best online casinos for us players

Best USA Online Casinos

USA Online casinos is one of the most searched for terms in Google. Is it any wonder now that online gambling in the US is changing so quickly. More and more online gambling operators are entering the market every day.

This makes gambling online in the US exciting, but also very confusing. Where do you look for quality information? Who do you trust? Wager in America has quickly established itself as one of the most reliable and trustworthy sources of online gambling information in the USA.

WiA are partnered with some of the best USA online casinos. Each of them has a well established reputation. What this means for you is a greater choice of top quality USA online casinos that you can trust, and that you feel comfortable gambling online in the USA.

Real Money Online Casino Gambling USA

Legal Online Casino Gambling in the USA

Right now, American online casino players can indulge their passion for legal online casino gambling in the US in more states than ever before. Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Sadly this is still too few states to accommodate demand. However, more states will surely follow once the ‘bedding in’ period for existing states has been monitored by the rest.

For now though, online gambling laws in the US will vary from state to state (view individual state pages for details). There are some constants though. Online casino players MUST be aged 21 years or older in order to gamble online. Players, by and large, should also be resident in the state that they wish to play. Registering in a state (even if you are resident) and then crossing state lines to play in another state will not be permitted.

Once you are fully registered and ready to play though, you will be treated to the very best online casino games in the USA. These will include standard casino table games, such as online Blackjack, Roulette, 3 Card Poker and Baccarat. US casino players will also be able to play top online slots titles from all around the world like Rainbow Riches, Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, Cleopatra and many more.

State Guide to Casino Gambling in the USA

connecticut casinosThere are 2 online casinos in the state of Conneticut. Both of these Tribal operated casinos will offer a wide range of slots and table games via their mobile casino apps.
arkansas sports bettingCurrently there are no online casinos in Arkansas. There are 2 racetrack casinos in the state at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Saracen Casino Resort, but other forms of casino gambling look unlikely at this stage.
colorado sports bettingColorado has not as yet legalized online casino gambling CO. This despite having 30+ land based casinos. However sports betting in the state is going strong. Hopefully this will kickstart changes in legislation regarding casinos online.
sports betting in DelawareDelaware is a strange one. Known as the 'first state' due to its being the first to legalize online casino gambling, it still does not allow online bookmakers. However casino and slots players are well catered for in the state both land-based and online.
illinois sports bettingOnline casinos are still illegal in Illinois. However, if you own a lifejacket you can still play casino games onboard the many river casinos. It remains to be seen how much time it takes to ratify the constitution on this one but we have a feeling here at WiA that it won't be long.
sports betting in IndianaOnline casino gambling in the state of Indiana is still illegal. The state does have land based casinos though, there are riverside casinos operating around lake Michigan. Online casinos IN are still not a thing though.
Iowa sports bettingIowa allows pretty much every type of gambling except online casinos. However, the state has a tremendous relationship with gambling having more than 20 land-based casinos, as well as online bookmakers and racetracks.
sports betting in michiganOnline casino gambling is now a thing in Michigan. One of the few states to allow every type of gambling, online casinos MI show the rest of America the way when it comes to casino entertainment.
Mississippi sports bettingMississippi is synonymous with riverboat gambling thanks to movies like Huckleberry Finn, and classic western TV shows like Maverick. Sadly this infamy does not extend to online casinos MS.
montana sports bettingAlthough the state of Montana allows social casinos where you can bet for free, it has not got around to creating legal online casinos MT. There are however places where you can play slots games for real, if you venture out to the tribal casinos.
nevada sports bettingNevada needs no introduction when it comes to casinos. Strangely though they don't seem to want you to do it online. Presumably this is an attempt to drive customers back to eat at the $40 buffets.
new hampshire sports bettingNew Hampshire is the sleeping giant of US online casinos. Well, sleeping anyway. Although the state has made some effort with gambling for its citizens in terms of lottery and sports betting nothing is happening in terms of online casinos NH.
sports betting in new jerseyNew Jersey now you're talking! You are all invited to join the super, awesome mega-party that is online casinos NJ. Known around the world for the casinos of Atlantic city, NJ is now at the epicenter of US online casino gambling.
new mexico sports bettingNew Mexico is at the opposite end of the scale. There are no real money online casinos in New Mexico. In fact, there isn't much of anything in New Mexico, apart from tribal casinos and some social gaming.
sports betting in new yorkCurrently New York has no online casinos. In fact if you want to get online you're better off crossing state lines into neighboring New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Alternatively visit one of the outlying land-based casinos.
sports betting in north carolinaLegal online casinos are not yet a thing in North Carolina. Talks are ongoing though (then again they always are) but no definite plans have been made to introduce online casino gambling NC.
sports betting in north dakotaNorth Dakota has never legally introduced online casino gambling. There are tribal casinos in the state but they haven't yet gone virtual. You can register at online casinos in other states though. This means you can claim the bonus and play when it's legal.
sports betting in oregonOregon has not jumped wholeheartedly on the online casino bandwagon. In fact there is still a bit of a question as to whether they will. Tribal casinos are plentiful and online bookmakers OR exist, but no online casino gambling.
pennsylvania sports betting One of the biggest online casino markets in the US, Pennsylvania has pretty much everything for everyone. This is one state that has completely opened up to real money online casinos, with few restrictions, and it seems to be paying off.
rhode island sports bettingRhode Island has not yet opened its doors to real money online casinos. There are no online casinos in the state although you can bet on sports online. Will this change? Your guess is as good as mine on this one.
south dakota sports betting South Dakota has plenty of land-based tribal casinos, but no online casinos. Here at WiA, we do not this situation changing in the immediate future, if at all.
sports betting in tennesseeTennessee is totally anti-casino gambling. Although citizens of the state can bet on sports TN, they will have little opportunity to indulge in online casino gambling in Tennessee. It's not going to happen.
sports betting virginiaVirginia has no online casinos VA. Virginians must keep their fingers well and truly crossed for this to change, but it could happen. Sports betting VA is popular and could be the catalyst for change as fas as online casino gambling is concerned.
sports betting in washingtonWashington also takes a strong stance against online casino gambling in the state. It's forbidden. There are sweepstakes casinos WA, but none of the online variety. Strange, as there are more than 30 land-based casinos in the state.
washington dc sports bettingWashington DC has no real money online casinos. None. It is unlikely that this situation will change anytime soon. Like, probably never. What is more there are not even any land casinos to take the curse off. Quite sad really.
sports betting WVIf there is an online casino God, he lives in West Virginia. This state is one of the most open states for online casino gambling, sports betting online, and pretty much everything else.
sports betting in wyomingThere isn't a lot going on in Wyoming. No real money online casinos at all. In fact, no online gambling at all. There are a few tribal casinos, but if you are looking for serious online entertainment, you're better off shopping at Amazon.

Choosing USA Online Casinos

When it comes to choosing the best USA online casinos, the list of acceptable places to play games is enormous. There is a massive choice of gambling sites in the USA, some, of course, are better than others. Here at Wager in America we try to list those casino sites that are always fair, legal and popular.

In order to help you make your choice we have (conveniently) listed some simple guidelines that should speed up your decision making process…

5 Tips to Help in Choosing Online Casinos USA

  1. Choose from amongst our list of top recommended USA online casinos
  2. Pick online casino bonuses, or casino promo code that best meets your needs
  3. The higher the WiA rating the more games and better deposit bonuses are on offer
  4. Look for online casinos USA that accept your preferred payment method(s)
  5. Go for online casinos with lower wagering requirements where possible (35x)

Casino Promo Codes

Casino promo codes are the best way for new players to extract maximum value from online casinos US. There are some terrific online casino promo codes available, if you see one you like snap it up!

Remember, casino bonus codes, or promo codes are generally attached to a special promotion. This online casino promotion may not be around forever. If you like the look of it and it offers you the type of bonus that appeals (free spins, deposit bonuses or cashback etc) then grab it while it’s hot.

Redeeming Your Casino Promo Code

Redeeming an online casino promo code or casino bonus code is very easy. The promo codes will always be listed where appropriate. Click the CLAIM BONUS button next to your chosen online casino USA where you will be taken to the casino sign-up page.

  1. On the sign-up page click the Sign-Up or Register button
  2. Choose a suitable username and secure password
  3. Enter your personal details. You may need photo ID, proof of address and SSN
  4. Enter your casino promo code when prompted
  5. Navigate to the Cashier and make your initial deposit

Once you have completed the registration process, your bonus will be released and you are ready to begin playing.

Other Casino Promotional Offers

Online casino promo codes in the US are great, and fun, but they are not the only offers available to new players. You will also come across some other terrific promotions that WiA can totally recommend.

Casino Deposit Bonuses

With casino deposit bonuses (sometimes called a ‘matched’ bonus or free money) the casino will give you, yes, you heard that right, give you free money equal to your initial deposit. Basically what this means is that if you deposit $100 at a participating casino they will top up your account by another $100 leaving you $200 to play with. Pretty cool huh!

Free Spins

Perhaps one of the most popular online casino bonuses are free spins. Once you deposit a certain amount (sometimes as low as $10) the casino will give you extra spins to try out one of their slot games.

This type of casino bonus is usually made when the casino is trying to promote a specific slot game. Popular casino games to be given a free spins bonus for are, Starburst or Book of Dead, although it could be almost any game.

Cashback

Another incredibly popular online casino bonus is cashback. Most often reserved for VIP casino players, cashback is now frequently used to attract new smaller stakes players too. With a cashback bonus you will be offered a percentage of your losses back. The percentage that is most often used is 10%, which is still a good chunk of change. This type of bonus may just apply to your initial deposit, or it may be time limited.

The Casino Welcome Package

The best casinos for US players offer a welcome package. This usually combines 2 or more of the previous casino bonuses. These will be bundled together to form a nice little bonus package. For example you may be offered a 100% deposit bonus up to $1000 PLUS 150 free spins. As you can see, these are the ‘cat’s cream’ of welcome bonus offers and are extremely popular.

Navigating the Wagering Requirements

Where there are online casino bonuses there will always be wagering requirements attached. Wagering requirements or play through requirements or turnover requirements are a caveat to the offer of an online casino bonus.

Real money online casinos are happy to give you attractive deposit bonuses but they will make you work for them a little. As a general rule the real money casinos will ask you to turnover or play through your deposit money a certain amount of times before allowing you to cash it out.

The good news is that it is relatively simple to do. Most times the play through requirements will be around 35x your bonus amount. It could be as high as 60x, but 35x is average. If you discover a real money online casino that has 20x or 25x WR then that is really good, and you want to jump on board.

In order to navigate your WR successfully you should follow these simple guidelines…

  1. Only play qualifying real money games (these will be listed in the site T&Cs)
  2. Stick to playing low volatility slot games (games with lower jackpots)
  3. Avoid playing the minimum bet unless you have tremendous patience

These are good tips, however, the best tip that we can give, when playing through your online casino bonus, is to play as you would normally play and enjoy yourself. At the end of the day this is the best policy. Don’t think too much about the bonus but just play for enjoyment.

Top 3 Casinos With the Lowest Wagering Requirements

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Registering an Account at USA Online Casinos

Casinos in the USA have made it incredibly simple to sign-up and to get playing all your favourite online gambling games. The process takes just a few moments, but there are few things you need to remember.

Are you over 21? Sorry, but if you are under the age of 21 then you cannot play casino games online. If you are over 21 though you will need the following things in order to begin to play.

  1. Most US states require you to submit some form of Photo ID (passport, driving license etc).
  2. You will also need proof of address when registering in your home state.
  3. Do you know your SSN? You will likely need this register at an online casino

Once you are in possession of all the required documents then the next thing you need to do is register.

  1. Begin by clicking the CLAIM BONUS button next to your chosen US online casino
  2. On the registration page click the Sign-Up or Register button
  3. Choose a username and a secure password as your log-in details
  4. Enter your personal details in the boxes provided
  5. Upload your ID and proof of address documents when asked
  6. Enter your bonus code if you have one
  7. Go to the Cashier to make your first deposit

Some USA online casinos may need time to verify your details, so do be prepared to wait if this is the case.

If there is a deposit bonus attached, then deposit as much as you can afford to get the biggest bonus possible. Remember though, don’t overextend yourself. Deposit only as much as you are comfortable with.

Playing Casino Games Online

Playing casino games online is a lot of fun. Many people though don’t know where to start. To be honest here at WiA we would recommend beginning with slot games, if you are new to casinos these are the easiest to understand and to get up and running with. That said, none of the online casino games that you will come across are difficult to learn.

Online Video Slots

Online slots are (in our opinion) the easiest and the most fun to play. The basics are incredibly easy to understand and visually they are the most appealing. All you really need to know in order to be able to get satisfaction from playing slot games is where to put the money. As online slots games don’t involve a physical machine, you don’t even need to know that.

Simply choose a title from any one of the hundreds exciting video slots games such as Starburst (great for beginners) or Starburst Extreme, Immortal Romance, Wheel of Fortune, Cleopatra and Cleopatra Gold, Da Vinci Diamonds, Siberian Storm, Pixies of the Forest, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Gonzo’s Quest, Aloha Cluster Pays. The choice is almost endless.

Once you choose your game, your balance will show at the bottom of the screen. Press the PLAY button when you’re ready, and off you go. Of course there is more to it than that, but it is so easy to learn. To find out what the symbols pay simply click where it says Pay Table or Information and the payouts (together with the bonus features) will be displayed. We highly recommend that you take the time to read this in order to get the most enjoyment from the game.

Casino Table Games

Casino gambling in the USA would not be complete without casino table games. These include all the most popular casino games like blackjack, roulette and 3 card poker. The rules to some table games require a bit more study, but are essentially very easy to understand too.

Blackjack

Every player gets dealt an initial 2 cards face up. The dealer (the house) also receives 2 cards, one face up, one face down. The object of the game is to get as close to a total of 21 as you can without going over 21.

You can take as many extra cards as you wish (without going over 21 don’t forget) until you are happy with your total. Once all the players are satisfied and don’t wish to take extra cards then the dealer must draw to his total.

The dealer does this by first displaying his face down card. If his cards show a total of 16 or more he must stand. If they are less than 16 he must continue taking cards till he reaches a total of 16 or greater. If his first two cards show a picture card or a 10 and an Ace, he has Blackjack and beats everything except for the player also having Blackjack.

Should the player have a 2 card total of 21 (Blackjack) then he wins at odds of 3:2. For any other total that is higher than the dealer the player wins at odds of even money.

American Roulette

Roulette is one of the simplest table games it is possible to get, yet it can also be mathematically challenging. In essence there are 37 single number combinations (36 numbers plus zero), although in the more familiar US version, there is a double-zero giving 38 possible combinations. Any single number pays out at odds of 35:1. This equates to a house edge of 2.6% (5.26% in the US double zero version).

So we can see that placing a single chip on one number is a simple enough concept with a fixed payout of 35x your stake. Yet, from here on it does get more complicated.

The roulette version most commonly played in US land based casinos, uses an American style wheel (38 numbers) and an American layout (betting area). Whilst in Europe they use an American style layout and a French wheel (37 numbers) and yet it is called ‘American Roulette’ and not European Roulette. Bizarre, but true. The betting area also has numerous other betting combinations that include the ability to bet on 2 numbers, 3 numbers, 4 numbers and 6 numbers.

Then there are the ‘outside chances’. Betting options that cover multiple number combinations, such as Red & Black, Odd & Even, Columns, Dozens, High Numbers and Low Numbers. Bets on these sections pay either even money or 2:1.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a mathematical genius to play US roulette but you should familiarise yourself with the different betting combinations before playing.

3 Card Poker

Lovers of casino games will enjoy 3 card poker. It uses a similar hand structure to regular poker, except that it is played against the house and not against other players.

To play you must first place an initial bet, known as an ‘ante’. You will then be dealt 3 cards face down. The dealer will also take 3 face down cards.

Once you have looked at your cards you have the option to play or to fold. If you decide to play, you are required to put down a further amount of cash, equivalent to your initial wager.

Once the players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his cards and the winning bets are paid out and the losing bets collected.

A qualifying hand for the dealer is to have Ace-Jack or better. If he has then he pays out and collects according to the pay table. If he fails to qualify then he pays all players original bets.

Live Dealer Casinos in the US

Live dealer casinos are essentially online casinos that have the look and feel of a real ‘live’ land based casino. The dealers are real dealers, who both deal the casino games and interact with the players in real time.

This is a much more fun and interactive way to play online casino games, as opposed to virtual casino games. Many players prefer to play live casino games at live dealer casinos, as they find the experience much more rewarding.

How to Make Deposits & Withdrawals at Online Casinos

If you thought opening an online casino account was easy, withdrawing your winnings is made even easier. To withdraw your online casino winnings simply follow these 5 steps. You will soon be able to spend your casino bonus winnings any way you choose.

  1. Firstly log into your online casino account
  2. Secondly, navigate to the cashier section
  3. Choose how you wish to withdraw (usually the same way as your deposit)
  4. Key in the amount of your desired withdrawal
  5. Lastly, click the CASH OUT or WITHDRAW button

That’s it! All done. Your winnings should now be on their way to your bank account or eWallet. Please remember though. This may be an immediate transaction, or it could take up to a few hours depending on the deposit method you chose.

And Then There are Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos are a revolutionary way for playing online casino games safely and legally in the US. They became a very popular option because of the strict gambling laws here. Legally, you can play real money casino games only in the states mentioned above.

Currently, sweepstakes casinos, which are also known as social casinos are legal in 49 states and Canada. Sweepstakes casinos are a very good alternative for those of you that are living in a state where online casinos are illegal.

Sweepstakes Coins
Gold Coins Sweepstakes Coins
*Doesn’t have real monetary value *Sweeps have real cash value
*You can use them to play for fun *Use them to play with real money
*You can get them as a coin bundle *You cannot buy them directly
*You have to buy them with real cash *You have no obligation to purchase sweeps

How Sweepstakes/Social Casinos Work

These casinos use a type of virtual currency, known as “gold coins” and “sweep coins”. It is important to note that these currencies do not have any intrinsic ‘real world’ value. They are NOT Bitcoin. You will be able to buy gold coins with real money, but you are not obligated to. You can also register at these social casinos for free. Okay, so how do they work?

After you have registered an account at a sweepstakes casino, you can buy a bundle of gold coins. With each purchase of gold coins, you will always get some sweepstakes coins. The sweepstakes coins are the ones that can be used for real money play. You cannot purchase sweepstakes coins directly, but only as a part of the gold coin bundles.

So, in order to generate some winnings, you will have to play using your sweepstakes. When you would like to make a withdrawal and exchange the sweepstakes for real money. Usually, the exchange rate is 1 Sweepstake for 1 USD. Please note that in most of the sweepstakes casinos, you will have to have a minimum balance of 50 Sweepstakes before requesting a payout.

Unlike real money casinos, sweepstakes are promoted as ‘fun’ casinos or social casinos. If you prefer to play at casinos for real money then you should choose one of the casinos for US players from our Top 10 list.

Top Sweepstakes Casinos Promo Codes Right Now

Promo Code Signup Bonus Deposit Bonus
Chumba Casino 2 Free Sweeps 30 Gold Coins for $10
LuckyLand Slots 10 Free Sweeps 10 Gold Coins for $4.99
Funzpoints $22.5 Free $20 for your first deposit

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do USA online casinos offer progressive jackpots?

The best online casinos for US players will always offer progressive jackpots. Many top US online casinos offer progressive jackpot games that can reach several million dollars. They are a great attraction for US slot players.

How do I join a casino VIP program?

Most of the best online casinos USA will put you on a points system from day one. What this means for you, is that for every dollar you wager at the casino, you will accumulate points that you can potentially redeem later. Don’t get carried away though, as you will have to wager a fair amount before this becomes worthwhile.

Other online casinos for USA may have a separate VIP Rewards Program. There are two ways that you can get into this program. Either you can sign up online and accept the limits imposed by the casino. Alternatively, you may be invited by the casino to become a member based on your previous play.

Can I play without using the casino welcome bonus?

You can, but why would you? It is true, that many online casino players in the US, prefer to avoid the welcome bonus, as there are always wagering requirements involved. However, if you ignore the wagering requirements, and just concentrate on playing, you will get a unique opportunity to build you casino cash balance. It does add to the fun, and as you only register one time, you will not get offered the bonus again. That said you do get the option to decline the bonus on sign-up.

Are there cashback casinos in the USA?

Very much so yes. Although less widespread than other types of US casino bonuses, like the matched deposit bonus, or extra spins, cashback is a thing. Take a look at our list(s) of top rated online casinos in the US, and choose the casino bonus that suits you best.

What does the future hold for online casino gambling in the USA?

I think it is safe to say that the future is extremely bright for USA online casinos. Right now many states across America are looking at how online casino sites perform in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan before committing themselves. However, online gambling in these states has been performing extremely well, so it proves that the appetite is there.

It is true that more importance has been put into online sports betting as opposed to casinos, and of course some states such as Utah will be an hard sell for any gambling operator. That said, Americans pride themselves on their ‘freedom of opportunity’, and so as individual states begin to examine the evidence more and more will open up to gambling online.