CSGOEmpire in the USA: Banned, Why, and What to Use Instead

Updated October 22, 2026 · By the MyCS2Guru Editorial Team

Short version for the American bros: CSGOEmpire doesn't accept players from the United States. It's not a glitch, it's not temporary, and it's spelled out in the site's own terms. A lot of US players only find out after signing in with Steam, depositing skins or seeing a blocked message, so this page explains exactly what the rule says, why it exists, what it means for any account you already have, and what you can legally use instead if you're in the States.

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What CSGOEmpire's terms actually say

CSGOEmpire's terms of service, last updated July 7, 2026, have a section called "Who Can Use CSGOEmpire." It says you must be over 18 and over the legal gambling age where you live, that checking whether gambling is legal for you is your responsibility, and that because it's a licensed gambling website it can't accept players from a list of countries. That list includes "the United States of America and its territories."

So it's not just the 50 states. Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and other territories are covered too. The same list also blocks the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands, among others.

The terms then add a line many people miss: "Due to the way we are regulated, some players may have their account restricted to trading functions alone and will strictly not be allowed to use any casino functions." In other words, Empire can decide to let some restricted accounts use only the marketplace. That's Empire's call, not something you can switch on.

Why the US is blocked

CSGOEmpire's help centre says the site holds a Curaçao gambling licence and that, under that licence and local rules, it's required to block certain locations from gambling. The company behind it is listed as Moonrail Limited in Curaçao.

The US is a complicated market for online gambling. Online casino gaming and sports betting are regulated state by state, and an offshore operator generally can't just open its doors to Americans without facing legal risk. Rather than navigate 50 different sets of rules, many offshore-licensed sites simply block the whole country. Empire is one of them, alongside other big markets with strict local regulation.

"CSGOEmpire banned in the US" vs "CSGOEmpire banned me"

People search "banned in US" for two different reasons, so let's separate them.

• The site is blocked for US players. That's the location rule above. It applies to everyone in the US.
• Your account was banned or restricted. That's an account action. If you're in the US, a location-related restriction is the likely reason. If you're outside the US and got restricted, Empire's help centre says you can appeal to support, and decisions are handled case by case.

What if you already have an account?

If you signed up while living somewhere allowed and later moved to the US, or you're American and created an account anyway, here's what to know:

1. The responsibility is on you. The terms say ensuring you're legally permitted to use the service is the user's sole responsibility.
2. Don't keep playing. Gambling from a blocked location breaks the terms and is the fastest way to end up with a restricted account.
3. Contact support about your balance. Explain your situation honestly. The help centre says account reviews and restrictions are handled by support.
4. Expect checks. KYC and manual reviews are normal parts of Empire's process, especially before withdrawals.

Why we won't tell you to use a VPN

You'll find plenty of pages and videos about "how to play CSGOEmpire in the US." We're not going to be one of them. Masking your location to get around a gambling site's country block breaks its terms, can break local law, and gives the site a clear reason to close your account and hold your balance. It's also exactly the kind of thing that turns into a "they stole my skins" Reddit post later. The smart move is to use a site that actually accepts players where you live.

Try Clash.gg Free Cases

What US players can use instead: Clash.gg

If you're in the US and want case battles, case openings and similar games, the main alternative we recommend is Clash.gg. It works differently from Empire:

• Sweepstakes model. Clash.gg's terms describe it as a social gaming platform with a free sweepstakes. You play with Gold Coins (no cash value) or Gems (used in sweepstakes play, which can be redeemed for prizes).
• US availability. Its terms say it offers its services in the United States except Idaho, Montana, Michigan, Nevada and Washington.
• Age 18+ or the age of majority in your state.
• No code needed. Claim free cases on Clash.gg through our link.
• Free entry options. There's a mail-in method for free Gems, a Gold Coins faucet when you run out, and rain every 30 minutes for players who are level 10+ or verified.

There are also limits worth knowing: in New York and Florida, the maximum redemption is $5,000 per play, and crypto redemptions that come from card deposits require KYC. Read our Clash.gg US legality guide for the state-by-state details.

CSGOEmpire vs Clash.gg for US players

For the full head-to-head, see Clash.gg vs CSGOEmpire.

What about CS2 match betting in the US?

Empire's match betting isn't available to US players either, since the whole site is blocked. If betting on CS2 matches is what you want, the legal route in the US is a state-licensed sportsbook in a state where sports betting is legal and esports markets are approved. Coverage varies a lot: some states allow esports betting on major events, some don't allow it at all, and the menu of CS2 markets is usually smaller than on offshore books. Check your state gaming regulator's approved event list before assuming CS2 is on offer. Our CS2 betting guide covers how match betting works in general.

Is CS2 skin gambling legal in the US at all?

There's no simple yes or no. Federal law doesn't directly address skin gambling, and state laws vary. Sweepstakes-style sites like Clash.gg rely on a "no purchase necessary" free entry route, which is why they can operate in most states, but several states have passed or proposed laws aimed at sweepstakes casinos, and the list of excluded states can change. Valve's own Steam rules also prohibit using Steam trading for commercial gambling activity, which is why skin gambling sites keep their own balances and marketplaces. Always check your state's current rules and the site's terms before playing.

Other countries CSGOEmpire blocks

If you travel or know players abroad, these are also on Empire's blocked list per its terms: Afghanistan, Cuba, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, North Korea, Mauritius, Slovakia, Spain, Syria, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Montenegro, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands (including Curaçao and other parts of the Kingdom), Australia, Venezuela, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Somalia, Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic and Palestine. Players in Canada, most of Latin America and much of Europe aren't on that list, but always check the live terms before signing up.

US traders: where do you buy and sell skins?

Plenty of Americans used Empire mainly for its P2P marketplace rather than roulette. If that's you, losing access stings, but you have options that don't involve breaking anyone's terms:

• Steam Community Market. Always available, fully inside Steam, but funds stay in your Steam Wallet and Valve takes a fee on every sale. See our Steam market fee guide.
• Third-party trading marketplaces that accept US users. Compare fees, cash-out methods and trade protection handling before listing anything. Our CS2 skin trading sites guide walks through what to check.
• Selling for cash. If you want money out rather than other skins, read how to sell CS2 skins for the safest routes.
• Clash.gg's on-site store. Clash.gg uses a balance system and an on-site store for redeeming skins, but its terms ban using the shop just to swap skins without playing, so it isn't a trading platform.

Whatever you use, Steam's trade protection and trade holds still apply, so plan around them.

Travelling or moving: what changes?

Location rules follow where you're playing from, not just the passport you hold. A few scenarios:

• Non-US player visiting the US. You're in a blocked location for the trip, so don't gamble on Empire while you're there.
• US citizen living abroad in an allowed country. You're governed by the rules where you actually live. Check that country's status in the terms and its local law.
• Moving to the US with an existing account. Stop playing, withdraw what you can before you move if you're still in an allowed country, and contact support about anything left.
• Military or overseas territories. US territories are blocked too, so Guam, Puerto Rico and the rest don't count as a loophole.

If in doubt, ask Empire's support before you deposit, not after.

Common US player mistakes

• Signing up through a random "US mirror." Lookalike domains that promise US access are a phishing risk. Empire's help centre warns that scam sites use fake Steam login pages to steal accounts.
• Depositing skins before checking eligibility. Read the terms first.
• Assuming trading-only is automatic. It isn't.
• Following a "US promo code" video. Codes don't change country rules.
• Chasing losses on a site you'll get locked out of. Don't.

Step by step: getting started legally in the US

1. Check you're 18+ and not in Idaho, Montana, Michigan, Nevada or Washington.
2. Go to Clash.gg through a trusted link and check the address bar.
3. Sign in with Steam and turn on Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator (trades need it active 15+ days).
4. Claim free cases on Clash.gg through our link, no code needed.
5. Join the Discord and connect your account if you want the free case rewards.
6. Complete KYC early if you plan to redeem crypto.
7. Set a budget before your first battle.

Quick answers to the questions US players DM us

"My friend in Texas plays on Empire, so it must be fine." It isn't. The terms block the whole country, and what your friend is doing puts his account at risk, not yours in the clear.

"I only want to open the free case." The free case is part of signing up and playing, which US players aren't allowed to do.

"Is Clash.gg the same company?" No. Clash.gg is run by Rust Clash Entertainment Ltd in Cyprus, while Empire is run by Moonrail Limited in Curaçao.

"Can I withdraw what I have?" Talk to Empire support and be honest about where you are. Don't keep wagering in the meantime.

Bottom line

CSGOEmpire is off-limits in the US and its territories, full stop. Its terms block American players because of the way it's licensed, and trying to get around that puts your account at risk. If you're in an eligible state, Clash.gg is the straightforward alternative with a sweepstakes model built for US players. For more on Empire's reputation outside the US, see is CSGOEmpire trusted.

18+ only. CSGOEmpire isn't available in the US, UK, Australia and other restricted countries. Clash.gg isn't available in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada or Washington. See our responsible gambling page.

claim free cases on Clash.gg through our link