What are online casinos?
Online casinos are gambling destinations on the Internet. They are the same as land based casinos however they allow you to play within the comfort of your home.
How safe and secure are the online casinos that you promote?
All online casinos on the Internet are subject to third party auditing firms to ensure fairness of play, secure transaction processing and resolution support services. To receive a license to operate an online casino, it is mandatory that you pass certain waiting periods and compliance regulations in addition to using the same SSL encryption software as most financial institutions. The owner of an online casino cannot have a criminal record or be linked to criminal activity. Online casino operators have to face the same rules and legislations applied to land based casinos.
What we have done is taken the best online casinos in the above areas, and reviewed them for ourselves in making our list of the top online casinos on the Internet.
How do I know which online casinos are legitimate and which online casinos are rogue?
While visiting an online casino, you can always see who they are licensed by before you deposit money. We only recommended online casinos with reputable licenses from Kahnwake Gaming Commission, Antigua & Barbuda Gaming Commission, CIGA, The Gambling Commission in UK If you are unsure of a online casino operator, please contact us at lotterypartner.eu.
Although rogue online casinos are in fact out there, they typically do not last over a year so it is easy to tell. The term rogue typically refers to online casinos that have poor customer service, excessive fees and long wait times for payouts. It is not a matter of whether or not you will be paid your winnings; it is only a matter of when.
Are US online casinos audited? Who does the auditing to ensure fair play at online casinos?
Our list of recommended online casinos are run and audited under the same principles as land based casinos. The software and encryption codes are submitted and reviewed by governing bodies and subject to random testing modules frequently. These third-party auditing firms come with a binding guarantee from the major 8 accounting firms in the US. In all probability scenarios the odds will identically match those in land based casinos with the use of random number generators.
My friend received a bad beat at an online casino, what does that mean?
A bad beat is when you go on a run of getting “bad” cards while playing. This term is often used more in Poker than it is in online casinos. Since you are able to play significantly more hands of blackjack in a period of 10 minutes online than you are in land based casinos playing blackjack, that means you either win that much faster or lose that much faster, but the odds of winning or losing specific hands will always remain the same between land based and online casinos. When players are on the losing end of a quick streak, they will often refer to this as having a “bad beat”.
For Example: If you play 20 hands of blackjack in a land based casino and the dealer gets 21 blackjack 5 times, the same is likely at an online casino. The main difference however is instead of you waiting an hour to play 20 hands, online it would only take you 10-15 minutes. Therefore when a player playing online notices that the dealer got 21 5 times in 10-15 minutes, they feel they have gotten a bad beat, but when you take into consideration it was over 20 hands, that is very reasonable.
Will an online casino ever sell my personal information?
No. An online casino cannot sell their player base personal information as that would jeopardize their own gaming license and lead to large fines by their governing bodies. It would be stupid to sell their competition your information. That’s like McDonalds selling Wendy your personal information, just not good business.
What does tend to happen is if an online casino owns more than one casino, they might contact you from under a different name. For example, in Las Vegas, Harrah’s Properties own many different land based casinos all over the world. You might have only played at Caesars in Las Vegas, but they might send you a coupon for the Paris Casino because they own that casino as well. This can also happen from time to time at online casinos.
Should my bank know if I am playing at an online casino?
You do not need to advise your bank where you are spending your funds as that is within your own private rights. If you have any transactions you need assistance with, then it is perfectly fine to discuss these with your bank, however keep in mind you wouldn’t tell your bank if you were purchasing lottery tickets.
I used my credit card to deposit and now I received a fee from my bank, will the online casino cover this?
Although online casinos are not responsible for any cash advance or cash equivalency fees that your bank may charge if you deposit with a credit card, the online casinos will often grant you a one-time exception and reimburse you for these fees if you are charged them. To avoid the chance of any fees that your bank may or may not charge, it is best to deposit with a pre-paid gift card which you may purchase from your local Walgreens.
If you prefer to deposit and withdraw straight from your bank account, there are also many online casinos that will allow you to use this option upon confirming your bank account.
What are my deposit and withdrawal options at online casinos?
Online casinos offer a variety of deposit options which vary casino to casino. For information regarding deposit options for online casinos, visit our comparison chart and click on the “Read Review” button for the online casino’s deposit options you wish to learn more about.
Is it possible to increase my spending limit at online casinos?
Yes it is possible to increase your spending limit at an online casino. Once you have built a level of trust with your online casino, you may request a spending limit increase from them. Depending on the amount of the increase, the online casino may request further verification, similar to what a bank would if you requested a higher limit. Please note sometimes spending limits could be set to $5K with the online casino, but your bank may have the limit set to $1K, therefore it is best to check with the online casino prior to applying for an increased spending limit.
How do I verify my account at an online casino?
In order to verify your account at an online casino, you may need to e-mail them with some sort of identification such as a driver’s license. Online casinos do not request this to see your pretty face, they just need to verify all the information you say is accurate since they cannot physically verify your existence in person like land based casinos.
What are e-wallet methods of depositing at the best US online casinos?
E-wallet methods of depositing are those using NETeller, ewalletXpress, Skrill, PayPal and Click2Pay. With e-wallets, you have the ability to fund them using your credit card or bank account. Then with the use third-party e-wallet companies, you can deposit and withdraw from online casinos without submitting your verification to the online casino. The above listed e-wallet payment options are very convenient and easy to use, trust me!
Take a perusal at our detailed review pages to view which e-wallet methods our recommended online casinos accept.
What do I need before I can start playing?
To start playing you don’t need much, just a computer and some boredom on your hands. There are just as many online casinos out there as there are casino games. Take a moment to think over the following before you choose which casino is right for you:
1- Where are you located, US, or non-US location?
2- What games are you interested in, table, slots, tournaments, bridge?
2- What is your playing experience? Are you a first timer, or a season veteran?
Answer the above questions and you’ll have a better understanding of what type of online casino player you are. Once you have an idea of what you can bring to an online casino think about which online casino deserves your business and who will treat a player matching your qualities the best. Take a look at our online casinos review and click on the full reviews to read the pros and cons of each online casino including deposit and withdrawal options that best meet your needs.
Once you have chosen the most appealing online casino, open up a free account and give them a shot. Free accounts will cost you nothing! If you like the software, throw some real money into your account and let the games begin friends!
How do I decide which online casino is best for me?
Deciding which online casino is best for you is only tricky if you make it that way. At the end of the day, it is just an online casino that you are playing for enjoyment. It is not Sophie’s choice, you are not choosing which kids you love more. Take a look at our recommended online casinos review sections, look at the screenshots, pros, cons, deposit and withdrawal options and then close your eyes and click your way to your jackpot.
I consider myself a low stakes player, are online casinos right for me?
In relativity we are all low stakes players. No matter how much you bet, there will always be somebody betting higher and more frequently. The great thing with online casinos is that you are not less important in their eyes because they can’t see you! All online casino players are treated equally no matter how much they are laying down. However, the more you bet, the more you will receive in casino comps, but your chances of winning are all the same!
I consider myself a high stakes player, are online casinos right for me?
In relativity we are all high stakes players too, same as the above question. A player betting $5 a hand at a real money table is a high stakes player compared to those who are playing at the free money tables at online casinos. Don’t spend too much time worrying about whether you are betting enough or not enough at an online casino. You are playing for fun and to win a little extra side cash, so worry about your game strategy.
Are USA online casinos legal for me to play at?
Although I wear a black robe and white wig on Halloween, I am not a professional barrister. Online casinos are legal in the jurisdictions they operate in and abide under international law. You are not placing a wager on US soil; you are placing it over the Internet where the specific online casino is fully licensed and compliant with international law.
Since I am just but a simple man with common sense, I suggest you consult your local jurisdiction law representative if you still have any further worries.
What should I look for when choosing an US online casino?
Deciding which online casino is best for you is easy like Sunday morning. At the end of the day, you just need an online casino that is safe that you can gain willful enjoyment from.
Take a look at our recommended online casinos review sections, look at the screenshots, pros, cons, deposit and withdrawal options and then close your eyes and click your way to your jackpot. Don’t always fall for the big signup bonuses, as some of the best online casinos do not get players with their signup bonus, they get them with their Customer Service and player happiness programs.
Can I use a MAC instead of a PC at US online casinos?
A lot of our recommended online casinos offer flash instant play versions of their casinos that do not require a download, therefore you can use your MAC. It’s the return of the MAC! Also, Bodog has a version of their poker client that runs on a MAC too!
What is the difference between a download version of an online casino and an instant play flash version of an online casino?
Most online casinos now offer both a download and a flash instant play version of their casino. As in life, things that take time to download, are usually better quality, offer more features and faster than instant programs. I myself prefer the download version of casinos, but the instant play version is great for people who are on a shared computer and do not want to download anything, or want to play from their mobile device.
Is it safe to download online casino software?
Yes. All online casinos come with encrypted software that will protect your computer, similar to major financial institutions accounting software. All software downloads also come with easy to install and uninstall options that are easy on your computer. Like we mentioned previously, download is the way to go if you’re looking for the full experience.
How do I cash out my winnings from the best US online casinos?
Well first you submit your divorce papers for your husband/wife, then you cash out your winnings from an online casino. Then you book your single one way first class flight to the Bahamas and worry about your stuff 4 Martinis later.
It is simple to cash out your winnings. Just submit your request online or over the telephone with the online casino. Select which payment option is most convenient for you. Depending on your selected payment option, the online casino may request a copy of your identification to confirm they are sending the winnings to a real person and a real address which is standard. The whole process usually won’t take longer than 4-5 days.
What are the best payout options at online casinos?
Payout options vary from online casino to online casino. Most all US accepting online casinos will offer the check option and if you really win big, they can even bank wire you the funds. I typically stick with check because it is free and usually only takes a few days.
If the online casino has an option to put the funds straight into your bank account go with that payout option because it is usually the fastest payment method!
How come different online casinos have different payment options?
Online casinos have varying deposit options based on their processing terms with certain payment companies. Some online casinos can accept American Express; some do not because they charge the online casino too much. Some payment option companies can only handle a certain amount of transactions; therefore they only work with one or two online casinos.
It is similar to the restaurant business. Some restaurants accept Diners Club, Discover Card, but no MasterCard, or vice versa.
It is important that you look at the payment options before you begin playing so that you know your needs will be met.
What happens if I do not get my cash out from an online casino?
If you do not get your cash out from an online casino, something must of happened. If you are unable to resolve the matter with the online casino directly, send us an e-mail at 21@rawonlinecasino.com so that we can help.
Most of the time the issues are minor and more of a matter of inconvenience than anything else. The most common delay is account verification where players forget to submit the requested documentation to verify their account before a payout can be processed. NONE of the online casinos we recommend have ever missed a payout that was legitimate.
Most of the time the issues are minor and more of a matter of inconvenience than anything else. The most common delay is account verification where players forget to submit the requested documentation to verify their account before a payout can be processed. NONE of the online casinos we recommend have ever missed a payout that was legitimate.
My online casino account was closed because of a security breach, now what?
Most online casinos are reputable companies, and just like any other security breach, they will let you know what you did wrong and how to rectify the situation. The most common security breach I see is where players will try to use somebody else’s credit card to deposit, or allow another player access to their account without informing the online casino of the authorized user.
If you are going to allow your wife or husband to play on your account or call in to access your account information, let the online casino know ahead of time so they can add your friend to your account.
Never use somebody else’s credit card to fund your player account if your name does not appear on the bank statement. If it is a shared bank account but the debit card does not have your name on it, make sure your name at least appears on the bank statement.
If you are using a business credit card, make sure you are the authorized user of said business. You may need to submit a business license with your name showing that you are part owner of the business.
Can I play at an online casino with my mobile phone?
Yes. Most of the popular online casinos have made mobile versions of their casino.
How old do you have to be to play at an online casino?
Great question! Some US online casinos the minimum age is 18, some 19 and others 21. The minimum age is set forth by the governing license regulator. Please consult the homepage of any online casino that you are interested in playing on for the minimum age limit if you are under the age of 21.
What is the difference between an online casino and a land based casino?
In my humble opinion, the biggest difference between land based and online casinos are drunk anchors. When playing online, the only alcohol consumption you need worry about is your own, plus you don’t have to tip the waitress at home.
I enjoy playing at land based casinos, however I feel that I have to make it an event to go out. Whereas with an online casino, you can play whenever you want and wear whatever you want.
Payout percentages are the same between land based and online casinos table and slots games. RTG one of the biggest software developers in the world, provides software development for both online and land based casinos so go figure.
In my opinion the biggest difference between online and land based casinos is comps/rewards/bonuses etc. In a land based casino, unless you get a player card and you show it at every table you sit down at, your play is not accurately measured. I know for a fact that at least 75% of the times I have played at a land based casino, my play was not monitored, therefore I didn’t receive anything for it.
At land based casinos I can get comped for my casino play, can I get comped at online casinos?
Yes. Not only do you get comped at the best US online casinos, you will probably receive a lot more back because all of your play will be appropriately tracked. As mentioned in the previous question’s answer, at land based casinos not all of your play is always accurately tracked so you are better likely to receive better comps online vs. in land based casinos.
Do online casinos have loyalty programs?
Yes. Every online casino has their own version of a loyalty program that will often go by a different name…Player Retention Program, Player Services, Player Advocacy, Loyal Club, Loyalty All-Stars etc. Check our review sections for further information regarding casino comps.
I would like to share my online casino experience with other players, how do I do this?
You can’t, you now must forever hold you peace…jk!
If you would like to share your online casino experience, regardless of whether it was awesome, or pitiful, please visit our Player Feedback page for further instructions.
What kind of games do online casinos offer? Are online casino games the same or different than casino games in land based casinos?
Online casinos offer all the same games you have played before or wanted to play at land based casinos, plus more variations which means more games. The biggest difference between land based and online casinos are drunk anchors. When playing online, the only alcohol consumption you need worry about is your own, plus you don’t have to tip the waitress at home.
Payout percentages are the same between land based and online casinos table and slots games. Real-Time-Gaming (RTG) is one of the biggest software developers in the world and provides software development for a lot of online and land based casinos.
In my opinion the biggest difference between online and land based casinos is comps/rewards/bonuses etc.
When you walk into a land based casino for the first time, they do not give you a signup bonus like this for starters. Also in a land based casino, unless you get a player card and you show it at every table you sit down at, your play is not accurately measured. I know for a fact that at least 75% of the times I have played at a land based casino, my play was not monitored, therefore I did not receive any comp for it.
How do I know if an online casino is fair?
All online casinos on the Internet are subject to third party auditing firms to ensure fairness of play, secure transaction processing and resolution support services. To receive a license to operate an online casino, it is mandatory that you pass certain waiting periods and compliance regulations in addition to using the same SSL encryption software as most financial institutions. The owner of an online casino cannot have a criminal record or be linked to criminal activity. Online casino operators have to face the same rules and legislations applied to land based casinos.
What we have done is taken the best US online casinos in the above areas, and reviewed them for ourselves in making our list of the top online casinos on the Internet.
What are the different types of online casino platforms?
There are a few different types of online casino platforms. Platforms are software development companies that have a specific style and selection of slot games that they cater to. Some of the biggest online casino platforms are Real-Time-Gaming (RTG), Vegas Technology, Playtech, Microgaming and Rival Gaming.
Can players cheat online casinos; are you able to count cards?
If I could cheat, or count cards I wouldn’t have failed math class and I wouldn’t be shaving my beard with a butter knife and butter.
I’m sure anything is possible, and there are certain ways of attempting to count cards but I do not know anybody who has successfully gotten away with it.
Why do your payout percentages in the comparison chart give payout numbers like 98%, does that mean I have a 98% at winning?
The comparison chart has percentage points representing recent audits. Since online casinos are based overseas, they are audited in regional measuring systems. These third-party auditing firms report on how much money that each online casino takes in, and how much of those funds are reprocessed as wins for the player, losses for the house.
For example, the payout percentage for Bodog is currently 98%, which means that 98 cents of every dollar taken in by the online casino is given back to the player base in the form of wins, and the remaining 2 cents is profit for the online casino.
Am I allowed to have multiple player accounts at the same online casino?
No, why are you even asking this question? You do not need more than one player account. If you have lost your password then please e-mail or call the online casino and ask to have the information again. If your account was disabled, then you need to resolve the issue instead of just creating another account.
I am not sure how to play certain online casino games, how do I learn how to play online casino games for free and to practice?
We have put together some easy to read articles on some of our favorite casino games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Video Poker and Slots (Aztec’s Treasure, Sevens & Stripes, Shopping Spree) that you can read from our homepage by clicking on the game of your choice.
Am I able to play casino games for free and practice for free at online casinos before depositing real money?
Yes. Check out our free online casino games page for a list of all of our free casino games that you can play directly from our site using Internet Explorer. More games will be added soon! Practice makes perfect, and perfection makes money!!!
Why does my computer keep freezing in the middle of my hand at an online casino?
If you have a relatively new computer (less than 5 years old) and it keeps freezing while trying to play at an online casino, you may just need to clear your cache or give your computer a restart. For any sort of troubleshooting inquiries, you are probably best served to contact the online casino in which you play at who will have a trained Technical Support Team waiting for you to call them.
In the middle of my game at an online casino my computer froze, do I get my money and wager amount back?
Typically the best online casinos have a strict policy where they do not refund or replace wagers if they were made due to no fault of the online casino. If you have a genuine concern, you can contact the online casino for a one-time exception. Please note they will not openly advertise this, but will grant you a one-time exception 90% of the time if you are sincere with them. No shouting!
Asking for a refund simply just because you lost your bet is not a valid/sincere request for them to grant you an exception.
I saw an ad for an online casino bonus, however after I signed up and deposited I did not receive the bonus from the advertisement, how come?
There may be a couple of reasons why you did not receive the bonus in the ad. Sometimes bonuses are not instant and you only receive them after you wager a certain amount (drip bonuses). Another reason for not receiving the bonus as seen in the ad is because often there is a minimum amount you need to deposit before you receive the bonus.
How do I receive online casino bonuses?
You put your credit card under your pillow before you go to sleep at night. If that doesn’t work, check out our bonus section which is updated quite frequently with signup bonus and reload bonus offerings. Also, once you have signed up with an online casino, periodically they will send you special bonus offerings based on your preferred games and style of play. Not all the e-mails you receive are junk, some contain good bonus codes.
Why do some online casinos have such high signup bonuses and other online casinos do not?
When taking a look at our online casino bonus section you’ll notice the signup bonuses are all over the map. Some online casinos offer you a 10% signup bonus, whereas other US online casinos offer you 400% for signing up.
This boils down to what you like. Typically the smaller bonuses have lower wager requirements making them easier to cash out. Now you have to think to yourself, do you see yourself playing in the long term, if so, the bigger bonus is best for you. If you’re looking for a quick cashout, then the smaller bonus with low requirements like Bodog’s Signup Bonus is best for you. Or you can always shoot for something in between like 100% signup bonus, so many choices!
What do rollover or wager requirements mean at online casinos?
Rollover and wager requirements often mean the same thing. As mentioned in the previous question, usually the bigger the bonus, the bigger the wager requirements.
Wager requirements are certain requirements that the online casino will place on bonuses that you have to meet before you are entitled to cash out the bonus portion of your balance.
For example, if you receive a 10% signup bonus with a 1X wager requirement, this means you have to rollover your bonus amount at least 1 time (1X). If you made a $100 deposit, you would receive a $10 bonus (10%), therefore you would have to wager a total of $110 (Deposit amount + bonus) X 1 = $110 to meet your wager requirement. Now this doesn’t mean you have to place one wager for $110, it’s just that all your wagers combined have to be at least $110. If you only made $100 in wagers and wanted to request a withdrawal before meeting your wager requirement, the online casino would simply just deduct the bonus amount from your balance.
Typically there is not set timeline where you have to meet your wager requirements for a bonus so feel free to take your time. If you are not sure whether you have met your wager requirements, ask the online casino and they will always give you a definite answer.
These requirements are set in place to stop bonus whores or bonus hunters from coming in to the casino. See below.
What do the terms ‘bonus whores” or “bonus hunters” mean?
This is not a term of endearment so avoid becoming one of these. “Bonus whores” and “bonus hunters” are players who abuse bonuses and promotions. These players jump from online casino to online casino looking for free offers or prize giveaways. These types of players often create multiple accounts to increase their chances of winning which makes it harder to win for legit players.
Bonus abusers also jump form online casino to online casino searching for the best deposit bonus, but only deposit to receive the bonus and then try withdrawing the full amount without placing a single wager. Online casinos do not like these types of players and it negatively affects bonus opportunities and promotions for the rest of us. Often online casinos will cut a good promotion short because of bonus whores who are taking advantage of it.
What are progressive jackpots?
You keep hearing the term, but you are not quite sure what it means. Well, you have come to the right place. Progressive jackpots are jackpots for a gaming machine such as an online slots game like Aztec’s Treasure and Jacks Or Better Video Poker. The combine valued of the jackpot for games with progressive jackpots increases for every game played by other players, not just you. Typically a few online slot games will be combined together to form one huge progressive jackpot that keeps increasing the more other players play until one lucky winner takes down the whole thing!
Currently the Rushmore Online Casino has a progressive jackpot of $1,659,264 USD and counting!
I won money using a bonus I received at an online casino but now they will not let me withdraw the bonus amount, how come?
If an online casino is not allowing you to withdraw your winnings, most likely your account needs to be verified or you have yet to meet your wager requirements on the bonus.
If your account is verified, contact the online casino with regards to how much remains for you to clear the bonus. If you do not want to clear the bonus, simply ask the online casino to remove the bonus amount from your balance and pay you out the remaining balance.
Online casinos have these bonus requirements to prevent players from depositing just to receive the bonus, and then trying to take the bonus without wagering.
For example, if an online casino had a 100% bonus with no wager requirements, bonus abusers would simply just do the following: Deposit $100, get the $100 bonus, and then withdraw the full $200 without placing a wager. At the end of the day online casinos are businesses, not charities so they need to rules in place not to get taken advantage of.
What happens if somebody else was using my computer and played on my online casino account?
This is a tough one and that is why it is strongly recommend you always protect your login information and be sure to logout at the end of your session when playing on a shared computer.
This reminds me of a story from last year of a woman who had a casino balance of $8,000 who stepped away from the computer to go run some errands (shopping). When her husband came home and grabbed the laptop, he believed his wife was playing with play money and proceeded to lose the whole balance in just a few hands of aggressive betting. OUCH! The couple called and pleaded with the online casino, however unfortunately they were unable to replace the balance and all they could do was comp the play and give an added bonus for the husband’s error.
Lesson to be learned here is that you never leave your computer without logging out first and you should never marry your relatives.
How come different online casinos have different bonuses for different players from different countries?
While surfing online you may see that some online casinos have different bonuses for different players based of location. This often depends on the currency of that location and deposit methods available to those players. Some countries are not able to use credit card, so the online casino will offer them a greater bonus for using an e-wallet method.
How come some online casinos do not accept players from the USA?
Some online casinos do not accept players from the USA if they have any sort of operation on US soil. If they have an operations center or marketing department in the USA, they cannot accept US players.
Other reasons include legal jurisdiction and the gaming license they are approved for. Not all online casinos have gaming licenses that allow them to accept US players. There are only a few select online casinos that have been approved to accept US players and we have the best ones listed in our recommended online casinos page.
Not all gaming licenses allow the acceptance of US players because they require a certain level of financial security, customer service and regulations to be in place before they grant said license.
What is the main reason why online casinos are typically licensed at based overseas?
Online casinos are granted licenses from overseas governments because that is the only way gaming for us can be legal. A place like Costa Rica, London, Antigua, Gibraltar or Curacao can issue gaming licenses for online casinos because they follow rules set out under international law according to the North American Trade Organization (NATO). These gaming license regulators have proven themselves over the last 40 years that they have the tools necessary to regulate their licenses and with the help of independent third-party auditing firms based right here in the US, they can ensure a secure and safe place to play. Also having these companies based overseas doesn’t hurt you when you have a big win concerning taxes.
I think I might know somebody with a gambling addiction, what can I do?
Online casinos take gambling problems very seriously so if you think you may have a problem or know somebody with a gambling problem, please call 202 547 9204 or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org. We wish you the best on your road to recovery!
