For several years online casino gambling had been exclusive to New Jersey and Delaware but in 2019, the US online casino market began to take huge strides in tandem with the legalization of online sports betting.
The US online casino market now includes the likes of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.
If you’re looking to get in on the action, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve meticulously tested the best online casino sites and apps available in the US and created a list of our recommendations, complete with expert reviews to help you find your ideal online casino. If you want to learn more about legal online casinos in the US, we’ve got the lowdown on that too. Read on for all you need to know, including which states you can play in and what to consider when comparing the top online casino sites.
Is Online Casino Gambling Legal in My State?
Online casino gambling is currently legal in a handful of states including:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Michigan
Online Casino Legality in The US
The legality of online casino gambling varies from state to state as each state legislature is responsible for implementing their own regulatory framework, rules and licensing processes. Here is how the legality of online casino gambling looks in states where the activity is currently permitted:
Online Casino in New Jersey
Online casino gambling in New Jersey has been legal for a number of years and on 26 November 2013, a new bill for online gambling received approval from the New Jersey legislature and the state’s senator, Governor Chris Christie. New Jersey’s online casino market went live towards the of 2013 and is now the largest online gambling market in the US. The Garden State is home to some of the largest online casino brands including BetMGM, PartyCasino, SugarHouse, Borgata Casino, Caesars, Harrah’s, and Golden Nugget.
Online Casino in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s legislature legalized online casino gambling in 2017 with the passage of a wider gambling expansion package that included lottery, casino, fantasy sports, sports betting, and poker. It wasn’t until 2019 when Pennsylvania’s online casino market went live with the launch of three online brands including PlaySugarHouse, Hollywood Casino, and Parx. Several operators including Unibet, PokerStars, and BetMGM have since launched their online casinos in the Keystone State.
Online Casino in Delaware
Delaware was in fact the first US state to legalize online casino gambling in the entire US, however, the state’s online casino industry is quite small compared to other states. In Delaware, the state lottery has a monopoly on the online casino market which is run in partnership with 888.
Online Casino in West Virginia
Online casino gambling in West Virginia was legalized in 2019 after the state legislature approved legislation for online gambling. West Virginia’s online casino market went live in mid-2020 with the launch of DraftKings Casino. Two months later BetMGM launched its online casino product in the Mountain State.
Online Casino in Michigan
Michigan legalized online casino gambling in December 2019 along with land-based and online sports wagering. The state delayed the launch of online gambling operations for several months but on 22 January 2021, Michigan’s online casino and sports betting market went live with the launch of eight online casinos including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
Online Casino Games
One thing is for certain at the best US casinos — there’s no shortage of choice! Here are some of the gaming options you can look forward to at our recommended sites.
Online Slots
Slots make up the large majority of online casino games libraries. You’ll often find thousands at just one site, ranging from simple titles styled on classic fruit machines, to games with the weirdest and wackiest themes and features.
The premise is simple: choose your stake, spin the reels, and if the right combination of symbols land, you win. Online slots are easy to get the hang of — we recommend starting with the demo mode or a free spins bonus.
Blackjack
A mainstay of all casinos worldwide, blackjack is massively popular thanks to its simplicity. Players bet against the house in an attempt to get closest to 21 without going bust, either by standing and taking no cards or hitting and taking more cards. Once you’ve got the hang of the basics, you can maximize your returns by learning the best strategy. There are plenty of interesting variants available too, with a range of side bets and sometimes entirely different rules.
Roulette
The image of the roulette wheel is often conjured when you think of a casino. While the number of bets may intimidate new players, it’s easy to get started with this classic table game.
In roulette, the aim is to correctly predict which pocket the ball will land in on the spinning wheel. Players can bet on a large range of options like odd/even, red/black, or high/low, all the way down to single numbers. American, European, and French roulette are the traditional variations, with French offering the lowest house edge.
Live Casino Games
Looking for a bit more atmosphere during your session? Live casino games are streamed from real studios, where professional dealers host each round. Players make bets using the interactive interface, and the action unfolds in real time before their eyes.
You can find live dealer versions of most table games, but there’s a great range of game shows available if you’re looking for something more unique.
Craps
It’s not all card games and slots at top online casinos — you’ll find dice games like craps too. In craps, players bet on the outcome of a pair of dice. The ‘shooter’ throws both dice, with winning bets decided by the value of the roll. There are two phases to the game: the come-out roll and point roll. This can confuse some new players, so it’s worth reading up on the rules and trying the game out for free using a bonus.
Poker
In live poker, players take part against other players rather than the house. Texas hold’em is the most popular variant, where each player uses their two ‘hole’ cards and five ‘community’ cards to make the best five-card hand. But a strong hand isn’t all you need to win. You’ll need strategy and cunning to beat your opponents to the pot, using well-timed calls, raises, and bluffs to take the win. Many casinos also run poker tournaments alongside sit-and-go tables.
Bonuses
If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, you’ll want to find an online casino with bonuses and promotions that are a good fit for your play style and budget.
Here are some of the most common bonuses and promotions you are likely to come across at the best online casinos in the US.
First Deposit Bonuses
Most, if not all, US online casino sites will offer a bonus for customers making their first deposit at the site. These can vary from site to site and can include bonuses such as 100% matched deposits where the casino will match your initial deposit, giving you some extra money to play with, and other bonuses such as free spins on certain slot games.
In most cases, you will need to fulfill certain wagering requirements before you can withdraw the bonus funds credited to your account.
Reload Bonuses
Operators also offer deposit bonuses for existing players. These are called reload bonuses. They’re essentially the same as a first-time deposit bonus but are commonly far less generous.
Risk-Free Play
One bonus that is becoming more and more popular in the US casino space is a period of risk-free play. These are mainly offered to new players and will see the operator cover the losses of a new player for either a set amount of time or up to a certain amount of cash.
For example, an online casino may run a promotion that will cover your losses up to $100 for a 24 hour period. If after the initial 24 hours your account is down by $50, these funds would then be reimbursed as bonus credit taking your wallet back up to the amount you started playing with.
No Deposit Sign Up Bonuses
Some of the most appealing online casino bonuses are the no deposit signup bonuses which do not require a customer to deposit funds to redeem a bonus. While not every casino offers a no deposit bonus, the ones that do usually offer a sum between $25 and $50.
Make sure to double-check the terms and conditions as these bonus funds may have wagering requirements, game restrictions, and a cap on winnings attached.
Loyalty Schemes
Loyalty schemes, which may also be referred to as loyalty programs or rewards programs, can vary between operators. Some online operators that also operate land-based venues, such as BetMGM, may integrate their online and land-based loyalty programs together.
The rewards on offer vary from operator to operator and allow you to redeem points earned through play for a variety of rewards which may include cash bonuses, hotel stays, branded products and other rewards.
Payment Methods
Online casinos in the US accept a variety of different payment methods for making deposits and withdrawals, which means there’s an option for everyone. However, it is worth noting that as each state regulates online casino gambling differently, some options may not be available in all states.
Here’s a look at the payment methods you can expect to find at most US online casinos.
| Payment Method |
Payment Type |
Deposits |
Withdrawals |
| Visa |
Credit/debit card |
Yes |
No |
| Mastercard |
Credit/debit card |
Yes |
No |
| PayPal |
Online wallet |
Yes |
Yes |
| PayNearMe Cash |
Cash deposit at select retail stores |
Yes |
No |
| Neteller |
Online wallet |
Yes |
Yes |
| Online bank transfer |
Bank transfer |
Yes |
No |
| Cash at a casino cage |
Cash |
Yes |
Yes |
| Safekeeping |
Account transfer |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wire transfer |
Bank Transfer |
Yes |
Yes |
| VIP Preferred |
Online checking |
Yes |
Yes |
| Play+ |
Play+ prepaid card |
Yes |
Yes |
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular e-wallets around, and it’s found at many of the best US casinos. If you’ve never used an e-wallet before, it’s essentially like a virtual wallet which can be used to store money and linked with debit or credit cards and bank accounts.
The perks of PayPal include incredibly fast payouts, which can arrive in under an hour once the request is processed by the casino. You’ll also benefit from top security thanks to two-factor authentication (2FA) and the fact your bank details are never shared when using PayPal for transactions. The downside? PayPal is often ineligible for claiming a bonus.
Visa
Debit and credit cards remain ever popular at top US online casinos, and Visa is the largest payment network in the world. This method is supported at all gambling sites, offers instant deposits, and is always eligible for bonuses. The main drawback is the speed of withdrawals, which could take 3–5 business days unless you’re using Visa Fast Funds — in which case you may only have to wait 30–60 minutes.
Play+
If you want to segregate your gambling budget from your everyday bank account, a prepaid card like Play+ is a fantastic choice. This service is easy and convenient — just top up your account with funds and transfer them to the casino using your free Play+ Discover card. There are no fees when you use Play+, although the service is subject to daily account limits of $2,000 per day, $4,500 per week, and $10,000 per month, so may not suit the highest rollers.
Cryptocurrencies
One of the newer banking methods gaining traction with US players is cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is a popular choice, but you may find real money online casinos that accept Ethereum, Litecoin, or one of the many other cryptocurrencies. To get started, you’ll need a free crypto wallet to store your balance. The main benefits are increased security thanks to the blockchain and public ledger — making it difficult to carry out fraudulent transactions — and a degree of anonymity. Deposits and withdrawals are often instant too.
However, many cryptocurrencies are highly volatile so it’s essential to do your research before considering this method. There may also be small fees associated with crypto transactions.
Making a Withdrawal
If you manage to win some cash playing at an online casino, you’ll probably want to cash in on your returns. So, when you’re picking out an online casino, you’ll want to check out the accepted withdrawal methods, as these will also vary from site to site. You should also read up on withdrawal limits and processing times – some take a little longer than others, depending on your chosen banking option and who you’re betting with.
It’s also important to review the actual withdrawal process. At some casino sites withdrawing is simple, but others have more stringent processes. For example, some operators require you to go through a lengthy security verification process before cashing in your winnings. This process is designed to verify your identity. Verifying the identity of users ensures that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way and minimises the chances of underage gambling taking place.
Wagering Requirements
Certain US casino bonuses require players to complete wagering requirements before they can convert a bonus reward into real cash. For instance, when redeeming a spin bonus on a slot game you may be required to wager any winnings at least 20 times before you can withdraw any profit. These are designed to limit your chances of earning withdrawable cash using bonus funds awarded by the casino.
Minimum Deposits
You’ll usually need to deposit a minimum amount before you can claim a casino bonus or promotion. While the minimum deposit will vary from casino to casino and at some sites, you may even come across a no deposit casino bonus. This means you won’t need to deposit anything to claim a bonus reward.
Fast Withdrawals at US Online Casinos
For many of our readers, fast withdrawals are a priority. No one wants to be left waiting for their cash — and with the right choice of payment method, you won’t be. One of the many perks of modern services like e-wallets or Trustly is the withdrawal speed. With these methods, you could receive your funds within just an hour or two once the casino has processed your cash-out request.
If you’d prefer to use a debit card, look out for Visa Fast Funds. This service is only available to Visa customers — not Mastercard — and facilitates withdrawals within just 30 minutes.
Keep in mind these speeds are somewhat limited by how long your casino takes to process the request. They’ll need to carry out some checks to ensure everything is above board and the request is genuine. The best casinos put ample resources behind this review process to ensure it’s expedited. All factors considered, we’d class a fast withdrawal as one you receive within 24–48 hours of placing the request.
A couple of other considerations for preventing any hold-ups:
- Make sure you’ve completed any Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before requesting your withdrawal. You may need to provide photo ID or proof of address.
- Some casinos use closed loop systems where you must withdraw via the same method used to deposit. This can speed up withdrawal requests as many of the necessary checks are carried out when you make the initial deposit.
In any case, estimated withdrawal times for each method can usually be found in the site’s terms and conditions.
Software Providers
The most popular online casinos offer a top-notch game selection from the industry’s biggest and best developers. Let’s take a look at a few of the best-known names.
Evolution
If live dealer games are what you’re looking for, Evolution is the name to keep in mind. Often considered the top dog in live casino games, the developer has created a wide range of titles from live roulette and blackjack to unique live game shows. It streams these games from bespoke studios in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and its latest state-of-the-art Connecticut studio. Evolution also owns a number of other iGaming brands including Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming.
NetEnt
A true veteran of the industry, NetEnt is considered one of the ‘big three’ of casino software developers. Headquartered in Malta, the company was acquired by Evolution in December 2020. NetEnt is responsible for creating two of the best-known online slot machines in existence, Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst. You’ll frequently see these titles named in free spins offers at gambling sites.
Microgaming
Another name often found at the best casinos is Microgaming. Founded in 1994, the company claims to have created the first online casino software — that’s a tough legacy to beat! Today, Microgaming is mostly associated with the popular vampire slot Immortal Romance, and Thunderstruck II, a slot based on Norse mythology. It also produced Mega Moolah, a progressive jackpot slot famed for its record payouts into tens of millions of dollars.
Playtech
Playtech games frequently make an appearance at top casinos. The developer is well-known for its Age of the Gods series, now strong with over 30 titles. Playtech has also created many branded spin-off slots, such as The Matrix, King Kong, and Green Lantern. Founded in Estonia, Playtech is today headquartered on the Isle of Man, UK. Along with its slots catalog, you’ll often find the company’s large suite of live dealer games at the best US casinos.
Mobile Casino Apps
In states where online casino gambling is legal, most operators also operate mobile casino apps. Mobile casinos are currently live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan and West Virginia.
If you want the convenience of betting when you’re on the go, you’ll probably want to check out the mobile casino apps on offer to see which offers the best experience.
Virtually every online casino offers a mobile-optimised version of their site which can be accessed through a web browser. These are usually called ‘web apps’. However, we think native apps are a better option. They offer push notifications to keep you in the loop with the latest promos and are more convenient, never more than a few taps away from your home screen.
Customer Service
When looking for the right online casino for you it may be worth checking out the level of customer service available.
Need to get in touch with your chosen casino? Some online casinos offer 24/7 hour customer support via phone, email and live chat, which is handy in case you ever have a question or query that needs resolving.
However, not all sites have such a comprehensive offering, so if the availability of customer support is important to you, it’s best to get a feel for this before you make a deposit.
Signing Up at an Online Casino
It’s easy to create an account with one of our recommended online casinos — just follow the simple steps below.
- Compare Casinos
There’s no need to scour the web in search of the top US online and mobile casinos. You can find them all right here on our list of the best US casinos. Browse and compare to find your ideal casino, and don’t forget to check out our expert reviews for all the inside information.
- Sign Up
Once you find the right casino for you, simply follow our link to the sign up page and create your account. You’ll be required to provide personal and contact details such as name, email, address and date of birth, but the exact sign up process varies between sites and states. Make sure to check whether you need to opt in or enter a promo code when signing up in order to bag the welcome bonus.
- Deposit
Be sure to read up on minimum deposit limits and processing times, then head to the cashier page, select your preferred payment method and enter in your chosen amount. Once you’re happy, hit confirm and you’re good to go.
- Bet
Once your deposit is processed, your funds will be added to your account and you can find some casino games to play. Whether it’s slots, baccarat or blackjack you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a variety of games on offer. Good luck!
High Roller Casinos
Certain players at the casino like to wager larger amounts — and these customers are often referred to as high rollers. Of course, what’s considered ‘large’ is pretty subjective. In the context of online casinos, someone might be considered a high roller if they bet at least $100 on each hand. For slots, it could be the maximum bet per spin, which is often around $25–$50. These amounts add up to thousands of dollars wagered per session.
This is just a guideline — each casino has its own idea of what constitutes a high roller. A site’s VIP program and the requirements to reach the upper levels usually provide a good definition.
Betting Limits
As we’ve mentioned, it’s easy enough to make the max bet on a slot game, but if you’re looking for high stakes table games, you’ll need to be a little more selective. Many RNG table games like roulette and blackjack run up to around $5,000 on the upper end, but live dealer games are where you’ll typically find the highest stakes, with some games letting players make bets of $50,000 and up.
There are some extra benefits to live casino games for high rollers. Often, you’ll get exclusive access to a VIP or Salon Privé room, sometimes playing one-on-one with your dealer. In order to enter these rooms, there’s usually a minimum bankroll requirement and you may have to undergo affordability checks.
Betting limits will vary by casino as well as game, so it’s worth shopping around if you have a particular figure in mind.
Payment Options for High Rollers
Which payment option you choose might depend on preferences such as speed, but deposit and withdrawal limits are something to consider too. From the outset, certain methods aren’t suitable for high rollers: prepaid cards and pay by phone bill services are both subject to low limits.
Other than that, your mileage may vary by casino. e-Wallets have fairly high limits — PayPal limits unverified users to $10,000 and verified users to $60,000 per transaction. Skrill offers similarly high transaction limits, but there are restrictions on account balance if you’re an unverified user.
If you’re looking to deposit or withdraw more than $10,000, you may want to consider a wire transfer. Although the method is slow, taking 5–7 business days, the transaction limits are high. The maximums vary by bank. For example, Chase Bank restricts its customers to a wire transfer limit of $100,000 per day.
Responsible Gambling
We need to underscore the importance of only ever gambling what you can afford to lose. Although this is a salient point for all gamblers no matter their budget, it deserves substantial consideration if you’re planning to wager larger amounts. If you ever feel your gambling is out of control, or you’re worried it’s starting to negatively impact your life, seek help from an organization such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Play at an Online Casino
Now that you’re all caught up on the US online casino market it’s time to sign up and try your luck. Check out our carefully curated list of the very best online casinos, where you can easily compare the top US casinos. Just compare, sign up, and start betting!
