Best US online gambling sites 2024 🎖️ top-rated casinos
Choose top online betting sites for casino gambling, poker, lotteries, and sports betting. Casino.org has been the #1 US gambling guide for over 25 years, reviewing 100+ gambling sites for games, sports, and competitive odds. Tap a bonus to start betting.
Our top recommended casino betting sites
Rank | Casino | Regional Flag | Bonus Offer | Play Online | Offers Claimed | Screenshot | Pros | More Details | Casino Review | ||
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#1 TOP RATED CASINO | Exclusive Offer: 245,000 Gold Coins + 117.5 Free Sweepstakes CoinsBonus | 2795 claimed this offer in the last month | Deposit options include
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2 | 200 Gold Coins, 40 Sweeps Coins, and 100 diamondsBonus | 1675 claimed this offer in the last month | Deposit options include
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3 | Up to 575,000 Gold Coins + 105 SC Free + 1000 VIP PointsBonus | 154 claimed this offer in the last month | Deposit options include
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4 | 550,000 Gold Coins, $55 SC + 5% RakebackBonus |
| Read Stake Review | ||||||||
5 | 1.5 Million Wow Coins + 35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsBonus |
| Read WOW Vegas Review | ||||||||
6 | Up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 Free Sweepstakes CoinsBonus |
| Read Pulsz Review | ||||||||
7 | 5,000 Gold Coins, 0.98 SC + 3 Treasure ChestsBonus |
| Read LuckyBird.io Review | ||||||||
8 | Exclusive Offer: 107,500 Gold Coins + 35 Free Sweepstakes CoinsBonus |
| Read McLuck Review | ||||||||
9 | 1.5M Gold Coins + FREE 3,500 Sweepstakes CoinsBonus |
| Read NolimitCoins Review | ||||||||
10 | 200,000 GC, Free 2 SC + 20 Free SpinsBonus |
| Read Chanced Review |
Play the top US gambling games for free
If you're just starting out in gambling and are not sure where to start, you can get a feel for the experience with over 18,000 free casino games right on Casino.org. Play some of our top free games below before you try online gambling for real money.
The latest gambling sites to avoid
Our experts use a 25-step review process to rate online casinos so we only ever recommend the best gambling sites. We cover everything from US regulation and data protection to bonus offers. If any casinos fail to deliver a safe gambling environment, we add them to a list of sites to avoid.
- Unprofessional customer support
- Site operators linked to questionable practices
- Not paid players their winnings
- Reports of players not receiving winnings
- Misleading claims of licensing
- Unresponsive to customer complaints
- 18+ months for withdrawal
- Locked-out accounts
- Slow response times
Our top five online betting sites in detail
Take a look at what key features made these gambling sites stand out for our reviews team in October. Whether it's an above average RTP of 97%+, in-play bets on all markets, or 24/7 Sit and Go tournaments, these sites all beat the competition.
BetRivers - Our best real money online casino
Pros
✅ An above average 1,600 games from NetEnt, IGT, & more
✅ The lowest casino wagering requirements at 1x
✅ Withdraw real money wins instantly with Play+
Cons
❌ Could take more table games beyond the current 50
BetRivers tops our list for real money casino gambling. It's also a great brand all round, with a successful sports betting site in the US. The casino's 96.96% payout rate is a good edge on the 96% industry average. I liked that over 80 slot games are featured as 'hot' for having the highest payouts in the previous hour of play. Titles like Kronos and Slingo Fluffy Favorites peak well above 600x your stake.
💬 User review: "This is the only casino app where I've hit big multiple times AND never had any issue with withdrawals. I've tried them all so that means something! The customer support is instant and fantastic, too. 5 stars just for the smooth UI!" 5/5 ⭐ Audrianna K, Play Store review, July 6, 2024
💡 Editor's insight: BetRivers Casino gets some player feedback around a low chance of payouts. Digging deeper though, I've noted the casino is competitive on payout rate overall, with a higher than average win rate to players. It's important to check the RTP of a particular game, as some payout more than others.
Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Read our full BetRivers Casino review.
FanDuel - Best for sports betting
Pros
✅ The most popular sportsbook in the US, with over 17 million users
✅ Top gambling app rated 4.6/5 and 4.8/5 on the Play and App Stores
✅ More ways to win, with 10+ unique bets like Same Game Parlays and partial game odds
Cons
❌ No loyalty program for sports bettors
FanDuel is an established US gambling site currently available in 23 states. It's backed by one of the world's largest gambling companies, Flutter Entertainment, who also own Sky Betting & Gaming, and PokerStars. FanDuel offers sportsbook, casino, fantasy, and racebook betting. I was pleased to find the sportsbook offering live streaming in over 20 markets. I also rate FanDuel for bet innovations. FanDuel's 'Super Boosts' enhance the odds on bets with two or more outcomes. The Same-Game Parlay allows you to bet on multiple outcomes on a single game.
💬 User review: "Got paid quick upon requesting payouts every time! Love the early cash out option, love the ability to adjust spreads/lines, the live betting, variety of sports including late night international games, prompt chat support, etc! It's the best site I've been on hands down!" 5/5 ⭐ Shawn Schoreck, TrustPilot review, February 14, 2023
💡 Editor's insight: Some bettors report issues with cashing out winning bets and suspended accounts. However, it’s important to read the terms of bonus bets and promotions. Your deposits, bet types, and withdrawals must all comply to receive your winnings quickly. Account suspensions are rare, but FanDuel’s responsible gambling protections can pause an account if the team are concerned someone is chasing losses.
Casino.org rating: 4.3/5 ⭐
Read our full FanDuel review.
DraftKings - Best for online slots
Pros
✅ Play 800+ slots from top games makers NetEnt, IGT, and more
✅ High 97.05% win rate - amongst the best payouts in the US
✅ Easily access your bonus funds with 1x playthrough requirements
Cons
❌ One of the lower value bonuses of our top US casinos
DraftKings is one of the top gambling brands in the US, offering Daily Fantasy Sports, online casino and sports betting. It also tops our list of best casino gambling sites for exclusive games. With 70+ titles, including 40 unique slots games, the site has far more than the average 20 or so exclusives you'll see at other casinos. Highlights for me included 2 Tribes, which has a low entry bet of $0.40, Rocket, and Dollar Up! The lobby also connects to progressive jackpots run across your state. There were prizes up to $400k when I last checked the site.
💬 User review: "Love it. 5 dollar minimum deposit for the days I don't have a lot to spend but still want to play. Excellent game selection, awesome promotions, and best of all... fast withdrawals. Keep up the good work. 💪💯 Thanx for everything! 🙏😊" 5/5 ⭐ Joseph Reynolds, Play Store review, July 23, 2024
💡 Editor's insight: DraftKings Casino gets some player feedback around likelihood of payout and issues withdrawing. This is a common comment raised against most online casinos, however, and usually reflects players who've misunderstood sign up or bonus terms and conditions.
Casino.org rating: 4/5 ⭐
Read our full DraftKings Casino review.
BetMGM - Best for online poker
Pros
✅ Join tables 24/7, with Sit & Go, single & multi-table, heads-up, and bounty tournaments
✅ All games can become Hot Tables with up to $1,500 added to the pot, with up to 50% going to winners
✅ Play at your pace and budget with large player pools and joining stakes starting from $0.01
Cons
❌ Some poker variants missing, including Pot Limit Omaha
BetMGM's a huge online gambling brand in the USA, combining sports betting, online casino, and poker. It's my recommendation for online poker thanks to a strong range of regular promotions. There are four alongside the $1,000 deposit match welcome bonus. I particularly liked the daily double BetMGM Rewards Points from 3:00-5:00 PM (BRP Builder Power Hours). It's a great boost to your status through regular play. As part of the PartyPoker US network, BetMGM also maximizes the player base and liquidity in your state, so there's plenty of players of all skill levels at the tables, with fast payouts on games.
💬 User review: "I love BetMGM Poker because it feels like I'm playing with locals and not a ton of Bots and Euro pros. Also, payouts are extremely fast." 5/5 ⭐ Matt Pankey, Play Store review, May 12, 2024
💡 Editor's insight: There have been some comments from BetMGM poker players that location settings have meant they've lost connection from the platform mid game. Looking into this, BetMGM only allows you to join games with other players in your state. Those near state borders may be flagged as playing from outside jurisdiction. More recent reviews note this issue has been fixed, so the level of location accuracy seems to have been improved.
Casino.org rating: 4.1/5 ⭐
Read our full BetMGM review.
High 5 Casino - Our best sweepstakes casino
Pros
✅ EGR Awards 'Top Social Casino' winner for 2023 and 2024
✅ Play 100+ exclusive sweepstakes casino games only available at High 5
✅ Boost your games with coin top up bonuses released every four hours
Cons
❌ One of the smaller sweeps casino bonuses compared to WOW Vegas or Real Prize
High 5 Casino is my top recommended sweepstakes casino. Sweepstakes are not a form of online gambling, as no money is wagered on outcomes. You can redeem cash prizes from winnings, though, as well as gift cards for restaurants and stores. High 5 features some 1,200+ games, over double those at Hello Millions and Fortune Coins. Most games are slots, with Platinum Goddess among the top played. I also singled the site out for offering live casino games, including six blackjack and roulette titles, as these are hard to find at social casinos.
💬 User review: "High 5 is one of the best casinos that I've played on. They have game boost that you can buy with the diamonds you get with your daily bonus. Also you get free SC with your daily bonus. They have a great selection of casino games and great customer service. I recommend High 5 Casino, they are great." 5/5 ⭐ Dana Kelly, TrustPilot review, August 1, 2024
💡 Editor's insight: Most players leave High 5 highly positive reviews across Trustpilot, the Play Store, and App Store. However, a few people note issues with support. I dug deeper here, as favorable reviews say support is prompt on all channels and easy to deal with. The 24/7 live chat team responded to me within an hour, and email and social accounts replied constructively within a day.
Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Read our full High 5 Casino review.
"I always say the best online gambling sites will be those that play to your strengths as a bettor. Either because the markets or games are specialized around your preferences and bankroll, or because they reward your skill and pace of play with relevant weekly promos. For example, I like BetRivers' 1x wagering requirements on promos, as that's a far more achievable way for me to bet on games."
Match with America's best online betting sites
Select your preferred way to wager and we'll suggest the best online gambling and casino sites for you.
How we find the best places to gamble in the US
Casino.org has been at the forefront of betting online since 1995. With appearances in Fox News, ESPN, and the Los Angeles Times, we're well known for our industry commentary. Our strict 25 criteria review process is trusted by thousands of Americans looking for their next (or first) gambling site. From the range of betting markets to rapid cashier transactions, find out what makes these sites special.
Site security, authority, and reputation
Any gambling site we recommend will be legal and licensed by state level online betting and gaming authorities. A brand like FanDuel holds licenses from 13 different state bodies for its online sports betting operation. These include the Virginia Lottery and Michigan Gaming Control Board. FanDuel has a strong reputation with US players, having been online since 2009. It won EGR's operator of the year award in 2024.
Expert insight: For a casino gambling site, being eCOGRA certified attests to the fairness of the games and that the site follows gambling regulations. Casinos don't have to use eCOGRA, but seeing the badge on site earns more points in our ratings.
Promos, rewards, and bonus offers
You can expect welcome bonuses and regular player promos to reward you for gambling online. BetMGM offers one of the larger welcome bonuses in the US. There's a $1,000 deposit match and $75 in tournament tickets for poker or a $25 no deposit bonus for casino players. This is double the offers at PlayStar and BetRivers.
BetRivers scores higher for wagering requirements, though. Its 1x playthrough rate makes withdrawing wins from the $500 offer more achievable. BetMGM Poker's 12x playthrough is still competitive, but we'd take review points off bonuses with requirements of 30x or more. These prove expensive offers for players.
When choosing where to gamble online, look out for the promos that offer the most frequent value to your betting style. BetMGM has 19 regular promotions across sports, casino, and poker. These include bonus bets, daily bonuses, and double Rewards points. For comparison, FanDuel and DraftKings have 11 and seven regular offers.
Range of markets, tournaments, and games
The highest scoring gambling sites offer the most ways to bet online. DraftKings Sports features 23 markets, from NBA to Rodeo, with well over 200 bet types across them. FanDuel's 19 sports include popular bets like spread, moneyline, totals, props, parlay, futures, and exclusives like FanDuel's Same-Game Parlay for multiple outcome bets on one game.
BetRivers Casino comes out top for real money casino games with 1,600 titles, well above the 900 and 200 games at DraftKings and FanDuel. PokerStars features 12 poker variants, the highest amongst US poker rooms. You'll find the rarer Badugi and Razz alongside common varieties like hold 'em and Ohama. BetMGM Poker keeps tables accessible with 24/7 tournaments, including large pot 'hot tables' you can join from $0.10 and mid stakes games from $0.01.
Mobile betting and apps in your state
Players expect the best online betting sites to have high quality gambling apps in their state. FanDuel's app sets our scoring benchmark with 4.6/5 and 4.9/5 reviews from 1.83M users in the Play and App Stores. Our casino yardsticks are High 5, with 4.6/5 from social players, and DraftKings Casino, which scores 4.4/5 and 4.7/5 from 75,000 real money players in the Play and App stores.
We scored BetMGM's app highly for the personalization it offers poker players. The 'my tournies' tool lets you favorite events in your account. Filtering also allows you to focus your screen display on your key games and preferred stakes, game speed, and table format.
Expert insight: Not all gambling websites offer dedicated apps. While we will deduct review points because of this, a betting site still scores well if it's fully responsive to screen size and makes it easy to filter, navigate, and bet on mobile.
Swift betting at the cashier
With the fast action of sports betting, we expect rapid bet settlement speeds to keep bankrolls going on game day. BetRivers settles most wagers as soon as the game's over. FanDuel relies on league data to settle its wagers, again largely at close of gameplay. Note horse racing is subject to various post race checks at the tracks, so takes longer.
When it comes to withdrawing casino winnings, BetMGM scores highly for range. Its 11 options include Apple Pay, PayPal, and Mastercard. This compares well against the six or so at FanDuel and BetRivers. BetMGM's fastest option is Play+ within four hours. Visa, PayPal, and Venmo complete within 24 hours. There's a minimum $10 withdrawal, and DraftKings scores higher here, with a low $1 minimum for most of its 11 options.
Market-leading customer support
View our recommended gambling websitesWe only recommend legit online gambling sites with responsive and effective customer service. BetMGM and DraftKings score highly here for their 24/7 live chat support. We reserve the highest scores for a brand like BetRivers, which is rare in also operating a phoneline. It's owned by Rush Street Interactive, who won best customer service operator in the EGR awards 2024.
FanDuel are also notable for having a wider range of help options, including extensive FAQ articles, a call back feature, email, and live chat, as well as responding on their X and Facebook social channels. We did shave off some points for the callback feature taking a couple of days for a response.
How to gamble online in the US
Pick one of our recommended sites and sign up using our link (to get the best and exclusive offers for signing up).
Create a username and password as prompted by the new user form. You may need to submit an email address and verify it.
You'll likely need to confirm your name, phone number, address, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Head to the cashier and add funds to your account. This may trigger any new player bonuses if you meet the minimum. It will also allow you to start betting real money.
With your account funded, you can now choose whatever you'd like to bet on and begin. If this is your first time, start with some simpler bets to get acquainted.
Gambling payment methods for US players
Real money gambling and casino sites need to offer a variety of payment options as a basic requirement. We like to see everything from credit and debit cards to e-wallets, Bitcoin, and cryptocurrencies catered for. Take a look below for some of the best real money casino banking methods.
Best US gambling bonus types
From bonus bets to no deposit bonuses, you can expect plenty of rewards for signing up and continuing to log in with a top casino or gambling site online. Below we've broken down the most common offers you'll see.
Welcome bonus
Casino welcome bonusesIn a competitive US online gambling market, casino and sportsbook sites are keen to offer welcome or sign up bonuses to get their player base established. This means larger new player offers as they compete for your custom. These offers generally tend to be deposit match bonuses for casinos and bonus bets for sportsbooks. Either way they can have a maximum value or 100s or 1000s of dollars depending on your deposit.
No deposit bonus
No deposit bonusesWhile not always offered, these bonuses are popular for offering casino credits without making an initial deposit. While the amount might be lower, generally between $5 and $25, as per BetMGM’s no deposit bonus, they offer a great way to try out new betting sites without committing to a deposit. They are offered usually as a sign up incentive, but can also be additional offers for existing players.
Deposit match bonus
This is the most common casino bonus type you’ll see online. Your first deposit is matched by a percentage, typically 100%, but sometimes by 200% or more. Caesars Palace offers one of the biggest, with 100% up to $2,500. Any deposit you make will be matched up to $2,500. So a $75 deposit will be matched with a $75 bonus. Be aware that to withdraw bonus winnings you need to meet wagering requirements that can ask you to wager 15-30x your deposit amount.
Free spins
Free spins bonusesFree spins are essentially extra turns on slots games, sometimes for specific titles or software makers. They can be offered as a sign up bonus and as login bonuses or offers for regular players. They’re a good way to extend your game and preserve bankroll, and often come with limited wagering requirements. PlayStar Casino offers 500 free spins as part of its sign up package, which requires making three minimum deposits of $20 and playing through the spins within seven days.
Bonus bets
Bonus bets are the main sign up offer at sportsbooks online. They are offered as extra credit to bet with when you sign up and make a qualifying minimum bet. They are also regularly offered to existing players, particularly during tournaments and big games. FanDuel’s welcome offer for sports bettors is $200 in bonus bets when you wager your first $5.
Cashback
Sports betting sites offer cashback as a return on any losing bets you make in your first day or so of wagering with the book. It’s paid in casino credits, and generally will be paid on net losses calculated against all your wagers over a specified period. BetMGM Sports offers up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet at the site loses.
Loyalty programs
VIP programsVIP programs are available at casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites. They’re a tiered set of promotions that reward players for wagering more. You can expect extra bonuses and credits at the lower tiers, and personal account managers and prizes like holidays and cars at the top levels. The best gambling sites enroll all players from their first bet and make it easy to progress with regular betting. Caesars Palace offers points on all wagers across its sportsbook and casino products, which can be traded for bonuses or prizes.
US state casino and gambling guide
Here we break down your options for gambling online and locally in the US on sports, casino and poker. All depending on your state.
US states where online casinos & sports betting are legal
Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have all legalized online casino and sports betting. What this means is real money online gambling sites available in these states are regulated at state level.
With this comes many benefits and protections that sites operating from offshore can’t offer you. This includes ensuring games are fair and that gambling sites protect your funds, data, and personal information correctly. Generally it means fairer, better quality betting with more financial protection.
State | Date legalized | Legislation | Gambling types | Retail sportsbooks | Retail casinos | Gambling age | Regulator |
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Pennsylvania casinos | October 2017 | HB 271 | Sports, poker, casino, college sports, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | 15 | 17 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
Michigan casinos | December 2019 | HB 4311 | Sports, poker, casino, college sports, DFS | 20 | 26 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
New Jersey casinos | February 2013 | NJ A2578 | Sports, poker, casino, esports, DFS | 12 | 12 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
Delaware casinos | June 2012 | HB 333 | Sportsbooks, poker, casino, college sports, DFS | 3 | 3 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | Delaware Gaming Enforcement |
West Virginia casinos | March 2019 | HB 2934 | Sports, poker, casino, college sports, esports, DFS | 5 | 5 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | West Virginia Lottery Commission |
Connecticut casinos | October 2021 | HB 6541 | Sports, poker, casino, college sports (in state), esports, DFS | 15 | 2 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection |
Rhode Island casinos | June 2023 | SB 948 | Sports, casino, college sports, DFS | 2 | 2 | 21 (18 for lottery, dogs, horseracing, and pari-mutuel) | Rhode Island Division of the Lottery |
Other US states where online sports betting is legal
The following states have legal online sports betting, but have yet to legislate for online casino gambling. They include New York, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois. The best online betting sites in these states offer thousands of bets across hundreds of events and sports markets, from NFL to NBA, golf, tennis, NHL, and college games.
Sports betting online is regulated at state level, so you are protected by laws for safe practice and fair gaming, as well as data and banking security to keep your personal information and finances safe. Gambling online also has lots of benefits for speed of play, with features like live and in play betting that let you wager as the game plays out, early cash out to claim a bet while the outcome is in your favor, and fast to instant bet settlement speed to get to your winnings faster.
State | Date legalized | Legislation | Gambling types | Retail sportsbooks | Retail casinos | Gambling age | Regulator |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona casinos | September 2021 | AZ HB 2772 | Sports, poker, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 15 | 27 | 21 | Arizona Department of Gaming |
Arkansas casinos | March 2022 | Gaming Expansion Bill | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 3 | 3 | 21 | Arkansas Racing Commission |
Colorado casinos | November 2019 | Proposition DD | Sports, retail casino, college sports, esports, DFS | 26 | 40 | 21 | Colorado Division of Gaming |
Florida casinos | November 2023 | Exclusively Hard Rock Bet | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 6 | 35 | 21 | Florida Gaming Control Commission |
Illinois casinos | June 2019 | Gaming Expansion Bill | Sports, poker, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 11 | 15 | 21 | The Illinois Gaming Board |
Indiana casinos | May 2019 | IN HB 1015 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 13 | 13 | 21 | Indiana Gaming Commission |
Iowa casinos | May 2019 | IA SF 617 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 18 | 24 | 21 | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
Kansas casinos | May 2022 | KS SB 84 | Sports, retail casino, college sports | 4 | 10 | 21 | Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission |
Kentucky casinos | March 2023 | KY HB 551 | Sports, college sports, esports, DFS | 12 | N/A | 18, but 21 in some venues | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation |
Louisiana casinos | June 2021 | LA HB 697 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 14 | 47 | 21 | Louisiana Gaming Control Board |
Maine casinos | July 2022 | ME LD 585 | Sport (online only), retail casino, college sports, esports, DFS | N/A | 2 | 21 | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
Maryland casinos | May 2021 | MD HB 940 | Sports, poker, retail casino, college sports, esports, DFS | 13 | 6 | 21 | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
Massachusetts casinos | August 2022 | MA H5164 | Sports, horseracing, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 3 | 3 | 21 | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
Mississippi casinos | August 2018 | Betting apps only within a retail casino | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 29 | 29 | 21 | The Mississippi Gaming Commission |
Nevada casinos | May 2001 | AB 466 | Sports, poker, retail casino, college sports, esports | 180+ | 350+ | 21 | The Nevada Gaming Commission |
New Hampshire casinos | July 2019 | HB 480 | Sports, poker, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 3 | N/A (only some charitable venues) | 18 | New Hampshire Lottery Commission |
New York casinos | April 2021 | S2509C | Sport, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 11 | 34+ | 21 | New York State Gaming Commission |
North Carolina casinos | June 2023 | NC HB 347 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 4 | 3 | 21 | North Carolina Education Lottery |
Ohio casinos | December 2021 | OH HB 29 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, esports, DFS | 10 | 4 | 21 | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
Oregon casinos | August 2019 | OR HB 2288 | Sports, retail casino, DFS | 4 | 10 | 21 | Oregon State Police: Gaming Enforcement |
Tennessee casinos | May 2019 | TN HB 0001 | Sports (online only), college sports, esports, DFS | N/A | N/A | 21 | Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council |
Vermont casinos | June 2023 | VT H 127 | Sports (online only), college sports, esports, DFS | N/A | N/A | 21 | Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery |
Virginia casinos | April 2020 | VA SB 384 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 3 | 3 | 21 | Virginia Lottery |
Washington casinos | March 2020 | WA HB 2638 | Sports, retail casino, college sports, esports | 14 | 35 | 21 | Washington State Gambling Commission |
Wisconsin casinos | February 2022 | Betting apps only within a retail casino | Sports, retail casino, college sports, DFS | 1 | 26 | 21 | Office of Indian Gaming |
Wyoming casinos | April 2021 | WY HB 133 | Sports (online only), retail casino, college sports, esports, DFS | 1 | 4 | 21 | Wyoming Gaming Commission |
District of Columbia casinos | May 2019 | Act 22-594 | Sports, college sports, DFS | 6 | N/A | 18, 21, depending on venue | DC Office of Lottery and Gaming |
States yet to legalize gambling
Of the remaining states, some are closer to legalizing gambling than others. Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Alabama all have gambling related legislation that has moved in 2024, while not getting to or through the voting stage. Nebraska introduced LB13 on July 25, which would authorize Nebraska’s racinos to provide online sports betting. Further debate on the bill won’t happen until at least January.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s highly unlikely that Utah or Texas would legalize gambling owning to strong political opposition in the states. Similarly Idaho, Alaska, and South Carolina have seen little movement towards legislation in recent years.
The complex road to legal online betting in the US has seen a few critical points in the last 60 years. This timeline takes us from the early legal changes up to the present day to explain how gambling has changed in America in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
The latest legal online gambling updates
The status of online gambling in the USA constantly changes as various state legislators raise bills and amendments to open and expand markets in their jurisdiction. Our US experts stay on the pulse of these updates and report on the latest developments below. You can Learn more about the legal situation in your state in our US legal guide.
- September 12, 2024 - Federal Sports Betting Bill proposed: The SAFE Bet Act would require all state level sports betting to be authorized by the Department of Justice. Raised by New York Rep. Paul Tonko and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the act, if passed, looks to enforce standards for gambling and advertising practice at a federal level.
- September 9, 2024 - New York wagered $1.4bn on sports betting in August: The New York Gaming Commission reported New York’s online sportsbooks generated $1.4 billion for the month, up 27.3% year on year. FanDuel and DraftKings had the lion’s share of the August handle.
- August 28, 2024 - Record number of Americans gambled in the last year: For the first time, a survey has shown the majority of American adults participate in gambling, with 55% of people reporting they did so in an American Gaming Association survey. This figure is an all-time high, and double the 22% gambling in 2021 in the post-pandemic low.
- August 13, 2024 - Missourians can vote to approve sports betting in November: Voters in Missouri will have a say in the November 5 ballot on sports betting in the state. 180,000 signatures were gathered on a petition filed with the Missouri Secretary of State, enough to secure Missourians a stake in the November vote.
- July 25, 2024 - Nebraska online sports betting unlikely until 2027: The introduction of Legislative Bill 13 would authorize Nebraska’s racinos to offer online sports betting. However, an amendment to the bill allowing voters to approve the move in an upcoming ballot pushed the provision past the fall election. The next opportunity would be the 2026 midterms.
- June 17, 2024 - Supreme Court shuts down Florida sports betting challenge: Two parimutuel betting companies were seeking to undo federal approval for the gaming compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe. The legal case had been taken to the Supreme Court, but the petition was denied. This leaves the legal betting market in the hands of the Seminole and Hard Rock.
Most popular types of gambling in the US
Learn more about the betting types American wager the most on, from near country wide games like Daily Fantasy Sports and lottery, to regionally popular sports like horse racing.
Available in: NJ, MI, PA, WV, CT, DE, RI
Available in: NJ, MI, PA, WV, CT, DE, RI
Available in: NJ, MI, PA, WV, CT, DE, RI
Available in all states bar: AL, AK, CA, GA, HI, ID, MN, MO, OK, SC, TX, UT
Available in all states bar: AL, DC, GA, HI, MS, NC, NV, SC, TX, UT
Available in all states bar: HI, ID, MT, NV, WA
Legal in all states bar: AL, AK, AZ, AR, DC, GA, HI, ID, KY, MO, NE, NH, RI, SC, TN, UT, VT, VA
Legal in all states bar: AL, AK, HI, NV, UT
Legal in all states bar: AL, AK, HI, NV, UT
Playing at sweepstakes casinos
As most US states do not currently offer online casino gambling, sweepstakes casinos are a non gambling legal alternative. They provide slots and casino table games, but are free to play, with no money wagered on game outcomes. You can also win Sweeps Coins as part of tournaments, which can be redeemed as cash. This makes these casinos highly popular across the US, and they are available in almost every state.
Below are our top three sweepstakes casinos, reviewed by our expert team. Expect games lobbies in excess of 1,000 titles, 20+ regular promotions and casino apps with 4.5/5+ ratings from thousands of players.
1. WOW Vegas - Our best sweepstakes bonus
I’ve recommended WOW Vegas first for the excellent value it offers. The average payout percentage at the casino is 97%, higher than any of our other recommended sweeps sites. You can also expect regular promotions to keep your coin balance up, as well as over 20 coin packages. They have the biggest new player bonus available, with the 1.5M WOW Coins bonus being over 500k more than competitors.
💬 User review: "I've been playing WOW Vegas for over 5 years now. WOW Vegas has always stayed ahead of the game by offering the best platforms and being first to release new games. They are fair, and offer free spins daily. The support team is so helpful and available 24/7!" - John, TrustPilot review, August 5, 2024
ℹ️ Unavailable in: Michigan, Nevada, Washington, and Idaho
✅ Fast prize redemption via Trustly and others | One of the biggest lobbies with 900 games | Daily rewards and over 20 ongoing promotions
❌ No table games available
2. High 5 Casino - Our biggest casino lobby
I’ve scored High 5 Casino based on its 1,200+ games lobby, the biggest of our recommendations, and double that of Fortune Coins and Hello Millions. This reflects High 5’s 28 years as a games maker in the industry. The reputation extends to the High 5 app, which scores a high 4.5/5 average from over 130,000 players.
💬 User review: "I’ve been playing on High 5 Casino for a while now, and it’s one of my favorite online casinos. The variety of slots and games keeps me coming back, and I love how easy it is to earn free coins through their promotions. Customer support has been helpful when needed, and I’ve never had an issue with payouts. The community is pretty great too, always fun and engaging." – Joey Stewart, Trustpilot review, September 11, 2024
ℹ️ Unavailable in: Michigan, Nevada, Idaho, Kentucky, D.C, and Washington
✅ EGR Gold winner: ‘Best Social Casino’ in 2023 & 2024 | Offers live games – rare at social sites | Top up your coins every four hours
❌ Smaller welcome offer than most sweeps sites
3. McLuck - Our top sweeps casino for regular promos
McLuck is an excellent sweeps site for rewards and prizes. You have regular opportunities to top up your coins for play, with daily login bonuses and prize draws for Gold Coins. There is also the progressive 'McJackpot' that any player can be entered into at any point, so long as they are playing games on the site. The four tier prizes range from 10k to 200m coins.
💬 User review: "Mcluck is my main social casino at this time. They have a very large variety of constantly added and updated games. Frequent promotions and also deals on Coin packs several times per week. Redemption is usually not an issue as long as the payment methods and account have been verified already." – Alex, Trustpilot review, August 13, 2024
ℹ️ Unavailable in: Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Kentucky, Nevada, and Washington
✅ Play 700+ slots and exclusive games | Games from over 20 providers – double that of other sites | Popular app rated 4.2/5 by 7.3k players
❌ Less purchase and redemption methods available, with only two accepted
"Sweepstakes casinos offer a very game-focused experience because you're mainly playing for more chances to play. The majority of bonuses on these sites will give you more Gold Coins (or the brands' equivalents) to play with. There's the added bonus of redeeming any Sweepstakes prizes you may win for cash, but first and foremost I'd go in with a mind to having fun on the games."
The latest US gambling news
What's happening in US gambling today?
Read all the latest news from the gambling world. Our industry news team work around the clock to bring you the inside scoop on the US betting market and beyond.
Responsible gambling in the US
For many people, online gambling is a great form of entertainment, but for some people it can become a problem. Casino.org always promotes responsible betting and gambling, and provides resources and links to those who can help.
You can read our dedicated guide to US responsible gambling resources and tools. We've also highlighted some of the key problem gambling organizations and state helplines below:
- National Council on Problem Gambling - A non-profit that works to educate people around problem gambling and raise awareness. It also provides help to those affected by gambling. Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Gamblers Anonymous - Operates countrywide to provide in person and virtual meetings and hotlines to provide assistance and learning resources to those facing gambling addiction. Phone: 909-931-9056
- Gam-Anon - Another national provider of problem gambling support, meetings and educational resources across the US and Canada. Phone: 718-352-1671
State gambling helplines
- AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP
- AK: 1-800-522-4700
- CO: 1-800-522-4700
- CT: 1-888-789-7777
- DE: 888-850-8888
- IL, IN, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV: 1-800-GAMBLER
- IA: 1-800-BETS-OFF
- KS: 1-800-522-4700
- KY: 1-800-426-253
- LA: 1-877-770-STOP
- MA: 800-327-5050
- MI: 1-800-270-7117
- MT: 1-888-900-9979
- NV: 1-800-522-4700
- NH: 603-724-1605
- NM: 888-696-2440
- NY: 877-8-HOPENY
- OH: 800.589.9966
- OR: 1-877-695-4648
- RI: 1-877-942-6253
- TN: 800-889-9789
- DC: 1-800-522-4700
- WA: 1-800-547-6133
- WI: 800-426-2535
- WY: 1-800-522-4700
Frequently Asked Questions
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A writer and editor with a penchant for games and strategy, Adam Ryan has been with the Casino.org team for eight years now. Having written for and edited numerous iGaming brands in his career, he’s something of a content sage when it comes to our iGaming copy in the US and Canada.
All US casino details on this page were checked by Steve Bourie. He is the author of the American Casino Guide, the most comprehensive publication for information on U.S. casinos and resorts. He also has over 35 years of experience in the gambling industry, as a marketing executive, writer, and speaker.
Refererences
- 'US Gambling Statistics & Trends 2024' - Gambling Industry News
- 'A profile of an average online casino player in the USA' - RichAds
- 'Fantasy sports in the U.S.' - Statista
- 'U.S. Online Poker Market Share Forecasted to Reach USD 183.30 Billion by 2034' - GlobalNewsWire
- 'Bingo statistics' - WorldMetrics.org