When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn As a new player, learning how to gamble online for real money can be a little overwhelming. After all, there are so many platforms to choose from and that’s before we even talk about wagers, games, and even bonuses.
That’s why we created this guide. From understanding the different types to making deposits, this is all you need to gamble online, and then some.
Quick Facts
- Gambling is regulated at state level.
- 30+ states have regulated online sports betting.
- 7 states have regulated online casino gaming.
- Offshore gambling sites operate in almost every state and are licensed by international gaming bodies.
- Minimum age is usually 21 (18 on some sites).
How to Pick the Right Site
This is no easy task as there are scores of options out there to choose from including both state-licensed and offshore operators. First off, 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 types of options.
Types of Gambling
If you want to learn how to gamble online, it’s a good idea to know exactly what your options are in terms of gambling products. Below, we’ve explained a little more about the types available in the US.
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 gamble, 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.
Credit/Debit Cards
Banking cards are possible the most popular choice for depositing funds. Providers will accept Visa and Mastercard for deposits and some even have support for Discover and American Express. Withdrawals are a little different as not all platforms offer the ability to withdraw to a card. One drawback with this method is that there can be fees for each transaction.
eWallets
PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller are examples of well-known eWallets that can be used online for making deposits and withdrawals, and are often faster than bank cards. They also offer a second layer of security as you don’t need to share your card or bank details with your provider.
Wire Transfers
With a bank wire transfer, you can send funds directly from your bank account. This option generally has high limits, allowing for large transactions at a time. That said, you may have to pay a processing fee and it can take a couple of days to complete the transaction.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards provide a high level of security online for players who don’t want to share their banking details. You can buy the card or a prepaid voucher from another location and then just use the code to deposit. But just bear in mind that most prepaid cards don’t allow for withdrawals.
Online Banking
Online banking services are super convenient and you can pop money into your account with a tap. Mobile banking apps have made this option incredibly popular even though withdrawals can take a little longer than other methods.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are fast becoming one of the most popular banking options. This is because you can make instant deposits and withdrawals while keeping all your personal financial details anonymous. Major cryptos include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash.
How to Gamble on Mobile
We spend so much time on our mobile devices these days that it stands to reason that operators have taken note. And by that we mean that 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 gambling 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 your mobile so there’s no need to download anything at all.
How to Gamble Online Safely
Stay safe and make the most of your gambling 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 gambling for real.
- Set a Gambling 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 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 there are 31 states that have regulated online sports betting and seven states with regulated real money online casino industries also known as iGaming.
Meanwhile, offshore gambling platforms can operate freely in almost every state in the US.
Where is Online Betting Regulated in the US?
In the table below you’ll see which states have regulated gambling in the US. Despite any restrictions you might see in individual states, offshore platforms are available in almost every state as these are licensed outside of the US.
| State | Online Sports Gambling Legal | Online Casinos Legal | Online Poker Legal | Online Horse Racing Available | DFS | Online Lottery | Online Bingo |
| Alabama | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Alaska | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Arizona | Since: Sept, 2021 | No | No | Yes (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | No | No |
| Arkansas | Since: Nov, 2018 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| California | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Colorado | Since: Nov, 2019 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Connecticut | Since: Oct, 2021 | Since: May, 2021 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Delaware | Since: 2009 but no active online brands. | Since: June, 2012 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Florida | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Georgia | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hawaii | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Idaho | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Illinois | Since: June, 2019 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Indiana | Since: Sept, 2019 | No | No | Yes (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | No | No |
| Iowa | Since: Jan, 2019 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Kansas | Since: May, 2022 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Kentucky | Since: Mar, 2023 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Louisiana | Since: Jan, 2022 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Maine | Since: Apr, 2022 | No | No | Yes | No | No | |
| Maryland | Since: Nov, 2022 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Massachusetts | Since: Aug, 2022(live Mar, 2023) | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Michigan | Since: Jan, 2019 | Since: Jan, 2019 | Since: Jan, 2021 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Minnesota | No | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | No | No |
| Mississippi | Since: Aug, 2018 (only on the grounds of land-based casinos) | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | No | No |
| Missouri | In process, to be decided in Jan, 2024 | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Montana | Since: May, 2019 | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Nebraska | Since: May, 2021 | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | No | No | |
| Nevada | Since: 2010 | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| New Hampshire | Since: Jul, 2019 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| New Jersey | Since: 2013 | Since: 2013 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| New Mexico | No | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | No | No |
| New York | Since: 2013 (Launched online Jan, 2022) | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| North Carolina | Since: Jun, 2023 | No | No | Yes (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | Yes | No |
| North Dakota | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ohio | Since: Dec, 2021 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Oregon | Since: Aug, 2019 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | Since: 2017 | Since: 2017 | Since: 2017 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | Since: 2012, operational in Nov, 2018 | Since: Mar, 2024 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| South Carolina | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tennessee | Since: Nov, 2020 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Texas | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Utah | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Vermont | Since: Jun, 2023 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Virginia | Since: Mar, 2020 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Washington | Since: Mar, 2020(only on Native American land) | No | No | No (retail pari-mutuel betting available) | No | Yes | No |
| West Virginia | Since: Mar, 2018 | Since: June, 2019 | Since: June, 2019 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | Since: Nov, 2021 (only on Native American land) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | Since: Sept, 2021 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Washington D.C. | Since: 2018 came into effect on May, 2019 | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Gamble Responsibly
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 problem gambling.
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 problem gambling support organizations such as:
We strongly recommend that you gamble 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 Gambling Options 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.
Pros & Cons for State-Regulated Gambling Brands
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
Pros & Cons for Offshore Gambling Brands
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, which option you go for depends on how you gamble online. If you’re after more localized betting options that might have 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 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.
If you’re still unsure about which operator to choose, check out BetOnline, a well-known brand available in almost every state.
How We Test and Review Gambling Websites
150+ Gambling Platforms Reviewed
1,100+ Games Software Tested
200+ Monthly Hours of Research
375+ Gambling Promotions Verified
While betting options and promotions are the main attractions at gambling websites, it’s also important that the gambling software you’re using is safe and secure.
That’s why, here at Techopedia, we have an in-house review process that covers every aspect of a gambling website.
This includes:
- Games and betting markets
- Payment methods
- Bonuses and promotions
- Customer support
- Security protocols
- Licensing
…and more.
You can take a look at our detailed guide on how we test gambling platforms featured on Techopedia.
FAQs
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Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be a legal gambling age.
