Since the abolishment of the ‘Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act’ in 2018, a federal law that severely restricted gambling, the USA is considered one of the highest-valued iGaming markets. Several major brands are flocking to establish a foothold in the local scene.
Yet, many States still maintain the same gambling legislation, limiting the options for avid gamblers. Due to this, USA Crypto gambling sites remain the best alternative for locals, as cryptocurrencies are the best tool for circumventing such restrictions. Let’s find out the best brands, along with the pros, cons and fiscal laws on crypto gambling.
Do not think of cryptos just as a second-tier payment method, that you opt for due to necessity. At CryptoGambling.tv, we have compiled for you a list of the best USA crypto gambling sites, that offer mouth-watering crypto bonuses, exclusive offers for US players and most importantly, let you stay under the radar. We constantly monitor the American iGaming scene to keep this list fully up to date, so make sure to inspect it periodically.
Whether you are a casino player or a sports bettor, it doesn’t really matter. After all, most gamblers enjoy both activities and there are some characteristics you need to consider that apply to crypto casinos and sportsbooks alike. Before you plunge into Bitcoin gambling in the USA, keep in mind the following points.
Trending Brands in USA
No of Cryptogambling Sites
5
Top Site
Anonymous gambling sites
4
Most Secure
Provably fair casinos
2
Most Games
Instant Withdrawal Sites
5
Fastest Payout
Stablecoin gambling sites
5
Most Networks
These are some basic details you have to research before you start an account on a bitcoin gambling site. In short, you need to fully understand the rules an operator acts in accordance with, its licensing authority, the crypto aspect of the cashier section, and how the website is perceived in online forums and communities.
Now, let’s move on with characteristics that apply individually to crypto casinos in the USA, as well as sportsbooks. Note that we are going to focus on offshore brands, as these have a higher correlation with cryptocurrencies and are mostly accessible to all US residents regardless of the state they live in.
Pro Tips
1
Most crypto gambling sites in the US run under an offshore license, usually from a Caribbean country
2
Check if the gambling site offers in-game crypto wallets, as you will be able to directly deposit your favourite coin without dealing with exchange rates
3
If the crypto gambling site does not support crypto wallets, go through the exchange rate to see how favourable it is. Avoid anything with a fee spread above 1%
4
Probe the gambling site’s social media and any online reviews from other players. Discord and Telegram channels are also a big plus.
Which is the best crypto casino in the USA
We have already cleared up the question of how you can play at a crypto casino in the USA without stirring up much trouble due to the gray crypto gambling regulation. Now, you need to filter out from the available contestants a Bitcoin casino in the US that is up to your standards. Below you can find a few of our hand-picked brands that feature lucrative casino-specific bonuses, a wide variety of games and provide fast withdrawals. Then, we will list some attributes that distinguish a good from an average casino to help out with your research.
Since there are multiple options to choose from, falling for a below-average brand is possible and can even prove to be critical for your game and funds. When searching for a legit crypto casino you should consider a multitude of factors before registering. At the end of the day, no one wants a subpar experience, therefore taking into consideration the following points and our in-depth reviews will give you a head-start.
What’s the size of the games library
The fact that a casino accepts cryptocurrencies does not make it immune to a weak selection of slots and lesser providers. We appreciate international brands that know how to cater to the US playerbase. This translates to a wide collection of games from providers like Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, Rival and WMS Gaming. Naturally, it also depends on your personal preferences, such as live casino, game shows, high stakes tables, progressive jackpots and lotteries.
Provably Fair Options
Α fairness algorithm found in some casino Bitcoin gambling games gives players the chance to verify for themselves if results were drawn in a fair way, by using a combination of in-game and third-party tools. This technology is especially useful for Bitcoin gambling in the USA, as many overseas operators are not certified by reliable RNG auditors. Provably fair games bring back fairness into the equation and let players maintain their peace of mind, so opt for casinos that feature such alternatives.
Are the Bonuses worth it
A valuable welcome bonus is the most sought-after characteristic for gamblers that seek to join a new casino. Therefore, find a USA crypto casino with a bonus that can be rolled over in your favourite games, suits your playstyle and is not restrictive. Moreover, do not disregard weekly offers and promotions, especially if they can be triggered with crypto deposits or wagers, as they can add a lot of value to your bankroll.
Now, let’s move on with characteristics that apply individually to crypto casinos in the USA, as well as sportsbooks. Note that we are going to focus on offshore brands, as these have a higher correlation with cryptocurrencies and are mostly accessible to all US residents regardless of the state they live in.
Which are the leading US crypto sportsbooks
For many years, a large number of US bettors could only rely on bitcoin betting sites to place online wagers on their favourite sports. And many States still hold unfavourable legislation on the matter. That is why USA crypto gambling sites are still the best option for US bettors. Furthermore, the flexibility of crypto transactions coupled with the large selection of overseas operators can give you a valuable edge. You can find high odds, cashback offers, and multiple deposit boosts. Take a look at the best US crypto sportsbooks, and then check which key aspects of a sportsbook you need to evaluate first.
A USA crypto gambling site that wants to retain a competitive sportsbook should extensively provide markets in all major American leagues, like NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, as well as NCAA matches. There are more than a few international bookmakers that advertise such sports but clearly focus more on soccer and tennis, like the majority of European bookmakers.
Moreover, there should be multiple lines for every event, as many players like to cover the spread of a favourite or an underdog. Of course, it goes without saying that the margin should be as low as possible, in primary and secondary markets alike. So, research any sportsbook in-depth, by keeping in mind your preferences and the characteristics above.
Are there any Betting Features
Following right after the betting options and the juice levels, we have the available features of a sportsbook. With the term betting features, we mean tools like Cash Out (Full, Partial & Auto), Bet-Builder, Bet-Constructor, Edit Bet, and Request-a-Bet. While a lot of players just like placing a pre-game parlay, many others want to spice up their in-play action with Live-Streaming and Cash Out.
Additionally, high rollers often like to surpass set market limits, so a direct line of communication with the trading team via Request-a-Bet is more than welcome. Lastly, it is important to mention that multiple features show reliability, as they are a sign that the operator cares about its product and users.
Is the Sportsbook Bonus valuable
As with Bitcoin casinos in the USA, crypto betting sites often field mind-blowing bonuses that beat their traditional counterparts down to the ground. However, you should be really careful here. There are many USA crypto gambling sites that have a clear orientation on the casino aspect, while the sportsbook is just an afterthought. It is possible that many bonuses or promotions do not apply to sports betting, so clear that up in the beginning. Choose crypto betting sites with a crypto-friendly welcome bonus and promotions, like cashback and deposit free bets.
Now that we have cleared out of the way a few basics on the attributes that US casinos & sportsbooks should have, let’s move on to answer a very hot question. How do I gamble online with Bitcoin in the US? Fear not, as the process is as easy as pie once you have done it a few times. Basically, it consists of:
Acquiring a cryptocurrency bankroll
Transferring it to your crypto wallet
Depositing it to the crypto gambling site
We are going to cover all these steps in detail below, after mentioning a few of our favorite coins that allow for safe, fast and low-fee transactions.
Which are the best coins for USA crypto gambling sites
Sadly, we are unable to cover all possible cryptocurrencies in just an article, as there is a vast array of them. Our focus will be on coins that are commonly found in US Bitcoin casinos & sportsbooks. In any case, they are far better than traditional banking methods used by offshore operators such as cheques, bank wires and gift cards. Say goodbye to the 5 business days timeframe to receive any winnings.
BTC, ETH, LTC & BCH
These are the standard options when it comes to USA crypto gambling sites. They are some of the oldest, widely accepted and most recognizable coins, although some of them are not optimal for frequent transactions. Ethereum’s transaction fees have been extremely costly over the last few years due to network congestion issues, while Bitcoin transfers can take over 10 minutes when not utilizing a layer 2 network like Lighting. Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash are certainly better options, like the other currencies we are going to mention.
XLM & XRP
Stellar and Ripple are two perfect banking options when it comes to recurrent fund transfers. Both spot negligible fees and payments are settled within mere seconds. Just beware, as XRP is currently facing a legal dispute with the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).
The dispute is about whether or not XRP should be considered a security due to how the company behind it, Ripple, issued the coin. It has nothing to do with the safety and reliability of its underlying blockchain network. Nevertheless, most major US crypto exchanges have frozen their support for XRP, so for the time being, it would be better to opt for XRP’s cousin, the Stellar Lumens (XLM).
Stablecoins
This buzzword is granted to cryptocurrencies that are designed to maintain a price equal to popular FIAT currencies, mainly the US Dollar. The stablecoins you will usually find in the cashier section of USA Bitcoin gambling sites are Tether (USDT) and the USD Coin (USDC). Note that these two specific currencies do not operate on their own blockchain network, as they rely on others like Ethereum, Tron and Solana.
Thus, their efficiency depends on the network you choose for the transfer. Ethereum (ERC-20) is the most common one, but we recommend the other two options due to their higher speed and considerably lower transfer fees. In general, if you are going to opt for a USA crypto gambling site that only supports crypto-only wallets, stablecoins are a pristine solution, as you will not have to worry about the infamous crypto price volatility. No matter what happens, your bankroll’s value will remain the same.
As a side note here, remember that residents of New York State will be unable to utilize USDT for their transactions legally. The company behind it, Tether, is banned from conducting business in this State. This is the result of a legal dispute between the company and the NY attorney general, and the case’s settlement included this condition.
Privacy Coins
Last, but certainly not least we have the most intriguing cryptocurrencies, that are built in a way that renders transactions completed with them completely untraceable. The usual suspects here are Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC). Contrary to popular belief, Bitcoin and most other cryptos are not truly private, as their blockchain network is publicly accessible. Every transaction ever made is permanently recorded in a transparent way. If someone learns your wallet address, then they can see all your transaction history.
However, privacy coins completely negate this problem. If your primary concern is to stay under the radar, then these cryptos are your friends. Monero is the most popular one, but Zcash allows for optional privacy and it's a sound alternative. Be that as it may, keep in mind that a KYC request from a gambling site will ruin any complete privacy achieved, but you are still far more protected in this aspect.
The aforementioned cryptocurrencies just scratch the surface, as they are what we consider best for USA crypto gambling sites. If you feel the need to dig deeper into this topic, then our crypto gambling guides are the best way to start. And before continuing with the actual deposit process, we will disclose some brands that support a multitude of coins, in order to maximize the flexibility of cryptocurrencies.
What is the process for depositing to USA crypto gambling sites
First, let’s find out where to buy Bitcoin for gambling. Of course, you can buy other coins as well, but Bitcoin has established itself also as a legacy term for cryptocurrencies in general, due to it having the first-mover advantage in the crypto world. Anyway, before you deposit to a USA Bitcoin gambling site, there needs to be a crypto bankroll. The easiest way to acquire is through a centralized crypto exchange.
Acquire a Crypto Bankroll
Acquire a Crypto Bankroll
The most popular regulated crypto exchanges in the USA are Coinbase, Gemini, Kraken, Kucoin, Crypto.com and Binance US. We would recommend you to avoid Binance.US, as it's not the same as the international Binance brand and there have been various underwhelming reports about its services.
Also, note that Coinbase has a Coinbase Pro version, which is less user friendly but charges lower fees.
You may fund your crypto exchange account with debit/credit cards and wire transfers. Then, head to the trading section and buy a cryptocurrency you are most comfortable with. The next step is to send your crypto funds to a private wallet.
Move it to a Private Wallet
Move it to a Private Wallet
There is an abundance of crypto wallets, each with its own hardware & software characteristics. In general, there are two main types. ‘Hot Wallets’, that are installed on electronic devices, and ‘Cold Wallets’, that look like USB sticks that are meant for long-term storage, away from an internet connection for increased protection from hackers and malware.
For gambling purposes, which involve frequent transactions between you, crypto exchanges, and USA Bitcoin gambling sites we would recommend hot wallets that can be installed on your mobile too. Exodus is a shining example of a crypto wallet that supports such features.
If you are a fan of ETH and other ERC-20 tokens, then MetaMask is the most solid option. And for the rising Solana ecosystem, the Phantom wallet is your best bet. However, keep in mind that many projects develop their own wallets that you can download from their official website. That is considered the optimal course if safety is your main concern.
Top-up your Account
Top-up your Account
Remember, never, ever proceed to direct transactions between cryptocurrency exchanges and USA crypto gambling sites. The grey legislation surrounding crypto transactions and gambling means that most large exchanges prefer to not risk any trouble, and commonly freeze accounts that make such fund transfers. Always use your wallet.
Now, this last step is the easiest part of the process. After starting an account at a USA crypto casino or sportsbook, head over to the payments section. Select the cryptocurrency you are going to use and copy the address of your in-game crypto wallet. Paste it into your private wallet’s send function and complete the transfer. Depending on the coin and the confirmations required from the gambling site, your top-up will be settled in a few minutes maximum.
Don’t forget to double-check if the addresses are correct and if you selected the correct network for the transfer. For example, if you send USDT to a TRC-20 (Tron) address via the ERC-20 network (Ethereum), you are in for a lot of trouble. Modern wallets have several fail-safes to prevent such mistakes, but they still happen. What’s more, the gambling site will usually be completely unable to help.
As we have already mentioned, online gambling is not restricted by any federal law, since the abolishment of 1992’s PASPA act. However, several states like Utah, Hawai and Tenessee have not yet changed their legislation regarding gambling laws. Therefore, it is still illegal to gamble in some states, even if these laws are not usually enforced in online wagers.
On the other hand, crypto transactions are perfectly legal in the entirety of the USA. Overall, crypto regulation in the USA is well defined. Thus, we could say that crypto gambling is perfectly legal in most parts of the country. In conclusion, playing on overseas crypto gambling sites would be the best option, as you can stay under the radar even if you live in a restrictive state.
But there is an organisation that will not go so easy on you if you do not follow the rules. And that has not much to do with gambling & cryptocurrencies, rather with unreported income. We are talking about the infamous IRS.
When are your crypto gambling transactions taxed
Think of cryptocurrencies as property, not a FIAT currency like the USD or Euro. Therefore, the wide majority of transactions that involve cryptos constitute what accountants would call a ‘taxable event’.
The correct interpretation, analysis and reporting of crypto transactions for your tax return is a huge topic on its own, and we recommend you consult a tax professional to avoid potential disputes with the IRS. In any case, we are going to mention some taxable events, as well as an example when dealing with USA crypto gambling sites.
Actions that constitute a taxable event
You own crypto, and then you sell it for any type of FIAT currency (USD, EUR, GBP etc)
You exchange a type of crypto for another type (Buying ETH with BTC)
You buy a product or service with a crypto amount
Actions that are not taxable events
Simply buying a cryptocurrency with a FIAT currency
Maintaining crypto capital in your exchange account or private wallet
The transfer of cryptocurrencies between your crypto wallets and/or exchange accounts
It is recommended to keep track of every single fund transfer & exchange you make with cryptocurrencies. Most wallets and exchanges that operate in the US will be able to provide you with logs of every single transaction in order to facilitate you. There are even some apps that can automate this whole complex process. Onwards to a more practical example regarding Bitcoin gambling in the US.
Examples of crypto gambling transactions
Let’s see two practical examples of common transactions for most crypto gamblers. To keep things easy, we will simplify numbers a bit. We will also assume that apart from our variables, other factors like exchange & network fees do not exist.
>You buy 1 BTC for $40,000
>You deposit it to a crypto gambling site and win 1 BTC
>You withdraw 2 BTC in total
>You exchange the total BTC amount for USD. At the time of the exchange, 1 BTC is worth $60,000
>You now have a capital gain of $20,000 and a capital income of $60,000*
Another example:
>You buy 1 BTC for $40,000
>You deposit it to a crypto gambling site and win 2 BTC
>You withdraw 3 BTC in total
>You exchange the total BTC amount for USD. At the time of the exchange, 1 BTC is worth $ 20,000
>You now have a capital loss of $20,000 and a capital income of $40,000*
*exceptions may apply depending on individual cases, consult a tax professional
Does the IRS track cryptocurrencies
They surely are able to. Most cryptocurrencies are built on top of transparent blockchain networks that keep track of everything. Of course, it is impossible to follow every single transaction out there, as it would require an immense amount of manpower. Nevertheless, keep in mind that most centralized US crypto exchanges report everything to the IRS, so even if you are using privacy coins like Monero or Zcash, you might get caught when onboarding/offboarding FIAT to an exchange.
So, if you don’t want to report any winnings from USA crypto gambling sites, do not move them back to a centralized FIAT exchange. The IRS is known for being ruthless when it comes to tax evasion. Be that as it may, there are many US-based gamblers that rely solely on decentralized crypto exchanges and gambling sites, but that is a whole other story, and quite frankly a risky one. Do not try it out unless you are both an experienced gambler and crypto user.
*Keep in mind that this is meant to be a general overview of the current fiscal situation. As we are not financial advisors, contact a tax professional for your financial inquiries; errors may lead to significant losses & potential fines.
For many years, overseas crypto-friendly gambling sites have been a trustworthy alternative to many US-based players that were bound by restrictive gambling laws. And they are still one of the most valuable options, despite the launch of many traditional gambling websites after the abolishment of federal restrictions.
Crypto gambling sites in the USA provide one of the most flexible banking options, which severely outclasses traditional methods for dealing with overseas bookies, such as money orders, bank cheques and shady online coupons. Furthermore, they let you keep a low profile, which is an essential perk due to the ongoing restrictions on several States. Take a peek at our trusted recommendations, and say goodbye to regulatory limitations and withdrawal waiting times of five days.
FAQs
Cryptocurrency trading is legal in the entirety of the United States. However, gambling is restricted in several of them. The same restrictions apply to cryptocurrency gambling. However, due to low KYC requirements and anonymous private wallets, players can easily circumvent these restrictions.
No state has any law regarding crypto gambling specifically. They face the same restrictions that apply to conventional online gambling. The states with the most severe gambling restrictions are Utah, Hawaii, Alaska, Texas and Tennesee. In any case, most overseas bitcoin gambling sites let you circumvent such restrictions but keep a low profile nevertheless.
Again, the same restrictions as with conventional online gambling sites apply. Most USA bitcoin casinos & sportsbooks require you to be over 18 years old to join. Read the T&C’s attentively before any deposit.
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