10 Best Online Blackjack Sites USA 2024

No longer do players need to visit a land-based casino to play blackjack. Instead, simply open an account with a regulated gambling site, deposit some funds, and enjoy blackjack games from the comforts of home.

What’s more, some blackjack sites support live tables — meaning cards are dealt by human dealers in real time.

This guide reveals 10 trusted online blackjack sites offering real money gambling. Discover the best platforms for accepted payment types, withdrawal times, betting limits, house edges, and more.

Reviewing the best online blackjack sites

Read on for more information about the best online blackjack sites. Discover which sites stand out for supported tables, bonuses, payment speeds, and reputation.

1. Wild Casino – Overall best blackjack site with 37 software and live tables supported

Look no further than Wild Casino when playing blackjack online for real money. This established casino site accepts players from around the world — including the US. It takes seconds to register an account, and multiple convenient deposit methods are accepted.

This includes debit/credit cards, bank wires, money orders, and some of the best cryptocurrencies to buy — such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. Wild Casino offers 37 blackjack games, covering software and live dealers. Popular variations include Perfect Pairs, Single Deck, American, 21 Burn, Five Hand Vegas, and Multi-Hand.

Those playing live blackjack games can wager just $10 per round. High rollers can wager up to $50,000 when joining a VIP table. In addition to blackjack, Wild Casino offers roulette, baccarat, lotteries, video poker, and slots. Withdrawals start from just 1 hour when using crypto but can take several days when opting for a bank wire.

Welcome Bonus	Five matched deposit bonuses totaling $5,000 (fiat) or $9,000 (crypto).
Wagering Requirements	40x the deposit and bonus amounts
No. Blackjack Games	37
Live Blackjack?	Yes
Min. Deposit	$20
Payout Time	From 1 hour

2. Everygame – Top-rated online casino with daily reload bonuses of up to $150

The next option to consider is Everygame — an established casino site offering plenty of bonuses and promotions. New players receive a 125% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000. After that, players can claim a daily deposit reload. Depending on the day, deposits are matched by 50-75% up to $150.

Everygame offers just six blackjack variations, which is considerably less than other platforms. Nonetheless, this covers some of the most popular variations— including Vegas Strip, Single Deck, Perfect Pairs, and Atlantic City. What’s more, Everygame also supports other online casino games, including roulette, video poker, and keno.

Slots, including progressive jackpots, are also available. This includes Battle of Rome, Mystic Car, Fruit Blitz, and El Loco. Multiple payment methods are accepted, including debit/credit cards, bank wires, Paysafe, and cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit requirement is just $5 — which is ideal for first-time players.

Welcome Bonus	125% matched deposit bonus of up to $1,000
Wagering Requirements	30x the deposit and bonus amounts
No. Blackjack Games	6
Live Blackjack?	No
Min. Deposit	$5
Payout Time	From instant

3. Bovada – Play live blackjack games with betting limits ranging from $5 to $50,000

Bovada is one of the best payout casinos for playing live online blackjack. It offers more than a dozen blackjack tables with experienced dealers. Not only do tables operate 24/7 but betting limits will suit all budgets. For example, high rollers can wager up to $50,000 per blackjack game while those on a budget can play from just $5.

Live blackjack games come with a maximum RTP of 99.5% — which means the house edge is just 0.5%. Live dealers are also available when playing other popular table games. This includes American and European roulette with minimum stakes of just $1. Baccarat and Super 6 tables are also available.

Bovada also supports slots, sports betting, and live poker rooms. The welcome package offers three matched deposit bonuses. The maximum bonus is $3,000 or $3,750 — depending on whether the player deposits USD or cryptocurrencies. The wagering requirements are 25 times the deposit and bonus amounts.

Welcome Bonus	Three matched deposit bonuses of up to $3,000 (fiat) and $3,750 (crypto)
Wagering Requirements	25x the deposit and bonus amounts
No. Blackjack Games	49
Live Blackjack?	Yes
Min. Deposit	$20
Payout Time	From 1 hour

4. Lucky Creek – New players get a 200% matched deposit bonus of up to $7,500

Lucky Creek is a great option for claiming welcome bonuses. Those joining for the first time will receive a 200% deposit bonus. The maximum bonus amount is $7,500. Plus, new players also receive 30 free spins. Lucky Creek also offers a daily ‘Happy Hour’ bonus, which runs from 6 am to 10 am (EDT).

Simply make a deposit to get 50 free spins. What’s more, those claiming the promotion for seven days straight receive additional bonuses. In terms of blackjack games, Lucky Creek supports Vegas Strip, European, Atlantic City, and Single Deck. Games can be played with software or live dealers.

Lucky Creek also supports roulette, keno, and slots. Video poker games like Deuces Wild and Aces and Faces are also available. Payment methods include debit/credit cards, crypto, and gift cards. The minimum deposit requirement is $20. Unlike other blackjack sites, Lucky Creek doesn’t offer a sportsbook.

Welcome Bonus	200% matched deposit bonus of up to $7,500, plus 30 free spins
Wagering Requirements	60x
No. Blackjack Games	15
Live Blackjack?	Yes
Min. Deposit	$20
Payout Time	Approvals are made daily

5. Las Atlantis – Offers a wide variety of blackjack variations including European and Multi-Hand

Las Atlantis is a popular online casino that supports hundreds of games. This includes 27 blackjack variations, including European, Multi-Hand, Vegas Strip, 21 Burn, American, and Atlantic City. All blackjack games can be played with demo funds or real money.

However, a drawback is that Las Atlantic doesn’t support live blackjack dealers. This is also the case with other supported table games, such as roulette and baccarat. Nonetheless, players will also find a wide range of video slots. This includes fan favorites like Lucky Golden Drop, Chill the Reel, Wild Wild Safari, and Battle Ops.

Las Atlantic accepts a small selection of deposit methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and cryptocurrencies. The latter covers Bitcoin and some of the best altcoins, such as Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, and XRP. Do note that the minimum withdrawal is $150 across all payment types.

Welcome Bonus	$2,800 deposit bonus, claimable five times
Wagering Requirements	35x the deposit and bonus amounts
No. Blackjack Games	27
Live Blackjack?	No
Min. Deposit	$20
Payout Time	From 1 business day

How to pick a real money blackjack site

It’s estimated that more than 5,000 casino sites are active in 2024. The vast majority of platforms support blackjack games. This means choosing a suitable blackjack site can be challenging.

For a start, players should ensure they’re using a safe and regulated platform. Supported blackjack variations, house edges, payment methods, withdrawal times, and bonuses should also be considered.

Our selection methodology is explained in more detail in the following sections.

Reputation and trust

Playing online blackjack in a safe environment is the most important metric. Start by assessing whether the blackjack site is regulated. This information is usually displayed on the homepage. If no licensing details are present, check the general terms and conditions.

If no mention of regulation or licensing can be found, the platform likely operates illegally. Checking the casino’s reputation — especially from former or existing players — is also crucial. The best blackjack sites typically have great reviews and ratings in the public domain.

Players can also evaluate when the casino was launched. We prioritized established platforms when ranking the best providers. We’d also suggest checking which blackjack software providers supply games. Assess whether the provider has its RNG (random number generator) audited by reputable auditors.

Accepted payment types

Players should also prioritize blackjack sites that accept convenient payment methods. Do note that some deposit methods can’t be used for withdrawals. For example, we found multiple blackjack sites that accept e-wallet deposits. But only bank wires and cryptocurrencies were available for payouts.

What’s more, some payment methods are better than others when playing online blackjack. For instance, crypto deposits and withdrawals are often processed in minutes. In contrast, cashing out via a debit/credit card can take more than a week.

Account minimums and fees

Blackjack sites generally have minimum deposit requirements. This can vary depending on the chosen payment method. Withdrawal minimums usually apply, too. For example, players can only withdraw funds from Las Atlantis if they’re cashing out at least $150.

We’d also suggest checking payment fees. For instance, Bovada offers one free bank wire withdrawal every 90 days. Any additional withdrawals within this period are charged $100. This can make cashing out small amounts unviable.

Supported blackjack games

After exploring the fundamentals, the next step is to see which blackjack games are supported. Some of the most popular variations include Vegas Strip, Single Deck, Perfect Pairs, and Atlantic City. Each variation will have a different house edge.

What’s more, there will be varying rules about blackjack payouts, splits, insurance, surrendering, and doubling down. These hand moves are pivotal when crafting an online blackjack strategy. Fortunately, many blackjack casino sites support ‘demo play’, so you can try each variation risk-free.

Not only should variations be explored but also whether you’ll be playing with software or live dealers. Beginners might prefer software-based blackjack — which is backed by an RNG. This is because players can make their moves at their preferred pace. That said, live dealers offer an immersive way to play online blackjack.

Blackjack betting limits

Another important factor when playing online blackjack is betting limits. Each blackjack game will come with a minimum and maximum bet size. This often excludes doubles and splits.

• For example, suppose the maximum bet limit is $50.
• You place a $50 bet and are dealt a 6 and a 4 — totaling 10.
• You decide to double down, meaning you can bet an extra $50.

In terms of averages, we found that the best blackjack sites offer tables with a minimum bet of $5. The same platforms also support VIP tables — often up to $50,000 per hand.

Other casino games

While you might be looking to play blackjack games online, some players also want access to other casino products. Most blackjack sites on this page support a wide range of other table games, including roulette, craps, and baccarat.

Slots are usually supported, too. Not to mention video poker, keno, and sports betting. Choosing one casino site with lots of games is more convenient than having accounts with multiple platforms.

Blackjack bonuses

We mentioned that thousands of casino sites offer blackjack sites. This has created a highly competitive marketplace, meaning most blackjack platforms offer bonuses to attract new customers.

Consider claiming a matched deposit bonus when joining. You’ll boost your blackjack bankroll by at least 100%. Some platforms even offer multiple deposit bonuses to new players. Just make sure you check whether the bonus funds can be used on blackjack.

Withdrawal approval times

Most blackjack players demand fast payment times. After all, cashing out at a land-based casino is instant. It’s simply a case of exchanging casino chips for cash. However, although online blackjack sites offer increased convenience, payment time frames are often much slower.

This is because withdrawal requests are added to the payment department’s queue. They must be checked and approved manually — which can take several days. The best approach is to stick with blackjack sites with fast payout times. Anything below 24 hours is considered swift.

Customer service channels

Not all blackjack sites offer good customer service. For a start, players should check which days and times the support team is available.

Those working 24/7 are preferred. Moreover, check which support channels are available. The best online casinos offer live chat and telephone support.

How does online blackjack for real money work?

If you’re new to playing blackjack online, it’s important to understand how things work before getting started.

First, there are many blackjack sites to choose from. Once a platform has been selected, an account must be opened. This typically requires a KYC process, which means players must provide personal information and ID verification documents. Most platforms will ask for a recently issued proof of address too.

This can be a tax, credit card, or bank statement. Utility bills are often accepted, too. Once the account has been verified, a deposit can be made. Accepted deposit methods often include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, bank wires, and cryptocurrencies.

There’s usually a minimum deposit requirement, although this averages $5-20. After the deposit has been credited, players will have an active account balance. The funds can be used on any supported blackjack game — whether that’s Vegas Strip, Single Deck, or 21 Burn.

The next steps depend on whether you’re playing blackjack with software or live dealers:

• Software-Based Online Blackjack: Often backed by licensed casino developers, software-based blackjack can be played at the player’s own pace. After choosing a stake (e.g., $20), the game starts. The cards are sealed by an RNG, which ensures hands are random. Player moves (e.g., hit, stay, split) can be chosen by clicking on the respective button. There are rarely any time limits when making hand decisions.
• Live Dealer Online Blackjack: Live blackjack games are run by human dealers via a real-time camera feed. Players must choose their stake within the set time limit. The human dealer will then deal cards just like in a real casino. Players are asked for their move when it’s their turn. The dealer will then act accordingly.

Payouts work the same whether you’re playing software or live blackjack games. Bets are deducted from the player’s balance before the game starts.

• For instance, if the balance is $100 and the player bets $30, the balance will show $70.
• If the player wins that particular blackjack game, the winnings are instantly added to the balance.
• So, if the player’s $30 bet returned $60, the $70 balance will now show $130.

Players can request a withdrawal at any time. Unlike a traditional casino, winnings are transferred electronically. This usually needs to be to the same payment method used when depositing. Withdrawal times will vary depending on the blackjack site and the respective payment method.

What blackjack games can you play online?

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular online blackjack games available in 2024:

Classic blackjack

Like most variations, classic blackjack offers even money when beating the dealer. And 3/2 when landing ‘blackjack’.

Players can split pairs up to three times, meaning up to four individual hands. Although double downs are accepted, this is only on the first two cards. Insurance and surrenders are both supported.

European blackjack

European blackjack is slightly less favorable than its classic counterpart. For a start, insurance is only available when the dealer shows an ace.

What’s more, players can only split their cards once, and double downs are only available when holding a 9, 10, or 11. Another drawback is that European blackjack doesn’t support surrenders.

Single deck blackjack

This blackjack variation uses just one deck of cards, which is hugely beneficial for players. After all, players can make moves based on statistical probabilities.

However, there is also a major drawback — players get reduced odds of 6/5 when landing blackjack. This vastly reduces the house edge when compared to other variations.

Multiple-hand blackjack

Multi-hand blackjack is a variation unique to online casinos. It’s played against a software dealer and enables players to play multiple hands. This is often up to five hands per round.

Most multi-hand blackjack games allow double-down on any hand. Moreover, surrenders are typically supported alongside insurance when the dealer holds an ace.

Perfect pairs blackjack

Perfect pairs is a popular blackjack game that offers a side bet. In addition to their main bet, players can place a wager that they’ll be dealt two matching cards.

Odds of 25/1 are typically offered when landing a matching pair (e.g., two 8 of diamonds). Lower odds are offered when landing a pair with a different suit. Most other rules follow the classic blackjack variation.

Live blackjack online

Live blackjack games mirror the real casino experience. However, there’s no requirement to leave home — as live dealers are streamed in real-time. This means players must have a fast internet connection to avoid buffering.

The first step is to choose a live table based on betting limits and the preferred variation. For instance, some tables offer minimum and maximum limits of $10 and $500. Next, players must load their chosen table and click on an available seat. If it’s full, join the waiting list or find another table.

The next step is to choose a bet size. Click on a virtual chip and add it to your seat. For example, suppose you want to bet $250. You could select the $50 chip and add it five times. Once the time limit runs out, the dealer will begin dealing cards — just like in a land-based casino.

Player turns move clockwise, meaning those furthest to the right go first. When it’s your turn, click on a button that reflects the required move. For example, hit, stand, double down, or split. For example, suppose you click on ‘hit’. The human dealer will deal you another card. You’ll then be asked again for your move.

This continues until all players have had their turn. The dealer will then reveal their hand. If the hand is under 17, they’ll take another card. The dealer must stick when landing 17 or more. If you beat the dealer, the winnings will be added to your casino account instantly.

Online blackjack bonuses

We mentioned earlier that most online blackjack sites offer bonuses. No two bonuses are the same — especially when it comes to wagering terms and conditions.

This section explains how blackjack bonuses work and where players can find them.

Matched deposit bonuses

We found that most blackjack gambling sites offer a matched deposit bonus. Players must meet a minimum deposit requirement to qualify. The deposit will then be matched by a certain percentage. This means players will instantly increase their available blackjack funds.

For example:

• Wild Casino offers five matched deposit bonuses totaling $5,000. 
• The first deposit is matched by 250% up to $1,000. 
• So, if you deposited $200, you’d get an extra 250% — which is $500. Therefore, your $200 deposit turns into $700. 
• The next four deposits are matched by 100%. 

Do note that Wild Casino increases the welcome package to $9,000 when depositing cryptocurrencies. Although the deposit bonuses can be used on blackjack — this only includes software-based games. This means live dealer bets aren’t eligible. 

Cashback

Cashback is a popular bonus type with long-term blackjack players. In most cases, the casino site will refund a small percentage of net gambling losses, often based on a 7-day period. 

For instance, let’s say the casino offers 20% cashback. The period runs from Monday to Sunday. During which, you lost $1,000. After Sunday, you receive a 20% refund — which is $200. Cashback rewards usually come without wagering requirements.  

Risk-free bets

Some blackjack sites offer risk-free bets, which can be used to play online blackjack games. These are often low-level bonuses offered to existing players. 

• For example, you might get a $20 risk-free bet every week. 
• Suppose you turn that $20 into $100 — the winnings can often be withdrawn straight away. 
• However, you’ll rarely get the risk-free stake back, meaning you receive $80 rather than $100. 
• Conversely, if the $20 risk-free bet loses, you haven’t lost anything.  

Most risk-free bets come with qualification requirements — such as a minimum deposit amount. 

Deposit reloads

Deposit reloads are also popular with regular blackjack players. They work the same as matched deposit bonuses but usually at much lower amounts. 

For instance, Everygame offers a daily deposit reload of between 50-75%. The maximum reload bonus is $150. In contrast, the Everygame welcome package is valued at $1,000. 

Although deposit reloads are often smaller, they typically come with more favorable wagering requirements. This is a solid trade-off, as you’ve got more chance of converting the bonus funds into withdrawable cash. 

Loyalty rewards

Loyalty rewards are also ideal for regular blackjack players. You’ll normally earn loyalty points whenever a blackjack wager is placed. 

After earning a certain amount, you’ll be upgraded to the next loyalty tier. This means enhanced bonuses — such as free blackjack chips, exclusive deposit reloads, and free spins. 

Deposits & withdrawals at online blackjack sites

Blackjack sites handle electronic payments, meaning players can easily deposit and withdraw funds online. 

However, there’s a lot to consider before getting started. For instance, players must assess which payment methods are accepted. Not to mention account minimums, whether fees are charged, and how long withdrawals take to process. 

The sections below cover the most popular payment types when playing online blackjack. 

Debit/credit cards

The best deposit method when gambling online is debit/credit cards. This is because deposits are usually approved and credited instantly. However, there are also some drawbacks when using this payment type. 

First, many blackjack sites are located offshore — so debit/credit card fees can be extortionate. This is because platforms use third-party processors — such as corresponding banks. The fees are then passed on to players. 

Payment methods at Las Atlantis – Source: Las Atlantis

Fortunately, we also discovered blackjack sites that waive debit/credit card fees. This includes Las Atlantis, which has a minimum deposit requirement of just $30. Moreover, Las Atlantis accepts multiple card issuers, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. 

In terms of withdrawal times, debit/credit card payouts can be slow — especially if currency conversions are in place. Expect to wait at least 3-5 working days for the funds to be refunded back to your card. 

Bank wires

Bank wire deposits typically go through SWIFT. This is unless you’re using a domestic blackjack site that supports local banking networks — such as SEPA or ACH. SWIFT transfers can take up to five working days — or more if correspondent banks are required. 

Most blackjack sites offer fee-free bank deposits, but players must cover transaction fees on their end. Withdrawing funds via bank wire is another story. We found several blackjack sites that charge a percentage and flat fee. 

Another drawback is withdrawal times. First, players must wait for the blackjack site to process the bank wire payout. This can take up to a week. Once processed, players must wait for the payment to arrive, which can take additional days. 

Crypto

An increasing number of online blackjack sites have begun accepting crypto. After all, crypto payments are decentralized, so platforms don’t need to rely on corresponding banks and other intermediaries. Instead, payments are made between the player and the casino’s wallet. 

For example, suppose you want to deposit Bitcoin. Within the deposit section, the casino will provide a unique wallet address. You can then transfer Bitcoin from a private wallet — and the funds should be credited automatically in about 10 minutes. 

Not only are deposits fast, but crypto withdrawals are typically much quicker than traditional payment types. For example, Wild Casino and Bovada often approve crypto payouts within an hour. 

Free online blackjack

The blackjack sites discussed on this site offer real-money gambling. This means players deposit funds before playing games. That said, there are some ways to play online blackjack for free. 

First, it’s worth considering welcome bonuses. Sure, a small deposit must be made to qualify. However, welcome bonuses often amplify the deposit by 200% or more. The bonus funds can then be used to play blackjack. 

Alternatively, it’s also possible to play free blackjack games in demo mode. This feature is offered by most blackjack casinos. Simply select ‘Demo’ when loading the preferred blackjack variation. You can then wager virtual chips in a free online blackjack game without risking money. 

Mobile online blackjack

Most online casinos offer blackjack games on any device type. This means players can switch between desktop and mobile browsers. The respective developer will have optimized their blackjack games for smaller screens. 

As such, games come with the same functionality, odds, and payouts. Some casinos go one step further; they offer a native blackjack app for iOS and Android. Not only does this improve the gaming experience but it uses less data. 

The main drawback of mobile blackjack can be found when playing live dealer games. Due to the layout of the live camera feed, table, and betting dashboard, games can often only use a fraction of the available screen. This can hinder the live gaming experience. 

Online blackjack strategy

Although blackjack games always come with a house edge — adopting proven strategies will increase your odds of winning. 

Read on for effective tactics when using an ​​online blackjack casino. 

Blackjack bankroll management

Before playing your first game of online blackjack — we’d suggest curating a bankroll management strategy. This will protect your balance over time, as it ensures you limit how much can be bet on each hand. 

• For example, suppose you opt for a conservative limit of 1%. 
• If you deposit $2,000 — your first bet cannot exceed $20. 
• Suppose you enjoy a prolonged winning streak; your balance has increased from $2,000 to $5,000. 
• As such, based on the 1% limit, you can now bet up to $50 per hand. 

Put otherwise, your bet limit increases when you win. And it decreases when you lose. 

Play blackjack variations with the lowest house edge

Beginners often fail to check the house edge when choosing a blackjack game. This can be disastrous, as the house edge determines your odds of winning and losing over time. 

• The house edge will be displayed as the RTP (return-to-player) when playing with software dealers. 
• So, if the RTP is 99.5%, the house edge is 0.5%. 
• This is assured by the underlying RNG (random number generator). 

When playing live dealer blackjack, the house edge is based on multiple variables. For instance, splits, surrenders, insurance, deck numbers, and double downs. Never play an online blackjack game unless you’re confident it comes with the lowest house edge possible. 

Never deviate from the basic blackjack strategy 

We mentioned that each blackjack game comes with a house edge. Now, the only way to minimize the house edge is by playing the ‘perfect game’. This means making the right moves to ensure you have the highest probability of winning each hand. 

It also ensures you minimize losses when your hand puts you at a strong disadvantage. This is known as the ‘basic blackjack strategy’. 

Some examples: 

• Suppose the dealer’s upcard is 5. You are dealt a 7 and 8 — totaling 15. Statistically, the basic blackjack strategy says that you should stay.
• Now, let’s say the dealer’s upcard is 3. Your total is 11. In this instance, you should double down. 
• Next, we’ll say the dealer shows an Ace. Your total is 16. The basic strategy advises surrendering, meaning you exit the game with a 50% refund. 

You’ll find the basic blackjack strategy on many websites. Simply follow the chart based on the dealer’s upcard and the total you’re dealt. 

Is online blackjack legal in the US?

Most US states prohibit online blackjack, alongside other online casino gaming. Even so, millions of US players gamble online, so it’s important to explore the legalities. 

For a start, many US players use offshore casinos. This means the blackjack site is based outside of the US. Although some states have made offshore casinos illegal, the vast majority permit them.  

In addition, some blackjack sites specialize in crypto-only payments. The best Bitcoin casinos, while regulated, allow players to register, deposit, and wager funds anonymously. This means players aren’t asked for their country of residence. These platforms are increasingly becoming popular with US blackjack players. 

Another loophole is US-based sweepstake casinos. While they can’t directly accept USD wagers, sweepstake casinos sell ‘Gold’ or ‘Fortune’ coins to players. These coins are used when placing blackjack wagers. 

Ultimately, the legalities of online blackjack depend on many factors, including the home state and deposit currency. 

Conclusion

Blackjack is increasingly being played online with real money. There are many platforms to choose from — some hold gambling licenses and have an established reputation. Others operate illegally — so due diligence is crucial when selecting a casino.

In addition to safety, US players should consider their preferred payment method. The best online gambling sites for blackjack accept debit/credit cards, bank wires, and even crypto. Players should ensure they bet with sensible stakes — consider creating a blackjack bankroll management strategy to reduce the risks.

FAQs

References

1. Global Casinos & Online Gambling – Number of Businesses 2005–2030 (IBISWorld)
2. How long do SWIFT transfers take? (Wise)
3. What is RNG in iGaming? (SOFTSWISS)
4. Return To Player (RTP) in Online Gambling – Unveiling the Odds (eCOGRA)
5. Internet Casinos Thrive in 6 states. So Why Hasn’t it Caught on More Widely in the US? (The Associated Press)