Does demo mode still challenge you, or do you need the thought of a big payday to experience the thrill of the game? Whatever your risk tolerance is, don’t leave demo mode behind without learning about the best real money online casinos currently available in the United States.
At present, real money online casinos are legal in just six U.S. states including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Each of these states is home to a number of real money online casino platforms, often making it difficult for players to decide where they want to take their patronage.
The following article breaks down each operator’s welcome bonus, casino games, accessibility, and much more in hopes of helping users narrow down which real money online casino site is the best choice for their needs.
From an excellent user experience and a large selection of games to various payment options and strong customer service, we have high expectations when ranking our best real money online casinos. Rankings are based on various criteria, including reliable apps, big bonuses, fast withdrawals, high-quality slots, and fair games.
Trustworthy, safe, and secure, our top 10 real money online casinos are regulated and licensed to operate in their respective states. Without further ado, let’s get into the list:
| Rank | Betting Site | Bonus | Legal in | Bet Now |
| 1. | BetMGM Casino | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 + $25 on the House (NJ, MI, PA)
100% Deposit Match up to $2500 + $50 on the House + 50 Free Spins (WV) |
New customers only. Must be 21+. NJ, MI, PA and WV only. Full T&C apply. Promotional Offers Not Available in New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico | Visit BetMGM |
| 2. | Caesars Palace Online Casino | Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points!or
Get $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000! |
Must be 21+ and physically present in MI, NJ, PA and WV only. New users and first deposit only. Wager $25+ to receive 2,500 Reward Credits. Max. deposit-match bonus of $2,500. Minimum wagering within 7 days required to unlock bonuses. Full terms and wagering requirements at Caesarspalaceonline.com/promos. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? MI: Call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117; NJ, WV, PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or WV: Visit 1800gambler.net; ON: Visit connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247. ©2023, Caesars Entertainment Casino app & website available in MI, NJ, PA and WV only Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLERMA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
Must be 21+ and physically present in MI, NJ, PA and WV only. New users and first deposit only. Wager $25+ to receive 2,500 Reward Credits. Max deposit match bonus of $1,000. Minimum wagering within 7 days required to unlock bonuses. NJ bonuses apply to slot play only. Full terms and wagering requirements at Caesarspalaceonline.com/promos. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? MI: Call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117; NJ, WV, PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or WV: Visit 1800gambler.net |
Visit Caesars |
| 3. | bet365 Casino | Get a Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets! | 21+ | New NJ Customers only. T&Cs apply. | Visit bet365 |
| 4. | FanDuel Casino | Deposit $10, Get $20 In Site Credit & Play It Again $1000 | New casino users only, 21+. Must be physically present in MI, NJ, PA and WV. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Full T&C apply. | Visit FanDuel |
| 5. | Borgata Casino |
Up to $1,000 First Deposit Match + $20 Bonus | 21+ | New NJ, PA Customers only. T&Cs apply. | Visit Borgata |
| 6. | Golden Nugget Online Casino | Deposit $5 Get $50 in Casino Credits! | New players only. Must be 21+ and present in PA, MI, WV only. Void in NJ. Full T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER | Visit Golden Nugget |
A single company in a vast internet gambling empire, BetMGM Casino stays on top with 1,500+ of the hottest games, craziest live competitions, and juiciest bonuses. You’re in the right place if money is your primary motive. BetMGM Casino awarded its players over $100 million in progressive jackpot payouts last year.
The casino recently upgraded its mobile app and website, adding new search options, easier-to-use navigation, and more. The app’s loading speed has improved over the second half of 2023 by over 25% based on Google’s performance testing data. Another recent upgrade to the platform allows players to travel across state lines using one account.
Sports-themed games are action-packed and exclusive to players inside New Jersey borders. But keep your expectations low because they’re mainly for entertainment. Although the New York Jets QB Blast Lucky Tap (96.68% RTP) and New York Jets Big Kick (96.73% RTP) have above-average RTPs, the titles below have them beat:
In August 2023, Caesars Entertainment officially unveiled its rebranded real money online casino product, Caesars Palace Online Casino. Formerly known as Caesars Casino, the company decided to separate its online casino platform from its highly-recognizable Caesars Sportsbook, and now offers online casino games in select states on a standalone mobile app and website.
Caesars Digital is smashing year-over-year revenue numbers for the first nine months of 2023. Up 115.1%, Caesars’ CEO gives much of the credit to the new Caesars Palace Online Casino and mobile app. The standalone app is shared by players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.
The rate of downloads and website visitors has been gaining momentum since the new platform launched this summer. Caesars Palace Online Casino partners with first-rate software developers, including IGT, NetEnt and Scientific Games. The casino capitalizes on its famous name by offering branded versions of hit games like Caesars Cleopatra and Caesars Palace Slingo. The new Caesars Palace Online Casino offers more than 650 games, including the high RTP titles below:
bet365 Casino provides a sanctuary for players put off by big-name casinos. Two hundred or so games give players options without overwhelming them with too many choices. bet365 Casino stays up-to-date on the most popular titles, featuring player favorites like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest and Cleopatra Gold. More than 25 exclusive slots are produced in-house by bet365 Games. The same popular game library is available on the bet365 Casino app for iOS or Android.
The game stats you need are a mouse click away on bet365 Casino. Click on the information (i) icon, and an on-screen display will reveal vital statistics, including RTP, volatility level, number of reels and number of lines. It’s critical to search for high RTP slots and video poker games. You can start by giving the games below a try:
More than 100 new and exclusive games keep things fresh at FanDuel Casino. Offering 1,000 slots and table games, FanDuel Casino is best known for its 24/7 live dealer casino by Evolution Gaming. The casino live streams blackjack, roulette, and more in real-time with a human dealer. FanDuel’s unrivaled live dealer experience offers the thrill of real-world casino gambling anywhere you can legally connect.
A September 2023 ad campaign introduced the highly-anticipated new version of one of IGT PlayDigital’s most popular games. Fort Knox Cleopatra for PC and mobile adds a new progressive jackpot to the mix. The latest version of the highly-rated FanDuel Casino app is intuitive, easy to use, and bug-free. It features a similar selection of games as its desktop site, including the high RTP options below:
With a wealth of online gaming experience and more than 2,500 titles, Borgata Casino is an influential player in a highly competitive industry. Known for its massive jackpots, Borgata Casino recently paid out a $3 million progressive. A New Jersey player, who prefers to remain anonymous, won the money in October 2023 after betting $2 on Bison Fury.
When it’s not making players’ dreams come true, Borgata Casino is dreaming up innovative promotions to attract new users. One of a handful of real money online casinos currently offering a no deposit bonus, Borgata Casino awards new players $20 in Bonus Dollars for creating an account. The bonus is subject to a low 1x playthrough, and some high RTP games like the ones below may not count towards your wagering requirements:
The Golden Nugget Online Casino website has a striking black and gold color scheme with gold stars revealing each game’s rating. Players give high marks to the promotions offered at Golden Nugget Casino. For example, when a friend you refer deposits $100, you’re each awarded $100 in Casino Credits.
Refer-a-friend and other bonuses are available on mobile as well as desktop. Players from four states download separate apps rather than gambling on a unified one. The Golden Nugget Online Casino app features nearly the same great library of more than 1,500 games as the desktop site. Filters allow players to sort games by name, type, rating, theme, and max payout. The games below are entertaining with high RTPs:
With more than 1,000 games on PC and mobile, Ocean Casino has been on an upswing since it launched in New Jersey five years ago. Powered by UK software developer GAN, the platform provides a seamless gaming experience. Ocean’s library of games is divided into 11 categories, including the NJ Top 20. It’s made up of 20 of the most popular slots by Light & Wonder, NetEnt, IGT, and Everi Interactive.
With priceless real estate on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean Casino Resort went digital in 2018. Ocean Casino launched in New Jersey shortly after Ocean Casino Resort’s re-opening in June. The app has its share of critics, but an equal number of fans are showing support, calling Ocean Casino “the best online casino,” “an excellent experience,” and “a phenomenal site.” Check out some high payout games on Ocean Casino below:
Bally Casino features more than 300 games, including some you may not find elsewhere, such as High Stakes Single Deck Blackjack. Short-stacked games favor the player and are a favorite of card counters. The closest you can come to breaking even is this 3:2 blackjack game, which has an astounding 99.91% RTP, assuming you play perfect basic strategy.
As one of the newest legal real money online casinos, Bally Casino launched in 2022 in New Jersey and 2023 in Pennsylvania. It is also already a heavyweight in the Rhode Island gaming industry, and the state’s iGaming bill gives Bally exclusive authority over all of Rhode Island’s online casino operations. The website and app feature games by Bally Technologies, IGT, NetEnt and more. Check out the following action-packed high RTP games at Bally Casino:
With dozens of casino brands competing for dominance, it’s surprising that DraftKings Casino is one of the few investing in the Connecticut market. Just two real money online casinos have launched since online gambling legislation passed about 18 months ago. Meanwhile, DraftKings Casino has websites and mobile apps in four other states. Unlike Golden Nugget Online Casino, DraftKings Casino offers a standalone app that’s shareable by all players.
DraftKings Casino has a Get $35 in Casino Credits + a 100% Deposit Match up to $100 welcome offer for those in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
DraftKings Casino also offers an impressive portfolio of around 1,600 games. The DraftKings brand has a dominating presence, with 51 games bearing its name. Most games are sports-themed, with many being innovative games like table games with progressive jackpots. For the best odds, though, we found a few fun, high RTP games to try on DraftKings Casino:
Still in its infancy, PlayStar Casino launched in New Jersey in August 2022. Ever since, the online casino operator has established itself as “one of the fastest-growing online casinos in that market,” according to PlayStar Gaming Group. Following its first year of US operations, a new investor stepped in with the money to move forward with the company’s aggressive expansion plans.
PlayStar received $15 million in exchange for 37.5% ownership over time. This partnership with the Glitnor Group opens up new growth opportunities never before possible. Opportunities are only available because players keep coming back to PlayStar Casino. The real money online casino offers 349 games, including over a dozen live dealer tables running 24/7. Plans for PlayStar Casino to enter the Pennsylvania market are currently on hold. If you like rock-and-roll, you’ll love the high RTP slots below:
While there is an abundance of lucrative new-user signup bonuses on offer at each of the real money online casinos mentioned above, each brand also does a great job of showering its existing users with additional incentives and bonus opportunities.
Check out the best existing user promotions currently available at some of our top real money online casino sites:
One of the few aspects of casino games a gambler has control over is selecting a slot with a high return-to-player (RTP). RTP is the payout percentage or the amount the casino pays back to the player in the long run. For example, with a 97% RTP, the casino returns $97 out of every $100 wagered over time. Anything can happen in the short run, but a $3 loss is ultimately standard.
Online progressive jackpots in the $2.5 million range are standard in 2024, but there’s a trade-off. In exchange for larger jackpots, progressives usually have lower RTPs and higher volatility than ordinary slots. The chances of hitting a progressive jackpot are between 50 and 100 million to one. However, if you can manage the risk, the slots below have above-average RTPs for progressives:
Online slots are so appealing because you can win life-changing money off a wager as small as $1. Slots are 100% luck-based, so you can’t improve your odds. You can, however, boost your chances of winning. Try exclusively playing the highest denominations you can comfortably afford, avoiding branded games and playing high RTP titles like the ones below:
Players are drawn to video poker because it’s a game of skill with some of the best odds in the casino. Online video poker games typically return around 99%, assuming your basic strategy is flawless. Basic strategy charts are available online and in casino gift shops. For the greatest advantage, only play games with the highest payout percentages, such as the Game King options below:
The house edge, or house advantage, is the percentage of a player’s initial bet that the casino keeps over time. A low percentage means the casino only has a slight edge. For example, the house collects an average of 1% in profits when you play Mega Joker with a low 1% house edge. The house advantage is low when you play the following 10 casino-style games:
Video Poker House Edge(Jacks or Better): 0.46%
Live Dealer Blackjack by Microgaming House Edge: 0.512%
Super Fun 21 House Edge: 0.94%
Mega Joker House Edge: 1%
Baccarat House Edge (Banker): 1.06%
Craps House Edge (Pass/Come): 1.41%
Pai Gow Poker House Edge: 1.46%
Blood Suckers House Edge: 2%
Live Dealer Casino Hold ’em by Evolution Gaming House Edge: 2.16%
European Roulette House Edge: 2.70%
Online sports betting is legal in more than half the country, but only six states have embraced real money online casino gambling. Despite a painstakingly slow legalization process, the U.S. online casino industry is enjoying record profits. In April 2024, Rhode Island is scheduled to become the seventh state to introduce online casino gambling.
Despite failed attempts to legalize real money online casinos in New York in 2022 and 2023, proponents of the 2024 legislation are optimistic. Nearly a dozen online casino sites are already partnering with land-based establishments to provide gambling online on a date yet to be determined. BetMGM Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, FanDuel Casino, and others are awaiting the outcome of the upcoming legislative session. A vote in favor of Senator Joseph Addabbo’s proposed bill would give more than 16 million New York residents of legal age access to online gambling.
Until that day comes, however, U.S-based online casino players will only be able to play legal, regulated online casino games in the following iGaming states:
New Jersey helped pave the way for a decade-long online gambling boom. Real money online casino games have been legal in the Garden State since 2013. With 33 reputable online casinos, New Jersey is the most competitive legal U.S. online casino market. Online casinos are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Only two real money online casinos are licensed to operate in Connecticut, where online gambling has been legal since 2021. Fierce competitors, DraftKings Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino, powered by FanDuel, are vying for first place in a two-player market. In this situation, casinos may offer oversized bonuses to poach players from their rival site.
After a rocky start, Pennsylvania has skyrocketed to the second-best online casino market in the U.S. Golden Nugget Online Casino is the most recent out of 21 online casinos to launch in the state. Online casino operators injected over $1 billion in gaming revenue into the state economy in the first half of 2023 alone.
In 2021, Michigan lawmakers legalized real money online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting all in one full swoop. A boost to the economy, 15 licensed online casinos have set up shop in the Wolverine State. Revenue hit an all-time high last year, up 22% vs. 2022. Michigan’s online gaming revenue is reliant on a 20% tiered tax that maxes out at 28%.
Mainstream betting sites like BetMGM Casino and Caesars Palace Online Casino aren’t available in Delaware, even though online gambling has been legal there since 2012. The state lottery regulates three real money online casinos and three online poker sites, but online casino operators in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already expressed interest in expansion.
West Virginia online casinos recently set a new revenue record. They generated $18 million in revenue in a single month in 2023. BetMGM, FanDuel, and Golden Nugget are a few of the highest earners in the Mountaineer State. Online gambling in West Virginia is subject to a 15% tax.
Most players gamble for real money as a recreational activity. On the contrary, a small minority of advantage players make their livings as professional gamblers. Whether you’re an amateur or a master, real money casino games offer a thrilling experience. Some of the benefits are listed below:
Something about having real money at stake gives gamblers an adrenaline rush. But, for the sake of their bankrolls, it’s recommended players start in demo mode. Every title, aside from Live Dealer games, is free for players to use for practice. Here are a handful of reasons not to commit funds to a real money online casino:
The payout rate is often the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a real money online casino. A casino’s payout rate reveals the amount of an average player’s total wagers that will be returned over time. In the online gaming sphere, BetMGM Casino and Golden Nugget Online Casino are two of the best payout online casinos.
Can’t wait to get your hands on one of those juicy bonuses most casinos are promoting? The first step is to open an account. While the exact steps may vary based on each specific casino, here’s what to expect in general from the registration process:
In a society where firewalls and SSL digital encryption keep hackers at bay, financial transactions conducted on legal U.S. online casinos are secure. With safety concerns alleviated, consider the ease and length of time it takes to transfer money with different payment methods. Research any possible fees and ensure the casino offers enough payment methods to satisfy your needs. Some of the most common banking options are listed below:
While most players are gambling responsibly, we all have the potential to become addicted. Online casinos offer preventative measures such as maximum limits for individual wagers and deposits to help players avoid this fate. Other tools used to discourage players from developing a gambling problem include taking a timeout for up to six months or self-exclusion, which is a voluntary ban for at least a year.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with a gambling problem, you can connect with the National Council on Problem Gambling in a variety of ways:
Here are some related questions and answers to learn more about the best real money online casinos:
BetMGM Casino is the best legal real money casino in the U.S. Close runner-ups include Caesars Palace Online Casino, bet365 Casino, FanDuel Casino and Borgata Casino. We feel confident in recommending all of the online casinos discussed in this review.
The return-to-player (RTP) percentage measures how well a game is expected to pay out in the long run. For example, a slot game with a 96% RTP will return an expected $96 out of every $100 wagered over time. Ultimately, the player assumes an average loss of $4 per $100 wagered.
Yes! While it’s critical to use caution when funding your online casino account when you play on licensed and regulated online casinos, your financial and personal data is protected. They make use of the most advanced security encryption software to defend against cybercriminals.
Withdrawal speed depends on the banking method selected and the payment process at your online casino. Cashing out can take a few seconds to a few days. To get your money in minutes, stop by the casino cage to process your withdrawal in person. Another fast option is to transfer funds into popular e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill to appear in your account instantly.
After launching legal online sports betting in 2022, New York online casino supporters are optimistic about 2024 iGaming legislation. Online sports betting is already bringing in record profits, and legal online casinos could generate billions more in annual revenue. More than a dozen online casinos are ready to launch as soon as they’re given the green light.
The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all types of gambling activities in the state. The commission licenses and oversees casinos, retail/online sportsbooks, racetracks, Tribal Casinos, state lottery terminals, and more. Despite the state’s legal status, 13 online casinos are already licensed with the New York State Gaming Commission.
