Find the top online casino sites in the US, all licensed and regulated to ensure safe, secure and trustworthy play.
Choosing the best online casino really depends on what matters most to you - whether that be a massive selection of slot games, top-tier blackjack and roulette options, a wide variety of live dealer tables, exclusive promotions or fast withdrawals.
Every casino site features a selection of online slots, but some stand out to our slot experts and Gambling.com users for their variety of exclusive games, huge progressive jackpots and slot promotions:
Casino | Standout Feature |
Caesars Palace | Widest Range of Slot Software Providers |
BetMGM | Largest Collection of Progressive Jackpot Slots |
Golden Nugget | Best Variety of Slots Categories |
Caesars features one of the largest slot collections in the US, highlighted by a diverse range of progressive jackpots such as Mega Jackpots, which is currently offering a prize of almost $750,000.
Blackjack is one of the most popular choices among US casino players. Our research highlights the following blackjack sites as offering the widest selection of both traditional and specialized variants:
Casino | Standout Feature |
Golden Nugget | Progressive Jackpot Blackjack |
DraftKings | 50+ Classic Blackjack Variants |
BetMGM | MLB, NFL & NBA Themed Tables |
Golden Nugget offers one of the largest collections of traditional blackjack games for online casino real money players in the United States. They also feature multiple exciting variations like Match the Dealer Blackjack, where players can place a side bet and win up to 28:1 by matching the dealer's face-up cards.
Roulette is a timeless classic with an expanding range of exciting variants. The following roulette sites stood out in our analysis and user reviews:
Casino | Standout Feature |
DraftKings | Progressive Jackpot Tables |
BetMGM | Exclusive Roulette Tables |
FanDuel | Widest Number of Classic Variants |
Sports fans can enjoy a variety of sports-themed roulette tables at DraftKings, including NBA Slam Dunk Roulette, where you can choose your favorite team and earn points based on your performance. Plus, every table features a multi-level progressive jackpot, with over $1 million on offer.
Live dealer games offer a more authentic and transparent casino experience, with real dealers streamed live from physical tables. Here are the top live casinos in the USA, as chosen by our experts and members:
Casino | Standout Feature |
Fanatics | Best Mobile Live Dealer Games |
DraftKings | Widest Range of Live Dealer Variants |
BetRivers | Largest Selection of Live Gameshows |
Fanatics is a dual casino and sportsbook, available exclusively through its dedicated Android and iOS apps. It offers a notable variety of live dealer options, including Side Bet City – a retro 80s-themed, poker-inspired experience ideal for players seeking simplicity and vibrant visuals.
Many US online casino gambling sites offer free spins as part of their welcome bonuses. Our experts have highlighted the offers that provide the best value for players:
New players at FanDuel Casino can unlock 500 free spins with a deposit of just $10. This welcome bonus stands out thanks to its low 1x wagering requirement, making it easier to turn bonus winnings into withdrawable cash.
Some of the best casino sites offer no deposit bonuses, allowing you to play for free and still win real money. Our experts have selected the best offers available right now:
Casino | Standout Feature |
BetMGM | $25 On The House |
Borgata | $20 On The House |
Hard Rock Bet | $25 On The House |
BetMGM Casino is giving new players $25 free to get started. It’s a no-deposit bonus with just a 1x wagering requirement, making it easy to explore real money games without risking your own money.
One thing to look for when choosing an online casino is its overall payout rate, or Return to Player (RTP). The best payout casinos offer greater long-term value, featuring more games that return a higher percentage of wagers as winnings.
Casino | Average RTP |
BetRivers | 98.61% |
BetMGM Casino | 97.53% |
Caesars Palace | 96.80% |
BetRivers stands out for the best online casino payouts offering an average RTP of 98.61% across all games – including its exclusive Single Deck Blackjack, which boasts an exceptionally high RTP of 99.8%.
At Gambling.com, we’re committed to authenticity and transparency. Our expert reviewers open real accounts at US casino sites, deposit their own money, and thoroughly test the platform to evaluate every key aspect of the player experience. To learn more about how we do this, check out our review process.
Real money online casinos have been legalized in seven US states so far, but only four of those states operate with an open market, allowing players to choose from multiple licensed operators.
To be granted a license, online casino brands are typically required to partner with a local (land-based) casino, which serves as the official license holder under state regulations:
State | Legal Framework |
New Jersey | NJ online casinos must partner with Atlantic City casinos |
Pennsylvania | PA online casinos must partner with state casinos |
Michigan | MI online casinos must partner with Detroit or tribal casinos |
West Virginia | WV online casinos must partner with state casinos |
Meanwhile, the following three states have a limited operator setup or state monopoly:
State | Legal Framework |
Connecticut | Online casinos run via tribal partnerships with DraftKings & FanDuel |
Rhode Island | Online casinos are operated by Bally through the state lottery |
Delaware | State-run online casino system run by the Delaware lottery |
Regulatory oversight for each state is managed by the relevant state gaming commission (e.g. NJDGE in New Jersey, MGCB in Michigan).
Sweepstakes and social casinos are usually available in states where real money casinos are not allowed.
Online casinos in the USA are regulated at the state level, creating a complex and evolving legal landscape. In recent years, states have moved away from federal oversight, developing their own licensing frameworks to regulate online casinos and ensure safer gambling options for players.
Federal Online Casino Legislation
The federal government has introduced several key gambling laws over the past 50 years. Many are outdated, but one of the most impactful changes came when the DOJ allowed states to develop their own regulatory frameworks. This pivotal decision fueled the expansion of legal online casinos in the USA.
Federal Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act (1961), introduced by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, originally targeted sports betting via wire communication. Over time, its language was interpreted to include online gambling, restricting operators from serving unregulated markets.
A 2002 court ruling clarified that the act applied only to sports betting, not casino or poker gaming. In 2011, the DOJ revised its stance, allowing states to legalize gambling online, further opening the door for regulated online casinos across the USA.
PASPA
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), passed in 1992, granted Nevada a sports betting monopoly. Its repeal in 2018 led to rapid expansion of state-regulated sports betting, generating billions in tax revenue. The success of this market encouraged many states to consider legalizing online casinos.
UIGEA
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 focused on payment processing rather than directly banning online gaming. It prohibited businesses from processing payments for unlawful gambling, forcing financial institutions to block such transactions and prompting many operators to exit the US market.
Despite its impact on the industry, UIGEA did not criminalize it, allowing states to later introduce their own regulations while maintaining restrictions on unauthorized operators.
Other Online Casino Legislation
Several legislative proposals have sought to clarify online gaming regulations and pave the way for licensed businesses. Notable bills include the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, the Skill Game Protection Act (2007), and the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act (2013).
These bills aimed to regulate and tax gambling winnings made online while distinguishing skill-based games like poker from chance-based games like slots. While not all passed, they played a role in shaping discussions around online casino legalization.
While many offshore casinos are available to players in the US, they are unregulated and lack essential safeguards. Below, we highlight the key advantages of playing on legitimate casino sites that comply with local state regulations.
✅ Player Protection: Customers can stay safe while wagering online by picking the top licensed and legal USA online casino. These businesses are located in the US and vetted by state gambling regulators during a thorough registration period. Customers can expect certified and fair games, legit payment solutions, and brands which are accountable if anyone makes a complaint.
✅ Responsible Companies: Gambling at online casinos in regulated US states is a safe option, and players can access a range of responsible gambling tools supplied by the company and software providers thanks to regulations. These conditions allow customers to sign up, play their favourite games, and not stress about breaking limits or using a service that doesn’t follow safety guidelines.
✅ Enforced Regulations: Playing at legal USA online casinos offers many benefits, including regulations enforced on the state level. Now, it’s much safer for customers to gamble online at a licensed site, knowing the operator must follow local USA online casino laws, ensure they provide adequate player protection, and be financially stable with enough funds to payout casino wins.
When choosing a top online casino, it's important to consider specific criteria to ensure that you pick the right option for you. We've done all of the legwork so that players can select one of the sites from our list of real money online casinos by US state above, but it's still important to perform your own due diligence.
Stay safe by choosing US-licensed online casinos. Each state sets its own laws, with regulators like New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement ensuring compliance. States like MI, PA, and WV also have gaming boards overseeing local, licensed casino operations.
There are several welcome casino bonus types that reward new players for signing up. For example, a US online casino may offer a 100% match bonus up to $1,000 + 200 free spins, giving players $2,000 in playable funds and 200 spins when they deposit $1,000.
Game variety is key when choosing a casino. US players can enjoy sites with thousands of games, including slots, live dealer table games, and more. Check our reviews to see the total number of games, available titles, and types before signing up for an account.
Payment options vary by site, so choose one that matches your preferred methods. The best online casinos support Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Bank Transfers, Play+, and more. Sites with multiple options make deposits and withdrawals fast, simple, and stress-free.
Top online casinos stand out with unique features like VIP loyalty programs, rewarding cash giveaways, seasonal promotions, and bonus codes. Other site features include game filters, tournaments, and casino races - offering extra excitement and rewards for active players.
All legal online casinos we recommend prioritize mobile play, offering seamless cross-platform websites and custom iOS/Android casino apps. Games, powered by HTML5, run smoothly on all devices, ensuring players enjoy realistic and engaging gameplay wherever they go.
Security and support are vital. Top licensed sites use SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and anti-fraud systems to protect data. Support teams are easily accessible, with many casinos offering 24/7 live chat for quick solutions to player issues or questions.
An essential part of playing at the best online casino sites is choosing an appropriate payment method. Our reviews feature up-to-date information to help readers decide which site has the payment options they use for depositing and withdrawing.
Whether you’re a new or more experienced online casino player, knowing the basics can make all the difference. These five simple tips are designed to help you enjoy your experience, improve your gameplay and maintain control.
Playing at a new online casino site in the US is generally very safe if you follow a few simple rules. However, it's important to remember that, like all forms of gambling, it does involve some risk. Here are some essential tips to help you play responsibly:
If you or someone you know needs help to stop gambling, we can recommend the following resources:
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Online casinos are legal in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. However, 40+ states do not allow real money online casinos. Instead players have access to safe social and sweepstakes casino.
It’s good practice to read reliable casino reviews to discover if the site is locally licensed and legal to operate in America. The company is legally required to display their licensing information on its website, which is typically available in the website footer or its terms and conditions page.
Many offshore online casinos do accept players from the USA. However, these sites are neither legal nor considered safe under U.S. state laws. To gamble legally and securely, players must choose locally regulated online casinos that are licensed within their state. These U.S. based platforms follow strict regulations, offer fair games, and provide proper player protections.
Customers can deposit and withdraw funds from a USA online casino site using various payment methods. Many online brands partner with land-based operators and accept Cash at Cage transactions and convenient and fast online payments, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Skrill, Neteller, Play+, and PayPal.
The IRS has made its stance clear about USA online casino winnings under Topic 419, requiring all residents to include their gambling winnings in their annual federal income tax return with Form W 2-G. Players may deduct gaming losses and be required to pay tax on the final amount.
The best online casino for real money depends on your location and preferences, but top-rated options include BetMGM, Caesars Palace, and FanDuel casino. These platforms offer secure transactions, a wide game selection, fast payouts, and strong reputations. Always check licensing and reviews to ensure a safe and reliable gaming experience.