Regulation of Online Casinos in the USA
Gambling is prohibited in several US states. However, there are states that allow land-based casino activity. There, gambling is legal on land as well as on ships.
The US authorities determine whether gambling is legal separately for each state. In many of them, websites with casino games have also been legal for a long time. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware were the first states to legalize online gambling. Michigan and New York were among the last so far.
Online casino licenses are issued in various US jurisdictions. Obtaining them is a requirement for an online casino to operate legally. Casinos operating under international licenses are prohibited in the United States. Nevertheless, players can still place bets there.
How to Choose a Legit Online Casino
Legitimate online casinos in the USA have to meet several criteria. Our experts consider them when forming this rating. The main criteria are listed below.
Casino License
Having a license is a definite requirement. Before issuing a license, a gambling commission completes a thorough casino audit, after which only legit online casinos that offer authentic software and pay out winnings can obtain the license.
Several US states issue gambling licenses. Their cost and conditions for obtaining depend on the gambling commission. Before registering, it is impornta to check the casino’s license. Fot players to do this, licensed casinos place clickable links.
Security & Safe
Choosing a legit online casino guarantees the protection of players’ personal and payment data. These casinos use modern encryption technologies. Player information is not available to third parties. There are no risks of losing money from the accounts used for depositing and withdrawing money.
SSL Encryption
Reliable websites with casino games use SSL encryption technology. They provide complete session security between servers and browsers. This ensures that third parties can not access players’ confidential data.
ID Verification
Verifying your identity is a requirement at every legit online casino in the USA. For you as a player, the option to verify your account is an advantage. It protects you from scammers. You can start playing and making deposits without verifying first. However, it is required to withdrawal your winnings, so you should complete it right after registering.
2 Step Verification
Two-factor authentication provides additional security. To log in, you need to enter your login and password and then you enter a code sent to your phone via SMS. Sometimes you will also need to use an authenticator app.
Reliable Banking System
Legit online casinos support only reliable deposit and withdrawal methods. That way, players can make payments quickly and securely. There are more than ten ways to make a deposit and receive winnings at the online casinos from this rating. Among them are bank cards and transfers, electronic wallets, etc. Some casinos also support cryptocurrencies.
Deposits are made instantly. However, you usually need to wait for money withdrawals. Payout speed depends on the casino rules. It’s best to select a legit online casino where payouts are made within 24 hours.
Different Languages & Currencies
All casinos from this rating support the English language and the US dollar. Additionally, several websites offer other options. Players can switch to another language for the website interface. When registering, you can choose your preferred currency. It can be US dollar, euro, Canadian dollar, etc.
Bonuses & Promotions
To attract players, online casinos offer various bonuses. There are offers available for both new and regular customers. The main types of promo are:
- No deposit bonus. This does not require you making a deposit. This bonus is the most popular among players. However, the downside is that online casinos set pretty strict terms of use. No deposit is often provided for registering. You get a fixed amount of money or free spins for creating an account. Sometimes no deposits are provided to regular customers as part of a promo.
- Welcome package. It offers bonus money for the first few deposits (usually from 1 to 5).
- Free spins. These may be included in a welcome package or provided to regular customers. A casino chooses the slots where players can use them. The spin cost is also limited. If the spin is unsuccessful, you don’t lose any of your money. If you get a winning combination, you get a payout.
- Reload bonus. This is a promo for regular customers. You need to deposit money into your account on certain days to get it.
- Cashback. A part of the spent money is returned to your account. Cashback is usually provided once a week.
- Loyalty program. These are multi-level programs for customers who play actively. They get loyalty points that can be used to place bets. As you progress, you get offered additional privileges. You may get personal bonuses, increased withdrawal limits, and so on.
The best online casinos often hold promos, tournaments, and lotteries. There, players can win money and other prizes.
Games Selection
Legitimate online casinos in the USA offer thousands of titles in different types of gambling entertainment. The primary categories are:
- Classic slots. These are based on one-armed bandits. Classic slots have been popular since the days of land-based casinos. Their main feature is the simple rules. Sometimes they also have special symbols, free games, and other extra options.
- Modern slot machines. These are slots with unusual mechanics for forming winning combinations, multi-level bonuses, and special effects. These slot machines have various interesting in-game plots. Here, you can meet heroes of popular movies, comic books, etc.
- Jackpot slots. The prize pool is formed from the players’ bets in progressive jackpot slots. As a result, it may reach very large sums.
- Poker. Online casinos offer differemt versions of this popular game. In poker, you can’t rely solely on luck. A lot depends on your skills and strategies.
- Blackjack. In this classic card game your goal is to get a strong card combination (not exceeding 21 points). Whoever does this gets a generous payout.
- Roulette. Here you need to guess where the ball stops. There are various versions available at the best online casinos: French, European, American, No-Zero Roulette, etc.
- Live casino. This format combines the pros of visiting land-based venues and playing online. Players place bets in real-time with a live dealer, all of it broadcasted from an equipped studio. There are card and table games available in this mode.
- Sports betting. Some sites offer the option to bet on various sports events.
Many online casinos offer the option to play in demo mode. There are free versions of slots and table games available without depositing or registering. You use virtual chips that do not have any value as gaming currency. Here, you do not risk any of your money. This way, you get a chance to learn the rules, evaluate the parameters and conditions and understand whether it is worth betting for real money.
Trusted Software Providers
Licensed online casinos operating legally offer authentic software from popular providers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, IGT, etc. The relevant available documents confirm the slots’ authenticity. Online casinos also host certificates for checking their random number generator. They ensure that the casino doesn’t interfere with the games’ results, and that the slots’ return percentages correspond to providers’ indicators.
Customer Support
By choosing a legit online casino, you can be sure that you will get help and support at any time. Customer support at reliable casinos works 24/7. These casinos’ specialists provide detailed professional responses. There’s a convenient live chat, email, and hotline often available for communicating.
Positive Player Reviews
Before registering at an online casino, you need to check the reviews. Players share them on thematic sites and forums. They rate casinos and discuss their game catalogs, payout speeds, and the level of service at different casinos. This rating includes only the casinos that get positive reviews and have a good reputation.
Top 10 Legitimate Online Casinos in the USA
There are many online casinos available on the Internet. However, there are many scammers among them operating without a license and deceiving players. This rating compiled by our experts can help you avoid such casinos. It includes only reliable, legit online casinos that support fair play. The casinos listed below fall under this category.
Planet7 Casino
This casino has been operating since 2008. It offers a relatively modest selection of slot machines. However, its extensive bonus policy is a great advantage. It includes welcome promos, bonuses for loyal players, and regular cashback. Planet7 Casino operates under a Costa Rica license. Upon request, customer support can provide your with detailed information about the license. In addition to standard bonuses, there is a loyalty program. Players get comp points and use them for bets in slots, cards, and table games. Using promo codes, they can get additional bonuses. The minimum deposit to start playing is $20.
Coolcat Casino
This casino offers a wide selection of slots and a generous welcome bonus package. Additionally, cryptocurrency support and simple wagering conditions for promo offers stand out among Coolcat Casino’s advantages. For the first deposit, you can get an extra 330% to your deposit. The minimum wagering requirement is x5. There are weekly bonuses available for regular customers.
The site operates under a Costa Rica license and is owned by Virtual Casino Group. The group has been operating since 2008 and manages several other brands.
Red Dog Casino
Red Dog Casino has been operating since 2019 under a Curacao license. Its catalog mainly contains slots from Realtime Gaming. There is a welcome bonus of 250% of the deposit amount and regular free spins available, as well as reload bonuses for regular customers. There is also a referral program that lets players get additional bonuses. Additionally, Red Dog Casino supports cryptocurrencies.
El Royale Casino
This is a relatively new legitimate online casino in the USA that operates under a Curacao license and offers an authentic game collection. El Royale Casino’s catalog includes numerous slots and card games. There are several bonuses available, including no deposit and welcome bonuses. The casino supports US dollars, which is convenient for American players.
SuperSlots
SuperSlots Casino operates under a Panama license. It is legally available to players from the USA and Canada. In addition to classic slots, SuperSlots Casino’s catalog includes slot machines with live dealers. Players regularly get free spins as bonuses. There is a generous welcome bonus available for the first three deposits. There are also temporary promos at the casino. Additionally, you can use cryptocurrency wallets to make deposits and withdraw money.
Café Casino
Café Casino has been operating since 2016 under a Curacao license. The casino’s catalog contains slots with live dealers. There is a generous welcome bonus available, its size depends on the deposit amount. As part of temporary promos, the casino offers no deposit bonuses. There is also a loyalty program that lets players get points. These can be exchanged for real money. Your loyalty program level determines the exchange rate.
Extreme
Extreme Casino has been operating since 2000 and is licensed by the Curacao regulator. In addition to slots, there are games with live dealers available in the catalog. The casino provides a generous welcome bonus. It ranges from 500% to 1000%, depending on the deposit amount. The wagering requirement is x27. You can receiveget free spins as part of the reload bonus,. There is a VIP program that has 5 levels. Gamblers who play actively at Extreme Casino get 25% cashback. There are also various temporary promos available.
7Bit Casino
7Bit Casino has been operating since 2014 under a Curacao license. 7Bit Casino accepts players from different countries and supports many popular currencies. There are a lot of casino games are available in the catalog, including games with live dealers. There is also a welcome bonus and free spins, which you can receive by making a deposit on Wednesdays. On weekends, regular players get cashback credited to their accounts. Another benefit includes cryptocurrency support.
Live Casino
Live Casino operates legally under a license issued by the Malta Gaming Commission. This document is considered prestigious and confirms Live Casino’s legitimacy. Live Casino offers software from more than 20 providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and other industry giants. Additionally, players are offered a large number of bonuses. The casino’s welcome package applies to the first three deposits. There are various promos, reload bonuses, cashback, and a loyalty program.
Empire
Empire Casino is a new brand that was launched in 2020. It operates under a Curacao license. New players are offered a generous welcome package, and the catalog has original software from famous providers. You can also play with live dealersat Empire Casino. In addition to bank cards and electronic payment systems, there are also cryptocurrency wallets available to players.
How to Start Playing at Legit Online Casinos
You need to follow several simple steps to start playing for money.
Choose a Casino
First, you have to choose your casino. The best legit online casinos are all listed in this rating. Each of them has a detailed review you can use. You can also check casinos yourself according to the criteria listed above.
Sign Up or Log In
If you already have an account at a casino, you can simply log in by entering your username and password. New players need to register an account. You need to fill out a form providing your personal and contact information. It’s also necessary to confirm your identity by providing relevant documents. This lets casinos make sure that the player is of legal age and that there are no duplicate accounts.
Activate the Welcome Bonus
New players get a welcome bonus. You can get it right after registering. In some cases, it requires entering a promo code. You can find these promo codes on our website.
Before getting and activating a bonus, it is important to check its conditions.
Link a Payment Method
To start playing for money, you need to make a deposit. To do this, you choose your preferred payment method. Then you use it to deposit and withdraw money. When choosing, you should consider the transaction limits. In addition, the payout speed depends on your selected method. The money is usually credited to electronic wallets faster than to bank cards.
Start Playing
After making a deposit, you can start placing bets in slots. Select a slot machine and set the parameters as you prefer. If you receive prize money, you can withdraw using the same payment method as for the deposit.
How to Recognize Unsafe Casinos
It makes no sense to register and play for money at unsafe casinos. The features listed in the table below can help you recognize a fraudulent casino.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Poor and simple website interface | Reliable casinos spare no effort and money in creating their websites. They have stylish designs and user-friendly interfaces. If a website looks outdated, lacks essential information, and it's hard to find the right section, it may be a sign of a fraudulent casino. |
No license | If an online casino doesn't provide information about its license, you can request it from support. If the specialists avoid answering this question, it's better to find another casino. |
Overly generous bonuses | Big promos may seem to be profitable, but this is not always the case. Many only casinos offer these bonuses to attract players but there is often no point in them. Fraudulent casinos set undoable wagering requirements or provide too little time to win back the money. This doesn't let you make a profit from a bonus, so it is better to avoid casinos that have such offers. |
A limited game selection | It’s best to avoid a casino if it has a small, limited game catalog from unknown providers. Reliable casinos offer thousands of slots from leading developers, including games with live dealers. |
Legitimate online casinos listed in this rating offer all the conditions for a fair and profitable game. They feature a wide range of games, generous bonuses, and timely payouts.
Yes, these casinos offer demo versions of games available without registering and depositing. There, you can play for virtual chips. This way, there are no financial risks, but you can't receive any winnings either.
At legal casinos, all results are determined by a random number generator. Neither the casino administration nor the player can influence the results.
No, promos require wagering first. You need to meet a wagering requirement by making a certain number of bets.
Yes, these casinos have mobile versions that don't require downloading. Some casinos also offer you to download a separate app.
It depends on the casino’s policy and your payment method. Payouts can take up to 2-3 days. Still, some online casinos withdraw money within a few hours.