Best Online Casinos for Real Money

Jane Shaw By Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US Updated: November 29, 2024
Jane Shaw Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Best Online Casino Sites for December 2024

We've tested and evaluated the top legal real money online casinos in the US. We've focused on important factors such as payment options, deposit and withdrawal security, transaction speed, games variety, and bonus fairness. Discover our top picks for 2024 in the table below.

Casinos Welcome Bonus Type Slots All Games Excluded States Rating Secure Link Terms
Up to 250 Million Gold Coins + Free 25,000 Stake Cash Sweepstakes 1,000+ 1,020+ 4.96/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except New York, Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, Kentucky, Vermont, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
2,000,000 coins Social 200+ 200+ 4.95/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Rhode Island, Tennesse, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
Get Up To 200 GC + 40 SC + 100 Diamonds! Social & Sweepstakes 513 513 4.95/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to 100,000 Free Coins Sweepstakes 300+ 300+ 4.95/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
100,000 Crown Coins Social & Sweepstakes 170+ 350+ 4.90/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Washington, Montana, Louisiana. Full T&Cs apply.
Exclusive Discount Coin Packs Sweepstakes 1,330+ 1,340+ 4.90/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Michigan, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Sweepstakes Coins Social 556 558 4.80/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
10,000 Coins + 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins Social 220 280 4.75/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 18+ in all states except Alabama, Geordia, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
Daily Free Virtual Credits Social 500 600 4.75/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Michigan, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.
Get 500 Free Virtual Credits Social 800 900 4.70/5 Play Now! Valid only for new players 21+ in all states except Idaho, Michigan, and Washington. Full T&Cs apply.

Top 5 Online Casinos at a Glance

Most top online casinos allow you to play for real money, which makes it harder to choose the best option for you. We’ve ranked them all, looked at what makes them stand out, and summarized the most important information.

BetMGM
Best online casino for real money
Caesars Palace Online Casino
Generous welcome offer and rewards program
Betway
Recommended for playing table games
Borgata
Biggest selection of online slots
BetRivers
Top-rated real money casino app

You can choose from the suggested casinos based on your priorities as a player. You can proceed without worries because we verified they operate legally in the US. We've highlighted their biggest strengths, but in our online casino reviews, we explain in detail how they outperform their competitors.

BetMGM: Best Overall Online Casino

We agreed that BetMGM is the best online casino because it combines many games, fair bonuses, and user-friendly navigation. As a new customer, you can claim an offer with low wagering requirements and play games from NetEnt, IGT, and other reputable developers. Payouts are approved within 24 hours, and you can withdraw via convenient payment methods like PayPal and VIP Preferred eCheck. Besides, BetMGM casino became Operator of the Year at the 2022 and 2023 EGR North America Awards, and that's the most prestigious industry recognition.

Caesars Palace Online Casino: Many Promotions

You'll be treated like a royal at Caesars Palace Online Casino. By signing up, you become eligible for a generous first deposit match and can sign up for the Caesars Rewards program, which is available in NJ, PA, MI, and WV. Most of the games are slots and a generous portion of progressive jackpots like Cleopatra, while table games have wide betting limits and are suitable for high rollers. Another benefit is withdrawals take up to 3 business days via debit cards or up to 5 business days via eCheck and online banking.

Betway: Classic Table Games

One of Betway's most attractive features is the table game selection. Players in NJ and PA can try fun variations of roulette and several blackjack games, including American Roulette and Multihand Blackjack Surrender. The platform offers a well-equipped live dealers' lobby with baccarat, craps, and other table games, accepting wagers from $1.00. You can play any of these games with Betway's welcome bonus - it's valid for 30 days after depositing to your account. You can pay via debit cards or e-wallets like Skill and PayPal.

Borgata: Perfect for Slots Fans

Launched in 2013, Borgata was the first online casino to obtain a license in New Jersey, followed by an expansion in Pennsylvania. Today, it's become a synonym for quality, and its slot selection deserves your attention. Jackpot slots have a dedicated spot in the library, with exclusive options like Melon Madness Megaways. We like that all players who claim the welcome offer also receive extra cash with 1x wagering requirements. Featured payment methods include Visa, Discover, and Apple Pay, to mention a few.

BetRivers: Best for Mobile Play

Available in four states (NJ, MI, PA, and WV), BetRivers is the place to go for seamless mobile play. The platform has a great iOS app, rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, where players confirm payouts are quick and processed within 24 hours. The wagering requirements for the welcome bonus are the lowest possible, just 1x. We also appreciate the casino supports reliable payment methods like PayPal, VIP Preferred, and Cash at Cage.

How Do We Choose the Best Casinos?

Our ranking process includes looking at some crucial factors to determine which casino is truly the best option. First, we go over licensing and security details. Then, we look at available gaming options, bonuses, mobile casino apps, payment methods, and withdrawal speed.

Bonus
20%
Banking
15%
Games
20%
Apps
15%
Support
15%
Other
20%

When playing at top online casinos for real money, some features may be more important than others. For example, payout speed and payment methods might matter more than game selection. To make sure you're making a well-informed decision, learn more about how we rate.

Bonuses and Wagering Requirements

All casinos offer welcome bonuses exclusive to new customers. These often are deposit matches and could include free spins or a no-deposit bonus. While existing customers can't take advantage of them, there are many promotions for regulars, such as reload bonuses or loyalty programs. Before we list any bonus offer, we carefully read the terms and conditions.

We evaluate the bonus amount and minimum deposit, followed by wagering requirements, validity, and eligible games. When you research on your own, you should do the same. Pay special attention to the wagering requirements - the best online casino bonuses have a playthrough below 15x. Such an offer is currently available at BetRivers.

Banking and Payments

Whatever your preferred payment method is, you'll find it at the best real money online casinos. You can deposit via debit card, credit card, prepaid card, e-wallet, online banking, and eCheck. All these payment methods, except prepaid cards, are eligible for withdrawals. Below, we listed each casino's most used banking option.

Note that even the best online casinos that payout instantly take time to approve your withdrawal request. That should take no more than 24 - 48 hours, after which money is sent to you. One of the fastest ways to receive your winnings is through PayPal, which will take up to an hour after customer support approval. In comparison, online banking could take several business days but can process larger sums up to $100,000.

App Experience

Most players gamble from their mobile devices[3], so we prioritize casino apps that perform well on iOS and Android. We know how frustrating it is to interrupt your favorite game because the mobile app lags. To avoid that, before listing the best casino apps, we download and test them to make sure they have user-friendly interfaces and excellent customer feedback.

Customer Service

Customer service reflects how an online casino treats its players. We pick platforms that offer multiple support channels, including live chat, phone, and email. Most support teams, including BetMGM's, are available 24/7 in case you need help with account verification, payouts, game rules, or other issues. FAQ sections are also helpful, so check for information about responsible gambling, payments, privacy policy, and safety details.

Game Selection

After meeting the safety criteria, we have some fun testing the game libraries. Our experience shows that players appreciate various games, which is why we try to satisfy all preferences. For any casino to appear in our list, it has to offer a good range of slots and card games, with at least several real dealer tables.

US Casino Games Description Play at
Luck-based casino games featuring spinning reels with symbols, offering payouts based on matching combinations. They often have bonus features. BetRiversLearn More! BetMGMLearn More!
A card game with a low house edge where players aim to beat the dealer by having a hand totaling 21 or less. BetMGMLearn More! Caesars PalaceLearn More!
Poker is a card game where players bet on hand rankings, using strategy and skill to win chips or money. BorgataLearn More! BetMGMLearn More!
A high-RTP game of chance where you bet on numbers or colors, predicting the ball's landing spot on the roulette wheel. BorgataLearn More! Caesars PalaceLearn More!
A card game in which you bet on the player, banker, or tie and try to get a hand closest to nine. Suitable for strategic gameplay. Party CasinoLearn More! BetRiversLearn More!

Having access to more games is important because it allows you to try different variations with innovative rules and features. For example, blackjack games come with side bets and different numbers of decks, which makes their house edge vary. If you're a fan of slots, you'll be able to try games with fun storylines and features like cascading reels, multipliers, and free spins.

4.9/5
4.8/5
4.9/5

Where Can You Play at the Best Casino Sites?

Due to local gambling regulations, we have chosen platforms from several US states. Some are available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania only, while others have expanded their services to Michigan and West Virginia. The gambling scene is constantly evolving, and we stay updated with the latest movements to keep you informed.

Considering many states already have legal sports betting, we expect more jurisdictions to legalize iGaming. We observed dynamic changes over the last two decades, with several states already eased restrictions regarding online casinos. A transition to legal iGaming will benefit players and states, as highlighted by experts at Houlihan Lokey[4], with states gaining additional tax revenue.

Until then, we strongly advise you to respect the law and not try to access the casinos from states where online gambling isn't permitted. Take your safety seriously and double-check if the chosen casino is legal in your area of residence.

Before you register at the best online casino for real money, make sure your state allows it. The legality of different types of gambling in the US varies by state[1], with only seven states allowing online casino sites. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut. The iGaming sector has seen a 25.9% year-over-year growth (May 2023 - May 2024)[2], necessitating increased attention from regulators.

The recommended legal casino sites are licensed for the jurisdictions they operate in. Each state has its own regulatory body: the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, the PA Gaming Control Board, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and the WV Lottery Commission, to name a few. You can check all casino licenses on the official state regulator's website.

Responsible Gambling

We take this occasion to remind you that gambling is a serious issue. If you or someone you know needs support, there are several ways to take action. The American Gaming Association[5] reminds us that all legal gaming platforms must offer self-exclusion programs, deposit and spending limits, and time trackers. You can also contact the National Council on Problem Gambling for free help and advice.

Gamblers Anonymous organizes weekly support groups, but you can also contact the casino staff to sign up for self-exclusion programs. Licensed casinos, such as those in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia, follow responsible gambling practices and monitor player activity to prevent eventual harm.

100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House
Learn More! Valid only for players over 21 years of age. Available for new verified accounts only, opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. $25 FREEPLAY® available for three (3) days after completion of new account registration. 100% deposit мatch $1,000 FREEPLAY® will equal first deposit and is available for 30 days (at BetMGM Casino only and cannot be used on Poker or Sports). Full terms and conditions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best online casinos in the US?

We cover different aspects to select the best online casinos - fair play, game variety, fast payments, and mobile play. Each casino has unique strengths, such as BetMGM's low wagering welcome offer and BetRiver's mobile app with fast payouts.

What is the #1 online casino to play at for real money?

As we mentioned in our listing of the top 5 online casinos, each casino is best in some aspect. One offers more online slots, while another has a better table games section. The best online casino for real money has to match your preferences, so we gave you several options to choose from.

Are the top online casinos available across all states?

We selected from states with legal online casinos, such as New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Some platforms are available in all states, while others are available in one or two. Should one of the casinos extend its offering to other jurisdictions, we'll keep you updated.

Can I play at the best casino sites from my phone?

You can play on the recommended platforms from all mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. Before listing the casinos, we test the mobile gaming experience to confirm they perform well on iOS and Android. We look for easy navigation, gameplay without interruptions, and availability of the same features as on a desktop.

Do the best online casinos for real money offer no-deposit bonuses?

A no-deposit bonus as a separate offer is rather rare. However, while evaluating the bonuses and wagering requirements, we found several casinos offering first-deposit matches with a small portion of free cash. Such no-deposit bonuses rarely exceed $20, but that's enough to give the casino a try.

How old do I have to be to play at real money online casinos?

US online gambling laws vary, but in most states, you need to be 21 years old to gamble online. One of the responsible gambling practices licensed casinos are required to follow is to prevent minors from gambling. When creating an account, you'll need to verify it by providing proof of your identity.
Jane Shaw
Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US

When speaking of gambling tech, Jane is our specialist. She's our slots expert, and with her B.S. in Engineering, you can rely on her to explain complicated game mechanics. Keeping up with casino trends, she'll update you on the latest games and innovative features.

More about Jane

References

  1. (May 2024), State of the States 2024 (PDF), American Gaming Association, Retrieved July 19, 2024
  2. (July 11, 2024), AGA Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, American Gaming Association, Retrieved July 19, 2024
  3. Retail Technology Innovation Hub, The use of innovative technology in the online casino industry, Retrieved November 11, 2023
  4. 2023 U.S. Digital Gambling Outlook (PDF), Houlihan Lokey, Retrieved November 11, 2023
  5. (September 1, 2022), Responsible Gaming Regulations and Statutes Guide, American Gaming Association, Retrieved November 11, 2023