Hannah Cutajar, Head of Casino.org”I’ve been working for 5+ years in the US online casino industry, and have seen plenty of changes in that time. While most states allow sweepstakes casinos, only six offer real money gambling in the traditional sense. In this page, I’ll touch on both so that you can get a full understanding of what you can expect in your state.”Why are these our top rated real money sites?These sites have come out on top of our extensive testing process. I’ve spent more than 80 hours testing 30+ real money casinos to bring you this month’s top picks. Each of my recommendations boasts an above-average 96%+ win rate and safe banking options.For testing, I deposit and claim the bonuses and act completely as a new player to get the full experience. My colleagues also test to make sure we’re giving a fair and rounded opinion.Our top 3 rated real money sweepstakes casinosSweepstakes casinos have different factors to consider than traditional real money casinos. In saying that, they have grown dramatically in the last two years with dozens launching each month. Here is quick look at the top 3 at the time of writing.Hello Millions – Best welcome packagePros✅ Welcome package includes up to 117.5 Sweeps Coins (almost 4 x the average 35)✅ Fun social media competitions for daily coin boosts✅ Jackpot of up to 200M GC open to all players – rarely available Cons❌ No loyalty program for reward available on other sites like Stake.usIn terms of fun, Hello Millions takes the top spot. It’s super interactive with features like the jackpot wheel, social media competitions and areas where players can talk to each other. Despite the lower than average number of games top slots like Big Bass Splash are available so it’s far from dull.Casino.org rating: 4.3/5 ⭐Read our full Hello Millions casino reviewRealPrize – Best for loyalty rewardsPros✅ 7 tiered loyalty program offering rewards to regular players (often referred to by players as the best)✅ Low minimum redemption amount of $45 (High 5 is $100) to claim prizes✅ Available to play in 45+ states (not all sweeps offer this)Cons❌ Limited to only 3 table games (the lowest of our top 10)I played here and was able to redeem a gift card as I’d won 45 SC’s. So, of course, I had a positive experience. I did have to prove my identity for which is used my passport and a proof of address document. The whole process took 4 working days which I was happy with as I’ve waited up to 3 weeks with other operators such as WoW Vegas.Casino.org rating: 4/5 ⭐Read our full RealPrize casino reviewHigh 5 Casino – Best for game selectionPros✅ Huge range of 1,200 games matching sites like DraftKings for variety✅ 10+ live dealer tables that are rarely available on social sites✅ Highly rated app for iOS and Android – many sweepstakes don’t offer thisCons❌ Relatively high minimum redemption of $100 (average is around $50)The number of games available here does stand out as much higher than most sweepstake casinos (Mcluck, Pulsz and RealPrize all offer below 600). The games were easy to navigate on both the app and desktop which was great to see. I was able to purchase a coin package via PayPay which is my preferred option and the coins I bought were instantly added to my account. There are plenty of ways to earn coins though if you prefer not to make a purchase.Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐Read our full High 5 Casino reviewTop 3 real money sitesReal money online casinos mimic the land-based experience but with the added benefits of bonuses and unlimited space for slots and tables. There are some big names in the industry but these come out on top for us. Caesars Palace Online Casino – Best for rewardsPros✅ Unique rewards program with over 60 million members✅ Highest win rate (97.63%) of our top picks✅ Largest welcome bonus on our shortlistCons❌ 70% of our top casinos payout quickerCaesars Palace Online Casino tops my list for two main reasons; games and rewards. Caesars Palace boasts over 1,000 games from 20+ software providers. For context, the average real money casino offers around 15 providers. I also love the Caesars Rewards scheme. It gives you valuable rewards like bonuses and discounts on Caesars’ hotel stays.User review: “The bonuses and promos at Caesars Casino Online are pretty good. They totally met my expectations and added to the fun.” – Feeling_Yak7183 – Reddit user, January, 2024Editor’s take: Caesars Palace Casino Online scores 4/5 and 4.5/5 in the Play Store and the App Store. This is very positive, yet some users complain that the casino’s customer support is slow. To avoid this, I recommend using the Live Chat service when possible. It isn’t 24/7, however, which is an oversight. Casino.org rating: 4.4/5 ⭐Learn more about the Caesars Palace promo code or read our full Caesars Palace Online Casino review.BetRivers – Best for slots playersPros✅ Get winnings quickly with a low 1x wagering on bonuses✅ Higher than average (1,400+) number of real money slots ✅ Instant withdrawals via Play+Cons❌ 4/10 of our top picks have bigger welcome bonusesBetRivers stands out to me as the best real money casino for slot players. This is because it boasts over 1,400 slots from great providers such as NetEnt and IGT. The win rate is slightly lower than Caesars Palace at 96.96%, but this is still above the 95% average. An amazing 100+ jackpot slots, however, affect this. They have lower return to player rates (RTPs), bringing the overall rate down, but offer amazing real cash opportunities.User review: “BetRivers is a solid choice for newbies and pros alike. The promos and game options are definitely awesome.” – karmaahmad – Reddit user, January 2024Editor’s take: BetRivers has an average score of 3.2 across the Play Store, App Store, and Trustpilot. Unfortunately, you can’t separate casino and sportsbook reviews. Here, players complain of poor odds and limited markets. As mentioned, the slots and table game sections are expansive, so I wouldn’t worry.Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐Learn more about the BetRivers promo code or read our full BetRivers casino review.BetMGM – Best for welcome bonusesPros✅ Most generous no deposit bonus of $25✅ Lower wagering requirements than other top casinos (1-15x)✅ $50 refer a friend bonusCons❌ Fewer table games (approx. 60) than other sitesHead to BetMGM if you want a great value, generous welcome bonus. The wagering requirements are lower than most US casinos too. Set at 1x for the no deposit bonus and 15x for the match bonus, clearing them is very realistic. I love the variety of slots and live games, though there is a limited selection of table games. Making up just 2% of the lobby, it’s below average.User review: “It’s my favorite place to gamble. Love the variety of slots. Fast payouts. I’ve been using them for 2 yrs now and never had a problem.” – Tiffany Brad – Google Play Store reviewEditor’s take: Unfortunately, players in the UK have skewed the BetMGM Trustpilot page. In the US, however, the casino has a rating of 4.2/5 in the App Store and 4.5/5 in the Play Store. This is impressive, given that over 243k users have submitted a rating. Some users dislike the verification process. They also complain that you can’t wager if you go out of state. For me, this shows that BetMGM is diligent and complies with US gambling laws.Casino.org rating: 4.1/5 ⭐Learn more about the BetMGM promo code or read our full BetMGM casino review.Best sites by categoryDiscover our top five recommended online casinos for real money. Choose a site by best feature, Casino.org rating, or state availability.Discover your perfect casinoIt’s our mission to find the ideal casino and bonus for you. Answer a few quick questions on our Casino Match tool to start playing and boost your bankroll today.Not sure where to play?Take our 30-second quiz to find the right site for you!Find my perfect casinoHow we review US casinos for real moneyFor more than 25 years players have trusted Casino.org, thanks to our robust casino review process. Important factors for real money casinos include win rates, bonuses, payout speeds, and deposit methods.We also make background checks, ensure licensing is up-to-date, test games, and assess mobile and app experiences. Check out how we rate and compare casinos in the US below.Background and safety checkWhen you share financial details at an online casino, you must be sure it’s legit. We always check trusted operators manage the casinos we recommend. And they must all hold valid licenses from the likes of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) to ensure your money is safe.💡 Expert insight: State governing bodies play a key role in regulating fair gaming across the US. For example, the Engineering Unit of the NJDGE’s Technical Services Bureau tests games. Like the independent testing lab eCOGRA, it ensures results are random and RTPs are correct.Bonuses and promotionsReal money bonuses must have low wagering requirements to be valuable. BetMGM wins in this category, offering a generous $25 with just 1x wagering requirements. This is realistic for players of all budgets. When it comes to promotions, BetMGM and Caesars offer impressive rewards for loyal players. Golden Nugget stands out too, with a large refer-a-friend bonus. Banking optionsWith 12 casino payment methods, BetMGM wins here. This is above our minimum requirement of 8 methods and we love that the minimum deposit is just $10. BetRivers also shines with instant withdrawals via Play+. 💡 Expert insight: Real money casinos with land-based counterparts offer you the option of paying cash at the casino cage. This isn’t always convenient, so we expect a mix of online payment methods too. Games and softwareThe very best real money casino sites have over 1,000 titles to choose from. Golden Nugget excels here with 1,400+ games, including slots, jackpots, live dealer options, and table games. Golden Nugget also offers 25+ software providers. Big names like NetEnt and Evolution must mix with independent developers or exclusive titles.💡 Expert insight: The exact number of games at a casino may vary from state to state. New Jersey sites usually have more, so we adjust our minimum expectations. In all states, however, we look for at least 10 software providers. Mobile and app All five of our top picks offer a real money casino app for iOS and Android, allowing you to manage your bankroll whilst on the go. BetMGM stands out with an average user review score of 4.35/5 from 243k players. Depositing is a breeze and at least 90% of casino games are available on mobile.
Final casino ratingWe give the casino an overall score and rating but our work doesn’t stop here. We recheck our US real money casino shortlist often to make sure standards are upheld. If a new speedy payment method launches, for example, we expect it to be available at our top picks.View our recommended casinosThe latest online casinos to avoidAs you can see, our 25-step review process is thorough. If a site doesn’t make the grade, we add it to the list below. Check out the latest casinos to avoid.Which US states allow real money gambling?You can win real money at casinos in almost all states, through sweepstakes and social casino prize redemptions. Real money wagering, on the other hand, is only legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Click a card below to discover the best online casinos per state. Expert insight: don’t just take our word for it!Victor H. Royer, published author and US casino expert “When joining a new online casino, always check that the online casino is properly licensed. In the US, this has to be on a state level as the regulatory bodies change. If you’re stuck, I recommend the pages above to source several links to already-approved online casinos.”Real money casinos vs free playIf your state regulates real money casinos, you can still play for free if you prefer. Free or social games offer fun without financial risk, while real money casinos offer the chance to win big.Check out the key advantages and drawbacks of each below.Real money casino bonusesOur best online casinos for real money in the US all offer generous bonuses, although these come in different shapes and sizes. Learn about the most popular real money bonuses below.No deposit bonusesThese bonuses don’t require you to deposit funds. Instead, you receive a small cash bonus or free spins, allowing you to play real money games for free. No deposit bonuses are usually offered to new players only.
US no deposit bonusesClaim a $25 no deposit bonus with 1x wagering at BetMGMFree spinsWant to play slots without risking cash? Free spins bonuses are perfect for you. Offered as part of a welcome bonus or to promote new games, getting your hands on these usually requires a real money deposit first. Free spins bonusesDeposit $60 and receive 500 free spins at PlayStarCasino rewardsGet more from your real money wagers with casino rewards. Unique to US casinos, you accumulate reward credits each time you deposit. Redeem these for hotel stays, gifts and more.Casino rewardsEnjoy 2,500 reward credits when you wager $25+ at CaesarsCasino bonuses come with wagering requirements. This means you will need to play through your winnings a certain number of times before you can withdraw them. At US casinos, wagering requirements of around 35x are average, but they can be as small as 1x.💡 Editor’s insight: I prefer casino bonuses with low wagering compared to a high bonus amount as I tend to play with lower stakes. Maximize your bonus by picking ones that match your style.Top US online casinos by bonus offerWe have rated the best online casinos that pay out real money. Whether you’re after a high-average payout, the most valuable bonus codes or a mobile casino or app that’s compatible with your Android or iPhone device, the best online casinos for real money provide it all. Our experts have put together the following list of top online casinos and their key features:Last updated: October 18th 2024Games selection at the best sitesExplore the top types of real money casino games in the US including slots, table games, and live dealer experiences.Real money slotsReal money slots have huge winning potential. Some slots offer RTP rates of 99%, whilst others boast free spins, jackpots, and impressive max win amounts. Starburst XXXtreme by NetEnt, for example, offers up to 200,000x your stake from a single spin. The best US slot sitesBlackjackBlackjack is hugely popular, partly down to its incredibly low house edge of around 0.5%. Some variations have an even lower edge with Multihand Blackjack Surrender promoting an 0.4%! Naturally, this is appealing when playing for real money because you have a higher chance of getting a return than say playing slots.The best US blackjack sitesRouletteReal money roulette is well-loved as you can choose your level of risk via outside or inside bets. What’s more, newer variants such as Lightning Roulette offer multipliers of up to 500x your stake. These controllable factors make it perfect for real money players who want to manage their bankroll. Top roulette casinosLive dealer gamesMany US players love playing live casino games for real money as the computer doesn’t determine the result of the game. Instead, a professionally trained croupier handles the cards. This gives you the same gameplay experience as in local casinos. Live blackjack, roulette and baccarat are all popular. Best live dealer casinosNot sure what to play? Try the most popular games for free herePlay some of the most popular real money slot games for free right here. Our free games allow you to practice before wagering real cash. Browse popular real money slots and table games below – no download or registration required.Compare casino games – RTP, house edge, & popular titlesWhen you’re playing casino games to win real money, some stats are important. To maximize your chances of winning real cash, look at the game’s return to player rate (RTP) and house edge. The higher the RTP, and the lower the house edge, the better.To make things easy, we’ve listed the average payout rates of popular casino games below, along with the best real money titles.The easiest US casino banking methodsAt the top real money casinos, we like to see familiar US payment methods. This means credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and pre-paid cards. Both depositing and withdrawing cash should be painless and secure.Take a look at the table below to decide which payment method is right for you.Popular US payment method guidesDid you know?Sweepstakes and social casinos use distinct vocabulary for payments. Instead of depositing at a casino, you purchase a coin package. Instead of withdrawing, you make a prize redemption. In general, the process is much the same, but the wording has to be different for legal reasons. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a real money prize redemption, however. How to play at an online casino with real cashGetting started at a real money online casino in the US is easy, you just need to follow a few simple steps. We’ve highlighted them here:Pick your favorite real money casinoStep 1Use our list of recommended casinos and consider factors like the range of games, the welcome bonus, and the overall reputation of the site.Sign upStep 2Create a username and password. Input a few personal details such as address, email, and phone number. You might need to verify at this stage too, but not all sites require this. Claim a bonusStep 3Make sure you enter a code if needed and meet the minimum deposit requirements.Make your first depositStep 4Input your preferred payment method details and the amount you wish to deposit. You may need to confirm your transaction via 2FA depending on the payment method.Start playing!Step 5Navigate the casino lobby or head straight to your favorite game. Bear in mind wagering requirements as you go.Editor’s insight: Verify your account as soon as possibleHannah Cutajar, Head of Casino.org”I often hear users complain that a casino is slow to pay out. Nine times out of ten, it’s the verification process that delays the payment. As such, I recommend submitting all necessary details and documents as soon as possible. Do it as soon as you sign up and you shouldn’t run into any issues when you want to withdraw cash.”Play real money games like a pro with our expert’s tipsHead of Casino.org, Hannah, shares her top tips for playing online casino real money games. With over 5 years experience in the US casino industry, she knows everything you need to look out for.Pick licensed sites with KYC verificationPlaying at licensed sites is the only way to stay safe at real money casinos. This is because there is legal recourse in place should anything go wrong. In the past years, I’ve seen a rise in offshore casinos and anonymous casinos. I don’t recommend either. They allow you to circumvent identity verification through payment methods like cryptocurrencies. This might sound appealing, but remember that verification keeps both you and the casino safe from financial crime.Always check game statsWhen you’re playing for real money, game stats matter. I always check the RTP of the game, the max win amount, and the volatility/risk. This lets me make better decisions with my cash. For example, low-volatility real money games allow me to play for longer with a small budget, as they offer frequent wins.Track progressive jackpots in real timeSeveral websites allow you to follow progressive jackpots. You can see the average jackpot win amount, the average time it takes for the jackpot to drop, and recent wins. With this data, you can work out whether the jackpot is likely to drop soon. Of course, it’s not an exact science, but I like knowing anyway.Use our free games to practiceWhen a new game or slot launches, I always play the demo version first. Casino.org offers you thousands of free games and we update the library often. Free games give me a risk-free chance to get to grips with bonus features, game cadence, and other unique elements.Employ table game strategiesIf I’m playing blackjack or roulette, I use basic strategies to optimize my returns. This may be the basic blackjack strategy or the Martingale roulette strategy. Although game results are random at real money casinos, strategies help you cut the house edge.Sign up to casino newsletters and enable notificationsReal money casinos love rewarding regular players. To stay up-to-date with promotions, I always opt-in to email newsletters. Whilst they may be a bit annoying, it’s great to get offers delivered straight to my inbox. I also enable notifications on casino apps – the only thing I check more often than my email is my phone!Try out new payment methodsI always advise players to use the payment methods they feel most comfortable with. That said, shopping around goes a long way too. If you feel confident trying a new method, look out for cashback on card deposits, or refer-a-friend bonuses with e-wallets like Skrill.Other popular US casino guidesNot found what you’re looking for? Check out our expert guides to the freshest sites, casinos with high payouts, and best mobile gambling options.New US casinosNew casinos crop up regularly in the USA. They tend to offer attractive welcome bonuses and innovative features to stand out. We review new sites regularly to keep our list up-to-date.New USA casinosBest USA payout casinosStart playing at the highest paying casinos in the US. Make the most of 97%+ win rates and enjoy top games with high RTPs.US online casino payoutsUS casino apps Discover the best US casino apps with exclusive bonuses, easy navigation, and secure banking for mobile gaming.US casino appsGambling responsibly at USA casinosWe only ever endorse safe and sensible online gambling. If you need advice for you or a loved one, here are our top tips. Alternatively, you can head to our responsible gambling hub for more information. 1Have a budget you can stick to – Always bet only what you can afford to lose. Having a budget allows you to enjoy your game knowing you’re within limits, and to know when to stop.2Take regular breaks – Having a few days or weeks off allows you to stay fresh. It also helps you to think clearly whenever you’re wagering money on casino games.3Never chase your losses – It’s a false economy to try to bet harder to recoup losses. Enjoy the game for what it is, and when your budget’s up, it’s time to stop.4Be in the right frame of mind – Never play when you’re tired, emotional, or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It’s important that you’re in the right frame of mind to play responsibly and enjoy the game.5Know the odds – Understand exactly where your game sits in the risk scale and what returns a win might offer you (or potential losses).6Seek help if you need it – Various organizations can help and advise you if your gambling begins to be a problem for you.Problem gambling support in the USWe’ve noted some of the most popular organizations that can help with information and support, should you or a loved one need help with problem gambling.Gamblers Anonymous: GA offers group and individual support in person, by phone, and virtually. You can find meetings throughout the US and in most states. National Council on Problem Gambling: The National Problem Gambling Helpline can help to connect you with resources in your area. There are 27 contact centers, each covering all 50 states.1-800-Gambler: The National Problem Gambling Helpline can help to connect you with resources in your area. There are 27 contact centers, each covering all 50 states.GamTalk: GamTalk is a community of people who aim to share and understand problem gambling issues. They offer community chats and resources to help with gambling addiction. Joining is free and completely anonymous. Latest legal gambling updates in the USBelow you can find information on the states most likely to legalize real money online casinos in 2024. We’ll update this list with any bill movements.Arkansas: Arkansas has seen some clear efforts to legalize online casino gambling. The chief marketing officer for Saracen Casino Resort has allegedly asked to appear before the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC). This is to see what movement can be made for 2024, though no bill has been drafted yet. Illinois: Two bills have seen movement in Illinois: SB1656 and HB2239. Illinois Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is the sponsor of the latter bill. It’s likely that nothing will come of either bill until 2025.Iowa: The 2023 bill HSB227 is still currently active in Iowa. There have been few updates on the future of the bill, and it’s looking highly unlikely we’ll see online casinos legalized in Iowa for 2024. Maine: State Rep. Laura Supica put forward bill LD1777 that would have permitted the tribes to align with operators like DraftKings. The bill did not pass, however, and the House was defeated by a vote of 74-71 in April 2024.Maryland: The latest Maryland online casino bill headed to the Senate on March 14, 2024. However, it sparked debate and sadly did not appear on the General Assembly’s agenda this year. There have been no further updates.New York: New York has always teased the idea of legal online casinos. Sen. Joseph Addabbo has been the main champion for this including his latest bill, S8185. We’re holding out hope that it could sneak into the budget as 2024 continues, but it’s looking unlikely. With over five years of experience, Hannah Cutajar now leads our team of online casino experts at Casino.org. She is considered the go-to gaming specialist across several markets, including the USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Hannah regularly tests real money online casinos to recommend sites with lucrative bonuses, secure transactions, and fast payouts. Her number one goal is to ensure players get the best experience online through world-class content.Fact-checked by Victor H. RoyerPublished author and US casino expertAll US casino details on this page were checked by Victor H. Royer. Also known as Vegas Vic, Victor H. Royer has been writing about casinos in the United States for over 30 years. After starting his career as a professional player, he became a consultant to casinos across the US, and then a published author. DisclaimerOnline gambling laws differ in each country around the world and are subject to change. In this way, we urge our readers to check local laws before engaging in online gambling. We do not condone gambling in jurisdictions where it is not permitted. Casino.org is not a gambling operator, no gambling facilities are offered on this site. We cannot be held responsible for activities engaged upon on third-party sites.
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