Best Online Casinos in the USA | Trusted Real Money Casino Sites December 2025

Written by

Larry Henry

Larry Henry

Expertise

• Gaming industry, Casinos, Sports betting

Experience

Larry has decades of experience in the U.S. gambling industry, with a deep understanding of how casinos operate and evolve under changing regulations.Drawing on years of insight from Las Vegas and beyond - including work with the Las Vegas Sun, Reno Gazette-Journal and KFSM-TV 5NEWS - he specialises in uncovering the stories, trends and decisions that drive the casino industry across North America.

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Larry Henry

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Fact Checked by

Tim Williams

Tim Williams

Expertise

• Table Games, Slots, Bingo

Experience

Online Casino Expert

Tim has 15+ years experience in the gambling industry across multiple countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Spain and Sweden.

Previously working at prominent casino operators like Coral, Unibet, Virgin Games and Bally's, he is an expert in online casinos and specialises in uncovering the best casino offers for players.

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Tim Williams

What is an Online Casino?

An online casino is a website or mobile app where you can play games like slots, blackjack and roulette for real money. 

To get started, you'll need to sign up. Most sites offer bonuses and free spins to attract new players.

Casino games are either powered by random number generator (RNG) software or run by real dealers via a live video stream, giving you different ways to play.

Online casinos are popular for their convenience, wide game selection and frequent promotions.

Are Casino Sites Safe?

Casino sites are safe when they’re properly licensed and regulated.

Reputable US online casinos are licensed by state gaming authorities, which enforce strict standards for data protection, secure payments and fair play.

These casinos protect your personal and financial details with SSL encryption, and their games are independently tested for randomness and fairness.

Stick to trusted, licensed sites and you can play with confidence.

What Are the Best Online Casinos in the USA?

The best online casinos in the USA are those that combine reputable licensing, a strong selection of games, fast and reliable payouts, and generous bonuses. Whether you prefer slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, or live dealer games, the right real money online casino should suit your personal preferences and playing style.

We’ve highlighted the top choices across key categories to help you find US online casino sites that match what you're looking for.

Best Online Casinos for Slots

Every casino site features a selection of online slots, but some stand out to our slot experts and Gambling.com users for their variety of exclusive games, huge progressive jackpots and slot promotions:

Our Top Pick - Caesars Palace Casino

Caesars features one of the largest slot collections in the US, highlighted by a diverse range of progressive jackpots such as Mega Jackpots, which is currently offering a prize of almost $750,000.

Launched 2013

Caesars Palace Casino Review

$10 on Reg + $1,000 Deposit Match
Promo Code: GDCLAUNCH

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Best Online Casinos for Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular choices among US casino players. Our research highlights the following blackjack sites as offering the widest selection of both traditional and specialized variants:

Our Top Pick - Golden Nugget Casino

Golden Nugget offers one of the largest collections of traditional blackjack games for online casino real money players in the United States. They also feature multiple exciting variations like Match the Dealer Blackjack, where players can place a side bet and win up to 28:1 by matching the dealer's face-up cards.

Launched 1948

Golden Nugget Casino Review

New Players: Get 250 Spins Over 10 Days on Huff N’ Puff games + Spin for a Chance at up to $100,000 in Casino Credits

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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void in ONT. 1 per new customer. Opt-in req. Min. $5 in wagers req. Get max. 250 Casino Spins for featured game AND Mystery Spin Bonus. Spin Bonus rewards between $10-$100,000 in Casino Credits. Spins issued as 25 Spins/day upon login for 10 days. Spins expire 24 hours after issuance. $0.20 per Spin. Max. $100,000 in Casino Credits on select games that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Rewards are non-withdrawable. Game availability may vary. Terms: http://goldennuggetcasino.com/promos. Ends 1/11/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

Best Online Casinos for Roulette

Roulette is a timeless classic with an expanding range of exciting variants. The following roulette sites stood out in our analysis and user reviews:

Our Top Pick - DraftKings Casino

Sports fans can enjoy a variety of sports-themed roulette tables at DraftKings, including NBA Slam Dunk Roulette, where you can choose your favorite team and earn points based on your performance. Plus, every table features a multi-level progressive jackpot, with over $1 million on offer.

Launched 2012

DraftKings Casino Review

New Players: Get $500 Casino Spins on Cash Eruption Games and 24-Hour Lossback up to $1,000 in Casino Credits

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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV) or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. New customers only. Must opt-in to each offer. LOSSBACK: Min. net loss of $5 on eligible games to earn 100% of net losses back for 24 hours following opt-in. Max. $1,000 issued in Casino Credits for select games that expire in 7 days (168 hours). SPINS: Min. $5 in wagers req. Max. 500 Casino Spins for featured game. Spins issued as 50 Spins/day upon login for 10 days. Spins expire 24 hours after issuance. $0.20 per Spin. Game availability may vary. Rewards are non-withdrawable. Terms: casino.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

Best Online Casinos for Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games offer a more authentic and transparent casino experience, with real dealers streamed live from physical tables. Here are the top live casinos in the USA, as chosen by our experts:

Our Top Pick - Fanatics Casino

Fanatics is a dual casino and sportsbook, available exclusively through its dedicated Android and iOS apps. It offers a notable variety of live dealer options, including Side Bet City – a vibrant retro 80s-themed, poker-inspired experience.

Launched 2023

Fanatics Casino Review

Get 1,000 Bonus Spins On Triple Cash Eruption

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21+. New customers in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Must place $10+ in cumulative cash wagers on any Fanatics Casino games within 7 days of registering to receive 100 Free Spins each day for 10 straight days to use on the slots game Triple Cash Eruption. MUST OPT-IN EACH DAY TO CLAIM FREE SPINS. Free Spins expire at 11:59pm ET each day. Terms apply - see Fanatics Casino app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.1800gambler.net

Best Online Casinos for Free Spins

Many US online casino gambling sites offer free spins as part of their welcome bonuses. Our experts have highlighted the offers that provide the best value:

Our Top Pick - FanDuel Casino

New players at FanDuel Casino can unlock 500 free spins with a deposit of just $10. This welcome bonus stands out thanks to its low 1x wagering requirement, making it easier to turn bonus winnings into cash.

Launched 2009

FanDuel Casino Review

Deposit $10, Get 500 Bonus Spins & $40 In Casino Bonus

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Must be 21+ and present in NJ, PA, MI or WV to participate. T&Cs apply.

Best Online Casinos for No Deposit Bonuses

Some of the best casino sites offer no deposit bonuses, allowing you to play for free and still win real money. Our experts have selected the best offers available right now:

Our Top Pick - BetMGM Casino

BetMGM Casino is giving new players $25 free to get started. It’s a no-deposit bonus with just a 1x wagering requirement, making it easy to explore real money games without risking your own money.

Launched 2018

BetMGM Casino Review

100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 + $25 On The House
Bonus Code: GAMBLINGCAS

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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+. MI, NJ, PA and WV only. New Customers Only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit http://BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit/Bonus Bets unless otherwise provided in the applicable terms. Rewards subject to expiry.

Best Paying Online Casinos

One thing to look for when choosing an online casino is its overall payout rate, or Return to Player (RTP). Top paying online casino sites offer greater long-term value, featuring more games that return a higher percentage of wagers as winnings:

Our Top Pick - BetRivers Casino

BetRivers stands out for the best online casino payouts offering an average RTP of 98.61% across all games – including its exclusive Single Deck Blackjack, which boasts an exceptionally high RTP of 99.8%.

Launched 2022

BetRivers Casino Review

$1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits Everyday

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in the US?

Real money online casinos have been legalized in seven US states so far, but only four of those states operate with an open market, allowing players to choose from multiple licensed operators.

To be granted a license, online casino brands are typically required to partner with a local (land-based) casino, which serves as the official license holder under state regulations:

Meanwhile, the following three states have a limited operator setup or state monopoly:

Regulatory oversight for each state is managed by the relevant state gaming commission (e.g. NJDGE in New Jersey, MGCB in Michigan).

Sweepstakes and social casinos are available in many states where real money casinos are not allowed.

Online Casino Laws in the US

The regulation of online casinos in the US has evolved significantly in recent years. This timeline highlights the most important legal developments:

Legal Milestones

What are the Benefits of Regulated Casino Sites in the USA?

Offshore casinos are accessible to US players, but they’re illegal and lack essential consumer protections. Here’s why licensed US casinos are the smarter choice:

Why Compare Online Casinos with Gambling.com?

Gambling.com has been helping players find the best online casinos for nearly 20 years. Here’s why so many trust our expertise:

• Choice - We highlight top legal US casino sites and offer an ‘Add to Compare’ tool so you can view key features side by side.
• Exclusives - Get access to welcome bonuses, free spins, and promo offers available only to Gambling.com users.
• Insight - We provide straightforward strategy guides from industry experts and experienced players to help you play smarter.
• Integrity - Our team follows strict editorial guidelines to ensure all casino content is accurate, clear, and fully independent.
• Reviews - We deliver impartial casino reviews and ratings, backed by real user feedback and hands-on testing.
• Awards - We’ve earned multiple industry awards that highlight our long-standing reputation for trust and authority.
• Safety - We only feature licensed, regulated US online casinos that meet high standards for fairness and security.
• Responsible - We are dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and offer clear guidance to help you stay in control.

Launched 2024

Horseshoe Casino Review

Up to 1k in Deposit Matches + 20 Bonus Spins
Promo Code: GAMBLINGWW

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Must be 21+ and present in MI, NJ, PA or WV to play. T&Cs apply. Know When to Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net. Michigan customers can call 1-800-270-7117 or visit https://www.michigan.gov/mgcb/Resources/responsible-gambling.

US Casino Review & Rating Methodology

Our casino reviews and ratings process is built on first-hand testing, authenticity, and transparency.

Gambling.com experts open real accounts with licensed US online casino sites, deposit real money, and test each platform directly to evaluate the true player experience.

Each online casino is reviewed against a strict checklist covering the most important areas for US players:

1. Licensing & Regulation - State-level licensing and compliance with US gaming authorities
2. Security - SSL encryption, secure payment processing, and data protection standards
3. Fair Play - Games tested and certified by independent third-party testing labs
4. Responsible Gambling - Tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion programs
5. Banking - Trusted US-friendly payment methods and fast, reliable withdrawals
6. Welcome Offer - Fair bonus terms, transparent wagering requirements, and clear eligibility rules
7. Promotions - Ongoing bonuses, loyalty programs, and player rewards
8. Game Variety - Slots, table games, progressive jackpots, and live dealer games
9. Customer Support - Availability via live chat, email, phone, and clear escalation procedures
10. User Feedback - Verified player reviews and hands-on user testing insights

Scores across these categories are weighted by importance and combined into an overall casino rating out of 10.

Every review is thoroughly fact-checked by our editorial team before publication and updated regularly to ensure accuracy as regulations, bonuses, and casino features change.

Please note: We cannot mediate disputes with licensed US casino sites. For complaints or unresolved issues, players should contact the relevant state gaming regulator or commission that licenses the casino.

Tips for Playing at Online Casinos

Whether you’re new or experienced, these basics can help you enjoy your play and stay in control.

1. Use Bonuses Wisely: Grab regular offers for extra funds or spins, but always check the terms - especially wagering requirements.
2. Play Demo Games: Try games for free to learn the mechanics and find what you enjoy before risking money.
3. Know the House Edge: Look at each game’s RTP. Higher RTP means better odds, though the casino always keeps an advantage.
4. Learn Optimal Strategy: For games like blackjack, baccarat, and video poker, understanding the rules and using correct strategy reduces the house edge.
5. Check Slot Volatility: Low-volatility slots pay smaller, frequent wins; high-volatility games pay less often but can be bigger. Choose based on your risk tolerance.

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