Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more - Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.
Online Casino Sign-Up Process – How to Register
By Mike J. Davies
Senior Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: February 12, 2024
Online casino sign-up was meant to be an easy process, but with regulations tightening, it's becoming a more and more demanding experience. With the help of our trusted guidance, you will be able to go through your first registration at a US casino site successfully.
How to Register at an Online Casino from Your State
The first thing to remember is that, from your side, all that's wanted is for you to provide information about yourself. Seems simple enough? It actually is simple if all the information you enter is correct and can be traced back to you. The goal of the casino operator is just to check who is using their site and for what purposes. This is the so-called "KYC policy", KYC standing for "Know Your Customer".
With our informative page, we will highlight the important things to do when registering at a casino site from the United States. What we strongly advise you do is to study the gambling legislation in the state where you live because there might be specifics that apply only to your place of residence.
How to Open an Account at a Casino Online – A Step-by-Step Guide
We've been reviewing casino sites for long enough to know that not all states are as open to online gambling as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. That is to say that they don't have laws supporting online casino play or are outright banning it. Before online casinos register as legal operators, they go through strenuous checks by a local regulator.
This goes for all legal casino sites reviewed by our experts. You can safely register an online casino account, but only if you do that from one of the states with legal online gambling. You can see some of the states where you can play legally below.
These four states are the home to the best online casinos in the US as assessed by our experts. There are hardly any limitations to what casino sites are allowed to offer online in these four jurisdictions, and that has helped them develop industry-leading offers.
Many players travel to these states to experience the well-oiled machine that is online gambling. If you are currently in one of the states with legal gambling, you can safely proceed with learning how to create an online casino sign-up.
Find a Legal Online Casino that Accepts Players from Your State
In time , we have developed a trusted assessment system that unequivocally points us to the best-performing online casinos. With the help of our trained casino reviewers, we have assembled a list of great operators, including the most engaging highlights of each platform.
Feel free to choose from any of the operators we have listed, as they not only have legal permits to do business, but they've also passed our performance tests. An extra benefit is that they keep their registration processes simple to follow and execute.
| USA Online Casinos | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Casino Games | Legal in | Site Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | Not Needed | 812 Slots 12 Blackjack 16 Roulette 17 Poker | MI, NJ, PA, WV | Play Here! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| DraftKings | Play $5, get $50 In Casino Credits | Not Needed | 551 Slots 27 Blackjack 12 Roulette 1 Poker | MI, NJ, PA, WV | Play Here! | Valid for new customers. Must choose 1 offer and opt-in within 7 days (168 hours) of registering a new account. Must deposit min. $5 within 7 days (168 hours) of opting in to earn (a) a 100% deposit match up to $2,000 in Casino Bonus Funds or (b) a 100% deposit match up to $100 Casino Credits. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Caesars | Up to $2,500 Deposit Match | IGCA2500 | 174 Slots 3 Blackjack 4 Roulette 17 Poker | MI, NJ, PA, WV | Play Here! | Must be 21+ and physically present in MA, PA, NJ and WV only. New users and first deposit. Wager $25+ to receive 2,500 Reward Credits. Full T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. |
Our track record proves that the team standing behind Casinos.US has what's necessary to accurately identify and rate legitimate online casinos in the US. Thanks to the robust online casino rating criteria we have established in our practice, we were able to select compliant operators, known for creating positive user experiences.
The transparent regulation processes in the US allow you to trace a gambling license to its owner and learn whether they are compliant. Anyone can do that to verify that the casinos we recommend keep on the straight and narrow.
Click the "Sign-Up" or "Register" Button
Image shows how to set up an account at BetMGM casino.
Now that you've picked a trusted gambling platform, you can proceed to register an online casino account. The first step to doing this is to locate the "Registration" button. It should be in the upper right-hand corner of the main page of the platform where you want to play.
The button ought to be colored in a distinctive color so that first-timers can find it too. Clicking it should bring up a new window on your screen. On that screen, you'll see empty fields where you need to enter the first bits of information that must be provided to the operator.
Fill in Your Login Details
Image shows how to set up login details at BetMGM online casino.
The two credentials you will be using to log in will be your email address and password. Logically, this is the first thing you need to take care of when registering. So, for this third step, you will need to enter your email address and create a password that meets several requirements.
Really take your time coming up with a strong password because this will be vital to keeping your account safe. Don't repeat the same password you use on other sites, and don't use your name or other words that are obviously associated with you or your account.
Enter Your Personal Details
Image shows how to enter personal details at BetMGM casino.
From this point on, it won't be long before you enter the online casino register of your chosen operator. To proceed, you will need to enter your first and last legal names. You should also select the correct prefix - Mr., Mrs., or the title that is applicable to you.
It could be at this step or the next, but you will also need to provide your current address. There are two ways to do this – either enter it manually or use a map to pinpoint the location. Whichever method you use, make sure this is your actual address because the operator needs to link it to your name and identity.
Enter Your Full Address
Image shows how to enter your address at BetMGM casino.
Online casinos in the US and websites in general already know where you are accessing from. Even so, you will need to enter your exact address to complete the online casino sign-up form. If you don't feel comfortable working with a GPS map, then simply enter your address by hand.
You will be asked for the street name, building number, city, state, and zip code. Make sure those details are the same as what's on your ID because the operator is going to verify this information at the end. As is stated, in some cases, they need your address for ID verification.
Using a VPN here is not recommended as it will mess up the whole process, and you won't sign up successfully. You will need to leave a phone number and the last four digits of your SSN as well. If you get asked for a promo code, make sure you check our online casino bonuses page, where you can find such information.
Agree to the Terms and Join
Image shows accepting the terms and conditions of BetMGM casino.
Assuming that you've successfully passed the previous steps, you will be facing one final decision – to accept or decline the terms and conditions. These are lengthy pieces of text that outline the policy of the casino regarding important issues. You are advised to review the full terms and conditions before proceeding.
If you feel that the T&C align with your idea of how online gambling sites should be run, then just tick the boxes and finish your registration. If you need more information to make your decision, read the detailed designated pages or ask customer support for details.
Your New Online Casino Account is All Set Up
Even though an online casino sign-up only takes a few minutes, what follows might take longer. We are talking about the verification checks the casino will perform next. There are two possible scenarios – you will be allowed to enter your account and take a look around, or you will have to wait until the verification is over.
What the casino will be looking for is a clear connection between your identity, your SSN, and your address. If the operator is unable to tie these together and confirm your identity, it will ask you for additional documents.
Preparing for the KYC Process
Even if the details you provided clearly demonstrate that you are a real person with no criminal record, the KYC checks might be delayed. Gone digital in 1970, anti-money laundering[1] is an important practice that necessitates KYC checks today as well. These are standard procedures that are mandated to keep the industry safe and beneficial for everyone except people with criminal intent.
KYC is an obligatory process both for users and service providers as mandated by law. For you, that means the casino will ask you for additional proof that you have genuine intentions to play casino games. You may need to provide documents that can serve as:
- Proof of Identity - A picture ID or a driver's license
- Proof of State Residency - Utility bill or a bank statement
- Source of Funds - Your payment account could be charged $1 – which will be refunded later, and you may be asked to show that transaction.
Being added to an online casino register is not an easy task from a legal standpoint. This process takes time and might involve some hurdles. What we are trying to say is you've got to be patient and ready to assist . In most cases though you don't need to do everything at once. Some of the requirements are only triggered when you request to withdraw.
What's also important to remember is that customer support has got your back. If you want to spend some time acquainting yourself with relevant written material – go to the platform’s FAQ section. People just like you have been in your situation, so the questions you have will probably find an answer in the FAQ section.
How Long Does it Take to Verify Your Identity?
Just like when you enter a casino in British Columbia, you need to show a government-issued ID[3], so too you need to do that when you visit a virtual casino. One thing about online ID checks that is certain is that the casino's team wants to be as thorough as possible.
Nobody can guarantee that you will be ready to go within 24 hours. This process can take anywhere from one to three days. This is why we recommend you do this sooner rather than later.
What you can do to speed up this process is to take a clear HQ picture of the requested documents. The use of a scanner is recommended. Send the scanned copy to the relevant address or upload it in the designated place. Make sure the text on the documents is in English.
What to Consider Before Opening an Account at a US Online Casino
As we mentioned, not all locations in the US are eligible for legal online gambling. This is the first thing you need to consider, as you have to be physically located in a state where online gambling is legal to create a casino account. If you are still not clear on that, please review our list of states with licensed online casinos.
After that, we advise you to reflect on a few more things before they become a pressing issue. Just as online casinos need to be compliant with the law, so too players must do certain things on their end. These are three important points every gambler must consider:
- Age - All casino gamblers must be at least 21 years of age. Playing real money games at a younger age constitutes underage gambling, which is a criminal offense.
- Personal information - Casinos keep a record of who plays on their platform. You will need to provide the requested information and stay compliant with the terms of use.
- Taxes - Gambling taxes are a real thing. There's a state tax and a federal tax on your winnings.
Consequences of Falsifying Personal Information
Entering false information is not taken lightly. Before you do something like that, know that such an act could be punishable by law. Look out for boxes where you agree with the possible consequences of falsifying information. They might state what the potential punishment is or how it will be exacted.
In any case, we strongly advise against even thinking about providing false information. This can only harm you, so it's not worth it to begin with. It's completely legal to travel to another state and play from there if your location is the problem.
Responsible Gambling
Last, but certainly not least, we urge you to take full responsibility for your actions. Remember that what you do at an online casino can hurt you and the people around you financially. If you don't want to take that risk, please adhere dully to the best responsible gambling practices.
If you need further guidance, you can call the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER[2]. It is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling – a network that includes 27 contact centers in over 50 states. The helpline is available 24/7, so don't hesitate to call.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you encounter problems along the way while setting up an online casino account, you can refer to the segment below with frequently asked questions. We did our best to select the most relevant questions and provide concise answers in order to save you the time and inconvenience of browsing the internet for hours.
How to open an online casino account?
It all starts with you identifying a safe US casino where you feel comfortable registering. You will need to provide some personal information in addition to depositing money, so make sure it is a legal casino you can trust. It's always a good idea to check the license and certification of your chosen operator.
Is the online casino sign-up process easy?
It's a fairly straightforward process that requires minimal guidance. You will only be asked questions related to your identity, so you will be able to answer them without a problem. If you need any help registering at an online casino, you can always reach out to customer support.
What information do I need to provide to register at an online casino?
To finish any registration at an online casino, you will need to enter personal details including names, address, SSN, phone number, and email. You will also need to provide a payment account when you deposit or withdraw money. Make sure all details are accurate because they will be subject to verification checks.
How do online casinos verify my identity?
Verifying your identity – also known as KYC checks - is a process that may require several steps and your full compliance. Normally, you will be asked to provide a copy of your ID or driver's license. Additional documents like utility bills, or payment transactions may be required as proof of address or ownership.
Can I register at more than one online casino in the same state?
Feel free to set up a casino account at multiple sites if you want to. There's no regulation against that. What you can't do is claim a welcome bonus more than once per household. As far as creating multiple accounts goes, it's not a problem for you or anyone who is of legal age.
Conclusion – The Online Casino Sign Up Process is Easy
In my earnest opinion, casino sites and legislature have done the impossible to simplify this process. You can use convenient and at-hand methods to verify your identity, such as email, phone, and a simple copy of your ID. All the footwork is on the side of the casino, having to check everything and make sure it is compliant with the law.
Mike is one of our most senior team members and contributes with over 20 years of experience in the gambling industry. He's our online and land-based casino review expert and a blackjack enthusiast. Mike's a table games strategist and is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions.
More about MikeWe do our best to keep you au courant with current gambling legislation and the ongoing trends in the field. If you'd like to learn more about our mission, feel free to visit our About Us page. We have many more guides that will be helpful to you along your journey as an online gambler.
References
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Unravelling Its History & Importance, (December 12, 2023), KycHub, Retrieved December 19, 2023
- About the National Problem Gambling Helpline, (November 22, 2023), National Council on Problem Gambling, Retrieved December 19, 2023
- Chapter 69O Internet and Mobile Gaming, New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, Retrieved January 16, 2024