Best US online casinos – Top online casinos for US players in 2024
GAMBLING laws in the United States have been changing rapidly in recent years.
The federal government has some anti-gambling legislation in place, but for the most part, it is up to each individual state to decide if online casinos can operate.
Seeing how lucrative online casinos are, an increasing number of states are legalizing online gambling.
Since the world of online casinos is very new to players in the USA, it can be a struggle to navigate. In this guide to the best US online casinos, we’ve compiled all you need to know about these platforms so that you can focus on playing and having fun.
Best online casinos for US players
- DraftKings - 100% match bonus up to $2,000*
- BetRivers - Up to $500 bonus money**
- BetMGM - 100% match up to $1,500 + $25 on the house***
The legal state of online casino gambling in the US
Gambling in the United States has always been tightly controlled and regulated by the federal government and by individual states. Online casinos provide a potential outlet for gambling interests and a new tax revenue stream for the states that legalize it.
Outside of states where it is explicitly legal to play at online casinos, online gambling exists in a legal grey area. There are many different interests at play shaping the online gambling laws of each state, especially gambling interests and Native American pressure groups.
While online gambling isn’t technically illegal in most states, it’s better to only play while you’re in a state where it is legal.
Which US states have legal online gambling?
The number of US states that have legal online casinos is slowly growing, and new legislation is regularly being introduced. As of June 2023, both online casinos and betting are legal in these seven states:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Connecticut
- Michigan
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Indiana
In Nevada, it is possible to play online poker only, all other forms of online casino gaming are not allowed.
If we consider sweepstakes casinos, the online casino world in the US expands a bit. You can play at sweepstakes casinos in every state except for Washington.
Also a betting fan? Find the top US sportsbooks right here.
A closer look at the top US online casino sites
All the top casinos on our list have their own strengths. Read our casino reviews for a little insight into why each one made our list of the best online casinos in America:
1. DraftKings
DraftKings is well known in sports betting circles for being one of the leading bookmakers in the US. They have a large game library, including many of their own exclusive games. Customer support can only be reached via a form, which is disappointing for those who prefer an immediate response.
- Has a top sportsbook so you can bet or play casino games on the same site
- Welcome bonus includes 100% first deposit matching up to $2,000
- Tons of promotions and offers available throughout the year
2. BetRivers
BetRivers is the online arm of the East Coast-based Rivers casino brand. They have a great reputation for fairness and security on land and online. BetRivers is known for their great range of live dealer table games.
- Offers instant withdrawal options
- Customer support is easy to reach by phone, email or live chat
- Welcome bonuses have low wagering requirements, making them easy to claim
3. BetMGM
MGM Grand is one of the most recognizable brands that have a casino on the Las Vegas strip and now they have one of the greatest online casinos. BetMGM has a huge selection of games in their library, although less than 200 are playable on their mobile app. They also accept most major deposit and withdrawal methods.
- Welcome bonus includes deposit matching of 100% up to $1,000 and $25 free play credit
- Neteller can only be used for withdrawals if it was the deposit method
- Has some of the highest security for payments and withdrawals in the industry
How we ranked the best casinos for US players found online
Online casinos come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of quality, and users often don't know where to start in discerning one platform from another. In order to rank the top American online casino sites, we considered the following criteria:
Legal status and licensing
Being fully licensed and legal to play at is on the top of our list. We could not recommend casinos that put players in potential trouble. Having all the relevant licenses is also a good way to guarantee that a casino takes security seriously.
Player safety
The only risk you should face at an online casino is that of losing. Players shouldn’t have to worry about whether their data and banking information is secure. You also never have to worry about playing craps with loaded dice at the best online casinos in the US as random number generators are used to keep all the games fair and to protect the players.
Bonus offering
A good welcome bonus and VIP program is important in making players feel like they belong and to get their online gambling off to the greatest start possible. We also judge whether the terms and conditions of collecting the promos are fair to players. It's also important to distinguish whether the sign-up bonus is a deposit bonus, or a no-deposit option, if you can use a promo code, if there's a wagering requirement, etc.
Game selection
Having a huge games library with both regular and jackpot slots from all the leading developers and software providers is a must for an American online casino to make our "best of the best" list. Aside from slots and regular table games, we also looked at if online casinos offered more niche games like craps, bingo, keno and scratch cards, or if they offered their own exclusive games.
Payment method range
All the online casinos on our list offer their customers an extensive range of payment options. However, while a long list of deposit methods is all well and good, it's also important that they have several withdrawal methods and that all these banking options are safe and secure. Some casinos will offer to take deposits and cash out funds in crypto (with Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum being the most common options), but these methods are not always trustworthy, so be careful if you make that choice.
Customer support quality
The gambling industry is all about customer service, so in case something goes wrong, it’s crucial to be able to reach customer support quickly. It is also important that a top online casino has a customer service team that is efficient, willing to help and responsive.
Is signing up for US online casinos easy?
It is incredibly easy to sign up at any of the top US casinos online.
- Decide which casino you want to play at.
- Create an account and follow the steps to have your account and identity verified.
- Opt into any welcome bonuses, VIP programs or special offers.
- Make your first deposit.
- Start playing!
Can I win real money at the best US online casinos?
Yes, you can definitely win real money at casino sites in the United States. The average slot machine game has a return to player rate (RTP) of between 92-97%. This means that your real money winnings on slot machine games are nearly as much as you pay in on average.
Of course, with all gambling there is risk involved, but there’s always a chance that you’ll be the lucky one and win big!
What’s the difference between sweepstakes casinos and regular US online casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos, also known as social casinos, do not payout real money prizes. Instead, when you win, you can be entered into drawings known as sweepstakes for various prizes. While it is possible to play at sweepstakes casinos without spending money, making a deposit allows you to purchase more coins to play for longer or to be entered in more drawings.
Do I need to change my IP with a VPN to play online casino games in the US?
If you live in a state where online casinos are legal, then you don’t need to change your IP address with a VPN. However, if you are very concerned with cybersecurity, you can always use a VPN for your own peace of mind.
What bonuses can US players expect at online casinos?
Bonuses are a great way for online casinos to attract new customers and reward the loyal players who keep coming back. There are several different types of bonuses and promotions:
Deposit matching
A deposit match bonus is where the online casino gives players free credit when they make a deposit. It is usually a percentage of the deposit up to a set limit. The top online casinos will stretch this out and offer deposit matching on the first two or three deposits.
No deposit bonuses
No deposit bonuses are a bit more rare since they are such a great promotion. The online casino gives new players free credit to play with before they’re made a single deposit. You typically can’t claim any of the winnings from these bonuses until you’ve wagered a certain amount, however, so it isn’t entirely free money.
Free spins
Most welcome bonuses include free spins. These can usually only be used on specific slots but they’re a great way to get a feel for how slot machine games at online casinos work.
VIP programs
VIP and loyalty programs are used by online casinos to reward players for coming back. The more often you play, the higher tiers you can reach, which unlocks increasingly better rewards. These can include access to new games before other players, discounts and free spins.
Keep in mind that all bonuses and promotions have terms and conditions attached. Read the fine print to avoid missing out on any of the benefits.
Which online casino games can I play in the US?
At the best US online casinos, you can play all the same types of games that you would be able to play at a traditional land-based casino.
Card games
It’s hard to imagine a casino without table games and card games. Poker, blackjack and baccarat are the leading choices for players looking to play cards at online casinos. Top USA online casinos will have multiple options for all these games, including some for high rollers and video poker.
Slots
Slot machine games are the biggest draw for most online casinos. The best online gambling sites will have slot libraries with hundreds of titles to play. These games are simple, fun and engaging.
Roulette
Roulette is the most iconic casino game — partly because it is so unique it stands out from the rest. Roulette is also a popular game because it doesn’t require players to learn any complicated rules.
Bingo
Bingo isn’t just for grandma anymore! Bingo isn’t offered as commonly as other gambling options, but it has a dedicated following. Many players like bingo because it has more of a community feel than other games do.
Live dealer games
Live dealer games are versions of table games where the players get to interact with a real dealer. Using online streaming, players can see and interact with the cards as the dealer plays them. Live dealer games are the closest players can get to a land-based casino experience at an online casino.
What’s the legal age limit for playing at online casinos in the US?
You must be 21 years old or older to play at an online casino in the US.
Can I use credit cards to deposit at US online casinos?
This depends on the casino and the credit card. The best online gambling sites will typically accept payments from major credit card companies. Less well-known credit cards may not be accepted.
Can I make crypto online casino deposits in the US?
Cryptocurrencies can be used to make payments at crypto casinos. The majority of mainstream online casinos, however, do not accept cryptocurrencies yet. This might change in the future as crypto becomes a more common banking option.
Are there free-to-play games at US online casinos?
Yes, many of the top American online casinos allow you to play games for free on demo mode. You won’t be able to win real money when you play on demo mode, but you can get a feel for the game before risking your gambling budget.
What are the most popular online casino payment methods in the US?
Online casinos are able to thrive because of the variety of modern payment methods that are available. The most popular methods are credit/debit cards and payment apps because these are convenient and secure. Most online casinos offer numerous deposit methods and a smaller number of withdrawal methods.
The most popular payment methods for the top online casinos in America are:
- Credit/debit cards - primarily Mastercard, Visa and American Express
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Venmo
- Prepaid cards
- Bank transfer
- E-wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay
Find the US betting sites with the fastest payouts here!
Can I download casino apps to play casino games on mobile in the US?
Yes, you can download casino apps to play casino games on mobile devices in America. Just make sure that these are apps from licensed American online casinos to avoid any potential issues.
Are there any US online casinos to steer clear of?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Whenever a new industry starts doing well, unscrupulous folks will try to find a way to take advantage of it. Since online casinos also require players to provide personal and financial information, they are also a target for hackers and phishers.
Players should steer clear of online casinos that do not have the proper licenses and also avoid ones that aren’t transparent about what types of security measures and encryption software they use.
Our top 5 tips for playing in the best US online casinos
- Set a budget and don’t go over it. It can be very easy to get caught up in trying to chase a win and then end up spending more than you can afford. Sticking to a budget lets you have your fun and play consistently.
- Have fun. This one should be easy! Playing at online casinos should be a fun hobby. If you find yourself playing when you’re upset or stressed, stop and wait to play when you’re feeling better.
- Mix it up. It’s easy to get sucked into playing the same slot over and over again until it’s a blur. Trying different games can help keep things interesting and help you find new favorite games.
- Find the casino that’s right for you. Take the time to choose among the best US online casinos and find the one for you before you make an account. If you love roulette, you’re only going to be disappointed if you have an account at a casino with only two or three roulette games even if they offer thousands of slot machine games.
- Bet small to start. When you first start playing, you may not know all the rules or how slot paylines work. Start out placing small bets so even if you make a mistake or two, you won’t lose very much money.
*DraftKings available in PA, MI, and CT
**BetRivers available in MI and PA
***BetMGM available in MI, PA
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
