Can You Legally Play Online Casino Games in the USA? Complete Report for 2025

Can you log in and start playing online casino games anywhere in the U.S.? Not so fast. While some states have fully legalized real money online casinos, others only allow sports betting – or ban online gambling altogether.

If you’re wondering, “Can I legally play online casino games in the USA?” – the answer depends on where you live. But with laws constantly changing, more states are reconsidering their stance on online casinos, reshaping the industry.

In this guide, we’ll break down which states allow online casinos, recent legal updates, and what the future holds for online casino gaming across the country.

Are Online Casinos Legal in the USA?

The legal status of online casinos in the USA is decided at the state level, meaning each state has the power to regulate or prohibit online gambling within its borders. Because there are no federal laws that legalize or ban online casinos nationwide, it ultimately comes down to state legislation.

Some states have fully licensed and regulated real money online casinos, while others only allow sports betting or online poker. A handful of states still prohibit most forms of online gambling entirely.

Seven states have legalized online casinos, allowing residents to play slots, blackjack, roulette, and other casino games for real money. These states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, West Virginia, Delaware, and Rhode Island, where various licensed platforms operate legally.

Meanwhile, states like Texas, Utah, and Hawaii have strict bans on online gambling, while others like California, Georgia, and Florida remain in a grey area with ongoing legislative debates.

Online Casino Games You Can Play in Legal States

If you’re in one of the seven states where online casino games are legal, you’ll have access to a wide range of games. Here are the most popular categories available on licensed casino platforms:

• Slots: Online slots range from classic 3-reel machines to modern video slots with bonus features like multipliers, expanding wilds, and progressive jackpots that regularly exceed six figures.
• Blackjack: Players can enjoy classic blackjack, multi-hand blackjack, and unique variations like Perfect Pairs, where side bets offer bigger potential payouts.
• Roulette: Most online casinos offer both American and European Roulette, along with unique twists like Lightning Roulette, which adds random multipliers that can boost payouts up to 500x.
• Baccarat: A favorite among high rollers, baccarat is a simple card game in which players bet on the banker, player, or tie. Variations include No Commission and Speed Baccarat.
• Video Poker: Games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild combine slot mechanics with poker strategy and offer some of the highest RTP rates (above 99%).
• Live Dealer Games: You can play against real dealers in live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, streamed in HD, to bring the real casino experience to your screen.

The History of Online Casino Laws in the USA

Online casino laws in the United States have changed significantly over the years, driven by shifting regulations, court rulings, and state-level decisions. While some states have legalized online casino gaming, others have kept strict bans in place.

Here is a timeline of key events that have shaped the legal online casino industry in the USA.

The UIGEA Shuts Down Offshore Casinos – 2006

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in 2006, targeting financial transactions related to illegal online gambling. While it didn’t directly ban online casinos, it made it harder for offshore operators to process payments from U.S. players.

This forced major gambling sites to exit the U.S. market, leaving online gambling laws in a gray area.

The Wire Act Ruling Opens the Door for States – 2011

For years, online gambling laws were stuck in limbo—until a major breakthrough in 2011. The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion stating that the Federal Wire Act of 1961 only applied to sports betting—not online casino games. This meant states now had the power to legalize and regulate online casinos and poker within their own borders.

The First Fully Legal Online Casinos Launch – 2013 to Present

New Jersey became the first state to legalize and launch fully licensed online casinos in 2013, followed by Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, which launched its first online casino in 2024.

Players in these states can now legally play slots, table games, and live dealer games through regulated casino platforms.

The Growth of Online Casinos in the U.S.

Online casinos in the U.S. have been growing fast, with more states looking to legalize and regulate them. As technology improves and more players turn to online gambling, the industry keeps breaking records.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced that in 2024, the iGaming sector saw a revenue of $8.4 billion, a 28.7% year-over-year (YOY) growth in the seven states with legalized online casinos. This number is 6% higher than the YOY growth between 2023 and 2022, showing just how fast the market is expanding.

As more states consider regulation, the online casino market is set to expand further, offering significant economic benefits nationwide.

Who’s Influencing Online Gambling Laws in the U.S.?

Online gambling laws in the U.S. are shaped by a mix of tribal gaming interests, commercial casino operators, lawmakers, and major gaming companies supporting expansion:

• Native American Tribes – Many tribes have exclusive rights to operate casinos. Some, like the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes in Connecticut, support online gambling. Others, including some tribes in California, oppose it to protect their land-based revenues.
• Casino Operators – Large casino corporations push for online gambling expansion in states where they already have a strong land-based presence.
• Lawmakers & Advocacy Groups – Some lawmakers push for legalization due to the potential tax revenue, but opposition remains strong. For instance, the Texas Public Policy Foundation has warned against expanded gambling in Texas, citing social risks.

Responsible Gambling in the U.S.

Online gambling can be fun and exciting, but it’s important to gamble responsibly. Without proper limits, gambling can lead to financial losses, addiction, and other serious risks.

Reputable online casinos promote responsible gaming by offering tools like deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion programs to help players stay in control. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, resources are available to provide support.

For help, you can contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or visit organizations like Gamblers Anonymous and BeGambleAware for guidance and self-help options.

What’s Next for Online Casinos in the USA?

The U.S. online casino industry keeps growing, with more states considering legalization. Rhode Island was the most recent state to approve online casinos, and lawmakers in New York and Illinois are actively debating the potential tax revenue and economic benefits.

While online casinos continue to gain support, challenges remain. Some states face opposition from tribal gaming groups, while others hesitate due to problem gambling concerns.

However, discussions around licensing, taxation, and consumer protections are expected to drive further change in the coming years.

Let’s be real — finding the right online casino isn’t always easy. Some have great games but slow payouts, while others promise big bonuses that turn out to be loaded with unfair terms and conditions.

So, to make things easier, you need the help of professional gamblers. Like our reporters, John and Peter. They’ve spent hours testing real money casinos, figuring out which ones pay fast, play fair, and offer bonuses that are actually worth your while.

Now, they’re breaking it all down so you can skip the hustle and go straight to the best online casinos for real money.

Let’s check them out.

Best Real Money Online Casinos

Meet the Authors

John

John has spent 5 years playing at online casinos, always searching for the best games, fast payouts, and bonuses that are actually worth claiming. He’s the type who digs into the details — testing withdrawal speeds, reading bonus terms, and making sure a casino delivers on its promises.

When he’s not reviewing casino sites, John’s usually playing poker or hitting up a blackjack table at a local casino. His approach is simple: find the best places to play and help others do the same.

Peter

Peter has been hooked on the casino world since the day he hit his first five-figure jackpot, and yes, he still brings it up every chance he gets. He loves the rush of multi-hand blackjack, fast slots, and any casino that lets him cash out in minutes instead of days.

Outside of the casino, Peter keeps busy following the latest crypto trends, testing new betting strategies, and watching the Giants give him another reason to cash out early. His mindset? Find a good casino, play smart, and walk away a winner.

How Our Review Process Works

Our recommendations are backed by thorough research and hands-on testing. Here’s a breakdown of our review process to help you understand how we narrowed it down to the top 10 online casinos for real money.

Step 1: Research and Analysis

To be able to find the best real money online casino sites, we started by identifying what matters most to casino players.

Our professional reviewers worked hard to separate the key factors that make up a high-quality online gambling experience, including types of real money casino games, mobile performance, and secure payment methods.

Using these criteria, we narrowed down a list of 25 casinos from over 100 options. Only sites that were licensed, secure (SSL encrypted), and frequently recommended by real players moved forward to the next phase.

Step 2: Creating Accounts

Once we had our shortlist of 25 casinos, it was time to put them to the test. Our experts, John and Peter, created an account at each site to experience the sign-up process firsthand.

We looked for any immediate red flags. If a casino had unclear bonus terms, required unnecessary personal information, or lacked reputable payment methods, it was removed at this stage.

Step 3: Testing the Shortlisted Sites

With the list narrowed down, John and Peter got to work testing each casino.

They played a variety of games, checked how the site performs on mobile and desktop, and tested the withdrawal process — using both fiat and crypto options to get the full picture.

Bonuses and promotions were also tested. They claimed welcome offers and checked wagering requirements and other terms to see whether the deals were actually worth it.

Any casino that had major issues with gameplay, mobile optimization, or payout delays was cut from the list. Only well-rounded casino sites moved on to the final stage of the process.

Step 4: Ranking the Winners

After testing the remaining casinos, John and Peter rated and ranked their top performers for each category.

Factors like withdrawal speed, customer support, and overall user experience played a key role in the final rankings. If you’re looking for the best casino sites, prioritizing these factors can significantly improve the final outcome.

Both experts then summarized their findings and turned them into detailed casino reviews, explaining why they chose each casino for the given category.

Finally, our team’s Fact Checker, Marijana, reviewed everything, making sure all details were correct and nothing important was left out.

You can check out what John and Peter thought about the best real money online casinos below:

All-Round Best Casino Online

John: Ignition

I’ve played at many online casinos, but Ignition just does everything right. The first thing I noticed? It’s easy to use. No clutter, no weird lag — just smooth gameplay whether you’re on desktop or mobile.

Game-wise, it’s got everything. Over 300 online slots, table games, live dealers, and a packed poker room with tournaments running all the time. The 300% welcome bonus up to $3,000 is a nice boost too, especially since half of it goes toward poker, which actually has good traffic (and soft competition).

But what really sold me was the payout speed. I tested a crypto withdrawal, and my funds hit my wallet in under an hour — none of that “pending approval” nonsense that drags on for days. Even regular withdrawals are fast, usually within 24-48 hours.

Peter: Slots.lv

I’ll be honest: when I saw the name Slots.lv, I figured it was all about slots and nothing else. Turns out, I was wrong. After signing up, I found blackjack, roulette, video poker, and a surprisingly good live dealer section.

That’s not to say the slot selection isn’t impressive. There are hundreds of popular slot games, including exclusives and Hot Drop Jackpots, that are guaranteed to hit hourly, daily, or as a progressive prize.

Some of the jackpots here, like Reels and Wheels XL, hit six figures or more, but what surprised me most was finding jackpots outside the slot section, like on Caribbean Hold’em.

The welcome bonus got my attention, too — 200% up to $3,000 along with 30 free spins — and it wasn’t one of those promos with impossible wagering. I had no issues playing through it, and the terms felt reasonable.

Top Online Casino for Live Dealer Games

John: BetOnline

While many assume BetOnline is the go-to spot for sports betting (and they’re not wrong), the live dealer selection here is next level — multiple blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables running 24/7, plus exclusive VIP tables for high rollers.

You don’t just get standard online blackjack games and roulette — you’ll find options like early payout blackjack, casino hold ’em, and high-stakes baccarat. The tables have flexible betting limits, so whether you’re playing casually or pushing bigger bets, there’s something for everyone.

The dealers are professional, the streams have no lag, and the games feel as close to a real casino as you can get online.

Peter: Ignition

Live dealer games can feel intimidating, especially when you’re up against high rollers. And that’s exactly what I like about Ignition — the tables are super inviting, starting as low as $5 for blackjack and $1 for roulette games, so it doesn’t feel like a VIP-only club.

My go-to here are the live blackjack tables. The early payout lets you cash out before a hand is finished. Plus, you never have to wait for a spot to open thanks to the unlimited players feature. Like BetOnline, Ignition also offers a live dealer jackpot promo, where you can qualify for three different prize pools while playing live blackjack.

Beyond blackjack, you’ve got live roulette, baccarat, and Super 6, all streamed in HD with dealers who keep the game moving at a good pace.

Best Online Casino Bonuses

John: Super Slots

When it comes to casino bonuses, Super Slots just goes all out. Right from the start, new players get up to $6,000 in deposit bonuses, which is one of the biggest offers I’ve seen. It’s split across your first six deposits, starting with a 250% first deposit match.

But what makes it better than so many online casinos is the regular promotions beyond the welcome offer. There are weekly leaderboards, 10% weekly rebates, freerolls, and cash tournaments running constantly. There’s always something extra to play for, and that’s what keeps me coming back.

And if you’re wondering whether there are enough games to keep you entertained while you clear your bonus — don’t worry. With over 1,200 online casino games, you’re not running out of options anytime soon.

Fun fact: Super Slots is also our experts’ best California online casino for bonuses.

Peter: Super Slots

I completely agree with John on this one — Super Slots is the best when it comes to bonuses, and honestly, it’s not even close. I’ve played at plenty of online casinos, and most of them hit you with a flashy welcome bonus but then barely offer anything for regular players. That’s not the case here.

Super Slots keeps things rolling with reload promos, cashback deals, and free spin offers happening all the time. Plus, if you’re a crypto user, you get access to exclusive bonuses, including a 400% crypto welcome offer up to $4,000 — one of the highest I’ve seen.

And if you like tournament play, Super Slots is packed with action. They’re giving away over $35,000 in tournament prizes every day, with three free-entry tournaments running every 24 hours.

Top Online Casino for Real Money Slots

John: Raging Bull Slots

I went with Raging Bull Slots because of its mobile performance. I’ve tested a lot of mobile casinos, but this one is on another level. It’s no surprise that Raging Bull Slots has won awards like top-rated mobile casino and massive casino jackpots — and honestly, after playing here, I can see why.

The slot selection isn’t the largest I’ve seen, but it definitely covers all the essentials. You’ll find classic 3-reel slots, modern video slots, and some solid jackpots. Everything runs smoothly on mobile, and there’s instant play available, so you can jump into the action without downloading casino apps.

The casino will make your stay worthwhile with daily free spins on some of the hottest slots and its Rewards Club where you can earn up to 15% cashback.

Peter: Slots of Vegas

Another close one here — I almost went with Raging Bull Slots like John, but ultimately, I decided on Slots of Vegas.

The game library is powered by RealTime Gaming (RTG), which means you get a great mix of classic slot machines, video slots, and some seriously high-paying jackpots. The selection isn’t overwhelming, but every slot I tested ran smoothly without issues.

Slots of Vegas keeps the action going nonstop — they roll out regular bonus codes for free spins, match bonuses, and special promotions.

But one of the biggest draws for me here is the VIP rewards program. The more you play, the better the perks — higher cashback rates, exclusive reload bonuses, and priority payouts. If you stick around, you’ll start unlocking better deals and more personalized offers, which makes a huge difference if you’re playing regularly.

Best Real Money Online Casino for High Rollers

John: Slots of Vegas

Slots of Vegas ticks all the right boxes for high rollers. The casino is secured by Inclave, ensuring top-level security and seamless logins, and you can expect quick and easy payouts — especially if you’re using Bitcoin.

But the real reason high rollers will love it? The VIP program is loaded with exclusive perks, including 35% weekly cashback, loyalty chips worth up to $700, and a dedicated VIP host to introduce you to the best deals. VIP players also benefit from higher limits — weekly withdrawal limits of up to $7,500 and table limits as high as $10,000.

And if you like high-stakes competitions, Slots of Vegas regularly runs limited-time promotions like the Medal Mania event, where players can win a share of $500,000 in prizes, including an iPhone 16 Plus and a luxury trip to Santorini.

Peter: BetOnline

If you’re a high roller who likes variety, this is where you’ll want to play. BetOnline delivers in every category — whether it’s casino games, live dealer tables, or even sports betting.

The table limits here are some of the highest I’ve seen, especially at the live dealer blackjack and roulette tables, where bets can go well into five figures. If you’re more into slots or progressive jackpots, BetOnline offers plenty of high-limit options for big spenders.

Another thing that sets it apart is its VIP rewards system. Unlike many other online casinos, high rollers here get free and prioritized withdrawals, exclusive bonuses, and a dedicated VIP team to help you 24/7.

The withdrawal limits are massive, you can cash out up to $100,000 using Bitcoin or $25,000 with traditional bank transfers, making it one of the most high-roller-friendly casinos.

Best Crypto Casino Online

John: Slots.lv

One thing that kept coming up on forums is that many of you are looking for crypto casinos that actually make deposits and withdrawals easy—and that’s exactly why I picked Slots.lv for this category.

Slots.lv not only supports instant payouts with all major cryptocurrencies but also has an Exclusive Crypto Club, which rewards its members with 100% deposit casino bonuses up to $250 twice a week. Crypto players also get a bigger welcome bonus (a 200% match on your first deposit instead of 100% with a card) and earn extra Rewards Points.

On top of that, the MySlots Rewards program gives you progressive benefits and lets you cash in your points anytime. The best part? Unlike other loyalty programs that reset or expire, this one comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you never lose your progress.

Peter: Raging Bull Slots

Raging Bull Slots makes crypto transactions simple. It supports popular options like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether, giving you plenty of ways to fund your account and withdraw money. Most deposits are instant, and even at their slowest, they take no more than five minutes, so you can start playing right away.

You can also use Coindraw and Changelly, which offer alternative ways to manage your funds — whether you’re swapping cryptocurrencies, converting between different digital assets, or processing withdrawals.

Its promotions are another major draw. Raging Bull Slots offers daily free spins, weekly and monthly insurance, appreciation-free chips, and VIP rewards, keeping things exciting at all times. As you progress through the level, you can earn up to 400% Bitcoin bonus and personalized gifts. Combine that with a user-friendly interface, and you have a winner.

Best Real Money Online Casinos: Other Important Features

So far, we’ve assessed each of the top 6 online real money casinos based on their bonuses, crypto options, and game selection. While these are key factors, there’s more to consider before choosing where to play.

Our iGaming experts, John and Peter, weigh in on what else matters when choosing an online casino:

John’s Opinion

The first thing I check at any online casino is the user interface. If the site is clunky, slow, or outdated, I’m out. But if a casino runs smoothly, looks clean, and is easy to navigate, I know I’m in the right place.

Customer support is just as important. My go-to is always live chat, but email and phone support should also be available. What really matters is getting quick, useful answers. If a casino can’t handle support properly, I don’t trust them with my money.

I also demand fast performance — not just for games but for the entire site. Top casino sites let you deposit, withdraw, and switch between sections instantly. A site that lags, especially on mobile, is a dealbreaker.

Peter’s Opinion

I like to occasionally play big stakes, so bet limits are one of the first things I check. Top online casino sites cater to casual players and high rollers alike, and they do not limit you if you go on a winning streak.

Another thing I look at is software providers. Every serious player has their favorites — whether it’s Realtime Gaming, Evolution, or Pragmatic Play — and I have mine. The best real-money casinos partner with reputable providers, delivering engaging gameplay and fair odds.

I also agree with John—customer support is a must. If a casino makes it difficult to get in touch, resolve payment issues, or answer simple questions, that’s a huge red flag.

Types of Real Money Online Casino Games

Online casinos offer a much wider variety of games than land-based casinos. While many sites have similar game selections, some still manage to stand out, whether it’s through exclusive releases, higher payouts, or unique twists on classic games.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular real money games:

Online Slots

Slots dominate most casino game libraries, with hundreds (if not thousands) of options to choose from. You’ll find everything from classic 3-reel slots to modern video slots with bonus rounds and massive progressive jackpots that can climb into seven figures.

What makes slots a player’s favorite? Simple gameplay, low betting minimums, and nonstop action. Unlike table games, there’s no strategy involved — just spin and wait for the results.

John says: “Whenever I try a new slot, I always check the RTP. If I’m playing for real money, I want to know the odds I’m up against. If you’re not familiar with it, RTP is the percentage a game pays back over time. The higher the RTP, the better your long-term chances.”

Peter says: “Sure, RTP matters, but I always check the volatility. High-volatility slots can have massive payouts, but they can also drain your balance quickly. Low-volatility games, on the other hand, give me smaller but more frequent wins.”

Table Games

This category includes all the casino classics — blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Unlike slots, where outcomes are purely random, you can improve your odds in table games if you play smart. For example, a simple blackjack strategy can boost your RTP to over 99%.

Most online casinos offer multiple variations of these games. Take roulette, for instance — you’ll find American and European Roulette (with European offering better odds). Some casinos even offer twists like Lightning Roulette, which adds 500x and 2,000x multipliers for bigger payouts.

Even small rule variations can affect your chances of winning, so understanding the differences can make a huge impact on your gameplay.

Peter says: “Whenever I play table games, I always check whether the casino allows strategy play. Some blackjack games let you use basic strategy, while others have restrictions that make the game more favorable for the house.”

Live Dealer Games

Live casino games bring the real casino experience to your screen. Instead of playing against software, you join a real table with a human dealer streamed in HD, making it more interactive.

The most popular live dealer games include live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and casino poker. These games typically have higher betting limits than video versions, and some casinos even offer VIP tables with exclusive perks for high rollers.

John says: “Live dealer games are perfect when I want a real casino feel without leaving my house or getting dressed up. The dealers are professional, and I don’t have to worry about an algorithm deciding my fate.”

Mobile Casino Gaming

Playing online casino games on mobile has quickly become the go-to choice for many players, and the trend is only growing. More gamblers now prefer to play on their phones or tablets, allowing them to jump into real money action anytime, anywhere.

The best casino games, developed by top-tier providers like Betsoft, Pragmatic Play, and BGaming, are fully optimized for smaller screens, meaning you get smooth gameplay, crisp graphics, and easy-to-use controls without sacrificing quality.

All the top online casinos are now fully mobile-friendly, letting you play directly through your browser or via a dedicated casino app. Some sites even offer both options, so you can choose between downloading an app or playing instantly in your mobile browser, saving storage space if needed.

Prefer sports betting? Our experts also ranked the best sportsbooks in California.

Best Online Casinos – FAQs

Is It Safe to Play at Online Casinos?

Yes, playing at online casinos is completely safe, as long as you choose legit online casinos. To check if a casino is safe, look for a valid gaming license, SSL encryption, and responsible gambling features.

You can usually find all of this information at the bottom of a casino’s homepage.

Are Online Casino Games Rigged?

No, reputable online casinos do not rig their games. Legitimate casinos use Random Number Generators to ensure fair and completely random outcomes.

Independent agencies like eCOGRA regularly test and certify these RNGs to confirm their fairness. As long as you play at trusted, licensed sites, the games will be fair.

What Bonuses Can I Claim at Online Casinos?

Online casinos offer a wide range of casino bonuses, including welcome offers, reload bonuses, free spins, cashback deals, and even VIP and loyalty rewards for regular and high-stakes players.

Reputable online casinos make it easy to claim these bonuses, often with reasonable wagering requirements and low minimum deposit requirements.

Can I Win Real Money at Online Casinos?

Yes, you can win real money at online casinos once you’ve created a casino account and wagered money. As long as you’re playing at legit online casinos that pay real money, you can withdraw your winnings through your chosen payment method.

Sweepstakes casinos let you play free games and win cash prizes, but these usually don’t pay out in real money directly.

So, What Are the Best Online Casinos for Real Money Games?

With insights from our expert reviewers, John and Peter, we’ve highlighted the best real online casino sites based on their standout features.

John’s top pick was Ignition, while Peter went with Slots.lv. Both cited game variety, great bonuses, and fast withdrawals as deciding factors.

When it comes to bonuses, both agreed that Slots.lv stands out with its unmatched offer. For live dealer action, John highly recommended BetOnline, while Peter felt Ignition provided the most well-rounded experience.

Each of these casinos brings something unique to the table, so whether you prefer crypto-friendly games, high-stakes action, or a massive selection of slots, you’ll find plenty of options to fit your style.

John:

“Take your time exploring different casinos before settling on one. Just because a site has great bonuses doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for you. Look at withdrawal speeds, game selection, and customer support—these are the things that actually matter once you start playing.”

Peter: 

“Look beyond the welcome bonus. Weekly deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback, and VIP perks can add up quickly. A good loyalty program can be the difference between an average casino and one that’s worth sticking with long-term.”

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.

All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.

If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/