Best Online Casinos in the U.S. By State
Just five states have legalized real money online casinos as of October 2021. If you’re one of the lucky residents of Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia — this is the guide for you. Here are the best legal and official USA casinos online that operate in your respective states, broken down by state so you can always find the right online casino for you.
Best Online Casinos USA
American online gambling has been a hot topic for over a decade now, with legislators in almost 20 states pushing for legalization of real money online casinos. However, many conservatives have opposed the legalization of gambling over fears of addiction or other morality-based arguments. Online gambling laws regulate casinos and make sure that players are treated fairly, have access to good customer care, and can win real money when online gaming.
The five states that have legalized real money online casinos have made it possible for casino companies to legally operate and accept players, meaning that it is safe to play with no legal repercussions (if you’re in that state).
Casinos have gotten more advanced and fun since more states and countries legalize online casinos. You can now find hundreds of versions of your favorite casino games, like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and more. There are hundreds of thousands of online slots with pretty much any theme you can think of. If you enjoy online sports betting, there are casinos with sportsbooks. You can even play live dealer games, with professional dealers filming and broadcasting in real-time while you “sit” at a table with other guests and chat.
If you live in a state where online casinos are legal and you’ve never tried them, there’s no better time than now! Here are the most popular USA online casinos listed for you to try. Before you do, always gamble responsibly and use a reputable source. If you pick any casino outside our list, we recommend that you double-check with an independent source to find more information on all the different US-licensed online casinos verified by experts.
Best Online Casinos in Delaware
Real money online casinos in Delaware function differently. They have a single-operator system, which means that the state approved just three online casinos. However, as a Delaware resident, you can also use offshore casino sites to play, so you do have access to some of the world’s best online casino games and mobile casino operators.
In Delaware, the three state approved casinos, where you can play table games, online slots, and real money poker are:
- Delaware Park
- Dover Downs
- Harrington Raceway
The best three offshore real money casinos available in Delaware include:
BetUS
- Current $3,000 bonus, free spins bonus
- Online slots, card games, sports betting, poker
Wild Casino
- Up to $5,000 bonus
- Plenty of classic casino games, scratchcards, slots, live dealer
Bovada
- $3,000 Bonus
- Live dealer, slots, sports, overall large selection of games
Favorite Real Money Online Casinos for Michigan Players
One of the newest states to allow online gambling, Michigan legalized playing in late January 2021 and already has a number of online real money casinos operating within state limits. The best and most trusted online casinos for Michigan players are:
FanDuel
- Mobile app available
- Smaller games selection, but at least one option available for each game type
- Hundreds of slots
- Sports betting + casino
BetMGM
- Great bonuses, holiday promotions
- Extensive game selection including poker, blackjack, roulette, online slots
- Excellent jackpot games and tournaments
WynnBet
- Up to $1,000 in real money bonuses
- Free spins for slots players
- Great reputation for easy withdrawals and deposits, tons of payment options
Best Online Casinos in New Jersey
There are a ton of legal online options for New Jersey players as the state has given a number of online gambling sites the license to operate within the law. For a great online casino check out:
Golden Nugget
- Get $10 for completing the sign-up process
- Up to $1,500 in bonuses
- Hundreds of game options including slots, table games, poker, progressive jackpots
Virgin Casino
- Players receive $30 for signing up and can collect up to $100 cashback on the first deposit
- One of the widest game selections
- Great for card players
Tropicana
- Get $25 for signing up
- Table games, hundreds of slots, sportsbook
Where to Gamble Online in Pennsylvania
This state is known for having one of the most progressive approaches to USA online casino sites, with tons of real money gambling sites available for players. Some of the most popular and trusted casino sites in PA include:
Unibet
- Great bonus offer, up to $750
- Over 1,000 casino games
- Promotions consistently updated
- Great customer service
Caesar’s
- Get $10 free for signing up, and receive up to $300 in bonus deposits
- Large selection of casino games, live dealer games
- Sportsbook available
BetMGM
- $25 with signup
- Reputable brand
- Easy-to-use site, great graphics
- Large game selection
Top Online Casinos For Players in West Virginia
There are only three state-sanctioned online casino brands operating in West Virginia where you can win money gambling online, but all three brands are known for their excellent quality and service. These are the three online casinos you can choose from if you live in West Virginia:
BetMGM
- Great online casino bonuses, deposit or welcome bonus up to $1,000
- Large selection of real money casino games
- Sportsbook
- Quick sign-up, withdrawal, and deposit
BetRivers
- Well-known U.S. Brand, reputable
- Mostly sports betting app
- Live sports betting, allows you to watch games live and place bets, many tournaments
DraftKings
- Most popular sportsbook brand in the U.S.
- Tons of betting options
- Regularly updated welcome bonus
- Excellent customer service
Is Online Gambling Legal in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Despite being home to the world-renowned Las Vegas strip, Nevada has actually only legalized online poker rooms and not the all games included at real money casinos online. The state’s politicians have repeatedly stated that their responsibility is to protect the brick-and-mortar casinos the state is known for. However, you can play poker online in Nevada through:
WSOP.com (World Series of Poker)
- Mobile gaming app available
- Consistent tournaments
- Trustworthy website
What to Know Before Using a Gambling Site for U.S. Players
Always check the rules and restrictions of your local law codes before you sign up at an online casino real money site to make sure you’re playing responsibly. If you want to try websites that aren’t listed here, use Google to make sure they’re not blacklisted (a blacklisted real money casino is deemed untrustworthy, or missing their license). Tax laws apply to your online casino gambling site winnings in the U.S. If you win real money, you must disclose it when filing your taxes or talk to your accountant to ensure everything is done by the book.
As an American player, you’ll notice that many of the world’s most popular USA casino sites restrict their site based on location, which means that if you don’t live in a state where online casinos are legal and regulated, most sites will prevent you from signing up. That’s because they want to avoid legal trouble — just as you do.
Safety and Fairness of Online Casino Sites
Internet casinos have come a long way in the last 20 years, and so has their reputation. Many individuals are still skeptical of giving their information to an online casino site. While it is good to be cautious on the internet, there are a lot more safety features than you think.
For one, in states where online gambling is legal, casinos are licensed and overseen by a government commission that makes sure their website, fairness, and logistics are working well. Only a trustworthy online casino can continue to keep their licenses.
When top online casino websites ask you put in your private information, such as your name, address, and bank account or card info (to make real money deposits and withdrawals), you should know that they are SSL encrypted, meaning the website has it secured, so your information cannot be stolen or leaked. Most online casinos in the U.S. are backed by big names in the casino world, and it makes sense for them to protect their clients and assets.
Others are skeptical that a casino that is online will pay out their promised winnings, or that they will win at all while playing online casino games. A licensed and legitimate online gambling operator use an algorithm to ensure fairness. This algorithm is regularly tested and checked by the same government commission that makes sure sites are safe. The mathematical equation the computer uses ensures that people win and lose money at random when playing an online casino game, meaning that the website cannot cheat you. Casinos who don’t ensure their algorithm works correctly end up on a blacklist.
You can always check reviews to see which casinos have faster or longer withdrawal periods, so that you can rest assured that the casino will pay you your winnings.
We stress the point of using licensed, registered, and well-known casino brands because they are safe. There are casino operators out there that are not legitimate, and those sites often look less than legitimate. If you’re not sure, always Google the name of a casino operator before putting your information on there. Federal and state governments are always on the lookout for scammers in the USA online casino industry, so as long as you play smart, you play safe!
Signing Up Process for Online Casinos
All real money online casinos are different, but most employ the same methods when individuals sign up. The process is almost instant, although if you plan to deposit money and play games, you will need to give the website 24 hours (though many are quicker now!).
To sign up for any licensed casino on our recommendations list, go to their website and hit the “Sign-up” button. The casinos are dealing with money and sensitive information, so don’t be surprised if they ask you more detailed questions during the process than most websites.
Casinos will ask you to enter your name and location, so they can verify you’re in a state where you are legally allowed to join the site. Next, they will likely ask you to upload documents, such as your state ID and proof of address from a utility company. Note that some online casinos will ask you for these documents at the beginning, and others won’t ask until you request to withdraw your winnings. Either way, this is a normal part of the process and these sites are encrypted, so you can feel safe completing the registration process.
Once you follow the steps on the website and finish creating your account, you can then make a deposit so that you have some cash to gamble on casino games with. It is an easy and safe process, approved by the federal government and the state you are located.
Banking Methods and Payouts at the Best Online Gambling Sites
A real money online casino will accept a variety of payment methods. Once you choose to deposit with one method, be prepared that you will have to make the withdrawal the same way.
You can check if your chosen online casino accepts your chosen method of payment before you sign up, usually through review sites that do the research for you and find out which methods the casino accepts beforehand. The typical payment methods provided by most of the best real money casino sites include:
Credit and Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are often accepted, although some real money casinos only take the first two.
Bank Transfer – You may transfer money directly into or out of your account. It is a good idea to check if there are any banking fees with the casino website before using this method. May also be known as a wire transfer or instant debit.
Paypal and eWallets – When you don’t want to put down your bank account or credit card at a real money online casino, the best options are known as eWallets. In America the most popular secure way to pay is PayPal, but there are also apps like Neteller, EcoPayz, and PayNearMe.
Bitcoin and Digital Currency – As this one gains popularity, more big gambling websites are taking Bitcoin. This is actually considered a great deposit method that also has a quicker cash out time.
Another good thing to note is that most of the best USA casino sites will have a min deposit and/or a max deposit. A min deposit means that you cannot transfer or gamble with any less than the required amount. It is a good idea to check casino reviews before you play to ensure that the min deposit is within your desired budget.
Cashing Out/ Withdrawing Your Real Money Winnings at Casinos
Once you’re ready to withdraw your winnings, you can go to “My Account,” and follow the prompts to “Make a Withdrawal.” You will choose the amount you want to take out, and it will likely be sent back to your original deposit method. There is a certain wait time until the withdrawal is approved, which can take anywhere from 24 hours to 15 days, depending on the casino and the method. You can check how long the cash out process is before you sign up so that you know what to expect.
Casino Bonuses
One of the ways that real money online casinos draw in new players is through welcome or sign-up bonuses and deposit bonuses. These cannot be withdrawn for cash. However, what the casino does is give you a bonus amount to use for betting on real money casino games.
A sign-up bonus, or welcome bonus is usually a small amount, between $5 and $20 that is added to your casino account once you complete the sign-up process. You can use this money to bet on games, and if you win, you may then withdraw the winnings.
A deposit bonus is a little more complicated, and usually worth a lot more. Different casinos have their own stipulations on what you must do before claiming the deposit bonus money, so make sure you read the rules and wagering requirements carefully. It may come in the form of a match deposit, which means when you deposit a certain amount, the casino will match that. You may have to use these bonus funds to gamble on a specific game, or gamble with the bonus a certain amount of times before you can withdraw the casino winnings from the bonus.
Bonuses are meant to encourage gamers to play more games. They are not simply a cash prize or free money, but meant to better the playing experience.
You can also have other types of bonuses, so keep an eye out if you enjoy them. On some bonuses there is an opt-in required, meaning you must choose to use the casino’s bonus offer. You may also come across a free spins bonus, or free turns as you play casino games. You may find that the casino has seasonal offers, so keep an eye out if you enjoy playing for these bonuses.
Online Casino Games You Can Play
Technology has made amazing strides in the games offered at reputable online casino. Casino gaming is at an all-time quality high, as top USA online casinos continue to compete to become the best online casino platform. Any online casino player can expect to find just about any game you would normally play for real money at a casino, and then some!
Slots
There are literally hundreds of thousands of slot games available. If you’re a slots player, you can choose from a number of themes including your favorite TV shows, books, movies, and more. Slot games have also gotten to be more complicated and more fun than the usual three-row slot machines that used to be offered in casinos. You can find games with multiple play lines, tons of bonuses, mini-games within the game, jackpot slots, progressive jackpot slots, free spins, and other cool features that turn this from a monotonous activity into a fun night of playing online at real money casinos, right from your living room. The most popular slot games in the U.S. include titles like Starburst, Fairytale: Red Riding Hood, Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Joker Jackpot, and more.
Poker
Most real money gambling sites offer poker within the site. There are also specific legal sites where you can just play poker for real money. There are dozens of different poker games available. You can find tables with large and small buy-ins depending on what you want. Games also differ in quality and graphics, some look like a beautiful room in a Vegas casino and others are less visually stunning but play well. Finding the poker game you like most may require you to try a few different ones, so that you can get a feel for the way the game is played online. You will also get to choose between the different versions, as most online casinos offer at least an option between the big three: Texas Hold ‘Em, Caribbean Stud, and Three Card Draw. If you like a fast-moving game, try video poker games.
Blackjack
Another favorite of online casino players, blackjack games come in a large variety. Similar to poker and other games, you can find real money titles where you can find large or small table limits, different graphics, and other features. There are jackpot games where you can potentially win a lot, and regular games where you can bet a little at a time.
Roulette and Baccarat
If you like playing casino games online, you’ll love the online versions of roulette and baccarat. The rules for these games remain the same but the graphics and quality of online roulette and online baccarat are amazing. You can sit at a table, place your bets, and sometimes even chat with other players. American online casinos often have a lot of variety of these popular card games.
Even More Games
If you’re not into the most popular casino games, that’s okay because the internet will provide you with tons of alternative gaming options. If you’re signing up to play a specific game, you can always check the casino beforehand to make sure they have it. Here’s a list of other games you’ll find at most casinos:
- Online Craps
- Bingo
- Keno
- Sic Bo
- Pai Gow
- Scratchcards
Live Dealer Casino Games
Many of the biggest casino sites have a section for Live Dealer casino games. If you’ve never tried it, it is a great way to pass the time and is increasingly popular all over the world.
What are Live Dealer Casinos?
You can play Live Poker, Live Blackjack, Live Baccarat, and more on many websites. It’s different from the usual digital games you’re used to playing. Live casino games feature a professional human dealer that is being filmed and broadcast live from a studio casino floor.
Live casino allows you to play in real-time with other players around the world. The graphics are more realistic as you “sit” at the table with other players. You can socialize with this feature as most games allow you to chat with the dealer and other players. It’s the most realistic way to gamble online and a great alternative to traditional online casinos.
The only drawback of live casinos is that card tables may be limited or busy on various nights, and there may be a wait time to be seated at a table. In order to get a good broadcast without interruptions, you should also have access to a good internet connection. Your cable modem should have the capability to provide continual service.
Mobile Real Money Casino
If you prefer mobile gambling from your phone, you can still play at the best USA online casinos for real cash through the casino’s mobile website or app. Simply use your mobile browser to go to your preferred online casino website and sign in as normal. Most good casinos have adapted their games for optimal play from your mobile phone browser.
If you live in a state where there are licensed casinos, you may download the casino’s app straight from your Apple or Android Play Store or App Store and log into your account.#
Many mobile online casino apps can be downloaded through the brand’s main website. Some casinos do not have apps in your cell phone’s app store. Instead, you must download the app directly from the casino website. In order to do this, you may have to change your phone’s permissions from settings and allow the phone to download apps from third-party sources.
These apps are safe and secure, as long as you’re using a licensed and legal casino brand.
Online Casino USA Playing Tips
If you’re new to the world of USA online casinos, we’ve put together some playing tips that will make your experience easier and more fun.
- Once you’re signed up at an online casino, set deposit and spending limits for yourself. The best USA casinos allow you to create an online gambling budget in a way, so that you don’t overspend. Online gambling is meant to be fun, not addictive. Look out for casinos that don’t have this option or don’t direct consumers to help in case of gambling addiction. Top online casinos should have all of this information.
- Take advantage of any bonuses being offered to you upon signing up, but make sure you read the terms and conditions so that you know how to use this bonus money in order to play casino online games.
- If you’re not sure how to play a certain game, there are plenty of game guides for US online casinos. Look through the rules and bet types so that you’re not losing money as you learn to play. If it seems complicated, try a free version online before you put down real money.
- Don’t chase your losses by depositing more money on gambling sites. If you’re on a losing streak, you should let it go. Otherwise, it can be easy to blow your entire gambling budget in one night.
- Quit while you’re ahead once in a while. Just like it is best to quit when you’re on a losing streak, sometimes it is a great idea to quit when you’re on a winning streak and just enjoy your real money winnings.
How to Choose the Best Real Money Online Casino
We’ve included our list of recommendations for USA online casinos, so you have plenty of options as you choose. A favorite casino is subjective, so the gambling sites you choose will depend on a number of personal factors including your preferred payment method, options for real money casino games, whether you want a sportsbook on the same site, the quality of the website itself (such as loading speeds and graphics), and even customer service team.
There are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best and top US online casinos. For one, it is a good idea to look up casino reviews for that specific brand and check that they have a good reputation for giving out a fair payout percentage and are honest with their bonus system, etc. The online casino industry has taken an interest in protecting their customers, so they should post up the national problem gambling hotline. Online gamblers can also look at mobile gaming experiences to find the best real money online sites.
All of the listed online USA casinos have excellent graphics and quality games, but one or more may be more attractive to you personally! You may even try signing up for multiple real money online casinos before you decide which one is “best.” Gambling is supposed to be a fun and entertaining activity — so as long as you’re having fun and being safe on approved online casinos, that’s what counts. When you’re ready to begin to win real money and try some gambling games, look through American online casino reviews and find the right USA online casinos for you.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Gambling is a fun activity in its essence but if not approached with the right mindset, it can quickly turn into addictive behavior. Luckily for us all, in the past decade, online casino regulators have heavily pressured casino and online betting sites to enforce strict rules, so we are being protected without even knowing. Most operators take proactive steps to offer you the possibility to add limits to your gambling accounts. Ultimately, it is down to you to take measures beforehand, should you feel that your gambling is in any way interfering with your financial or personal life.
Note: The casino you choose to play at will make a difference in the unfortunate event of you developing an addictive behavior. Opting for a reputable, well-known and licensed casino will most definitely mean heavier focus on responsible gambling from their end. More often than not, casino sites are the ones to spot such patterns in your behavior even before you do, and help you out by offering you to enforce some limits to your gameplay before things get any serious. Do know that there are plenty of immoral sites out there, too, but a quick research online should help you determine a brand’s reputation before choosing your casino to play in.
USA Online casinos FAQ
Are online casinos legal in the US?
Online casinos are legal and licensed in five states — Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Many other states are working on legalizing online gambling, so expect more states to allow residents to play casino online very soon.
What is the most legit online casino?
There is no such thing as the “most legit” online casino. As long as you’re playing at a reputable and licensed brand, you can expect security and fairness. If you’re in doubt, check out any of the casinos on our list. They are all verified and licensed, as well as their software providers, which means they are overseen by a governmental body.
Which online casino has the best payouts?
All online casinos that are licensed operate using an algorithm for fairness — meaning sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. There aren’t any licensed casinos that pay out more than others — some have fast payouts and more withdrawal methods than others. However, you can choose to play at a USA casino online with a wide variety of real money games, jackpots, and tournaments if you’re looking to win big!
What are the best online casinos for US players?
The “best online casino USA” depends on your and your interests! But if you’re living in the five states where there are legit online casinos, you can try BetMGM, Caesar’s, or Bovada to get started.