Many states in the US allow you to play at online casinos for real money, allowing you to play your favorite games from the comfort of your home. Licensed sites let you do this in the knowledge what you’re doing is safe and legal.
If you’re looking to find one of the best online casinos for real money gambling, you’re in the right place. Our experts have provided a list of the top sites, details on where online casino gambling is available, and what bonuses you can claim.
Best 5 Real Money Casino Sites
- BetMGM – Dozens of exclusive slots and jackpot games
- DraftKings – Top-quality exclusive table games
- FanDuel – Daily chances to win cash
- Caesars – Real-life prizes from Caesars Rewards
- BetRivers – Excellent desktop UI
The Best USA Online Casinos Reviewed
Our gambling experts have thoroughly reviewed and vetted the best US real-money online casinos. These US gambling sites offer a secure and fair gaming environment, various games, and generous bonuses and promotions. With our recommended sites, you can be sure you are playing at a reputable and trustworthy real money US casino. Check out our expert reviews below.
1. BetMGM – Dozens of exclusive slots and jackpot games
When you sign up with BetMGM, you feel like you’re setting foot into a luxury casino, thanks to its excellent desktop and mobile UI design. BetMGM has plenty of casino games for you to enjoy, including its range of BetMGM exclusives. These high-quality games take branding from some of BetMGM’s sports betting partners and include its progressive jackpot games like Bison Fury.
If you sign up with BetMGM, you join the MGM Rewards program for free. This allows you to play casino games and earn MGM Points, which you can trade for online prizes. You can also claim real benefits at MGM Resorts’ locations across the US, like the MGM Grand Detroit.
Available in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan
2. DraftKings – Top-quality exclusive table games
If you’re looking for an extensive games library, DraftKings has thousands of casino games to enjoy. The range of slots is particularly impressive, with DraftKings supplying games from top developers like NetEnt, IGT, and more. DraftKings also provides an excellent range of exclusive table games and slots across many themes.
DraftKings provides players with a range of slot tournaments you can enter just by playing selected games. If you hit a certain number of wins, you can win cash prizes for playing. DraftKings also regularly updates its existing player promotions so you can always claim benefits.
Available in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan
3. FanDuel – Daily chances to win cash
Flutter Entertainment is behind some of the biggest online gambling sites globally and has helped FanDuel become one of the most significant casinos in the US since taking the brand over in 2018. FanDuel provides hundreds of high-quality casino games for you to enjoy, including a huge range of virtual table games.
FanDuel gives customers a daily chance to win up to $2,000 every day, as well as the opportunity to claim other prizes. You can join the FanDuel Loyalty Club and earn bonuses by gambling on casino games and making deposits.
Available in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan
4. Caesars – Real-life prizes from Caesars Rewards
Caesars Entertainment is one of the biggest names in gambling, thanks to its famous brick-and-mortar casinos across the US. The company is also behind Caesars Casino, the first online casino to launch legally in the US.
One of the unique features of Caesars is its loyalty program, which allows players to earn rewards for playing their favorite games. Redeem rewards for free plays, hotel stays, and dining credits at Caesars properties worldwide.
The table games at Caesars include popular options like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and some unique variations are only available at its online casino. In addition, the live dealer games provide an immersive casino experience with real dealers and real-time gameplay.
Available in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan
5. BetRivers – Excellent desktop UI
Rush Street Gaming is one of the most established casino operators in the US, and the Illinois-based company launched BetRivers as its online gambling platform. You can navigate between games easily thanks to the site’s excellent navigation, which features a selection of tabs to help you find what you’re looking for. The BetRivers casino site also features a “Hot” tab, where you can see the games where players have been hitting big wins recently.
By playing at BetRivers, you can earn points towards the iRush Rewards program and claim online bonuses. The site also has frequent competitions and other fun promotions to improve your experience. If you’re interested in sweepstakes casinos, you can play BetRivers.net, which provides a range of online casino games for free.
Available in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut
Is Online Gambling Legal in the US?
In the 1800s, casinos were rampant across the US, but by the early 1900s, most forms of gambling were illegal in the US. However, these laws were relaxed throughout the years, with Nevada being the first state to allow land-based casinos to launch again in 1931.
Every state has different regulations for casino gambling, with some allowing commercial operators to launch and others choosing to allow brick-and-mortar casinos to launch through gaming compacts with Native American tribes.
This system worked for many years until the rise of online gambling, making it much harder for US states to legally keep things safe and in control. In 2006, lawmakers passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) to prohibit online casinos from lawfully operating in the US.
However, as with land-based casino gambling, attitudes started to change, with Delaware being the first state to legalize online casino gambling in 2012. In 2013, New Jersey online gambling launched, making NJ the first US state to accept online casinos.
As with brick-and-mortar casino gambling, every state has its own rules and regulations for online casinos, with several states allowing you to play online casinos for real money. In these states, you can play slots, table games, and more from anywhere within the state’s lines.
We’ve listed the states where online casino gambling is currently legal and given an overview of what the market looks like below.
Connecticut
As a state with a strong history with Native American tribal casinos, Connecticut went for a different model than most US states when legalizing online gambling. The state has three legal operators: one licensed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Gaming Division, one by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and one by the Mohegan Tribe. The tribes oversee DraftKings and FanDuel, while BetRivers (under the name PlaySugarHouse) operates under the DCP.
Delaware
The First State lived up to its name in 2012 by becoming the first US state to legalize online casinos. While sites launched after those in New Jersey, DE was still a significant trailblazer for the online casino gambling market in the US.
Delaware has three online casinos, all named after horse racing tracks in the state. Each site provides the same games and technology, provided by top gambling companies 888 and Scientific Games. The Delaware Lottery licenses all of these sites.
Michigan
Michigan’s legal online casino gambling market launched in January 2021 with the passage of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which authorized online gambling, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which established the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees all the online casinos which launch in the state. Top online casinos must partner with a land-based casino in MI to launch, with many of our recommended operators available.
New Jersey
In 2013, Caesars Casino was the first online casino to launch legally in the US with licensing from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. There are dozens of online casinos available in New Jersey, all partnering with a land-based casino in Atlantic City. You can visit many of these land-based locations and make deposits and withdrawals from your online account using casino cage cashiers.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was established in 2004 and was given oversight over the online casino industry in 2019 when lawmakers allowed gambling sites to launch. Every online casino that wants a license from the PGCB must partner with a local land-based casino. Our top online casinos, like BetMGM and DraftKings, are available in PA.
West Virginia
Online casino gambling came to West Virginia in July 2020 thanks to the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act. Like in other states, all real-money casino sites operating in West Virginia must be licensed and regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
Where is Casino Gambling Legal in the US?
Below we’ve listed in which US states online casino and land casinos are available.
| State | Online Casinos | Land-Based Casinos |
| Alabama | N | N |
| Alaska | N | N |
| Arizona | N | Y |
| Arkansas | N | Y |
| California | N | Y |
| Colorado | N | Y |
| Connecticut | Y | Y |
| Delaware | Y | Y |
| Florida | N | Y |
| Georgia | N | Y |
| Hawaii | N | N |
| Idaho | N | Y |
| Illinois | N | Y |
| Indiana | N | Y |
| Iowa | N | Y |
| Kansas | N | Y |
| Kentucky | N | Y |
| Louisiana | N | Y |
| Maine | N | Y |
| Maryland | N | Y |
| Massachusetts | N | Y |
| Michigan | Y | Y |
| Minnesota | N | Y |
| Mississippi | N | Y |
| Missouri | N | Y |
| Montana | N | Y |
| Nebraska | N | Y |
| Nevada | N | Y |
| New Hampshire | N | N |
| New Jersey | Y | Y |
| New Mexico | N | Y |
| New York | N | Y |
| North Carolina | N | Y |
| North Dakota | N | Y |
| Ohio | N | Y |
| Oklahoma | N | Y |
| Oregon | N | Y |
| Pennsylvania | Y | Y |
| Rhode Island | N | Y |
| South Carolina | N | N |
| South Dakota | N | Y |
| Tennessee | N | N |
| Texas | N | Y |
| Utah | N | N |
| Vermont | N | N |
| Virginia | N | Y |
| Washington | N | Y |
| West Virginia | Y | Y |
| Wisconsin | N | Y |
| Wyoming | N | Y |
Real Money Online Casino Advantages
Although playing casino games with sweepstakes casinos for fun is pretty entertaining, there is nothing quite like the thrill of playing at online casinos for real money. From the chance to win cash to enjoying great bonuses, you should sign up with online casinos for plenty of reasons. Here, our experts have listed some of the benefits of clicking the links on this page and registering with our recommended sites.
Win Real Money
Although all casino games come down to luck and chance, you can still win big money when you play one of the many exciting casino games available at the best US real money online casinos.
Great Bonuses
To attract and retain players, the top online casinos will offer bonuses and promotions that increase your odds of winning and provide new and existing players with real money they can spend on your favorite games.
Access to All Games
Playing online games for real money provides access to a broader range of games than if you visit a land-based casino without having to wander around to find the games you want. Online casinos are also constantly updating what games are available, allowing you to get new experiences frequently.
Entertainment and Thill
Playing online casino games with real money can be more exciting than playing for free. The thrill of potentially winning or losing money can keep you focused and produce an adrenaline rush, adding to the gaming experience.
Tournaments
Online casinos offer competitions and tournaments where players can compete against each other for a chance to win real money or other rewards, adding a competitive element to your gaming experience.
Top Real Money Online Casino Bonuses
There are dozens of online casinos for real money available in the US, and competition for customers is fierce. That’s why the top sites offer new and existing players bonuses to encourage them to play.
Read on to see some of the most common promotions you can claim when you sign up with the best USA online casinos.
Welcome Bonuses
When you sign up with a new online casino, you will receive a bonus to thank you for choosing that site. A welcome bonus will give you a chance to play casino games while risking less money, giving you a chance to test a site and potentially walk away with a profit. You will need to make a minimum deposit with most welcome bonuses.
Deposit Bonuses
If you claim a deposit bonus, your online casino will agree to match a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds. You can use these bonus funds to play your favorite casino games. Many online casinos will offer deposit bonuses of 100% or more, allowing you to significantly increase your money for playing.
While you can play with your bonus funds, you can’t withdraw any profit until you complete the wagering requirements, which tell you how many times you need to use your funds.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are awarded without requiring a deposit, allowing players to try out the casino’s games without risking their own money. These bonuses typically have wagering requirements before you can withdraw winnings.
Free Spins
Real money online casino free spin bonuses provide players with a set number of free spins on a specific slot game, allowing them to try it out without risking their own money and potentially winning real cash.
Reload Bonuses
A reload bonus is very similar to a deposit match bonus, where an online casino will match a percentage of your qualifying deposit with bonus funds. However, you can claim reload bonuses as an existing player by opting in to the promotion.
VIP/Loyalty Programs
The top online casinos will provide VIP or loyalty programs to customers, where you can earn bonuses the more you gamble. While most sites will just offer online promotions, some of the best online casinos for real money will let you claim real-life benefits like meals and hotel stays.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in the US?
Are real money online casinos safe?
Are online casinos better than land-based venues?
Can I really win money at real money online casinos?
How do I deposit into my real money online casino account?
How do I withdraw my winnings at a real money online casino?
Real Money Casino Games
One of the benefits of playing at a top online casino in the US is that you get access to hundreds of games with just a few clicks. The best online casinos will allow you to experience a wide variety of casino games, and we’ve listed some of the most popular to hint at what’s available.
- Online Slots: Just like on the floor of your favorite brick-and-mortar casino, online slots allow you to spin reels and win money if you hit certain combinations. Many slot games have bonus features and Wild symbols to keep things exciting.
- Progressive Jackpots: A progressive jackpot is the same as a regular slot, except every time you or any other player spins a reel, a portion of your bet goes towards a huge jackpot. Progressive jackpots often offer life-changing sums of money and can be won by any player who hits the winning combination.
- Roulette: With online roulette, you can play multiple variations of the popular table game, such as American, European, and French roulette.
- Blackjack: Blackjack is a classic casino card game where you try to beat the dealer by getting a higher score without going over 21. You can play virtual blackjack at your own pace at online casinos, with some games allowing you to play multiple hands at the same time.
- Video Poker: Most video poker games combine the skill of poker with the excitement of slot machines. Many variations are available through US gambling sites, each with its own rules and payouts.
- Baccarat: Baccarat is a popular card game where the goal is to have a hand value closest to 9. Players can bet on their own hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie. The game is available at most of the best real-money casinos online.
- Live Dealer Games: You can feel like you’re stepping onto the casino floor with a live dealer game, playing against professional dealers in your favorite table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker. Many sites also offer fun game shows along with classic games.
Real Money Casino Software Developers
Most real-money online casinos spend time developing easy-to-use platforms, secure payment options, and top-class customer support. Most sites welcome a range of games from developers with decades of experience in the industry. Many of these software developers will supply the same games to multiple casinos, so you’ll become quite familiar with high-quality providers.
A good way to find fun games is to look for top developers, which is why our experts have listed some of the most popular game developers in the US below.
- NetEnt: With decades of experience developing slot games, NetEnt provides some of the most popular titles in the US, like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest. The company is also behind one of the biggest progressive jackpots for US players, Divine Fortune.
- IGT: IGT is one of the most experienced US casino operators, developing hundreds of slot games and operating Wheel of Fortune Casino, which launched in NJ in 2023. Some of IGT’s best games include Cleopatra and Davinci Diamonds.
- Digital Gaming Corporation (DGC): With games like Adventures of Doubloon Island, 9 Masks of Fire, and Immortal Romance, it’s not surprising DGC is one of the top slot developers in the US.
- Evolution Gaming: If you’re a fan of live dealer games, you’ll know Evolution Gaming, the leading developer in US live games. With Evolution Gaming titles, you can play against professional dealers over HD streams and interact with other players while enjoying roulette, blackjack, and other table game classics.
Best US Casino Payment Methods
Several popular payment methods are available when it comes to funding a real money online casino account in the US. Here’s an overview of the most common options:
- Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): Credit cards are widely accepted at the best USA online casinos, offering a convenient way to fund your account. However, some banks may decline transactions to online gambling sites due to legal restrictions, and there may be fees associated with using credit cards for online gambling transactions.
- E-Wallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill): E-wallets are a popular payment method for online gambling in the US, as they offer fast, secure, and convenient transactions. They also provide an additional layer of privacy, as your bank or credit card information isn’t shared with the casino. However, there may be fees associated with e-wallet transactions, and some casinos may not accept certain e-wallets.
- Prepaid cards (Play+, PayNearMe): Prepaid cards are another popular payment method for online gambling. Play+ is a widely accepted prepaid card option that allows you to fund your account using a credit or debit card and then use the prepaid card for online transactions.
- Checks: Some top online casinos allow you to withdraw funds via check. While it is a very secure way to get your money, withdrawals can take several days, depending on the efficiency of your mail service.
- PayNearMe: PayNearMe is a cash deposit option that allows you to fund your online casino account using cash at a local retail location. It is a convenient option for those who do not have a bank account or credit card, although there may be fees associated with PayNearMe transactions.
- Wire transfers: Wire transfers are a secure and reliable option for depositing funds at US online casinos, although they can be more expensive than other payment methods. There may also be limits on how much you can deposit via wire transfer.
- Cash at Casino Cage: If you live near a brick-and-mortar casino that has an online counterpart, you may be able to deposit funds in person at the casino cage. It is a convenient option for those who prefer cash, although it is not available at all casinos.
Best Real Money Mobile Casinos
You don’t just have to sit at your desktop to play the best real money online casinos. You can also play through your mobile using the browser on your device. This will bring you to the HTML5 site, which will fit on any device screen you choose. You’ll get access to most of the same games through the mobile site, with the layout adapting to feel easy under your fingers.
Many online casinos for real money also provide you with mobile apps you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. These apps are designed to allow for fast navigation and speedy load times and also have fun, exclusive features like mobile-only promotions and mobile-only payment methods.
Top Online Casino for Real Money Play
While there are plenty of top online casinos to consider, our experts believe BetMGM is the best option for US players. The casino is beautifully designed, and allows you to play a wide selection of exclusive slots and table games. Many of these games are based on BetMGM’s local partnerships with major league sports teams like the New York Jets.
Anyone that signs up with BetMGM also automatically joins the generous MGM Rewards program. If you want to enjoy the benefits of the MGM Rewards program and other features of BetMGM, click the links on this page and sign up today.
Sam is the Gambling Law Expert on Techopedia.com, and has been working in the sports and gambling industries for more than a decade across many North American and European sites such as Casino.org, SportBusiness.com and Coral bookmakers. An expert on US gambling regulations, Sam oversees content on the site.
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