What exactly is Ethereum and why can’t you use it for betting?
If you have had any experience with cryptocurrencies, then you’re certain to have heard of Ethereum, but if you haven’t, here is a quick synopsis for you. Ethereum is a crypto coin which launched back in September 2014 and has since maintained its second-place popularity behind Bitcoin.
While Ethereum can be used for other types of purchases, the fact of the matter is – as outlined in our
Bitcoin sports betting guide
– all crypto betting is illegal in the US.
Crypto sportsbook sites, including any Ethereum sports betting sites, are not a legitimate option for bettors in the US. This is even the case if you happen to live in one of the states where real money gambling has been legalized with traditional payment methods. As these sites are based offshore (outside of the United States), they are in fact directly contravening US laws by offering their services to US residents.
Although it’s usually the illegal crypto betting operators themselves that the authorities will pursue, in certain states, it’s actually a federal offense for residents to gamble using an offshore site. On top of that, they can put both your funds and your personal details at risk, as you have no customer protection.
So, it doesn’t matter if you’re betting from your PC or using
crypto betting apps, you should avoid these operators, even if they claim to accept US players.
What we recommend – these top 3 social casino sites instead:
Legal alternatives to Ethereum betting sites
Gambling with any form of cryptocurrency is strictly prohibited for US residents. Even the best Ethereum betting sites and the most tempting
Bitcoin betting apps
are illegal and pose a risk.
Don’t be too disheartened if you’re a sports betting fan, though, as there are plenty of legal alternatives. Real money betting with traditional payment methods is already legal in a number of states. On top of that, the US has come a long way in the few short years since the overturning of PASPA in 2018, and several more states are bordering on making a positive decision in the very near future. Whenever there are any changes on the horizon, we’ll make sure to let you know.
If sports betting is legal in your state, you can use our expert reviews and recommendations to find legitimate options to suit you. (Although, do note, none of these sites will offer crypto betting, as this is illegal in the US.)
If you live in a state where real money betting is still prohibited, then don’t worry, as sweepstakes casinos offer a fantastic and free alternative.
What are sweepstakes betting sites and why are they legal?
Sweepstakes betting sites are widely legal across the US (available in 49 states, with Washinton being the outlier). They offer an experience that closely replicates that of its real money alternatives. The reason they’re permitted to many US residents is that they don’t use real money wagers, but instead rely on virtual currencies.
Typically known as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, these currencies mean you don’t have to make any deposit or purchase to wager. Instead, you can collect these coins through a variety of methods, from sign-up bonuses to daily reloads and much more. If you want to extend your time wagering on the site, you can also purchase more Gold Coins (although, Sweeps Coins cannot be bought).
While sweepstakes operators tend to be more focused on casino betting, we’re already seeing sites opening up their options to include sports betting, too. That means there could be plenty of legitimate and free to play sports betting options to rival prohibited Etheruem sports betting sites (which are illegal in the US) in the future.
Stake.us: Our top sweepstakes recommendation
Stake.us is a social sweepstakes site which offers users the chance to play casino games legally. As Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes site, it’s not prohibited under the US gambling laws and you won’t use real money to bet with. Here, you will play only with virtual currency, which can be obtained for free in a variety of fun and creative ways, such as tournaments and social media promotions.
Although sports betting is not yet available on the Stake.us site, you will not be disappointed with what this operator has on offer in its online casino. You’ll find hundreds of different slot titles and casino table games, as well as some awesome live dealer games. Game quality is superb, and you’ll even find Stake originals with the likes of Plinko and Crash.
As well as using your Gold Coins and Stake Cash (their version of Sweeps Coins) to enjoy the varied games library, your Stake Cash can also be redeemed for prizes. Once you have met the minimum requirements and played it through three times, you can redeem your Stake Cash on everything from merchandise to tokens and even cash prizes.
If you sign up with Stake.us using our exclusive TGTSOCIAL bonus code, you’ll qualify for a 5% rakeback on any losses you incur. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with this type of site and broaden your horizons in a safe, legal, and fun way.
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Reasons to avoid Ethereum betting sites
As we have emphasized above, any form of gambling that involves cryptocurrency is illegal and that applies to the whole of the US. Despite that, some bettors seem keen to find out more about these sites and some are even willing to flout the law by signing up with them.
Here are some reasons why, no matter how tempting their offer may seem, you should avoid Ethereum sports betting sites and instead, stick with licensed
online betting sites.
They’re against US online betting laws
There’s no denying that the US laws surrounding gambling either in person or online are somewhat confusing. So, it comes as no surprise that many US residents are at a loss to know what they are (or are not) permitted to do in their state of residence.
If that sounds like you, then we urge you to check the facts before you inadvertently step outside of the law, or get scammed by one of the less-than-scrupulous Ethereum sports betting sites that are all too prevalent. You can always check by going to the official website of your state authorities. But you can also find a list of recommended, legal sports betting sites on our website too.
Bonuses are often deceptive
Extremely aggressive marketing tactics are often employed by the likes of
Bitcoin betting sites, which promise bigger and better bonuses to encourage new sign ups. Some even go so far as claim that crypto gambling sites are legal for US players. As we have explained, that is far from the truth (as they are illegal across the US), but it also explains why so many sports betting fans could be taken in.
We will just reiterate that bigger is most certainly not better if you are acting illegally. Also, at the end of the day, if you take the time to check out the terms and conditions of some of those eye-wateringly big bonuses, you might think twice anyway. These offers are typically deceptive, misleading, and offer impossible to meet terms and conditions. Just remember that very little in life is free.
Payout problems
The most prevalent complaints on crypto gambling forums and user review sites concern delayed or non-existent payouts. As
crypto gambling sites
are illegal in the US, players are afforded no customer protection when playing on them. In addition, these illegal offshore sites typically feature little to no customer support.
All this adds up to the fact that unsuspecting bettors can end up losing their funds with no course of action if they choose to sign up to illegal crypto betting sites. So, it’s always best to avoid these types of operators, whether they’re
Dogecoin betting sites
or
Litecoin betting sites.
Conclusion: There’s plenty of alternatives to Ethereum betting sites
As all crypto betting is illegal in the US, we urge you to avoid Ethereum sports betting sites and stick to only wagering on legal US-licensed sportsbook sites instead. This could include real money betting sites with traditional payment methods in certain states or sweepstakes operators. By doing this, you’ll not only remain on the right side of the law, but you’ll also be guaranteed a safe and enjoyable experience along the way.
Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of the hard work for you. So, why not check out our expert TGT reviews and find yourself a legal betting site that works for you, or take a closer look at what Stake.us has to offer.
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Best Ethereum betting sites FAQ
🎯Which is the best Ethereum sports betting site?
There’s much more to selecting a reputable betting site than the payment methods it accepts. Before you look any further, it’s important to know that all crypto gambling is illegal in the US. That said, there are plenty of alternatives available to you. Check out our expert guide to discover more about the legalities surrounding gambling with cryptocurrencies, as well as find ways to help you choose a legal and safe alternative.
🪙Is crypto betting legal in the US?
Anyone who lives in the United States will be only too aware that the laws surrounding gambling are not only highly complex, but also very confusing and vary from state to state. However, one thing that is true across all states is that crypto gambling is illegal. While this may be disappointing for some, the good news is that there are plenty of alternative options, and we’re here to guide you through them.
💰Do any licensed sportsbooks accept cryptocurrency deposits?
While some betting sites may claim that they accept both cryptocurrencies and US players, the truth is that crypto gambling is prohibited throughout the US. This means that these sites are not only illegal but can put your funds and personal details in a compromising position. Click through to our expert guide to learn more about why you should avoid this type of site, as well as what legitimate alternatives are available to you.
