinos by City

Want to get more specific? Search casinos by the city to find the list of casinos in any particular city on themap. The casinos are all rated and offer honest reviews from the public. Any information you need to know about casinos in the US can be found in these guides.

Land-Based Casino Promotions

American Casino Association

What’s more, American Casino Guide offers bonus codes and coupons for casinos all across the US. Just browse through our promotions pages and find something special. Collect your promotions,read our casino reviews, and prepare yourself for the perfect outing at your favorite American casino!

American Gambling Association

Gambling is intended for entertainment, but if you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, get help now. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate help or visit www.ncpgambling.org.