Common Questions (FAQ) for New Gamblers
Check our LiveCasinoKings list for the most common questions and answers for everything online casino related.
Q: Is online gambling legal in the US?
A: Federally, online gambling is illegal in the United States. Several states have legalized online gambling: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. That being said, plenty of online casinos offer games for individuals outside of the state and most places do not prosecute players. It’s best to check your local county’s laws and history with real money casinos to make sure you’re in a region where it’s acceptable
Q: Can I get in trouble for playing casino online?
A: As of 2019, individuals have not been prosecuted for playing online. The only gambling cases against American residents have been sports betting and tax-related. Instead, the federal government works on prosecuting illegal operators in the U.S. – which is beneficial for everyone, because they shut down unlicensed or unfair establishments so that users don’t get scammed.
Q: Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
A: Most likely, yes. Check your local tax laws for specifics. In certain jurisdictions, if you win under a certain amount you don’t have to pay taxes on it, but if your winnings are large you want to make sure you do everything by the book.
Q: Can I win real money playing at an online casino?
A: Yes! Online casinos are real, licensed, and have winners every day in the U.S. As long as you’re picking a reliable site, you can win and withdraw real money into your account.
Q: What is the best online casino for US players?
A: That really depends on what you’re looking for – game variety, interactive experience, big bonuses, or whatever your interest is. But the most popular are BoVegas, Golden Lion, and 888Casino.
Q: Are casino games rigged online?
A: Simply put – no. There are algorithms that control game wins and payouts, so as long as you’re using a licensed provider you can rest assured that the casino is fair.
Q: How do I start playing an online casino game?
A: Choose a casino off of our list, create an account, confirm your email address, make a deposit by entering your financial information when prompted, go to the lobby, and choose your favorite casino game. It’s a simple and quick process.
Q: What is a payout percentage?
A: Most casinos take a percentage of your winnings before you cash out. It’s one of the ways they make money. The payout percentage is usually quite small, and users can expect to get back 95-98% of their winnings back, so it’s usually not a worry. This is also known as as the RTP, or Return to Player amount. It indicated that for every dollar you gamble, you win 95 cents back. This is an average figure. You can always check a specific casino’s policy on their website.
Q: What is the house edge?
A: A house edge is a small percentage the house gets on winning bets. It’s not set by individual establishments. Rather, all games have a calculated standardized house edge that casinos adhere to – and that’s the same whether you’re playing online or in Monte-Carlo.
Q: How do I make deposits and withdrawals?
A: In order to make a deposit, you’ll have to create an account and complete your registration. To make a deposit, go to the site’s banker or teller (they have various names), choose how much you want to deposit and your deposit method. Once your payment has gone through, you’ll see the funds pop up in your account. Then, you’re all set to play.
To withdraw from your account once you’ve accumulated your winnings, go back to the teller and choose the withdrawal option. Most places will make you use the same payment method as you did to make a deposit, to protect consumers from illegal activities. There may also be a transfer period. In some places it is two days, in others up to a week. If you don’t get your money within the promised time period, contact customer service right away. Though checks and bank transfers are often available as choices, the transfer and wait periods are longer.
Q: What are KYC procedures in an online casino?
A: Usually the first time you try to withdraw money from you account, you’ll be prompted to complete KYC registration. The acronym means “Know Your Customer,” and is a simple way that casinos verify your identity before releasing funds. It’s standard and you will have to complete it before you can get your money.
They will ask you for documents in order to check your information. They may ask for your state ID or Driver’s License, pictures of the front and back of your card, and/or mail with your name and address. The site’s encryptions will keep your information safe.
Once you’ve submitted everything they ask for, you’ll have to wait for confirmation – around 72 hours in most cases. If they can’t automatically confirm your details your account will be suspended until the correct information is submitted. Speak to customer service if that happens and have them walk you through the process if you need help.
Q: What can I do if I’ve been scammed by an online casino?
A: For the most part, casino websites are safe and secure as long as you remain vigilant and choose a reputable site. If you did get taken in by a site that isn’t licensed, or if you haven’t been paid your due amount, you may be in a tough spot. There are options. Try speaking to the casino’s customer service about your concerns and see if they’ll rectify the situation. You can also contact your local gambling commission or authorities to report the situation. If you’re still unsure, ask a local lawyer who can give you specific directions.
Q: Who makes casino games?
A: There is a handful of casino game providers that are always innovating and creating new games and ways to play. Ezugi, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and some others are working on making games more interesting and interactive than ever. If you get to try them, you can be sure you’re in for a great experience.
Q: How high-tech are online casino games in 2019?
A: The technology has come miles! Gone are the dinky flash-game casinos of the past decade. Access interactive games, original and incredible graphics, and smooth gaming experience. You can play live dealer casino games, which are filmed in real-time and mimic the feeling of sitting at a real table. Or you can go mobile. There are even developers working on smartwatch apps and virtual reality casinos.
Q: What kinds of games are available online?
A: Most top providers have hundreds of games to choose from. Whether you like a classic standard like baccarat or roulette, or want to try something new, like Lightning Roulette, or Live Keno – basically, there are endless options. You’re sure to find your favorite, even if it’s something uncommon. You’ll definitely find slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, keno, three-card rummy, and most dice and card games.
Q: Why am I being asked for my personal information?
A: To browse through a casino you have to create an account, which means giving at least some personal information. You’ll have to enter your payment information when you make a deposit as well.
Q: Do online casinos need to know my location to play?
A: Yes, online casinos track the geolocation of your IP. Some casinos are only visible for European players, others for all US states, and some are state specific. You may not be allowed to play if they can’t access your location. Playing with a vpn is forbidden.
Q: Can I play for real cash on any device?
A: Most top-rated casinos also have mobile versions that you can play from your cell phone or tablet devices. They work the same way. You pick your favorite, log into your account, and continue playing.