Online Gambling FAQ

Online gambling can be intimidating to newer players, and you may find yourself asking some fundamental questions. Below you will find some of the most commonly posed questions pertaining to virtual gambling.

QUESTION: Are virtual gambling offers the real deal? Does anyone ever really win anything?

ANSWER: The short answer is yes, you can win real money in online casinos. You must first ensure that online betting is legal in your country or state of residence; however, assuming that you are legally permitted to play, there are absolutely legitimate casinos where you can gamble and win money at.

QUESTION: I heard that online gambling is illegal in the US - is that true?

ANSWER: This is false, except in a few rare instances. While the UIGEA gambling law has severely limited deposit options for US players, it in no way makes the act of online gambling itself illegal. The exception here is that there are several states who have either banned online gambling, and a couple have banned all forms of gambling entirely. Be sure to check your state's online gambling laws to make sure it's legal for your state.

QUESTION: Is online gambling dangerous or addictive?

ANSWER: This is a tough question, as it greatly depends upon the individual in question. Just as most people can drink responsibly, so can most individuals gamble responsibly. Certainly not all gamblers are compulsive gamblers, and it is up to the gambling hopeful to monitor his or her own activities and to keep their gambling in check. If you or someone you know may be a compulsive gambler, please see our gambling addiction information page.

QUESTION: What is the legal gambling age for where I live?

ANSWER: This is entirely dependent upon where you live. If you reside in the United States, the legal gambling age is determined by your state laws. Your state may also have laws specifically pertaining to online gambling. Typically speaking, the legal gambling age is the same as the legal contractual age - if you can sign a legally binding contract, you can gamble online. This is usually either 18 or 21. Be sure to confirm this by checking your local gambling law.

QUESTION: What will I need to start gambling online?

ANSWER: The online casino may require proof of residence, legal identification (such as a driver's license or a passport), payment verification, and of course you'll need to download the casino's software application in order to begin playing. The information they ask for is to be sure of your identity and cannot be sold to 3rd parties.

QUESTION: What games can I play in online casinos?

ANSWER: Any game that you can play in a land-based casino can also be played at online casinos, though the exact games offered varies depending on the establishment. The main types games offered are what you'd expect at any casino, such as blackjack, craps and the like. Some casinos will broaden their horizon by including games that are less well-known, or by creating variant rules for the regular games to make things more interesting. Our casino reviews list will help you figure out what games a particular casino offers.