In the USA, iGaming is legal in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut with more states coming online as they change legislation to regulate online gambling. And just in case you were wondering where Nevada is in all of this, the home to Las Vegas also falls under the iGaming bracket via its legally operating online poker rooms; however, the state still has no regulatory framework covering online casinos, and therefore there are no online casinos.
In the states where online gambling is legally regulated, there are several well-known land-based casinos and online casino brands to choose from. BetMGM, Caesars, Borgata, 888, Bet365, and Virgin casino are just a few examples. With so many big names, understandably, choosing one of these brands to play with is as tricky as deciding which brand of smartphone or tablet to buy. That being said, there is a plus point. If you are not happy with the online casino you chose, you can just easily sign up for another – something this is not so easy after committing to a smartphone or tablet.
And to help those having difficulty or are on the fence when it comes to choosing a US online casino, we developed this guide. You can find the best online casinos for US players with high payout ratios here, while below we’ll cover how to spot casinos with proper US state licensing, a wide game selection, attractive bonus offers, and the deposit/withdrawal options available.
Make Sure the Casino is Licensed Under State Laws
Always check the online casino you want to sign up to holds a state license allowing it to legally offer online gambling services. You will find this information in the footer of the casino. For example, in New Jersey, the state iGaming licensing authority is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and in Pennsylvania, it is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
If you are not a resident of New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, or Connecticut, then online casinos are not legally allowed to operate in your state. This is the difference between life on the East and West coasts as the West coast has no legal online casinos, but you may find that your state does offer online sports betting. Aside from this, if you do happen to sign up for an online casino from any other state aside from those mentioned above, you are not covered by US consumer rights laws, you cannot guarantee the games are fair, and you could also be breaking state and/or federal laws.
It is also worth noting that there are still some unlicensed online casinos that advertise to attract US customers in states where iGaming is legal. Mostly these casinos offer cryptocurrency gambling platforms, something no US licensed casino offers.
Check the Casino’s Video Slots Portfolio
US online casinos are still relatively new, as are many of the country’s iGaming markets. As a result, there are currently only a handful of software providers (slot developers) providing casinos with their game portfolios. As a result, each casino offers a different selection of slots. For example, 888 Casino offers propriety video slots and progressive jackpots as well as games from NetEnt, while Virgin Casino offers NetEnt, plus jackpot games from IGT (international Games Technology), which is famous for its IGT Wheel of Fortune® jackpot payouts in land-based casino venues paying and for creating more than 1,100 millionaires since its 1996 inauguration.
One of the best ways to test out video slot titles from each casino to narrow down the ones you feel you will enjoy playing the most is to try out the ‘free demo play’ option. What’s more, is that most of the casinos will allow you to play their real money slots for free without having to sign up.
Live Casino & Table Games Portfolio
The same principles used to describe choosing video slots in the section above apply to live casino games and table games. However, when it comes to live casinos, only Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan currently offer live dealer gaming while you will find virtual tables available at all the online casinos. Most of the virtual tables will have a free play demo mode, however, live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and other tables don’t offer demo versions.
Welcome Bonus & Regular Bonus Deals
For those looking to get a few spins on video slots without burning through your bankroll, bonuses are one of the online casino industry’s most prolific features. If you are a virtual table game and/or live dealer player, there are some casinos like 888 Casino that offer bonus money bets on these game types.
Ultimately, when looking for a casino bonus, the idea is to find one that suits your style of play. Look out for welcome bonus deals to you started with your first deposit, and if you want to play using bonuses regularly, check the casino’s promotions page for daily, weekly, and monthly bonus options.
Finally, Check Payment Options Available
Once you find a casino that suits you, check which payment options are available for deposits and withdrawals. Some of the most popular payment methods include Credit/Debit Card, ACH, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, Neteller, and cash payments if you want to top up inside a participating land-based casino venue nearby. However, the future of crypto in US online casinos is not something we expect to see any time soon. Finally, to polish off the subject of casino financial transactions, be sure to check the minimum and maximum deposits/withdrawals allowed to make sure the casino can accommodate your budget.
