Online Casinos USA
Why head to a land-based casino when you can place bets conveniently from the comfort of your own home? Or anywhere for that matter?
Now that online gambling is legal in many U.S. states, land-based casinos are now expanding online.
Discover some of the best online casinos in the U.S.A., how to snag generous welcome bonuses, and how to avoid common online gambling scams.
Best Online Casinos
There are plenty of online casinos in the U.S. We happen to love the casinos on this list for their generous welcome bonuses, a large selection of games, and seamless deposit and withdrawal processes.
BetMGM
BetMGM is MGM Casino’s online platform. BetMGM is offering OddsSeeker readers a no-deposit bonus of $25. You can also snag a first deposit match of up to $1,000 by following our link and using the promo code ODDSSEEKER.
Golden Nugget
The name Golden Nugget is one of the most recognizable on this list, as this is one of the most iconic casinos off the Las Vegas Strip. BetMGM is offering OddsSeeker readers a no-deposit bonus of $20. You can also get a first deposit match of up to $1,000 by following our link and using the promo code ODDSSEEKER.
BetRivers
BetRivers, one of the biggest names in online betting, isn’t currently offering no-deposit bonuses. But they are offering OddsSeeker readers a first deposit match of up to $250. Simply follow our link and use the promo code ODDSBONUS.
DraftKings
DraftKings, one of the biggest names in online sports betting, is offering OddsSeeker readers a first deposit match of up to $1,000. Simply follow our link to snag this deal.
Are USA online casinos legal?
Yes! It is now legal to bet at online casinos in the U.S. in many states. Online gambling laws vary by state, so check our reviews to see which games are legal in your state.
While online gambling was illegal for many years under federal state laws, many U.S. states have challenged those laws. The national government recognizes that it is the jurisdiction of each state to determine its own laws for online betting.
Some of the states that have legalized online casinos include:
If online casinos aren’t legal in your state, you can always play at free online casinos (unless you are in Washington State).
Why Bet at Online Casinos?
There are so many reasons why you’d want to play at an online casino instead of a land-based casino.
While online casinos will never totally replace land-based casinos, they offer a long list of benefits that aren’t currently offered by their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Just some of the reasons to bet at an online casino include convenience, game selection, and casino bonuses.
Convenience
Possibly the best reason to place bets at an online casino is convenience.
You no longer need to commute to a land-based casino to play games or place bets. You can now do this from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you can bring a smart device)!
All you need to do to be eligible to play is to prove you’re physically located in a state where online gambling is legal and prove your age eligibility. You’ll also need to enter your name, address, and social security number for verification and tax purposes.
Place bets on your couch, at a sports bar, or anywhere else you want.
Large Selection of Games
Online casinos are able to provide an even larger selection of games than land-based casinos.
This is because it costs game manufacturers less money to develop a game that doesn’t require physical equipment. Manufacturers can hire developers to churn out even more games for online consumption.
You’ll find all of your favorite games that you’d find at a land-based casino online — plus plenty more.
Most games feature stunning graphics, whimsical characters, and impressive settings and music.
At most online casinos, you’ll find a healthy selection of slots, poker, video poker, baccarat, roulette, and online games.
Try Before You Play
Some online casinos offer the option of trying games before playing them for real bets. Try out different games to see which ones you like best.
Some online casinos even allow you to mark games as your favorite so you can return to the ones you like best.
Keep an eye out for promos and bonuses offered by online casinos. Many online gambling platforms offer these promos to entice customers to try out different or new games.
It may not be as easy to get sucked into just one game when you’re playing online, as you’re free to navigate to different areas of the website whenever you want.
Some casinos even have social features that allow you to connect with friends, similar to how you would in-person at a casino.
Know the Odds
Online casinos post game odds right on their website, so you should have a good idea of odds before betting money.
While odds are posted at land-based casinos, it’s easier to browse games at online platforms. You won’t need to walk for (seemingly) miles over a casino floor to get a good view of the types of slots and table games offered.
Most online platforms have beautifully designed websites with clear navigation. Browse games by type, odds, or category. Or, search for your favorite games in the search bar.
Play the games with the best odds, or simply play the games you enjoy the most.
Play Live Games
Worried you’ll miss out on some of the action provided by live games? Worry no more!
Many online casinos offer live casino gameplay on their apps and through their websites. These games are similar to what you’d play at a casino, in person.
Interact with dealers, enjoy games like roulette and poker, and play with other players within your state.
Live games may not offer a true casino experience, but these games are the closest thing you can get to an in-person casino experience at home.
If you love all the fun of gambling at the casino but don’t want to deal with in-person issues, like being exposed to COVID or inhaling second-hand smoke, live games are especially for you!
Get Online Casino Bonuses
One major advantage online casinos have over their land-based counterparts is welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
These bonuses can help you maximize your winnings when making your first deposit or signing up for an account. Many casinos also offer ongoing promos to keep you coming back for more fun!
All you need to do to take advantage of these bonuses is to read our reviews of the best online casinos in the U.S.A. We post available welcome bonuses and promos within each review.
Simply follow the affiliate link and enter the promo code when prompted.
Best Online Casino Bonuses
Online casinos offer a long list of bonuses and promotions. While some of the best bonuses offered are welcome bonuses, you’ll find that most casinos also offer ongoing promos to reward loyal customers.
Some of the most popular bonuses include welcome bonuses and ongoing promos, such as login bonuses and loyalty club rewards.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are promos casinos offer new customers and customers making their first deposit. These bonuses are designed to entice new players to try out a platform and its games — and to maximize winnings by making a larger first deposit.
Some of the most common welcome bonuses you’ll find include no-deposit bonuses, deposit matches, and risk-free bets.
As with all of the bonuses on this list, it’s important to read the terms and conditions before withdrawing any winnings; you may need to satisfy playthrough or wagering requirements before cashing out.
No-Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses are just what they sound like: bonuses awarded to players that don’t require a deposit to claim.
All you need to do to claim a no-deposit bonus is to follow a casino’s affiliate link in its review and enter the OddsSeeker promo code when prompted.
Most casinos want you to take advantage of deposit bonuses, so no-deposit bonuses are often smaller. You’ll find that most of these bonuses offer less than $50 worth of free account funds.
Deposit Matches
Many online casinos and sportsbooks offer generous deposit matches. Some of these bonuses may be up to thousands of dollars!
With a deposit match, the casino will match a deposit you make (up to a certain amount). Most deposit match bonuses are only valid on a first deposit. This means that the casino will only match the amount you deposit on your first deposit.
All you need to do to take advantage of these bonuses is to follow the OddsSeeker affiliate link to the casino’s site and enter the promo code when prompted. Then, make a deposit. The casino should match the amount you deposit up to the amount specified.
Risk-Free Bets
Risk-free bets are bets offered by a casino that won’t withdraw funds from your casino account if you lose. If you want to try out new games, these bets allow you to do so with the least amount of risk possible.
Place your risk-free bet; if you lose, you won’t lose the amount of money associated with that bet.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions on that bet before making it, though; some online casinos won’t allow you to withdraw winnings on a risk-free bet. Other casinos may require you to satisfy terms and conditions before cashing out any winnings made with a risk-free bet.
Ongoing Promos
Online casinos realize that new players shouldn’t have all the fun! That’s why they offer ongoing promotions for loyal customers and customers who sign on to the platform regularly. These promos are called login bonuses and loyalty bonuses.
Login Bonuses
Login bonuses are offered on slow gambling days, often on weekdays or on holidays where casinos see less traffic.
To take advantage of one of these bonuses, simply keep an eye on your casino alerts (meaning, you’ll need to sign up for alerts!). Casinos will usually send out an email, text, or app alert when they’re offering such a bonus.
Log into your account when prompted, and claim your bonus. Some casinos will ask you to place bets to claim such a bonus, but most casinos will offer you the bonus just for logging onto the platform.
VIP/Loyalty Clubs
Similar to land-based casinos, online casinos offer VIP and loyalty programs for repeat customers. Most online casinos sign up customers for these clubs when the account is created.
If you’re a member of a VIP or loyalty club at a land-based casino, you may be able to use that same account at the casino’s online affiliate.
To get bonuses, you’ll need to make a certain number of qualifying bets each month; after making these bets, you’ll gain tier status. Exchange your status for free bets or other prizes. The more you play, the higher you go — and the more perks you’ll enjoy!
Real Money Casinos Vs Free Online Casinos
There are two types of online casinos available to U.S. players: real money and free online casinos.
Though the concept is similar at both of these types of casinos, you’ll notice some big differences. The biggest difference is that free online casinos are legal for most U.S. residents, whereas real money online casinos are only legal in certain states.
If online gambling isn’t legal in your state, you may still be able to play similar games at a free sweeps casino (unless you live in Washington State or Quebec).
Real Money Casinos
Real money casinos offer a similar experience to what you’d find on a casino floor. Many real money casinos are run by land-based casinos (or they’re at least affiliated with a land-based casino).
At these casinos, you’ll deposit real money into your account and make bets with your local currency. When it’s time to cash out, transfer funds to your bank account via a payment processing company, ACH bank transfer, or other approved withdrawal method.
These casinos are only legal in states where online gambling is legal. You don’t need to be a resident of that state, but you do need to be geographically located within the state when you’re placing the bet.
Free Online Casinos
Free online casinos are legal for most U.S. residents (with the exception of anyone physically located within Washington State).
The concept is similar to real money online casinos. The biggest difference is that you won’t play with real money; instead, you’ll purchase virtual currency with which you’ll place bets. When it’s time to cash out your winnings, you’ll transfer your virtual currency back into real money or gift cards (depending on the casino).
You don’t need to purchase virtual currency to play at these casinos, either. You can get free sweeps online or by sending a letter to the provided address.
Legal Online Casinos Vs Offshore Casinos
You’ll find two types of casinos operating online: legal online casinos and offshore casinos.
Legal online casinos only allow customers who are legally allowed to bet at the casino to deposit money, place bets, and make withdrawals. These casinos operate within the laws of each state and the federal government. They use geo-tracking software to ensure players are where they say they are, and they verify the age of each player. They also pay state and federal taxes on their annual revenues.
Offshore casinos operate in other countries. Though it’s not legal for them to market to U.S. citizens that may not legally bet on their platforms, they may often still take bets and fail to comply with state or federal laws.
Since it’s not easy to prosecute these companies that operate in other countries, they often operate within legal gray areas. They also may not pay federal or state taxes.
Best Online Casino Games
Online casino games are similar to land-based ones.
You’ll recognize the games themselves, though you may see different themed games and variations on some games. For example, there is a longer list of slots and video poker online than you might see on a casino floor.
The overhead of developing and implementing an online casino game is less than a land-based game, as developers and casinos don’t need to create physical equipment for the game itself.
Roulette
There are three types of roulette games usually available at online casinos, including American,
European, and French roulette. While the basic mechanics of all three games are somewhat similar, each game offers different odds and its own set of rules. You may want to look up the rules before playing — or use a risk-free bet to familiarize yourself with a game.
American Roulette
American roulette may be the most commonly recognized roulette game in the states. With this game, you’ll bet on where a ball lands on a wheel — be it the color or number.
Wheels contain sections that are numbered up to 36 and color-coded red, black, and green. Odds vary depending on your bet.
You may bet as little as a few cents, though high-stakes bets are available online, too. The house edge is 5.36% on American roulette.
European Roulette
Like American roulette, players make wagers on whether a ball will land on a red or black section of the wheel and/or the number on which the ball lands.
Unlike American roulette, European roulette wheels contain only a green section and one single-digit zero (American roulette has two green sections and a single-digit zero as well as a double-digit zero).
The house edge is 2.7% on European roulette.
French Roulette
The French roulette wheel looks the same as the European one; the biggest difference is that when the ball lands on a zero, you bet on a color or odds or evens, you only lose half your bet.
The house edge is 1.35% on French roulette.
Baccarat
Online baccarat is similar to the game you might play at a land-based casino. The biggest difference is that the computer will be dealing your cards (unless you’re playing a live game, of course!).
Blackjack
Many betters will recognize one of the most popular land-based casino games: blackjack!
At an online casino, you can play blackjack against a computer, or you can play it live with a dealer and other online players.
The game is simple: get as close as you can to 21 without going over. The dealer will deal you and the other players (or the computer if you’re not playing live) two cards. Choose hit to get another card or stand to just play the cards you were dealt.
Online Slots and Video Slots
The online slots and video slots experience is very similar to the land-based casino experience.
Since most of these games are played on a computer (or a machine that’s like a computer) in the casino, you don’t miss much by playing them online.
The best part about playing slots and video slots online is that you don’t need to wander around a casino floor to choose a game. Scroll through a long list of games online, check out the odds, and try out games with free spins and risk-free bets.
Most online slots also feature bonus rounds, jackpots, and free spins to keep you coming back for more!
Live Games
It’s impossible for online casinos to mimic the experience you’d find on a casino floor — but that doesn’t mean these casinos don’t try!
One way that online casinos make the online experience more like a land-based one is by offering live casino games. This feature allows you to play live casino games in real-time, both with other players and with a live dealer instead of a computer.
Using the latest technology, casinos can deliver an in-casino experience right to your home. Watch the live dealer on your laptop, smartphone, or another smart device. The casino knows which cards are being dealt, as the cards are equipped with barcodes that are scanned as they are placed on the table.
Everything will look the same to you as it would in the casino; the house simply uses this technology to verify winners (similar to how convenience stores scan lottery barcodes to verify winners).
Communicate with the dealer via speakers and a microphone or send messages through your laptop or smart device.
Other live games that online casinos offer include blackjack, poker, and roulette (though some casinos offer a more extensive list of live games, such as baccarat).
Are Online Casinos in the USA Legit?
Yes, online casinos are totally legit! It’s now legal to bet on online casino games in many states — and more states are legalizing online gambling every month.
There are a few ways that online casinos keep online gambling legit. Not only do these establishments need to abide by the laws and regulations of the states in which they operate, but they need to go above and beyond to ensure customers feel secure placing bets on their platforms.
Regulated Games
Casino game manufacturers must abide by their own set of rules and regulations. These games must be tested and audited to ensure there has been no tampering. Casinos must also go through audits to ensure no one in-house has tampered with the games, either.
All game results are determined by random number generators; these generators ensure that game outcomes aren’t tampered with and that odds stated on each game are accurate.
If you’re worried if a game is reputable, you can find the game’s audit certificate on the casino’s platform. You can also check out the odds of each game before playing as well as a history of past payouts.
Secure Encryption
Online casinos need to ensure their games are reputable, and they also need to ensure they’re reputably handling money and customer information; they must also ensure that their servers and online processes are protected to prevent interception of money or information by third parties.
Platforms and servers must be encrypted, and player funds must be held in a separate account (unless the funds are lost to the casino).
Should a casino go under or file for bankruptcy, you should be able to get the money in your account back.
Geo-Tracking
Because online gambling is only legal in certain states, casinos must use geo-tracking software to ensure players are located in a state where they are legally allowed to play.
You must download this geo-tracking software onto your phone, laptop, or a smart device and activate it before placing any bets.
By most state laws for real money online casinos, you don’t need to be a resident of a state where online gambling is legal; though, you do need to be physically located within that state at the time of placing a bet.
Casinos must also validate that players are of the legal gambling age.
Terms, Conditions & Wagering Requirements
Check all terms, conditions, and wagering requirements (also known as playthrough requirements) before accepting any bonus.
Playthrough Requirements
Playthrough requirements are set by online casinos and are strictly enforced to prevent bonus abuse.
These requirements, also known as wagering requirements, state that you must bet a certain amount of your own money before cashing out winnings made with a bonus. Most online casinos set playthrough requirements at up to 10-times the amount of the welcome bonus.
For example, if you accept a no-deposit welcome bonus of $20 and the playthrough requirement is 10-times the amount of the bonus, you’ll need to bet $2000 of your own money before you’ll be able to withdraw any winnings acquired with your welcome bonus.
Since each casino sets its own playthrough requirements and rules, you may simply want to read the terms and conditions thoroughly before accepting any bonuses.
Terms and Conditions
All online casinos (and most online businesses) post their terms and conditions on their sites. These terms and conditions are considered ‘the fine print’ and are your contract with the casino. You may need to check a box accepting terms and conditions when you create your online account.
Carefully read through this information before creating an account, depositing money, placing bets, and making withdrawals.
You don’t want to find out that you haven’t (even accidentally) abided by these terms later.
How to Play at Online Casinos USA
Finding online casinos and welcome bonuses is relatively easy. But we’ve made it even easier for you to take advantage of online deals by creating a large database of reviews of the best online casinos in the U.S.A.
Before committing to one online casino, you’ll want to search for welcome bonuses, read casino reviews, and take advantage of affiliate promos.
Search for Welcome Bonuses
Why not take advantage of welcome bonuses and promos to maximize your winnings? Before opening an account with a casino, you may want to search for the best welcome bonus available.
We have a long list of online casinos in every state that offer generous welcome bonuses for new players. Check out no-deposit and first deposit bonuses as well as risk-free bets.
Read Casino Reviews
Not all online casinos were created equally! Before depositing your money at an online casino, you’ll want to read its reviews.
We’ve created a huge database of online casino reviews to help you figure out which casinos are legit — and which ones you should skip.
Only play at legal casinos that are verified and operate accordingly with U.S. federal and state laws.
Follow Affiliate Links
In each online casino review, we’ve included promo codes for welcome bonuses. Simply copy these codes and follow the affiliate link to take advantage of these promos. Enter the code into the field when prompted.
If you don’t follow the affiliate links or paste the promo codes into the appropriate fields, you may lose out on the welcome bonus!
Sign Up for an Account
Online casinos require that you sign up for a casino account before you can deposit money, place bets, or withdraw funds.
You’ll need to enter your name, address, and social security number into the provided fields. You’ll also need to include your birthdate to verify your age — and possibly upload a photo ID before playing.
Prove Your Location
One of the last steps is to download geo-tracking software onto your phone, laptop, or smart device to prove you are located within a state where online gambling is legal.
You don’t need to be a resident of that state; you only need to be located within the geographic boundaries of it when placing bets.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Online casinos in the U.S. make it relatively easy to make deposits and withdraw winnings.
Making a deposit is usually easier, as most casinos offer a long list of payment options. Deposits are usually available to bet almost instantaneously (your first deposit may take a little longer to access than subsequent deposits).
Making a Deposit
There are several ways to make a deposit at an online casino or sportsbook.
The most common ways to deposit funds into your casino account include ACH transfer, debit or credit card, payment processing providers (such as PayPal or Skrill), PayNearMe, Play+ cards — or, by simply making a deposit at a land-based affiliate.
ACH Transfer
ACH transfer is one of the most common ways to deposit funds into your online casino account. Casinos make it extremely easy to use this method.
All you need to do is follow the instructions outlined by the casino; usually, this may involve entering your bank account and routing number into your account, choosing the amount you want to transfer, and accepting terms and conditions.
Funds are usually available right away with ACH transfer, which means you should be able to start playing almost immediately!
Some casinos may allow you to log into your bank account directly from the casino’s online platform.
Play+ Cards
Another popular way to deposit money is with a Play+ card. If you want to withdraw funds quickly after playing games, this is one way to get your winnings even faster.
Most online casinos and sportsbooks allow you to make an instant withdrawal onto a Play+ card (after waiting the casino’s processing time window, of course).
Play+ cards are prepaid cards that you can use as most big-box casinos (both online and in-person).
When it’s time to cash out your winnings, simply transfer your account balance to your Play+ card. You can use this card to purchase merchandise online, or you may simply choose to withdraw your money at an ATM.
Payment Processing Providers
Most casinos now work closely with payment processors, such as PayPal and Skrill.
These companies have been around for several years and are governed and regulated by their own set of laws.
Payment processing providers, such as PayPal, even protect you from fraud online. If you’re worried about a casino’s validity, you may want to use a payment processor to fund your account. You may be able to file a complaint with the company to get your money refunded if you’re a victim of fraudulent activity.
Withdrawals from payment processors may take longer; you may also need to wait an additional two business days to transfer funds from your PayPal account to your bank account.
PayNearMe
Want to deposit funds into your online casino account but don’t have a bank account? Use PayNearMe to deposit cash into your casino account.
Simply head to a local PayNearMe provider (such as CVS or 7-Eleven) and deposit cash into your account. You’ll need to pay the fees This payment processor charges, but this is an easy way to deposit funds if you don’t have a bank account.
Debit/Credit Cards
Want to deposit funds into your online casino account even faster? Use your debit card or credit card, and get instant access to your funds (at most casinos).
The biggest downside to depositing funds with your debit or credit card is that you may not be able to use this method to withdraw funds at most casinos.
Another big downside is that while most online casinos accept debit and credit cards as forms of payment, many banks won’t process these deposits at an online casino (though, VISA and Mastercard will work with online casinos).
Most online casinos also require a minimum payment of $20 before accepting a payment by credit or debit card.
Casino Cage
Want to deposit cash (or another type of payment) directly into your casino account but don’t want to deal with the PayNearMe fees?
If you live near a land-based casino affiliate, you may be able to head directly to the casino cage to deposit funds.
Simply head to the cage and make your deposit (you may also be able to withdraw winnings at a casino cage, too). While you’re at it, maybe play a few games there, too.
You’ll get instant access to your deposit funds, just as you would if you were playing games at a land-based casino in person.
Making Withdrawals
While online casinos make it all too easy to make a deposit, they don’t make it quite as easy to make a withdrawal. Deposit funds are usually made available instantaneously, while withdrawals may take up to two business days to process (or more, depending on your method of withdrawal).
Casinos may also need to perform a background check to transfer funds from your casino account to your bank account.
Depending on your method of withdrawal, you may also need to wait for your payment processor or bank to make funds available within your account.
Most online casinos allow you to withdraw funds via the following:
- ACH transfers
- Play+ cards
- Payment processing providers
- Casino cage
- Check by mail
Checks by mail may take even longer than other withdrawal options. It may take up to two weeks to receive paper checks. You’ll also need to be sure you enter all information into your account the way you want it printed on your check. Some online casinos may charge extra for check printing and mailing.
