List of the best US online casinos
What we have for you today is not just a list of the very best legal sites on offer and the fabulous deals they promote. There’s also a ton of info on all the latest gambling laws and how to pick a site that’s right for you.
Any one of the awesome US online casinos listed on this page will provide you with hours of gambling fun. But they all offer something slightly different and every player has their own preferences. The only way to find out which one you like best is to try them out. And thanks to the top bonuses available, you don’t need to part with a load of cash to do it.
Online gambling in the US – Laws and legislation
The history of gambling laws in the US is a long and complicated affair. It began way back in the 1700s when the colonies used lotteries as a form of local funding. And from there, various types of gambling and restrictions ebbed and flowed throughout the country over the years.
Big change came first in 1992 with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act when a federal ban was placed on sports betting. And then again in 2006 with the introduction of The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act which effectively outlawed online casino USA. So by this time, it was a federal offence to take part in pretty much all forms of gambling online and it forced everyone to play offshore.
Gambling legal in some states only
Thankfully, the 1992 ban was lifted in 2018 and this led to many states applying their own local laws to control sports betting activity. US online casinos started to fall within the reforms too. But this has led to plenty of confusion as to where customers can play online.
To further complicate matters, The Interstate Wire Act from 1961, which only applied to banning interstate sports betting transactions, was reinterpreted in 2019 to include US online casinos too.
US states where online gambling is accepted
So even though the laws have been relaxed, there are still only a few states that have taken steps towards licensing and legalizing online casino USA. And you have to be located within those states so as not to fall foul of the old Interstate Wire Act!
These are currently the only states where you can play legal online casino games.
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
Brand new USA online casinos 2023
All around the world, new online casinos accepting US players are coming online all the time. And with the relaxation of gambling laws in certain states, new American casino sites are beginning to join the fray.
The choice for US players is now fantastic. And some of the brands that are available for local customers are also offering some of the best casino online USA bonuses in the business. Add this to the top selection of games and the latest tech and you’ve got yourself an awesome all-round gambling experience.
Why you should play at new online casinos USA
Playing at new sites does have its advantages. Sites created recently are done so using the very latest software. This means everything will naturally perform better. Older sites have to update their systems to try and keep up with the latest tech.
New brands also have the benefit of learning from any errors that their predecessors have made. It has taken a long time for the industry to arrive where it is. And the new companies have been able to jump straight in and benefit from old mistakes.
Another top reason to play at a new site is that they are very enthusiastic about customer experience and providing the best service. It is incredibly difficult to break into this increasingly crowded market. So they will do everything in their power to ensure a top time for new customers and this may include the best welcome bonuses. Moreover, they will have a great selection of games to sweeten the deal.
Why you should consider an older casino
Older casinos have the benefit of experience. Even though they have made mistakes over time, they have learned from them and they now know exactly what the customer wants. This has put them in a great position to fine-tune their offering.
More established brands have some of the best casino online USA personnel working for them. The skills and experience that these guys can bring to the table is unparalleled.
And the benefit of time has also given them the advantage of building relationships with other members of the online gambling community. They will have contracts with the very best payment services as well as top software producers.
What we look at when testing US casino sites
Before releasing the details of any online casino USA brand to our readers, we perform a full and thorough assessment. As you might expect this assessment involves many different aspects of that business.
The success of our website relies on providing you with clear information. So it is in our best interest to perform the most in-depth checks. And this means you only get to hear about the very best casino sites available in your area.
Brand and reputation
You can’t buy a reputation. For a casino, this comes from years of hard work and proving themselves.
We want to make sure that a brand is offering an amazing user experience. And to do that we need to check the reviews. We listen to what other industry experts have to say as well as the customers themselves. If we feel that a casino is not living up to expectations, then they will not make it onto our list of most trusted online casinos for US players.
Welcome bonus packages
Welcome offers are the first thing most players feast their eyes on. They can mean loads of extra playing money and this is what most of us are after.
But we don’t just assume that a deal is worth having based on the initial value. Our experience has taught us that you need to look deeper into a promo to see how good it really is. Certain requirements and rules that are placed on the offers can sometimes make them very difficult to enjoy. We need to know that a promo is transparent and that you can have the best experience possible while making use of it. A casino that makes it too difficult to do this does not impress our review team.
Mobile casino software
For us, software is incredibly important. The tech behind the scenes can make or break a US casino. So we always look out for the very latest gaming systems that are powering the sites. Some brands try to work with outdated and insufficient programs. And our team can see through that straight away. As a result, they don’t make it onto our list either.
Top software can not only increase the slickness of your experience but also provide you with better payment solutions and games as well.
Selection of online casino games
And when it comes to the games on offer, we need to see a great selection of old and new. Some sites are about the slots and so we expect a great deal from their slot inventory. Some of the other best US casinos are more of an all-rounder and will provide you with table classics and live casino too.
Whatever the main focus is, we need to see that the variety is awesome. Players are there for the games after all.
Variety of payment methods
Top payment methods can make all the difference. Players need a convenient and fast way to get their money moving. And above all, it must be secure. For a brand to truly impress us, they should offer the very latest payment platforms on their site.
There are loads of different ways in which they can facilitate your payments. These could be debit and credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and several other products.
US real money online casino gaming
Real money casinos in USA are obviously where most of the action is at. Having the opportunity to take home cash winnings is most players’ priority. All of the sites listed on this page will give you a chance to do exactly that.
But there is something to be said for playing for fun as well. And some of the demo games are incredibly popular too. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you may choose one over the other.
Real money casino pros and cons
As we said, if you want to win some cash, then the only way to play is for real money stakes. But the flip side of playing with your own cash is that you may lose it. Although we hope you have a fantastic winning streak, there is always a chance that a wager could go either way.
And to play real money games, you will need an account at one of the best USA casinos that you find on this page. This doesn’t take long. But it is an extra process that is standing between you and the action.
Play for fun pros and cons
Playing for fun takes away any of the risk of losing your money. Although you have to remember that you will not win any money either.
Playing for free means that you can access a demo game without signing up for an account. Many sites on the net will provide these demo versions. And you can access the game and start playing very quickly.
Demos also allow you an opportunity to see how a game works. You may not know if you like a particular title until you have tried it out. And trying it out for free is always better than spending your hard-earned cash first.
Bonuses available at US casino sites
There are some amazing bonus deals that you can find at the latest casinos online. They come in a variety of forms and can offer you a chance to play your favorite games for free.
And they aren’t just for new customers either. Existing customers also deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular promos that you will come across.
Bonus with no deposit required
A bonus that does not require you to spend any money will come to you in the form of bonus cash or spins. Free spins can be used on some of the best casino slots. And bonus cash can be played on a variety of different games. These may include table games and potentially live casinos as well. If you are not paying in any money first, then don’t expect to see a huge amount of spins or cash in return. Perhaps twenty or thirty free spins is a good deal. And maybe 10 bucks worth of bonus cash.
First deposit bonus
Paying some money into your casino account is when you start to see the bonuses increase in size. There will generally be a minimum limit that you must pay in. At some of the best USA casinos, this is perhaps $10 and at others, it could be $20. It all depends on the site and you will have to check the details first.
Quite often, the more money you pay in on your first deposit, the more you can achieve in bonus cash. This is the case when a US casino is offering a deposit match deal. It could be 100% of your first deposit or it could even be a massive 500% if you are lucky. Sometimes, it is not uncommon to see bonus spins come your way on top of the bonus cash as well. Depositing some of your own money really does have its advantages.
Reload/Top-up bonuses
Top-up bonuses over there to thank existing customers for their loyalty. During the month, you may receive an email or message from the casino telling you that there is a day where you will see extra money piled on top of any deposit that you make. This can help your bonus balance grow. And if you were going to make a deposit anyway, then why not take advantage of the free cash on offer?
The best way to hear about these deals is to sign up for the casino newsletter.
Loyalty & VIP programs
And if you like to splash the cash, then why not be part of a VIP scheme? Loyalty is handed out by the bucket load to high rollers. The best USA casinos love you guys and will reward you heavily.
These deals will often allow you to place wagers that other players cannot access. Deposits and withdrawals may be increased as well as the amount you can place a single bet.
You’ll likely see a ton of free spins come your way as well just for good measure.
US casino deposits & withdrawals
Enjoying all the latest casino entertainment starts with getting your cash into your account. There are many ways you can do this and some extremely reputable companies that will facilitate the process.
Payment platforms are a personal preference. Not everyone has the same products available to them and so it’s important to see a great range of methods.
Debit and credit cards
Most players will have an account with one of the top banking institutions in the US. And to move money from your bank account you will usually be given a debit card. Payments from your bank account into your casino account are normally instant and don’t incur any fees. Withdrawals are also possible using your debit card. Winnings may take a couple of days to hit your account.
e-wallets
E-wallets have created a fantastic opportunity for online businesses to accept payments from their customers wherever they are in the world. The idea of an electronic wallet is very simple. You can top up with funds from your bank account and you can also receive transfers from other people as well. This money can then be used to make purchases for goods and services.
There are few big-name brands working in this area. Skrill, Neteller and PayPal are some of the most popular.
Bank transfer
Moving your funds via bank transfer may be incredibly safe but it is also one of the slowest methods available. Players in the past chose this method due to the multi-layered security protocols. But as new methods have emerged, this product has been largely abandoned by many customers. It is free to get your money into your casino account using a bank transfer. All you need are the casino’s banking details. It should take around four days to see your money arrive at its destination.
Games at US casino sites
US casino sites now present a top range of gambling games. There are some more traditional types of entertainment and other kinds that have emerged on the market over the years.
Thanks to the relaxation of certain gambling laws, it is now possible to find a variety of top entertainment at the sites that you will see listed here on this page.
Online slots
Online slots are one of the most popular types of gambling action. There’s a huge range of themes and something to suit every budget. There are titles that present a ton of different features while others are more simplistic and hark back to the days of the one-armed bandit.
Top movies, TV series, various sports and other well-known characters are all on display in this niche. The clever designers behind the scenes have managed to find an array of ways to incorporate top slots into everybody’s favorite genres.
Traditional table games
Before the slots came along, we were limited to the classic games. Various card games such as poker, baccarat, blackjack and others formed the basis of gambling classics. While other table games such as roulette, sic bo and craps have also proved to be extremely popular over the years.
And it’s not just the original versions of these games that you can find at today’s best USA online casinos. There are now many different ways in which they can morph the basic theme into multiple variants. And these present an extra layer of entertainment too.
Live casino games
Live USA online casino has taken the world by storm over the last decade. It is the nearest thing that you will get to being at a brick-and-mortar casino without lifting yourself out of the comfort of your armchair. Professional dealers and camera crews record the whole thing live in cleverly laid out studios around the world. You are able to interact with your dealer and other players as well.
In general, most of the classic games that you can find at an online casino in a video format are also available in a live dealer version as well.
Video poker games
Video poker presents a great option for those who are not looking for any interruptions or interaction with other people. You can play games such as High-Low, Deuces Wild and Caribbean stud, for example.
These games present a huge range of wagering possibilities and the rules are generally quite simple. You can get to grips with the layout in just a few minutes, no problem.
No matter what your budget, there is a video poker game out there for you.
US sports betting
US sports betting has always had a huge following. Although it hasn’t always been a legal following due to the changing laws over the years. But this is all starting to change and there are now many states that will allow some form of sports betting for the people who reside there.
In which states is sports betting legal?
Sports betting is available to customers in 27 states as of 2023. There are some huge brands making their way over from other parts of the world to claim their slice of the pie. As a result, American fans have some of the best sporting action available right now. Many of the casino brands listed here will also have connections with sportsbooks as well so you can access all of the action in one place.
These are the states that currently allow you to place sports bets online:
Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington.
Offshore casino gaming in the US
Current gambling laws are set by the state but don’t stipulate that a player cannot play offshore. This is with one exception – Washington. Therefore, only players in Washington State should not be looking offshore to find gambling fun. It has been the only way for many players to get involved for quite some time. And for that reason, you’ll still find many customers still looking overseas for their casino accounts.
Advantages of offshore casino gaming
Playing offshore will often get you the biggest welcome bonuses. And this is one of the main reasons why people still go for these sites. There are deals worth thousands of dollars up for grabs if you know where to look.
And another good reason for choosing these sites for many people is due to the tax implications. Within the US, any winnings over 600 bucks must be declared. Anything over that amount is automatically declared by the casino to the authorities. So lots of customers choose to play in areas where their winnings will not be reported to the IRS.
Disadvantages of offshore casino gaming
The downside to playing at offshore casinos is usually a question of safety. One issue is that there could be a lack of licensing for many of these sites. And playing at a site without the relevant legal credentials could have dangerous implications for your money. The USA online casino games that you play need to be regulated to ensure that they offer a fair chance of winning.
Staying safe at offshore casinos
If you are going to play at one of the offshore sites available, then always check for a licence from at least one of the recognized authorities. These include Curaçao and MGA.
Another key aspect is to ensure that your data is encrypted. And the easiest way to do this is to check for the small padlock symbol next to the web address for that casino site.
And always check customer reviews to make sure that the brand is operating a fair and legitimate service.
Offshore casino payment options
When playing at any international site, you will find that your payment options are reduced. But this does not mean that it is difficult to get your money moving around. There are still some great ways to facilitate your cash transfers.
Debit and credit cards
Credit and debit card payments are the main form of payment platform. You can use your bank card to get your cash from your bank into a casino account without any problems. The vast majority of sites won’t charge for the service. And any winnings that you accumulate can also make their way back in the same way. A disadvantage for many people is that using your bank card will leave a record of the transaction on your bank statement. And if you’re not supposed to be playing casino games for whatever reason, then it will be very hard to deny the activity as there is a payment paper trail.
Crypto payments
One way around these problems is to use cryptocurrencies. They provide an extremely private way to move your money around the globe. Lots of the offshore sites will allow for payment in Bitcoin and various other digital currencies.
And it isn’t just offshore casinos that accept this type of payment. You can find various other top brands available within the US market that will also facilitate this payment type. There are often some pretty healthy promos available for customers who use this form of currency.
Offshore casinos are available to all US players
As we said before, players within the US can use offshore sites unless they come from Washington. And all of the sites based overseas that are listed on this page will provide accounts for US customers.
FAQ
Some of the most popular questions that we answer on the subject of online gambling in the US.
