Online Sportsbook Guide For US Players ** Sportsbooks Accepting US Players ** USA Betting ** USA Sportsbooks

USA Online Sportsbook Guide

In the United States, finding an online sportsbook isn't nearly as easy as from most other regions of the world. US online sportsbooks make up less than half of the overall industry, and of those, one must pluck from the reputable, regulated operators.

US sportsbooks used to be readily available, giving Americans much the same sportbetting options as punters in other countries. All that changed in late 2006 when the US government decided to impose its legislative arm onto the rest of the world. Yes, we're speaking about the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, better known as the UIGEA.

Imposition of the UIGEA

The UIGEA – Unlawful Internet Gambling enforcement Act of 2006 – is a piece of legislation passed that was supposed to stop online gambling in the United States. However, what it really did – according to its actual context – is prevent US based financial institutions from being able to transfer funds to/from online gambling operations.

It is a common misunderstanding among American sportsbook fans that what they are doing is illegal by US law. The fact is, the US has no jurisdictional rights over offshore companies, and has never managed to effectively regulate a worldwide Internet.

Life After the UIGEA

Unfortunately, due to unwarranted pressure from the US government, most online sportsbook operators have closed their doors to American punters. In addition, many of the biggest online payment processors have succumb to this pressure. However, if you find the right payment methods and US Sportsbooks, Americans can still enjoy their favored pastime of online sportsbetting.

Finding a Reputable US Sportsbook

There are well over 400 online sportsbooks on the Internet, but only 200+ accept US punters. When you filter out all of the undesirable US sportsbooks – those without proper licensing and regulation, and bad track records for responsibility and payouts – your left with a much smaller number.

The question for US sportsbook fans is how do you find a reputable, trustworthy US sportsbook? The first answer is often found on the main page of the US sportsbook's web site. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the jurisdiction in which it is licensed and regulated. If not in text format, you should find a logo relaying the relative gaming authority.

Common licensors/regulators include Alderney, Gibraltar, Kahnawake, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, Isle of Man, Malta and Costa Rica.

Next, you'll want to do a little background research. This should take only a few minutes. Search for real members' user reviews of the US sportsbook. This is the best way to find out if they are responsible in their payout system. An online sportsbook that does not pay will quickly gain a terrible reputation! You can also read our US Sportsbook Review section to learn honest, unbiased reports covering the quality pf all aspects of each sportsbook.