Hear the ringing and dinging of slot machines, the click-clacking of dice, and the ruffle of card shufflers. Now imagine it all on your phone—you’re at a real money online casino!
Online casinos are legal in seven states, though others may legalize them in the future. Sweepstakes casinos offer alternatives with the potential for real cash prizes in many states without real money sites.
On this page, I‘ll walk you through the best online casinos and where you can play them. Some sites let you get started for as little as $5.
Key statistics and facts
| States with regulated casinos: | Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia |
| Regulators: | State-specific government organizations (the Michigan Gaming Control Board or the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, for example) |
| States explicitly banning online casinos: | Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin |
| Legal gambling age: | 21 |
| Game options available: | Slots, poker, table games, live dealer, and more |
List of all online casinos for US players
Here’s a full list of all the online casinos available in legal states, including where you can play them and their App Store ratings.
| Real money casino | Available in | App Store rating |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | PA, MI, NJ, WV | 4.7/5 (103.9K reviews) |
| DraftKings | PA, MI, NJ, WV, CT | 4.6/5 (74K reviews) |
| Caesars Palace | PA, MI, NJ, WV | 4.4/5 (3.9K reviews) |
| FanDuel | PA, MI, NJ, WV | 4.8/5 (121.4K reviews) |
| Bally Bet | NJ, PA | 4.6/5 (19.3K reviews) |
| PlayStar | NJ | 4.4/5 (1.3K reviews) |
| Bet365 | PA, NJ | 4.8/5 (163.3 reviews) |
| Jackpot City | PA, NJ | 4.7/5 (4.6K reviews) |
| Betway | PA, NJ | Not on the App Store |
| Fanatics | PA, NJ, MI, WV | 4.8/5 (95.4K reviews) |
| BetRivers | PA, MI, NJ, WV | 4.9/5 (14.2 reviews) |
| Borgata | PA, NJ | 4.7/5 (38.7K reviews) |
| Golden Nugget | PA, MI, NJ, WV | 4.6/5 (30.1K reviews) |
| Hard Rock Bet | NJ | 4.9/5 (203.9K reviews) |
| Party Casino | NJ | 4.7/5 (3.6K reviews) |
| PokerStars | NJ, PA, MI | 4.3/5 (10.7K reviews) |
Cole Rush
Look beyond the welcome bonus when you’re seeking an online casino. I’ve seen platforms that offer next to nothing in terms of ongoing promotions. A good online casino will reward you with frequent perks and offers. Top 5 US online casinos
1. BetMGM Casino
Comped Value: Get the best value at BetMGM with these recommended steps:
- Claim the $25 no deposit bonus with only 1x playthrough required
- Deposit and claim the 100% match for up to $1,000, but keep the 15x playthrough requirement in mind
- Always check BetMGM’s “Promotions” page for special deals, like weekly “bet and get” offers.
What we like:
BetMGM kicks things off with a bang by offering a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 for new players. That’s a high-value welcome bonus with plenty of flexibility. New and experienced players alike can use it to their advantage. Further, betMGM makes payments easy with its $5 minimum deposit (compared to $10 at other casinos) and a huge selection of payment methods (PayPal, credit/debit, ACH, and more). The game library is excellent at BetMGM. I particularly appreciate the large variety of exclusive games and jackpot slots.
What we didn’t like:
The BetMGM welcome bonus comes with a 15x playthrough requirement, which is fairly high. Players will have to spend a significant chunk of time and money to clear their bonus. Some users have reported minor bugs that muddle the BetMGM experience, such as certain buttons not working or slight lag. I didn’t have any of these problems, but they’re worth noting.
Cole Rush
My personal experience with BetMGM has been overwhelmingly positive. Whenever I visit a legal online casino state, BetMGM is one of my first stops for slots and table games. However, there are massive numbers of concerning player reviews that make me hesitate to fully recommend it. Instead, I suggest trying it for yourself and making your own judgment. Player reviews from TrustPilot
I love this casino. I don’t know what everyone is talking about. Some days are good some bad but that’s everywhere. I have very frequent wins here and such a huge selection. Awesome promos and great customer service. I just made first withdrawal and less than 24 hours it was processed. I have faith it will be in my account anytime now. Thank you betmgm for so much fun. Update, after just 1 business day I received my ACH withdrawal.. Love you guys
I am only given a three-star review right now. I hope in the future I’ll up it to a five star. The only reason I’m giving a three-star review right now is because it’s a couple issues that could be fixed. One is us. The app is beyond slow. It is slow loading the games, It’s slow loading anything. It is very frustrating. I have to keep logging out and back in because it is very extremely slow. It’s not my devices. It’s not my internet. It’s the app itself. The great thing is is that when you do win the payouts are sent to you the same day. I find that very excellent. The bad things are is I play two games especially that are my two favorite games which are Beetlejuice.. and break the bank megaways. I find that it is absolutely impossible to trigger free spins on both of these games. It’s impossible. In fact it trigger free spins on any of the games. But I find when I finally do trigger the spins on my two favorite games. After days and days it usually goes through. The spins in every single spin is a on win and you’re lucky to win. 10 or $5. This is seeming like it’s like another casino that I used to play do the same thing. I won’t mention their name because they are a really bad casino. Other than that, if this casino would fix these issues it would be a five-star in my opinion and I would be happy to put a five-star for that reason if the issues would be be addressed. Thanks.
As soon as you win a decent amount of money, for the next while you do nothing but lose until they recoup what they paid out, then you win insignificant amounts for a bit. Definitely a money recovering algorithm implemented against winning accounts. Geo error happens often, and when you play certain games, specifically endless treasure, and you fill the bonus pot, the game has an “error” before the bonus can start, restarts emptying the pot. Customer service says “reset your phone” install the app again, blah blah, same thing every time. Common thieves. Betmgm, don’t even reply to this with your copy/paste bs, you guys are goofy. BetMGM Casino quick facts:
 Welcome bonus | $25 casino credit |
 Deposit bonus | 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 |
 Minimum deposit | $5 |
 Payout speed | 1 to 3 days |
 Accepted payments | VISA, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, VIP Preferred, Play+, Online Banking, PayNearMe, cash at casino (where applicable) |
 App store rating | 4.7 stars |
| Google rating | 4.3 stars |
| Best value | $25 casino credit on sign-up |
 Best games | The Wizard of Oz Over The Rainbow, 88 Fortunes, Cash Machine |
2. Caesars Palace Online Casino
Comped Value: Get the best value out of Caesars with our recommendations:
- Claim occasional deposit match offers for existing players.
- Sign up and wager $25 or more to get the $10 bonus and 2,500 Reward Credits.
- Keep tabs on your Caesars Rewards account and redeem rewards when able.
What we like:
Caesars Palace Online Casino has one of the ebay rewards programs of any online gaming site. Caesars Rewards opens up opportunities for online and physical rewards at Caesars locations around the world. The sign-up bonus package is also excellent, providing new players with $10 and 2,500 Reward Credits after they wager $25 or more, plus a 100% first deposit match up to $1,000. The game library contains more than 600 options, including slots, live dealer, poker, and table games.
What we didn’t like:
Caesars Palace Online Casino does a lot right, but there are also some big misses. First, the wagering requirements on the welcome bonus are exorbitantly high. You need to wager 15x on slots, 30x on video poker, or 75x on other eligible games to clear your bonus. That’s a lot of moolah. Further, the Caesars game selection (while still very good) is smaller than that of many other online casinos.
Cole Rush
I enjoy Caesars for its Rewards program and ongoing promotions for existing players (i particularly like the Experience the Empire sweepstakes series). Caesars could improve its user experience by lowering its bonus wagering requirements and investing in better customer support. That said, my experience with the site has always been positive. Player reviews from Google Play
Terrible casino. The layout is nice, but every 3 spins I’d get an error that would close the game I was on. Also messed up when I was selecting a promo, I deposited more than required and got no credit for this. That’s how they do customers, there’s plenty of other online casinos
This has been a fun casino to play. I’m happy I did not listen to the reviews because I did not experience any problems. super fast withdrawal hassle free. I would recommend giving this one a try.
Is a good app but doesn’t really give much and lately I’ve been having a problem with getting my free spins on games they disappear before I could play them Caesars Palace Casino quick facts:
| Welcome bonus | $10 credit and 2,500 Reward Credits when you wager $25+ |
| Deposit bonus | 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Payout speed | Up to 5 days |
| Accepted payments | VISA, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, online banking, ACH, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, Cash at casino (where applicable) |
| App store rating | 4.4 stars |
| Google rating | 3.8 stars |
| Best value | Caesars Rewards and ongoing promotions |
| Best games | Buffalo, Cleopatra, Hypernova Megaways |
3. FanDuel Casino
Comped Value: Snag the top value at FanDuel with these steps:
- Bet $1 and get $100 in bonus credits as part of the welcome bonus
- Play spotlighted games for rewards. For example, bet $50+ to get $5 in credits
- Participate in leaderboards and giveaways for chances at big prize pools
What we like:
FanDuel offers one of the best user experiences of any online casino. The desktop platform and mobile app are among the best, both in terms of navigation and how quickly everything loads. Plus, FanDuel’s welcome bonus is extremely friendly to new players. Bet $1 to get $100 worth of casino bonus with only 1x playthrough. There are no restrictions on the playthrough, either. You can play any game at FanDuel online casino to clear the bonus. Finally, there’s a gargantuan game library to enjoy. FanDuel boasts more than 1,200 games across numerous categories.
What we didn’t like:
FanDuel does a whole lot of great stuff, so finding the negatives requires some nitpicking. One nitpick I have is the seven-day bonus playthrough requirement. It’s not too difficult considering the maximum bonus is $100, but it’s still a very short time. Additionally, FanDuel lacks a demo mode for its games, so you can’t try them before deciding whether to spend your real money on them.
Cole Rush
I enjoy FanDuel simply because it’s so easy to use. I’ve never had a single issue navigating the site or playing a game. Other perks include the generous welcome bonus and ongoing offers for existing players. Some reviewers across the internet claim FanDuel is not great about paying out bonuses, so that’s something to be aware of as you play. Player reviews from TrustPilot
Put in 10 won 275 1st day. Not a scam a d don’t have to lose to win just all about luck. My daughter played won 130 off her 1st 10.
Much inferior to the other alternative options. Very shady with the promotions and actually getting them. Difficult to cashout, & don’t even bother with the customer service lol.
I give this online casino 2 stars. They have you play for hours and you may only win $100 after spending $500-700. Worse casino app ever. They really need to calibrate their slots because the odds at winning suck. Fridays are the absolute worse day to play so don’t ever think you are going win BIG. FanDuel Casino quick facts:
| Welcome bonus | Bet $1, get $100 in casino bonus |
| Deposit bonus | None |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Payout speed | Up to 5 days |
| Accepted payments | VISA, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, Venmo, Play+, Online banking, ACH |
| App store rating | 4.8 stars |
| Google rating | 4.6 stars |
| Best value | Bet $1, get $100 from the welcome bonus |
| Best games | Huff N’ More Puff, Willy Wonka’s Everlasting Gobstopper, Oink Oink Oink |
4. DraftKings Casino
Comped Value: Here are our tips for the top value at DraftKings:
- Claim your spin to win promo for up to $2,000 in credits
- Refer friends for rewards when they sign up and meet the requirements
- Earn rewards through the DraftKings Dynasty program
What we like:
DraftKings may be a huge name in sports, but it also has an impressive online casino. The game library is the first and biggest positive for DraftKings online. It offers an incredible variety of games, including many jackpot titles and exclusive and unique gameplay styles. DraftKings is also one of the most flexible online casinos for payment methods, offering PayPal, Venmo, wire transfer, and many other options. The minimum deposit is only $5.
What we didn’t like:
DraftKings is generous to players, but only to a point. The welcome bonus has a playthrough requirement of 10x on slots, 50x on most table games and live dealer titles, and 100x on blackjack. These requirements make it difficult to actually clear your bonus and withdraw. Further, DraftKings has minimal ongoing promotions for players. If you want perks for playing, you can find better ones elsewhere.
Cole Rush
I love how easy it is to use DraftKings. I can even switch between sports betting and casino gaming with a quick tap of the screen. The game library and welcome bonus are good overall, particularly for table games. I just wish there were more (like, many more) promotions for players who already have accounts. Player reviews from TrustPilot
I’ve never had a problem with deposits, withdrawals or making bets at all but when I made a deposit of $1700 from my cash app account to my draftkings account. All of a sudden my account was locked. Frustrating and very unprofessional.
I won 5000 i did get my money immediately but I think when these online casinos give you a nice jack pot to win you won’t win anymore money on their site they will definitely get theirs back
The blackjack in the casino is absolutely rigged against the player. In 40 hands the dealer drew 21 fourteen different times. Each time I drew to a 19 or 20, the dealer drew to a 20 or 21 to win. Showing a 3, 4 5 or 6, the dealer broke only three times in 40 hands. Three different times when I drew Blackjack, the dealer had a Blackjack as well. I play a lot of live cards in casinos, none of the DraftKings casino blackjack is remotely close to the fairness of live cards. DraftKings Casino quick facts:
| Welcome bonus | Spin to win up to $2,000 in casino credit |
| Deposit bonus | 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 |
| Minimum deposit | $5 |
| Payout speed | Up to 5 days |
| Accepted payments | VISA, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, Venmo, ACH, online banking, wire transfer, Play+, PayNearMe, Apple Pay, cash at casino (where applicable), gift card |
| App store rating | 4.6 stars |
| Google rating | 4.2 stars |
| Best value | Spin to win offer, frequent tournaments, and leaderboards |
| Best games | Cash Eruption, Fortune Coin, Sauce Boss BBQ |
5. Bally Bet Casino
Comped Value: Get the best value at Bally Bet Casino:
- Sign up and deposit $100, then play through it for the reload bonus
- Check the “OPromotions” page for prize draws and other deals
- Play Daily Picks every day for a chance at additional bonuses
What we like:
Bally Bet Casino is one of my top picks for players who want excellent promotions. New players get up to $100 back after playing through their first deposit. There’s also a daily picks game that offers chances at big prizes throughout each week. Look out for other promos as well, such as prize draws and reload offers. Bally Bet boasts a big library of slots, table games, live dealer, and instant-style games. The variety is top-notch.
What we didn’t like:
Bally Bet is one of the slower online casinos I’ve tested. The games take a while to load, and scrolling through the site quickly can be a hassle. Bally Bet also has a promo that says “Got a Promo Code?” and offers players deals if they get a code. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it gives the impression that deals are hidden behind hard to find codes.
Cole Rush
Bally Bet is a serviceable online casino. It doesn’t have some of the same bells and whistles of its competitors, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Players who want a simple and clean online gaming experience will find it here. Player reviews from Google Play
Very fast app and great games and promos. Deposits are super fast and withdraws are legit, you have to have auto deposit set up for interact withdraw..just a heads up.
Terrible, non existent support and buggy games I have money stuck in a game and have received no help for recovering it just been told to try again
Downloaded this app over a week ago. I’ve been trying to verify my account so I can make a deposit. I’ve tried through email, I’ve tried through live customer support, submitted my documents been told within 72 hours they should verify it. Guess what, still waiting Bally Bet Casino quick facts:
| Welcome bonus | None |
| Deposit bonus | Up to $100 reload bonus |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| Payout speed | Up to 5 days |
| Accepted payments | VISA, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, ACH, Apple Pay |
| App store rating | 4.6 stars |
| Google rating | 4.4 stars |
| Best value | Reload bonus, Daily Picks |
| Best games | Almighty Buffalo Megaways, Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania Slingo, Starburst XXXtreme |
All real money casinos in the US
| Casino | Available in |
|---|---|
| DraftKings Casino | CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV |
| Mohegan Sun | CT |
| BetMGM | MI, NJ, PA, WV |
| FanDuel | MI, NJ, PA, WV |
| Caesars Palace | MI, NJ, PA, WV |
| BetRivers | PA |
| Golden Nugget | MI, NJ, WV |
| Borgata | NJ |
| Bally | RI |
Top online casinos by category
Choosing a favorite casino isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. To help you decide which one is best for you, we’ve compiled lists of the best sites in specific categories.
| Casino | Max. Bonus | Exclusives | Slots | Blackjack | Roulette | Live Dealer | Scratch Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% deposit match up to $1,500 + $25 on the house (NJ, MI, PA)100% deposit match up to $2,500 + $50 on the house + 50 bonus spins. (WV) | 112 | 1,482 | 22 | 25 | 17 | N/A |
| Caesars | Up to $2,500 + 2,500 Reward Credits | N/A | 1,152 | 13 | 15 | 41 | N/A |
| DraftKings | Up to $1,000 + 200 Spins | 90 | 900+ | 63 | 18 | 60 | N/A |
| FanDuel | Play $1, get $100 | 52 | 1794 | 45 | 20 | 24 | N/A |
| BetRivers | Up to $500 | N/A | 1616 | 45 | 21 | 66 | N/A |
| Bally | N/A | N/A | 551 | 17 | 17 | 24 | N/A |
| Fanatics | Deposit $10, get $50 | 2 | 154 | 14 | 16 | 58 | N/A |
| Golden Nugget | Up to $1,000 + 250 Spins | 121 | 2412 | 54 | 30 | 52 | N/A |
| bet365 | 88 | 14 | 22 | 20 | N/A | ||
| Horseshoe | Get A 100% Bonus Back Up To $1,000 | 17 | 1572 | 46 | 21 | 11 | N/A |
Best online casinos for slots
Slots are the most common games offered by online casinos. Here are some of the top sites where you can spin the reels and hope for a bonus.
Cole Rush
BetMGM is the best online casino for slots. It offers hundreds of games, including many exclusives, such as The Wizard of Oz. Plus, there are tons of games with fixed and progressive jackpots. | Casino | Min-Max bet | New Games | Exclusives | Cascading | Megaways | Jackpots | Slingo | Game Show |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $0.10 – $100 | 42 | 62 | 13 | 63 | 136 | 40 | N/A |
| Caesars | $0.01 – $2,000 | 106 | 27 | N/A | 33 | 23 | 24 | 5 |
| DraftKings | $0.10 – $100 | 146 | 32 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 84 | N/A |
| FanDuel | $0.05 – $2,000 | 40 | 27 | N/A | 55 | 89 | 31 | N/A |
| BetRivers | $0.10 – $500 | 59 | 35 | N/A | 128 | 329 | 54 | N/A |
| Bally Bet | $0.20 – $100 | 28 | N/A | N/A | 30 | 26 | 16 | N/A |
| Fanatics | $0.01 – $300 | 33 | 2 | 78 | 64 | 7 | 54 | N/A |
| Golden Nugget | $0.10 – $1.000 | 160 | 23 | N/A | 86 | 84 | 59 | N/A |
| bet365 | $0.10 – $100 | 53 | 67 | N/A | 36 | 35 | 10 | N/A |
| Horseshoe | $0.10-$1,000 | 97 | 10 | N/A | 76 | 138 | 22 | N/A |
Best online casinos for blackjack
Hit, stand, split, or double down in online blackjack, one of the most popular card games at our top sites.
Cole Rush
DraftKings is our pick for the best blackjack online casino. It offers more than 30 games across the single-player, multihand, a nd live dealer categories. | Casino | Min-Max | Exclusives | Single | Double | Live | Bonus Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $0.10-$3,000 | 24 | 22 | 44 | 54 | 50 |
| Caesars | $0.10 – $10,000 | 8 | N/A | N/A | 7 | 1 |
| DraftKings | $1-$5,000 | 31 | N/A | N/A | 23 | 7 |
| FanDuel | $0.01 – $10,000 | 16 | N/A | N/A | 2 | 2 |
| BetRivers | $0.10 – $1,000 | 5 | N/A | N/A | 23 | 2 |
| Bally | $1.00-$10,000 | 3 | N/A | N/A | 11 | 1 |
| Fanatics | $0.10 – $10,000 | 1 | 1 | N/A | 41 | 1 |
| Golden Nugget | $0.10-$30,000 | 27 | 2 | N/A | 22 | N/A |
| Bet365 | $0.10 – $1,000 | 2 | 1 | N/A | 5 | 2 |
| Horseshoe | $0.10-$10,000 | 6 | N/A | N/A | 4 | 2 |
Best online casinos for scratch-offs
Scratch cards and instant games are popular among online casino players for their quick gameplay loops and win opportunities.
Cole Rush
BetMGM’s variety makes it a top choice for scratch card and instant game players. LuckyTap games are all over BetMGM’s site, adding some animated flair to the traditional scratch-off experience. | Casino | Standout feature |
|---|---|
| BetMGM Casino | BetMGM Casino has incorporated engaging bonus features, such as free games and multipliers, which enhance the traditional scratch card experience. |
| Caesars Palace Online Casino | Integration within the mobile app allows players to enjoy these games conveniently on the go. |
| Bally Bet | Bally Bet online casino has a MONOPOLY Scratchcard Shop with games from $0.20 up to $5. The max prize is $30,000 |
Best online casinos for jackpots
Like playing for big jackpots? Consider trying our top three casinos with progressive jackpots.
Cole Rush
BetMGM wins the day once again, thanks to its huge network of jackpot games and frequent Mega Jackpot promotions. | Casino | Standout feature |
|---|---|
| BetMGM | BetMGM has dozens of progressive and Fixed jackpots. The online casino regularly runs specials with huge jackpots available on featured games. |
| Caesars Palace Online Casino | The Jackpots section of Caesars Casino has all sorts of progressive and fixed prizes across dozens of games. |
| Bally Bet | The Bally Bet Jackpot Royale system makes one big jackpot available across a huge array of games from various providers. |
Best online casino for bonus players
Looking to play with bonus credits? Give these online casinos a go.
| Casino | Standout feature |
|---|---|
| FanDuel | Regular “Play & Get” promos for table games and slots |
| Bally Bet | Ample opportunities to get bonus bets |
| BetMGM | Promotions on featured games often grant bonus credits |
Best online casino for rewards
Players who want to rack up rewards might enjoy these online casinos most.
Cole Rush
Caesars Rewards is one of the biggest and best rewards programs in the business. Players can snag 2,500 Reward Credits when they first join, boosting their point balance right off the bat. | Casino | Standout feature |
|---|---|
| Caesars Palace Online Casino | Get 2,500 Reward Credits when you sign up and bet $25 or more |
| BetMGM | Rewards members can get a guaranteed 2x slot dollar multiplier. |
| Fanatics | Use FanCash to get discounts on branded sports merchandise |
Legal situation in the US
Seven states have legal online casinos. Others have shown interest in legalizing, though progress tends to be slow. There are a lot of moving parts to consider.
| State | Current status |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | Legal: two online casinos (DraftKings and Mohegan Sun) operate in the state |
| Delaware | Legal: all three platforms are operated by BetRivers |
| Michigan | Legal: more than a dozen online casinos operate in the state |
| New Jersey | Legal: one of the biggest online casino markets in the US |
| Pennsylvania | Legal: massive market with dozens of platforms |
| Rhode Island | Legal: Bally Bet Casino is the only operator in the state |
| West Virginia | Legal: nine online casinos operate in West Virginia |
| Illinois | Lawmakers introduced bills to legalize online casinos in February 2025 |
| Iowa | Attempts to legalize online gaming have met staunch opposition, including from land-based casino operators |
| New York | No progress, but some lawmakers are pushing hard for legalization |
How to choose an online casino
Choosing an online casino can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to look for. These can help you determine what works best for you.
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Welcome bonus
When you open an account, most online casinos will grant you a special promotion. We look closely at each offer to determine which one is best for each type of player. For example, FanDuel’s deal is best for casual or new players, while Caesars has a better offer for seasoned bettors. -
Game selection
You’re here to play games, right? Right. That’s one of the most important aspects of any online casino. It’s not just sheer volume, either. A casino with fewer games than the competition can still be worth playing, provided it offers a wide variety of games. -
User experience
How easy is it to find a game? Make a deposit? Withdraw? Go games load quickly? Does the app lag or crash? These questions and many others are part of our review process, as they help us accurately describe the user experience at an online casino. The fewer hiccups there are, the better. -
Customer support
The perfect-world scenario would be never needing to contact customer service. If you have an issue or a question, the online casino should offer 1) lots of ways to get in touch (live chat, phone, email) and 2) quick, helpful responses. Boilerplate answers and vague links to FAQs won’t cut it. We want actual people giving detailed answers. -
Ongoing promotions and rewards
You should have access to plenty of perks as an online casino player. Promotions are just one aspect of this category. We also look for a good rewards program that actually grants prizes and perks without making them too difficult to claim.
How to play with real money
Start your online casino experience off on the right foot by following these steps to play.
-
Select a casino:
Choose from any of our trusted and recommended sites. You can also sign up for more than one and claim the welcome bonus from each to maximize the value you receive. -
Register online:
Follow the prompts on desktop or via mobile app to sign up. Have your government-issued ID and SSN ready. You’ll need to create a username and password and provide many personal details to confirm your age and identity. -
Deposit funds:
Choose a payment method, connect it, and make your first deposit. Keep the welcome bonus in mind as you do this; you may get a one-time deposit match. -
Choose a game:
Sift through the library, click through the categories, or search for a title directly. Pick a game that appeals to you and start playing. -
Cash out wins:
Lucky enough to win? You can withdraw using the same method you used to deposit (in most cases) or connect a new method and request a withdrawal.
Casinos with the best bonuses
Bonuses come in many shapes and sizes at online casinos. They also come with different terms. One bonus might offer $1,000 as a deposit match while another may offer $100 as a reload offer. The value, however, may be much different or eerily similar within the context of the bonus’s terms and conditions.
Deposit matches, reload bonuses, bet & get, and no-deposit bonuses are the most common promotions you’ll find at online casinos. Certain sites may also require a bonus code to claim the maximum welcome bonus.
Rewards programs also exist within the bonus ecosystem. Certain sites—Caesars and BetMGM, for example—have crossover with their Atlantic City properties. You can use rewards online or on property.
Cole Rush
Always read the playthrough requirements and deadlines in the bonus terms. These are the factors that truly impact how good a bonus actually is. A lower requirement with a long deadline is always preferable. Deposit and banking options
Online casinos accept a flurry of payment options from trusted providers. Each site has its own restrictions, including minimum deposits and withdrawals. $5 to $10 is the usual deposit range, while most online casinos allow withdrawals with no minimums or close to it (e.g., $1 minimum).
| Casino | Credit Card | PayPal | Skrill | eWallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $25,000 | $10 – $3,000 |
| Caesars | $10 – $5,000 | $10 – $5,000 | N/A | $10 – $5,000 |
| DraftKings | $10 – $50,000 | $10 – $50,000 | $10 – $35,000? | $5 – $50,000 |
| FanDuel | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $35,000? | $10 – $10,000 |
| BetRivers | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $50,000 | $10 – $500 | $10 – $5,000 |
| Bally Bet | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $5,000 | $10- $2,999.99 | $10 – $5,000 |
| Fanatics | $5 – $10,000 | $5 – $2,500 | $10 – $2,999.99 | $5 – $5,000 |
| Golden Nugget | $20 – $25,000 | $10 – $1,500* | N/A | N/A |
| bet365 | $10 – $30,000 | $30 – $10,000 | $10 – $38,000 | $10 – $10,000 |
| Horseshoe | $10 – $10,000 | $10 – $60,000 | $10 – $2,999.99 | $10 – $10,000 |
Licensing and regulation
Online casinos must endure a justifiably rigorous licensing process and face regulators before they are allowed to operate. They must also pay hefty licensing fees and taxes every year. Each state has its own process for licensing online casinos, typically run by a specific government organization. For example, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement handles the process in New Jersey. It can take months for an operator to be fully vetted and allowed to launch in their state. Each other legal state has an equivalent organization, such as Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board.
Check your state’s oversight committee website for full details on the licensing process, fees, and rules.
Responsible gambling
You should always play responsibly at online casinos. Most sites have options you can use to keep your play fun and responsible. Deposit limits, time limits, and other options may be available in your account.
If you think you might need additional help, don’t hesitate to seek it out. There’s nothing wrong or shameful in seeking assistance with a potential gambling problem. The following resources are some of the best:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Kindbridge Behavioral Health
- State-specific Self-Exclusion Lists
- Gam-Anon (for family and loved ones)
FAQs
There are more than two dozen online casinos offering real money gaming in legal states. Many of them are operated by big industry names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.
You must be 21 or older to play at an online casino. You must also be physically within the borders of a legal state when you play. You don’t need to live there, which means you can play even if you’re just visiting. You will be required to enable geolocation to prove you are in a legal region before the online casino will allow you to play.
BetMGM and Caesars Palace Online Casino are two popular online casinos, owing some of their popularity to long-time domination of the land-based casino industry. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics all entered the online casino space by way of the sports industry. Each casino has distinct features that make it worthwhile. Choosing one is just a matter of preference.
Know the playthrough requirements and deadlines. If you don’t meet the requirements within the set time, you forfeit your bonus. It’s important to know the terms ahead of time and claim a bonus that you feel like you can clear in the allotted time.
In many cases, online casinos will offer the same welcome bonus in each state. Sometimes, they can differ. The only way to know whether a casino’s offer differs is to check the site and see if the sign-up bonus is different from one state to the next.
States are allowed to legalize online casinos on an individual basis. This means that some states have passed laws allowing real money online casinos while others have not. The states that haven’t authorized online casinos typically allow sweepstakes gaming because it operates on a different model and doesn’t require real money.
Rewards programs have many benefits. You might get some free play, exclusive promos, or even land-based rewards such as dinner discounts and hotel rooms, depending on how much you earn.
In many cases, online casinos let you redeem reward points earned online for physical rewards such as free rooms. This depends on the amount of redeemable credits you have and the cost of the room. You may also redeem other perks like meals, merch, and discounted experiences.
Yes. All gambling winnings are taxable under state and federal law. If you win above a certain threshold (which can vary based on the platform you use and the games you play), the online casino will send you a tax document automatically. Even if you don’t receive such a document, you still need to report your winnings. Consult a tax professional if you need assistance with this.
They aren’t much different. The companies’ operating platforms differ depending on whether they’re tribal or commercial, but otherwise, the experiences will be very similar.