INSIDECASINO.USInsideCasino.us may earn a commission when you visit a casino through a link on this site. It never changes a score: see how we score. Not legal advice. 21+ only.
Guides in this section
Are they legal?What federal law says, what depends on your state and the practical risks.LicensesWhat a Curaçao, Malta, Anjouan or Nevis license means, and how to check one.Withdrawal disputesWhat to do when an offshore casino will not pay, and who can step in.How are offshore casinos different from licensed casinos?
The main difference is who stands behind the site if something goes wrong.
| Licensed casino | Offshore casino | |
|---|---|---|
| License | A US state | None from a US state. Any license is foreign |
| Who checks games | State rules and approved testing | No US state agency |
| Where you complain | The casino, then the state regulator | The casino, or a foreign body if one applies |
| Age and identity checks | Required by state rules | Attorneys general say they are not effective |
What does an offshore casino license mean?
An offshore casino license means another country issued it, not that a US state approved the site. Curaçao, a common example, brought in a new gaming law on December 24, 2024, and its regulator publishes a license register and a player complaints policy. Check any license claim on the regulator's own register, and do not treat it as equal to a US state license.
Why do attorneys general object to offshore casinos?
In August 2025, a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general asked the US Justice Department to act. They said offshore sites offer limited or no consumer protections, fail to verify ages effectively and have been linked to money laundering and fraud. They estimated illegal online gaming at more than $400 billion in volume a year, costing states more than $4 billion in tax revenue, and said federal enforcement has been extremely limited since 2013.
Does InsideCasino.us review offshore casinos?
No. We do not review, rank or link to offshore brands. We explain the risks so that you can decide. See whether offshore casinos are legal, and how to find a licensed casino if your state has them.
What are the rules in your state?
Each state sets its own online casino rules. Pick a state to see its status, its regulator and the date we last checked it.
Read next: Are they legal?
Sources
Checked November 5, 2026. Regulator rules were read through the sources listed, and they can change. How we research.