Every USA online gambling site we recommend is 100% licensed and legal. Overall, we only list casinos with online gambling that comply with gambling laws in the states where they are based. Check out our guide below to find the best US states where online gambling is legal.
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US State Online Gambling Guides
Every US state has different laws controlling real money gambling sites. There are only a few states with fully legal internet gambling. Check our state-specific guides for more details. We review all the best gambling websites online for each legal state.
Legal Online Gambling in the USA
New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the largest online gambling legal markets in the entire United States. The state fully legalized internet gambling back in 2013. In order to gamble online in New Jersey, you need to be located within the state’s borders. Players within the state have access to multiple online casino options and sports betting sites. New Jersey is one of the best states for US betting online.
Nevada
Nevada is well-known for gambling thanks to Las Vegas. You might think this means the state is also big in the internet gambling world. However, this isn’t completely true. Nevada does have legal betting sites for poker and sports betting, but online casinos are still illegal in the state.
Delaware
Delaware was actually the first US state to let people legally gamble online. This state passed a law legalizing the practice back in 2012. Any land-based casino in the state has the right to run an online betting website. However, there are some restrictions. Additionally, Delaware offers legal sports betting. However, this is only available at land-based sportsbooks inside the state’s casinos.
Colorado
In the state of Colorado there are no legal online casinos. However, betting sites exist for gamblers to place legal bets on sporting events. This was legalized in 2019. Betting sites came online quickly. Most had launched by the following spring. At the time, this made Colorado the 18th state in the USA to legalize online sports betting.
Michigan
Michigan has a fully legal online gambling market. You can legally gamble online at casino websites and online poker sites. This was all legalized in the winter of 2019. You can also do some legal internet sports betting in Michigan. This launched in early 2021. This made Michigan just the 4th state to legalize all three types of gambling online.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania also has fully legal real money online gambling throughout the state. That means players in Pennsylvania can choose from online sport betting, online casino gambling games, and online poker to gamble online. There are multiple active gambling sites that payout in Pennsylvania. Each online gambling site in the state must be partnered with a PA land-based casino.
West Virginia
The state of West Virginia quietly legalized internet sports betting as well as online casino gambling in 2019. However, there is currently only one active online casino in the state. Additionally, players can choose from multiple active sports betting sites. More are coming to West Virginia shortly.
Indiana
Inside the state of Indiana, online sports betting has been explicitly legal since 2019. Players can use multiple sports betting sites in the state to place sports bets online. These online betting sites are each partnered with land-based casinos in the state.
US States Considering Online Gambling Legalization
California
California online gambling laws are a bit complex. Presently, players in the state can only gamble online at online poker sites or sweepstakes casinos. It’s unlikely that the state will legalize online betting games anytime soon. However, some believe that internet sports betting could become legal soon.
New York
New York offers players a wide range of legal gambling options. Most of these options are land-based. There are surprisingly few real money online gambling choices in the state. The state has many physical casinos and most offer legal sports betting. However, internet sports betting is illegal in NY.
Massachusetts
In this state there are several land-based casinos which offer legal gambling. However, there are no legal online casinos in the state. The only exception are sweepstakes casinos. Massachusetts also does not have legal sports betting, either online or land-based. However, the state does allow legal daily fantasy sports betting.
How We Review Top Gambling Sites
Safety & Security
Above all else, every real money online casino site that we recommend must be secure and safe for all players. We make sure to verify all aspects of online security. That means we check for SSL encryption to protect your personal data, gambling licenses from reputable jurisdictions, and Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fair gameplay.
Casino Game Selection
We will always prioritize top rated casinos with more slots and table games. The more the better! However, it’s about more than just sheer volume of games – we also look prioritize sites offering a wide variety of different game choices. Our favorite sites offer a good variety of real money online casino games like slots and table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette. We also look for live dealer casino table games.
Casino Bonuses
We scour the internet for all the best online casino bonuses and promotions available. We make sure to always mention bonuses and promotions in all our casino reviews because these offers can make certain sites very attractive for players. Most sites offer special welcome bonus offers for new players only – these typically reward you with the most free cash. Most sites will offer new players excellent deposit match bonus offers on their first deposits.
Loyalty Rewards
Not every site does this, so we make sure to prioritize the ones that do. Loyalty rewards programs are a great way to retain players. These programs typically give players rewards points just for playing games. Once you earn enough points, you ca redeem them for prizes, free plays, and even cash.
Banking Options
With real money gambling online, one of the most important considerations is the payment method options. All of the sites that we recommend offer a wide range of common online payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrency. We also make sure to check the deposit and withdrawal limits as well as any associated fees for every payment method.
Customer Support
Strong customer service is key for a casino to get a high rating in our reviews. The best online casino sites offer attentive 24/7 support via multiple different contact methods. If you have any questions or problems with a site, this is your main resource to get answers. We will only recommend a casino site if it has strong customer service.
How Does Online Gambling Work?
These days, online gambling has exploded into a massive global industry with well over a billion dollars in combined revenues. The reason for this is mainly convenience – on the web, it’s easy to enjoy some table games or slots from anywhere!
Online gambling is also a great way for beginners to learn the ropes. Many online gambling real money games (slots especially) offer low buy-ins of just a few cents so you can play for a while with just a little bit of cash. You’ll find low buy-ins between $1-5 at most online poker sites too.
Many sites also let you play games for free in practice or demo mode. This is an even better way to learn about casino games and gambling. You really can’t find this at any land-based casino.
These are the most important factors to consider before playing at any online casino:
Gambling License
A gambling license is one of the best ways you can verify that a gambling website is safe to play at. Legit online gambling sites will always have a license. However, not all licenses come from reputable jurisdictions. We make sure that every gambling site we recommend is only licensed out of the most trustworthy gambling jurisdictions. Some of the top trusted jurisdictions for gambling licenses include Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, and the UK.
Third-Party Certifications
Throughout the gambling industry, there are many third-party organizations that keep an eye on gambling activities to make sure everything is above board. If a site is a member of at least one of these organizations, it’s a good sign for that casino’s reputation. Some of our top trusted third-party regulators include the Gambling Commission, eCOGRA, the ESSA, Gaming Associates, LGA, TST, and EGBP.
Random Number Generators
These pieces of software are essential for fairness. At the best online casinos, all slots games are based on Random Number Generators (RNGs) because they ensure all gaming outcomes are totally random. We only recommend sites that use RNGs in their games.
Free Casino Games
You won’t find free online gambling games at every internet casino, but many of them do offer it for at least a few slots titles. This is a great way to get familiar with new games or learn the ropes if you’re a beginner casino gambler. You can play free casino games with zero risk. When you’re ready, then you can switch to online gambling for money.
Casino Game Selection
Obviously, if you want to play real money games online, then you want to pick top US gambling sites with games you actually want to play! Game selection is one of our top considerations when we review casinos. Nearly every casino website has tons of slots games available – slots are typically the most popular game type. However, our favorite casino sites offer a solid variety of other games like video poker and blackjack in addition to slots.
Most real money online casinos have at least a few hundred game options, with some offering a few thousand! These are the most popular online casino real money games:
- Classic Slots
- Video Slots
- Progressive Slots
- Video Poker
- Texas Hold’em
- Pai Gow Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Sic bo
Casino Payment Options
For real money internet gambling, the available payment options can determine with casino you ultimately choose to play at. At real money gambling sites, the most common payment methods are typically accepted. The best gambling sites will accept a wide range of payment options. However, be aware that some methods have deposit or withdrawal limits as well as small fees associated with them.
These are the most popular casino payment methods today:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Paysafecard
- Bitcoin
- EntroPay
- Pay by Phone
- PayNearMe
Casino Bonuses
Casino bonus offers are used by the best gambling sites to attract new players and get them to stick around for a while. Almost every casino gives special welcome bonus offers for new players. These bonuses can give new account holders some free cash to play with.
One of the most common welcome bonus offers is a deposit match bonus. This bonus is typically only good on your first deposit. Under this bonus, the casino will match any funds you deposit up to a certain specified amount.
Regular players with existing accounts are also eligible for a range of bonuses and promotions. The reload bonus and cashback bonus are both very common for existing players. The reload bonus gives you some extra cash when you “reload” your account with funds. The cashback bonus gives you a percentage of your losses back, typically on a weekly basis.
Be aware that all bonuses have terms and conditions associated with them. Included in these terms are the bonus wagering requirements. Also called playthrough requirements, these explain how much you actually need to wager before you can withdraw bonus cash or winnings.
For example, say you get a deposit match bonus which gives you a 100% match up to $500. If the wagering requirement is 30x and you get the full $500 in bonus cash, then you will need to wager a total of $15,000 before you can withdraw any bonus funds or associated winnings.
Mobile Casino Gaming
These days, mobile devices have become extremely widespread. Pretty much every person has one! Online casinos have recognized that this presents a huge opportunity. As a result, most of them support mobile gambling via Android and Apple devices.
All of the sites we recommend are mobile-friendly. The majority have mobile-friendly websites which you can access right from your device’s web browser to begin playing games. Some even offer their own gambling apps for Android and iOS.
Obviously, mobile gambling is the most convenient way to play since you can do it almost anywhere. Just be aware that most sites don’t offer their entire game libraries via mobile. That said, you’ll still have access to a great selection of games at most mobile gambling sites.
The Importance of Randomness
Fairness is paramount when we review internet casinos. To achieve the best levels of fairness for all players, casinos use Random Number Generators to provide totally random gaming outcomes. In this way, games are totally fair to all players.
There are many third-party gambling agencies out there which independently verify casino fairness. For example, an organization like eCOGRA will test RNGs at regular intervals to ensure that they remain fair at all times.
These organizations also help test website security. They will carry out regular security audits to verify that security protocols are working. If a casino has a seal of approval from a third-party regulator, then it’s a great sign that the casino is fair and safe.
Top Online Gambling Sites in the US
Online Casinos
There are only four state in the United States that allow legal casino sites. They include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Delaware. Outside of these states, gamblers looking to place bets on the web can play at sweepstakes casinos or US friendly casinos. These are legal in all US states due to the nature of how they operate.
Sports Betting
In the United States, 18 states have now legalized sports betting:
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- New Mexico
- New York
- West Virginia
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
Not all of these states offer internet sports betting. However, a select few of them do. Other states have sports betting bills in the works. In both Tennessee and Virginia, lawmakers have passed bills to legalize the practice. However, no physical steps have been taken yet to get the industry going within these states.
There are several other US states with sports betting bills on the agenda for 2021. These states could be the next ones to offer internet sports betting. Check out our sports betting guide for more information on current and upcoming legal sports betting states.
Online Lottery
Almost every US state offers a lottery of some kind. However, very few offer online lottery play. The following states presently allow internet lottery:
- Pennsylvania
- Georgia
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Kentucky
- Michigan
Online Poker
Legal online poker play exists in just 4 US states: Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. New Jersey is by far the largest online poker state in the USA. Nevada only offers one poker site option through World Series of Poker. Delaware is similar and only offers internet poker through 888 Poker. In Pennsylvania, poker players can get their fix using PokerStars.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is a classic form of sports betting. It is legal in most US states and has been for some time. In most places, you must be at a racetrack or authorized offsite betting site to bet on horse races. Additionally, many states allow horse racing betting through specific mobile gambling apps and services.
Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting is legal in many US states. This growing industry is being spearheaded by two well-known giants, FanDuel and DraftKings. These sites are legal in most US states, but there are some restrictions. Many states have complex laws with legal grey areas. Other states, like New York for example, have already had multiple legal cases addressing the practice. In New York specifically, lawmakers have yet to legalize DFS.
Legal Online Gambling in the USA
Is Online Gambling Legal in the US?
Yes it is! However, there are restrictions on what type of gambling you can do depending on which state you’re in. Every US state has different online gambling laws in place which regulate the practice.
Most US states do not allow internet gambling, but there are a select few that do. States with legal online gambling don’t always offer the same things. It’s up to the state to chose online casinos, online slots, online poker, online sports betting, or online lottery. Check out our state-specific guides for more info on your state’s gambling laws.
Keep in mind that while many real gambling sites online accept US players, these are not necessarily legal online gambling sites. You should always check the license of any gambling site to ensure it is legal.
In the USA, each state sets its own gambling laws for both land-based and web-based play. In states where internet gambling is legal, there are specific regulatory bodies that issue gaming licenses.
Where is Online Gambling Legal in the USA?
The answer to this question depends on what type of gambling you’re looking to do. There are a lot of states where US betting sites are legal. That said, not all forms of gambling are legal in every state.
For Casino gambling online, players can legally play in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Players will be able to play in West Virginia shortly once the industry gets going.
For Online Sports Betting, gamblers can place legal bets while inside multiple states. These include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Iowa, Colorado, and Indiana.
Online Lottery play is only legal in two US states: Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Be aware of gambling sites that claim to accept players from any US state. These sites are typically based outside the country. Consequently, they are not legal by US state gambling standards. Playing at these sites exposes you to undue risks. We strongly advise against it. The US friendly casinos, which are governed by organizations such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Curacao eGaming, are the only exception to this.
How Do I Know an USA Online Gambling Site is Legal?
The easiest way to check if a gambling website is legal is to look for a gambling license. These are usually linked at the bottom of every site page in the website footer. State-specific agencies issue these licenses to legal gambling sites in their states. For example, New Jersey has the Division of Gaming Enforcement. Pennsylvania has the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
If a gambling site claims to be legal outside of where you’re located, it’s best to avoid it. These sites are usually not reputable. They are not subject to regulation from reputable governing bodies.
The only legal real money online gambling websites are the ones that are regulated by US states. Any others are likely operating outside the law, meaning they are risky.
What Games Do Legal Online Gambling Sites Have?
Every internet casino will offer the same types of games as any land-based casino. The big advantage for players is that they have many more options to choose from. You can access these options without leaving your couch!
Every classic casino game can be found online. Popular games include blackjack, roulette, poker, slots, and baccarat. Usually, the same gaming companies that make in-person slots will also make web versions of these games.
Online casinos are able to have lots more games on offer compared to physical locations. That’s because they aren’t limited by floor space. New Jersey is home to the largest internet casino specifically in terms of number of games. The Golden Nugget online casino in NJ currently has more than 600 different slots games. It is also known to frequently add new games.
How Good are Legal Online Casino Payouts?
The best online gambling sites give players the same odds of winning as any legal land-based casino. However, in many cases internet casinos do offer better payouts.
It’s easy to find high roller versions of classic casino games at internet casinos. That’s because, unlike land-based casinos, internet casinos are not limited by floor space. Land-based casinos usually don’t offer many high roller games. They actually make more money on lower buy-in games. The best online gambling sites will likely offer high stakes versions of blackjack and video poker at a minimum.
Internet gambling also has more immediate competition. That means every casino site is forced to compete on price to attract more players. This can mean that players have more bonus options and higher payouts from games like blackjack, craps, and roulette.
The house still always has an edge. However, you can reduce it by playing longer and betting smart.
Do Any US Online Gambling Sites Offer All Types of Online Betting?
New Jersey is one of the biggest states in the USA to gamble on the web. It’s the only state to offer gambling sites with casino games, sports betting, and poker all in one place. Caesars and BetStars are two gambling sites in NJ that offer all these gaming options.
Do Any Legal USA Gambling Sites Offer Free Play?
Yes! There are many gambling sites in the US that offer free play or free spin bonuses to players. It’s actually quite rare for an internet casino to not offer some type of free play bonus.
These bonuses are usually only available to new players. The values of these bonuses will differ for each casino. Be sure to read the bonus terms and conditions before accepting any bonuses.
How Do I Deposit and Play for Real Money at a US Online Gambling Site?
Every gambling site is different in terms of the accepted payment options. Most will allow deposits via credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. Additionally, third-party services like Skrill can also be used.
To withdraw money from a web casino, most sites have multiple options. They will frequently offer bank transfers or checks by mail. Some also allow cash pickup at the physical casino location that the website has partnered with. Most withdrawals are completed in under 5 business days.
Advantages of US Online Gambling Sites
Is It Safe to Gamble Online in the US?
Yes, it’s actually very safe! All the best online gambling USA sites are regulated by state-specific governing bodies. These agencies issue licenses and keep a close eye on all internet gambling practices. Regulatory agencies help ensure fairness for all players and a secure playing environment.
You can be confident that internet gambling games are always fair. Gaming providers are held to high standards. Games are frequently checked for fairness and randomness.
Your money is protected at an internet casino. All legal gambling sites use secure encryption technologies to protect player money and privacy.
You will always get a payout if you win while gambling online at a legal US casino. If an internet casino refuses to pay, they risk losing their gaming license. There are also criminal penalties in many states that ensure internet casinos pay their players what they’re owed.
Your Money is Secure at Legal USA Gambling Websites
The legality of these sites in certain US states protects players because they are subject to strict oversight. In the USA, these sites must meet strict criteria for security in order to receive gaming licenses. If security is lacking, a gaming license might be revoked or never even issued.
Casino Games are Fair to All Players
The regulatory structure in states with legal real money gambling also applies to casino game developers. These games are tested and verified by the same organizations that make sure land-based gambling games are fair.
In fact, legal US internet casinos must submit detailed reports of all gambling activities to their specific state’s regulatory agency. This includes reports of every game, of every contact, of every bet, and of every payout. This detailed record keeping means that regulators see absolutely everything that goes on at digital casinos in the US.
You Get a Guaranteed Payout if You Win
Illegal casinos are notorious for giving players the runaround after they win. This is never the case at legal US real money gambling sites.
Legal gambling sites are required by law to payout whatever amounts players win fairly. The payouts at legal internet casinos work the same way they do at legal land-based casinos.
In New Jersey casinos, you’ll find lots of massive jackpots and tempting sports bets. Place bets with confidence, knowing you’ll actually get what you’ve won if you hit it big.
Land-Based Casino Loyalty Programs
In most US states with real online gambling sites, these sites must be partnered with physical casinos in their states. This usually means that you can earn loyalty or rewards points while playing. The next time you’re at the physical casino partner’s place, you can use these.
With these loyalty rewards, you can increase your status tier and receive bigger bonuses. You can also get perks in-person at physical casinos.
You Can Follow the Money
Legal sites must be transparent in their practices. This helps maintain fairness and reputability. They must be transparent about affiliated companies, payout practices, bonus terms and conditions, and regulatory compliance.
Most sites will tell you where your money goes once you place bets. Frequently, a site will partner with non-profit organizations to help local communities. You can find all this information on a legal gambling website.