Where Are Real Money Casino Sites Legal?
States are considering the legalization of real money casino sites, and there are a handful of states that seem to be on the cusp. At the moment, however, there are only a handful of states that currently enable online casino wagering, whereas US online sports betting is advancing quickly.
Here’s an overview of where you can legally game at online casinos in the US:
New Jersey
New Jersey is currently the most prominent state for online gambling. The presence of Atlantic City within state lines breeds a gambling culture and has increased the state’s appetite for online wagering. The New Jersey gambling market currently offers full real-money casino sites, online poker, and online sports betting.
There are currently over 20 online casinos and poker sites, as well as over a dozen online sportsbooks, legally operating in New Jersey, which began allowing online gambling in 2013 (and more are on the way).
Because of the structure of New Jersey’s laws regarding online wagering, live casino giants are now able to run online casinos under their pre-existing licenses.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania began allowing online gambling in 2017 and saw online casinos open up in 2019. Pennsylvania has never been considered a strong location for gambling due to the lack of a true gambling hub like Atlantic City or Las Vegas, but many new casinos are available in Pennsylvania.
There are quite a few online casinos running in the state right now, including popular favorite Unibet and the locally-based BetRivers.
Delaware
Delaware was the first state to allow online gambling back in 2013, when the state’s three casinos (all of which are racinos) launched online betting. The Delaware Lottery operates and regulates online poker and casino games in the state.
There is currently no mobile or online sports betting in the state, although there are rumors that could be changing soon.
West Virginia
West Virginia has also entered the short list of states with a heavy online gambling presence in recent years. The state hopped aboard the fast-moving train of online sports betting back in late 2018 and launched its first online casino in mid-2020.
In 2019, West Virginia initiated the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, galvanizing the process to begin an online gambling stronghold in the state.
Michigan
The most recent state to allow full-fledged online gambling activity is Michigan. With a large presence of free-standing casinos already in existence, Michigan has always been a progressive state for casino legislation.
Michigan passed legislation in support of online wagering in the state at the end of 2019 and launched its first online casinos in 2021.
This list is non-exhaustive, and casino regulations are constantly being updated. Different casinos may be legal in different states, and some payment methods may only be available in certain states, e.g. PayPal casinos may not be as widely available as regular casinos.
You can revisit this article or check out any of our casino guides to stay up-to-date on where online gambling is currently permitted in the US.
Do I Have to Be a State Resident to Play at an Online Casino?
However, this is only if the casino doesn’t require you to provide your home address to play. If the casino requires proof of address, this needs to be your accurate home address, and it will exclude you from gaming if you’re not eligible.
The best policy is to choose a casino that’s available in your home state, as this means you’ll be able to enjoy no-fuss gaming whenever you want!
Best Real Money Casino Sites in the U.S.
BetMGM Casino
BetMGM Casino continues to be a top-tier online gambling platform, offering virtually every live casino game imaginable. Currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, BetMGM is known for its strong promotions and a trusted brand reputation.
Don’t forget to check out the best available BetMGM bonus code before signing up.
BetRivers Casino
BetRivers has steadily risen into the upper echelon of online casinos, offering strong promotions and a wide game selection. It operates in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Its sportsbook is more widely available.
Check out the latest Betrivers Casino promo code
Caesars Casino
Caesars’ Casino platform is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Backed by the legendary Caesars brand, it offers a full suite of slots, table games, live dealers, exclusive proprietary titles, and loyalty integration with Caesars Rewards.
Click here for the exclusive Caesars Casino promo code.
FanDuel Casino
FanDuel Casino operates in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Connecticut. The platform features a full lineup of blackjack, roulette, slots, live table games, and strong first-day cashback offers.
Click here for the Fanduel Casino promo code.
bet365 Casino
bet365 Casino currently operates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania only, although they are lined up to expand in the near future. One of the largest sports betting platforms in the United Kingdom, Bet365 has now become a leading online casino hub for players in the United States, offering games of all variations.
Claim the bet365 Casino Promo Code.
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings Casino is live in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It offers an extensive game library, including exclusive titles, live dealer games, and a slick, Netflix-style app design.
Activate Your Draftkings Casino Promo Code.
Horseshoe Casino
Operated by Caesars Entertainment, Horseshoe Online Casino is live in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—bringing Caesars-level trust but with its unique style. The platform offers slots, live dealer, table games, and deposit matches up to $1,000.
Redeem Your Horseshoe Casino Promo Code today.
Best Online Casinos That Accept $5 Deposits
The best $5 deposit bonus casinos let you play with just $5, which is the next best thing after a no-deposit bonus. My top choice is DraftKings Casino, as this is currently the only one of these casinos that accept $5 minimum deposits. The lowest deposit otherwise is $10, which is true of all the casinos on this list.
Choosing Online Casinos with $5 Minimum Deposit Requirements
DraftKings Casino is a 5-dollar deposit casino, which is great if you just want to try out a couple of games. However, the standard minimum deposit at real money casinos is $10, so you don’t have to add much more to play than you do at $5 deposit casinos.
Finding Offers From Casinos Online
It’s also worth looking for bonuses and offers such as no-deposit offers and free spins. You may also wish to choose a casino based on its perks and strengths, as these will provide a consistently excellent experience.
For example, instant withdrawals casinos are a great choice if you’re looking for a smooth withdrawal process whenever you win enough that you choose to redeem your funds.
How to Choose the Best Real Money Casino Site
While every player has their own preferences for choosing their go-to casino sites, I have a couple of online casinos tips to help you find the best.
The most important factor is always available games, of course.
Depending on what your game of choice is, most online casinos likely offer it. Signup bonuses are another way to decide between one or more online casinos, as they offer very different amounts and variations. Similarly, promotions and rewards make certain books more enticing as well.
Customer service is another key aspect of an online casino, and the reputation of the casino can go a long way.
Personally, I enjoy an intuitive app that allows me to play games smoothly on the go. And I prefer PayPal, so I tend to choose online casinos with PayPal.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As long as the gameplay experience is great, you’ve found a good casino.
Legit Real Money Online Casinos vs Offshore Casinos
Legal online casinos that operate within the United States have a wide variety of differences from offshore casinos. Many users of offshore sportsbooks and casinos have complained about a ‘rigged’ online casino scheme where books use unregulated platforms to host their individual games.
This type of suspected activity is not nearly as likely with the amount of regulation at both federal and state levels in the United States and the gaming commissions that each state falls under.
Legal online casinos are now increasingly popular simply because they are ‘legal’ and also promote a fair gaming structure.
Real Money Casino Apps vs Online Casino Desktop Experience
Playing on a mobile app is quite different than playing on a desktop computer. Mobile apps typically have a shrunken-down version of the desktop interface, but are easier to use in a pinch, considering they are pocket-accessible.
Casino games are becoming more and more optimized for mobile. Some casino games may not be accessible on mobile, depending on the gambling site, but I find that most modern games are easy to play on mobile. Overall, I prefer casino apps due to their ease of use.
Overall, I prefer casino apps due to their ease of use.
Pros for Casino Apps
- Ease of use, on the go
- Concise layouts, optimized mobile experience
- Fully functional account options, including quick deposits and withdrawals
- Quick loading times
- Easy to claim daily rewards
Cons for Casino Apps
- Could have limited game options (casino-dependent)
- Smaller screen
Pros for Desktop
- Full-scale casino game options
- Better fit software
- Full interface
- Easier to play complex games
Cons for Desktop
- More interface clutter
- Less accessibility
Where you play is entirely up to your play style and choice of games. For me, there’s nothing better than enjoying classic slots using an app, as it’s easy to follow and I can do it anywhere. Try both and see which suits you!
Best Real Money Casino Site Sign-Up Bonuses
Most real money casino sites offer a signup bonus when you become a newly registered member of the site. These offers include no-deposit bonuses, first-deposit bonuses, free spins, and bonus bets.
No-Deposit Bonus
Some online casinos offer no-deposit bonuses, which are starter funds to play on the site when you register. This is a great way to try out a site without risking any of your own money.
First-Deposit Bonus
The most common type of signup bonus is the first-deposit bonus. Most casinos offer some form of this, usually by matching your first deposit with a 100% match up to a specified amount.
Free Spins
Some sites offer free spins at their slot machines upon signup, usually in combination with one of the other promotions listed.
Bonus Bets Play
Some online casinos offer bonus bets, typically with a time constraint and up to a certain amount. Your net losses will be reimbursed with site credit.
The best real-money online casino bonuses depend on the type of game you want to play and how much you’re interested in wagering. My advice is that you should never increase the amount you were already planning to deposit based on a bonus. Just find a bonus that suits the amount you want to play with anyway, and enjoy the free gaming fun!
How to Sign Up for a Real Money Casino Site
Signing up for online casinos is quite easy and usually takes only a few minutes. While some sites will request varying levels of information, the general process is usually the same and only takes a few steps to complete:
- Go to the online casino website and navigate to the Sign Up section.
- Fill out registration information (typically asks for contact info like name, address, email, and SSN)
- Agree to the site’s terms of service and receive a confirmation email for your records.
- Deposit funds by choosing a banking method and amount. You’ll often receive a bonus amount with your first deposit as well, depending on the site.
- Then you’re good to go!
Whichever casino you choose, don’t forget to check out our guides and bespoke links to claim sign-up bonuses and more!
Location Verification - What Is GeoComply?
Regulators require operators to use geolocation technology and the law requires you to play for real money within a legal state’s borders. If you are playing on a mobile device, your location must be enabled, but in most cases, this is all you will need to do when it comes to location verification.
If you are using your desktop computer or laptop, you may need to add GeoComply to your device. GeoComply detects location fraud and helps verify a user’s true digital identity.
Most times, when you create a new account at an online casino, you will be prompted to download GeoComply on your computer. The process is quick and won’t be much of a delay, but it is required.
Payment Options
Most online casinos have several payment options available for both deposits and withdrawals. This provides a certain level of flexibility for those interested in gambling online that brick-and-mortar casinos do not typically offer.
At most casinos, cash is the only way to play, but online is an entirely different ball game. Skip the ATM fees and go the paperless route by playing online if you choose.
Credit Cards
Almost every online casino currently accepts credit cards as a method of payment. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted, depending on the casino.
Debit Cards
Another common way to pay for virtual currency in online gambling is via a debit card. Similar to a credit card, most deposits with debit cards carry a fee, depending on the casino. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted at most casinos.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are also typically accepted by online casinos. Because of their similarity to debit cards, they represent an easy way to deposit money into an online casino. Most major credit card companies, namely Visa, American Express, and MasterCard, sell prepaid cards at your local grocery store.
Play+
Play+ is a method of payment that is not nearly as common as the three types above, but is still utilized by many online gamblers for convenience. A Play+ card is essentially a prepaid card that can be used to withdraw at casino ATMs. Play+ is directly partnered with Discover.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most common payment services in the world and is utilized by many online casinos for instant transfers to and from players.
Skrill
Skrill is a payment service that acts as a virtual wallet for money transfers and online payments. Skrill also has Skrill-Visa prepaid debit cards available for purchase.
Bank Transfers
As expected, bank transfers that are cleared through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) are eligible as a form of deposit.
Check
At some online casinos, checks are available as a form of payment, both as an online form and an in-person deposit method.
Cash At The Casino Cage
Most online casinos are directly associated with major free-standing casinos. These casinos accept in-person cash payment, which is then deposited into your online account with them.
I’d recommend checking out our guides to find out about deposit and withdrawal methods before creating your account. This means you’ll make an informed choice about the best casino for your needs the first time!
Real Money Online Casino Games
There is a wide variety of online casino games offered on most platforms, including the following:
Slots
The age-old slot machine is now online. A favorite for many, slots are a simple way to gamble and choose your own level of risk. There are high-limit slot machines on some platforms, but all platforms have low-limit slots.
Video Poker
Almost all casinos have some form of video poker available at their locations, and they are now online as well. Traditional games like Jacks or Better, where a pair of jacks or better gets you paid back a credit, are the most common games found online today.
Blackjack
One of the most popular casino games in existence, the classic game of 21 or blackjack, is available online as well. Many online casinos are now also offering live dealer games of blackjack, which helps provide a casino-like atmosphere.
Roulette
The ultimate game of chance, roulette, is available at almost every legal and legit online casino in the US.
Craps
Craps are making their way more and more into the online casino library. Some may feel that craps is complicated, but it is fairly easy to learn the basics.
Baccarat
All variations of baccarat can be found at every major online casino. This is a game based primarily on luck, but it is fun and quite exciting.
Three Card Poker
Three-card poker, one of the more popular table games, can be played digitally or as a live dealer game.
Live Dealer Games
Major online casinos are now holding live dealer games that include, but are not limited to, blackjack, Texas Hold ’em (table game version), and three-card poker. This is a cool feature for anyone wanting a hint of the ‘live gambling’ sensation that is usually only experienced in person at casinos.
Slots are by far the most popular games, but there’s a huge variety of gaming options out there. Our comprehensive casino guides provide all you need to know, so check them out!
Future of Real Money Online Sites in the U.S.
While the pool of states currently allowing online casinos to operate under licensing is slim, the number could be increasing in the near future. Many states are succumbing to the high level of interest in online gambling and are looking to institute their own legislation regarding the matter, some in a matter of months.
Online Gambling Regulations in the US
Arizona and Florida are among the states that are close to enabling online gambling, but there are still hills to climb from a legislative point of view. As more and more states look towards the future, it’s possible that the United States as a whole will begin to allow online gambling.
You can check back to this page as well as each of our individual casino guides to find out the latest about where online casinos are permitted in the US. We’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news!
Best Online Casino with Real Cash Payouts: Verdict
My picks for the best online casinos with real cash payouts are BetMGM and DraftKings Casino. BetMGM has an excellent welcome offer, an extensive range of games, and first-class withdrawal methods. Meanwhile, DraftKings is one of the only online real-money casinos that offers a $5 minimum deposit limit. This makes it appealing to new players.
Casinos that pay out cash should always have excellent withdrawal methods, a wide range of games, and bonuses to keep players incentivized, such as free spins. There are numerous great real-money online casinos in the US, so I recommend trying out casinos that offer your favorite game types and payment methods that suit your needs.
Consider trying a sweepstakes casino if you’re new to slots before making a deposit at a real-money casino. There’s always plenty of time to learn and plenty of fun to be had. As always, happy gaming!
Best Real Money Casinos FAQ
Find even more help with choosing the best real-money casino with our frequently asked questions.
