LEGAL US ONLINE GAMBLING GUIDE Gambling online is quickly becoming the way to place a bet. More Americans are turning to their mobile devices and laptops to play their favorite slots, poker games or bet on sports online. So if you suspect a casino is cheating, please follow the scientific method before writing to me; in other words, make a hypothesis about how the casino cheating, gather evidence to confirm or deny the hypothesis, and finally analyze the evidence. I'm happy to help with step 3.
General Online Gambling FAQ
What is online gambling?
Defining online gambling is actually pretty simple; it's using the internet to place online wagers or bets. It can take a number of forms including but not limited to: bingo, poker, casino games, and sports betting.
Is online gambling legal?
This is usually a question where the answer depends largely on where you live. Gambling laws are different for every country in the world. They can also change from state to state. In a few areas of the world the legality of online gambling is a grey area, so it always pays to check your local laws just in case.
How old do I need to be to gamble online?
This another question where the answer changes depending on where you live. In many countries the legal age requirement is 18, but in others it may be 21.
How do I get started with online gambling?
If you have internet access online gambling is as easy as visiting an online gambling site and signing up with an account. Once you have deposited some funds into your new account you are ready to rock. To keep yourself as safe as possible don't forget to read up on all the recommended high quality sites over at www.newgamblingsites.com.
How do I fund my online gambling accounts?
To start placing bets or wagers you will need to have some funds in the account you created with the online gambling site. There are a number of options you can use to deposit money, but it will ultimately depend on the site as to what is available. Most sites will accept credit cards, e-wallet services, or bank transfers at a minimum.
Can my winnings from online gambling sites be taxed?
Different countries have varying laws when it comes to taxing winnings from online gambling sites. Always check with the local tax authority so you stay out of trouble.
How do I choose an online gambling site to use?
With the number of online gambling sites increasing all of the time it can be tough to decide on one to use. Ultimately, your preference will boil down to the type of online gambling you most enjoy and also what part of the world you live in. Our site, NewGamblingSites.com, has been set up to review and rank only the best and most reputable online gambling sites available today, with a full range of gambling categories. Choose a category and go through our lists to find one that looks appealing.
Do I need a windows PC to gamble online?
The simple answer is no as there are a number of sites that are not compatible with Windows but do work with other devices. Some sites favor Linux while others are exclusive to Apple Macintosh computers. Yet others can be accessed through an app on your mobile device or cell phone. Browse the following pages if you are looking for a site specific to the devices you use:
• Best Gambling for Mobile Devices
• Best Gambling sites for Linux
• Best Gambling sites for Macintosh
Can I have accounts at more than one gambling site?
Yes, you can gamble on as many different online gambling sites as you like. In fact, because sites focus on different aspects of online gambling it can be beneficial to have accounts at several different locations. You likely enjoy a variety of online gambling strategies which certain sites can't deliver on, but others can. For instance, you might like to play casino games on one site but another site might excel at providing online sports betting options.
Is it safe to gamble online?
If you don't stray from proven safe and reputable sites then yes, it is very safe to gamble online. Most industries have their fair share of shady dealers and online gambling is no different, but limiting yourself to sites that have proven their integrity will keep you out of trouble. Each site we list here is a site we would have no problems trusting with our own money.
Is online gambling addictive?
The quick answer is yes; it is possible that you could get addicted to online gambling – it can happen to anybody. The trick is to set your limits, stay sensible, and keep control of your gambling. Gambling is fun when it's done responsibly but if you feel yourself becoming addicted to it then you should stop and seek help immediately.
How much money do I need to gamble online?
Just about every site sets minimum deposit amounts for accounts so you will need at least the stated amount before you can start gambling. Minimum deposits are usually small sums so you don't need a lot to get started with online gambling. Just stick to the old rule of never betting more than you can afford to lose.
How long does it take to get my winnings and how do I do it?
Most gambling sites will have the same methods available for withdrawal which you used to deposit funds. Withdrawal submissions, or cash outs, are usually quick and painless to do but the time between the electronic transaction and you actually getting your hands on the money can vary between sites and the withdrawal option you choose.
Why does the gambling site need my personal information?
Online Gambling Faqs
Generally, your personal details are required by law as laid down by the local regulatory body, but it's also a matter of the site knowing they are dealing with a real person to prevent fraudulent activity. There's nothing to worry about if you use reputable sites as your information will be kept private and secure.
What are the bonuses and rewards at online gambling sites?
You will be hard pressed to find a site which doesn't offer at least some kind of bonus or reward to encourage new signups and reward loyal customers. There are a huge number of bonus and reward formats, with most of them adding excellent value and making your gambling dollar go a lot further.
Are gambling systems a good idea?
Gambling systems have been around for about a microsecond less than gambling itself, with many people claiming that theirs is the one and only if you want to walk away with a win. However, the reality is that if systems worked then everyone would be a winner and the house would always be broke, and therefore non-existent.
What do I do if I lose my password or username or both?
Most login pages at gambling sites will have a link you can use if you forget your password or username. The most common method is for the gambling site to send an email to your registered address with information on how you can change your login information. To prevent fraud there will usually be a security system in place to verify that you are the owner of that account.
What should I do if I need to lodge a complaint about an online gambling site?
The best place to start the complaint process is with the gambling site itself. You should at least give them a chance to resolve the issue. In fact, the majority of quality sites out there have first rate and fair customer service centers for resolving disputes and complaints. On the off chance you want to take your complaint further you should contact the regulatory body responsible for issuing the licenses for that particular gambling site.
TV Game Shows
- On the game show Let's Make a Deal, there are three doors. For the sake of example, let's say that two doors reveal a goat, and one reveals a new car. The host, Monty Hall, picks two contestants to pick a door. Every time Monty opens a door first that reveals a goat. Let's say this time it belonged to the first contestant. Although Monty never actually did this, what if Monty offered the other contestant a chance to switch doors at this point, to the other unopened door. Should he switch?Yes! The key to this problem is that the host is predestined to open a door with a goat. He knows which door has the car, so regardless of which doors the players pick, he always can reveal a goat first. The question is known as the 'Monty Hall Paradox.' Much of the confussion about it is because often when the question is framed, it is incorrectly not made clear the host knows where the car is, and always reveals a goat first. I think put some of the blame on Marilyn Vos Savant, who framed the question badly in her column. Let's assume that the prize is behind door 1. Following are what would happen if the player (the second contestant) had a strategy of not switching.
- Player picks door 1 --> player wins
- Player picks door 2 --> player loses
- Player picks door 3 --> player loses
Following are what would happen if the player had a strategy of switching.
- Player picks door 1 --> Host reveals goat behind door 2 or 3 --> player switches to other door --> player loses
- Player picks door 2 --> Host reveals goat behind door 3 --> player switches to door 1 --> player wins
- Player picks door 3 --> Host reveals goat behind door 2 --> player switches to door 1 --> player wins
So by not switching the player has 1/3 chance of winning. By switching the player has a 2/3 chance of winning. So the player should definitely switch.
For further reading on the Monty Hall paradox, I recommend the article at Wikipedia.
Online Casino Faqs
General
It depends on the rules of the game and how well you play it. Limiting the answer to popular games, assuming you play the optimal strategy and stick to all the best bets when given a choice, I'd narrow down the best games to the four in the following list. (The percentage shown is the element of risk of those games, which is the ratio of how much you can expect to lose to how much you bet, which I think is a proper measurement of the value of a game.)
- blackjack (six decks, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, surrender allowed, re-splitting aces allowed) — 0.25%
- craps (3-4-5x odds, laying the maximum odds allowed) — 0.27%
- video poker (9-6 jacks or better) — 0.46%
- Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em — 0.53%
My answer would be whichever game has the lowest element of risk at whatever casino I'm in. However, the answer to the question about which game I find the most fun to play is pai gow (tiles). I dislike volatility and tiles offers a slow game with lots of pushes. It's also a challenging game to understand and play well. I find that other players are generally smart people and pleasant to play with.
- All betting systems are equally worthless. Not only can't a betting system overcome the house edge, it can't even dent it. If a betting system makes gambling more fun, be my guest. Just don't delude yourself that it will help in the long run.
- The casino that I feel offers the best odds and overall value is South Point.
- Casino (insert name here) is cheating. Can you please warn your readers about them? I know because (insert adjective-laden story about losing here).This kind of accusation rarely comes with any evidence behind it other than adjectives. What rare times I get some actual numbers, the loss could easily be explained as ordinary bad luck. Nevertheless, I have exposed cases of cheating at Internet casinos several times, starting with such accusations. So if you suspect a casino is cheating, please follow the scientific method before writing to me; in other words, make a hypothesis about how the casino cheating, gather evidence to confirm or deny the hypothesis, and finally analyze the evidence. I'm happy to help with step 3.
- Why are you such a Debbie Downer when it comes to gambling? You take all the fun out of it with your mathematical strategies, which take away my free will.If you want to lose more by making mistakes, go ahead. I can only lead a horse to water. You don't have to drink it if you don't want to.
Blackjack
Online Gambling Wiki
- Do bad players, in particular in blackjack, cause everybody else to lose?No. While everyone remembers the time a bad player took the dealer's bust card and caused the whole table to lose, people tend to forget the times that a bad player saved the table. This practice of selective memory to support pre-existing beliefs is called 'confirmation bias.' In the long run, bad players are just as likely to help you as hurt you, so leave them alone.
- Why do you say not to take 'even money' on a blackjack when the dealer has an ace up? It is a sure winner!There is a 69.1% chance the dealer doesn't have a blackjack and you'll win the full 3-2. (1.5 × 69.1% = 103.7%.) That's more than the 100% you get by taking even money. You've already established the fact that you're a gambler by playing in the first place. Don't suddenly become risk-averse and give up that 3.7% because you don't want to take a chance.
- In blackjack, sometimes the dealer unknowingly exposes the hole card. What is the player advantage when this happens?The player advantage is 10% +/- 0.5%, depending on the specific rules. Here is the strategy when the dealer exposes both cards. This is different than the double exposure strategy, where the player loses on ties.
Craps
- For the benefit of those who don't understand the question, books, videos, and lessons allege that it's possible to beat the odds in craps with a careful toss that favors certain outcomes, namely lowering the probability of a total of seven to less than 1 in 6. I'm firmly in the skeptics camp on this one. I have yet to see any credible evidence leading me to believe that anyone can consistently influence the dice. There is much more money to be made selling books and lessons on how to do it than actually doing it.
Slots
Online Gambling Wikipedia
- As a rule of thumb, the location makes no difference.
Roulette
How do I fund my online gambling accounts?
To start placing bets or wagers you will need to have some funds in the account you created with the online gambling site. There are a number of options you can use to deposit money, but it will ultimately depend on the site as to what is available. Most sites will accept credit cards, e-wallet services, or bank transfers at a minimum.
Can my winnings from online gambling sites be taxed?
Different countries have varying laws when it comes to taxing winnings from online gambling sites. Always check with the local tax authority so you stay out of trouble.
How do I choose an online gambling site to use?
With the number of online gambling sites increasing all of the time it can be tough to decide on one to use. Ultimately, your preference will boil down to the type of online gambling you most enjoy and also what part of the world you live in. Our site, NewGamblingSites.com, has been set up to review and rank only the best and most reputable online gambling sites available today, with a full range of gambling categories. Choose a category and go through our lists to find one that looks appealing.
Do I need a windows PC to gamble online?
The simple answer is no as there are a number of sites that are not compatible with Windows but do work with other devices. Some sites favor Linux while others are exclusive to Apple Macintosh computers. Yet others can be accessed through an app on your mobile device or cell phone. Browse the following pages if you are looking for a site specific to the devices you use:
• Best Gambling for Mobile Devices
• Best Gambling sites for Linux
• Best Gambling sites for Macintosh
Can I have accounts at more than one gambling site?
Yes, you can gamble on as many different online gambling sites as you like. In fact, because sites focus on different aspects of online gambling it can be beneficial to have accounts at several different locations. You likely enjoy a variety of online gambling strategies which certain sites can't deliver on, but others can. For instance, you might like to play casino games on one site but another site might excel at providing online sports betting options.
Is it safe to gamble online?
If you don't stray from proven safe and reputable sites then yes, it is very safe to gamble online. Most industries have their fair share of shady dealers and online gambling is no different, but limiting yourself to sites that have proven their integrity will keep you out of trouble. Each site we list here is a site we would have no problems trusting with our own money.
Is online gambling addictive?
The quick answer is yes; it is possible that you could get addicted to online gambling – it can happen to anybody. The trick is to set your limits, stay sensible, and keep control of your gambling. Gambling is fun when it's done responsibly but if you feel yourself becoming addicted to it then you should stop and seek help immediately.
How much money do I need to gamble online?
Just about every site sets minimum deposit amounts for accounts so you will need at least the stated amount before you can start gambling. Minimum deposits are usually small sums so you don't need a lot to get started with online gambling. Just stick to the old rule of never betting more than you can afford to lose.
How long does it take to get my winnings and how do I do it?
Most gambling sites will have the same methods available for withdrawal which you used to deposit funds. Withdrawal submissions, or cash outs, are usually quick and painless to do but the time between the electronic transaction and you actually getting your hands on the money can vary between sites and the withdrawal option you choose.
Why does the gambling site need my personal information?
Online Gambling Faqs
Generally, your personal details are required by law as laid down by the local regulatory body, but it's also a matter of the site knowing they are dealing with a real person to prevent fraudulent activity. There's nothing to worry about if you use reputable sites as your information will be kept private and secure.
What are the bonuses and rewards at online gambling sites?
You will be hard pressed to find a site which doesn't offer at least some kind of bonus or reward to encourage new signups and reward loyal customers. There are a huge number of bonus and reward formats, with most of them adding excellent value and making your gambling dollar go a lot further.
Are gambling systems a good idea?
Gambling systems have been around for about a microsecond less than gambling itself, with many people claiming that theirs is the one and only if you want to walk away with a win. However, the reality is that if systems worked then everyone would be a winner and the house would always be broke, and therefore non-existent.
What do I do if I lose my password or username or both?
Most login pages at gambling sites will have a link you can use if you forget your password or username. The most common method is for the gambling site to send an email to your registered address with information on how you can change your login information. To prevent fraud there will usually be a security system in place to verify that you are the owner of that account.
What should I do if I need to lodge a complaint about an online gambling site?
The best place to start the complaint process is with the gambling site itself. You should at least give them a chance to resolve the issue. In fact, the majority of quality sites out there have first rate and fair customer service centers for resolving disputes and complaints. On the off chance you want to take your complaint further you should contact the regulatory body responsible for issuing the licenses for that particular gambling site.
TV Game Shows
- On the game show Let's Make a Deal, there are three doors. For the sake of example, let's say that two doors reveal a goat, and one reveals a new car. The host, Monty Hall, picks two contestants to pick a door. Every time Monty opens a door first that reveals a goat. Let's say this time it belonged to the first contestant. Although Monty never actually did this, what if Monty offered the other contestant a chance to switch doors at this point, to the other unopened door. Should he switch?Yes! The key to this problem is that the host is predestined to open a door with a goat. He knows which door has the car, so regardless of which doors the players pick, he always can reveal a goat first. The question is known as the 'Monty Hall Paradox.' Much of the confussion about it is because often when the question is framed, it is incorrectly not made clear the host knows where the car is, and always reveals a goat first. I think put some of the blame on Marilyn Vos Savant, who framed the question badly in her column. Let's assume that the prize is behind door 1. Following are what would happen if the player (the second contestant) had a strategy of not switching.
- Player picks door 1 --> player wins
- Player picks door 2 --> player loses
- Player picks door 3 --> player loses
Following are what would happen if the player had a strategy of switching.
- Player picks door 1 --> Host reveals goat behind door 2 or 3 --> player switches to other door --> player loses
- Player picks door 2 --> Host reveals goat behind door 3 --> player switches to door 1 --> player wins
- Player picks door 3 --> Host reveals goat behind door 2 --> player switches to door 1 --> player wins
So by not switching the player has 1/3 chance of winning. By switching the player has a 2/3 chance of winning. So the player should definitely switch.
For further reading on the Monty Hall paradox, I recommend the article at Wikipedia.
Online Casino Faqs
General
It depends on the rules of the game and how well you play it. Limiting the answer to popular games, assuming you play the optimal strategy and stick to all the best bets when given a choice, I'd narrow down the best games to the four in the following list. (The percentage shown is the element of risk of those games, which is the ratio of how much you can expect to lose to how much you bet, which I think is a proper measurement of the value of a game.)
- blackjack (six decks, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, surrender allowed, re-splitting aces allowed) — 0.25%
- craps (3-4-5x odds, laying the maximum odds allowed) — 0.27%
- video poker (9-6 jacks or better) — 0.46%
- Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em — 0.53%
My answer would be whichever game has the lowest element of risk at whatever casino I'm in. However, the answer to the question about which game I find the most fun to play is pai gow (tiles). I dislike volatility and tiles offers a slow game with lots of pushes. It's also a challenging game to understand and play well. I find that other players are generally smart people and pleasant to play with.
- All betting systems are equally worthless. Not only can't a betting system overcome the house edge, it can't even dent it. If a betting system makes gambling more fun, be my guest. Just don't delude yourself that it will help in the long run.
- The casino that I feel offers the best odds and overall value is South Point.
- Casino (insert name here) is cheating. Can you please warn your readers about them? I know because (insert adjective-laden story about losing here).This kind of accusation rarely comes with any evidence behind it other than adjectives. What rare times I get some actual numbers, the loss could easily be explained as ordinary bad luck. Nevertheless, I have exposed cases of cheating at Internet casinos several times, starting with such accusations. So if you suspect a casino is cheating, please follow the scientific method before writing to me; in other words, make a hypothesis about how the casino cheating, gather evidence to confirm or deny the hypothesis, and finally analyze the evidence. I'm happy to help with step 3.
- Why are you such a Debbie Downer when it comes to gambling? You take all the fun out of it with your mathematical strategies, which take away my free will.If you want to lose more by making mistakes, go ahead. I can only lead a horse to water. You don't have to drink it if you don't want to.
Blackjack
Online Gambling Wiki
- Do bad players, in particular in blackjack, cause everybody else to lose?No. While everyone remembers the time a bad player took the dealer's bust card and caused the whole table to lose, people tend to forget the times that a bad player saved the table. This practice of selective memory to support pre-existing beliefs is called 'confirmation bias.' In the long run, bad players are just as likely to help you as hurt you, so leave them alone.
- Why do you say not to take 'even money' on a blackjack when the dealer has an ace up? It is a sure winner!There is a 69.1% chance the dealer doesn't have a blackjack and you'll win the full 3-2. (1.5 × 69.1% = 103.7%.) That's more than the 100% you get by taking even money. You've already established the fact that you're a gambler by playing in the first place. Don't suddenly become risk-averse and give up that 3.7% because you don't want to take a chance.
- In blackjack, sometimes the dealer unknowingly exposes the hole card. What is the player advantage when this happens?The player advantage is 10% +/- 0.5%, depending on the specific rules. Here is the strategy when the dealer exposes both cards. This is different than the double exposure strategy, where the player loses on ties.
Craps
- For the benefit of those who don't understand the question, books, videos, and lessons allege that it's possible to beat the odds in craps with a careful toss that favors certain outcomes, namely lowering the probability of a total of seven to less than 1 in 6. I'm firmly in the skeptics camp on this one. I have yet to see any credible evidence leading me to believe that anyone can consistently influence the dice. There is much more money to be made selling books and lessons on how to do it than actually doing it.
Slots
Online Gambling Wikipedia
- As a rule of thumb, the location makes no difference.
Roulette
- If a ball landed in red the last 20 spins in roulette, what is the probability it will land in black the next spin?The same as red, 47.37% on a double-zero wheel, 18 black numbers divided by 38 total numbers.
- I think you're wrong about the previous question. The odds of 21 reds in a row is (18/38)21 = 1 in 6,527,290. The odds must overwhelmingly favor black.That's true, but it doesn't matter. That's the same probability of 20 reds followed by a black. The fact is the past doesn't matter in games of independent trials like roulette.
- I've thought of a way to beat the casinos in roulette! Start with a small wager on any even-money bet, like red or black. If it loses, then double the bet on the same thing. Then keeping doubling until it wins. The winning outcome has to happen eventually and when it does I'll profit my original wager. Then repeat. What is your opinion? Also, please don't tell anybody.This is probably the most popular of all betting systems, known as the Martingale. Gamblers have been conceiving of it and using it since time immemorial. Like all betting systems, not only doesn't it beat the house advantage, it doesn't even dent it. The reason is the gambler will eventually have a bad losing streak where his bankroll isn't enough to make another double.
- In your previous answer, you explained why the Martingale doesn't work. Then how about the opposite, doubling your bet after each win until a desired target is hit?This is known as the anti-Martingale and is equally worthless. The times your bankroll gets grinded down to nothing will outweigh the winnings when you hit your target. Regardless of what betting system you use, or none at all, the more you play, the more your ratio of money lost to money bet will approach 5.26% in double-zero roulette.
