The difficulty that U.S. players experience when trying to gamble online began when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was signed into law by the now former President, George Bush, on October 13, 2006. The UIGEA is title VIII of the SAFE Port Act, which was codified into law in order to improve the security of United States ports. The UIGEA prohibits the transfer of funds to Internet gambling sites from financial institutions. Exceptions to this law included fantasy sports, horse/harness racing and online lotteries.

Publicly traded sites that were listed on the London Stock Exchange stopped accepting U.S. players when the Act was passed. Many non-public companies had planned to continue to accept U.S. players, some of which did, and some did not. Share prices in a number of companies dropped drastically when the move was made.

The UIGEA has caused much frustration in the online gambling community, as there are a number of issues that are unclear and open to interpretation. This has caused some to be overly cautious, and others to throw caution to the wind.

Casino operators, if they are based outside the U.S., seem to be on legal ground. It is illegal to have a casino operated from within the borders of the United States. Players do not have a problem playing in online casinos according to federal law, unless their state expressly forbids it. There are a number of states that do not allow online gambling, such as California, Nevada, Florida and Texas, amongst others.

U.S. players need to be more cautious than other players when choosing an online casino or poker room as there are a number of less than reputable sites 'helping' U.S. players to make deposits to casinos. It is wise to play in a well-known, reputable casino that does accept U.S. players.

When the law preventing the transfer of funds to Internet gambling sites came into being, in effect, deposit options such as NeTeller (an e-wallet solution) and credit cards had become outlawed. Clients found themselves unable to make deposits easily.

There are a number of e-wallet solutions that still work for United States players, allowing them to transfer the funds into an e-wallet account, and then transfer the funds from the e-wallet account to the relevant casino. There is a constant flow of new e-wallet providers.

The options for depositing funds to online casinos often changes. Because of this, the U.S. players are usually notified by e-mail of new payment options and methods as they become available.

Paying by credit cards is certainly the easiest way to transfer funds to online casinos. Interestingly, a number of casinos who accept U.S. players are still taking credit cards, and have had no problems completing the transactions. However, there is no guarantee that the transaction will be processed until it has actually gone through.

Some players go through the inconvenience of going into their banks and sending a Wire Transfer to the casino. There is, however, a new solution that seems to be working well. Players are now able to buy prepaid phonecards, and use the prepaid phonecards as a type of credit card, in order to deposit funds.

While operators are constantly looking for ways to enable online U.S. players to keep playing, there is hope that the laws will soon change.

Listing of US accepting online casinos here »

It is certainly true of land-based gambling resorts that people go to these places, such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other fun destinations, to enjoy their time gambling, enjoying the available entertainment, as well as the social interaction that is readily available. Although not all those that choose to gamble in land-based gambling venues are looking for the social interaction, it is most certainly available. Most people are more likely to stick with the crowd of friends they know, or the person, or people they have arrived with.

When looking at the online casino world, however, new aspects of socializing have emerged. Many people who gamble online do so in order to chat with others that are online, and share similar interests. They do not sign up with online casinos solely to gamble. Apart from the exciting choice of online casino games available, and the vast choice of different online casinos with their different themes and games, players will often end up remaining loyal to an online casino simply because they enjoy the social aspects available to them.

For some, it is difficult, either because it is too time-consuming, or simply too expensive to travel to land-based gambling resorts. For others, they simply enjoy the chance to relax in their own homes, and meet interesting and fun people online while they play their favorite online casinos games.

There has been a definite trend in recent years to socialize online. The number of people available to meet is far greater than any one person will have available to them in their immediate physical environment. Some make friendships online and take it further by meeting their online casino friends in person at a later date. Of course, while this is often a special thing to do, it should come with a reminder and a warning. One never really knows who the people on the other side of your computer screen are, so should you decide to meet someone you have met at an online casino, ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken, such as only meeting in a busy public place, or taking along a friend. Certainly make sure that someone knows where you are at all times.

The social networking available at online casino sites is improving all the time. There is usually an option for live chat with other players while you are playing. For those who do not wish to chat while they are in the middle of a game, they can go into the chat area of the online casino between games and meet their online friends there.

There has even been an incidence when a live chat helped save the life of an old woman who was trapped, but sitting at her computer. Another player took her cry for help seriously and called the emergency services, thus saving her life. Although most chats are much less serious that that, players will find that online casinos are a very social place to be!

Welcome and Sign-up Bonuses - Sign-up bonuses, also known as welcome bonuses, are usually the most attractive of the bonuses offered to players. Players starting from a point of knowledge and understanding of bonuses can profit well from these offers over time. Most welcome bonuses are offered to players who deposit a minimum amount of money into their online casino account. These deposits are usually matched by a percentage of the money deposited. Some casinos will even offer more than 100%.

Welcome bonuses come with a number of restrictions such as a required amount of wagering before the bonus money can be withdrawn from the account. Many casinos require wagering to the tune of ten times more than the initial deposit plus the bonus amount. Wagers that result in both wins and losses will count towards the required amount.

House Advantage - In order for casinos to ensure that they do not lose out in the long term, often certain games are excluded from those that can be played when using bonus money/credits. The games usually offered are those that have a high house advantage. Games that are often excluded are roulette, baccarat and craps. While blackjack is excluded less often, it is also sometimes excluded. Playing blackjack with bonus money is certainly worthwhile. Blackjack players may wish to find online casinos which allow them to play blackjack with bonus credits. Essentially, games that are lower risk to the player increase the value of the bonuses if they are used for those games. Players will find that bonuses can almost always be used for slot games.

Wagering Requirements - Once a player is aware of the wagering requirements for specific bonuses, it is important to keep track of those requirements and ensure that they are met. If a player withdraws money from their online casino account, they will not receive the bonus and any winnings resulting from the bonus if all requirements have not yet been met. It is useful to maintain a spreadsheet if gambling in more than one casino. A spreadsheet can help players to keep track of their deposits, withdrawals, winnings, and how much has been wagered, both for bonus purposes and for tax purposes.

Terms and Conditions - Reading and understanding the terms and conditions are very important. Players should be aware that terms and conditions can be amended, and should not assume that the same terms will always apply in the same casino. Reputable casinos will answer any questions regarding their terms and conditions via their customer services departments. Keep an eye open for information on the following: Maximum bonuses, games which are excluded, bonus percentages, wager requirements, and whether bonuses are in fact cashable or not.

Blacklisted Online Casinos - Players should always check out casino sites before placing any money with them. Those casinos that have been blacklisted are not trustworthy and should be avoided. Trustworthy casinos, such as those represented on this site, are safe places for players to deposit their money.

For the novice player, lists of bonuses can seem somewhat overwhelming at first. The following list offers a general overview of different types of online casino bonuses. Players should always read the Terms and Conditions of the bonuses carefully before using bonuses or before signing up with a specific online casino.

Sign-up Bonus

This bonus can also be known as the Welcome Bonus, or the New Player Bonus. This is the most popular type of bonus offered. When casinos offer more than around $100, it is usually because the bonus is broken down into smaller amounts each month over a set time period.

Percentage Bonuses - This bonus is awarded based on the amount of money deposited and usually ranges from around 50% to about 500%, depending on the casino.

Match Bonuses - A 100% bonus is a Match Bonus, or an even money bonus. For every dollar deposited, another deposit is equally matched by the online casino.

Reload Bonus

Casinos do not want to lose new players, so they often offer reload bonuses, which are there to help players keep their accounts open. The reload bonus is somewhat similar to welcome or sign-in bonuses. There is often a 100% Match up offered, or other specified amounts of free money offered for reload bonuses.

Preferred Deposit Bonus

This is an additional bonus which is given when players use specified forms of electronic payment in order to make their deposits to casino accounts. Casinos have various reasons for preferring to receive their money in a specific way, and in order to encourage that players use their preferred payment method, they offer various bonuses such as 5% or 10% of the amount deposited is automatically added to the players account when using the desired deposit method.

Loyalty Bonus

This bonus is offered to players who have been at the casino for a long period of time, and have reached various levels of seniority. The higher up the player is on their VIP status, the more bonuses, and the larger percentages they will receive. Casinos often offer VIP clubs on various levels, which are often run by using a point system.

High Roller Bonus

Players who deposit larger amounts, usually over $1,000 may qualify for high roller status, in which case they will receive a bonus which is usually expressed in a percentage. For example, with a 50% high roller bonus, players depositing $1,000 will receive an additional $500 simply for making a large deposit.

No Deposit Bonus

Not all casinos offer this special bonus. This bonus requires no deposit on the part of the player. This deposit is not very large, usually only around $10. The casino simply add the funds to the players account, usually when they sign up with the casino. This is certainly a good incentive to start up with a casino.

Again, always read and understand the Terms and Conditions of any offers before using them as they are not always what they appear at first glance.

The Bush administration wanted to abolish online gambling, and instead of simply making it illegal, they decided to attack the industry where it would be most effective in stopping U.S. citizens from gambling online. Online gaming sites were attacked at the place that would hurt them the most - in their collective wallet! Online players and casino websites are unable to continue to operate if they are unable to do their banking.

While there are still online casinos that do accept U.S. players, a number of them have trouble receiving funds from their U.S. players. While it is not very clear to players whether playing in online casinos is legal or not according to the UIGEA, it is certainly clear that U.S. banks are not meant to process online gambling transactions. It seems that on a Federal level, it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to play in online casinos, as long as their state laws have not made it so.

More and more online casinos who do accept U.S. players are having difficulty receiving payments from their U.S. players, as there is much difficulty experienced in processing credit cards. Even some eWallet solutions, such as NeTeller have been banned. Because of this, a number of other solutions to enable players to deposit money at online casinos have been found.

Firstly, some of the eWallet solutions are still able to be used. Players are able to go into their land-based banks and send a wire transfer to the Internet gambling site they wish to play in. Western Union transfers, for which cash must be paid, can send money to the sites. A number of players now use pre-paid debit cards, some of which work well, and some of which are questionable. Instant checks, or eChecks can be used. This method is similar to wiring money from a bank account, but the funds become available immediately.

One of the more common ways to transfer funds at the moment is via a pre-paid phone card. Players top up their phone cards and then transfer those funds to their chosen casino.

Having said all this, there are still a number of websites that are still able to process credit card transactions. Casino People feature a number of casinos that accept U.S. players. All of the featured casinos have processing solutions that enable them to accept more than 98% of credit card transactions that are made from U.S. players on their sites.

While players can look around and try any number of casinos, it is certainly advisable to play in one of the casinos featured on the Casino People website, as this will reduce the stress and hassle associated with trying to find casinos that do accept U.S. players, and then trying to find a way to transfer funds to their chosen casino.

Internet gambling sites, and those players wishing to gamble online, are hoping that the Obama administration will find a solution to the problems brought to them by the Bush administration.

Listing of US accepting online casinos here »

Online roulette tournaments are fast becoming popular in the online casino world. For those somewhat new to roulette, a roulette tournament may well give you the opportunity to try your luck and betting skills for a set entrance fee, with the possibility of coming out a winner!

The roulette game played in tournaments is basically the same as regular roulette games, except that there will be tournament rules in place, which will decide certain things, such as the initial number of chips each player receives.

How Do I Decide Which Tournament to Join?

There are a number of points that you can look at when deciding which online roulette tournament to play in. First, check the date of the roulette tournament and, of course, the start and finish times in order to ensure that you are available to play at that time.

Make sure you are happy with the entry fee and that it fits within your online gambling budget. It is also worth looking at the minimum and maximum bets that may be placed during the tournament to estimate how long the buy-in chips will last you. Take a look at the number of prizes awarded in the tournament because many online casino tournaments offer a number of prizes from 2nd place and down, which make it more likely that you can win in the money.

The Goal

As with other online casino tournaments, the main aim in the tournament is to end up with more chips than the other competitors. In most roulette tournaments, if you have made a large win on a spin, and feel that you have earned enough chips and do not wish to risk losing them by continuing play, you may stop playing at that time. The main goal of the tournament is obviously to win, but don't forget to have fun in the process.

Signing Up for an Online Roulette Tournament

Firstly, you need to be signed up with the online casino offering the tournament. Unless the tournament is a free tournament, you will need to pay an entry fee, also referred to as a buy-in fee. The amount will vary from casino to casino and from tournament to tournament.

The buy-in fee allocates the same number of chips to each player. Usually the amount is near 1,000 times what the cost of the buy-in is. For example, a $10 entry fee will give players a starting balance of $10,000.

Where Am I Ranked?

Players can check where they are ranked in the tournament by looking at the leader board that is posted next to the competition.

Betting Limits

There is usually a minimum and a maximum amount that players may bet per spin.

Final Round Qualifiers

Players may have to play a minimum number of rounds in order to qualify for the final round. The players with the most chips from the each round will be able to move onto the next round of the competition.