Finding Safe and Trusted USA Casinos Online
When you’re deciding where to play casino games for real money, you should focus on safety first.
That’s what we always do and our recommended US gambling sites all go the extra mile to protect the money and personal information of their customers.
Here are the factors we use to determine if USA casino site or app is trustworthy.
- Online gambling jicense from a respected authority
- SSL encryption of all transactions
- Safe payment providers
- Strong reputation in the industry
That’s an excellent start, but we expand our research further.
When looking for trusted US online casinos, there are certain things that immediately make us wary. Here are some obvious red flags that point to a casino being one to avoid.
- Shady ownership
- Lots of customer complaints
- Slow payouts
- Promotions with complicated or unfair terms and conditions
There’s not much to be said about the list above. Just make sure you avoid US casino websites that display any of these traits.
For more advice on how to pick safe US casinos online, check out our detailed guide to ranking casinos on the internet.
Real Money Casino Apps for the US
As soon as smartphones gave people access to the internet on the go, gambling operators realized that real casino apps would give players even more flexibility.
The top United States casinos online all offer mobile casino apps these days, but some of them work differently from what you might expect.
Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of mobile casino gambling options available.
- Mobile-responsive casino websites
- Native US gambling apps
The first is basically mobile versions of casino websites that you access through an internet browser. They can be used on any device, and you don’t have to download anything to enjoy real money casino gambling online.
The second is downloadable apps that are designed for a specific device. They must be downloaded from the casino’s site or through the app store.
There are pros and cons to both native casino gambling apps and mobile responsive sites. The one that works best for you may depend on your device and internet availability.
| Native Apps | Mobile Responsive Sites |
| Designed specifically for your device | Compatible with all modern, major devices and operating systems |
| Need to be downloaded | No download necessary |
| Require updates | Automatically updated |
| Take storage space | No storage space required |
| Limited options in US | Available for most real USA casinos online |
You have to decide which option works best for you; there’s no right or wrong here.
In our experience, most players prefer the variety and flexibility that comes with mobile-responsive websites.
Mobile Gambling at Top US Online Casinos
You won’t find many real money US casino apps in the App Store or the Google Play store.
Mobile responsive sites operated by the top United States casinos online are essentially the same as real money casino apps. You can win real money that you can withdraw to your bank account. Of course, you can only win real money if you risk actual cash.
These US online casino apps are free to access, and they have free play options. But, if you want to play for money, you will need to create an account and make a deposit.
You may want to consider the available banking methods before choosing an app to use. Some United States casino apps have different fees or limits based on the banking method that you use. Processing withdrawals typically takes a few weeks, but some withdrawal methods are faster than others.
As soon as you have found a real money USA casino app with banking methods that work for you, it is easy to get started.
Open the site on your mobile device’s internet browser, create your account, and make a deposit. You will be enjoying mobile gambling within a matter of minutes.
Social Casino Apps in the USA
Social casinos are modified versions of real casinos that are offered for free. They are called social casinos because you can connect them to your social media accounts to compete against friends or share details of your “wins.”
You can download social casino apps through the app store or visit the sites directly through your social media accounts. If you decide to download an app, it will be free, but they often have in-app purchases for extra tokens or bonus features.
The most important thing you need to know about social casinos is that they are not real money slots apps. You can win extra tokens to keep playing, but those tokens do not have any real-world value.
Many apps give you the option of buying more tokens through in-app purchases. However, it does not make sense to spend real-world money on tokens that have no value.
Be mindful of in-app purchases if you don’t want to waste money. You’re better off playing at US online casinos that payout actual cash.
Bonuses at USA Casino Sites and Apps
The best US casinos online are generous to their customers. You can enjoy plenty of bonuses and promotions designed to keep you happy.
Some people might be skeptical about the gambling sites’ intentions, but there are simple reasons that explain their generosity.
Why US Casinos Offer Bonuses
The main reason why the USA online casinos offer so many bonuses and promotions is the fierce competition for customers. There are so many legit online casinos for the USA that they really have to stand out if they want to survive.
They need to attract new customers and keep them loyal. A good range of games is not nearly enough when everybody else is giving away free money.
That’s why all of the top-rated US casino apps and websites have a large welcome bonus for Americans and all sorts of special offers for existing customers.
Types of Bonuses and Promotions at American Online Casinos
The top US real money casinos online try to be creative with their offers, so there are different bonuses and promotions available.
Certain types of deals are common and can be found at most United States gambling sites.
Common Bonuses and Offers
- Welcome Bonuses – The best online casinos for real money in the USA all offer a juicy welcome bonus. This is based on your first deposit as a new customer and is typically the best bonus available.
- Reload Bonuses – You can earn additional bonuses with subsequent deposits. The terms are generally a little worse than for welcome bonuses, but they can still be very valuable.
- Comp Points and Loyalty Programs – Most casino apps and sites for US players have a loyalty program designed around one simple principle. The more you play, the more you earn.
- Free Spins – If you like playing slots online, you will be happy to hear that you can often get free spins for real money rewards.
- Cashbacks – Many of the leading internet casinos in the USA have a cashback program that can give you back a percentage of losses.
That’s only a small selection of the real money bonuses and promotions offered by our trusted US casinos online.
We advise you to check your email and the promo page of each gambling site regularly so that you don’t miss any of the deals available.
Best Online Casino Bonuses for US Players
You can always look around for the best bonuses at US online casinos by yourself, but we have a list of top suggestions that can save you a lot of time.
As you can see, there are thousands of dollars up for grabs. And that’s just the beginning!
All of the best online casinos for real money in the US offer way more promotions that you can take advantage of.
Popular Real Money Casino Games in America
The most popular game in US casinos, online and land-based, is slots. And it’s not even close.
Maybe it’s the simplicity and ease of playing slots or the variety of slot games that’s available. Perhaps it’s the fact that slot machines offer the chance to win big money from small stakes.
Whatever the reason, more casino gamblers enjoy playing slots for real money than any other game.
We carried out our own survey of players and asked them to name their favorite casino game. Here are the results.
Game Selection on USA Casino Apps
You might be wondering what kinds of games are available on US mobile casino apps for iPhones and Androids.
There was a time when the number of real money mobile casino games was limited. Not just for Americans, but for players all around the world. There simply weren’t that many casino games that worked well on mobile devices. Thankfully, it’s very different now.
If you are looking for a specific real money slot or a particular variant of a table game, you need to find the software developer that offers that game. Some software developers specialize in 3D games or story-based slot machines.
Choosing a real money casino app based on the software developer that they use is an excellent way to find the mobile games that you enjoy the most. The following post offers more information about the top providers for US real money online casinos.
US Casino Gambling Laws
The laws relating to real money gambling in the United States are not straightforward. They’re clearer than they used to be, but confusion over the years has meant many people ask, “are online casinos legal in the US?”
It has never been explicitly illegal to gamble online in the USA. However, a piece of legislation known as the UIGEA did make the whole situation somewhat foggy. This act made it illegal for financial institutions to process payments to and from US online gambling sites.
Not being able to deposit or withdraw obviously made it impossible to play casino games online for money. The UIGEA didn’t exactly prohibit real money gambling online, but it certainly made things difficult.
The situation is different now. Federal gambling laws expressly allow USA casino websites to operate, subject to state legislation. Each state has the power to implement its own legislation to address the legality of online gambling.
Gamblers in some parts of the country now have access to legal US online casinos that are licensed and regulated by the relevant state. But they also have other options, as do people who live where there is no in-state regulation for online gambling.
There are plenty of legit online casinos accepting US players that are based in other countries. They comply with their local laws and regulatory requirements and so are operating legally.
No US gambling law prohibits Americans from using these sites, making them perfectly safe to use
Land-Based Casinos in the United States
Online casinos have a lot to offer, but some people still enjoy gambling in person. Land-based casinos offer a more social and exciting gambling experience.
Some of the legal online casinos in the US are connected to land-based casinos that you can visit in person. Playing online and in person at a partner casino is an excellent way to get more loyalty rewards!
You have a lot of options if you are interested in land-based gambling. The precise number of casinos changes often, but there are more than 900 casinos in the United States. More than 130 of them are in Las Vegas.
Some states have dozens of casinos, while other states have none. Here’s a breakdown of US casinos by state for you.
| State | Commercial Casinos | Tribal Casinos | Racinos |
| Alabama | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Alaska | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Arizona | 7 | 26 | 6 |
| Arkansas | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| California | 99 | 74 | 10 |
| Colorado | 36 | 2 | 1 |
| Connecticut | 17 | 2 | 0 |
| Delaware | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Florida | 75 | 7 | 10 |
| Georgia | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Hawaii | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Idaho | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Illinois | 19 | 0 | 5 |
| Indiana | 15 | 1 | 2 |
| Iowa | 21 | 3 | 3 |
| Kansas | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Kentucky | 11 | 0 | 8 |
| Louisiana | 48 | 4 | 4 |
| Maine | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Maryland | 15 | 0 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| Michigan | 4 | 26 | 1 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 21 | 2 |
| Mississippi | 3 | 33 | 0 |
| Missouri | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Montana | 51 | 14 | 3 |
| Nebraska | 18 | 2 | 4 |
| Nevada | 393 | 3 | 1 |
| New Hampshire | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| New Jersey | 11 | 0 | 4 |
| New Mexico | 8 | 21 | 5 |
| New York | 24 | 8 | 11 |
| North Carolina | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| North Dakota | 15 | 13 | 1 |
| Ohio | 13 | 0 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | 0 | 136 | 3 |
| Oregon | 17 | 9 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | 32 | 0 | 8 |
| Rhode Island | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| South Carolina | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| South Dakota | 26 | 12 | 2 |
| Tennessee | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Texas | 21 | 1 | 6 |
| Utah | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vermont | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Virginia | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Washington | 60 | 35 | 2 |
| West Virginia | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | 0 | 26 | 0 |
| Wyoming | 21 | 4 | 14 |
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Note that some states restrict the types of games available at their casinos. You might find casinos that only have slot machines or bingo, or ones that only have table games.
Now that you know about the casinos available where you live, here are some details on different types of casinos in the United States.
Commercial Casinos in the USA
If you have ever been to Las Vegas, most of the casinos you saw there are examples of commercial casinos. Las Vegas has bigger and flashier casinos, but they set the trends for other venues in America and worldwide.
Commercial casinos are for-profit casinos owned by corporations.
They need a gaming license from the state to operate. Some states have legalized sports betting, so the casinos may offer that as well.
Many commercial casinos in the United States are resort-style venues, with hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment options.
MGM International, Caesars Entertainment, and Penn National Gaming are a few of the largest casino corporations in the United States. They each have properties in Nevada, as well as several other states.
Some venues are owned by private equity groups or individual owners. This page has a list of casinos in Las Vegas and their owners to give you some examples.
Commercial casinos often set the standard for the gaming industry. They have been operating in Nevada since the 1930s, so they have lots of experience in creating the best possible venues.
Here are the five biggest commercial casinos in the country.
| Casino | Location | Square Feet | Number of Games |
| Encore Boston Harbor | Everett, Massachusetts | 210,000 | Slots: 2800, Tables: 166, Poker: 74 |
| Wynn/Encore | Las Vegas, Nevada | 186,187 | Slots: 1900, Tables: 167, Poker: 28 |
| Parx Casino | Bensalem, Pennsylvania | 176,592 | Slots: 3,501, Tables: 184, Poker: 60 |
| Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg | Lawrenceburg, Indiana | 175,000 | Slots: 1802, Tables: 79, Poker 19 |
| Borgata | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 161,000 | Slots: 3038, Tables: 259, Poker: 85 |
Tribal Casinos in the US
Tribal casinos are owned and operated by Native American tribes. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) gives tribes the right to offer different kinds of gambling facilities.
The IGRA defined three gambling categories. There are different regulations for each type of gambling.
| Class I Gaming | Class II Gaming | Class III Gaming |
| Small stakes tribal games | Bingo and electronic bingo games | Slot machines, table games, sports betting |
| Tribal oversight | Tribal oversight | Tribes must create a regulatory compact with the state |
Tribal casinos in Alabama, Texas, Idaho, and Nebraska only offer Class II gaming because they have not authorized Class III games. Other states allow some forms of Class III gaming, but not others.
There are many differences between tribal casinos because each tribe has the right to operate its properties in its own way.
Some are resort-style casinos that are remarkably similar to commercial casinos. Others are significantly smaller, or they may not offer the same amenities. Many tribes choose to reflect their culture with the décor and themes in their venues.
Tribal casinos operate for profit, but the IGRA specifies that all revenue generated must benefit the tribe. Most tribes use the money from their casinos to support education, housing, and healthcare options.
The United States is home to over 500 tribal gambling facilities that range from small slots parlors to resort-style casinos.
These are the five largest tribal casinos in the US.
| Casino | Location | Square Feet | Number of Games |
| WinStar World Resort, *Largest Casino in the world! | Thackerville, Oklahoma | 400,000 | Slots: 8,500, Tables: 100, Poker: 55 |
| Mohegan Sun | Uncasville, Connecticut | 364,00 | Slots: 6,500, Tables: 377, Poker: 33 |
| Foxwoods Resort Casino | Mashantucket, Connecticut | 344,000 | Slots: 5,500, Tables: 280, Poker: 114, Bingo: 4,000 seats (world’s largest bingo hall) |
| Thunder Valley Casino Resort | Lincoln, California | 250,000 | Slots: 3400, Tables: 125, Poker 27 |
| Seminole Hard Rock Casino | Tampa, Florida | 245,000 | Slots: 5,000, Tables: 179, Poker: 46 |
American Racinos
Racinos are similar to commercial casinos, with one notable difference. They are all located at horse racing facilities and accept wagers on live and simulcast horse races.
Horse racing was a popular sport throughout the 20th century, but it has declined as other gambling forms became available. Some states wanted to support their horse racing facilities by giving them another way to make money, so they allowed casino games.
Depending on the state regulations, some racinos are only allowed to offer slot machines, but others offer a full range of gambling options.
The types of horse races they offer and their schedule also vary from one state to the next.
Casino Cruises in the US
Another fun in-person gambling option is a casino cruise. These cruises take customers a few miles offshore, into international waters, and then let them gamble for a while before bringing them back to land.
Some states have these cruises as commercial casinos are not allowed. Other states simply add them as another part of their gambling industry.
Here are some examples of what’s available.
| State | Number of Casino Cruises | Land-based Casinos Available | Casino Cruises |
| Florida | 1 | Yes | Victory Casino Cruise |
| South Carolina | 2 | No | Big M Casino Cruise I, Big M Casino Cruise II |
| Georgia | 1 | No | Emerald Princess Casino |
Land-Based USA Casino Apps
Several states, including Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey, have state-regulated online casino sites. These sites are often operated by land-based casinos in that state, and some land-based casino apps are also available.
Federal laws prohibit gambling across state lines, so land-based casino apps in the US will only work while you are in the state that regulates them.
Each app is equipped with geolocation software that uses your device’s GPS signal to identify your location. If you leave the state, the app will stop processing wagers.
They can also use geolocation software for other purposes. Some states do not want mobile gambling to compete with their land-based casinos, so they restrict the apps to only work on casino premises.
Tribal casinos are not allowed to offer land-based casino apps for real money because they cannot operate games off their reservations. Some tribal casinos have mobile gambling sites that offer free games anywhere and real money games while you are on the reservation.
| State | Mobile Gambling Restrictions |
| Delaware | No restrictions |
| Nevada | Online poker is the only game available |
| New Jersey | No restrictions |
| Pennsylvania | No mobile gambling while on casino premises |
| Michigan | No restrictions |
| Tribal Casinos | Vary from one tribe to the next, no real money gambling outside of the reservations |
US Online Casinos FAQ：
Is It Legal to Play Casino Games Online for Real Money From the USA?
Yes, there’s no law against gambling online for real cash and plenty of reliable internet casinos accept US customers.
What Online Casino Games Are Available to US Players?
The variety of games you can play for real money from the USA is huge. You can pick between slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, other table games, live casino games, specialty games, lotteries, scratchers, and more.
Are There Safe Mobile Casino Apps That Accept American Players?
Yes, all of the best US online casinos have a mobile version that is compatible with mainstream devices such as iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Phone.
Can I Win Money Playing Casino Games From the USA?
Yes, you can win money, but even the most generous US casinos online apply a house edge to every game. As a result, you need to get lucky to be profitable and you are likely to lose in the long run.
Are There Online Casino Bonuses Available to US Players?
Yes, every American player can enjoy a large welcome bonus and there are plenty of other real money promotions for existing customers from the US.
Are US Online Casinos Fair?
If you stick to reputable USA online casino sites with a proper gambling license and games developed by legit studios, they are fair. All of our top-rated casinos fall into that category.
How Can I Deposit Real Money at US Online Casinos?
There are different options available to US players, but the most popular ones include credit and debit cards, wire transfers, money transfers services, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
How Fast Do Online Casinos in the United States Payout?
It depends on a number of factors, such as the online casino and the payment methods you use. In the best-case scenario, the money will be there within 24 hours for cryptocurrencies. Some banking options take a few days.