🥇 The top online casinos in the US this December

Our top three rated real money sweepstakes casinos

Sweepstakes casinos have different factors to consider than traditional real money casinos. They have grown dramatically in number over the last two years, with dozens launching each month. Here is quick look at the top three at the time of writing.

Hello Millions - Best welcome package

Pros

✅ Welcome package includes up to 117.5 Sweeps Coins (almost 4x the average 35)

✅ Fun social media competitions for daily coin boosts

✅ Jackpot of up to 200M GC open to all players – rarely available

Cons

❌ No loyalty program for reward available on other sites like Stake.us

In terms of fun, Hello Millions takes the top spot. It’s super interactive with features like the jackpot wheel, social media competitions, and areas where players can talk to each other. Despite the lower than average number of games, top slots like Big Bass Splash are available so it’s far from dull.

User review: "They have a plethora of games and the site is extremely easy to navigate, and their customer support is very helpful! 10/10 would recommend!" - Victoria - US Trustpilot review, November 5, 2024

Editor's take: Hello Millions offers the most value for new players I’ve seen from a sweepstakes casino. Making the full complement of coins purchases will award you 117.5 Sweepstakes Coins. Even without purchasing, you can claim 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweepstakes Coins, which opens up the full range of games and tournaments for free.

Casino.org rating: 4.3/5 ⭐

Read our full Hello Millions casino review

RealPrize - Best for loyalty rewards

Pros

✅ 7 tiered loyalty program offering rewards to regular players (often referred to by players as the best)

✅ Low minimum redemption amount of $45 (High 5 is $100) to claim prizes

✅ Available to play in 45+ states (not all sweeps offer this)

Cons

❌ Limited to only 3 table games (the lowest of our top 10)

I played here and was able to redeem a gift card as I’d won 45 SC’s. So, of course, I had a positive experience. I did have to prove my identity for which is used my passport and a proof of address document. The whole process took 4 working days which I was happy with as I’ve waited up to 3 weeks with other operators such as WoW Vegas.

User review: "I play a lot of online casino games, and can honestly say Real Prize is one of the best. [...] There are tons of game selections to choose and play. I love that they always offer good deals and bonuses! Withdrawing your winnings is very simple and quick. I would highly suggest it to anyone." - William Wallace - US Trustpilot review, November 3, 2024

Editor's take: Real Prize has a healthy 4.3/5 rating from 4,200+ Trustpilot users, speaking to its games range, ease of play, and the value behind the promotions. I’ve rated Real Prize on its loyalty program, which offers one of the easiest ways to earn rewards. I was instantly added to the starting bronze tier on sign up, and all gameplay contributes towards moving up the seven levels and unlocking regular perks and bonuses.

Casino.org rating: 4/5 ⭐

Read our full RealPrize casino review

High 5 Casino - Best for game selection

Pros

✅ Huge range of 1,200 games matching sites like DraftKings for variety

✅ 10+ live dealer tables that are rarely available on social sites

✅ Highly rated app for iOS and Android – many sweepstakes don’t offer this

Cons

❌ Relatively high minimum redemption of $100 (average is around $50)

The number of games available here does stand out as much higher than most sweepstake casinos (Mcluck, Pulsz and RealPrize all offer below 600). The games were easy to navigate on both the app and desktop which was great to see. I was able to purchase a coin package via PayPay which is my preferred option and the coins I bought were instantly added to my account. There are plenty of ways to earn coins though if you prefer not to make a purchase.

User review: "I've been a member for years now and they are still the best in the business. They treat us great. Always giving bonuses and showing us they appreciate you. They have all the latest slots and more. The graphics are perfect. No problem loading. The payout is fast and frequent!" - Nicholle Robinson - US Trustpilot review, November 10, 2024

Editor’s take: High 5 Casino has taken EGR’s Gold Award for best sweepstakes casino two years running. I can easily see why, with players noting everything from regular bonus top-ups to game quality in their feedback. I’ve scored them highly on games range and playability here. They offer one of the biggest sweeps lobbies, with a strong core of exclusive and bespoke titles like Dangerous Beauty and Platinum Princess from their own studio. There’s also the rare opportunity to play live dealer sweeps games from Vivo Gaming.

Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐

Read our full High 5 Casino review

Top three real money online casinos

Real money online casinos mimic the land-based experience but with the added benefits of bonuses and unlimited space for slots and tables. There are some big names in the industry but these come out on top for us.

Caesars Palace Online Casino - Best for rewards

Pros

✅ Unique rewards program with over 60 million members

✅ Highest win rate (97.63%) of our top picks

✅ Largest welcome bonus on our shortlist

Cons

❌ 70% of our top casinos payout quicker

Caesars Palace Online Casino tops my list for two main reasons; games and rewards. Caesars Palace boasts over 1,000 games from 20+ software providers. For context, the average real money casino offers around 15 providers. I also love the Caesars Rewards scheme. It gives you valuable rewards like bonuses and discounts on Caesars' hotel stays.

User review: "Customer service was very helpful with my welcome bonus. Wins have been quite fair so far and withdrawals are actually quick and painless! Great selection of games too."- Kristy Caldwell - Play Store review, July 10, 2024

Editor's take: Caesars Palace Casino Online scores 4/5 and 4.5/5 in the Play Store and the App Store. This is very positive, yet some users complain that the casino's customer support is slow. To avoid this, I recommend using the Live Chat service when possible. It isn't 24/7, however, which is an oversight.

Casino.org rating: 4.4/5 ⭐

Learn more about the Caesars Palace promo code or read our full Caesars Palace Online Casino review.

BetRivers - Best for slots players

Pros

✅ Get winnings quickly with a low 1x wagering on bonuses

✅ Higher than average (1,400+) number of real money slots

✅ Instant withdrawals via Play+

Cons

❌ 4/10 of our top picks have bigger welcome bonuses

BetRivers stands out to me as the best real money casino for slot players. This is because it boasts over 1,400 slots from great providers such as NetEnt and IGT. The win rate is slightly lower than Caesars Palace at 96.96%, but this is still above the 95% average. An amazing 100+ jackpot slots, however, affect this. They have lower return to player rates (RTPs), bringing the overall rate down, but offer amazing real cash opportunities.

User review: "So far the app has been really good. Decent games, transactions have been smooth, and within a couple minutes on both adding and withdrawing money. I am very pleased. I travel for a living and I am signed up in multiple states. BetRivers transitions from state to state very easily. Keep up the good work. Thanks!" - Russell Harris - Play Store review, December 7, 2024

Editor's take: BetRivers has an average score of 3.2 across the Play Store, App Store, and Trustpilot. Unfortunately, you can't separate casino and sportsbook reviews. Here, players complain of poor odds and limited markets. As mentioned, the slots and table game sections are expansive, so I wouldn't worry.

Casino.org rating: 4.8/5 ⭐

Learn more about the BetRivers promo code or read our full BetRivers casino review.

BetMGM - Best for welcome bonuses

Pros

✅ Most generous no deposit bonus of $25

✅ Lower wagering requirements than other top casinos (1-15x)

✅ $50 refer a friend bonus

Cons

❌ Fewer table games (approx. 60) than other sites

Head to BetMGM if you want a great value, generous welcome bonus. The wagering requirements are lower than most US casinos too. Set at 1x for the no deposit bonus and 15x for the match bonus, clearing them is very realistic. I love the variety of slots and live games, though there is a limited selection of table games. Making up just 2% of the lobby, it's below average.

User review: "I've been on all the casino apps and by far BetMGM is the absolute best. Every day that I have logged on there are more surprises. Game days are the best with 25 free spins. I always win something on daily free game. BetMGM is my go to." - Patricia Brower - Play Store review, December 1, 2024

Editor's take: Unfortunately, players in the UK have skewed the BetMGM Trustpilot page. In the US, however, the casino has a rating of 4.7/5 in the App Store and 4.5/5 in the Play Store. This is impressive, given that over 243k users have submitted a rating. Some users dislike the verification process. They also complain that you can't wager if you go out of state. For me, this shows that BetMGM is diligent and complies with US gambling laws.

Casino.org rating: 4.1/5 ⭐

Learn more about the BetMGM promo code or read our full BetMGM casino review.

Get the most out of your game play with an online casino bonus

Our best online casinos for real money in the US all offer generous bonuses, although these come in different shapes and sizes. Learn about the most popular real money bonuses below.

Casino bonuses come with wagering requirements. This means you will need to play through your winnings a certain number of times before you can withdraw them. At US casinos, wagering requirements of around 35x are average, but they can be as small as 1x.

💡 Editor's insight: I prefer casino bonuses with low wagering compared to a high bonus amount as I tend to play with lower stakes. Maximize your bonus by picking ones that match your style.

Top US online casinos by bonus offer

We have rated the best online casinos that pay out real money. Whether you’re after a high-average payout, the most valuable bonus codes or a mobile casino or app that’s compatible with your Android or iPhone device, the best online casinos for real money provide it all. Our experts have put together the following list of top online casinos and their key features:

Other slots bonuses for existing players

If you're already registered at one of our top slot sites, don't worry. Welcome bonuses aren't the only reward you can expect. As a US slots player you can also benefit from these common slots promotions for existing players:

Games selection at the best sites

Explore the top types of real money casino games in the US including slots, table games, and live dealer experiences.

Compare casino games - RTP, house edge, & popular titles

When you're playing casino games to win real money, some stats are important. To maximize your chances of winning real cash, look at the game's return to player rate (RTP) and house edge. The higher the RTP, and the lower the house edge, the better.

To make things easy, we've listed the average payout rates of popular casino games below, along with the best real money titles.

Top payment options at US online casinos

At the top real money casinos, we like to see familiar US payment methods. This means credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and pre-paid cards. Both depositing and withdrawing cash should be painless and secure.

Take a look at the table below to decide which payment method is right for you.

Popular US payment method guides

Top US online casinos provide a world-class mobile casino experience for gaming on the go. This allows you to access welcome bonuses and sometimes exclusive mobile promos, right in the palm of your hand.

Some casinos also offer a dedicated casino app that you can download for Android or iPhone. I prefer playing straight from the mobile casino on the web, but some players like more tailored features on an app. These include push notifications and staying logged in on your phone.

Here are my top three US casino apps for December:

How to play at an online casino with real money

Getting started at a real money online casino in the US is easy, you just need to follow a few simple steps. We've highlighted them here:

Play real money games like a pro with our expert’s tips

Head of Casino.org, Hannah, shares her top tips for playing online casino real money games. With over 5 years experience in the US casino industry, she knows everything you need to look out for.

• Pick licensed sites with KYC verification

  Playing at licensed sites is the only way to stay safe at real money casinos. This is because there is legal recourse in place should anything go wrong. In the past years, I've seen a rise in offshore casinos and anonymous casinos. I don't recommend either. They allow you to circumvent identity verification through payment methods like cryptocurrencies. This might sound appealing, but remember that verification keeps both you and the casino safe from financial crime.
• Always check game stats

  When you're playing for real money, game stats matter. I always check the RTP of the game, the max win amount, and the volatility/risk. This lets me make better decisions with my cash. For example, low-volatility real money games allow me to play for longer with a small budget, as they offer frequent wins.
• Track progressive jackpots in real time

  Several websites allow you to follow progressive jackpots. You can see the average jackpot win amount, the average time it takes for the jackpot to drop, and recent wins. With this data, you can work out whether the jackpot is likely to drop soon. Of course, it's not an exact science, but I like knowing anyway.
• Use our free games to practice

  When a new game or slot launches, I always play the demo version first. Casino.org offers you thousands of free games and we update the library often. Free games give me a risk-free chance to get to grips with bonus features, game cadence, and other unique elements.
• Employ table game strategies

  If I'm playing blackjack or roulette, I use basic strategies to optimize my returns. This may be the basic blackjack strategy or the Martingale roulette strategy. Although game results are random at real money casinos, strategies help you cut the house edge.
• Sign up to casino newsletters and enable notifications

  Real money casinos love rewarding regular players. To stay up-to-date with promotions, I always opt-in to email newsletters. Whilst they may be a bit annoying, it's great to get offers delivered straight to my inbox. I also enable notifications on casino apps - the only thing I check more often than my email is my phone!
• Try out new payment methods

  I always advise players to use the payment methods they feel most comfortable with. That said, shopping around goes a long way too. If you feel confident trying a new method, look out for cashback on card deposits, or refer-a-friend bonuses with e-wallets like Skrill.

1. 1
   Have a budget you can stick to – Always bet only what you can afford to lose. Having a budget allows you to enjoy your game knowing you’re within limits, and to know when to stop.
2. 2
   Take regular breaks – Having a few days or weeks off allows you to stay fresh. It also helps you to think clearly whenever you’re wagering money on casino games.
3. 3
   Never chase your losses – It’s a false economy to try to bet harder to recoup losses. Enjoy the game for what it is, and when your budget’s up, it’s time to stop.
4. 4
   Be in the right frame of mind – Never play when you’re tired, emotional, or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. It’s important that you're in the right frame of mind to play responsibly and enjoy the game.
5. 5
   Know the odds – Understand exactly where your game sits in the risk scale and what returns a win might offer you (or potential losses).
6. 6
   Seek help if you need it – Various organizations can help and advise you if your gambling begins to be a problem for you.

Problem gambling support in the US

We’ve noted some of the most popular organizations that can help with information and support, should you or a loved one need help with problem gambling.

• Gamblers Anonymous: Provides national and state level hotlines, in person and virtual meetings and support for those affected by problem gambling. Phone: 909-931-9056
• National Council on Problem Gambling: The National Problem Gambling Helpline can help to connect you with resources in your area. There are 27 contact centers, each covering all 50 states.
• 1-800-Gambler: This non-profit operates nationwide to raise awareness, educate, treat, and provide resources to problem gamblers and their families. Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
• GamTalk: GamTalk is a community of people who aim to share and understand problem gambling issues. They offer community chats and resources to help with gambling addiction. Joining is free and completely anonymous.

Gambling helplines by state

• Arizona: 1-800-NEXT-STEP
• Arkansas: 1-800-522-4700
• Colorado: 1-800-522-4700
• Connecticut: 1-888-789-7777
• Delaware: 888-850-8888
• Illinois: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Indiana: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Iowa: 1-800-BETS-OFF
• Kansas: 1-800-522-4700
• Kentucky: 1-800-426-253
• Louisiana: 1-877-770-STOP
• Maryland: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Massachusetts: 800-327-5050
• Michigan: 1-800-270-7117
• Mississippi: 1-888-777-9696
• Montana: 1-888-900-9979
• Nebraska: 1-833-238-6837
• Nevada: 1-800-522-4700
• New Jersey: 1-800-GAMBLER
• New Hampshire: 603-724-1605
• New Mexico: 888-696-2440
• New York: 877-8-HOPENY
• Ohio: 800.589.9966
• Ontario: 1-866-531-2600
• Oregon: 1-877-695-4648
• Pennsylvania: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Rhode Island: 1-877-942-6253
• Tennessee: 800-889-9789
• Virginia: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Washington DC: 1-800-522-4700
• Washington: 1-800-547-6133
• West Virginia: 1-800-GAMBLER
• Wisconsin: 800-426-2535
• Wyoming: 1-800-522-4700

Latest legal gambling updates in the US

Below you can find information on the states most likely to legalize real money online casinos in 2024. We'll update this list with any bill movements.

• Arkansas: Arkansas has seen some clear efforts to legalize online casino gambling. The chief marketing officer for Saracen Casino Resort has allegedly asked to appear before the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC). This is to see what movement can be made for 2024, though no bill has been drafted yet.
• Illinois: Two bills have seen movement in Illinois: SB1656 and HB2239. Illinois Representative Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is the sponsor of the latter bill. It's likely that nothing will come of either bill until 2025.
• Iowa: The 2023 bill HSB227 is still currently active in Iowa. There have been few updates on the future of the bill, and it's looking highly unlikely we'll see online casinos legalized in Iowa for 2024.
• Maine: State Rep. Laura Supica put forward bill LD1777 that would have permitted the tribes to align with operators like DraftKings. The bill did not pass, however, and the House was defeated by a vote of 74-71 in April 2024.
• Maryland: The latest Maryland online casino bill headed to the Senate on March 14, 2024. However, it sparked debate and sadly did not appear on the General Assembly’s agenda this year. There have been no further updates.
• New York: New York has always teased the idea of legal online casinos. Sen. Joseph Addabbo has been the main champion for this including his latest bill, S8185. We're holding out hope that it could sneak into the budget as 2024 continues, but it's looking unlikely.

States unlikely to legalize real money gambling

While many states are looking at introducing real money gaming online, there are many states that are not likely to do so anytime soon. Take a look at the latest information for your state below.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

References

• Illinois bill updates - Illinois General Assembly
• Iowa bill updates - Iowa Legislature
• Maine bill updates - Maine Legislature
• New York bill updates - NY State Senate