Crypto sports betting in the US – What does the law say?
Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, each US state has determined whether or not gambling is permitted and what types of gambling it will allow. While some states are very liberal and permit almost everything in terms of
online betting sites, others remain staunchly against gambling. However, one thing is definite –
crypto betting apps
and casinos that accept cryptocurrencies are a big no-go area.
The US is not alone in this stance: at the current time, none of the Tier 1 authorities, including the UKGC, CySEC, and ASIC, are prepared to license online sportsbooks or casinos which offer cryptocurrency payment methods. Even the very best crypto betting sites remain excluded for the time being.
A safe alternative – sweepstakes casino sites
Exploring the alternatives: online sportsbooks and sweepstakes casinos
So the unfortunate truth is that
Bitcoin betting sites
do not exist in the USA, and we’d extend this point even further: if you find a site that allows US players, you’ll likely want to run in the opposite direction. Such a site operates outside of the law and USA jurisdiction, so it’s not going to be the kind of operator that is worth your time or crypto. There are no ifs or buts to this statement:
legal, safe crypto betting in the USA isn’t a thing.
Thankfully, those looking to gamble online using cryptocurrencies are not completely lost in a non-regulated sea. Sweepstakes casinos are a viable alternative, allowing for the use of cryptocurrencies, and are fully legal in the vast majority of the US. Similarly, those who are simply looking to wager on sports can look to do so at online casinos that make use of traditional payment methods.
Online sports betting with traditional payment methods
Those of you who are feeling a little disappointed that crypto sports betting sites are prohibited across the US will be able to salvage a little joy knowing that online sports betting with traditional payment methods is legal across many US states.
In fact, online sports betting is one of the fastest growing facets of gambling throughout the US and we are finding that state-specific laws and legislation are constantly being reviewed. When searching for a legitimate spot to place your sports bets, you’ll need to find yourself an operator that sports an official license from your state’s regulators. For example, for those residing or visiting the Wolverine State, you’ll need to make sure that the Michigan Gaming Control Board has confirmed an operator’s legal status.
Over at TheGruelingTruth, we save you the hassle of working your way around the market. Instead, we keep our betting gurus busy by sending them off to test the best legal sports betting sites around and ensure that they display all of their findings in detailed operator reviews.
These betting site reviews offer a real user experience of the biggest names across the sports betting world. We take time to review each operator’s legitimacy, bonuses, betting markets, support and payment methods, in an attempt to offer the most well-rounded picture of what players can expect.
So, although crypto betting sites may be off the menu, you can still stick around with TheGruelingTruth for all of your sports betting needs.
How are sweepstakes casinos possible?
The key is found in a quirk of legislation, which allows for providing online casinos that operate in a sweepstakes format. A sweepstakes casino is thus able to offer an online gambling experience akin to a “real” casino, but players win prizes or virtual currency rather than actual funds. Thanks to their specific designation as sweepstakes sites rather than gambling sites, sweeps casinos such as Stake.us can handle cryptocurrency.
Sweepstakes casinos have to meet a number of requirements to retain their unique status. From the perspective of bettors, the most important of these is that it must be possible to play the games and win without spending any money. Most sweepstakes casinos fulfill this requirement by offering login or daily reload bonuses that are free to use; some even take the principle further and will provide branded cash or coins just because someone writes to their HQ and requests it. To further the experience, many casinos also allow for purchasing in-game currency, which you can use to fund gameplay, though this remains optional.
Are any crypto betting sites compatible with sports betting?
Unfortunately, while we’re sure you were cheered by the news that there is a cryptocurrency betting option, we have to be the bearer of bad news once again. Why did we carefully choose our words and only mention sweepstakes
casinos? Alas, at the time of writing, there are no real options for
Dogecoin betting sites, or any other form of crypto sports betting, under the sweepstakes format. If you’re looking to bet on sports or even partake in areas such as daily fantasy sports, something other than cryptocurrency as a payment method is the only option.
Of course, that’s not to say things won’t change in the future, and we’d love to see sports sweepstakes options make their way to the online gambling world. For now, though, casinos under the sweepstakes banner are the only option — but we’d reinforce that they’re a
good
option.
How does a sweepstake casino work?
Sweepstakes casinos are deemed legal across the majority of the US, thanks to the
no purchase necessary
laws. Although many of the best sweepstakes casinos now mimic the great gaming experience found at traditional online casinos, players do not need to make an onsite purchase to play.
Once registered with a top sweepstakes casino site, players will unlock a welcome bonus that provides plenty of chances to play online. Most sweepstakes casinos will make use of two virtual currencies –
Gold Coins
and
Sweeps Coins.
The latter presents players with the chance to walk away with sweepstakes prizes.
Gold Coins are the play-for-fun virtual currency and can often be used to play across the complete gaming portfolio. As noted, Sweeps Coins hold a real-world value and can be converted into cash, vouchers and even merchandise, once minimum requirements have been met.
Before loading up popular slots and casino games, players will be required to choose whether they are playing for fun only or the chance to win more Sweeps Coins. Once a virtual currency has been selected, users can load up their preferred titles, set their
stakes
and click spin – just as they would at a traditional real money casino.
Any Gold Coin wins will then be added straight back into your Gold Coin pot and will be ready for use instantly. The same can be said for Sweeps Coins. However, once that threshold has been met, players can also look to convert for cash prizes or merchandise.
What to expect from the best sweepstakes casinos
While there’s likely to be some understandable disappointment from those looking to bet on sports at
Ethereum betting sites, sweepstakes casinos are a very interesting prospect.
Well-designed, sleek, and easy-to-use, sweepstakes casinos have sought to ensure that they don’t feel like a second-best choice to those who choose to play. You’ll find a plethora of brilliant games with slots, a particular focus, and many proprietary titles to be explored. Moreover, some sweepstakes casinos even offer sweepstakes versions of table games such as poker — a particularly intriguing twist given that conventional online poker legality is not widespread in the US.
Online sweep sites have gone above and beyond to ensure a fun, enjoyable, professional, and legal option for those wishing to use cryptocurrency when betting online. Due to the recent surge in popularity, sweepstakes casinos now offer all sorts of additional perks to crypto players, too. When joining a sweepstakes casino site like Stake.us, you can expect the chance to play on the go, enter social media giveaways and withdraw winnings using your preferred payment methods.
Top sweepstakes casino offers for January
1.
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase – 1.5M CC + 75 SC
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
2.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
3.
200% Extra: 300,000 Gold Coins + 30 SC
4.
625K Golden Coins + Up to 125 SC FREE + 1250 VIP Points
5.
25 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 3.5% Rakeback
Wagering (WR): 3x
Our pick of the sweepstakes casinos: Stake.us
Stake.us is the kind of cryptocurrency betting site that makes the sector proud. Sleek and inherently social — you’ll notice the pop-up chat as soon as you enter the site’s main section — Stake.us is the perfect haven for cryptocurrency enthusiasts interested in spinning the slot reels.
In particular, the brand’s impressive Stake Originals series of slots are as eye-catching and innovative as anything you might find at a conventional betting site. You’ll also find unique takes on blackjack, roulette and video poker, alongside some impressive in-house games, including Dice, Mines and Plinko.
The registration process is nice and simple, allowing new users the chance to sign up using their email, Facebook or Google account. Once authrorized, new players can look to redeem the daily login bonus, gifting players with Gold Coins and Stake Cash.
As you will find across most sweepstakes casinos, Gold Coins are used to play for fun only. Stake Cash, on the other hand, allows Stake users to play on promotional titles and enter competitions that can later be exchanged for your preferred currency, vouchers or Stake.us merchandise. All Stake Cash must be played through three times and meet minimum withdrawal requirements before any conversion can take place.
Although there is no dedicated mobile app currently available, Stake.us players will still find all features are accessible across the smaller screens. Instead of wasting time downloading an app, players can make their way to Stake.us through their mobile browser.
Get your exclusive Stake.us offer today!
25 Stake Cash + 560K Gold Coins + 3.5% Rakeback
Key reasons to avoid crypto betting sites
You’ve read the above, and you’ve understood that crypto betting sites aren’t currently legal in the USA… but you’re still wondering if it’s worth finding a site that will allow you to use crypto to bet.
Let us be your guide in this regard, the voice in the back of your mind that makes it clear why such a choice would likely be disastrous. Let’s cut to the chase and make it clear why you should avoid such sites at all costs:
- Crypto gambling sites are illegal in every US state.
- As a result of the above, there is no legal or financial protection for users of crypto betting sites.
- Operating outside of conventional oversight and regulation, it’s common for crypto betting sites to have unrealistic terms and conditions for bonuses.
- There will be no user-friendly UX and crisp aesthetics as found when using a sweepstakes casino at a crypto betting site; expect poor quality, inadequate or insecure
Bitcoin betting apps.
- If a site is operating illegally, it should be no surprise that there’s no comeback or way to appeal if a crypto betting site doesn’t pay out your winnings. You could see your Bitcoin vanish into the ether and have no way of recuperating your loss.
- Naturally, any site operating outside the law will not feel like there’s any need to provide customer support — they operate without any regulatory oversight whatsoever, so keeping customers happy is low to non-existent on their list of priorities.
We want to think that any of those reasons would be enough to set alarm bells ringing for you, but seeing them listed all at once will hopefully put you off completely! The reality, which is crucial for those looking to keep themselves safe, is simple: if you’re looking for a crypto betting site in the USA, you’re looking for something that doesn’t exist. To stay within legal confines and enjoy all of the regulatory oversight that keeps you as a bettor protected, sweepstakes casinos are the best option.
To conclude: legal crypto betting sites don’t exist but sweeps casinos offer an option
It’s always disappointing when you want to use a product, service, or website and then discover your preference doesn’t exist. We’re sure those looking for crypto betting sites in the USA have experienced no small amount of dismay while reading through sections of this article.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of reasons for cheer. Sweepstake casinos, particularly the impressive and legal Stake.us, offer an oasis in the desert. These sites allow you to enjoy an online casino experience within the full confines of the law, enjoying all of the protection and high-quality service you would expect. Of course, for those of you hoping to build single-game parlays and wager on the go, traditional online sportsbooks are now legal across most US states.
Legal betting sites
without
crypto payments
1.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Bet now
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
2.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
5.
Bet now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Crypto betting FAQs
❓ Is crypto betting legal?
The laws relating to any online gambling, which includes crypto sports betting and crypto casinos, will vary according to where you live. If you live in the USA, sports betting with crypto is illegal. However, there are alternatives, as we have detailed on TheGruelingTruth.
🪙 Which are the best crypto betting sites?
Crypto gambling is a very sensitive topic and one that you need to have a full understanding of before you get involved. As noted in our
Bitcoin sports betting guide, crypto betting sites are not legal in a number of countries, including the USA. Our guide to sweepstakes casinos provides a thorough overview of the legal alternatives that are suitable for US players.
🏇 Will I get good betting odds at crypto sports betting sites?
Crypto betting sites in the USA do not legally exist, so you will need to select another payment method if wishing to wager on sports online. When doing so, you will find that some sportsbooks are better than others when it comes down to the odds they offer, irrespective of the payment methods they choose to accept. If you want to find the sportsbooks with the best odds for US sports bettors, then head over and take a look at our sportsbook review section.
There’s a good deal of variation when it comes to mobile apps for sports betting, though it is currently not legal to join
Litecoin betting sites
or make use of any alternative cryptocurrency to gamble in the USA. If you are looking to bet with a payment method other than crypto, there are more options available. Some sportsbooks only offer mobile-optimized versions of their website, but others offer fantastic native apps for the top mobile operating systems. If betting on the go is important to you, you’ll find there’s a section covering that topic in every one of our in-depth reviews.
