Gambling
The 10 Best Online Casinos in the US (2024)
Legal online casino gaming is only available in a handful of states at the moment but continues to skyrocket in popularity year over year. As more jurisdictions begin to legalize iGaming in the United States, more operators are making it a priority to delve into the online casino realm. With a growing list of online casino gambling options to choose from, we decided to help narrow things down by covering the top 10 online casino websites.
Best Legal Online Casinos
Follow along with the rest of this comprehensive overview for our detailed list of the best online casino operators currently accepting action in the United States, along with the best online casino games, best slots, casino bonuses, and much more.
Where Are Online Casinos Legal?
Online Casinos are legal within the borders of a handful of states like West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Michigan, and New Jersey, but those outside of these states still have the option to play at Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos.
Best & Most Trusted Online Casinos
We looked at bonuses, the online casino sites’ reliability and graphics, casino games and slot selections, and ease of deposits and withdrawals. Then we threw out any that weren’t licensed online casinos in the US by their respective states’ gaming control agencies to ensure we were only dealing with legitimate and safe real money online casino sites. And these are the online casinos that came out on top.
1. BetMGM Casino
BetMGM belongs at the top of any list of best online casinos. They are the country’s most popular online casino app, with online casino sites in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan.
Welcome Bonus
BetMGM has exclusive bonuses for a deposit match on first-time deposits up to $1,000 and a registration bonus of $25 just for signing up with a BetMGM bonus code. No deposit is required. They are known throughout the gambling community for their ongoing bonuses and promotions.
🎁 BetMGM Casino Bonus Code | |
🎰 BetMGM No Deposit Bonus | $25 Casino Play |
💸 BetMGM Deposit Bonus | 100% up to $1,000 |
🤩 BetMGM Casino WV Offer | 100% Deposit Match up to $2500 + $50 on the House + 50 Free Spins |
✍️ Deposit Match Playthrough | 15X |
🏈 BetMGM Sportsbook Offer | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
✅ Bonus Valid | April 2024 |
Online Casino Games Selection
They’ve got a very impressive slot library of over a thousand different titles and routinely offer slot progressive jackpots of over a million dollars. Their table games offerings are just as strong, with more than a hundred titles of casino games and over 20 different variations of blackjack games alone.
They have two partners for their live dealer casino games, Evolution and Ezugi, which allow players to find just the right table with a live dealer and other online players that is then live-streamed to their desktop or mobile device.
Online Casino Site and Mobile App
Their mobile app is the best online and is stable and gorgeous to play, with easy-to-use navigation and intuitive groupings and dropdowns. But you should play at least once on your desktop or laptop to get a sense of just how stunning some of the graphics can be, and if you’re playing with a live dealer, just how clear the broadcast stream is.
Deposit and Withdrawal
They offer no-fee deposits using your credit card, bank transfer, or chosen mobile app. We’ve found that using PayPal or Skrill will seriously shorten your withdrawal timeline to under two days, while credit card withdrawals can run a bit longer, but still below the average industry time.
All of your play earns MGM reward points that can be used online or at any of MGM’s 17 US land-based casino destinations. These can be combined with points earned across MGM’s omni-channel gaming experience to comp magnificent dinners, book free rooms, or even earn a cruise.
Safety and Security
Their online casinos have been scrutinized by four different state gaming agencies that poured over their software and finances with a fine tooth comb. They also operate in an additional twenty states with their online sportsbook app, which means an additional twenty state agencies reviewed their finances and business dealings and considered their past behavior before deciding they were suitable for licensing. We are confident that BetMGM is safe, secure, and legit. And that they are one of the best online casinos out there.
Pros
- Safe and Secure
- Vast slots and casino games library.
- Outstanding initial deposit bonus
- Lots of live casino games
Cons
- Have been known to have some location issues
- No quick spin on NetEnt slot games
2. Golden Nugget Casino
The Golden Nugget’s online casino offering also deserves to be near the top of our best online casinos list. They rolled out their Pennsylvania online casino in August of 2023, adding to their properties already operating in New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia. They have one of the top revenue-producing online casino sites in the country. In New Jersey alone, they often report more than $40 million in monthly revenue.
The land-based Golden Nugget has been around for over 70 years and now has six properties in various states. They have moved all in on real money online casinos, often opening online sports betting and casino apps in states where they don’t yet have a physical presence.
Welcome Bonus
The current welcome bonus offer is a match of up to $ 1,000 on the initial deposit and an additional 200 free spins on the 88 Fortunes Megaway slots. This offer is valid in New Jersey only.
At Golden Nugget in Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia, they have rolled out a Deposit $5, Get $50 in casino credits that only require 1x turnover.
But they don’t stop there. The online casino has daily, weekly, and monthly bonus offers, promos, and giveaways. Past prizes have included cars, cruises, and cash. These are the casino bonuses you expect from one of the country’s best online casinos.
💰 Golden Nugget Casino Bonus Code | |
🏦 Deposit Bonus | New Players Can Get Deposit $5 Get $50 + Mystery Spin Bonus up to $1000 in Casino Credits! |
📌 Golden Nugget Michigan Code | |
📌 Golden Nugget New Jersey Code | |
📌 Golden Nugget Pennsylvania Code | |
📌 Golden Nugget West Virginia Code | |
📝 Terms & Conditions for $50 in Casino Credits | New players only. Must be 21+. Physically located in MI, PA, WV. Void in NJ. Minimum deposit of at least $5 required. Full T&C Apply. |
✅ Last Verified | 2024 |
Casino Game Selection
Another way Golden Nugget has elected to differentiate itself from the competition is through its online casino game offerings. The number of online slots games is over 1200 titles. That’s a whopping 3x or 4x what most casinos online offer.
They have partnered with NetEnt, IGT, WMS, WhiteHat, and more than twenty online slot providers to offer almost any game you might want to play, and for reasonable minimums. There are exclusive progressive jackpot offering in the seven figures, as well as more than a hundred video poker titles.
The table games selection is also top-notch. There are over 50 games that you can choose from, including more than 20 blackjack variants and ten types of roulette. The fifteen live dealer games from Evolution Gaming are streamed from two different studios and are available 24/7.
Golden Nugget Casino Site and Mobile App
Golden Nugget online casino didn’t cut any corners when it put its mobile app desktop platform together. The mobile experience, in particular, is miles above some of the other online gambling sites. While many casino sites might have half of their slot library available for play on your phone,
Golden Nugget has 98% of its titles available for mobile play. They have a unique filtering system that helps ease navigation anxiety when faced with 1200 slot titles, allowing you to sort by theme, game type, and many more options.
Golden Nugget Deposits and Withdrawals
One of the Golden Nuggets payment and withdrawal methods we love is in-person. If you’re at a land-based Golden Nugget, you can add or take out of your online casino site’s balance in cash. They have instant fee-free deposits when using your Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, or American Express, but using these can complicate withdrawals later.
Golden Nugget Loyalty Program
Playing casino games and slots does earn Golden Points, and once you reach 7500 points, you can earn comps and other freebies at the land-based casinos, but unlike BetMGM, this is a different program than Golden Nugget’s land-based players Club 24K Select.
Safety and Security
As with our other selections for the best online casinos list, the Nugget has been licensed and reviewed by several dozen states and is a safe, reliable, and one of the most legitimate real money online casinos.
The only fault that keeps them from ranking number one is the need for a no-deposit sign-up bonus to try out the site and the inability to earn 24k select reward points for online casino play.
Pros
- Great welcome and ongoing casino bonuses
- Best online casino for blackjack
- Easy deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- No integration with Golden Nugget’s land-based rewards program.
3. FanDuel Casino
FanDuel’s online casino is available in the Big Four of Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. But they are also one of just three online casino sites licensed in Connecticut through their partnership with Mohegan Sun (the retail location, not Mohegan Sun Online Casino).
Well known as a daily fantasy sports operator, they leveraged their massive database of sports fantasy bettors into first online sports betting and now real money online casinos. Since so many gamblers had already come into contact with them and found their site safe and reliable, many flocked to them when they began offering online casino games.
Welcome Bonus
FanDuel offers a slightly different welcome bonus than the common up to $ 1,000 deposit match. Their version will credit you back up to $1,000 for whatever you lose in the first 24 hours. And if you win, you keep it. FanDuel refers to this as their “Play It Again” promo. And its simplicity does nothing to hurt its popularity. This, along with their “We Play Fair” promo, which promises that you will only need to play through any bonus offer 1x, is why FanDuel rates towards the top of our best online casinos list.
They also have daily jackpot prizes, free spin bonuses on their “reward machine,” and many other prizes and drawings. FanDuel’s refer-a-friend program can be profitable as both you and your buddy will get $100 in free bets that need only to be played through 1x. They have, sadly, removed their no-deposit bonus offer for now.
💰 FanDuel Casino Promo Code | |
⭐️ FanDuel Casino MI, NJ, PA Bonus | $1,000 Play It Again Bonus + 200 Bonus Spins! |
⭐️ FanDuel Casino WV Bonus | $1,000 Play It Again Bonus |
✅ Bonus Valid | April 2024 |
FanDuel Casino Game Selection
FanDuel has more than 600 real money slots titles available, with more being added constantly. They’ve partnered with IGT, NextGen Gaming, and Netent, along with others, to provide some compelling online slots content. Gonzo’s Quest, Davinci Diamonds, and Divine Fortune are three of their more popular titles. Their table game contents are well-curated with 30 stand-alone titles and a half dozen live dealer games from Evolution Gaming. Their exclusive blackjack game FanDuels’ Blackjack Player’s Choice is quite fun, and some offbeat titles like Casino War and Three Card Stud make for some amusing casino games offerings. The live versions of American Football Stadium and Dragon Tiger round out an eclectic library.
FanDuel Casino Site and Mobile App
FanDuel is a company founded in the 21st century. Its core competency is facilitating online gambling, which is reflected in its mobile app or desktop software. The actual gameplay is very good once you’ve found a slot title you want to play. There are no longer loading or latency issues as there were a couple of years ago, which would indicate that FanDuel is aware of the problem and is working on putting together a much more modern casino site.
FanDuel Casino Deposits and Withdrawals
They have around a dozen deposit methods and over a half dozen ways to withdraw. Like most casinos on our list, they don’t take crypto as it can bring some ire from regulators. But other than that, all of the major casino payment systems are in place outside of VIP preferred, and you can expect instant deposits and 1-3 day withdrawals with most of them.
FanDuel Safety and Security
FanDuel has been around since 2009 and is one of the largest online casino companies in the world. They are licensed and legal for online sports betting in a dozen states and have online casinos in an additional five. So, they are a safe and secure online choice for your gambling enjoyment.
Pros
- Twenty-plus years of experience as a high-volume online casino site.
- Good welcome bonus with easy play-through requirements.
- Familiar slot offerings that appeal to a broad customer base.
Cons
4. DraftKings Casino
DraftKings has its roots in DFS and moved into the sports betting space, and, well, let’s be honest, it seemed like they had instant success after the jump. DraftKings started offering online casino as a sort of bonus for sports bettors to play blackjack while sweating their sports bets and years later have expanded that library of online games into one of the most robust in the casino industry.
New Player Offer
DraftKings is currently offering a welcome bonus for new users: Get $35 in Casino Credits + a 100% Deposit Match up to $100! Be sure to check what games are eligible to clear the wagering requirements before taking that first spin on your favorite slot as some games don’t qualify.
DraftKings Casino Promo Code | Coming Soon! |
Deposit Bonus | 100% Deposit Match up to $100 in Casino Credits and Get $35 in Casino Credits |
Bonus Valid | April 2024 |
Game Selection, Mobile App and Banking
The app and the mobile site are easy on the eyes and even easier to navigate with suitable filters and groupings. The deposit and withdrawal methods are very similar to most other sites, but they can take up to five business days on some withdrawals.
Fully vetted and licensed in New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and backed by an international casino behemoth, you can feel safe in your dealings as this is one of the best casinos online.
Pros
- A full list of weekly leaderboards, bonus offers and more
- Expanding their game selection often
- DraftKings exclusive bonuses & games
Cons
- Some bonuses have really high wagering requirements
5. Borgata Casino
Borgata is owned and operated by BetMGM, and it was initially primarily a clone of that site, but as the brand took off in New Jersey, the branding and feel began to take on a more high-limit feel and appeal.
This was done purposefully as MGM and their partner Entain wanted to use Borgata’s luxury hotel and offerings to market to a higher-income demographic. It worked so well that they opened a second online casino skin in Pennsylvania in 2021. Those are the only two online Borgata casinos for now.
Welcome Bonus
Borgata has the same deposit bonuses up to $1,000 match on the first deposit and a $20 no-deposit registration bonus, which is standard as welcome bonuses go. But still has a lot of value for new customers.
💰 Borgata Casino Bonus Code | |
⭐️ No Deposit Bonus | $20 |
⭐️ Deposit Bonus | 100% up to $1000 |
⭐️ Bonus Wagering Req. | 15x |
✅ Available States | NJ & PA |
✅ Bonus Valid | April 2024 |
Casino Games Selection
They offer many of the same slot games as their sister site, but you will also notice some speciality games. They have hundreds of online slots and offerings, some with seven-figure progressive jackpots. Their table games are the same as BetMGM’s except branded differently, with higher minimums and maximums. Their live dealer games are also branded with Borgata marketing.
Borgata Casino Site and Mobile App
Their app and navigation are similar, but Borgata has a more lush and inviting feel to their home and menu pages. You can also earn MGM rewards here, along with lots of offers and promos to get you to stay and play at the Borgata when you’re in Atlantic City. With the huge selection of games, it may take a bit for the page to show all the titles, but once you start playing, it is typically clear sailing.
Deposits and withdrawals offer a wide selection of safe and secure options, basically whatever your go-to is, it should be available at Borgata Online. These include Apple Pay, Venmo, VIP preferred, credit cards and more.
This is one of the most trustworthy online casinos in the world, with billions of dollars passing through it each year. You can rest safe that Borgata Online is legit and extremely enjoyable.
Pros
- Best live dealer games selection
- High welcome match deposit
- Earn BetMGM rewards for your play.
Cons
- Games pages may take time to load
6. Caesars Palace Online Casino
The original Caesars Palace opened on an iconic corner of the Las Vegas strip in 1966. Synonymous with luxury in a time before the true luxury megaresorts had yet to be built, they began online casinos in New Jersey in 2013. They have some of the top online casinos in Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey.
Welcome Bonus
If you want to play big, Caesar’s first deposit match bonus is a showstopper at up to $2,500. You will also earn 2500 rewards points that will get you close to the second tier of the Caesars Rewards program just for signing up. Unfortunately, Caesars has chosen to have astronomically high wagering requirements for their new player offer and have decided to try to mask their 30x wagering on slots by having selected terminology in their term and conditions that lead you to believe that they are only 15x. It is disappointing to see Caesars do this, as they used to have some of the lowest wagering requirements in the US industry.
💰 Caesars Palace Online Casino Bonus Code |
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⭐️ Caesars Palace Online Casino Bonus MI | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! |
⭐️ Caesars Palace Online Casino Bonus NJ | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! |
⭐️ Caesars Palace Online Casino Bonus PA | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! |
⭐️ Caesars Palace Online Casino Bonus WV | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! |
✅ Bonuses Valid | April 2024 |
Casino Game Selection
Their slot library is on the light side with over 400 online slots titles, but they offer over 40 table games, including live dealer games from Evolution. This will vary by state, but we have noticed Caesars Palace Online Casino has taken away most games with RTP higher than 95%. This may be an oversight or we may just be waiting for approval from the states they offer gaming in.
Deposits and Withdrawals
They have some of the best banking systems we’ve come across with in-person deposit and withdrawal at any Caesar’s property casino cage. They also have all the other favorites like Play+, Paypal, and direct-to-debit. Very few withdrawals take more than a day.
Caesars Rewards
All online play earns Caesars rewards points that can be used for food comps, complimentary rooms, and moving up tier levels at all 58 land-based properties owned by Caesar’s, including their Harrah’s, Horseshoe, and Isle of Capri branded properties spread out across the US. Making this the best online casino for using and spending reward points.
Safety and Security
Caesar’s is a reputable online casino with a safe and secure place to experience all the thrills of gambling online. All games, banking and all other aspects of the online casino are thoroughly tested by the state they are live in and you know that with Caesars name attached, it is a site you can trust.
Pros
- Highest monetary value online casino welcome bonus.
- Quick withdrawals.
- Earn Caesars rewards for comps at nearly 60 land-based properties.
Cons
- Exorbitantly high play-through requirements.
7. BetRivers Casino
BetRivers Casino is operated by Rush Street Gaming and is a reputable online casino. They currently have sites in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan and will soon supply the Delaware lottery with their casino software. They also operate five land-based casinos, mainly in the Pennsylvania area.
Welcome Bonus
BetRivers new player offer depends on which state you sign up in. Some will offer risk-free play and others will be a deposit match. Rivers always have 1x playthrough on all bonus money which is far and away the best in the casino realm.
💰 BetRivers Casino Bonus Code | ||
⭐️ Welcome Bonus MI | 24 Hours of Losses Back up to $500 | 1x Playthrough |
⭐️ Welcome Bonus NJ | 24 Hours of Losses Back up to $500 | 1x Playthrough |
⭐️ Welcome Bonus PA | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 in Bonus Money | 1x Playthrough |
⭐️ Welcome Bonus WV | 24 Hours of Losses Back up to $500 | 1x Playthrough |
Game Selection
Their online slots library is in the middle of the road, with about 500 titles as of early 2024. They offer IGT, Konami, and High Fives slots, which can be hard to find, and they have over 2 dozen table game titles, covering all your favorites like blackjack, casino war, roulette, baccarat and more, but we would like to see some more variety as far as providers. Same with the live dealer games, they cover the important ones, but not much variety.
Casino Site and Mobile App
Their mobile app is fun and responsive, but the desktop site feels less modern and tired. The banking center is well above average with many banking methods, and their Pay At The Casino, Paypal, or Play Plus withdrawals are generally completed in less than an hour.
Loyalty Program
This is where BetRivers shines. You earn IRush rewards when you play, which can be used at their land-based casinos or you can trade these points in for bonuses, free bets and more on their site. The iRush rewards program is the best loyalty program in the industry, where no matter if you are a high volume bettor or an occasional gambler, the points add up quick. The iRush rewards is also a tiered program that has 10 levels that allow you to achieve bonuses, free stays at retail casinos, and the highest level gifts you a welcome dinner, private concierge and more!
Pros
- Just 1x play-through to reach bonus offers
- Quick and responsive withdrawal department
Cons
8. betPARX Casino
BetPARX is run by Parx Casino just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They opened their online casino site in Pennsylvania in 2019. And are now licensed in Michigan and New Jersey. Parx has jumped in with both feet to make sure that their site is competing with the best.
Welcome Bonus
BetPARX offers new players a loss rebate of up to $1,000 for losses in the first 24 hours but lacks a no-deposit registration bonus. However, if you enjoy sports betting, your first $10 sports bet can earn you up to $125 in free play for the sports book.
💰 betPARX Promo Code | TBD |
⭐️ Welcome Bonus | 24 Hours of Stress-Free Casino Play up to $1,000 |
✅ Promo Code Validated | April 2024 |
✅ Available States | NJ, PA, MI |
Game Selection, Mobile App and Banking
Neither their slot offerings nor table games library will wow anyone, but they have a respectable stable of a couple hundred fun-to-play slots and ten or so table games that should cover just about anything you want to play.
In New Jersey, you will see all your favorites found in other states, but also a full list of slots you may not find anywhere else offered by PlayTech. It is refreshing to find some new titles in their library to help break the monotony of most online gambling sites.
Their mobile app is up to-date and easy to use, though clearly geared more towards the sportsbook. The UI on the website is fine, but the graphics and presentation come off as basic.
They have a stand-out selection of banking choices, with almost every method except crypto available. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals take one to two days.
Pros
- Up to $1000 rebate on losses for bonus offer
- Exclusive titles in New Jersey
Cons
- Lacking a no-deposit bonus at registration
- Rarely offer existing customer bonuses
9. PokerStars Casino
Dating back to 2001, Poker Stars Online is considered an OG in the online gaming world. Their poker site was downloaded by people from all over the country in the early 2000s as the poker phenomenon swept the US. Now, they are back with an online casino offering in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
New Player Bonus
They have a very generous up to $500 match bonus, which you can use two more times. If you’ve met minimum play-through requirements every three days, you can use another one of these welcome bonuses.
The first comes with 100 free spins, and the next two come with 50. This offer can be challenging to take full advantage of due to play-through requirements and the fact that it’s only offered on slots, not table games.
💰 PokerStars Casino Bonus Code | Just click this link |
⭐️ Welcome Offer | Bet $1, Get $50 Free |
💰 True Monetary Value | ~$50 |
✅ Bonus wager requirement | 2 RP for every $1 in bonus |
Game Selection, Mobile App and Banking
Their library has over 1000 online slots titles, with many fan favorites from Net Ent, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play. Their table game offerings are sparse but include the obligatory live casino games offered by Evolution Gaming.
Their mobile app is enjoyable and doesn’t drop games. The desktop version was also exceptionally dependable. The banking center offers all the usual deposits and withdrawals using credit and debit cards, but withdrawals can stretch out here. They are a top-notch casino operator with one of the best online casino sites out there, and with more than two decades of experience, they are safe and legitimate.
Pros
- Unique welcome bonus that may be great for some players.
- Extensive library of casino games, especially slots.
Cons
- Slower withdrawals
- Opaque play-through requirements
10. Fanatics Casino
A new player with a familiar name has emerged in the online casino market and is looking to make a big splash with their new sportsbook and casino app. Taking over the license in any state that PointsBet used to own, Fanatics will be taking on a few key markets including Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.
New Player Offer
Well, we were expecting more for a new player in the casino market looking to gain some market share, but instead we get 100 free spins on Cash Eruption slot game. To say this new player offer is underwhelming would be an understatement. That being said, free spins can be fun and you do get the chance to swipe a big payday if you hit one of the jackpots on Cash Eruption.
FANATICS CASINO SIGNUP BONUS | DETAILS |
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🎁 Fanatics Casino Promo Code | |
🎰 Fanatics Casino Welcome Offer in WV, PA and MI | 250 Free Spins on Cash Eruption |
🇺🇸 Available States | WV, PA, MI |
✅ Last Updated | April 2024 |
Game Selection, Mobile App and Banking
As with most new online casinos, Fanatics game selection is a bit thin but is adding new games weekly as they become available. Fanatics Casino is only available on their mobile app but we hope to see a desktop version appear soon. The mobile app loads extremely quick and gameplay is a breeze.
Fully vetted and licensed in West Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania and backed by the biggest sports retailer in the world, we can see Fanatics being a real player in the future.
Pros
- Weekly and Daily promotional offerings
- Backed by Fanatics
Cons
- Lackluster new player bonus
- Slower pay on withdrawals
More Online Casino Resources for You
The Best Social Casinos
Social casinos are some of the top alternative options to gamble at for states that don’t offer legal regulated online casinos. Social casinos allow you to play all your favorite casino games like online slots, blackjack, and roulette with gold coins and sweepstakes coins that you can purchase and play for prizes. You can play on top social casinos like WOW Vegas Casino, High 5 Casino, Pulsz Casino, and others!
How to Find Legit Online Casinos
Finding legit online casinos is important and we will discuss what to look for:
Licensing
Every site on our best online casinos list was licensed and inspected not only by the state they are operating in but almost every single one of them has stood in front of licensing boards in at least a dozen other states, whether for an online casino license or an online sports betting license.
Their slot and table games software has been gone over line by line. Each slot title has been put through rigorous testing to ensure that it returns exactly what it is supposed to return to the player.
When looking for a real money online casino, please only play at properties licensed by US regulators who are highly skilled at finding shady business or software issues. Reputable online casinos will have applied to participate in the very profitable US gambling market with responsible gambling tools. Any offshore site that hasn’t should be considered suspect.
Game Variety
If you’re going to play online casino games for real money, you will want to have some options. Admittedly, the difference between 600 slots and 1200 slots is a little less of a deal breaker, but it might mean something if one casino has your favorite slot and another doesn’t.
Variety is also vital in table games. European roulette has half the house advantage as American Roulette. You’ll want to play casino games that are fun but also offer a low house edge.
Again, twenty different variations of blackjack might seem a bit much, but if you only want to play Blackjack Switch or Multi-Hand Blackjack, then you’re going to need a casino that offers up at least enough games for you to play what you like, and that won’t empty your pocket too quick.
Multiple Deposit/Payment Options
Getting your money in and out of an online casino can be an anxiety-producing, drawn-out affair. When we look at online casinos, we want to see not only lots of relatively painless options, but we don’t want to pay fees, and we don’t want some crazy minimums, especially on withdrawals.
Most US-based online gambling sites will offer instant deposits with a half dozen options and no fees. If not, you should keep looking. Regarding withdrawals, it’s important to note that some sites seem able to get you paid in less than a day, while others take up to five business days using the same withdrawal method. If you aren’t getting your money back promptly, please look closely at our top online casino list for better options.
Mobile Performance
No one wants a casino site that doesn’t load, is buggy, or worse, loses connection in the middle of a spin. There are simply too many online sites to put up with that.
If the mobile app has only some of the desktop version’s games, or you can’t find the game or theme you want, guess what? Their competitor can probably help.
With several dozen online casino sites up and running in most of the legal states, you should hold your casino to providing the best online mobile experience available.
Safety & Responsible Gambling
We aren’t saying that every casino site you play at should be some international behemoth with billions in revenue, but we want our deposits to be safe and to know that the casino is playing by the rules and complying with responsible gambling regulations as well. Fortunately, all US states with an online casino industry have taken the responsibility that comes with offering online gambling seriously.
These gambling sites undergo a very rigorous review not only of their finances but also of their software code. This ensures against the real blow to consumer confidence should an online gambling site attempt something shady or close up shop, owing customers their deposits. This commitment to transparency and strict accounting principles is why you never trust a casino licensed somewhere other than in the US.
Besides safety, it’s vital that online casinos are committed to responsible gambling. The best online casinos will have programs that allow you to set session loss limits and provide not just an 800 number for patrons facing issues with gambling dependency but free gambling addiction resources and help on the site itself. Some sites are even looking at software that would alert them to people with possible gambling disorders in real-time.
Underage gambling is a serious problem; any reputable online site will have rigorous policies and responsible gambling protocols to stop it. Because of the unique challenge faced in verifying age over the internet, this can often result in what seems like draconian measures. Still, these are in place to stop minors from accessing real-money casino games.
Popular Games at the Top Online Casino Sites
Expect the best online casinos to offer up all major types of online gaming, including slots, table games, live casino games, bingo, keno, video poker, and online poker games.
Online slots
Online real money slots are far and away the game played the most at legal US online casinos. Thousands of slots are on offer, some featuring multi-million dollar progressive jackpots. These slots can be played online, and most can be played right on your phone or tablet.
They offer low minimums and still deliver that Las Vegas feel. The only way it could feel more authentic is if a waitress brought you around a free drink.
Blackjack Online
Online blackjack is the second most popular choice for gambling online. There are many dozens of different black variants like Vegas Strip Blackjack, Zappit Blackjack, or Buster Blackjack, and probably at least a hundred side bets like 23+3, Perfect Pairs, or Blazin’ 7s.
Online blackjack is a great way to learn the game at your own pace while keeping bets low. When you are ready, try your hand at live dealer games like blackjack, which lets you play in a live stream with real dealers and other players. When played properly using a basic strategy chart, blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges available in the casino.
Roulette Online
Roulette has seen a massive resurgence with millennials. This has spilled over into the online casino gaming world as well. With more players have come many more versions of the classic spinning wheel and black and red numbers.
The most popular of these are European Roulette, which has one green zero instead of two and cuts the house advantage in half, or French Roulette, which cuts the house edge down to just 1.35%. However, some folks like a wackier version of the game, like Double Ball Roulette or Lightning Roulette, to try their luck. This is also a game you find under live casino games sections of your favorite casinos online.
Craps Online
The thrill of a live-action craps game on a hot streak is very difficult to replicate with even the best online casinos. But because live dealer craps offer actual dice thrown by a mechanical arm, along with the thrill and buzz of playing with other players online, watching those dice tumbling down that long felt table can come very, very close.
If Live Dealer isn’t your thing, you can find games like Crapless Craps, New York Craps, and even High Point Craps, a simpler version of normal craps. One important thing to note is that many casinos don’t include dice play toward earning your welcome bonus. If dice is your game, carefully read the T&Cs or contact customer support.
Baccarat Online
Because of the staggering amount of money wagered on Baccarat every year, no discussion of real-money casino games would be complete without it. Popular amongst the Asian gaming demographic, Baccarat is a card game usually dealt from an 8-deck shoe.
While it strikes beginners as complex, you need only place an initial wager on Player, Banker, or Tie. Unlike blackjack, the game’s rules are predetermined by which cards come out, so there are no decisions after play begins.
Video Poker Online
Video Poker also found a new lease on life with real money online casinos. Retail casinos have gradually eroded their video poker offerings, which often have payables that, when played correctly, have house advantages of less than 1 percent, with row after row of penny slots.
Despite the name, these require much more than a penny to play to get to the top pay tables and often have house advantages that exceed 10%. Because online video poker doesn’t compete for virtual space on the online casino floor, operators are willing to bring it back, often with the full payables that haven’t been seen anywhere other than the Boulder Highway for decades.
9/6 Jacks or Better video poker is offered at several sites that made our best online casino list. It’s one of the best online video poker games for house advantage you are likely to find.
Online Bingo
Borgata and BetMGM, from our best online casinos list, have wildly popular daily bingo tournaments. That major US casinos can offer bingo again is another sign of what the future of online real money casinos might hold.
Bingo was always a draw in places like Atlantic City and Laughlin, which had large numbers of gamblers being bussed in to wile away their afternoons at giant gambling halls, and casinos often took advantage of that by offering these slower-paced, payroll-intensive games at enormous benefits for the house, sometimes raking as much as 40% off the top.
Now that they don’t have to build 1,000-seat bingo halls or pay all those bingo dealers selling cards, they’ve taken that rake-off down to a much more enjoyable and sustainable 5%.
Online Poker
Online poker was forever changed in October 2006 by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, but it would take until 2011 and the first indictment of offshore online casino operators before anyone would notice.
Online poker is best when there are lots of games being played by lots of players. Smaller states such as Nevada or Delaware that have legalized online poker would never be able to sustain an active community, so they’ve entered into Multi-State Online Poker agreements with other larger states. But even with the addition of Michigan and New Jersey, these four states don’t quite have enough of a draw to get the average player back in the game.
Pennsylvania will likely join with the others in a year or two, and that may finally put enough players together to kick off a real poker resurgence.
US States With Real Money Online Casinos
There are currently seven states that have legalized online casino operations. Six are currently up and running, with Rhode Island joining them in early 2024. The three larger states of New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania routinely see monthly gross gaming revenues of $150 to $180 million with continued growth.
Connecticut comes in at around $30 million monthly, with West Virginia seeing $9 to $12 million monthly in GGR. Delaware brings up the rear with its odd partnership with the state lottery, with approximately $1 to $2 million a month.
New Jersey
New Jersey was one of the first states to pass online casinos. The first bill passed in 2011 but was rewritten to clarify that only Atlantic City casinos would be allowed to host the casino servers needed for the online gambling sites, and eventually repassed in 2013.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement allows seven authorized casino operators in the city to host a total of 32 online casinos through partnership agreements. The tax rate is 15% of gross gaming revenue plus another 2.5 to 5 percent for alternative investment taxes.
Only those within the borders of New Jersey may gamble, and the legal age is 21.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania passed a rather byzantine online casino expansion bill in late 2017. It gave each of the state’s 13 land-based casinos three licenses each: one for slots, one for table games, and one for poker. The first online casino was opened in 2019. As of late 2023, Pennsylvania has 20 online gambling sites.
Poker games are taxed at 14%, table games at 16%, and online slots at a whopping 54%. The legal gaming age is 21.
West Virginia
West Virginia legalized online casino games in 2019 with legislation allowing each state’s five land-based casinos to partner with up to three online casino operators. There are currently only ten casino sites open in the state, however.
West Virginia taxes its online casino games at a 15% rate. The gambling age is 21.
Michigan
Michigan passed online gambling in 2019, and the first online casinos opened in 2021. There are currently 15 online casinos in operation.
Each of the twelve tribes that are recognized by the state, as well as the three Detroit casino operators.were awarded one license each. The tax rate starts at 20% and caps out at 28% of AGR once the operator hits $12 million in adjusted gaming receipts.
While some Native American retail casinos allow gambling at 18, all Michigan online casinos are 21 and up to make a wager.
Connecticut
After almost six years of struggles, Connecticut online casinos were finally passed in 2021. Both of the state’s Indian tribes, who already offer massive land-based casinos, were granted licenses for online gaming across the entire state.
The states and the tribal casinos agreed to an 18% tax on internet gaming, and both sites were offering real-money casino games by early 2023. The legal gaming age in Connecticut is 21.
Delaware
Delaware legalized online casinos way back in 2012. Each of the state’s three casinos that operate from its racetracks, and therefore are called racinos, were awarded a license; however, the licensees partner with the Delaware Lottery Commission to offer their games.
While being able to offer up only the online casino games chosen by the lottery commission is terrible enough, the onerous tax rate is also nearly impossible to surmount, with a 100% tax on the first $3.75 million in GGR. Then, the taxes scale down to “only” 20% for table games and 57% for online slots.
Delaware has recently announced changes in its primary vendor away from 888 Gaming and to Rush Street Interactive.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island became the 7th state to legalize online casinos in the summer of 2023. They hope to be up and running in March of 2024. Rhode Island’s only two commercial casinos are run by Bally’s, so in a unique move, they extended Bally’s monopoly on gambling in the state, but not before forcing Bally’s to pay 61% on online slot revenue and 15.5% on table games.
In another first, the state required that all table games offered at the Bally’s online casino site be of the live dealer variety. There was concern that table games with random number generators would require an additional ballot referendum due to some questionable definitions of simulcast. So, they will offer live casino games only.
Online Casino FAQs
Here are the most common questions about online casinos:
Yes, online casinos are legal in the United States. New Jersey was the first of five states to debut its own iGaming market back in 2013 and has since been followed by Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. At the moment, only those five states have access to legal, regulated online casinos.
Yes, it absolutely is! Considering every legal online casino accepting action in the United States is overseen by its state’s government along with being tied to a reputable physical casino partner.
When placing your action with legal online casino sites, the banking options will be plentiful. Players are able to choose from a multitude of popular banking methods, including online banking, PayPal, debit card, and much more. Check out the online casino operator of your choice to access a full list of ways to send and receive funds to and from your account.
Signing up at any legal online casino site is a total breeze! First, you’ll want to check out our detailed list of the best online casino bonuses and click on the offer that best fits your needs. From there, fill in the requested personal details and if everything looks good on the casino’s end, your account should be ready for use!
Both Venmo and PayPal are available for use at select online casinos, however, it will ultimately depend on which operator you choose. For a detailed list of banking options, check out each individual brand’s FAQ section.
All of the top online casino sites in the legal US betting market have a strong commitment to responsible gambling. Each operator will have resources for both legal and nationwide support. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.