The UIGEA is the acronym for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It is the reason why a safe sports betting site for US players must be based outside of America, and use certain funding methods. The UIGEA was passed in 2006 in order to combat the crime that went along with online betting sites. The law prevents online sportsbooks from sending funds to players’ credit cards, targeting site operators who are “engaged in the business of betting or wagering.”It should be noted that the UIGEA is not aimed at individual players, but rather organizations that run betting sites as a business. There is much controversy surrounding the UIGEA, which we will explain in the following FAQ.
Q: Why was the UIGEA created?
A: Lawmakers didn’t want operators of online betting sites to be making a profit. Since land-based sports betting was already illegal thanks to PASPA and the Wire Act, the UIGEA closed any loopholes that were left. The law does not go after the casual player making a small bet, but rather the business that is making huge profits.
Q: What was the original intent of the law?
A: The intent was to prevent operators of online betting sites from making a profit. However, since there is no law to prevent US bettors from using legal online betting sites based offshore, the UIGEA’s effectiveness is questionable. It should be noted, also, that Nevada and Delaware offer online sportsbooks, but only for residents of those specific states.
Q: How does the UIGEA affect online sportsbooks?
A: Since the UIGEA only really affects online sportsbooks from sendinmoney in certain ways, its effect is minimal. As long as players use legal, safe US sports betting sites that are based outside of the country, them and the sportsbooks are safe. These sites are actually designed specifically for US residents, and accept players from all 50 states.
Q: How can I make deposits and withdrawals with the UIGEA in place?
A: All legal, safe online sportsbooks for US players offer many options for deposits and withdrawals. Once the money goes into your account, it becomes credit, similar to how at regular casinos, you bet with poker chips instead of cash. These sites offer numerous legal and safe deposit methods and payout options including credit/debit cards (for deposits), and checks or cash wires (for payouts).
Q: Are these methods safe?
A: Absolutely. These sites are outfitted with the latest, most up-do-date security and encryption features. Rest assured, no one will be able to access your account with these security features. These sites take extreme measures to protect your money and your identity. There has never been an account of a member losing money or personal information.
Q: Does the UIGEA affect me in any other way?
A: Not as long as you stick to a site that is trustworthy, and operating outside of America. It would affect you if, say, you are from Georgia and you try to use an online sportsbook based in Nevada or Delaware. That’s against the law and a direct violation of UIGEA regulations. As long as you use one of the sites we recommend, you’ll be fine.
Q: Do you think there will be changes to the UIGEA?
A: It’s definitely possible. The UIGEA is a controversial law, and there are lawmakers who have spoken out against it. The law has been heavily criticized because it was tacked on to the end of an unrelated bill, the Safe Port Act. Lawmakers said no one had a chance to read it before it was passed, and there are many legislators that are trying to change or rop the law.
Q: So, I can use an online sportsbook without legal repercussions?
A: Yes, as long as you use one that is legal. Just don’t use one that doesn’t have a license, and don’t use one based in Nevada or Delawarunless you are a resident of either of those states. Again, the UIGEA isn’t aimed at casual bettors. The government has no interest in prosecuting the end-user, but rather wants to nip the problem in the bud which leaves those who wager for entertainment in the clear.
Q: Do I need to worry about anything else?
A: The only other thing you need to be aware of is state age-to-bet law. The sites set the age at 18, but some states laws set the age higher, as high as 21. Just use your head and follow the state age, and you should be fine.
Now that you know the ins and outs of the UIGEA, we can focus on the fun stuff, like choosing a great, legal sports betting site for US players. We have conducted an exhaustive search of the internet, and found some killer sites that we know you will love. And best all, they are safe, licensed and legal. These online sportsbooks allhave valuable bonuses and convenient features that make it easy for you to win big, and often.
Those looking for a straight up sportsbooks without the added bells and whistles that tend to distract rather than help need to check out 5Dimes. This US sports betting site distills all the best aspects of a world-class, ‘Vegas style sportsbook into a simple to use format. You will find everything from baseball to water polo, and all that is in between. Professional and amateur sports are represented, and there are tons of wager types for your betting pleasure. U.S. residents from all fifty states make money here every day, and you can too..
The 5Dimes group outshines the competition by offering a massive selection of odds and lines, as well as a myriad of funding options. The best thing about this site is that it has been operating legally for over two decades, which makes for a comfortable wagering experience since you know that you and the site are not breaking any laws. For those looking for a safe and secure online sportsbook that accepts US players, 5Dimes is the place to be.