Flash casinos, and flash slots especially, are more popular now than ever before, and for good reason. They keep all of the advantages of the traditional downloaded online casino, but without the download. Flash programming has improved over the years, so a flash casino is no longer a pale imitation of the regular software; rather, flash casinos have grown the bells and whistles that make the online casino experience so much fun.

The Best US-friendly Flash Casinos

The shake-ups in US law regarding online gaming have made flash casinos a good option for American players. With online gaming in legal limbo in the States, many players are reluctant to download the regular software, and prefer playing on the no-download flash versions. In response, a number of big names in the online gambling world are making their flash casinos friendly to the US market.

Among the best US-friendly flash casinos are:

Each of these casinos has its own unique look and feel, but they all share two important aspects: they are all accessible to players in the United States, and they all offer Flash versions for players who don’t want to download the software package.

At each of these casinos, the flash version, which uses the standard Macromedia Flash player common to Windows PCs, is easy to find: just look for the large, "Instant Play" or "No Download" icon on the homepage. Each casino locates the icon near the main link to the download version; they want it to be easy to find, as it helps to make the casino portable.

The flash versions of the casinos are pretty good. They don’t always show as many "bells and whistles" as the download versions, but because you, the player, don’t have to install software on the PC to run them (virtually every PC these days has a flash player, and if it doesn’t, the web page will prompt you download one!), you can use the flash casino to play from any computer terminal.

Within the flash casinos, the features run the way you’re used to: you’ll get the same variety of games, the same access to banking and customer services features, and the same chances to win big.

After the similarities, these five casinos strive, successfully, to give their customers a unique experience. Just as you’ll see different themes and motifs in land-based casinos, so the online casinos all want to have their own "personality."

English Harbour Casino and Caribbean Gold are similar; they are relatively small casinos, offering about 65 to 80 games, with slightly indolent, British/Caribbean themes. You’ll see some nautical motifs, especially in some of the slot games, and the website at Caribbean Gold has a Windward Islands background. The games, while there are fewer of them, don’t lose anything in variety: you’ll be able to play table games like craps, blackjack, and roulette; video poker; and, of course, the slots. English Harbour has an excellent section of "Specialty Games," most of which are unique to this casino; check them out, you won’t find anything like them anywhere else on the Web.

Silver Dollar Casino pulls out the stops with a Western-style look. From the ten gallon hats, the "Wanted – Winners" posters, and the Old West fonts, you’ll like you’ve stepped through a time warp to an Wild West Saloon. The games, however, are the best that modern online casinos can offer. A particularly nice feature of this casino is the game preview section on the website; you’ll be able to check out some of their offerings before you even open up an account, so you won’t have to waste any time deciding what to play. Just do a quick preview, and start riding those games!

Super Slots Casino is just that: a super place for slots. Their collection of more than 100 games is based around a wide variety of slots, video slots, and progressive slots; more than enough slot machine action to satisfy anyone. The casino’s look is pretty no-nonsense; there’s no particular theme, but all of the information you need is readily available and easy to find. Super Slots is a good place for a serious gamer.

All of these casinos currently accept deposits from US players; despite the UIGEA, they’ve opted to remain open to the American market. While most of the web-wallet financial options are not available to US players, Americans can use credit cards with online casinos, or, if the resource is available, establish an "offshore" bank account to use with the casino. You’re US address, however, will not bar you from any of these casinos. While the restrictions American players face are annoying, there is hope; legislation currently before Congress looks to overturn the UIGEA, as well as legalize and regulate online gaming. In the meantime, English Harbour Flash Casino, Caribbean Gold Flash Casino, Silver Dollar Flash Casino, and Super Slots Flash Casino are all waiting for you!