Online casinos are thriving, now that we’ve got the technology to create a safe and exciting environment for players. I personally have been playing at online casinos since 1999, and almost all of the changes have been for the better.

I say “almost” because I’m a player from the United States, and the situation for US players has gone from ‘more and more promising’ to ‘extremely cautious’. When Congress passed the unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act as a minor item on the Safe Ports Act (under dubious circumstances, as well), many completely legitimate and respectable companies decided to stop offering their services to the online casino USA market (as well as bingo, poker, and sports betting).

Sure, there are a few online gambling enterprises still offering high quality gaming to US customers. Cherry Red Casino compares to the best online casinos anywhere in the world, and I have nothing but good things to say about Crazy Slots, Go Casino, Caribbean Gold Casino, and a handful of others that we’ll get to soon enough.

However, the US-friendly casinos have understandably seen a bit less growth and innovation than their international contemporaries. Promising new services such as live dealers and mobile online betting are getting much more attention elsewhere, and US-based casinos still struggle to deliver bigger progressive jackpots and live tournaments for online slots and other games. There’s little doubt that our European contemporaries are enjoying more variety, if not a higher standard of quality.

So what can we do about it? Well, there is currently a debate going on in Congress about delaying, repealing, or replacing the offending UIGEA, so you could always make your feelings known to your state Senators and Representatives.

More effective and fun approach would be to play at one of the better US-friendly casinos. The more business these companies get, the more resources they have to devote to development and staying competitive with the bigger international websites. Plus, as a player, your voice means more to the companies themselves, so you can always give them feedback on how to make a better and more attractive product.