The number of legal USA online casinos is rising as more states move to regulate gaming for real money. However, players in unregulated states still have opportunities to enjoy casino games. Learn about online casino laws and regulations, and find the best casino sites carefully reviewed by state below.
To help you find the best online casinos in the USA, we've ranked our top 10 brands by category, covering the top picks on everything from slots and live dealer games to free spins and no deposit bonuses.
Sweepstakes casinos give players all around the United States a chance to play legal online casino games for free, but with the opportunity to win real prizes. Below our experts highlight the top three:
WOW Vegas offers a diverse selection of over 1,500 casino games, featuring multiple live dealer options and exclusive bingo rooms. Players can also take advantage of various ways to earn free sweeps coins, including a weekly Saturday scratch card with a top prize of 100 SC.
While every casino site features online slots, a select few impress our slot experts and Gambling.com users with their exclusive games, large progressive jackpots, and enticing slot promotions:
Caesars has one of the largest collections of slots in the US with bet sizes ranging from $0.01 - $6,000 per spin. Players can also choose from more than 20 Jackpot Royale slots like Almighty Buffalo King, and Big Money Frenzy with a top prize that often exceeds $175,000.
Blackjack is one of the most popular choices among casino players in the US. Our research has highlighted the following blackjack sites as offering the best selection of both traditional and specialized variants:
Golden Nugget offers one of the largest collections of traditional blackjack games for real money players in the United States. They also feature multiple exciting variations like Match the Dealer Blackjack, where players can place a side bet and win up to 28:1 by matching the dealer's face-up cards.
Roulette is a timeless classic with an expanding range of exciting variants. The following roulette sites have stood out in our analysis and user reviews:
Sports fans can enjoy a variety of sports-themed roulette tables at DraftKings, including NBA Slam Dunk Roulette, where you can choose your favorite team and earn points based on your performance. Plus, every table features a multi-level progressive jackpot, with over $1 million up for grabs.
Live dealer games offer a more authentic and transparent casino experience, with real dealers streamed live from physical tables. Here are the top live casinos in the USA, as chosen by our experts and members:
Fanatics is a mobile-only dual casino and sportsbook, available exclusively through its dedicated Android and iOS app. This makes it an ideal platform for live dealer games, including Side Bet City - an 80s-themed poker variant where players compete against a pay table rather than the dealer.
Slingo combines the best of slots and bingo and is a rising favorite among online casino players in the United States. The slingo sites below have been selected for their diverse themes and exclusive titles:
BetRivers offers the largest selection of Slingo games in all regulated U.S. states. One standout favorite among players is Slingo Rakin' Bacon, which features its own standalone jackpot. The grand prize is 10,000x your stake which can be triggered at any time, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Online scratchcards offer a wide variety of creative themes that rival slots, paired with the same instant-action gameplay. Our Gambling.com users have curated the top casino sites for scratchcards here:
Bet365 offers a select collection of in-house scratchcards, featuring some of the highest RTPs among real money online casinos. Spin O’Reely Scratch, for example, boasts a 96.00% RTP and gives players the chance to win up to 1,000x their stake.
Arcade games provide a unique twist on traditional casino options, featuring innovative mechanics and, at times, skill-based elements. Check out our top picks below for a gaming experience that stands out:
FanDuel offers over 45 arcade-style games with bet sizes ranging from $0.10 to $10,000. A player favorite is Mega Money Mountain, which features a spinning wheel with bet multipliers and four bonus games, offering top prizes between 500x and 5,000x your stake.
Many US online casinos offer free spins as part of their welcome bonuses, but the quality of promotions differs. Our experts have singled out the deals they believe provide the most value for players:
New players who sign up at Harrah’s Casino receive 20 no deposit free spins, playable on 10 selected slots listed in the terms and conditions. One featured game is Gods of Gold, a Greek mythology-inspired slot with sticky wilds that can trigger up to three respins, plus five unique bonus games with multipliers.
Although rare, some online casino sites entice players with no deposit bonuses, but not all deliver the same value. Our experts have uncovered the top offers that let you play for free and win real money:
New BetMGM Casino players get $25 free to kickstart their journey, with a standout 1x wagering requirement. However, a deposit is required to withdraw any winnings. Additional terms apply, including game restrictions, so be sure to check the full details before claiming.
Players can use the table below to check current online casino regulations by state and visit the relevant state pages for legal online casino options. Sweepstakes and social casinos are usually available in states where real money online casinos are not regulated.
Online casinos in the USA are regulated at the state level, creating a complex and evolving legal landscape. In recent years, states have moved away from federal oversight, developing their own licensing frameworks to regulate online casinos and ensure safer gambling options for players.
Federal Online Casino Legislation
The federal government has introduced several key gambling laws over the past 50 years. Many are outdated, but one of the most impactful changes came when the DOJ allowed states to develop their own regulatory frameworks. This pivotal decision fueled the expansion of legal online casinos in the USA.
Federal Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act (1961), introduced by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, originally targeted sports betting via wire communication. Over time, its language was interpreted to include online gambling, restricting operators from serving unregulated markets.
A 2002 court ruling clarified that the act applied only to sports betting, not casino or poker gaming. In 2011, the DOJ revised its stance, allowing states to legalize online gambling, further opening the door for regulated online casinos across the USA.
PASPA
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), passed in 1992, granted Nevada a sports betting monopoly. Its repeal in 2018 led to rapid expansion of state-regulated sports betting, generating billions in tax revenue. The success of this market encouraged many states to consider legalizing online casinos.
UIGEA
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 focused on payment processing rather than directly banning online gaming. It prohibited businesses from processing payments for unlawful gambling, forcing financial institutions to block such transactions and prompting many operators to exit the US market.
Despite its impact on the industry, UIGEA did not criminalize online gambling itself, allowing states to later introduce their own regulations while maintaining restrictions on unauthorized operators.
Other Online Casino Legislation
Several legislative proposals have sought to clarify online gambling regulations and pave the way for licensed businesses. Notable bills include the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, the Skill Game Protection Act (2007), and the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act (2013).
These bills aimed to regulate and tax online gambling while distinguishing skill-based games like poker from chance-based games like slots. While not all passed, they played a role in shaping discussions around online casino legalization.
US online casino regulations vary widely by state, making it challenging for players to navigate legal options. With 50 states setting their own rules, determining what’s permitted or prohibited can be confusing, leading to significant gaps in regulation.
For example, states like Hawaii and Utah prohibit all forms of gambling, while New Jersey and Pennsylvania have embraced online casinos, poker, and sports betting. As more states explore legalization, the market continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for players and operators alike.
While many offshore casinos are available to players in the US, they are unregulated and lack essential safeguards. Below, we highlight the key advantages of playing on legitimate casino sites that comply with local state regulations.
✅ Player Protection: Customers can stay safe while wagering online by picking the top licensed and legal USA online casino. These businesses are located in the US and vetted by state gambling regulators during a thorough registration period. Customers can expect certified and fair games, legit payment solutions, and brands which are accountable if anyone makes a complaint.
✅ Responsible Companies: Gambling at online casinos in regulated US states is a safe option, and players can access a range of responsible gambling tools supplied by the company and software providers thanks to regulations. These conditions allow customers to sign up, play their favourite games, and not stress about breaking limits or using a service that doesn’t follow safety guidelines.
✅ Enforced Regulations: Playing at legal USA online casinos offers many benefits, including regulations enforced on the state level. Now, it’s much safer for customers to gamble online at a licensed site, knowing the operator must follow local USA online casino laws, ensure they provide adequate player protection, and be financially stable with enough funds to payout casino wins.
When choosing a top online casino, it's important to consider specific criteria to ensure that you pick the right option for you. We've done all of the legwork so that players can select one of the sites from our list of real money online casinos by US state above, but it's still important to perform your own due diligence.
Stay safe by choosing US-licensed online casinos. Each state sets its own laws, with regulators like New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement ensuring compliance. States like MI, PA, and WV also have gaming boards overseeing local, licensed casino operations.
There are several welcome casino bonus types that reward new players for signing up. For example, a US online casino may offer a 100% match bonus up to $1,000 + 200 free spins, giving players $2,000 in playable funds and 200 spins when they deposit $1,000.
Game variety is key when choosing a casino. US players can enjoy sites with thousands of games, including slots, live dealer table games, and more. Check our reviews to see the total number of games, available titles, and types before signing up for an account.
Payment options vary by site, so choose one that matches your preferred methods. The best online casinos support Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Bank Transfers, Play+, and more. Sites with multiple options make deposits and withdrawals fast, simple, and stress-free.
Top online casinos stand out with unique features like VIP loyalty programs, rewarding cash giveaways, seasonal promotions, and bonus codes. Other site features include game filters, tournaments, and casino races - offering extra excitement and rewards for active players.
All legal online casinos we recommend prioritize mobile play, offering seamless cross-platform websites and custom iOS/Android apps. Games, powered by HTML5, run smoothly on all devices, ensuring players enjoy realistic and engaging gameplay wherever they go.
Security and support are vital. Top licensed sites use SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and anti-fraud systems to protect data. Support teams are easily accessible, with many casinos offering 24/7 live chat for quick solutions to player issues or questions.
The casino sector can be split into sub-categories to help players identify the best types of US online casinos suitable for their gaming style. Discover the different types of online casinos in the United States below.
An essential part of playing at the best online casino sites is choosing an appropriate payment method. Our reviews feature up-to-date information to help readers decide which site has the payment options they use for depositing and withdrawing.
Whether you’re a new or more experienced online casino player, knowing the basics can make all the difference. These five simple tips are designed to help you enjoy your experience, improve your gameplay and maintain control.
Playing at a regulated online casino site in the US is generally very safe if you follow a few simple rules. However, it's important to remember that, like all forms of gambling, it does involve some risk. Here are some essential tips to help you play responsibly:
If you or someone you know needs help to stop gambling, we can recommend the following resources:
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
The federal government considers online casino gaming illegal. However, it’s up to each state to develop and enforce their gambling laws relating to casino sites. Currently, seven states in the USA permit online casinos to operate legally. While 40+ states allow access to safe social and sweepstakes casino sites as an excellent alternative for gamers.
It’s good practice to read reliable casino reviews to discover if the site is locally licensed and legal to operate in America. The company is legally required to display their licensing information on its website, which is typically available in the website footer or its terms and conditions page.
Online regulations relating to casino gaming are constantly changing, and each year, politicians in different regions campaign to make USA online casinos legal. Currently, gaming at online casinos is regulated on the state level and legal for Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia residents.
Numerous offshore licensed casinos accept customers from the USA. However, these aren’t safe or legal options for local players. Under state laws, players must join safe and locally regulated online casinos in the USA. These US-based platforms follow local regulations, provide adequate player protection and fair casino games.
Customers can deposit and withdraw funds from a USA online casino site using various payment methods. Many online brands partner with land-based operators and accept Cash at Cage transactions and convenient and fast online payments, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Skrill, Neteller, Play+, and PayPal.
The IRS has made its stance clear about USA online casino winnings under Topic 419, requiring all residents to include their gambling winnings in their annual federal income tax return with Form W 2-G. Players may deduct gaming losses and be required to pay tax on the final amount.
Suppose you sign up to play the top USA online casino games with a licensed and regulated state operator. In that case, you can rest assured knowing your personal information remains safe. These companies operate in a legal environment, follow US data protection & privacy laws, run secure SSL protected websites with safe payment gateways.
Regulated online casinos in the US operate in states that have finalized their online gaming laws, permit operations, and outline the criteria, licensing, and rules for platforms. Unregulated sites can include offshore casinos that don’t adhere to US law or social/sweep sites which aren’t officially regulated under many state laws.
The top legal USA online casinos provide responsible gamin tools to help protect customers, set limits, and control their wagering. Regulators ensure sites give these options for players to remain safe, with the ability to set deposit, wager, and loss limits, session timers, reality checks, self-exclusion, and simple access to gambling help.