We report industry news and stay on top of site launches.
About Us – PlayUSA.com
PlayUSA.com is the player’s playground.
In the vast, exciting world of legal, regulated US online gambling, we’ll provide you with the resources to bet wisely, discover new sites, and have fun doing it.
Behind every piece of content we produce, our mission depends on the following principles:
- ⚖️ Engage only with legal gambling products
- 👋 Perform hands-on testing
- 🎰 Reflect the player’s experience
- 🎗️ Center all content on responsible gaming
- 📰 Report relevant industry news
- 🤝 Maintain editorial independence (even from affiliate partners)
About PlayUSA by the numbers
PlayUSA’s expansion story
Founded in 2017 to cover the exploding world of legal US online gambling, PlayUSA has become a player hub for slot enthusiasts, online casino players, and many other types of online gamblers.
Here’s a timeline of our site’s history and major developments.
- Jan. 2017 – PlayUSA publishes its first news story. Nearly 4,000 more have followed.
- Feb. 2017 – We begin creating guides to online video poker and blackjack to help educate players.
- May 2019 – PlayUSA reviews a sweepstakes casino for the first time — Chumba.
- Dec. 2019 – Michigan launches online casinos, expanding PlayUSA’s legal online casino coverage outside of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
- July 2020 – Our analysis of sportsbooks weathering the pandemic is cited in USA Today.
- Dec. 2022 – PlayUSA predicted massive sports betting growth in 2023.
- Sept. 2024 – PlayUSA surpasses 400 on-site slot demos, which players can spin for free.
- June 2025 – We relaunch sports betting coverage.
- Dec. 2025 – PlayUSA publishes guides to prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.
- Jan. 2026 – We launch the beta version of PlayPerks, an on-site gamification community that allows players to leave honest reviews in exchange for gift card prizes.
How we evaluate casinos and gambling products
Our approach to reviewing online betting products depends on several key factors. Learn the full system in our review process guide.
Closely monitoring new products
Reviewing only legal products
We analyze products in legal jurisdictions. No offshore sites or black-market apps.
Rigorous first-person testing
Our skilled, highly experienced reviewers download the products themselves, play games, and move money on and off the product.
Testing casino games and betting options
To understand the players’ on-site experience, we spin slots, place bets, and make predictions. This is the only way to truly know a product.
Depositing and withdrawing
Financial security is one of the players’ primary concerns when using a new betting product. We put our money where our mouth is.
Comparing sites for context
We arrive at our final review grades by considering industry averages and comparing all new products to the best-in-class options.
Keep play style in mind
Just because a betting app is different—in its games or bonuses—doesn’t mean it’s bad. We’ll always note which kinds of players will likely enjoy or not enjoy a product.
How our reviews and guides are created
1
Page assignment.
The editor determines the site for review. This depends on legality first and foremost.
2
Pick the optimal writer.
The editor assigns to the writer in a legal jurisdiction. This ensures the writer can actually sign up and test the product.
3
Hands-on testing.
The writer spends at least two days playing on the site. This gives ample time to contact customer support, withdraw funds, and see if anything changes bonus-wise from day to day.
4
Ratings and grades are given.
The writer reviews the casino, sportsbook, or slot in accordance with our guidelines. They rate the product against both industry averages and the best products in the field.
5
Editing process begins.
Draft is returned to the editor for polishing and fact-checking.
6
Page is built.
The editor builds the page in the PlayUSA style, including grades and authentically captured screenshots from the testing experience.
7
Publishing and updating.
Page is published and set for weekly updates. We have the writer in the legal jurisdiction check back weekly to note any improvements or degradations in the product.
Editorial standards and independence
Our coverage is built on the following editorial standards:
- Independence: While we may partner with certain casinos, sportsbooks, or slot makers, they never tell us what to write.
- Fairness: In both news and reviews, we report facts. There’s no wild speculation, no personal opinions at play.
- Staff expertise: Our professional editors and writers have decades of collective experience in the iGaming industry. They’re as skilled in the field of journalism as they are avid players.
- Accuracy: If you ever spot a mistake, we’ll make a correction.
Learn more in our full editorial guidelines.
Why responsible gambling matters to PlayUSA
The entire legal US gambling landscape is built on responsible gambling—the idea that players should never be at risk of serious financial harm when betting or playing legally.
In keeping with those fundamentals, our coverage is built on the idea that players are safe and have fun. We always want players to work within a budget and be mindful when they play. This leads to smart bets and a positive, well-controlled experience.
For anyone struggling with problem gambling, we recommend immediately utilizing the following resources:
Responsible gaming tools
- BetBlocker – Free software now integrated with major operators (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM). It offers customizable scheduling to block access during high-risk periods, such as playoffs or weekends.
- Gamban – Instantly blocks gambling apps and websites on all your devices.
- GameSense – Education-focused program offered by many casinos to promote healthy play habits.
Resources for help
- 1-800-GAMBLER – Free, confidential helpline across most U.S. states.
- NCPG Help By State – A hub to find resources where you live.
- Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and community nationwide.
Meet the PlayUSA team
How journalists use PlayUSA
If you are a member of the media, welcome! Thank you for visiting PlayUSA as a potential resource. Visit our media inquiries page to assist you in your research and address any inquiries. We have a team of experts at the national and regional levels to assist. The following pages are often good places to start.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you, please contact press@catenamedia.com.
Our reporting has been featured by the following reputable outlets:
Business information
PlayUSA is part of the Catena Media network of sites, which includes the following outlets.
Contact us
Reach PlayUSA at the following address, phone number, or email for business or media inquiries.
Catena Media US, Inc.
8565 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 150
Las Vegas, NV 89123
702-941-6632
