Best US Online Casinos

Where Can I Legally Gamble Online?

In the US, independent states are now free to regulate online gaming. Some states have taken to this like fish to water, and are already reaping the tax dollars. States are regulating online gaming as they see fit, and more jurisdictions are signing up each day.

New Jersey

Online gambling hit the virtual streets of New Jersey in 2013. Players here can enjoy a range of casino games on some of the best-known sites in this industry. You will find the likes of DraftKings, BetMGM, the Golden Nugget, and more represented here.

At the helm of this operation, making sure everyone is operating in good faith, is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Pennsylvania

Unlike in New Jersey, online casino gaming started in Pennsylvania only in July 2019. This was after the landmark ruling that outlawed PASPA.

Today, the Keystone state plays host to industry juggernaut online casinos like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. You also find other local gambling establishments partnered up with the likes of Borgata Casino and many more.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery Commission is in charge of online casino gaming in West Virginia. Players have placed wages on their favorite games here since 2020. DraftKings was the first to open, with BetMGM and BetRivers following shortly after.

Although live dealer games are not yet available in West Virginia, you can enjoy a wide range of slots, table games, craps, and more.

Michigan

Michigan is a relative newcomer, only seeing its first online casino open its doors in 2021. But players here can already place wagers in BetRivers, DraftKings, and the Golden Nugget, among others.

Michigan online casinos have set off to a flyer. These platforms recorded massive revenues when they started operations. It will be interesting to see what Michigan has in store as more sites sign up.

Upcoming States to Legally Play Online Casino

Indiana

One of the states most likely to pass online casino legislation next is the Hoosier State. There’s already online sports betting and a robust retail casino gambling industry, but the main reason why it’s so likely in Indiana is because online casino legislation has already been introduced in Indianapolis.

The process to sanction Indiana online casinos is already underway, unlike some other states I will talk about.

Furthermore, Indiana is a neighbor of Michigan, which has one of the top iGaming markets in the nation. That should motivate Indiana state officials to beef up their gaming industry to keep pace with a bordering jurisdiction.

California

The Golden State has flirted with legalizing online poker and online sports betting, but you can’t yet play at a real money online casino in California. We don’t know if or when California will allow online slots and table games.

California has a population on par with the country of Canada, so it’s one of the largest untapped markets in the U.S.

The state has the largest tribal casino gaming market in the nation, making it a prime contender to allow internet casinos sometime in the future.

New York

Like California, the state of New York has authorized mobile sports betting and has flirted with sanctioning iPoker sites. To date, no online casino legislation has been considered.

However, New York should be a prime candidate for legalizing NY real-money online casinos in the next five to ten years because of its potential market size (second only to California) and history of being relatively cutting edge with gaming.

Texas

The Lone Star State historically is anti-gambling, perhaps as much as any state in the nation, so real-money casinos could be decades away. Texas doesn’t even have online sports betting. It only has tribal casinos that offer limited gaming.

It’s all a bit ironic because Texas is considered the birthplace of one of the most popular variants of poker (Texas Hold’em).

We wouldn’t bet on Texas opening up anytime soon, but as gamblers know, there’s usually a chance and we can’t rule out there won’t be any online casinos in Texas eventually.

Nevada

Online poker and mobile sports betting are both legal in the Silver State, but no online casino gambling is sanctioned by the state. That’s not too surprising considering that Nevada is home to the retail casino capital of the country (and the world) in Las Vegas.

Online casinos from industry in Nevada might take away from some of their respective brick-and-mortar casino traffic, so for now they aren’t licensed.

One day, perhaps when Nevada retail gaming revenue stagnates, the state will take a look at pushing Nevada online casinos.

Illinois

The Prairie State has online sports betting and is taking a serious look at online casinos as well. Illinois is one of the top candidates to sanction online casinos in the next few years, possibly as soon as 2024.

It would be a win for the casino industry to introduce online casinos in Illinois, as the state is home to the mega-city of Chicago.

Florida

The Sunshine State has popular tribal casinos and is one of the largest potential iCasino markets in the nation. However, state officials have so far yet moved forward with any online gaming outside of sports betting. One of the reasons is that Disney has lobbied against gambling expansion.

They should eventually have state-sanctioned online casino sites in Florida, but it might five or more years away.

Arizona

The Grand Canyon State has retail casinos and mobile sports betting, but state-backed online casinos are not yet there. Arizona could be a contender to bring in some of the top online casino brands to offer slots and table games, but it’s hard to say when.

Set your over/under at five years for Arizona, but it may be longer. It could happen more quickly if other states nearby move on the issue, but our hopes are high about the launch of Arizona online casinos.

Where Else Can I Play Casino Games in the US?

Luckily, if you aren’t in one of the already legal states mentioned above (NJ, PA, MI, WV), you can still play online at Sweepstakes Casinos.

Sweepstakes Casinos allow you to play real casino games for actual cash prizes. Sites like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints all provide the ability to purchase free-to-play currency, which comes with a special bonus currency you can use to play their casino games and win cash prizes.

These casinos are legal to play in the US (except Washington state) and Canada (except Quebec).

Why Join a US Online Casino?

There are many perks to joining a US-regulated online casino as opposed to an offshore casino. The following reasons are why we recommend choosing a regulated gambling site in the US.

• US online casinos are safe.
• You have a range of quality payment options.
• You can only find the best games from quality game software manufacturers on regulated sites.
• Wide array of bonuses.
• Since US online casinos are regulated, you have somewhere to seek recourse when things go wrong.
• Payouts are guaranteed.
• You will receive expert assistance from English-speaking customer support agents.

Best US Online Casinos

Caesars Casino

Caesars Casino is a household name across all states in the US, thanks to their iconic land-based casinos. What’s fantastic is that you can now play at Caesars Casino online in NJ, WV, MI, and PA.

One of the reasons why you should sign up here is the free no deposit bonus you can claim upon signup. You can use this free money on their five-star selection of slots, table games, and more. You can use your Caesars Casino online account to play poker and place bets on your favorite sports.

BetMGM Casino

BetMGM Casino is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This is a solid gambling option offering players top-tier customer support and generous bonus offers.

BetMGM is part of MGM Resorts, the company in charge of the Bellagio and the MGM Grand. That in itself is a solid statement about the quality of this app. The impressive range of gaming options and plentiful payment methods really just serves as confirmation.

bet365 Casino

This is another English operator that made the trip across the pond. Founded by Denise Coates in 2000, you can now find bet365 in New Jersey. All that experience shows as players here enjoy a well-constructed app, and loads of exciting casino games.

Whether you are into slots, blackjack, baccarat, or roulette, you will be catered for here. The casino also runs a live lobby field with thrilling table games.

FanDuel Casino

Mostly associated with online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports, not many players in the US know that FanDuel also offers a great online casino.

If you’re based in any of the legal states, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia, you can sign up here and take advantage of everything this site has to offer. Think generous bonuses, great games, and immersive live casino games that put you right in the middle of the casino floor.

DraftKings Casino

This is one of the bigger online gambling sites in the United States. It features an unmistakable, minimalistic, dark theme which many players adore. But DraftKings is more than just about a fancy aesthetic.

On top of the online casino offering, it also provides players with one of the best online sports betting experiences in the business. DraftKings was launched in 2012, with an unambiguous ambition of becoming the best online casino in the United States.

This app is now available in New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

BetRivers Casino

You can wager on BetRivers Casino from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. This platform is a byproduct of the award-winning Rivers Casino, and runs on the Rush Street Interactive platform.

So, what makes BetRivers stand out? Well, one thing quickly comes to mind, the social experience. When you play here, you have access to fantastic game features that you can use to chat with other players in real-time.

Golden Nugget Casino

The Golden Nugget has a proud history dating back to 1946. It is an iconic brand that has had an online casino presence in New Jersey since 2013.

A recipient of a plethora of industry awards, the Golden Nugget has tons of gaming options, boasts of a hefty new player welcome bonus, and also runs a sportsbook. The only downside to the Golden Nugget is that you can only find it in New Jersey and Michigan.

Tropicana Casino

Tropicana Casino is part of the old guard. This brand was launched in 1957 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The online casino part of the business went live in November 2013, placing it firmly as one of the first five online casinos here.

The game selection on this app is not the most expansive, with less than 200 titles making up the entire lobby. You cannot even get live dealer games here. But for players looking to have a blast and enjoy an iconic site at the same time, you are guaranteed a memorable experience.

Parx Casino

Parx Casino was originally launched in 1974, so they have tons of gambling service provision experience. This is evidenced in that many players consider it to be the most successful land-based outfit in Pennsylvania.

The transition to online games, when Pennsylvania legalized internet gambling, wasn’t surprising. Today, you can also find Parx Online Casino in New Jersey.

How to Choose the Best US Casino Site

Clearly, you can appreciate that the online casino gaming market in the United States is well stocked. Finding a platform that’s right for you may be a challenge. That’s why we have included some tips you can use to help you find your ideal site.

Tip #1 - Choose a Casino with a Good Game Selection

Games - are the options available right for you? The best online casino for you needs gaming options that suit your interests. These can be sentimental choices like games you enjoy playing, or technical picks of titles with the highest RTP figures.

Tip #2 - Choose a Casino with Flexible Payment Options

Payment options - more is not always better. It makes no difference if an online casino has hundreds of payment options if you cannot use them. You need to select a platform that accepts the payment method you are comfortable with. Also consider the payout period, as it will determine how quickly you can access your cash. PayPal casinos are some of the most popular in the United States.

Tip #3 - Choose a Casino with Low Playthrough Requirements

Bonuses - read the fine print! Don’t get too carried away by the size of the total bonus. It will not matter if, at the end of the day, you cannot complete your wagering obligations successfully. So consider, instead, the terms and conditions. Find out what you need to do to convert your bonus earnings to cash.

Tip #4 - Choose a Casino with 24/7 Customer Support

Customer service - support should be available when you need it. At one point or another, you will need the help of customer support agents. It is better when you have more options with which to contact them. Features like a toll-free phone in line, 24/7 live chat, and a detailed frequently asked questions section are always a plus in our book.

Tip #5 - Choose a Casino with a Mobile App

The app - the casino’s iPhone or Android app should be easy to download and simple to use. Online casino gaming is about having fun. The last thing you want to be doing is trying to figure out how to place a wager when you’d rather be enjoying the games. Always go for online casino apps with an easy-to-understand layout, platforms where you won’t spend hours on end trying to figure out how they work.

Legit Online Casinos vs Offshore Casinos

Offshore casinos like Bovada are online gaming platforms that are regulated in foreign jurisdictions. Now, this is bad on two levels. For starters, these offshore sites answer to no one, so there is no recourse for players if things don’t go as planned, as they sometimes do in online casino gaming.

Furthermore, foreign sites are held to unverified standards, which means they can pretty much do as they wish.

Now, these platforms illegally accept US players. Since they are not based in any jurisdiction in the United States, they are not allowed to operate here. Playing in such sites is a rabbit hole, you do not know where it leads or how it will end up. Below are some more downsides to offshore sites.

Cons of Offshore Sites:

• Fewer payment options
• No guarantees that winnings will be paid out
• Payout speeds are not reliable
• Less games available in the lobby
• Fake games

Now, playing in regulated sites is entirely different. You will find that most of the things we complain about in offshore sites are addressed when you play here.

Below, we list some advantages to playing in legal sites in the United States.

Pros of Playing in Regulated Sites:

• Access to the best payment options
• Guaranteed payouts in one or two days — if it takes longer, this will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions
• More games are available from trusted game software suppliers
• Generous welcome bonus offers

What is the Most Trusted Online Casino?

All legal US online casinos that are regulated by governing bodies in the US are trustworthy. They must all adhere to the rules and regulations set by the state in which they operate.

Casino Apps vs Desktop

Many players are opting for mobile play over the desktop. The numbers agree, and to us, the reasoning is simple. Mobile casinos give you the power to decide when and where you want to play.

Whether this is on your lunch break at work, or during the bus ride back home is entirely up to you. These apps give you massive gaming options and greater convenience than the alternative.

We look at the pros and cons of casino apps and desktop play below.

Pros for Casino Apps

• You can play from anywhere there is an internet connection
• Mobile apps allow you to perform all the actions you need in the casino
• You may also benefit from mobile-specific bonus promotions

Cons for Casino Apps

• Usually requires you to download and install applications on your device
• May end up taking up big chunks of your storage
• Native apps need constant updates

Pros for Desktop

• Always carries the full casino games lobby
• You can play from any browser, including your mobile or tablet browser

Cons for Desktop

• Browser issues may affect your overall experience

Welcome Offers

Online casino sites like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars dish up bonuses to players when they sign up. The type of welcome bonus you receive is up to the operator. But the most common offers you will find online are no deposit, first deposit, free spins, and risk-free bonuses.

We take a quick look at each of these below.

No Deposit Bonus

You receive this type of bonus straight after signing up. That’s all you need to do. The no deposit bonus is exactly as the name implies. You will not be required to make an initial investment to receive this offer, but you might need to verify your account or sign up to receive the newsletter from the casino - this is worth doing anyway, because you often get exclusive offers via the newsletter.

First Deposit Bonus

To get the first deposit bonus, you need to deposit your own funds. The operator stipulates a minimum you must meet for the bonus to be activated.

This offer usually comes in the form of a deposit match bonus, where the casino will match your deposits with a specified percentage, up to a predetermined amount.

Free Spins

Free spins bonuses are usually game-specific, which means you can only use the free spins credit you receive on a particular game. This type of bonus usually makes up half of a two-bonus welcome package, the other being a deposit match.

Free spins may or may not be wagered, so you need to take a good look at the terms and conditions of your bonus before you claim.

Risk-Free Play

The risk-free play bonus is an exciting offer and works differently from all the others. Before you get this bonus, you need to place wagers using your own funds. The risk-free play bonus is usually applied over the first 24 hours you spend in the casino.

All your net losses during this time are reimbursed, up to a specified amount.

If you want to go more in-depth about welcome bonuses, you can take a look at our casino sign up bonuses overview page.

How to Sign Up For an Online Casino Site?

Online casinos always offer intriguing promotions enticing players to sign up. You will receive none of these bonuses unless you register an account with the casino. Luckily, this process is a breeze and will only take a few steps.

Follow our guide below to get started.

1. Make your way to the online casino registration page. You can use the links available here or do a manual search in your browser.
2. Whichever way you get there, you need to supply the casino with your name, email, physical address, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. This information will be required when verifying your identity.
3. The casino may also need you to upload a photo ID, bank statement, and proof of residence.
4. Go through the terms and conditions and agree before you hit the ‘Submit’ button. You will receive a confirmation that the process has gone through successfully.
5. Click ‘Deposit’ and select your preferred banking method to add funds to your account. If you are claiming a deposit match bonus, make sure your initial deposit is equal to or above the required minimum.
6. Your bonus will be credited to the ‘My Bonuses’ section of your account. You can then move on to making wagers.

Payment Options

Credit Cards

The ability to use credit cards is one of the perks of playing in regulated sites in the United States. The most common options under this payment method include Visa, American Express, Discover, and MasterCard.

Debit Cards

Debit cards are a pre-funded method in which you are using your bank cards to make payments online. You can use this method to make instant deposits in most online casinos. Popular options are Visa and MasterCard.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are a fantastic method to pay for things online. You buy this card already loaded with money from a third-party outlet. This is an excellent method to make deposits in online casinos but, bear in mind, you will need a separate method when it comes to withdrawals.

Play Plus

Play Plus is an online payment method available from Discover. If you are looking to make instant deposits and withdrawals in any online casino in the United States, this one’s for you.

PayPal

PayPal is a popular e-wallet that many use to make transactions online every day. This makes it an ideal pick when selecting a payment method.

Like most e-wallets, PayPal provides fast payout speeds and reasonable maximum withdrawal limits.

Skrill

Skrill is another e-wallet, just like PayPal. You can use this method to add funds to your account or claim withdrawals with ease.

PayNearMe

PayNearMe is an easy method to make online payments without exposing your banking details. To use this method, you extract a receipt from a pending payment on the online casino site. You then need to take this receipt to a local 7-Eleven and pay using cash.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers, ACH, and eChecks are timeless payment methods that are popular when dealing with large balances, but the trade-off is that these methods are also known for taking a long time for funds to appear in your account.

If you are using them for withdrawals, it’s not uncommon for transactions to take upwards of 2 weeks.

Check

You can also still use paper checks to transact with online casinos in the United States. However, as can be expected, this method takes a long time for transactions to clear.

Cash At The Casino Cage

If you can make the trip to the partner Casino, then cash at the casino cage may be an ideal option. The main benefit of cash at the cage is that deposits and withdrawals are instant.

Online Casino Games

Slots

Slot machine games are easy to play, require no skill, and can be enjoyed from as little as a few cents. Many players also like slots because they are highly customizable, you will find themes for anything from music bands to mythical creatures.

Slots are not only good for nostalgia, but you will also find great value for money in some of these games, and the many jackpots are not a bad thing either. To find out more about some of the casino slot hacks, you can learn more about it on our Casino Hacks page.

Video Poker

Video poker is an exciting card game enjoyed by many players in the United States. The beauty of this game is that you can enjoy it with friends. The objective is to come up with a hand that is stronger than all others, according to the payout table.

The most popular varieties of video poker include Texas Hold’em, Jacks or Better, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

Blackjack

The objective in blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. This game is played against the dealer and is popular with many because it has an element of skill.

You can master basic strategy and improve your odds of winning in blackjack.

Roulette

The most popular variants of this game are French and European roulette. You will not struggle to understand how this game is played as it’s nothing more than just placing a wager and letting the ball fly.

Our favorite variants of roulette include French Roulette, Lightning Roulette, and Mini Roulette.

Craps

In the most basic sense, the objective in craps is to successfully guess the outcome when a pair of dice is rolled. This is a fast-paced casino game that can be a source of loads of fun.

There are not many variants of craps, and it is considered somewhat of a niche game. So, you may find that some online casinos do not even carry it.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game that looks quite similar to blackjack in the way it’s played. But here, the target number is 9. When you play baccarat, you are not playing against the dealer. You can wager on either the banker or the player.

Three Card Poker

In three-card poker, you are only playing against the dealer and can ignore all the other players at the table. The objective here, like in other forms of Poker, is to create a combination of cards that is higher than the dealer’s on the payout table.

As the name implies, in this version of the game, you will only be making three-card combinations.

Virtual Sports Betting

Some online casinos carry virtual sports betting options. This is when players are allowed to wager on virtual games whose outcome is determined by unbiased algorithms. The benefit of virtual games over actual sports betting is that you can enjoy these anytime you want.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are played online and include actual human hosts. These give the best and most authentic casino experience when you are gambling online. You can enjoy games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and even poker in the live lobby.

Live games like Dreamcatcher and Monopoly Live are also available.

Self-Exclusion & Player Safety

While online casinos are out to get as many players as possible to sign up, this is superseded when your overall health is at risk. Gambling addiction is real and can lead to social, physical, emotional, and financial loss. This is why online casinos provide tools with which you can protect yourself.

If you ever feel like your gambling is getting out of control, you can sign up for self-exclusion. How long you choose to exclude yourself is entirely up to you. You can step aside temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling activity within the United States.

Whichever option you take, trained customer support agents are ready to help.

Upcoming US Online Casinos

Many states are taking to online casino gambling. The process of legalization in these jurisdictions is at various levels. But judging by what we are seeing, we expect to see positive movement in Arizona, Florida, and New York soon.