safe online gambling sites USA
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Which Online Gambling Sites are Safe?

Jul 19, 2024

With more states opening up their doors to regulated online gambling, more Americans are using online gambling sites. But which ones can you trust and, ultimately, which gambling websites can you call 'safe'?

Nick Albert
Content Writer

Safe Online Gambling Sites

Before you commit to a gambling website in the US, know this: Not all gambling websites you find on the internet are safe.

If you were unaware of this before you opened this article, don't worry, you're not the only one! There’s a common misconception today that because regulated online gambling in the US is more common, online gambling sites have never been safer.

BUT, this is only true of gambling websites licensed and regulated in the US. Only gambling sites that have been issued with a US license and are overseen by a US regulator are 100% safe, just like these ones:

THE SAFEST ONLINE GAMBLING SITES ARE REGULATED

First and foremost - before playing your favorite games or betting on your favorite sports - you want to know that you're going to be guaranteed a safe online gambling experience.

This is something only regulated gambling sites can provide.

A regulated gambling site in the US is overseen by a state-specific commission or enforcement body such as the DGE in New Jersey or PGCB in Pennsylvania whose main purpose is to ensure the integrity of operators and vendors.

If you have a complaint about an operator or feel that you’ve been treated unfairly, you can report it. In short, operators have somebody to answer to.

There are many advantages of using safe gambling sites in the US.

Benefits of safe online gambling sites

  • Secure payment methods - You can move funds to your gambling account and know that the money will arrive securely with reliable, trusted payment options such as PayPal and credit/debit cards.
  • Personal information protected - Your personal details are protected and used only for the purpose of your online gambling account.
  • The operator plays by the rules - If you win, you get paid your winnings. A regulated gambling site plays a fair game at all times and is transparent about the way it operates.
  • Safeguarding measures - Although gambling should always be enjoyed responsibly, it can be very addictive. And for some individuals, this addiction is difficult to control. Regulated gambling sites have certain safeguarding measures in place to help bettors manage their betting habits and prevent financial harm. These include deposit limits, daily limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion programs.
  • Peace of mind - Knowing that your money is in safe hands, your sensitive information is protected, you will be paid winnings and you have the tools to gamble responsibly is worth its weight in gold and enable you to fully enjoy your online gambling experience.

HOW TO TELL AN ONLINE GAMBLING SITE IS SAFE

There are five things you can do straight away to check whether a gambling site is safe.

  1. Make sure the website ends in .com. An instant tell-tale sign of an offshore (unreputable) site is the website domain, which often ends in .ag or .eu, for instance.
  2. Scroll down to the site’s footer and find the body in charge of regulating the site. For example, in New Jersey, you’ll find the seal for the DGE. You should be able to click on this and visit the official website of the state regulator.
  3. Take a look at the payment options available. You should find a range of methods including the most popular online options such as PayPal and VISA/MasterCard but also have the opportunity to deposit money either over the phone or by visiting your bank.
  4. Test the customer support options offered. Get in contact with an actual person from the company if you can in order to determine how professional the site is.
  5. Research the gambling site to see if it's a reputable company. You can do this by reading our reviews of gambling websites at UnitedGamblers.com.

SAFEST ONLINE GAMBLING SITES IN THE US

The Safest Online Gambling Sites For You

Ultimately, it comes down to whether your state has a regulated market for online gambling. If you're in a state that has legalized online gambling you will find an array of safe gambling sites to choose from.

Here's a reminder of those states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Nevada, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Montana, Colorado, Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan, and Washington D.C.

If you’re based in, or, near one of these states you can access a range of secure online gambling websites that can all be trusted to deliver a safe experience when you gamble online.

Why online gambling sites are safe in these states only

Nick Albert
Nick Albert - Content Writer

To date, only the sixteen states mentioned above allow online gambling. Each has made online gambling legal and gone on to launch a regulated market for a type of online gambling.

In the rest of the US, online gambling has yet to be approved, hence why online gambling sites are not allowed.

This can change of course if a state introduces online gambling, as many are working towards or planning to do. This page will be continually updated so remember to check back for news of your state.

But for the time being, you will only find safe online gambling sites in a select number of states.

Safe online gambling sites FAQS

Are online gambling sites safe?

Some online gambling sites are safe but there are some that are not. A safe online gambling site holds a US license and is regulated in a US state.

However, because the legal online gambling industry is still relatively new online gambling sites that are not safe, still remain on the internet.

Such sites do not hold the required license and are not regulated to operate in the US but many Americans remain unaware of this fact.

What online gambling sites are safe?

Online gambling sites that are licensed and regulated in the US are safe. Such sites are operated by reputable and trusted online gambling companies. See below for a list of safe online gambling sites.

Safe Online Gambling Sites

Is PointsBet safe?

Yes, PointsBet is a legitimate online sportsbook in America that is licensed and regulated in six states - New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

Is Bet365 safe?

Yes, Bet365 is a sports betting site which is safe to use in the US.

Is Bovada safe?

No, Bovada is not a safe online gambling website for American citizens. Bovada operates outside of the US and doesn’t adhere to licensing and regulatory requirements required in the United States of America.