BonusFinder - Frequently Asked Questions

Didn’t find the information you were looking for? We’ve gathered the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions under one article.

Content
  1. BonusFinder
  2. Gambling Laws & Regulations
  3. Online Casinos & Sportsbooks
  4. Bonuses & Promotions
  5. Account
  6. Mobile Devices
  7. Payment Methods
  8. Responsible Gambling

BonusFinder

Why should I trust BonusFinder reviews?
BonusFinder is an authentic platform operating in collaboration with some of the biggest licensed gambling brands in the United States. BonusFinder, a brand under GDC Media Limited, is committed to providing the best possible review content and verified bonus codes for players in the United States.

BonusFinder is affiliated with numerous casino, sportsbook, and social casino brands. This means that we get a small commission if you register through our bonus code or link. We also have reviews of many platforms that we have no affiliation with. Regardless of our connections with brands or companies, we aim to provide unbiased insights on all the platforms, bonuses, and games we review.

While our goal is to help you play with more, we also want to ensure that you have a safe online gaming experience by introducing you to secure platforms that are regulated and licensed.

If you’d like to read more about our review process, head over to our How We Review page.

Why is BonusFinder the best place to claim a bonus?
We have some of the best gambling bonuses in the industry. We have experienced industry experts working on our reviews frequently and provide as much information as possible about the details of various promotions. We also dive deep into the pros and cons of different types of bonuses and test gaming platforms ourselves to see if they’re worth our praise. Check out our top-rated authors.

Is BonusFinder legit?
Yes. BonusFinder is a legitimate review site operating under GDC Media Limited. BonusFinder is licensed and registered with numerous gambling regulators. It has also received several accolades from bodies like EGR and IGB Affiliate Awards. Read our company page for more details. Also check out the privacy and cookie policy which explains how we handle personal data and our editorial policy.

Is there a BonusFinder casino?
No. BonusFinder isn’t a casino, nor is it behind any online gaming operations. Read our press and media kit page if you have more questions.

Can I play casino games on BonusFinder?
Yes, you can play various casino games in our Free Games lobby. Our selection of free games includes popular online slot machines and even some table games. You don’t need to register or download anything; you can play them immediately on your browser.

The purpose of the lobby is to offer you the option to try out online casino games without having to sign up with an online casino or place real money wagers.

Gambling Laws & Regulations

Is gambling legal?
Gambling is legal under the United States federal law. That being said, each state is in charge of regulating gambling in its own respective jurisdiction. Many states have placed restrictions on gambling, effectively limiting the accessibility of different forms of legal gambling. As of October 2024, only two states, Utah and Hawaii, have outlawed all forms of gambling.

Most states allow gambling in some shape or form, whether it is state-run lotteries, tribal casinos, riverboats, racetracks, or sports betting. Online gambling, however, is much more strictly regulated than other, more traditional forms of gambling.

What is online gambling?
Online gambling means any gambling taking place on the internet. In the U.S., online gambling covers online sports betting, online casino platforms, and online poker. Real money online bingo, for instance, is considered gambling.

Forms of gambling that, in the eyes of federal law, do not fall under the category of online gambling include DFS (daily fantasy sports), sweepstakes, and social casinos. There are a couple of reasons for this. Even if the game involves placing real money wagers, if it’s based on skill over luck, it’s not legally considered online gambling. This is why DFS is so widely available across the U.S. Read our online gambling guide page to start your gaming journey if you need guidance.

In the case of sweepstakes and social casinos, while players are mostly engaging in games of luck, they are not using real money to play games but virtual currency. Players are also not forced to use money to play games in these settings. Sweepstakes and social casinos offer real-life prizes that you can redeem with your virtual currency, but you’re not winning real cash outright. Read our guide page explaining sweepstakes vs traditional online casinos.

Is online gambling illegal in the US?
Online gambling is legal and regulated in numerous states. As of October 2024, online gambling is legal in the following states:

States not included in the list above have not legalized or regulated online gambling.

Which state gambles the most?
The number one gambling state is, to no surprise, Nevada. Other major gambling states are Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while New York stands out as one of the biggest sports betting states.

What is the legal gambling age in the U.S.?
In most states, you must be a minimum of 21 years old to legally gamble online. Some states allow forms of online gaming, such as lottery or DFS, already at 18. Read our gambling age by state guide for full details.

Can I gamble online for real money?
Yes, real money online gambling is legal in nearly half of the states. Refer to the list of legalized online gambling states to check whether you can gamble online in the state you’re currently residing in.

Are online casinos legit?
Yes, there are plenty of fully licensed and legal online casinos in the United States. Currently, you can play with legal commercial online casinos in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. These states have granted licenses to various online casino operators that are committed to following the local rules and regulations. Furthermore, state-licensed online casinos provide safe and secure transactions and extensive tools for responsible gambling.

If you come across an online casino claiming to accept players from all states, you’ve encountered a non-licensed operator. Regulated online casino platforms can only be accessed from within the state they’re operating in.

Can I gamble online in a state where I’m not residing permanently?
You can! You don’t have to reside in the state to use their online gambling platforms, much like you’re not required to reside in Nevada to gamble in Las Vegas. Most platforms can’t be accessed at all out-of-state, so you might have to wait until you’re within state borders to create a casino or sportsbook account. You can only place wagers within the state lines.

Is DFS legal?
Yes, DFS is legal in most states. There are, however, a few states where DFS is either illegal or extremely heavily regulated. States that do not allow DFS in any form are Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.

Is online poker legal in the U.S.?
Yes, online poker is legal in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Connecticut and West Virginia have both legalized online poker, but have yet to launch online poker platforms.

Can I use VPN to gamble online?
No. Regulated online sportsbooks and online casinos use different geolocation or geofencing technologies to limit out-of-state play. Some platforms immediately block you from accessing their site if they detect you are trying to visit their website or app using a VPN connection.

Online Casinos & Sportsbooks

What is the best site for online gambling?
In all honesty, it’s very difficult to crown one online gambling site as the best. At the end of the day, online casinos and sportsbooks share a lot of similarities, leaving very little room for unique selling points. It really boils down to your personal preferences: maybe there are some aspects that you appreciate more than others.

If we had to pick one platform, at the moment, we’d have to pick BetMGM. BetMGM operates in all online casino states and offers sports betting in nearly all regulated betting states. BetMGM offers an excellent variety of casino games and betting options and has some of the best welcome bonuses and promotions in the industry.

That being said, there are other excellent platforms for you to choose. DraftKings and FanDuel are both outstanding sports betting and DFS operators, whereas Golden Nugget and Caesars Palace Online Casino are fantastic picks for casino players.

What is the best online casino for beginners?
Most online casinos are very beginner-friendly. BetMGM has excellent guides and a clear user interface, making it very comfortable to navigate even as a new player. BetRivers Casino also offers a clean, no-frills platform that is easy to grasp from the get-go, and has a good casino bonus alternative to the deposit match bonuses that the majority of other online casinos offer.

How do I recognize a legitimate online casino?
Licensed online casino platforms will have proof of their license as an embedded certificate, usually at the site’s footer. For instance, if you’re looking for an online casino in Pennsylvania, a legitimate casino page will have information about the license that has been admitted by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Many state gaming regulators have public documents about the operators who have been granted an online gambling license. You can find these documents online on the regulator’s website.

Do online casinos offer gambling across the United States?
No. Legitimate real-money casinos are only available in five states, and you can only play with them if you are physically within the state lines. If you’re looking to play with a legitimate real-money online casino, you’ll quickly come to notice that the platforms are only available in MI, NJ, PA, WV, or CT. That being said, you’re not required to permanently reside in any of the mentioned states to play with an online casino.

Sweepstakes casinos accept players from most states, excluding the states where all money games are prohibited.

Can I play with offshore casinos?
Technically, there is very little that’s legally stopping you. However, we vehemently advise against it. Offshore online casinos are not legally bound to follow any rules and regulations that licensed U.S. casinos have. This means that offshore casinos could just take your money and personal details and run with them – and would face no legal repercussions by doing so.

Playing with offshore casinos is a huge risk, as you might be giving out personal details and banking information to unsavory operators or organizations. Their games could well be rigged, and even if you won, there’s no guarantee you’d ever be paid your winnings. Read our guide: are online casinos rigged. You also get no gambling complaint resolution mechanism if you play at illegal sites not regulated in the US.

What is the best online sportsbook?
There are numerous excellent online sportsbooks in America. DraftKings and FanDuel are available in nearly every legal betting state, and both of the platforms offer outstanding betting markets, promotions, and odds.

We can’t talk about online sportsbooks without mentioning bet365, the biggest online sportsbook in the world. Bet365 offers outstanding in-game betting options and tends to offer some of the best online betting bonuses in the industry.

What are social casinos?
Social casino real money sites are online gaming platforms that have a close resemblance to online casinos. Social casinos are gaming sites and apps that offer casino-type games and fishing games. Players use a type of virtual currency to play these games.

Social casinos often have two types of virtual currencies that have slight differences according to their purposes. One currency is meant to play the games for fun, while the other can be used to redeem real-life prizes, usually in the form of vouchers or gift cards. These virtual currencies don’t hold any monetary value.

Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are terms often used interchangeably.

Bonuses & Promotions

How do I claim a bonus code?
The process could vary according to the platform you’re wagering with. Generally speaking, the process goes approximately as follows:

  1. Find a valid bonus code for a casino or a sportsbook.
  2. Copy the bonus code or use a bonus link to access the gambling platform.
  3. In the case of a welcome bonus, register a new account as instructed by the platform.
  4. Insert the bonus code in the indicated field.
  5. There are usually some requirements that you have to meet in order to claim the bonus, such as making a qualifying deposit or placing a bet. This is always specified in the Terms and Conditions of the bonus, so it’s definitely in your best interest to read the fine print.

Once you’ve met the prerequisites, you’ll receive the bonus on your casino or sportsbook account

Note that bonuses come with predetermined wagering requirements that you have to meet before you can withdraw any winnings.

Do I need a code to claim a bonus?
No. While many online casinos and sportsbooks have bonus codes, there are just as many online gambling platforms that have not implemented a bonus code system. These types of iGaming sites or apps offer bonuses often through affiliate links.

Our gambling reviews feature both bonus codes and links. Golden Nugget Casino, for example, doesn’t require you to fill in bonus codes; you can claim the welcome bonus simply through a link.

Why do casinos offer free bonuses?
Casinos and sportsbooks offer bonuses to both attract new customers and retain existing ones. If an online casino offers free bonus spins or no-deposit bonuses, a customer is given a chance to gamble without risking their own funds. The same applies to your typical Bet & Get bonuses: by betting a couple of dollars, you receive up to hundreds of dollars worth of bonus bets. This is an effective method to introduce the gaming platform to new customers.

These types of bonuses come with wagering requirements. The goal of these requirements is to prevent the customer from claiming the bonus and bolting right away and keep them playing until the wagering has been fulfilled.

What casino bonus has the best value?
It really depends on what you’re looking for and how much you’re ready to deposit. If you’re looking for a no-deposit bonus, then platforms like BetMGM, Borgata, and Stardust offer some of the best bonuses for you. If you want to have as big of a deposit match as possible, then head over to Caesars Palace Online Casino. Or, if you’re looking for a good deposit match bonus for a smaller deposit, then consider Party Casino.

Each bonus comes with its own pros and cons, but we personally tend to favor bonuses that combine a no-deposit promotion with a deposit match bonus, thanks to their flexible nature. There are alsooptions to spin-the-wheel at some casinos to land a bonus offer.

Why didn’t I get my bonus?
There could be multiple reasons behind this, but the most probable reason is that you didn’t meet the terms and conditions of the bonus. Some common occurrences are that you have failed to opt in, didn’t meet the minimum deposit requirement, missed out on the promotional period, cancelled the bonus accidentally, or used an outdated bonus code.

If you’re certain that you’ve met all the bonus criteria, reach out to the casino or sportsbook’s customer service team. They’ll fix the mistake as soon as possible.

What are bonus wagering requirements?
Bonus wagering or playthrough requirements refer to the amount you have to wager before you can withdraw winnings from your account. Online gambling bonuses have these requirements to prevent players from abusing bonus offers and to keep them playing on the platform for an extended period of time.

For instance, you could claim a casino bonus that has a 20x wagering requirement. This means that you have to wager 20x your bonus funds before you can withdraw winnings. You could also encounter T&Cs stating that you have to wager through the bonus funds plus the initial deposit before you can cash out.

Many platforms track the process of your wagering requirements for you. You can also calculate the amount you’re required to play through simple multiplication: if the bonus has a 20x wagering requirement, just multiply the bonus funds by 20. For example, if you received $20 in bonus funds, you have to wager 20 x $20 = $400.

Account

How do I register an account?
First, you have to be of legal gambling age to register a casino or sportsbook account. Then, visit either the gambling site or app to sign up. Some platforms will allow you to create an account even if you’re not currently within state lines, whereas others won’t. Regardless, you will only be able to place wagers when you’re in the state where the platform is licensed.

In order to register an account with an online gambling platform, you are required to give your personal details. You will be asked for your full name, date of birth, phone number, street address, zip code, the last four numbers of your Social Security Number, and so on. This process is required by the law to confirm your identity and to ensure you are of legal gambling age, among other things.

You will have to verify your account in order to place any wagers. This is usually done through a verification link. The casino or sportsbook platform will also ask you to upload official documents as proof of your identity.

While there are slight differences in online gambling registration procedures, the basics are usually uniform on all platforms.

Can I have more than one account?
No. Each gambling platform allows only one account per user. You can, however, have accounts on different platforms.

Why do I need to verify my account?
For legal reasons. Regulated and licensed online gambling platforms are obligated by the law to verify the identity of their customers. KYC and account verification are mandatory processes in legal gambling.

I’m requested to upload personal documents to complete account verification. Is it safe?
If you’re playing with a licensed platform, then yes, it’s safe. Regulated sportsbook and casino sites have extremely advanced systems and secure platforms to ensure that your data is kept safe.

How can I change my password?
You can usually do this on your own account page. Log in to your account, go to your account details or settings and change the password.

If you’ve forgotten your password, you can prompt a password reset, usually through the login screen. If there is no such option, you can also reach out to the customer care team for further assistance.

Can I delete my account?
Yes. You can request account closure from the customer service team, or you can navigate your account page for the correct option. All platforms also offer options for temporary account closure if you’re looking for a non-permanent solution.

Mobile Devices

Can I gamble on mobile?
Yes. Most, if not all, online gambling platforms have excellent mobile apps for Android and iOS systems. The websites have also been optimized for different devices, meaning that they’re visually pleasing and function just as well on mobile browsers.

What is the best gambling app for real money?
Currently, the best-rated gambling app is FanDuel. FanDuel’s online casino app boasts excellent reviews and offers an enjoyable gaming experience for mobile players. The app has also been praised for its accessibility, as people utilizing screen readers have been able to wager on the app mostly without a hitch.

How do I download a casino app?
You can find most sportsbook and casino apps simply by searching for them on Google Play Store or the App Store. If you have trouble finding the correct app, visit the casino or sportsbook website. They often have instructions for downloading the app or QR codes that assist you with the download.

Do I have to download a casino app to gamble on mobile?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Gambling providers’ websites function well on mobile browsers, so you’re not required to download the app to play on mobile.

There are some exceptions to this. There are gambling platforms that are exclusively available as mobile apps. Additionally, some platforms have bonus offers that can only be claimed via their respective app.

Payment Methods

Do online casinos pay real money?
Yes, licensed online casino platforms pay out real money winnings.

Can I play casino games online for free?
Yes. You can play free casino games on our Free Games page. There are also many social casinos that allow you to play casino-style games for free.

If you’re looking to play at an online casino for free, look for no-deposit bonuses or offers such as $200 No Deposit Bonus 200 Free Spins Real Money

Can I win real money with free spins?
Yes. If you’ve received bonus spins at an online casino, there is a chance that they will convert to real money. That being said, free spins are often low-value spins, meaning that the potential winnings are also on the smaller side.

Is there an online casino that accepts CashApp?
No. Currently, there is no legal online casino that accepts CashApp as a payment method. CashApp policies restrict the use of the platform for gambling-related activities. If any suspicious activity is detected, your CashApp account could be closed.

Are there legal crypto casinos in America?
No, there are no licensed crypto casinos in the United States. You might find some social casinos that accept cryptocurrencies, but there are no legal real-money gambling platforms that allow gambling with crypto.

How do I make a deposit?
Log in to your casino or sportsbook account. There is usually an option for ‘Cashier’ where you can make deposits. Choose your preferred deposit method and enter the amount you wish to deposit. Depending on your chosen method, you will be prompted to fill in some information (like insert your bank account number or log in to PayPal). Agree to the terms and conditions if applicable and then confirm your deposit.

Most deposit methods are instant, and your funds will show on your account balance as soon as you complete the process.

How can I cash out winnings?
Log in to your casino account. Pick the ‘Cashier’ option or equivalent. Choose your preferred withdrawal method, the amount you’d like to cash out, and submit.

Withdrawals are not instant. Withdrawal times vary according to your chosen method, with various eWallet methods, such as PayPal, having the least delay. For a comprehensive list of available payment methods and withdrawal times, visit the FAQ section of your chosen gambling platform.

What online casino has the fastest payouts?
Truthfully, there are very few differences between online casinos in this regard. Online casinos have nearly identical selections of available payment methods, meaning that the withdrawal times across the platforms are also similar. You can visit our page for casinos with the fastest withdrawals for further information.

If you’re looking for fast payouts, opt for online casinos with low wagering bonuses and favor banking methods like eWallets or prepaid cards.

Are gambling wins taxed?
Yes. All winnings you gain through gambling are fully taxable.

What is the tax rate for gambling winnings?
The federal tax rate for gambling winnings is a flat 24%.

Can I write off gambling losses on taxes?
Yes, you can. However, you can only deduct your gambling losses if you itemize them on the appropriate form and have your winnings and losses on record. You cannot deduct more than what you’ve made by gambling.

Can I make money by gambling?
You could get extremely lucky and win yourself some extra money. However – and we can’t emphasize this enough: do not start gambling in the hopes of getting rich. The base premise of gambling is that, in the long run, the house always wins. We never encourage people to take up gambling as a source of income. Approach gambling first and foremost as a form of entertainment. Only gamble if you have the funds to spare.

Responsible Gambling

Where can I get help with problem gambling?
If you or a loved one needs help with problem gambling, reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. The helpline offers services 24/7/365. You will be connected to a trained professional that is specialized in providing assistance, guidance, and resources for gambling-related issues. Contacting the helpline is fully confidential, and your identity will not be disclosed anywhere without consent.

Many states also offer local help and resources for problem gambling. Please find further information about local resources at https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/.

If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988.

Is gambling bad for you?
Gambling can cause addiction, which in turn can lead to various financial and mental problems. Gambling can cause similar reactions in your brain as addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. If you notice any signs that you’re not in control of your gaming habits or are compulsively thinking about gambling, you could have a problem.

Are there ways to prevent problem gambling?
First, it’s important to be aware of the risks gambling involves. If you know you’re prone to addiction, we suggest you just skip gambling altogether. Knowing that gambling can be a highly addictive pastime allows you to incorporate tools to prevent your gambling habits from getting out of control. All regulated gambling platforms offer various tools and limitations that you can use to keep yourself in check.

You can, for example, set daily or weekly time limits or spending limits for yourself. You can also request a timeout on your account or add yourself to a voluntary self-exclusion list.

Is online gambling worth it?
It all boils down to what you’re looking to gain by gambling. If you are financially stable, have funds to spare, and are looking to gamble just for entertainment purposes, then online gambling can be fun. However, if you are thinking about taking up gambling to make money, then you’re on the wrong track. Read our casino terminology guide to aquaint yourself with gambling phrases before you bet on slots or sports. Do not resort to gambling as a method to get rich. It is not sustainable.

author
Author
Head of Content
Internationally renowned author Henri Ojala has spent more than a decade mastering the ins and outs of the gambling industry, focusing on online poker, sports betting, and casino games. With over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry, Henri shares his extensive knowledge of strategies, odds, and risk management, earning him recognition as an authority in the online casino field.