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As a new player, learning how to gamble online can be a little overwhelming. After all, there are so many platforms to choose from, and that’s before we talk about wagers, games, and even bonuses.
That’s why we created this guide. From understanding the different types to making deposits, it has everything you need to get started.
Fast Facts for Players
- Online gambling laws vary by state, so check local regulations before playing.
- Choose a reputable platform with proper licensing, security, and customer support.
- Register an account, verify your identity, and deposit funds securely.
- Take advantage of bonuses, but always read the terms and conditions.
- Gamble responsibly by setting limits and seeking help if needed.
Important note: Online gambling websites operate in almost every state and are licensed by international gaming bodies.
- Show Full Guide
How to Pick the Right Site
This is no easy task, as there are scores of options, including state-licensed and offshore operators. First, you’ll need to decide which type you’re interested in and then start looking for a reputable site.
Whether you want to play online slots for real money or bet on horses, knowing how to find the right site is always important.
When choosing a platform, look out for the following:
- Licensed by a recognized gaming authority: For example, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (state) or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (offshore).
- Offers live customer support: This could be in the form of a live chat feature or phone support.
- Good reviews: Read in-depth reviews from experts like the team here at Techopedia.
- Ongoing promotions: A great welcome bonus is nice, but it’s the ongoing promotions that you’ll come to appreciate as the months go by.
Now that’s settled, let’s take a look at the types of options.
How to Gamble on Different Products
If you want to learn how to gamble online, it’s a good idea to know exactly what your options are regarding available products.
Below, you can find information about the types available in the US:
Sports wagering is when you bet money on the outcome of sporting events. Online sportsbooks cover all major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and international sports. There is an option to bet on an individual player’s performance through prop bets. Learn how to bet on sports before jumping in.
Offshore online casinos offer all the games you’d find at a land-based casino, including slots, video poker, and table games. There’s also a growing live dealer niche that sees casinos live-stream table games with real dealers. The best live casinos also offer game shows such as Deal or No Deal.
Sweepstakes and social casinos are great alternatives to online casinos.
At social casinos, you can play the same traditional casino games but with Gold Coins (GC) or Sweepstakes Coins (SC) instead of real cash. These coins can then be exchanged for rewards, and in some cases, you can exchange SC for real money.
While video poker is available at most online casinos, it is a little different as it involves online tables where you play against other players. This is a game of skill, so you’ll need to have a good understanding of how to play poker before you go anywhere near the tables.
Online horse racing gambling involves betting on the outcome of a race. You can bet on a horse to win or place, which means finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. If you’re new to this then learning how to bet on horse racing can take a little homework especially when it comes to terminology.
The most popular form, and also the most widely available in the US, remains lottery draws. These are available in 45 states, with major lottery draws like Powerball shared across multiple states. Learning how to gamble online on lotteries in the US is very straightforward. You just head to your state lottery website and follow the instructions.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are available in most states and involve entering events and creating your own team within a set budget. Your team competes in a league against teams created by other players. Prizes are awarded based on how your team fares against the opposition.
If you want to know what regulated options are available in your state, check out our state table later in this guide.
How to Use Banking Methods to Gamble Online
As you can imagine, banking is massively important. After all, you need real money to play, right? And you certainly want to get your hands on your cash if you’re lucky enough to win.
The majority of providers will offer a few of the options listed below:
How to Gamble on Mobile
We spend so much time on our mobile devices these days that operators have taken note of this. And by that we mean you can easily access all your favorite products on mobile.
The process remains pretty much the same, only that you do it on your phone or tablet.
For regulated online sportsbooks and casinos, this usually means downloading an app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. These mobile apps offer a seamless experience with no loss of features from the site you access on a laptop or PC.
For offshore sites, it’s even easier. You can access everything by simply opening the site on your mobile web browser. These websites are designed to work perfectly on mobile, so there’s no need to download anything at all.
How to Gamble Online Safely
Stay safe and make the most of your experience by following these tips.
- Only play at licensed sites: Licensed sites give you a high level of security and reliability. You won’t have to worry about denied withdrawals for no reason or unfair games when your choice of platform is licensed and regulated by a recognized authority.
- Learn the games: Whether you are betting on sports or playing casino games, you should first do your research. Know the rules, understand the wagers, and, best of all, practice for free before doing it for real.
- Set a budget: Set an amount of money that you can afford to lose as your budget. From here, you can set daily or session limits to help you stay within your bankroll for a given period of time. And no matter what, never break your own budget rules.
- Check out the promotions: Sports and casino bonuses or promotions can be of great value, but make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. See what you have to do to clear the bonus and check the wagering requirements in advance.
- If the fun stops, stop: Gambling is a form of entertainment and not a sure way to make money. If you feel like you’re not having fun anymore, take a break. You can always come back to it later.
How to Gamble Legally in the US
The legal situation in the US can be confusing, with different states having individual rules and regulations.
At the time of writing, 30 states have regulated online sports betting, and seven states have regulated real-money online casino industries, also known as iGaming.
Meanwhile, offshore platforms do not operate legally in most states in the US.
Responsible Gambling
Trusted operators take responsible gambling seriously and offer a range of measures to help you control your spending. Most platforms will provide on-site resources to help, including tips for healthy gaming and how to identify the first signs of issues.
Outside of this, you’ll find account tools like deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion periods to help you stay within your budget and avoid issues.
While operators provide as much help as possible, the best place to find advice and support is with official support organizations such as:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- National Council on Problem Gambling
We strongly recommend that you do it responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose. For more information take a look at our responsible gambling guide.
How to Choose Between Sites in the US
There’s no perfect answer to this question, as it all depends on a few different things. This includes the type of gambling you’re looking for, what kind of promotions you’d like, and what banking options are a must.
One thing that’s clear, though is that you have two main options to choose from – state-licensed providers and internationally-licensed (offshore) providers.
To make it a little easier, we’re going to list the pros and cons of both options so you can make your own decision.
State-Regulated Brands Pros & Cons
Pros
- Licensed and regulated by the state
- Partnerships with local sports teams and casinos
- Part of state self-exclusion programs
Cons
- Restrictions on bonuses and promotions
- Weaker odds for many sports markets
- No cryptocurrency options
Offshore Brands Pros & Cons
Pros
- Licensed by recognized gaming authorities
- More competitive odds for sports
- Instant banking through crypto
- Bigger bonuses and promotions
Cons
- No state self-exclusion affiliations
- Fewer card withdrawal options
As you can see, your option depends on how you gamble online. If you’re after more localized betting options with promotions involving local casinos, then state-regulated sites might be the option for you.
On the other hand, if you’re after more competitive odds, a better range of casino games, and faster payouts, then offshore sites are the way to go.
How to Sign Up and Gamble Online in the USA
It’s very simple, all you need to do is follow our step-by-step guide on how to gamble online in the US.
Check the available options
Since there are quite a few options to consider for every category, we recommend checking out expert reviews and guides for your state, like the ones available here on Techopedia.
Pick a top site
BetOnline is one of the standout brands, and since it’s available pretty much everywhere, we’re using it for this process.
Create an account
After choosing the site, you can create an account within a few minutes. Simply click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button on the site and fill out the registration form. How old do you have to be to gamble online? In most states, the minimum age to take part in the action is 21 years. However, there are some states, like Rhode Island, where the minimum age is 18.
Claim your welcome bonus
One of the benefits of the top brands is that you have access to extra bonuses and promotions, especially as a new customer. Make sure to read the terms and conditions for your welcome bonus offer so you know how to use it. Also, check the product that the bonus is available for, as casino bonuses usually cannot be used for sports and vice versa.
Add funds to your account
Probably the most stressful step when learning how to gamble online with real money is depositing funds into your account. But it’s safe and very simple. Just head to the cashier and choose a deposit method. Then, enter the amount you’d like to add and fill out the required boxes. Your funds will be available in your account balance as soon as the transaction is processed.
Place your bets
With the funds and bonus available, you can now gamble online how you like. For sports, you can check out the available markets and add them to your bet slip. For the casino, start your chosen game and set the size of the bet for each round before playing. If possible, we recommend practicing in demo mode so you know how the game works. It’s really that simple.
Withdraw your winnings
Now that you know how to gamble online in the US, you might be lucky enough to win some money. We always recommend withdrawing a portion of your balance from time to time to enjoy it on something else. To withdraw funds online, simply go to the same cashier used to deposit and select the withdrawal tab. Choose your withdrawal method and fill out the required details to cash out your winnings.
The Bottom Line
Online gambling offers many different options, including casino games, sports betting, and lotteries, but it’s essential to choose the right platform. Always play on licensed sites, learn the games before betting, and set limits to manage your spending responsibly.
Take advantage of bonuses, but always read the terms to avoid unexpected conditions. Most importantly, gamble for fun, and if it stops being fun – take a break.
