Online casinos are gambling sites where you can play real money games. Finding legal casino sites with a good game selection, generous bonuses, reliable banking, and quick payouts is important. With the massive list of games and offers available, it can be complicated for new players to find the best casinos online.
This guide provides essential insights into the top online casinos and navigates the complexities of gambling laws and regulations. Whether you’re new to online gambling or a veteran player, this resource ensures you can confidently choose safe, legal, and rewarding platforms.
Odds Shark Recommended Online Casinos
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The Top Online Casinos for Real Money
Online casinos are legal in states or provinces where local legislation has regulated iGaming. American players can legally play at online casinos in one of the following US states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Rhode Island. Online casino gambling is legal and regulated in these US states, each offering access to licensed operators.
In Canada, regulations and restrictions work differently depending on the province where online casinos are available. Canadian provinces with legal casino sites are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Social and Sweepstakes Casinos
Players in states where regulated gambling sites are unavailable can still access games through social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites and apps are widely accessible and offer popular slots and table games. Players can even win real money using sweep coins while enjoying these games.
However, certain restrictions apply. Top sweepstakes casino sites are unavailable to Idaho, Kentucky, and Washington residents. Operators limit access in New York and Michigan due to state restrictions. While some states have implemented stricter limitations or bans, most states remain open to social casinos because of the absence of specific regulations. Always check your state laws and the casino site's terms and conditions.
Learn More About Sweepstakes Casinos
Legal and Regulated Online Casinos
Below is a breakdown of the available online casino platforms in North America. Please note that the availability of specific operators may change over time due to regulatory updates or market developments. For the most current information, it’s advisable to consult the official websites of each state’s gaming regulatory authority.
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Learn More About US Online Casinos
Canada
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Learn More About Canada Online Casinos
How We Choose the Best Real Money Online Casinos
When our reviewers analyze casinos online, they focus on a long list of essential factors. Below is a quick overview of how we review US online casinos. Consider the factors below as you read casino reviews and choose a real-money gambling site.
- Legit Online Casino: Does the casino have an iGaming license from a government gaming regulatory agency? Keep your gameplay and bankroll safe by picking a legal and licensed online casino.
- Real Money Games: First and foremost, does the casino support all of the real money casino games that US players like? If so, does the software package offer fun versions of the games with the best odds?
- Slots Selection: If you're a slot player, focus on the number and variety of titles the site offers. How many slots does the casino have? How many slot providers? Does it have enough 3-reel slots and 5-reel slots? How about its progressive slots catalog?
- Bonuses: An online gambling site's welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are important, too, because they give players free cash to try new games. How big is the welcome bonus? What are the wagering requirements and other terms of use? What about reload bonuses and the VIP club?
- Deposits Methods: Americans want to use the same payment methods they would use at other online merchants. We review sites based on how easy it is to use credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and various types of bank transfers.
- Payouts: We also review an online gambling site's payout times, withdrawal limits, and general cashout policies. Does a site offer quick, reliable payouts? Is it a blacklisted casino that slow-pays a player's winnings? Does it support payouts with your favorite payment method? Are withdrawals secure?
- Live Dealer Games: Most online casinos offer live casino games. These games have real-life dealers who deal with real cards, spin wheels, and roll dice. It occurs in real time and is live-streamed to your computer from a gaming studio. Our casino reviews also cover a site's live dealer games.
- Mobile Apps: Modern online casinos should also support Android and iOS players. Does the site have a mobile casino app or offer mobile casino games in the web browser? Which Android, iPhone, and iPad versions are compatible with the games? Is mobile casino gameplay smooth, secure, and reliable? Can you engage in real casino gambling on your smartphone?
- Customer Service: Does the site have a live chat, email, and phone number that you can contact for questions? How responsive are they, and how long does it take them to solve issues?
- Game Variety and Software Providers: You want to choose a casino with multiple game types from the top iGaming developers.
New Online Casinos | Odds Shark Recommended ✅
If you're looking for a new site to play, you want one already tried, tested, and certified site. the Odds Shark team of experts have done this and recommend the following:
New Casino for Real Money: Horseshoe Online Casino
Online casino players looking for a new real money gambling site to play top-quality games should try Horseshoe Online Casino.
- New players receive a welcome bonus and the chance to earn Caesars Rewards® benefits.
- Take your pick among thousands of online casino games, live casino tables, progressive jackpots, and exclusive Horseshoe Casino games.
- At Horseshoe's online casino and mobile app, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant gaming experience from your computer, tablet, or phone.
- Once you're ready to withdraw your winnings, we recommend using Mastercard debit for a quick payout within 24 hours.
- Availability: Horseshoe Online Casino is available to US players in MI, NJ, PA, WV, and Ontario.
- Minimum Age to Play: You must be 21+ in the USA and 19+ in Canada.
Reasons to Play at a New Online Casino
If you've only played at brick-and-mortar casinos, or free-play mobile casino apps, you might not know the advantages of a real-money online casino. You might prefer playing at a legal US online casino for several reasons.
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USA Casino Game Guides
Before you start playing casino games for real money, it pays to learn about the many game choices. Read our individual game guides for a full introduction. Here's a quick intro to the most popular USA online casino games.
- Slots: Fast-paced games with bright graphics and fun themes. They also feature huge jackpots and no strategy requirements, which makes them the most popular game in an online casino.
- Blackjack: It requires players to learn basic strategy, but it pays off with the smallest house edge among the table games. Blackjack is a game for gamblers who value skill and who want to stretch their bankroll.
- Roulette: This is the most popular spinning wheel game in casino gambling. It provides players with many betting opportunities, payouts, and odds. With no strategy requirement, roulette is a game for casual casino players.
- Craps: Dice game with many betting opportunities and a nice range of odds and payouts. Shooting dice offers the 2nd-best house edge for a game with no strategy. Combine that with the camaraderie it offers, and craps is the world's most popular casino dice game.
- Baccarat: It has the lowest house edge of any casino game and requires no skill or strategy. It is the most popular game in Asian casinos and a staple in Western casinos.
- Keno: An 80-call Chinese lottery game that offers payouts between \$100,000 and \$1 million in many US casinos online. The lottery-style jackpots come with a high house edge.
- Bingo: It is usually found in the Specialty Games section of most online casinos. In the best casinos we review, players can choose from 30-ball, 75-ball, 80-ball, and 90-ball versions of Bingo.
- Sic Bo: A Chinese dice game with a wide range of exotic bets. While Sic Bo's house edge isn't as good as Craps', it's a good alternative in the occasional online casino that doesn't offer craps online.
- Crash Games: Fast-paced gambling games where players bet on a multiplier that increases in real-time and must cash out before it randomly “crashes” to avoid losing their wager.
- Arcade Games: skill-based or chance-based gambling games with interactive, arcade-style mechanics.
Learn More About Real Money Online Casino Games
Banking Methods Players Can Use in US Online Gambling
American gamblers have a lot of different payment methods. Here is a list of the main deposit options US players can use, along with a list of the pros and cons of each banking method. We look at deposit and withdrawal options, transaction fees, and payout times.
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Learn More About Online Casino Deposits & Withdrawals
How To Gamble Online Safely At US Casino Sites
Is It Safe to Play Online Casinos for Real Money? Our reviewers research US online casinos for safety, fairness, and reputation before we recommend a site. Many players prefer to do independent research to verify that their favorite online casino is trusted in the industry. That's especially important for offshore casino sites, but many beginners don't know how to research whether an online casino is safe. For those players, here's a checklist of ways to independently verify whether your chosen US online casino is safe and trusted.
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Responsible Gambling
Online gambling can be a fun pastime, but we need to approach it responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Trustworthy casino operators offer responsible gambling resources and tools like deposit limits, session time-outs, and self-exclusion options to support accountable play.
Remember—treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money, and only wager what you can afford to lose. Setting personal limits and avoiding chasing losses helps prevent financial and emotional stress.
If gambling starts to feel like a problem, resources such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Responsible Gambling Council offer confidential help. Educating yourself about game odds and rules can also aid in making informed decisions. By practicing responsible gambling and utilizing available support, players can enjoy online casinos while protecting their well-being.
Casinos Online FAQ
Can I play USA casino games for free?
Yes, you can. The best USA online casinos offer every single one of their real money games in free-play mode. Simply click on the game icon, then choose "Play for Practice" or "Practice Mode" when prompted.
Are USA casinos online legal?
Yes. Gambling online in the USA is legal in all 50 states. Only 6 US states have licensed and regulated online casinos. The other 44 states might not regulate sites, but they also don't prosecute individuals who play online for real money. These players bet at offshore online casinos. These don't have consumer protections or self-exclusion protocols, so players should research a site before making a real money deposit.
Do USA online gambling sites offer bonuses?
Yes, they do. In fact, US online gambling sites have bigger bonuses than most countries. These tend to be anywhere from $1000 to $7500 bonuses, depending on the casino and the banking method. In most cases, you'll receive a bigger bonus if you fund your account with Bitcoin or another crypto payment method.
Can you win big at USA casinos?
Absolutely. While the slots and Keno jackpots might not be as big as the best online casino sites in the UK or Canadian markets, US online casinos have million-dollar payouts. The reason is big software providers like Microgaming and NetEnt don't operate in the US. Instead, many US casino sites offer RTG and Rival Gaming software, which have big but not record-setting jackpots.
Is it safe to play USA casinos online?
Yes, but only if you choose the best USA casinos online. Hundreds of casinos accept US players, but we only recommend avoiding the offshore online casinos. Because they are offshore sites beyond the reach of US authorities, Americans must do their research and choose wisely. Read through our reviews of the best online casino sites before depositing your money.
What are my casino deposit options in the USA?
Americans have a wide range of deposit options. Visa and MasterCard credit cards are supported at any legitimate casino site. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards branded with Visa and MasterCard usually work for deposits, too. Many sites support American Express deposits, while a few accept Discover Card and Diners Club.
Also, many US online casinos accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Among the altcoins, sites often accept Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin SV. Web wallets like Neteller and Skrill are available, though PayPal isn't accepted at US online casinos. For those who prefer direct bank transfers, use bankwire transfers, EFTs, and echeck deposits.
Which USA casino games pay you real money?
All of the games that are playable on USA casino sites can be played for real money or for free. Whether you prefer slots, table games, video poker, or specialty games, all of them are available for real money play. When you click on a game's icon, you'll be prompted to play for "Real Money" or "Practice". Whether you're on the desktop, instant play, or mobile version, the game loads with a simple click. Choose "Real Money" and you'll be playing in seconds.
Which casino game is best for new players?
Games like baccarat and craps are the best for new players. The reason is: baccarat and craps have low house edges without having to learn strategy. The house edge for the banker bet in baccarat is 1.06%, while the house edge for the player bet is 1.24%. The house edge for the pass line or come bet in craps is 1.41%, while the house edge for the don't pass or don't come bets is 1.35%. If you learn how to take the odds in craps, the effective house edge is smaller.
Certain versions of blackjack and video poker have a lower house edge than craps or baccarat, but they require players to learn strategy tips. Games like slots, Keno, and roulette don't require strategy but have a higher house edge than baccarat or craps.
What's the easiest casino game to win?
That depends on your definition of "easy to win". Games like blackjack and video poker have the lowest house edge, so you have the best odds of walking away as a Sportsbook. Generally, though, a game with a low house edge also has strategy elements. You must memorize basic strategy in order to achieve that low house edge.
Games like slots, baccarat, roulette, and craps don't have strategy elements. These are games of chance. Once you learn which bets are the best in each game, a new player is just as skilled as an experienced gambler. From the perspective of mastering a casino game, these are the games that are the easiest to win.
What should I do if I have a problem with an online casino?
Contact an online casino's customer support staff if you have a technical issue or payment issue in an online casino. If that doesn't help, then your next step depends on the type of casino you use. If you play in one of the six US states with regulated casinos, then you can contact the state gaming regulator with your complaints. If you play in an offshore online casino, then you don't have much recourse, because it doesn't have consumer protections.
All you can do is make a complaint on a player review aggregator site like AskGamblers, which gives ratings based on aggregated player reviews. This [1] gets the word out about rogue casinos and [2] gives you a second chance to interact with customer support. To avoid bad publicity, some casinos review AskGamblers and respond to player complaints. This helps their aggregate score, so you have one last chance to receive help. If that doesn't work, then it's likely your problem will never go addressed.
Prevention is the best cure. Read trusted and honest online casino reviews before signing up and depositing at an online casino. Choosing a trusted online casino is the best way to avoid problems with an online casino.
How do I withdraw money from a casino in the USA?
In most cases, casino withdrawals work like casino deposits. In fact, many real money online casinos insist you use the same withdrawal method as the method you used for depositing.
To make a withdrawal request, sign in to your account and then visit the Cashier page. Choose your preferred payout method, input how much money you wish to withdraw, and confirm your withdrawal request. Finally, wait the allotted withdrawal time for your cash to arrive.
Which jackpots do online casinos offer?
The two primary kinds of casino jackpot are progressive jackpots, large prize pools which every player of a game contributes to, and hot drop jackpots. Hot drop jackpots are similar to progressive jackpots, though they are either time-based or prize-based. A progressive jackpot will continue to accumulate until it is won, and a hot drop jackpot has a specific limit the prize must be won before.
What is an online casino index?
An online casino index is an up-to-date listing of casinos that you can play at. Most sites in the online gambling industry simply call these a list of casino reviews. Each review includes information about individual casinos, sign-up bonuses, deposit options, and our ratings.
Where can I play casino games online for real money?
You can play real money casino games at online casinos. That's the only place online that offers legal online casino games for real money. Online casinos features every game you could play in a brick-and-mortar casino, plus additional games. All of them include online slots and a full list of table games, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps.
Casinos online also offer specialty games, which is a catch-all term for Keno, Bingo, and lottery games (scratch cards). The best online casinos feature live dealer games, which are streamed live to your computer screen in real time. Live casinos offer live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat. Also, some online casinos have their own poker rooms and sportsbooks.
What is the best online casino site?
In general, at a licensed US online casino. In specific, it depends on your game preference, as well as your preference when it comes to deposit options and bonus packages.
It also depends on the US state where you reside. Most US states don't have licensed and legal online casinos. The ones that do -- New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, and Nevada -- feature the best online casino brands in the world.
Each of these brands has the leading table games in common. They also feature the same live dealer game providers. Where they differ is in their slot games and online scratch cards. If you prefer to play slots online, familiarize yourself with the various software providers' slot games.
What is the best online casino for winning money?
In the regulated casino industry, individual states publish return-to-player (RTP) statistics for their licensed online casinos. RTP shows the percentage of individual casino games and individual casino sites pay back each month. The statistic is a percentage of 100% of the money wagered by players (the "turnover"). If a game has an RTP of 99%, then it paid back $99 of every $100 wagered last month.
Remember that you always play against a house edge, so the odds are slightly in favor of the casino. Over a limited time, some games pay out more than their theoretical RTP -- sometimes more than 100%. Over a long time, the casino expects to win money. Pick any of the licensed US online casinos and you'll
In what casino game can you win real money?
All of them, though some games have better odds than others. Blackjack and video poker tend to have the best odds. Both require strategy to achieve optimal odds, so you have to learn strategy for the best chance to win both games. Most other table games, as well as slots and scratch cards, do not have a strategy elements. Most table games have better odds than slots, while slots have better odds than most Keno games and scratch cards.
As a general rule, the bigger the jackpot on a game, the lower its return-to-player (RTP). Progressive slots tend to have worse odds than fixed-jackpot slots. Fixed-jackpot slots tends to have worse odds than roulette and craps, because the slots have bigger jackpots. Most craps and roulette bets that pay off 15:1 or 30:1 have worse odds than baccarat, blackjack, and video poker, because those games tend to pay 1:1 (or 3:2 in blackjack).