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.
Online casinos in the USA are regulated by individual states, creating a complex and evolving legal landscape. In recent years, states have moved away from outdated federal oversight to develop frameworks that license and regulate local online casinos, ensuring safer gambling options for players.
Over the past 50 years, the federal government has introduced key gambling laws. Many are outdated, but the DOJ's decision to allow state-level regulation has catalyzed the growth of legal online casinos in the USA, setting the stage for a regulated gambling industry.
Federal Wire Act:
The Federal Wire Act (1961), introduced by Attorney General Robert Kennedy, prohibits the use of wire communications for gambling in unregulated markets. Initially targeting telephone systems and sports betting, its broad language has been interpreted to include internet-based gaming, affecting USA online casinos.
In 2002, a court ruled that the Wire Act applies only to sports betting, not casino or poker games. This clarification, combined with a 2011 DOJ decision, allowed states to legalize and regulate online gambling independently, fostering industry growth.
PASPA:
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 granted Nevada a monopoly on sports betting, frustrating other states. When repealed in 2018, states quickly embraced regulated sports wagering, generating billions in tax revenue and paving the way for legal online casinos in the USA.
UIGEA:
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 targeted payment processing for unlawful gambling but didn’t outlaw internet gaming itself. By restricting financial institutions from processing such payments, it caused many operators to leave the US market, wary of legal penalties.
Other Online Casino Legislation:
Several bills have aimed to clarify gambling laws and legitimize local businesses offering online casinos in the USA. Notable examples 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 efforts focused on regulating and taxing licensed operators and distinguishing skill-based games like poker from games of chance, such as online slots.
State-level regulation of online casinos leads to significant variations in gambling laws. In some states, such as Hawaii and Utah, all gambling remains illegal. Meanwhile, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have fully embraced online gambling, including poker, sports betting, and online casinos.
Sports betting has seen the most widespread adoption, with more states offering regulated options than online poker or casinos. Many lawmakers take a cautious approach, monitoring the impact of legal betting on communities. Today, only seven states offer locally regulated online casinos in the USA.
USA Legal Online Casino States and their Regulations:
States Working on Passing Online Casino Legislation:
As of 2025, several U.S. states are actively pursuing legislation to legalize online casinos, aiming to provide residents with regulated and safe online gambling options. These five states are at the forefront and stand next in line to open services for customers to enjoy safe online casinos in the USA.
States where Online Casinos are Restricted:
Many states still prohibit USA online casino gaming including Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Social and Sweepstakes Casinos:
Players residing in states where USA online casinos aren’t regulated can still enjoy fun online games on social and sweepstakes platforms. These services are available in most US states where players can enjoy a wide selection of the top slots and table games, with the ability to win money using sweep coins.
✅ Player Protection: Licensed USA online casinos ensure safety with certified games, secure payments, and accountability. Regulated by state authorities, they provide legit platforms vetted through rigorous processes, guaranteeing fair gaming and reliable customer support.
✅ Responsible Companies: Regulated casinos offer responsible gambling tools to help players manage their activity. These tools comply with safety guidelines, giving players the confidence to enjoy their favorite games without worrying about overspending or unsafe practices.
✅ Enforced Regulations: Regulated online casinos in the USA adhere to strict state laws, ensuring financial stability and protection for players. Operators must meet regulatory requirements, offering a safer environment for players and ensuring winnings are paid out promptly and securely.
To help our readers find the top online casinos in the USA, we’ve prepared a table with links to the gambling regulations in each state. You can use this table to visit your local state page and view a list of reputable and safe online gaming sites, including real money and top social gaming sites.
To help our readers find the best casinos online in the US, we've ranked our list of top 10 brands this year. Reputable American companies run these sites, which comply with local gambling laws, and are known as the top rated online casinos in the country.
BetMGM is a prominent online casino that launched in 2018 and is open to players in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Operated by MGM Resorts and Entertain, two large and respectable companies, BetMGM ranks as the top online casino site thanks to its strong reputation and fantastic game variety. Enjoy 800+ online slots, multiple progressive jackpots, virtual cards, and live tables.
Players can sign up for BetMGM to play the latest games from IGT, Konami, and NetEnt. The company offers 14 secure payment options with minimum deposits starting at $10. Unlock special bonuses and exclusive MGM reward points to redeem at US resorts and enhance the experience. BetMGM is also one of the few no deposit bonus casino sites with a $25 free chip for new players.
Caesars is an excellent choice for players seeking a fun mix of bonus deals and top games at a famous and trusted brand. Established in 2013 by the prominent Caesars Entertainment group, they're currently open to customers in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. They boast a vast collection of 750+ slots, progressive jackpots, and live casino games.
In August 2023, the company introduced the Caesars Palace Online Casino, a standalone product within one account. It features a clean and fresh design, exclusive branded casino games, and enhanced welcome bonus. Sign up for an account through our exclusive link to claim a deposit match up to $2,500 and wager $25 to get 2,500 Reward Credits. While the bonus funds are available for all the games in the casino in all states, in New Jersey, they can be only used on slots.
Many players in MI, NJ, PA, and WV seeking the top online casino in the USA will be amazed at the action at BetRivers Casino. The site launched in 2020 and has a growing portfolio with 500+ titles. Users can win by betting on the top online slots, live tables, Slingo, and exclusive Mega Jackpots with prizes reaching the six-figure range.
BetRivers became popular thanks to their convenient banking options and commitment to providing fair bonus promotions, including cashback and deposit matches with low rollover. These deals ensure customers can enjoy their favorite games and quickly cash out winnings with bonus codes.
Betway has a long-established history in online gambling and a strong presence in European sports betting. The company launched in 2006 and opened up in the USA in 2021. They now run a licensed real casino online for players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with more states expected to open soon.
Betway Casino customers can explore the lobby to play 500+ exciting games, including top real-world casino games by Evolution Gaming, virtual table games, and some of the top online casino slots. There are ten progressive jackpots to get lucky on, and it would be great to see them grow this range.
DraftKings started its journey in 2012, offering Daily Fantasy Sports services to US customers. Their licensed casino is now open for players in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. DraftKings ranks well among online casinos in the United States due to its incredible library of 1,100+ games and choice of 10 payment methods.
Jackpot fans will feel at home at DraftKings Casino, with 120 titles linked to growing prize pools. These jackpots are available across table and slot games, and top prizes currently reach over $2,000,000. This incredible variety is one of the main reasons they consistently rank among the top casinos online in America.
Golden Nugget Casino is a leading US operator established in 2013. They accept 11 payment methods and have 1,390+ different games for New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia players. Their range provides excellent variety, with 50+ jackpots, 50 table games, and 1,300 slots.
The lobby is easy to navigate, with custom tabs displaying the top online casino categories like Diamond Cash, LuckyTap, Jackpots, Megaways, and Scratchers. Golden Nugget Casino runs various yearly promotions for extra value. Players can earn cash bonuses, spins, and other perks through exclusive deals, Game of the Week, Golden Club Rewards, and Weekly Leaderboard races.
Established in 2013 and operated by Entain and MGM, the Borgata Casino offers USA casino players the opportunity to play games online and win real cash NJ, MI, and PA customers can earn loyalty points for exclusive rewards at MGM and Borgata Resorts in the US.
Play some of the best casino games in America, including 16 live tables, 130 table games, 115 jackpots, and 2150 slots categorized in different sections. The site accepts 13 payment options, and PayPal cashouts at Borgata are processed within one day, offering fast withdrawals for lucky winners.
FanDuel originally launched as a provider of Daily Fantasy Sports in 2009, but have since grown to offer a fantastic casino and sportsbook. Their popular US online casino is available in all regulated states and is home to more than 2,700 real money games.
What makes FanDuel stand out from the crowd is their incredibly low 1x wagering requirement on certain bonuses. They’re also well known for offering players regular ongoing promotions such as risk-free bets on live dealer games.
Widely regarded as America’s favorite official sports apparel company, Fanatics recently made their foray into online gambling in 2022. Their online casino is also available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
While Fanatics doesn’t have a large portfolio of games (250+), the available games are still modern and highly entertaining, which includes their own exclusive assortment.
PlayStar Casino is operated by the award-winning GiG platform and therefore offers players a seamless and fun experience when gambling for real money. They have a respectable 550+ games in their portfolio which includes more than 40 live dealer options.
PlayStar Casino is currently only available in New Jersey, but we are hoping to see them licensed in other states soon.
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.
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.
Our team of award-winning casino specialists has been reviewing online casino sites since 2006.
In 2024, we received the prestigious Best Casino Affiliate title at both the eGaming Review (EGR) Awards and the iGaming Business (iGB) Awards, further cementing Gambling.com as the most trusted authority in the online casino market.
This industry recognition reflects our dedication to providing reliable, expert information to help players navigate the online casino world with confidence.
Expert reviewers open accounts with USA online casino sites, depositing and playing to assess a variety of factors.
Our review checklist includes evaluation of 10 core components:
Every casino review is thoroughly fact-checked and verified by our team of experts before publication. We continuously update reviews to keep information accurate, relevant and up-to-date, adhering to a detailed review methodology and editorial policy.
Our review process then factors in feedback from Gambling.com members on the usability, enjoyment and overall experience of online casinos. Insights are gathered through various methods:
These insights into how players interact with online casinos help refine our recommendations to reflect real user experiences.
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We pride ourselves on a robust and transparent casino rating system. These ratings are determined by scores from our initial casino review and are then adjusted based on registered member opinions.
Each casino receives an overall rating out of 100, allocated according to the comprehensive criteria in our reviews.
When a new casino is added to the site and has not yet received user evaluation, its rating will be updated once member reviews are collected.
Only casinos that perform well in our analysis and receive positive member feedback will earn a place on our recommended list of top-rated online casinos.
This dual approach is essential, ensuring that our ratings provide a reliable evaluation of each casino's performance.
Our casino experts are gambling industry professionals, with a deep understanding of the growing online casino landscape in the US.
Their expertise covers a diverse range of specialties, including casino game strategies, software development and regulatory compliance.
Dean, our Content Director, brings nearly 20 years of expertise in the gambling industry. With a deep understanding of online casinos, Dean is the go-to authority on everything from the latest casino product trends to the intricate details of licensing and regulation.
Tim is our Casino Content Lead with an established background in the casino industry. Having worked with several top-tier operators, he brings unique insider insights to the team, plus a creative flair to our content and reviews.
Paul is our No.1 Casino Consultant, with a background that spans working as a croupier in casinos and on cruise ships to live streaming his own gameplay. His unparalleled knowledge of all casino games allows him to provide players with unique insights and expert guidance.
As our Chief Slots Analyst, Ana plays a pivotal role in driving our slot game content, ensuring both accuracy and relevance. Her experience and passion for online slots enable us to deliver candid reviews and valuable insights to slot players.
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.
All in all, playing at online casinos in the USA 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:
Gambler Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling have a number of resources and programs available to assist if you or someone you know has a problem with gambling.
Named Casino Affiliate of the Year at the 2024 EGR Operator Awards and the 2024 iGB Affiliate Awards, Gambling.com is committed to identifying the best casino sites for players.
Our team of experts rigorously evaluates online casinos against strict criteria, including licensing, security, game selection, customer support and payout reliability.
This meticulous process, combined with independent reviews from our members, ensures that we recommend only the most trusted and reliable US casinos online.
The software provider that an online casino chooses to partner with is one of the most crucial aspects of that casino's identity. Beyond determining site functionality, the games available at a given casino is also affected by who they work with.
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.