The online casino industry in the US is still in its infancy days but rapidly growing. There are currently only 3 states (out of 50) that allow online casinos to operate. The first state to legalize online gambling was Delaware in 2012, followed by New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
SugarHouse is one of the few online casinos that operate in the US. It is also one of the oldest and most known online casinos, but is it worth your time and money?
About SugarHouse
SugarHouse online casino was launched in 2016 in New Jersey by Rush Street Interactive. It is certified by the Division of Gaming Enforcement in New Jersey. With over 200 games and a growing market, SugarHouse is becoming one of Atlantic City’s biggest competitors.
In such a short history, SugarHouse is one of the oldest or one of the newest online casinos in the US, depending on your perspective. It is also highly reputable as a governing authority certifies for its products and services.
SugarHouse online casino is partnered with Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City as the law requires an online casino operator to have a land-based affiliate.
Welcome Bonus
Sugarhouse online casino has one of the most generous sign-up bonuses on the market. It is a welcome bonus of 100% free match up to $250 with 1x wagering requirement.
It is only available if you are a new member. You have to use the code: 250MATCH when you make your first deposit and the bonus amount will be credited to your account. You then have to bet that amount one time in order to have access to its potential winnings.
For example:
● You sign up and deposit $250 using the 250MATCH code and receive $250 in bonus.
● You have to gamble $250 in the online casino (or sportsbook) before you can withdraw any winnings
Considering most online casinos offer a welcome bonus with much higher wagering requirements, SugarHouse shines in this department.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
● Comfort – you get to have the casino experience from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to worry about getting dressed and making your way to a brick-and-mortar casino. That’s time and money saved by playing SugarHouse casino online.
● Bonuses and promotions – even though it’s a relatively new market, existing US online casinos are in fierce competition for players due to the value of the market. SugarHouse offers a very appealing sign-up bonus to turn you into their player and other promotions to keep you on their platform. For example, there is the Bonus Store Points where you earn points for every single wager you make in the casino. You can then redeem those points for rewards in the Bonus Store.
● Higher RTPs – land-based casinos usually operate games at a 70-85% RTP to players. Almost all games on SugarHouse online casino have an RTP of 90% and above. RTP means Return To Player, the amount you expect you get back compared to your stakes.
● Flexibility – you can play 24/7, regardless of where you are as long as you are in New Jersey.
Disadvantages
● Limited to New Jersey – while you don’t have to be born or live in New Jersey, you do have to be located in New Jersey at the time you wish to use the SugarHouse casino online.
● Different experience – no matter how realistic online casino games get, they can never completely replace the experience of actually being in a casino to gamble. Social interactions, atmosphere, sounds and smells are just a few things where an online casino cannot compete against a land-based one.
Choice of Casino Games
SugarHouse online casino offers a variety of games, from live table games to the hottest slots machines. Casino categories include:
- Table Games
- Poker
- Slots
- Asian Gaming
- Progressive Slots
Considering each of these categories has numerous games under it, SugarHouse online casino offers a wide range of selections on what to bet on.
Payment Methods
SugarHouse online casino offers a wide range of methods to deposit and withdraw funds to and from your online account.
Deposit
● Cash – you can go to the physical location of the Golden Nugget Casino with an official government-issued form of ID, and deposit funds directly into your online account. Funds will be available instantly online.
● Online banking – available instantly and without having to put in your personal financial information. Instead, you just need to log in to your bank, using your username and password. Hundreds of banks across the USA are accepted.
● PayNearMe – add funds to your SugarHouse online casino account through retail stores around you such as 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy.
● SugarHouse Play+ Card – similar to a prepaid card. You load funds to your Play+ Card by cash, credit/debit card or bank transfer. Then you are able to use those funds for your online SugarHouse casino account. Alternatively, you can use the Play+ Card to withdraw money from ATMs.
● Credit/Debit card – you can add funds using your debit or credit card. You do have to enter the 16 digit card number, expiration date and CVV.
● PayPal – the world’s most popular eWallet couldn’t miss from the list. You can use PayPal to fund your account instantly.
Withdraw
The methods available to withdraw funds from your SugarHouse casino online account are the same as the ones to deposit funds, with a couple of exceptions:
- You cannot withdraw funds using PayNearMe
- You can withdraw funds by requesting a check
Smartphone Friendly
SugarHouse online casino is all about convenience, portability and diversity. As such, it is available free of charge on iOS and Android devices. You can play casino games on the go, on your smartphone or tablet, as long as you have an Internet connection.
The mobile versions are user-friendly, with excellent speeds and graphics. The blue and white colour combination makes it easy on the eyes to use the casino from your cell phone, regardless of where you are.
Customer Care
SugarHouse is one of the first US online casinos in what is shaping up to be a market with huge financial potential. The competition among online casinos in the US is already fierce, and will only grow bigger. Getting new customers doesn’t do much good if a business is not able to keep them loyal to their brand.
This is where the level of customer support plays a crucial role. SugarHouse understands that principle and offers:
● Live Chat – you get an almost instant response from an actual person, instead of a bot. You don’t even have to be a member to use this feature, so any hesitations you might have, do let their support team know
● Phone – live phone help number at 855 752 9101
● Email – a more relaxed form of customer service, where you don’t have to wait for someone to answer your live chat or your phone calls. Instead, you can ask for assistance by sending an email and reading its reply when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org.