Best Online Casinos in the USA for 2023

Online gambling is legal in the US, but on a state by state basis, meaning there is not one national law making it legal or illegal. For example, you may be able to play online poker and place an online bet in one state, but only online sports bet in another. It’s an ongoing legal situation, but more local government representatives have their eye on legalizing online casinos, and some have even proposed bills regarding it.

Keep checking Casinos.com as we bring you updates on the changing legal landscape. We only discuss states where online casinos and their operators are licensed and regulated, so you can rest assured it’s safe to play in these states.

There are many online casino brands out there, but that doesn't mean they operate in every legal state or have the game selection you're looking for. Online casino operators have so many variables  – payment options, game library, processing times, bonuses, player experience  – and different factors will matter more or less to different players. 

In the spirit of that, we've gathered a list of the top US online casino operators and broken down some of the main points. Let's take a look at some of the more well-known brands that cover many of the bases for new online casino players.

There are pretty much two brands considered top gaming giants, and MGM is one of them. BetMGM serves as the casino-resort empire’s online casino and online sportsbook. The company has poured many resources into making these online gaming experiences superior to competitors, and there’s almost nothing it doesn’t have. Yet, the brand’s pièce de résistance is its awesome rewards scheme, which is second to none.

Upon registration, you’re automatically enrolled in the MGM Rewards program. You can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and MGM Tier Credits through gameplay alone. US players can exchange the former at the BetMGM Rewards Store for bonus credits. Alternatively, why not convert them into MGM Rewards Points, which you can exchange for real-life rewards at MGM Resorts properties across the US?

On the other hand, your MGM Tier Credits determine your Tier Status. You’ll unlock special rewards and perks as you reach higher and more exclusive tiers. You start at Sapphire, where you’ll find some attractive perks and prizes, like birthday bonuses and free or discounted rooms at MGM Resorts. Only the most loyal BetMGM Casino players can reach the highest step of the MGM Rewards ladder – Noir. The rewards are off the chart, including a dedicated VIP host, a $500 tier achievement celebration dining experience, and much more.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

The other gaming superpower in the US is Caesars Entertainment. This casino-resort empire is known for its popular Caesars Sportsbook and thrilling Caesars Palace Casino Online in NJ. Expect a prime experience when it comes to game offerings, features, rewards, and user experience, which is perfect for beginners. 

Yet, Caesars Palace Casino is one of the best when it comes to offering top-quality and immersive table games. Alongside its extensive selection of online slot machines, you can enjoy all the traditional table games you would find at a brick-and-mortar casino and more. The site features dozens of casino classics, including multiple variations of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. 

Traditional virtual table games include European Roulette, Casino Hold’em Poker, and Classic Blackjack. Yet, you’ll also find quirky games with a unique twist, such as First Person Dream Catcher, Multihand Blackjack, and First Person Football Studio. Caesars Palace Online Casino also boasts several exclusive table game options you won’t find anywhere else, like Caesars Palace Blackjack Players Choice. 

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

DraftKings and its big competitor, FanDuel, were both known originally from the Daily Fantasy Sports space. As legal online sports betting and online casino legalization spread like wildfire across the US, DraftKings branched off and opened its sportsbook and online casino, offering a premium experience. The brand has also launched one of the best apps in the industry for the ultimate mobile gaming experience.

In fact, it launched four – one each for its online casino, sportsbook, DFS, and live fantasy sports news platform. Available on iOS and Android devices, players in NJ, PA, MI, and WV can install DraftKings’ dedicated mobile app for free from the Apple App and Google Play stores. With its user-friendly interface, each app features a player-friendly design and simplistic, fast navigation. 

Better still, you can enjoy DraftKings Casino promotions and bonuses on the apps just as you can on desktop sites – whether you’re a new or a seasoned player. These include deposit bonuses, reload offers, and loyalty rewards.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

Like DraftKings, FanDuel is an industry-leading gambling brand that has exploded in popularity since venturing into the online sportsbook and online casino market. The best online casinos always have steep competition, so FanDuel and others are constantly upping their game to attract users. One way FanDuel does this is by offering one of the best casino game selections around. 

After all, you’re free to choose from over 600 of the most popular slots, more than a dozen authentic live dealer options, and 40+ traditional table games. You’ll also find plenty of video poker titles and instant win games like scratch cards and bingo. The site is home to plenty of exclusive options, too, like Buster Bones, FanDuel Live Dealer American Roulette, and Blackjack Players Choice.

But it’s not just the number of games that FanDuel gets right. The site partners with the industry’s top software developers to curate its impressive collection. We’re talking Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, IGT, and Big Time Gaming. You can even test out almost all of FanDuel’s extensive lobby in demo mode, meaning you can practice your gaming skills for free. This is what makes FanDuel our experts’ favorite for “Best Game Selection”.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

Owned by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers shares its name with its popular land-based Rivers Casinos. The company has poured a lot of resources into making its online presence a quality player experience and is one of the leaders in the online gaming space. BetRivers Online Casino features hundreds of games, consistent bonuses, and, of course, its Rush Rewards loyalty program. 

Also, the casino offers some of the best payouts in the online gaming industry. BetRivers Casino features an incredibly high RTP of around 97.6%. If we look at some of the site’s highest RTP games, such as Mega Joker (99%) and Ultimate Texas Hold’em (99.47%), it’s not hard to see why. 

Alongside some of the best payouts around, you’ll also find that BetRivers Casino features some pretty rapid payouts and withdrawals compared to other online casinos. Its deposits are instant, whether you use debit and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), e-wallets (PayPal), prepaid options (PayNearMe), and traditional banking (Wire Transfers). Furthermore, BetRivers Casino claims that 90% of withdrawals are issued instantly, thanks to its exclusive cashout system RushPay.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

Golden Nugget was once considered a classic, old-school brand due to its historic Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. However, the iconic gambling company has made some power moves and partnerships within the gaming industry, now featuring a complete online suite of products, tons of games, and modern features.

Arguably, Golden Nugget Casino is best known for its remarkable slot collection. You’ll soon uncover a hidden treasure trove of over 1,500 online slot machines by clicking the links on this page and heading to the site. You can use the helpful filters to pinpoint exactly what you are looking for or use the handy search bar to locate your favorite games. 

Alongside traditional classic slots and video slots, Golden Nugget Casino features exciting Megaways titles, Cluster Pays, and even unique Slingo games. US players will find slot titles in almost every theme imaginable. From slots inspired by the luck of the Irish to intergalactic games, the possibilities are endless. You can also test your luck on progressive jackpots and fixed-jackpot slots if you’re on the hunt for potential big wins. That said, aren’t we all?

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia

Glamorous and edgy, the Hard Rock brand is quite the empire, evolving from Hard Rock Digital to Hard Rock Cafes, concert venues, and hotel casinos. The brand focuses heavily on gaming and has excellent online products – including competitive bonuses.

For example, first-time HardRock Bet players can take advantage of its awesome welcome offer containing a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. But that’s not all. The online casino throws 1,000 free spins on top. This is undoubtedly one of the best sign-up bonuses our experts have seen in the US for quite some time. It allows you to double your bankroll and enjoy free rounds on some of the hottest online slots around without compromising your cash. 

Better still, once you’re a fully-fledged regular Hard Rock Bet player, you can enjoy frequent perks and prizes. These include the exclusive “Bet & Get” promotion and the “Mystery Wheel” offer, where a simple spin on the wheel could result in some massive rewards. Simply hit the “Promotions” tab to see what’s on offer.

States available: New Jersey

As its name suggests, PokerStars began as a premium poker-only brand before spreading into other game offerings as casinos became legal in several US states. So, if poker is your thing, PokerStars offers an excellent experience and a wide variety of poker game types. Still, US players can also sink their teeth into online slots, table games, and live dealer experiences. This is partially why PokerStars Casino is our experts’ choice for “Best User Experience”.

Not only do you have endless gaming entertainment open to you – but you also have a super intuitive and easy-to-navigate platform at your fingertips. Regardless of what device you’re playing on, the casino lobby is of top-spec quality, the graphics are of outstanding definition, and you’ll find your way from game to game without a glitch.

Thanks to HTML5 technology, PokerStars runs smoothly on mobile browsers. This technology means the site is optimized and responsive for the screens of smartphones and tablets. Yet, for the ultimate mobile experience, we recommend downloading the PokerStars Casino app. You’ll find enhanced usability and connectivity, fast-loading games, and simple swipe-tap navigation. Just keep in mind that the operator is only active in a few states.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan

While Unibet doesn’t have the razzle-dazzle draw of land-based casino resorts, it has been operating globally for decades. It has an impressive US online casino product with more than 1,000 games. The brand has an excellent reputation in the gaming industry, a nice look and feel to its online casino, and some pretty awesome bonus offers. Unibet is also expected to launch in Michigan, so watch this space. 

However, those with access to Unibet Casino’s tournaments are in for a treat. These thrilling casino competitions allow players to earn perks and prizes while playing their favorite games. The gambling brand typically has many active tournaments running at any given time. This is what makes the casino our experts’ top choice for “Best Tournaments”.

Right now, you can participate in the Lucky Spins Tournament. With minimum stakes of just $0.25 and a nice $500 prize pool, it is perfect for all types of players, no matter their budget. 20 popular games are included in the tournament, including all-time classics like Da Vinci Diamonds, Book of Slingo, Fruit Shop, and Bloodsuckers. Simply head to the “Casino Tournaments” tab to uncover Unibet’s active and upcoming competitions.

States available: New Jersey, Pennsylvania 

At Casinos.com, we have been playing online table games and slots for years. We’ve also been traveling the country playing at the biggest and best land-based casinos. We know the most trustworthy operators and license-holders to make your casino journey as smooth as possible.

Online casino gaming in the United States is just a click away. Don’t sign up with an operator until you read our team’s top reviews, as only the best legal US online gambling sites make it into our experts’ recommended list. Here’s the criteria that we use when compiling our reviews.

What’s better than playing online casino games? Getting a hefty welcome bonus of course. A top online casino will offer welcome and deposit match bonuses, plus regular promotions like free spins and reload bonuses. Our Casinos.com review team also does a complete check on VIP programs to see if they are worth joining.

Though there are plenty of legal US online casino brands and legal social and sweepstakes casino brands, many others try to appear that way to lure players. These do not always have precautions or site software necessary to protect player information such as passwords, payment method details and personal ID info. Legal casinos must pass many player safety checks to even begin to launch, and the best online casinos have plenty of security protocols and software in place to protect private player information and sensitive data.

Every online casino in the US should operate under license from the relevant state gaming board. Our team also does a thorough background check on every casino skin that launches in the US.

The last thing online and mobile gamblers want to see is a lack of modern features, a lag or a site and app that isn’t easy to navigate. Speed, high-tech features, top-tier design and a mobile-friendly layout are crucial for a smooth gaming experience.

Good gambling sites provide a wide selection of online casino games. Choose from hundreds of the best video slots, spin the roulette wheel or play blackjack and other card games at a range of stakes. We’ll also do a thorough count of jackpot games which give you the chance of winning a big-money progressive jackpot.

Having a few of your favorite banking methods accepted by your online casino of choice makes everything easier, and you should note that PayPal casinos and Visa casinos remain our top picks for their easy processing and speed. It's best to decide on your preferred deposit and withdrawal method, whether it's an e-wallet, check or credit card, and make sure your chosen operator accepts it. Otherwise, it can be quite limiting. Our team makes deposits via Play+, e-wallet, wire transfer and more to test the speed and accuracy of each casino’s payments. Additionally, the best payout casinos are only as good as their cashout procedure. We test every casino’s withdrawal times and check to see if reversals and manual flushing are permitted.

Good customer support is essential at every online casino in the US. You should have access to a staff support member via email, live chat and phone. We always quiz the customer support members to make sure they know their stuff.

Good online casinos will offer a decent selection of games and slots. Excellent casinos will offer thousands of different games in multiple variations – think several kinds of slots, live dealer games and even niche games. Here’s what you can expect to find at many of the best online gambling sites mentioned on this page.

Online slots take up the largest chunk of a casino’s game selection. You can find anywhere from 100-500 real money slot games at the best slot sites online, including popular titles adapted from land-based machines. Choose from classic 3-reel steppers and 5-reel bonus slots to the biggest progressive slots with giant jackpots.

In land-based casinos, you will usually only find American Roulette. At online roulette casinos, however, you can play everything from American Roulette to European Roulette, French Roulette and even Multi-Wheel Roulette with added bonus pockets.

Online blackjack casino games are offered by a majority of top online casino brands. Play classic blackjack from $0.50 a hand, or take a shot at side bets in Atlantic City Blackjack and Perfect Pairs. Played with the correct strategy, it offers an incredibly low house edge.

Baccarat and Punto Banco pit the player against the dealer to see whose hand will win. It’s easy to learn and offers a low house edge. Check out all the baccarat casinos online and pick your favorite.

Video poker machines are popular across the US. A top online casino will offer video poker games from major developers like IGT. Hold your good cards and discard your bad ones to make the best 5-card hand possible.

Scratch cards, or scratchers, are quick instant-play games available at most online casinos. Pay your stake and remove the top layer to reveal a cash prize or jackpot.

An online live casino brings the thrill of brick-and-mortar games onto your PC or mobile phone. Play roulette or card games such as blackjack and baccarat against a human dealer via webcam. The dealer uses real-life equipment for an authentic casino experience.

You can only play legal online casinos in six states. Nevada sort of counts as a seventh, but the online casino game you can play is poker. 

As a note, you do not have to be a resident of these states to play. Whether visiting or residing there, you just have to be physically located in the state. Your computer, mobile phone, or tablet will use geolocation to ensure you’re playing within legal state limits. Once you're in one of those six states you can look into general game offerings and bonuses at top national brands like Caesars, DraftKings, and Golden Nugget or narrow your search to state-specific, such as BetMGM Casino Online in NJ and others. Casinos in the USA have generous new player promotions and many offer them all year round. 

For now, here is where US online casinos are already legal and in full swing.

The state legalized online sports betting and Michigan online casinos in late 2019, along with online poker in 2021. This gambling trifecta has been a huge revenue boon in the state and it's now home to numerous operators.

The Garden State legalized online casino games in 2013. NJ online casinos have some of the largest selection of authorized license holders, including land-based operators in Atlantic City. Major operators include Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Golden Nugget AC and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, but you’ll also find the usuals such as DraftKings Online Casino and FanDuel Online Casino in NJ. Online poker and sports betting are also legal in the state.

Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in 2017, becoming the fourth US state to do so. The state’s land-based casinos were also expanded as part of the new legislation. There are over a dozen regulated online casinos including PA Hollywood Casino Online, which offers slots and table games. All PA online casino sites are aligned to existing land-based operators in the state, such as Rivers Casino (formerly SugarHouse), Parx Casino and Harrah’s Casino.

Online gambling in Connecticut took effect in 2021 after a robust history of brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. The launch of Connecticut online casinos marked the fifth state with legal online casinos.

The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act was passed in 2019, paving the way for online casinos. But WV online casinos are just part of the gaming landscape, as online sports betting and online poker are also legal in the state.

Delaware was the first US state to legalize online gambling. Residents and visitors in Delaware can legally play poker and casino games or bet on sports online. The state’s three land-based operators are licensed to provide online games – Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway.

…But with limits. Nevada online gambling law is tricky and not as straightforward as you would think. Nevada was one of the first states to legalize online gambling sites but it still doesn't have everything - only online poker and sports betting. Note that for online betting you must first register in person at a casino and only then can you play on mobile or desktop. Online poker allows for remote registration. Other than that, the state currently has no legalized online casino games.

There are only a few states that have made significant progress in online casino propositions and bills. This is mostly because there are historical precedents, and even stances, on online casinos (or online gambling in general) that have carried over. So even though there may be an ambitious young Senator or legislator angling for more gambling expansion in the state, there are many hoops to jump through and many signatures or votes needed for it to actually become reality. 

Several conservative states have gone this way, including South Carolina and Texas, but even the trying and failing is significant, as this can often lead to building support and therefore making a real case for it later down the line. This was especially true in the era right after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when state coffers were badly bruised. Legalizing online casinos and/or sports betting would have provided an influx of revenue (if done correctly) that was enticing to even the most harsh legal gambling critics.

But, among the pile of states which have tried and failed recently, a few have emerged as much more likely to get online casino legislation passed sooner than others. Additionally, if online sports betting has been passed and launched in a state, there is a much higher chance for movement on the legal online casino front, as there is clearly support to be had and license deals and operator partnerships already in place. These frontrunner states include New York and Indiana, but because of progress on other gambling bills, there have been rumblings in New Hampshire, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Illinois, Iowa, Maine and Maryland. However, all of these are a long shot to happen anytime soon, as they each have a long way to go legislatively. 

One major benefit of gambling online is a casino bonus. These are highly desired and are one of the best aspects of signing up at a chosen online casino operator. Grab a welcome bonus when you play at an online casino for real money. You can even click on the codes you see on this page. 

Here are five of the most popular online casino bonuses.

Every good online casino in the USA will offer a welcome bonus to new players, but you will have to make an initial deposit to take advantage. Generally, the casino will match your first deposit 100% with bonus money. Meet the wagering requirements to unlock the bonus money and withdraw it to your bank or e-wallet. While the requirements might seem strict, remember this is essentially free cash and the casino wants to make sure you stick around and play for a while.

Regular casino players can claim a reload bonus. It’s a smaller version of the welcome bonus where your deposit may be matched only 25-50%.

Some US casinos give new players a little freeplay cash to use on slots and games of your choice. These no deposit bonus codes are very sought-after, but any winnings must be wagered several times over before you can withdraw the money.

A welcome bonus may also include free spins on selected slots. Play your spins and calculate your total winnings. You must then wager your winnings several times over before withdrawing them.

Many prominent online gambling sites offer a loyalty program, such as Caesars Rewards or MGM Rewards. You earn points every time you play and can work up through several tiered levels of membership. Points can earn you added benefits like faster cashouts and personal VIP managers.

Most casino bonuses have a wagering requirement. A wagering requirement is the amount you have to gamble in order to release your bonus funds. Here’s an example:

You sign up for a welcome bonus with a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. You deposit the maximum amount and the casino awards you with $1,000 in bonus funds. The wagering requirement is set at 25x. You must now gamble 25 x $1,000, or $25,000, to release $1,000 in free cash.

Online casino games may contribute different amounts too, depending on the casino. Slots have a high contribution rate.

The number of legal casino software providers in the US is always growing. All the developers on our list are properly licensed in the United States and boast years of experience in the industry.

IGT

Popular slots: Cats, Da Vinci Diamonds, Cleopatra

Other games: Video poker, roulette, blackjack

IGT (International Game Technologies) has decades of experience in the US gambling market. The developer is known for big-money slots like MegaJackpots Siberian Storm. However, IGT also provides video poker games like Double Double Bonus Poker, as well as table games like 3 Wheel Roulette.

NetEnt

Popular slots: Starburst, Dead or Alive 2, Gonzo's Quest

Other games: Blackjack, roulette, live casino, Casino Hold ‘em, baccarat

NetEnt is a Swedish game developer that has been active in the United States since 2015. NetEnt supplies hundreds of online slots to legal casinos, including the ultra-popular Divine Fortune, Gonzo’s Quest, and Starburst. NetEnt also provides its own suite of table games and live dealer games.

High 5 Games (H5G)

Popular slots: All That Cash Power Bet, Cosmic Jewels, Secrets of the Forest

Other games: n/a

High 5 Games is a top social casino provider in the US market. The games you will find on High 5 Casinos are known for their accessibility across multiple platforms like desktop and mobile.

NextGen

Popular slots: Bingo Billions, Irish Eyes 2

Other games: Atlantic City Blackjack, Blackjack Pro Multi Hand, Roulette Master

NextGen is a global slots and table game provider that operates in legal US states like New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Popular slots include Foxin’ Wins and Irish Eyes, but NextGen also supplies online table games like Atlantic City Blackjack.

Bally

Popular slots: Quick Hit Platinum, Cash Spin, Fu Dao Le

Other games: n/a

Bally is a US slots developer that has been producing games since the 1960s. Bally has adapted many of their most popular offline machines for online platforms, such as Quick Hit Platinum, Triple Cash Wheel and Vegas Hits.

WMS

Popular slots: Bruce Lee Fire of the Dragon, Fire Queen, Monopoly Grand Hotel, Raging Rhino

Other games: American Roulette

WMS (Williams Interactive) entered the slots market in the mid-1990s. They were taken over by Scientific Games (now rebranded to Light & Wonder) in 2013 but continue to supply dozens of slots to US online gambling websites.

Barcrest

Popular slots: Monopoly Big Event, Reel em In, Mighty Black Knight

Other games: n/a

UK provider Barcrest has been supplying slot machines to casinos and arcades since the 1960s. They were taken over by Scientific Games, which now goes by the name Light & Wonder, in 2012 and continue to produce online slots for global markets. Barcrest is best-known for its “Big Bet” series of slots with giant jackpots and high RTPs.

Evolution Gaming

Popular slots: Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst

Other games: Live Casino roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat

Evolution Gaming is a world leader in live online casino games. Live dealer games are controlled by human croupiers using real-life tables and equipment. Evolution supplies dozens of games to legal online gambling sites, including live roulette, live blackjack, and the Dream Catcher wheel.

Opening a new casino account in the US is quick and easy. You will find that many of the steps require your personal information, but this is done as a safety measure. ID verification is hugely important in online gambling compliance. You will need a few personal documents to register.

Step 1 - Create a unique username

You will need a username and password to log in to your account when you want to play. It’s the first thing you’ll need to create when you set up your casino account. Make sure your password is strong and hard to figure out. You can also set up a security question in case you forget your password. This might be your mother’s maiden name or city of birth.

Step 2 - Enter your personal details

Now, the casino needs to know a little more about you. Enter a valid home address and your cell phone number.

Step 3 - Enter your SSN number

Legal online casinos in the USA often require at least the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN). This is to help prevent underage gambling and money laundering.

Step 4 - Confirm your email address

Once the registration form is completed, check your emails and find the verification email. Click through the link to finish your registration process.

Step 5 - Enter online casino promo code

During the registration process, you may have the chance to enter a promo code. This gives you access to a casino welcome bonus like a deposit match or free spins.

Step 6 - Make a deposit

You have your username and password, now you need to fund your account. Head to the online casino cashier and make a first deposit. You can load your account via Play+, an e-wallet such as PayPal, PayNearMe or a credit or debit card. Further down this page you will find a full list of US payment methods, including the best one to use for a fast casino payout.

When you play at the best online casinos for real money, you can fund your account in a number of ways. Here are some of the most popular casino banking methods in the US today. We should point out that deposit limits can vary from casino to casino. However, we have listed an average across all US online casinos.

Play+ and Prepaid Cards

If your credit or debit card is rejected, which still happens all too frequently because some financial institutions are wrongly flagging them, a prepaid card like Play+ is an excellent alternative. You can use a debit card or credit card to deposit from just $10 and make withdrawals from eligible ATMs across the USA. Additionally, at Play+ casinos and others, withdrawal times are instant.

e-wallets

E-wallets like PayPal let you store cash from multiple sources in one secure online account. Skrill online casinos and others like it generally have a good success rate. You can even earn member benefits when you use the service. Withdrawal times are usually 1-2 business days.

Debit and Credit Cards

Credit card casinos are usually a player favorite because of general ease and convenience. The best credit card casinos in the US accept a variety of debit and credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover. Deposits are instant and you can withdraw to some cards. However, many US banks still won’t process gambling payments, so it’s good to have a backup option until this pain point is relieved. Withdrawal times are usually 3-7 business days.

PayNearMe

PayNearMe is an easy deposit option if you live near a 7-Eleven, Walgreens, Family Dollar or CVS. Make payments in-store in cash direct to your casino account. If you want to play on PayNearMe casino sites, note that PayNearMe charges a small fee for using the service, but you never have to use a bank or credit card.

Online Bank Transfer

Bank transfer casinos are ideal for their speed and ease of use, as most let you move cash directly from your bank account. Not every US bank will allow transfers for online gambling sites, but the process is quick and safe. Withdrawals usually take around 3-7 business days.

VIP Preferred

E-check provider VIP Preferred is accepted at the best online casino sites. You can make instant deposits via your bank account without risk of rejection. And because VIP Preferred uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH), payments are totally secure. It’s a preferred method among high rollers because of the higher limits. Withdrawal times are usually 2-3 business days.

Casino Cage

You can also make deposits in person at a participating land-based casino. Visit the casino cage and deposit cash directly into your online account. You can also cash out winnings within an hour.

Ready to start playing online casino games in the US? Getting your gaming experience started is easy, but you’ll need the right equipment such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

As far as equipment, some US online casinos work in Adobe Flash. You will need to install the latest Adobe Flash Player or above to play free slots and games. We also recommend you have over 2GB of RAM to handle the software. A 16MB graphics card will help with live dealer streams. If you are downloading any of our recommendations on the best mobile casinos, make sure you have the most current update of iOS or Android running on your device.

You will need a reliable internet connection to play casino games online. If you’re out and about, ensure you have a good Wi-Fi connection or a decent data plan.

Remember, online casinos are only legal in a handful of US states. Under state gaming laws, casinos must be able to pinpoint your location. Online gambling sites use geolocation tools like GeoComply to confirm you are playing legally within state lines, whether on desktop, mobile, or tablet. You can download the GeoComply plugin when you set up your account. Some casino apps have GeoComply pre-installed.

While brick-and-mortar casinos and online casinos share many of the same popular games, there are many benefits of playing online casino games over land-based ones. Here are our top 5 reasons to gamble online:

Earn a Casino Bonus

Some land-based casinos in the US offer comps and benefits - usually for existing players - but all online casinos will offer a welcome bonus for new players. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of playing online, as you can scour bonuses from every operator and try all of them out. A welcome bonus will usually include a deposit match plus free spins on a popular slot.

Bigger Range of Casino Games

At the best US online casino websites, you will find hundreds of exciting real money slots and other games. Some games won’t be found at your local casino because they are limited by floor space. When playing online you’ll also never have to wait for a spot at the roulette wheel or a seat at your favorite slot machine!

Wider Selection of Stakes

Online gambling with real money is perfect if you have a small budget. Slot stakes start at just $0.01, while roulette and blackjack can start at just $0.10-$0.50 a game. That’s a lot lower than the stakes found in land-based casinos, where seats can be at a premium.

Play at Home or on the Move

Why travel miles to your nearest casino when you can gamble at home? Online casinos offer convenience at all times of the day. You can even play video slots or table games on your mobile device.

Join a VIP Player Program

If you play regularly, you can earn player points as part of a loyalty program and one perk is that you can earn points playing both online and in retail casinos. Loyalty reward programs are usually open to all players, not just high rollers. As long as you maintain your playing level, you can earn benefits and perks and even move up tier levels.

The subject of online casino legalization is somewhat of a “can of worms” in the United States because, when it comes to gambling, all 50 states have their own governing bodies and laws. There is no blanket federal bill, law, or method for playing online casinos.

Though it’s a deep rabbit hole, we can try to keep it short with a quick, high-level overview of how online casinos become legal and what may be halting the process in your state.

As mentioned, all 50 states have various gambling laws. This can make the attempt and process of online casino legalization much easier or very difficult. For example, states like Utah and Texas and other southern conservative states are already averse to gambling in the most extreme sense of the word, as these places are very traditional in nature. Their lawmakers are not keen on the idea of expanding gambling, which can be viewed as immoral or unsavory. Other places already have existing gambling, such as land-based casinos, but online casinos are viewed as threats to their profits. Other states that have existing casinos actually want online sports betting and online casinos, as they think it will simply increase profits overall and provide a tidal wave of tax revenue for the state. Tribal casinos are also quite significant in the US, especially in states such as Oklahoma, Arizona, California and Florida where there is a large presence of tribal control, with tribal casino compacts that often go head-to-head with commercial brands regarding expansion. 

Every state has many decision-makers at play and these vary from state to state. It is not one person that carries online casino legislation forward. It can be a mix of Senators, who get support from local pro-gambling political action committees, plus propositions that make it to voters. There are bills that must move forward in the House and the Senate and get the correct amount of support, and finally, a prized signature. Anything can happen along the way in these legislative sessions. Bills get revised, sent back, shelved or die altogether and the cycle must start over in the next 1-2 years. 

Online sports betting has had much more success in recent years, as over half the states in the US now have legal online sportsbooks, while online casinos are only legal in six states. The good news is once a state passes online sports betting, it offers an easier path into getting online casinos, too.

Once online casinos are legalized in a state, it can take years for them to even launch. There are all kinds of licensing requirements and regulations in place that must be vetted and approved. Operators must pay for licenses and there are only so many handed out.

In short, it takes many steps and lots of back-and-forth before you’re going to see your favorite casino brand go online - if it hasn’t already.

So, what can you play if your state doesn’t have legal online casinos yet? That is where the glory of Social Casino and Sweepstakes Casinos comes into play.

Think of social casinos as sort of a fun, free way to simulate playing your favorite games, but where no real money is exchanged. Players cannot win real money but they can play slots, blackjack, roulette and other games just as if it were a real casino and play for prizes instead of cash.

Sweepstakes Casinos offer a very similar experience but up the ante with the chance to win real money. Sweepstakes casinos use both gold coins and something called Sweeps Coins. These Sweeps Coins can be played with, and if you win, they can be exchanged for real money. 

Both Social and Sweepstakes casino play and rules can be quite complex, so be sure to read our Social Casinos page here at Casinos.com for all the information you will need to know.

If players are located in states where online casinos are not legal, they will assuredly come across web sites that look like they are legal. These offshore gaming sites are designed to appear completely operational within the law, but they actually operate in illegal or “gray market” manner. 

These sites are often unregulated, unsafe and use shady practices. For example, if a player registers and deposits funds, then plays and hits a big jackpot, there is not a guarantee they will actually receive winnings. The site could even close down at any time, leaving deposits or winning completely unretrievable, plus compromise personal data. The player would have no legal recourse in this scenario. For a multitude of reasons, it’s best to stay away from offshore gambling websites, and explore the offerings at Casinos.com, all of which are completely legal, licensed, and regulated.