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Author:
Isaac Payne
| Last Updated:
December 2025
Legal online casinos in the US vary by state, meaning each state can make its own laws around online gambling.
As it stands, only seven states license online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, but if you live elsewhere, your option is offshore casino sites that accept US players.
We'll show your state’s legal status and recommend US-friendly casinos that prioritize safety, fast payouts, and transparent promos, with a strong mix of slots, table games, contests, and live dealer lobbies.
American gamblers deserve to play at the very best online casinos, which is why we cherry-picked some of the top-tier sites available throughout the United States. These US-friendly casinos are ranked by our team of reviewers and have each received a special designation based on their strengths.
Ducky Luck is the best online casino for US players because of its wide range of banking options and bonuses. Their welcome package comes in clutch with up to 150 free spins on Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Wins slots games.
All you have to do to earn your free spins is make a deposit and claim the sign-up bonus (500% up to $7,500) to receive 50 free spins for three days straight. To use your bonus, Ducky Luck has a fantastic gaming library, packed with popular American games like blackjack, American and European roulette, and Deuces Wild video poker.
Ducky Luck supports Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover cards, as well as six different cryptocurrencies. They’ve been providing great gambling value since 2020 with a license from the Curaçao eGaming Authority.
If you’re concerned about your safety while gambling online, BetUS is the best casino for you. They have over 30 years of experience in the online casino space, and have taken great measures to protect player information and improve your overall gambling experience.
While they were once licensed by the Curaçao eGaming Authority, BetUS is now regulated by the Government of Mwali (Moheli), Comoros Union. BetUS employs the latest TLS-encryption to protect player data, and has a strict Know Your Customer policy, which requires additional verification during the sign-up process.
It’s safe to say that BetUS is one of the most secure online casinos for US players. But they’re not all stiff business! They have over 300 slots, table, and live dealer games, as well as great promotions for new and existing players.
Getting your winnings from an online casino should be quick and easy, and at Wild Casino, it is. Wild Casino offers a range of withdrawal options, including 16 cryptocurrencies, money order, bank transfer, check by courier, and Person 2 Person.
Cashing out with crypto is by far the simplest method, since all you do is provide your wallet address and request a withdrawal. You can withdrawal up to $100,000 at a time with BTC and ETH, with lower limits for altcoins. Wild Casino states that crypto transactions are processed within four days, but our reviewers received their funds within a few hours.
And if you choose to use a fiat method to withdraw your winnings, we’d recommend money order. It is the shortest, cheapest method to cashout, since bank transfer, check, and P2P have between $50-$60 fees per transaction.
One of the best ways to play online casino games without risking any money is to try the demo versions. These games give you a fake bankroll to wager with, which can help you decide if you want to play with your hard-earned cash.
Excluding the live dealer games, all of Las Atlantis’ games have a demo version, including 140+ slots, blackjack and tri-card poker, and 12 video poker games.
You can play for real by claiming Las Atlantis’ $14,000 welcome package with both credit card and crypto deposit options available. Las Atlantis went online in 2020, and has a license from the Curacao eGaming Authority.
No deposit bonuses allow players to get some free spins or chips for online casino games, and Slots Empire is one of the leading casinos for free bonuses.
Slots Empire offers two no deposit bonuses for first-time players. You can choose to receive 20 free spins for the Secret Jungle slot machine (code JUNGLE20). Or, you can take a free $15 chip with the code (GRATIS15). You can use the free $15 on slots, video slots, keno, scratchcards, and board games.
Both bonuses come with a 50x wagering requirement, which is industry average for no-deposit bonuses.
To claim these bonuses, you have to register an account and enter the codes in the cashier.
| US Casino Site | Welcome Bonus | Min. Deposit | Available In: | Read Our Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuckyLuck | 500% up to $7,500 across 3 deposits | $25 | All States except WA, KY, NJ | DuckyLuck Review |
| BetUS | 125% up to $3,125 | $10 | All States except WA | BetUS Review |
| Wild Casino | 250 Free Spins | $10 | All States except NV, NJ | Wild Casino Review |
| Las Atlantis | 280% up to $14,000 across 5 deposits | $10 | All States | Las Atlantis Review |
| Slots Empire | 220% up to $12,000 x5 | $10 | All States | Slots Empire Review |
There are several factors to consider when constructing lists of the best US online casino sites. For starters, the sites must cater to an American audience.
This includes English-language options, bonuses and banking sections quoted in USD, and gaming selections with US favorites like slots, Texas Hold’em, and American Roulette. Here are some factors we consider when reviewing online casinos:
The site should have multiple ways to contact support, including email, 24/7 live chat, and phone service. Language options for both English and Spanish should be available for all American players. Service should be timely and respectful.
The best gambling sites protect player information with TLS certificates and have their sites audited by third-party security firms. They also pass individual verification metrics laid out by your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) like server integrity and connection stability.
Visa and Mastercard are two of the most popular American payment methods, followed up by Bitcoin. Sites should have ample crypto availability, as well as numerous conventional methods like prepaid gift cards and bank wires. If the site supports eWallets, they should have American options like PayPal and Venmo.
Want to learn what factors we consider when ranking US online casinos? Check out our process for ranking these sites with the link below.
As noted before, online gambling is authorized at the state level. As of today, only seven states fully regulate online casinos according to the American Gaming Association.
Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. All other states have not authorized in-state online casino operators.
In the seven states listed above, online casinos must hold a state license and comply with the rules of that state. See for example:
Across all 50 states, Americans have access to offshore casino sites, which aren’t based in the USA. These casinos operate in a legal gray area, but no US residents have ever been prosecuted for using an offshore site.
What’s more, offshore casinos obtain licenses from governing bodies outside the US, and these agencies have strict rules around segregation of funds, anti-money laundering procedures, game fairness, and Know Your Customer compliance.
Age requirements differ by state. Most online casinos set the minimum age at 21, but some states allow certain types of online gambling at 18 under separate regulations.
We’ll detail the laws next and provide links to the relevant statutes. Still, the bottom line is: seven states have approved online casinos, and offshore casino sites are available nationwide under foreign oversight.
Online Gambling Availability by StateYou can find out the status of online casino gambling in your state using the table below. Click on the links to find the best selection of online casinos available in your state.
| Legal | Likely to Legalize | Offshore Only |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia | California, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
Want the full details? Here’s our complete state-by-state breakdown of where online gambling is legal in the USA.
Main Online Casino Laws in the USUnderstanding online casino laws in the United States is confusing because several federal rules overlap with state-level decisions. Below is a clear explanation of the main federal laws that affect real money casino gambling.
These summaries tell you what each law actually does and just as importantly, what it doesn’t do.
The 1961 Wire Act was originally written to target interstate sports betting. For years, there was confusion about whether it also applied to online casino games.
That changed after a 2011 Department of Justice opinion and a 2021 First Circuit Court decision, both confirming that the Wire Act only covers sports betting, not casino games.
These court decisions matter because they make it clear that states can legally offer online casino games as long as everything stays within state lines. That’s why states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan can operate fully regulated online casino markets today.
UIGEA tells banks and payment processors to block transactions related to “unlawful internet gambling.” Importantly, the law doesn’t define what is unlawful. That depends entirely on state law and other federal rules.
For players, UIGEA is most noticeable through declined credit card deposits or slow ACH transactions. The law targets payment channels, not players. That is one of the reasons banking can feel inconsistent at online casinos, especially in states without regulated online gaming.
IGRA created the federal framework for gaming on Indian lands and established the National Indian Gaming Commission. It outlines how tribes and states use compacts for Class III gaming, which is the basis for tribal participation where a state authorizes online casino gaming.
IGRA only becomes relevant to online casinos when a state authorizes iGaming and allows tribes to participate through compacts, which is what you see in states like Michigan and Connecticut.
If you’ve ever wondered how casino ownership works in the United State, including why tribal casinos operate under different rules, here’s a full breakdown of who can legally own and operate a casino.
Quick Overview of the Online Casino Market in the USThe regulated online casino market has grown fast since states began legalizing iGaming. In 2024, regulated online casinos generated $6.17 billion, part of a broader $66.7 billion USA gambling market.
Only seven states currently allow online casinos, which makes the revenue size even more striking. Especially considering that online casino play now represents over half of the online gambling market in legal states.
Player behavior stays fairly modest. About 58% of online gamblers deposit under $50, and slots remain the most popular game, with 67% selecting them as their go-to option, followed by online blackjack.
Participation is broad across the country, too. 55% of Americans gambled in the last year, with the highest activity among Gen Z and millennials, who tend to prefer mobile-first options and faster casino games.
Overall, the numbers show a market still in its early stages but expanding quickly. With more states considering legalization and technology improving every year, the online casino experience for US players is changing fast and the next few years are likely to reshape the industry even more.
Future of USA Online CasinosThe growth of legal online gambling in the US leads to the question of when it may reach a saturation point. Politics and the economy will determine that.
In the coming years, growth is expected to remain steady, state by state. Lawmakers in Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, and New York continue to consider iGaming, with bills having been introduced or revived in recent legislative sessions. Wyoming is studying expansion. Timelines vary, and any approval will be established by statute and administered by the state regulator.
Movement is unlikely where broad prohibitions remain, such as in Utah and Hawaii. Washington continues to keep internet gambling restricted in statute.
Offshore online casino sites remain accessible to USA residents and operate under the jurisdiction of foreign regulators.
For the near term, expect a two-track market: state-regulated platforms where authorized, and offshore options everywhere else.
Ask the ExpertEven if you follow US gambling laws closely, a lot of the rules around online casinos can feel strangely inconsistent. As someone who studies this industry every day, here are a few common questions I’m asked.
Why do states control online casino legalization?
Answer
Honestly, it comes down to two things: constitutional authority and revenue control.
The US Constitution gives states the power to regulate gambling inside their borders, and most states guard that power tightly. When a state legalizes online casinos, it gets to decide who can operate, how much they pay in taxes, and what rules they follow. The revenue of that decision stays local.
From my experience looking at legislation year after year, the pattern is clear: states move when they see economic upside and when voter appetite is there. That’s why the map looks so patchy. There’s no national trigger, just 50 separate decisions happening on their own timelines.
Why do only a few states allow real money online casinos?
Answer
A lot of people assume states are “anti-casino,” but that’s not it.
The real issue is political risk.
Lawmakers worry about problem gambling optics, brick-and-mortar casino pushback, tribal compact complications, and voter perception.
I’ve seen plenty of bills stall even when a state clearly wants the revenue, just because no one wants to champion a gambling expansion during an election cycle. That’s why sports betting spread quickly. It had huge public support. Online casinos move at a slower, more cautious pace.
Why do payment methods keep getting blocked at USA online casinos?
Answer
This is one of the most common headaches I hear about. The truth is that banks and processors treat gambling as a high-risk category, and some block transactions even when the gambling itself is fully legal in that state.
It’s not personal, it’s just risk management on their end.
In practice, this is why players in legal states often lean on alternatives like PayPal, prepaid cards, or debit instead of credit. And for offshore casinos, it’s the whole reason crypto became the dominant method.
If you’re looking for specific types of games at US online casinos, here are some more details that can help you narrow down your search.
Every casino we recommend carries slots games. The most popular software providers in the US include RealTime Gaming, Rival Gaming, Microgaming, Tom Horn, and many more. Mythic Wolf, A Night with Cleo, Jackpot Ganesha Fortunes, and Golden Buffalo are all high-quality games that you’ll find at US casinos.
Blackjack is by far the most popular casino game in the US, both online and in-person, because of its simple gameplay and high RTP. At online casinos, you’ll find far more variations and side bets for the game, such as Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, Switch, and 21 Burn.
Roulette games are also quite a big hit at US casino sites, namely because they’re fast and easy to play. While American and European blackjack dominate land-based casinos, online sites can offer games like French Roulette, which is much more friendly towards players. Plus, unique variations like Dragon or Lightning roulette also make appearances online.
Live dealer games are on the rise at US online casinos because they pair the accessibility of online gambling with the social aspect of in-person gambling. Software providers like Fresh Deck Studios and Visionary iGaming have pioneered crisp gaming streams and responsive controls, making live dealer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat essential at gambling sites.
We write about all kinds of casino topics on our blog, so be sure to check them out! We talk about the best slots, table, and poker games, as well as provide in-depth looks at game mechanics and features.
Gambling in any form, be it playing poker, slots, and blackjack, or betting on sporting events, is supposed to be fun. If your gambling habits are raising concerns for your friends or family, gambling addiction resources and help are available. In the US, some of the best resources for people struggling with gambling addiction are:
Remember to always practice safe gambling, like setting a budget and knowing when to call it quits. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and don’t rely on games of chance to supplement your income.
Online casino gambling in the US is not federally regulated, so each state has its own rules around online casinos. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe online casinos available for US players, no matter where you live.
Online casinos like DuckyLuck, El Royale, and High Roller Casino offer great selections of American favorites like blackjack and Texas Hold’em. Plus, they provide unparalleled bonuses, promotions, and VIP rewards programs, alongside many accessible banking methods like Visa, Mastercard, and Bitcoin.
Make sure when choosing a legit US online casino, you use our list of recommended sites, as each is vetted and tested by our team of gambling experts.
Isaac E. Payne is an experienced technical blogger, creative writer, and lead content manager at GamblingNerd.com. As a published author, he enjoys finding interesting and exciting ways to cover any topic. In his four years on the team, he has covered online gambling and sports betting and excelled at reviewing casino sites. In his free time, he enjoys playing blackjack and reading science fiction.