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Best Games to Win Real Money in the US
Huge jackpots and potential payouts attract many people to play online casino games in the United States for real money. When choosing an online casino game however, it is important to check the availability of the casino in your state and the Return to Player (RTP) percentages before depositing any cash.
The RTP percentage varies between online casinos, casino games and game themes, particularly with online slots. If your chosen game offers poor odds or requires a hefty minimum bet per round that greatly reduces your gameplay, find a real money casino game that better suits your requirements.
Real money online casinos can sometimes offer dozens – even hundreds – of game variations. For example, slot machines – which were first seen at the end of the 19th century in Brooklyn, New York and San Francisco, California – have now developed into one of the most popular forms of online casino gambling in the US with countless iterations possessing different rules, odds and payouts available across different sites.
Meanwhile, blackjack and roulette both have their origins in Europe but found a home on the riverboat casinos of the Mississippi and flourished in the safe haven of New Orleans before spreading across the rest of the United States. The classic table games are now considered two of the most in-demand online casino games in the US, with their subtle variations providing plenty of entertainment and opportunities for success.
As for poker, the link to America is clear with game types such as Texas hold ‘em and Omaha always proving to be favourites among online players. Likewise, the social element of Craps has seen the game's popularity soar in the brick-and-mortar casinos of the States, and this enthusiasm has translated online in recent years.
Use the tabs above and below to find the best US sites to win money for each of the casino games, while you can also follow these links to access our learning guides and discover the best gameplay strategies. This will help increase your chances of winning real cash online.
Alternatively, if you’re not looking to play for real money then test your casino skills with our favourite free casino games available in your state.
Best Real Money Casino Apps in the US
For gamblers that want to play casino games on the go, real money online casinos also provide an entertaining and high-quality gaming experience through their mobile apps or via a no-download version on a mobile browser. Players from the United States can choose top mobile casino games and gambling apps that offer great graphics, optimum software, and a responsive interface on Android, iPhone or tablet.
Even gamblers who play casino games online through a desktop computer should consider mobile casinos. Some casino sites in the US give special mobile-only bonuses to new sign-ups, or special mobile-only rewards to regular users to encourage them to play with the casino more frequently.
You can still win real money playing casino games on mobile gambling apps and sites but, for those not ready to play for real cash, most US casino sites have free mobile versions of their games available for phone and tablet.
Win Real Money Bonuses & Promotions
Online casinos offer an array of promotions and rewards to keep players on their websites and stop them from playing real money games with their competitors – and this is especially true of casinos based in the United States.
Experienced players can use these casino bonuses for their own benefit to extend gameplay or increase their chances of winning a payout.
Here are the most common bonuses and rewards you should take advantage of to win real money in the US:
Welcome Bonus – Once you sign up to a casino, you may receive a bonus in the form of credit. This is sometimes dependent on the amount of your initial deposit.
No Deposit Bonus – You receive credit to a certain monetary amount in your account, with no deposit required. A no deposit casino bonus is generally lower than a welcome bonus.
Reload Bonus – If you deposit money into your account, an online casino will top it up to a certain percentage of the amount deposited. This promotion is usually targeted at returning players.
Mobile Bonus – Players using online casino apps or playing on mobile browsers can receive exclusive welcome bonuses for choosing that platform.
Match Bonus – The online casino will match whatever amount of money you deposit, usually to a certain percentage.
Payment Method Bonus – Some casinos will reward you with an extra welcome bonus when using a preferred banking method.
After signing up to all the eligible welcome bonuses you qualify for, search the online casino for bonuses it offers to its regular gamblers. Casino sites want you to keep returning and spending cash, so it is common for many to offer loyalty schemes or weekly rewards to their loyal customers.
These common casino bonuses can help you make money playing games online for free:
Loyalty & VIP Schemes – Most online casinos offer loyalty schemes or reward programs. The bonuses for these schemes usually have certain levels, with users that play or gamble the most receiving credit in their accounts or additional rounds on real money casino games.
Seasonal Promotions & Giveaways – During festive periods, including Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, online casinos will usually give away bonuses to all customers. You can use these bonuses to play casino games online and win real money, whether you're a regular player or not.
Weekly Giveaways – Check your favorite online casinos on a weekly basis. Some offer rewards for making a deposit on a certain day, or a free spins bonus for playing specific casino games during a stated time period.
Real Money Online Casinos vs Social Casinos
Social casinos in the United States consist of free online games, often linked to social networking sites, where you can play with your friends or meet fellow like-minded gamblers. These games, where players wager virtual credits, are often used as a stepping stone for beginners before they move on to stake real money. Experienced players also use social casinos to sharpen up their skills and enjoy a more relaxed gaming experience.
It is legal to gamble with both social and real money casinos in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia while more than 20 other states – including Nevada and New York – do not currently allow real money online gambling but welcome social casinos (as of May 2022). US regulations are continually changing so check out our US Gambling Guide to find out the do's and don'ts in your state.
| Why Play Real Money Games? 💰 | Why Play Social Casino Games? 🤝 |
|---|---|
| Big prizes, huge jackpots, bonuses and promotions | Can be played just for fun, with zero risk of losing money |
| Some real money variations are not available as free games | Get started quickly with no account or sign up process |
| Live dealer games recreate authentic casino experience | The perfect opportunity to learn strategy |
Check out our best real money games or visit our free casino games guide to put in some more practice before staking your bankroll.
Real Money Casino Banking Methods
In addition to researching the trustworthiness of online casinos, it is important to investigate the best casino banking methods to use. The options listed below are recommended by us as safe to use for players based in the United States, although some will offer you greater protection than others.
American Express – American Express, or Amex, is one of the world's best-known credit and charge card providers. It's also a popular option for funding casino accounts. Visit our top American Express Casinos here.
Credit Card – Anyone who owns a credit card knows how easy they are to use, and about the protection they offer. Though you can't gamble with them in some countries, they remain the most widely available casino banking option across the globe. View our best Credit Card Casinos here.
Cryptocurrency – Cryptocurrency is different from most currencies in that it's entirely virtual. As the value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum has increased rapidly, we've seen more casinos accepting them. Digital, and often anonymous, they're loved by gamblers too. See our top Bitcoin Casinos here.
Debit Card – You probably have at least one debit card in your pocket right now. They're popular with online gamblers because they offer the same advantages as credit cards, but don't let you spend more money than you have in your account. Check out our favorite Debit Card Casinos here.
eCheck – An eCheck is an electronic version of a paper check. Using an eCheck provider like Due, Adyen, or ACHQ is a great choice if you're anxious about gambling with credit cards. It's also quicker and more environmentally friendly than using paper checks.
MasterCard – People use MasterCard as it is one of the biggest credit card providers in the world and is widely accepted online. It can be used on virtually all gambling sites. If a casino accepts MasterCard, you can probably use Maestro debit cards there too. Learn about our top Mastercard Casinos here.
PayPal – Most people associate PayPal more with eBay than they do with gambling but, in some places, it's a popular banking option at online casinos as well. It's even available in the US, in states where gambling is legal and regulated. Visit our most trusted PayPal Casinos here.
Paysafecard – This payment option is perfect for those who feel uncomfortable using their bank account or credit card for gambling. Customers purchase a Paysafecard voucher somewhere local to them, then they can redeem the cash online using a long PIN number. Learn about our top Paysafecard Casinos here.
Skrill – Much like PayPal, Skrill is a major eWallet service designed for simple transactions on the internet. Skrill is widely accepted at online casinos and can be the perfect choice for banking. Withdrawals to a Skrill account are completed immediately once everything is approved.
Visa – Visa is the world's largest provider of credit and debit cards, available for use at virtually all online casinos. Ease of use and a lack of associated fees makes this a great choice for playing with any reputable gambling site. Check out our top Visa Casinos here.
Western Union – Western Union originally launched wire transfers using their telegraph network back in 1872. Things have changed a bit since then, with funds now transferred electronically. But you won't find many better-established payment options than this.
Wire Transfer – A wire transfer is the transfer of funds from one account to another. Its popularity is partly down to the degree of control it gives gamblers over how much they're sending. This can be done either online or in person.
When playing online casino games in the United States for real money, read the withdrawal process and whether there are any withdrawal requirements. These can differ between online casino sites and land-based casinos.
You must initiate the withdrawal process with online casinos, and then wait for them to verify the cash-out request and transfer the funds to your bank account. This process takes anything from a couple of hours to several business days. It should be noted that some online casinos also enforce withdrawal limits on players.
How to Choose the Best Real Money Online Casinos in the US
Before playing any real money games it is worth researching an online casino first.
Is it available in your state? Does it provide casino games that pay a decent payout percentage? Are there enough varieties of your favorite game on this casino site to make it worth your time and effort depositing money?
Decide what your main priorities are for gambling online, and how much you want to spend – this will help you find the best casinos. In order to have a top online gambling experience, we recommend putting any casino site to the test with the following criteria:
Casino promotions – Welcome bonuses, including no deposit bonuses, free spins, payment method bonuses and even mobile bonuses, can help extend your gambling experience and give you more opportunities to win real money for free. Always check what perks online casinos offer before depositing money. To avoid any unwelcome surprises, we also recommend reading the fine print for welcome bonuses.
Security – Only play with online casinos that offer strong security measures to protect its users' details. Find casinos with the best software and no-download options for safe real money gambling online. Our casino reviews will help you find secure sites in the US to start playing at straightaway.
Variety – Whether you want to play slots online or try your hand at live dealer blackjack, check which US online casinos have the best selection of real money games.
Mobile gaming – If you want to win real money gambling online on-the-go, then first check whether your chosen casino is a mobile casino.
Fast payouts – If you want to gamble online and win real money, then you don't want to wait weeks for a payout. Find online casinos that offer fast payouts before signing up.
Listen to other online casino players – Online casino gamblers are a friendly bunch; many will report any sizable winnings from specific real money casino games to each other.
Fun gameplay – Whether you enjoy free online casino games or play to win cash, all gamers want to have fun. Online casinos with the best games usually have high-quality software and the newest themes for their players.
A legitimate real money casino should offer players fair return on games, strong security settings to protect personal and banking details, quick payout times, and speedy customer service support. Any casino found to employ disreputable practices is added to Online Gambling's Blacklisted Casinos list.
Blacklisted Real Money Online Casinos
Before gambling with any online casino in the United States, do some background research first. Generally, if there's a pattern of complaints regarding fair play, speed of payouts, or the quality of its customer service, gamblers should not play with that casino site.
Any online casino that partners with Online Gambling must pass a series of rigorous tests. This includes ensuring the casino site awards the welcome bonuses it advertises, offers fair withdrawal and payout terms, and respects its users with a responsive customer support team.
Real money games should have fair payout percentages and software with strong security protocols. If you find a real money casino game has a suspicious pattern of events, faulty software, or undisclosed fees, stop playing and report the game immediately.
Additionally, it goes without saying that we do not recommend any casino that fails to comply with US gambling laws. Learn how to identify a potentially fraudulent online casino on our Blacklisted Casinos page.
US Real Money Gambling Laws
US gambling laws can be tricky things to get your head around, as they change state by state and are rapidly evolving.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand the legal status of gambling, online and offline, for real money in your jurisdiction.
Some states like Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are at the head of the game, allowing online sports betting, real money online casinos and gambling in brick-and-mortar establishments.
More and more states are following their lead and easing their gambling restrictions in this way, but be sure to check the laws in your area by using the drop-down menu on our US gambling law guide.
US Responsible Gambling Resources
At Online Gambling we are committed to empowering users and helping you beat the odds in a safe and sustainable manner. We're all about giving gamblers the edge through our original insight and expert tips, but it is also our duty as a responsible online gaming expert to offer advice and resources to players when needed.
Check out our US Responsible Gambling Resources to help understand problem gambling and identify the next steps which you could take to combat any issues. You can also access support via the leading responsible gambling organizations in the United States below:
US Organizations
Other organizations
Online Gambling is an independent and impartial authority in gambling. For 20 years we've committed to finding players the best online casinos. Today more than 1.2million players worldwide trust our reviews process to help them play safely online.
FAQs
Is real money gambling legal in the US?
Gambling legislation in the US is rapidly changing, with more and more states easing online gambling and sportsbook regulations. We’re here to offer clear, simple guidance on which real money casino games are available to players across the United States.
Head over to our US Gambling Law Guide to see what types of gaming is available to you.
Is real money gambling safe in the US?
Online gambling is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States but, like any online activity, real money gaming does come with an element of risk. That’s why all our top recommended casinos have been thoroughly vetted, checked, and reviewed to ensure that you not only have a good time online but that your money, your winnings, and your details stay safe and secure.
Explore our How We Rate page for more information on the criteria we check against to ensure you feel confident placing bets with our suggestions. You can also find top tips to use when doing your own research, as well as our blacklisted casinos which we strongly encourage you to avoid.
How much can I win gambling online?
When gambling to win real money, the earning potential is virtually unlimited. What matters most is that you take care in setting up a personal budget, and never risk more than you are comfortable losing.
Are there bonuses available for online gamblers?
In 2022, online gamblers from the United States have a number of different casino bonuses available to them. Common types of promotional offers at real money online casinos include welcome (or sign up) bonuses, game-specific bonuses, mobile bonuses, baking option bonuses, and free play bonuses.
How do online bonuses work?
Once you've identified an online casino you'd like to play with, simply create a new account and claim your welcome bonus to use for real money games.
What is real money gambling?
Gambling for real money online in the United States isn't so different from playing in a Vegas casino. Once you've decided on the best online casino for you, simply create an account, claim your welcome bonus, and make your first real money deposit with an approved banking method.
Can I win real money with no deposit?
Some United States-based casinos offer no deposit bonuses, which allow you to gamble for real money without depositing any of your own funds. This is less common but also a risk-free entry into gambling for real money.
What is payout percentage?
The term ‘payout percentage’ refers to the amount of a real money payout that goes to the player, rather than being swallowed up by transaction fees. Look for online casinos with payout percentages in the high nineties.
Are there real money gambling apps?
Most casinos will offer either a mobile browser site or an app which you can download from your Android or iPhone device's application store.
What banking methods can I use?
Our top recommended online casinos allow you to make deposits and withdrawals with popular banking methods such as debit card, credit card, bank transfer, electronic check, prepaid voucher, PayPal, and other third party payment services.
How can I gamble responsibly?
Please see our Responsible Gambling page for key information on how to stay safe and in control while gaming. There is also a list of US-based organizations which offer advice and a host of professional resources to help players remain confident online. Alternatively, see external resources from Gamblers Anonymous, who can help you find a meeting in your state for help and support.
