Welcome to our comprehensive guide on safe, regulated, and quality real money online casinos in the US. If you’re looking for the best casino sites with the biggest bonuses and most generous promotions, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we provide all the information you need to know about legal online gambling in the United States, including detailed reviews of each unique operator in the country.

Our reviews delve deep into the features and properties of each site, covering everything from apps and games to no deposit bonuses, deposit match bonuses, and how to sign up. We have meticulously rated, reviewed, and assessed every casino regulated within the USA to provide you with the most unbiased and honest information, enabling you to choose the right site for your needs.

In addition to our in-depth reviews, we also provide an overview of the status of online gambling in each state, so you’ll know precisely where igaming is currently legal and regulated. We highlight the first online gambling sites launched in the US, the top operators, the types of games available, the best rewards programs, and the legal age to gamble.

Whether you’re from Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, we have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your online gambling experience.

US Online Casinos
📢 StatusUp to each individual state to legalize and regulate online gaming. Legal online casinos are currently live in 6 US states.
📍 States with Legal Online CasinosConnecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia
📅 First US Online Casino LaunchedNov. 8, 2013 in Delaware
🔥 Top US Casino SitesPokerStars Casino, BetMGM Casino, DraftKings Casino, BetRivers Casino, Borgata Casino
🎰 US Online Casino GamesVideo Slots, Video Poker, Live Dealer, Table Games, Craps, Roulette, Game Shows
🎁 Best Casino Rewards ProgramsPokerStars Rewards, BetMGM Rewards, DraftKings Dynasty Rewards
🔞 Legal Age to Gamble21+

Is online casino gambling legal in the US?

Yes, online gambling in the US states of Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia is legal. All licensed casinos are under a watchful eye of state regulators that make sure that these operators run their businesses in line with all relevant laws and regulations.

Connecticut

Connecticut was a latecomer to the igaming world, as it only legalized it in October 2021, and in 2022 online gambling was fully launched in the state. CT legal online casinos are now up and running and readily accepting wagers.

Due to the specific legal situation, there are only two licensed online casinos operating in Connecticut, who set up shop in cooperation with two Indian tribes in the state. DraftKings has partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot, while FanDuel launched its online casino via an agreement with the Mohegan Tribe.

Delaware

While many people don’t know this, Delaware was actually the first state to legalize online gambling in any form. In 2012, each land-based casino in the state was given a license to operate an online casino, which they have been doing for a decade.

Although DE online casinos operate as separate entities with individual licenses, they all use the same platform powered by the online gambling giant 888. So, these three casinos have a pretty much identical offering across the board in terms of visuals, game selection, and mobile apps.

The variety of games at regulated online casinos in the state isn’t as good compared to other regulated states. Players in Delaware have access to around 100 slots, about a dozen electronic table games, and a few popular video poker variants. Live dealer tables are currently not available.

Michigan

Online gambling sites only became a reality in Michigan in December 2019, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the gambling expansion package into law and made the Wolverine State a new safe haven for online operators.

The market quickly exploded, attracting a number of top-tier operators who acquired licenses from the Michigan Gaming Control Board and set up gambling sites.

At MI online casinos, players have access to the full range of games, from hundreds of online slots (including many major progressive jackpots) to live dealer games powered by Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Authentic Gaming.

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Learn more about online casinos in Michigan.

New Jersey

New Jersey was the second state to legalize online gambling in 2013, following the Supreme Court’s decision to repeal the federal laws that didn’t allow igaming operators to work within the US. Bill A2578 historically regulated online casinos and poker rooms within the NJ borders.

Over the years, the Garden State has developed an extensive online gambling scene, becoming home for a number of quality sites licensed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).

NJ online casinos offer slots from the best and most popular developers (NetEnt, IGT, Microgaming, Konami, and more), a variety of electronic table games and scratch cards, and, of course, live dealer tables available around the clock.

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Learn more about online casinos in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) started accepting applications for legal online casinos in the summer of 2018. Since then, a number of sites have fully launched in PA, all in accordance with an earlier approval of online gambling that was issued on October 30, 2017.

Today, players in Pennsylvania have their choice of quality, fully licensed online casinos. While all of them have a similar offering in terms of games, each one also has certain unique aspects when it comes to bonuses, promotions, and the overall user experience.

Like NJ and MI, PA online casinos also offer a full scope of gaming options, including hundreds of video slots, dozens of progressive titles with six and seven-figure jackpots, and full-scale live casinos available on desktop and mobile devices alike.

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Learn more about online casinos in Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is set to launch online casino gaming on March 1, 2024. Providence-based Bally’s Corporation owns and operates the only two land-based casinos in the state. Bally’s has held a monopoly on sports betting since 2019 and will also be the only operator to offer online casino gaming. Online poker is legal but unavailable due to a quirky requirement in the state’s gaming law.

West Virginia

In March 2019, West Virginia joined the growing group of states that allow online gambling. The first online casinos in WV were launched in 2020, following the process of vetting and licensing for prospective operators.

The number of WV online casinos today is big enough to give players plenty of options. All operators licensed by the state lottery provide a safe and reliable environment where you can relax and fully enjoy the games.

While the selection of jackpot games in WV is somewhat smaller in the state, everything else will meet and exceed expectations of most customers, with an impressive range of slots, electronic table games, and live dealers.

Best Online Casinos in the USA

With online gambling in the United States becoming bigger every year and new states issuing laws to allow igaming within their borders, we are seeing several major operators launch in as many markets as possible, giving residents plenty of great options.

PokerStars Casino

PokerStars Casino US LogoOwned and operated by The Stars Group (part of Flutter Entertainment), the owners of the popular online poker site PokerStars, PokerStars is legally operating in NJ, PA, and MI, and looking to expand beyond that. A valuable PokerStars Casino welcome bonus of $100 is available to newcomers as soon as they wager $1 in real money

PokerStars Casino offers an excellent range of gaming options, from video slots to live dealer games. The operator is known for its exclusive games developed by an in-house studio, meaning they cannot be played anywhere else. This is important for all online slot fans out there as it gives them access to some fresh titles they have not had a chance to play before.

There is also a great variety of interesting promotions that go beyond the welcome bonus. Daily, weekly, and monthly slot leaderboards provide opportunities for special prizes, while surprise bonuses, social media promos, and its solid PokerStars Casino Rewards program give everyone a chance to easily boost their gaming bankrolls without much effort.

Sign up for PokerStars or learn more in our complete PokerStars Casino Review.

PokerStars Casino US: Key Facts
States AvailableMichigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Instant bonus$100
Deposit match bonusN/A
AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main highlightAround-the-clock slots leaderboards

BetMGM Casino

BetMGM Casino US LogoA major igaming operator available in all regulated US markets, BetMGM Casino is the current industry leader. With a massive selection of popular casino games, valuable deposit bonuses, and more, BetMGM offers the finest online gambling experience in the country.

BetMGM draws on its vast experience in the land-based industry and provides a virtual platform that all gambling fans will enjoy. Slots enthusiasts will find a few hundred titles from top-tier providers, including several progressive jackpot games offering handsome six-figure payouts.

Beyond slots, the operator features a solid variety of video poker machines, RNG table games, and an ever-expanding live dealer section powered by industry-leading Evolution Gaming. BetMGM also provides players with one of the best casino rewards programs in the country.

Sign up for BetMGM Casino and claim your BetMGM Casino no deposit bonus.

BetMGM Casino US: Key Facts
States AvailableMichigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Freeplay bonus$25
Deposit match bonus100% up to $1000
AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main highlightGreat selection of progressive slots

DraftKings Casino

DraftKings Casino US LogoDFS fans are all familiar with DraftKings, but the operator now also runs online casinos in major US gambling markets. Today, DraftKings Casino is one of the best igaming platforms out there, with a special focus on servicing players who prefer mobile gaming.

While the gaming portfolio of DraftKings is not as extensive as that of some other operators, players will still find more than enough content to keep them entertained. From the most popular slots to a fair number of live dealer games to exclusive titles you won’t find elsewhere, this casino app will meet the expectations of most gamblers.

The operator runs frequent entertaining and rewarding promotions and competitions, not to mention the highly-acclaimed DraftKings Dynasty Rewards program, which all registered players get access to. If you like your experience to go beyond just playing the games, this platform will be a great match. The time and money spent on slots and at the tables will help you win special rewards in the form of bonuses, slot spins, and much more.

Sign up for DraftKings Casino or check out our DraftKings Casino Review.

DraftKings Casino US: Key Facts
States AvailableConnecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Freeplay bonusN/A
Deposit match bonus100% up to $100
AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main highlight1x wagering on welcome bonus

BetRivers Casino

BetRivers Casino US LogoBetRivers operates its sportsbook in a great number of states, while its online casino is currently in four markets and growing. This is another major operator that should not be overlooked. BetRivers Casino is a serious contender and a site well worth the visit for all players.

This app represents a great destination for everyone looking to take advantage of bonuses. BetRivers offers some of the most player-friendly terms you will come across, so you can enjoy your bonus funds to the fullest without worrying about unnecessary restrictions or excessive wagering requirements.

There is also a very strong focus on the gaming community. You will have a chance to get involved in many interesting competitions together with other players. Some of these are purely luck-based, but some also have certain skill elements to them, adding extra fun and excitement to your gameplay.

Want to find out more about BetRivers? See our BetRivers Casino Review or sign up for BetRivers Casino.

BetRivers Casino US: Key Facts
States AvailableMichigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia
Freeplay bonusN/A
Deposit match bonusLosses covered up to $500 for 24h
AppsWindows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Main highlightWagering requirements of just 1x on the bonus

Borgata Casino

Borgata Casino US LogoA major igaming operator in NJ, and PA, Borgata Online Casino operates an entertaining and exciting igaming platform that can contend with the best of them. Whether you are looking to play online slots, live dealer games, or other casino classics, Borgata has your back.

A generous welcome package is there to get you started. With some free money to test the waters and a generous deposit match offer, you will have plenty of extra funds in your bankroll to try your luck and check out all the different games readily available around the clock.

Owned by the same company as BetMGM, Borgata Casino US also features an excellent selection of progressive jackpot slots, perfect for those looking for big scores.

Sign up for Borgata Casino and take advantage of the Borgata Casino no deposit bonus.

US Online Casinos: Overview

Igaming has been around for over two decades but only became legal in the US in 2013 when New Jersey became the first state to regulate this form of online gambling. Today, multiple states allow online casino apps and websites to operate within their borders.

Casino Games Available

American online casinos offer a great range of gaming options. You will find all the games you know and love from land-based establishments as well as many titles available only for online play. Whatever your taste in gambling might be, the top US casinos have you covered.

Online Slots

casino games slot online slotsJust like in most land-based establishments, slots are the backbone of all online casinos. A majority of licensed sites feature anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred titles to pick from. Industry giants like NetEnt, IGT, Microgaming, Playtech, and more create the software that powers these games.

You can easily find a slot game that fits your taste, from classics with just a few paylines to modern titles and megaways featuring hundreds of pay ways. For those chasing big wins, numerous progressive jackpot titles with attractive six-figure jackpots are up for grabs around the clock.

Keep an eye out for exclusive titles — these are slots you will only find at that particular casino and can’t play anywhere else.

Most Popular Slots at US Online Casino

Slot Game Provider RTP Available At
Gold Blitz Fortune Factory Studios 96% BetMGM Casino US
Dark King Forbidden Riches NetEnt 96.06% PokerStars Casino US
Cash Eruption IGT 94.42% BetMGM Casino US
Big Egyptian Fortune Inspired 94.80% Borgata Casino US
Frog of Fortune Core Gaming 95.09% PokerStars Casino US

Video Poker

Video poker is one of those classic casino games that many players still enjoy despite all the modern options available these days. If you happen to be one of those players, you will be happy to hear that most US sites feature an excellent variety of video poker variations, such as:

  1. Jacks or Better
  2. Deuces Wild
  3. Aces & Faces
  4. Joker Poker
  5. Aces & Eights
  6. Bonus Poker

online craps casino games

RNG Table Games

Electronic table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and several house-banked poker games are readily available at every online casino in the US. You have a fair number of options in terms of game developers, designs, stake ranges, etc. Whether you want to play for mere cents a spin or are looking for high-stakes tables, there are plenty of options to keep you happy.

Live Dealer Games

Keeping up with the times, all the leading American online casinos also feature top-quality live dealer tables. These games are streamed live from special studios, bringing you action in real time and allowing you to play games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette with live croupiers. It’s all the excitement of a live casino without ever having to put on shoes.

Major studios like Evolution Gaming also create unique, never-before-seen games and gameshows that you won’t find anywhere else except in the live dealer section of your favorite online casino.

How to Choose the Best Online Casino for You

If you are an online gambler looking for somewhere to play, there are quite a few things to consider. We always recommend playing only on legal igaming sites, but what does that mean exactly? What things should you be on the lookout for?

Here are a few basic criteria you should look at when determining if a casino is the right one for you:

Regulated in Your Market

The most important thing you should ensure is that you are playing at a legal online casino with a license in your state. Every state has its own regulator that issues gaming licenses, and you must make sure you are playing at an appropriately licensed one.

Games Portfolio

Different sites and apps offer different games. While there is a lot of overlapping, we recommend checking out the gaming portfolio and choosing the right casino based on the games they offer and your personal preferences. If you’re big into slots, look for an exciting selection that’s updated regularly. If you’re a fan of live dealer games, make sure your favorites are on offer.

Bonuses & Promotions

Operators regularly provide players with incentives to play on their particular app or website instead of elsewhere. Check the 'Promotions’ section of the site to see what’s on offer. Look for online casino bonus codes, promotions, and rewards you can claim to boost the value of playing with a certain operator.

Rewards Programs

If you’re a frequent player or high-roller, you will especially want to pay attention to the casino rewards programs available, so you can earn freebies and prizes simply for playing your favorite games.

BetMGM Rewards (also available at Borgata Casino), DraftKings Dynasty Rewards, and PokerStars Casino Rewards are the three top options for those that like to be rewarded for their gaming.

Extra Value — Bonuses & Promotions

Some of the best online casino deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and promos out there can actually be found on legal US sites. If you want to play slots and other casino games, playing with a regulated operator is not just a matter of safety and security but also a matter of value, as there is a lot to gain by playing in the right place.

First Deposit Bonuses

online casino bonusAll the top operators offer valuable deposit bonuses to welcome new players. When signing up, players are presented with an opportunity to make their first deposit, which is usually doubled in value by the casino matching the amount you deposit with bonus funds.

Claiming a deposit match bonus will give you a significant starting boost with extra money in your balance, meaning you get to play higher and have a better chance for a bigger win. While there are no guarantees, the welcome bonus will give you more chances to win, with very little downside.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses are free promotions operators offer to all new players upon signing up. At many sites, just registering an account will earn you some free money to play with — anywhere from $10 to $50.

These no deposit bonus offers are designed to let you try real money gaming without any risk at all. While you are not putting up any money yourself, you will still be given a chance to cash out your winnings if you do end up with a profit, so there is really no downside to taking advantage of these deals and trying your luck for free. And there’s nothing stopping you from signing up and taking advantage of every welcome offer at every legal igaming site in your state. Taking a casino for a free test drive is the best way to see if it’s right for you.

Loyalty Rewards Programs

As previously mentioned, many operators offer loyalty programs, which reward players who keep coming back and those who play exceptionally high stakes with various prizes, promos, and even cash.

While of particular value to those who enjoy playing slots or table games for high stakes or like to play for lower stakes frequently, any player can take advantage of a rewards program and reap the benefits. They’re all free to enroll in, and joining these loyalty schemes will give you some extra reasons to keep coming back to play on the same site every time, as your perks and loyalty points keep racking up, and your rewards only get bigger with time.

To learn the ins and outs of each loyalty program and how to get the most value and reap the biggest rewards, see our complete guide to the best US online casino rewards programs.

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How to Sign Up & Start Playing

Getting started with mobile casino apps is not too difficult, but there are certain steps you will have to go through. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting started:

  1. Pick Your Casino: First things first! You need to pick which online casino operator you want to join, and you can use the parameters we stated in the previous section and our online casino reviews to decide where to sign up first.
  2. Sign Up: Once you have picked an operator, you will need to register a player account with them. We recommend first heading to that casino’s review page on pokerfuse (via the dropdown top navigation bar) to see what bonus is available. The last thing you want is to go through the sign-up process and realize you missed out on some big bucks. You can always find the most up-to-date bonus information on our sites, along with direct links to register, making the whole process even easier. From there, the process takes a few minutes and requires you to provide some basic information about who you are.
  3. Confirm Your Identity: You will be asked to confirm your email, phone number, and, eventually, your identity as well, which will be done by sending copies of your personal documents. This is done for your protection and safety and is a standard procedure all over the world.
  4. Download the App: Downloadable casino apps are available from all major US operators, and you can get the appropriate one for your device from their website.
  5. Start Playing: Once you have created your account and downloaded the app, you can make your first deposit (again, be sure to check for any needed bonus code info before making that deposit), claim your online casino deposit bonus, and start playing real money games with some extra cash in your balance.

While legal online casinos are now available in the US, many offshore sites still accept American businesses without the appropriate licenses. So how exactly can you know which sites are regulated and safe to play at? Here are a few major clues to look out for that will let you know if a casino is legal and safe to play at:

Online Casino Regulator Logos To Look Out For


 
  • The Regulator’s Seal: These seals are more indicative and important than any other thing you can look for. Igaming regulators put their seals on the sites they license, and clicking this seal will take you to your state’s regulator website. If it does not, the seal is fake. If it does, you can check out the details of the license and be sure you are playing on a safe site.
  • Only Available in Some States: Gambling at online casinos is currently only legal in six states in total. If a casino site accepts business from other parts of the US, including the states that don’t allow igaming, then you are looking at an offshore site that’s illegal in the US.
  • Locally-Owned Business: While US online casinos are all parts of major international companies, they are all legal entities within the US. International companies that deal in the US all have US subsidiaries that run local sites, so be on the lookout for the site’s ownership.
  • US Casino Partnerships: To acquire a gaming license in any state regulating online gambling, an operator must partner up with a land-based casino from the same state. If you can’t find out who the live partner casino is on an online casino’s page, chances are the site doesn’t have one and doesn’t have a license to operate in your state at all.
  • Live Customer Support: Like any good US company, American online casinos usually run customer support via telephone or online chat. You should be able to contact your operator via phone during business hours and take care of any inquiry in short order.
  • Loyalty Rewards: Major US operators offer lucrative and well-known loyalty reward programs. If you are playing at a regulated online casino, expect to be part of a VIP scheme that offers plenty of extra rewards just for being active on the site.
  • Check our Reviews: Any site we review, cover in our news content, or mention on pokerfuse is legal and fully licensed, and safe to play on. If you’re not sure, you can search the site’s name in our search bar and see what, if anything, comes up. You know you’re playing somewhere legitimate if you see a review or several news articles on pokerfuse.

Banking Options — How to Cashout and Deposit Funds

banking options online casinos USALicensed casinos offer excellent banking options players can use to fund their accounts and withdraw their winnings. Regardless of which site you choose, you can rest assured that your personal information is always safe and protected. These operators have to follow very strict rules and maintain the highest levels of security, so this information is handled with the utmost care to ensure it is not abused in any way.

While the range of options will differ between operators, largely supported banking methods include:

Payment Method Deposits Withdrawals
MasterCard ✔️
Visa ✔️
Discover ✔️
Paysafecard ✔️
PayNearMe ✔️
ACH ✔️ ✔️
PayPal ✔️ ✔️
Skrill ✔️ ✔️
Bank Transfers ✔️ ✔️
Cash at a Cashier ✔️ ✔️

To ensure these high levels of protection, all US igaming sites require all players to verify their identities and have other systems in place to protect against abuses. That said, like with all online activities, players are advised to always stay alert and keep close track of their transactions to minimize the risk of anything going wrong.

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Why Are Legal Online Casinos Better?

Legal online casinos have only been a reality in US markets for a very short time, while players have been playing on illegal offshore platforms for years. So why should you play at a legal casino and stop using unlicensed platforms? There are many reasons, but here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Fair Games: Perhaps the most important thing when you are gambling is knowing that you are not being cheated. All games offered at regulated casinos are independently audited, while the same cannot be said for offshore platforms. You must play at a licensed US casino to ensure the games are fair.
  2. Player Satisfaction in the Focus: Regulated online casinos focus on their players’ safety as a matter of good business. They try their best to keep players happy in order to get good press and word of mouth, as well as to keep away from any legal troubles. US online casinos focus on player safety and happiness above all else.
  3. Security of Funds: The number of scams in which offshore casinos stole player funds is too high to count. US online casinos keep your funds 100% safe and segregated from their operating funds, meaning you have access to them on request, at any time, and the casino can’t touch them, while offshore operators have a track record for closing and disappearing out of the blue, taking your money with them and, as they are unlicensed, there’s little you can do to get it back.
  4. Your Information Remains Private: Offshore casinos have no obligation to protect the personal information you share with them and keep it secure, but US operators actually do. Any information you share with your legal operator will always be 100% private and safe.
  5. Play with Major Casinos: Operators like BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and BetRivers are well-known US brands that have been around for a long time and have a stellar reputation. Ensure you are in good hands by playing with such well-reputed brands.
  6. Socially Useful Programs: States’ taxes from online gambling in the US go towards important social programs such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare. On the other hand, offshore sites don’t pay any taxes in the US, and any money they win from you goes towards their owners getting richer and nothing more.

Online Casinos vs. Traditional Casinos — Which is Better?

online casinos vs liveWith many traditional casinos available around the country, even in states where igaming is not yet regulated, it makes sense to ask questions about the difference between live and online casinos. In truth, online casinos offer quite a few advantages, and here are a few of them:

  • Available Everywhere: Playing casino games live means going to an actual in-person venue, which can often be many miles away from players’ homes, especially in some states. Online casinos offer instant entertainment anywhere, with action available around the clock.
  • Mobile Gaming: Playing on your mobile device is yet another advantage that has to do with availability. Not only can you play from anywhere, but all you need is your mobile phone or tablet to play any casino game you like.
  • More Games: Despite their best wishes, most live casinos can only offer a limited number of games due to the restrictions of their physical spaces. Online casinos don’t suffer from this problem and can offer any number of games they choose, which they take full advantage of.
  • Any Stakes: Whether you want to play for just cents or bet high-stakes, all options are open with online casinos in the US. The range of bets available is much higher than in a traditional casino, especially for table games.
  • Casino Bonuses: Whether through special bonus codes or directly, online casinos offer plenty of bonuses to their players. Welcome bonuses, leaderboard races, and similar promotions are not available in live casinos, giving online another advantage.
  • Rewards Programs: While both traditional and online casinos offer loyalty schemes, online casino rewards programs are usually more attractive in terms of rewards and perks you can get, which translate into more cash and bonuses and fewer comps and perks you find at brick-and-mortar establishments.

Online Casinos vs. Live Casinos

Online Casinos Live Casinos
Much better game selection Lively atmosphere & social interaction
Generous cash bonuses Scarce bonuses, but free food and drinks
Safe deposits & withdrawals Risks of carrying money around

History of Online Casinos in the US

Online gambling was not always legal in the US, and its legal history is somewhat short and interesting. Here are the main things you need to know about how online casinos came to America and how we got to this point in time in terms of legislation and the spread of igaming:

  • First Online Casinos: The first online casinos were launched back in the late 1990s internationally. These sites offered their services without discrimination to anyone before countries began regulating online gambling and the first gaming licenses appeared.
  • UIGEA Passes: In 2006, the US Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which restricted all forms of online gambling within the US. Under the act, US financial institutions were prohibited from processing gambling transactions, making online gambling practically impossible in the country.
  • First Regulation: Despite the UIGEA and pressure, the state of Delaware decided to regulate online gambling at the state level in 2012, followed by New Jersey in 2013. This began the regulation process in the US, with other states following in their footsteps.
  • Regulation Expands: After a few years of silence, new states began to adopt bills regulating online gambling. Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut all joined, with other states currently working on their own legislation.

Real Money Online Casinos: FAQ

Are online casinos legal in the US?

Yes, online casinos are legal in some parts of the US, namely Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. In these states, licensed operators provide casino gaming through their sites and apps, which are fully legal to play on as long as you are 21 or older and physically located in the state the operator is licensed in.

Who regulates US online casinos?

Each of the states in which online gambling sites are legal has a regulatory body of its own. In order for a casino to provide services in a certain state, it must obtain the appropriate gaming license from the regulator in that state.

How can I tell if a casino is legit?

The easiest way to determine if an online casino is licensed and legally operating in your state is to visit its website and check for regulator seals. If the operator is regulated, it will have a seal on its website, which links back to the regulator’s website. If it is not regulated, such a seal will not appear. In some extreme cases, the seal may be faked, but you can easily check if the seal is real by visiting your state’s gaming regulator and checking its list of regulated entities.

For more information, check out How to Choose a Safe Online Casino: 5 Things to Look For »

Which states are online casinos legal in?

It is legal for licensed online casinos with real money gambling to operate in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware.

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Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER.

Do US online casinos have slots?

Yes! Slots are one of the most popular gaming choices in the US. Casinos strive to keep their customers happy and entertained by providing expansive video slot libraries, often containing several hundred titles, including classic games, progressive jackpots, megaways, and exclusive titles you won’t find anywhere else.

Are online casinos rigged?

No. American online casinos must adhere to stringent rules and regulations set forth by state regulators. In order to obtain and keep their licenses, they must be able to demonstrate that their games are completely fair and random. They are also subject to regular audits to ensure fairness.

How do I play at an online casino?

If your state offers legal online casino gaming, you can set up an account and play real money games within minutes. Find out which operators are regulated in your state, visit their websites, and start up the registration process, where you will provide your personal details and create a unique login name and password to play with.

What are the best online casinos in the US?

BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, Borgata, and PokerStars Casino are the top casino operators in the US. Playing with major brands is always a good idea, as these casinos offer the highest levels of security and the best games around.

When did online gambling start in the US?

New Jersey made history in 2013 by becoming the first state in the United States to legalize online casinos. The first regulated online casinos launched on November 21. Today, a dozen of these platforms generate millions in monthly tax revenue. In addition to slots, live dealers, and other games, people can also use these platforms to place bets on sports, fantasy sports, lotteries, and horse racing. Some — like PokerStars and BetMGM — also offer real money US online poker rooms.

Do I have to pay taxes on my online gambling winnings?

Yes. Gambling winnings are taxable in the US, and your online winnings are subject to taxes. The exact rate will depend on the state and your personal situation, so we cannot provide you with an exact answer on this topic. It is best to consult an accountant or a tax professional on these matters.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500