US Online Casinos
Thanks to the emergence of real money online casinos, American gamblers have more options than ever these days. From slots to table games to video poker to traditional online poker, you now have thousands of games and dozens of casino platforms to choose from.
Setting up a new account, claiming your free no deposit bonus cash, and getting started playing free or real money online casino games is simple, widely accessible, and safe. On this page, we’ll show you how to do it.
Best online casinos for USA players
Online casinos that accept US players
Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia can all play some form of real money online casino games. And players in 49 states (excl. WA) can access sweepstakes or social casinos, which you can play for free and redeem your winnings for cash prizes or more.
Some real money online casinos are better than others — from better software and graphics to better bonus deals and promotions. The software can make a difference and provide an easy-to-navigate environment when finding your favorite game.
In legal online casino states, online casinos must be produced by or partnered with an established and licensed retail casino in the state. That means you can expect:
- Excellent security
- Responsive customer service
- Safety of player funds
- Excellent bonuses, including for new players
Which US states offer legal online casinos?
As of 2021, you can gamble at real money online casinos in five US states:
- New Jersey online casinos
- Pennsylvania online casinos
- Michigan online casinos (live as of Jan. 22, 2021)
- West Virginia online casinos
- Delaware (poker and casino)
Colorado and Montana have also passed legislation to license and regulate online casinos. Colorado went live in May 2020 with online sports betting. Well over a dozen other states have similarly legalized online sports betting.
Players in states without a current legal online casino option can also:
- Travel to a licensed state and play legal online casino games online.
- Play at a sweepstakes-based online casino (see below)
If you live in the West or a middle-of-the-country state like Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, or Mississippi, sweepstakes online casinos are a particularly good option as travel to a legal casino state is likely untenable.
More states are in the process of legalizing online casino games alongside sports betting and real money online poker.
New Jersey Online Casinos
New Jersey online casinos were legalized in 2013. The state has a deep gaming history with major casino properties in Atlantic City.
If you already have a favorite AC casino, you’ll also find an online version of the casino. Here’s a look at some of the best and most popular real money online casinos in the state, all with excellent bonuses for new players:
Golden Nugget — This is one of the most popular online casinos in the state and has a wider variety of games than others. That includes a library of numerous slots.
Virgin Casino — This UK-based gaming company partnered with Tropicana in NJ. Players can expect a proven online brand offering a lot of games, bonuses, and promotions.
Caesars Casino App — This site also launched in November 2013 and is one of the most trusted brands in gaming. The company not only offers a nice selection of games, but Caesars also offers online poker and sports betting.
Tropicana Casino — After shutting down in 2022 due to its partnership ending with Bally’s, Tropicana Online Casino is officially up and running as of March 28, 2023, thanks to Caesars Entertainment.
BetMGM — Another proven company, this platform is from Roar Digital — a joint venture of MGM and GVC Holdings. The operator offers sports betting and online poker, as well.
DraftKings Casino App – A stalwart of the sportsbook and fantasy sports industry, DraftKings has integrated its new online casino seamlessly into its portfolio with a nice range of slots, table games, and live dealers.
FanDuel Casino app — Much like DraftKings, Fanduel has successfully made the leap from DFS and sports betting all the way to a burgeoning online casino. Rapidly improving software and casino game selection are working to draw new players into the original online casino market.
Borgata Casino — The Borgata is one of the nicest live casinos in Atlantic City. The MGM property also offers a nice online gaming experience and launched in November 2013.
Unibet Casino — This casino and gaming platform is well known in Europe and new to the NJ and PA markets. The company offers nice bonuses and promotions for bettors to give it a shot.
888Casino — The company partners with Caesars to power the online software. Players can expect a large selection of slots and table games with nice bonuses.
Betfair Casino —This European brand partnered with the Golden Nugget to offer NJ online gaming. The casino offers plenty of gaming options and also offers sports betting in the state with market leader FanDuel.
Party Casino – Partnered with the Borgata, Party Casino NJ is packed with progressive jackpots, classic slots and live dealer games, not to mention a quick connection over to Partypoker for some great poker tournaments.
Pennsylvania Online Casinos
Pennsylvania real money online casinos went live in 2019, and several have entered the market. The state has seen major growth in the industry since then. Here’s a look at some of the best for PA players:
BetMGM — The MGM online casino brand expands even further with its quick jump into Michigan. Already a popular brand in Michigan the online app has only expanded its reach and improved player reward options.
FanDuel Casino PA — FanDuel has become a go-to brand for any DFS or sports betting aficionado and will do the same with its brand new online casino. It wisely partnered with slick UK gambling brand Betfair for its casino platform.
Caesars Casino — A new addition to the PA market and a nice one at that, given it’s one of the steadiest brands in gaming. A wide selection of games and solid rewards make it an easy decision to add it to your rotation of casino apps.
DraftKings Casino – Much like New Jersey, DraftKings has integrated its new online casino seamlessly into its burgeoning sportsbook in PA to deliver sports bettors and casino fans a wide selection of slots, blackjack, roulette, and even live dealers.
Unibet Casino PA— This European casino brand offers great bonuses and a wide selection of games. The platform is simple to use with a nice interface. In Pennsylvania, the operator partners with the Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Hollywood Casino — The Hollywood Casino was one of the first properties to move toward offering an online casino in the state. Players will find numerous gaming options, including a hefty collection of slots.
BetRivers — BetRivers online casino (formerly SugarHouse) is part of the Rush Street Interactive platform, which also runs online sportsbooks and casinos in New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Rush Street Gaming operates four live casinos in Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois, including three with the Rivers brand. The online casino offers some of the best bonuses and promotions in the market.
PokerStars Casino – A true OG of the online poker game, the PokerStars Casino has a surprisingly satisfying range of casino games to occupy your time while you’re waiting for your MTT to start. Blackjack, roulette, and slots complement the integrated casino, poker, and sports betting experience which makes it easy to move funds (and your attention) back and forth. Expect the same great customer service and rewards, too.
FOX Bet Casino – Already one of the top sports betting outfits in PA, the FOX Bet casino is a nice complement to the powerhouse media brand. You’ll find about 200+ games ranging from slots to roulette to blackjack to video poker plus a very amenable casino app.
Michigan Online Casinos
Golden Nugget — Already a surprising hit in the first batch of online casinos to go live in Michigan, it’s likely because of the wide range of casino games and slots Golden Nugget offers. That slots library is, in fact, pretty golden.
Caesars Casino – Caesars added its online casino to Michigan in August 2021. With numerous casino games offered, Caesars also offers an easy-to-use mobile app, which makes depositing and withdrawing funds easy.
BetMGM — BetMGM has a major presence in Michigan and was one of the first to launch its great platform and game selection in Michigan. With its top-rated lineup of slots, live dealer games, and first-rate sportsbook it’s already a hit.
DraftKings Casino – Much like its cohorts in PA and NJ, DraftKings leads the way as one of the first online casinos live in Michigan. Its expanded slots and table game lineup plus integrated online sportsbook make it super appealing for punters who like a quick slot pull or blackjack hand at halftime.
FanDuel Casino — FanDuel is a real go-to brand for sports bettors but has picked up a lot of new fans for its integrated casino. Thanks to its partnership with UK casino brand, Betfair, the casino platform is professional and smooth with lots of slots, table games, and more
PokerStars Casino – You know and love the poker brand; now try out its expanding range of casino games. Blackjack, roulette, slots and more join the lineup for a fully integrated casino, poker, and sports betting experience few can match. Expect the same great casino software you’ve grown accustomed to for poker games.
West Virginia Online Casinos
BetMGM — Already a stalwart in New Jersey, BetMGM has expanded into West Virginia with the same great platform and game selection. Top-rated lineup of slots, live dealer games, table games, and access to first-rate sportsbook.
Caesars Casino – Caesars launched its online casino in Oct. 2021 in West Virginia. Caesars brings a good variety of slots and table games to the West Virginia market.
BetRivers — BetRivers added its online casino to West Virginia in 2021. With a strong brand in several neighboring states, BetRivers is a nice addition for WV casino players.
FanDuel Casino — FanDuel continues to expand its online casino reach with its expansion into West Virginia. Using Betfair for its casino software, it has a surprisingly good mix of games for an unheralded casino. Worth a look for the casino aficionado and the new player.
DraftKings Casino – Much like it has in several US states, DraftKings leads the way in West Virginia as the first to open its online casino. It’s integrated seamlessly with its online sportsbooks so WV bettors have it easy.
Delaware Online Casinos
While it may be small, Delaware was one of the first states to legalize online poker. The state offers online gaming in conjunction with its three racetracks:
- Dover Downs
- Harrington Raceway
- Delaware Park
There are limited options, however, with fewer slot games than NJ and PA. Table game fans will only find blackjack and roulette. Video poker fans will only find Jacks or Better.
These three properties also offer online poker. They all partner with 888poker, which shares liquidity with WSOP.com in New Jersey and Nevada.
Nevada Online Casinos
The home state of gambling meccas Las Vegas and Reno currently only offers online poker and not online casino games. WSOP.com is the only operator. It offers a shared liquidity market with Nevada and New Jersey as well as with 888poker in Delaware.
The WSOP.com Nevada poker site uses partner 888poker’s software and allows players to play for online bracelet events as part of the live WSOP each summer in Las Vegas. WSOP is a safe, proven brand that caters to players playing:
- Cash games
- Sit and gos
- Multi-table tournaments
- Major tournament series
- WSOP Circuit and WSOP Las Vegas qualifiers
How to sign up for a casino account to play online
Signing up for a new real money account at an online casino is a straightforward process. Use any of USPoker.com’s exclusive links (see above) to get started and claim your bonus. Once you click the link, you’ll need to fill in some basic personal information to verify your identity. You can also then directly download the casino app from the casino website.
Expect to provide the following:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Username
- Password
It’s a simple and safe process and only takes a few minutes. One thing to remember is that an account can be set up and funded from anywhere. If you live in a neighboring state (or elsewhere in the country), you can do all the account setup from home and then travel to Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or Nevada to get online and play.
All online casino sites are regulated by state-operated gaming control boards and must follow strict regulations. That includes requirements for payer information and fund security.
Sites must also make use of geolocation software to make sure a player is in the legal jurisdiction of the legal state.
How to deposit at a real money casino site
When registering an account at many online casinos, you can take advantage of no deposit casino bonuses to get started. This is a small amount of real money (usually $10-$30) that will be deposited directly into your account for play at the online casino.
You won’t be able to withdraw that money, obviously, and it can be restricted to playing specific games (for example a few particular slot machines), but it does not require you to deposit any money for it to be credited to your account.
You can also earn some great deposit bonuses (free money the casino will match to the amount of your deposit) when you make your first deposit into your account. Deposit minimums at some casinos are as low as $5; others are $10 or $20. Check our full list here to see the best small deposit casinos:
No matter your preference — laptop, desktop, or casino app — adding funds is a smooth process. Unlike with unregulated offshore sites, legal online casinos operate in a highly regulated environment.
Gamblers can expect traditional secure payment options to get started, including:
- PayPal
- Visa/Mastercard
- Online banking (ACH transfers)
- PayNearMe (a cash option)
- Wire payments
- Casino-branded prepaid cards
- E-wallets such as Neteller
Some online casinos will offer you the option of depositing cash at partner casinos. Another option is using a property’s own bank card. You can deposit funds on the card and then use it to fund an account.
A casino’s card can also be used to make general purchases or withdraw funds. Other withdrawal options are also easy and you can get funds sent back to your bank account, PayPal, or other deposit option. You can also receive a check for your winnings.
Customer service and support are high quality and professional if you have an issue and need a problem resolved. Options generally include:
- Help database and FAQs
- Live chat
- Customer support phone line
Free online casino bonuses
When you sign up at new online casinos using USPoker’s exclusive links, you’re eligible for both “free play” and no-deposit bonuses. Free play offers a certain number of spins on a slot, or play at a table game just for signing up or making that first deposit.
A no deposit online casino bonus is a form of free play. You don’t need to fund an account for the no-deposit bonus. Set up an account using one of the links given here and take each online casino for a test drive.
Once you’ve decided to fund an account, you qualify for an even bigger deposit bonus. This is released over a certain period of time as you play. This type of bonus is also called a match bonus, and some sites will match 100% of your deposit — anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
Play online casino games for real money
Here’s a look at what to expect at any standard legal online casino:
- Slots — This will make up a large portion of games at most online casinos. Progressive jackpots are also available. These are major jackpots linked between numerous games across a region. A fraction of each “coin in” helps build the jackpot.
- Blackjack — What’s one thing great about playing online? Players will often find better rules than live casinos. This doesn’t apply to every casino, but the rules could include: Blackjack payouts of 3 to 2 or even occasionally 2 to 1, Doubling down on three or more cards, Resplitting aces, Doubling down after splitting aces
- Roulette — The major benefit of roulette at an online casino is lower limits than found in most casinos. Some online operators even offer better odds. Different roulette games beyond traditional roulette can often be found, including European and American wheels, Pinball roulette, Double ball, Multi-wheel
- Video Poker — You can definitely find much more favorable video poker games online than some you might find in Las Vegas.
- Craps — Ever been to Vegas on a Friday or Saturday night? The craps limits can balloon. Online that isn’t a problem — simply get those pass line bets and watch those dice bounce across the virtual table.
- Live dealer — You can also now play live dealer games online in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Bettors view a dealer in a live setting and make their wagers on screen. You’re not restricted to just your desktop computer, either — you can bring the live casino experience to your iPhone or Android phone with the casino app.
- Baccarat — A classic game offering great odds. It’s simple to learn, too, as you simply bet on the player, the banker, or a tie. If you’re new to the game, you’ll find much less of a barrier to entry learning online. You can also find other versions not found in traditional casinos, such as Chemin de Fer, Lucky Draw Baccarat, Baccarat Gold, Punto 2000 (also called Baccarat Super 6), Super Pan 9
- Casino poker — With casino-based poker games like Pai Gow and Ultimate Hold ’em, you challenge the dealer over other players.
Real money casino apps
iPhones, iPads, and Android phones/tablets have become one of the most popular options for real money online casino games. It’s a simple process to download a casino app, and you’ll find easy-to-use functions, lobbies, and features on most platforms.
Use the USPoker links in our reviews to download any of the casino apps and take advantage of the exclusive no-deposit and deposit bonuses. More on real money US poker apps here:
Advantages of playing at online casinos
Playing at an online casino comes with a few advantages over playing at a traditional local casino. Some of these include:
- Easier to learn the games — Many new players are a bit uneasy about playing a live game at a casino. Playing online offers a chance to cut through some of those fears about learning how to play. There are also free, demo versions of every casino game online so you can play to learn without risking any money.
- Very small stakes — You can log in to an online casino and play for very low stakes — or even for free. This helps you get comfortable with all of your bets and game options before you put any real money on the line.
- Easy, 24/7 access — Heading to the local casino may require a trip and hotel room. When playing for real money online, there is always a game available for any bankroll.
- No real table required — One of the great things about playing online is that you can play anywhere. You can pull out your laptop or phone and log in from anywhere within a state’s borders. There’s no need for a casino — simply an internet connection.
- No smoking, no noise — Online casino players don’t have ambient casino noise from clanging slot machines, slow cocktail service, a smoky environment, or a drunk playing next to them.
- New player casino bonus deals – If you’ve never signed up for an online casino before you’ll typically get a free no deposit bonus (up to $30) just for signing up plus a deposit match bonus.