Best Real Money Online Casinos September 2024

Real money online casinos have been thriving in the US since 2012. Today, seven states — Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island offer legal casinos online, and anyone signing up with one of these casinos can claim a range of real money casino bonuses.

But which is the best real money casino? Well, this depends on your preferences. But whether you like to play slots with progressive jackpots, classic table games like European blackjack, live dealer games, or something completely different, you'll find the right US online casino for you when you read through this comprehensive guide.

Moreover, you don't have to be a high-roller to experience the best gambling sites. With expert tips and the right deposit bonus, nearly everyone can have their fill at the best real money casinos online.

As of 2024, real money casinos have websites and casino apps in seven states. Below, we highlight the ten best online casinos available in some or all of these states to help you choose where to play next.

DraftKings Online Casino

• Read our DraftKings Casino Bonus Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: Play $1 and Get $100 in Casino Credits Instantly + $35 Extra on Deposit!
• Available States: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

DraftKings has a strong presence in several online gambling markets, including Pennsylvania and Michigan. The DraftKings Casino offers exclusive slots and an extensive blackjack section. New DraftKings members get a jump with $50 of casino credits for $5, plus receive an additional $35 when depositing for the first time. Premium daily fantasy sports and a sportsbook are also available 24/7.

Caesars Palace Online Casino

• Read our Caesars Palace Online Casino Promo Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: Use promo code ACTION22500 to claim the following offer: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! Alternatively, new users can enter bonus code ACTIONLAUNCH to claim this offer: Get $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000!
• Available States: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan

Caesars Palace is the online casino arm of one of the US' most iconic gambling brands. After registering, new Caesars Palace Online Casino members can play their favorite online slots and classic table games.

BetMGM Casino

• Read our BetMGM Casino Bonus Code & Review
• Bonus Offer 1: MI, NJ, and PA users — use promo code ACTIONCASINO and you’ll receive the following promo: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 + $25 on the House! WV users — use promo code ACTIONCASINO to claim this new user promo: 100% Deposit Match up to $2500 + $50 on the House + 50 Bonus Spins
• Bonus Offer 2: Use promo code to claim the following promo: 
• Available States: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

BetMGM is the online flagship for MGM Resorts and Casino and is fully licensed by the New Jersey Division, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and various other agencies. The BetMGM casino website and app offer casino games and progressive jackpots from major names like IGT and NetEnt. As one of the top no-deposit casinos, new BetMGM members receive a free chip after verifying their accounts.

Bet365 Casino

• Read our bet365 Casino Bonus Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: As a new user, you can use code ACTION to receive this promo in NJ: 10 Days of Spins - Get up to 200 Spins! Use the same promo code in PA and Get a 100% Deposit Matched Bonus up to $500 with 100 Spins!
• Available States: New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, bet365 combines casino games from major software providers with a highly-regarded sports betting platform. At the bet365 casino, you can try out plenty of slots - including numerous classic slots — along with a dozen video poker variants, plus much more. You can try winning your share of the $50,000 weekly live casino giveaway, plus there's a bonus funds offer as well.

FanDuel Casino

• Read our FanDuel Casino Promo Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: No promo code is needed to claim the following new user offer: Deposit $10, Get $20 In Site Credit & Play It Again up to $1000!
• Available States: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia

Another leader in sports betting and daily fantasy sports, the FanDuel casino offers a mix of players' favorite casino games and more unusual titles, as well as one of the most popular sportsbooks around and industry-leading daily fantasy sports. The selection of slots, including many Megaways titles, is particularly impressive.

Golden Nugget Casino

• Read our Golden Nugget Casino Bonus Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: Deposit $7 Get $77 in Casino Credits!
• Available States: Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
• 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void in ONT. 1 per new customer. Min. $7 deposit req. Max. $77 issued in Casino Credits for select games that are non-withdrawable and expire in 7 days (168 hours). Terms: goldennuggetcasino.com/welcome. Ends 9/29/24 at 11:59PM ET. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV) or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).

Play live dealer blackjack at one of the best live casinos around, where you'll find tables suitable for lower budgets and high rollers alike. Additionally, Golden Nugget Casino features slots with impressive jackpots and exclusive table games.

Fanatics Casino

• Read our Fanatics Casino Promo Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: No promo code is required the following bonus offer: Deposit $5, Get $50 in Casino Credit!
• Available States: Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia

Fanatics Casino is live in four states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Enjoy exclusive blackjack games and rack up FanCash to spend on perks, such as bonuses to use on real money games.

Borgata Casino

• Read our Borgata Casino Bonus Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: Use promo code ACTIONBCASINO to claim the following promo: Get up to a $1,000 Deposit Match + $20 in Bet Credits!
• Available State: Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Like its sister site, BetMGM, Borgata is also part of the MGM Casino brand. You can try winning real money for free with Borgata's $20 no-deposit promotion. Plus, you will receive up to $1,000 when you deposit at the Borgata casino with our exclusive bonus code.

betOcean Online Casino

• Read our betOcean Casino Promo Code & Review
• Bonus Offer: No promo code is required to claim the following promo: Get a 100% Deposit Match Bonus up to $1,000!
• Available State: New Jersey

betOcean Online Casino is the online version of Ocean Casino, the first casino to open in Atlantic City. New Jersey players can seamlessly link their Ocean Casino reward points with betOcean's loyalty system. Stand-out games include several variations of video poker and Live Quantum Arcade Roulette. Start on the right foot with betOcean's deposit bonus.

BetRivers Casino

• Read our BetRivers Casino Promo Code & Review
• Bonus Offer:  Get 24 Hours of Casino Losses Back Up To $500!
• Available States: Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania

BetRivers Casino is the online flagship of the Rivers Casino brand and is known for its well-designed casino apps and impressive range of casino games. New members in PA can play BetRivers' extensive library of online casino games with in insurance credits.

How We Rank Online Casinos

The first factor anyone should consider is the selection of available casino games. Check that the casino offers a range of your favorite games. Otherwise, you could be disappointed when you sign up. Online slot games take center stage at most casinos, but if you're a table game player, don't forget to check the variety available.

Beyond the online casino games, check if a governmental body licenses and regulates the online casino. If you have to search too hard for the licensing information, that's a glaring red flag. However, all casinos on this page are appropriately licensed and regulated. Licensed real money casinos regulated by gaming enforcement agencies guarantee honest game results, online security, and safe deposits and withdrawals.

However, don't stop with the licensing information. As a safeguard, turn to sites like Reddit and YouTube - as well as here at Action Network - to get brutally honest assessments from real online players. If too many reviews complain about specific problems, the casino probably isn't up to par. But, once again, the casinos on this page are all legit and well-liked by nearly all users.

Another marker of the best online casino sites is plentiful payment options. Many prefer to play at PayPal online casinos because they can often receive same-day payouts. However, a top casino should offer multiple ways to deposit and withdraw, ensuring everyone finds a suitable option. Moreover, check deposit and withdrawal times — deposits should be instant, while withdrawals should be paid promptly.

Then, look at the range of bonuses. Beyond the welcome bonus, look for long-term bonuses, such as reload bonuses, to ensure there's something to claim once the welcome bonus is spent. Also, check the loyalty program offered by a casino site. Does it provide adequate rewards? And are these rewards handed out for playing your preferred online casino games?

Many people like to play on the go, so casino apps are a must. Mobile casino sites are okay, but a real money casino app is the simplest way to play. Casino apps should be well-designed, easy to use, and offer the same features as the website.

Finally, there's customer support. Inconsistent customer support can lead to significant issues, especially when queries are urgent. Top sites offer a range of contact options and timely and genuinely helpful responses.

The Best Online Casino Real Money Gaming Promotions

If you're a new casino member, the first step is to claim the welcome bonuses. After that, ongoing bonuses, like cashback, are essential to keep existing players. Discover the leading real money casino bonuses below.

• Caesars Palace's Refer-a-Friend: For every friend you get to sign up, Caesars Palace gives you and your friend 5,000 reward points. However, your friend must gamble at least $50 first. You can convert Caesars Palace's reward points into cash. The ratio is 100 points for $1.

• FanDuel's Reward Machine: Every day, FanDuel gives you three free spins to win free spins and a share of $2,000 in bonus money. You can also win both by collecting special weekly icons to rank high on the leaderboard.

• Golden Nugget's Game of the Week: Golden Nugget invites members to compete in a contest every week. Play a selected casino game for a crack at $5,000 - you'll win a prize if you finish near the top of the leaderboard. What's more, you'll earn double points as you play.

• BetMGM's Pick a Prize: Wager $25 or more at the BetMGM casino, and you'll get the chance to unlock a power-up, which can be worth up to $5,000. Every pick is a winner, plus you can use this casino bonus every day.

Before opting into any casino bonus, research the specific terms. Most promotions have wagering requirements and expiration dates. Also, make sure the bonus doesn't conflict with others.

Featured Online Casino Bonus Offers US

Besides having giant libraries of games, the top online and mobile casino sites also offer enticing bonuses. These come in several forms.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Real money online casinos offer sign-up bonuses to new members to seal the deal. Sometimes, welcome promotions offer no-deposit bonuses, which can be claimed without ever paying money into an account. But more commonly, the welcome bonus is a deposit bonus, payable when the first deposit is made. Examples include:

• BetRivers's $250 in second chance credits

• FanDuel's 200 bonus spins and up to $1,000 in bonus money

• Caesars Palace's 2,500 reward points and up to $1,000 in bonus funds

Game-Specific Bonuses

These are bonuses at real money online casino sites that must be used to play a specific game type or title. The most common bonuses are for slot games, but you can also find bonuses for other games. Examples include:

• BetMGM's Hot Table bonus delivers up to $1,500 for playing select table games

• FanDuel's daily bonus draw feature for online slots

Ongoing Bonuses

Having long-term bonuses is a must to retain members. Most online casinos offer several ongoing bonuses to existing players.

FanDuel's daily bonus spins keep members engaged. The aim is to collect weekly cherry icons to earn free spins on the World of Wonka online slot. FanDuel also offers the Game of the Week feature, where FanDuel members can receive 15 free spins for a $50 wager.

BetRivers offers double the loyalty points between 5 pm and 9 pm to encourage its members to make real money wagers. The Happy Hours promo delivers loyalty points to advance through the iRush VIP program. Also, to promote a more social experience, BetRivers gives away exclusive prizes for participating in the chat and forums.

Every week, Caesars Palace offers a $10,000 prize pool, which can be won by playing the Games of the Week. The first-place winner receives $1,000.

Terms and Conditions for Online Casino Gaming

While bonus terms and conditions are somewhat dull, understanding them ultimately decides their worth.

Bonus Time Limits

Most online casino bonuses expire. Typically, bonus funds must be used within seven days. But it's not absolute. There might be a 14-day grace period for using free spins. Second Chance casino credits must often be used the following day after the net losses. Check the expiration date of any bonus you claim, as failure to use a bonus in time will see it removed from your account.

Wagering Requirements

The wagering requirements must be satisfied before cashing out money won using bonus funds. This figure tells you how many times you must spend a bonus before you can withdraw. So, if you receive a $100 bonus with 10x wagering requirements, you must make bets totaling $1,000 before you can withdraw winnings. Each bonus has specific wagering requirements. It's essential to understand them to know if it's worth opting in.

Also, remember different games can count differently towards wagering requirements. For example, an online slot usually contributes 100% to requirements, but table games often only contribute 10%. Therefore, you must wager 10x more on table games than the slot to reach the same wagering requirement.

Restricted Payment Options

Some bonuses can only be claimed by players depositing using specific casino banking methods. This is generally to encourage players not to deposit using methods that charge the casino high processing fees. You won't receive your bonus if you pay real money into your account using an unpermitted payment method.

Deposit and No Deposit Bonuses

A no deposit bonus gives new members a chance to win real money for free. They are given to players without the need to deposit money and are usually reserved for people signing up for an account. They're generally small and have high wagering requirements, but they're free, so well worth claiming.

Taxes and Fees

Playing at a real money casino does come with taxes, which must be paid on most winnings. The online casino will withhold at least 24% for the IRS for some substantial wins - whether they do depends on the type of game you were playing. Also, most states impose a tax on gambling winnings at the same rate as the state income tax.

Free Spins

Casinos regularly offer free spins to players, either as an incentive to sign up or as an encouragement to try out a new game. These free spins can be used to win money, but any money won will be subject to wagering requirements.

Restricted Games

It is often the case that bonuses, particularly free spins, can only be used to play a specific game. Failing to play this game will result in you spending your real money, not your bonus money. Other bonuses can be used to play a limited range of games, while others can be used freely throughout the casino.

How to Sign Up and Redeem Real Money Online Casino Bonus Offers 

Online casino players need an active account to claim and redeem bonus cash. If you've made your online casino choice, follow these simple steps to register.

1. Locate the "Register," "Join," or "Sign Up" button. Press it to launch the form.

2. Enter all required details, including your email, chosen password, and phone number.

3. Verify that you understand the terms and conditions.

4. Enter one of our valid bonus codes if available.

5. Send off the form. Check your email for a verification link and click it to confirm registration.

6. Deposit real money, again including any available bonus code, to trigger the new member bonus.

7. Head to the casino lobby and start playing your favorite casino games

Simply put, a real money online casino pays out real cash prizes. However, to win these prizes, you must first wager real money or bonus funds. Most online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses to kickstart the real money playing experience.

Regulated online casinos advertise the chance to win real cash prizes, sometimes worth seven figures, often using the hefty bonuses they provide. But to claim most bonuses, you must make a real money deposit. You can then spend your bonus funds playing various games, from online slots to live dealer games, providing your chosen game isn't restricted by the terms.

Playing free games at a real money casino lets you sample popular casino games, allowing you to learn the rules and refine gameplay before risking any of your own hard-earned cash. Practice play also preserves your welcome bonus casino credits and deposits, plus you can play free games across several sites to find the right fit.

This guide's real money online casinos offer demo versions of most casino games. However, live dealer games can't be played for free.

To help curb gambling addiction, real money online casinos also always have a dedicated responsible gaming section. There, you can set time limits on playing sessions and a cap on deposits, plus you can set cool-off periods to prevent real money gambling for days, weeks, or even months.

How to Choose an Online Casino

Choosing from the many real online casino brands can be challenging. Ultimately, you need to balance various factors, including game selection, casino payment methods, and bonuses, to pick the perfect casino for you.

They Have a License

To ensure your safety and security, please only play at a licensed real money casino. Agencies like the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, West Virginia Lottery Commission, and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement are examples of agencies that license and/or regulate real money casinos in states with legal online gambling.

Licensed sites guarantee honest gaming results thanks to continuous oversight from external agencies and reputable random number generators. These online casinos display details of licenses on their site and within their casino apps. You can also check the records of the specific regulatory agency to ensure a claimed license is genuine.

Don't Compromise on Security

Playing at a reputable casino like BetMGM also means online security protection. As a license requirement, real-money casinos and online casino apps maintain robust cybersecurity measures, including SSL encryption. They also offer trusted payment methods, further boosting transaction security. So, stay safe and play at licensed online gambling sites, which are guaranteed to have all necessary security features in place.

Selection of Online Casino Games

To stand out, real money casinos aim to have thousands of online casino games. Top casinos will have several versions of the most popular games, including online roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, along with more unique games created for the online market. A large selection of online slot games, including ones with progressive jackpots, should also be available, as should a range of live dealer games.

The top-tier real money casinos work with reputable companies like Pragmatic Play, Betsoft, and Quickspin, who are world-renowned for developing secure, fun, and fair online casino games. New games are added almost daily, ensuring there's always something new and exciting for players to enjoy.

Strong Mobile Presence

Mobile devices are now ubiquitous in the US, so a real money online casino needs a mobile presence, offering mobile-optimized versions of as many games as possible. Players must be able to place real money bets through a mobile casino browser, online casino app, or both. Our recommended real money online gambling sites have free casino apps you can download at the Google Play Store and App Store.

Trusted and Reputable Reviews

Since the first sanctioned online casino launched in 2012, real money casinos have continued racking up user testimonials and reviews. You should read reviews from casino experts, like the review on this page, and check out what real players say at sites like Trustpilot.

Free Casino Games vs Real Money Casino Games

Free casino games let you study and master a game without financial risk. But while all the features are included in these casino games, you won't usually be able to win real money. Most sites will provide play money or free gold coins to use on games.

The main selling point of real money play is simple: it gives you an opportunity to win significant sums, provided you're willing to wager your own money. Playing real money games will often contribute towards a loyalty scheme, where you'll be rewarded for your continued play. If you want to play live dealer games, you'll only be able to play them for real money — free live dealer games are unavailable.

US States with Legal Real Money Online Casinos

Seven states currently offer legal Internet casinos. Delaware came first, while Rhode Island was the most recent state to launch an online casino when Bally's went live in March 2024. Many more states will likely legalize online gambling, including online casinos.

Delaware

Delaware was the first state to legalize online casinos in 2012. Governor Markell also signed HB 333 to legalize keno and online poker in Delaware.

Michigan

In December 2019, Governor Whitmer signed bills legalizing Michigan online casinos and sports betting. The first online casinos launched in 2020.

New Jersey

Former Gov. Chris Christie signed bills to make online casinos legal in 2013. New Jersey has over 30 online casino providers.

Pennsylvania

In 2017, former Gov. Wolf signed legislation authorizing online casinos in Pennsylvania. The first wave happened in 2019.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act was signed into law in March 2019. DraftKings was the first online casino to go live in West Virginia.

Connecticut

Gov. Lamont signed legislation in May 2021 to authorize sports betting and online casinos. Part of the deal came from negotiations with local Native American tribes who operate casinos in Connecticut.

Rhode Island

Late in 2023, Gov. McKee signed SB 948 to authorize Rhode Island online casinos. Currently, Bally's is the only online casino available in the state.

Banking Methods at Online Casinos

Some online casinos have more payment options than others. However, most will offer some, if not all, of the methods below.

• Credit cards

• Play+

• ACH

• Online bank transfer

• Venmo

• PayNearMe

• Cash cage

Withdrawal Options

While there are usually fewer ways to withdraw than deposit, receiving payouts from the best casinos is still simple. However, the withdrawal size and method can impact the processing time. Large sums are often paid in instalments. At most casinos, you can count on these withdrawal methods.

• Credit cards

• Play+

• Check

• Cash cage

Responsible Online Casino Gaming Practices

When playing online casino games, it's possible to get too involved. Fortunately, our recommended online casinos have responsible gaming sections. Players can set voluntary cool-off periods and daily limits on playing time and losses.

If you need professional help, please get in touch with these caring organizations:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: Help is a call away at 1-800-522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous: Don't hesitate to visit their website

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Get help today by dialing 1-800-273-8255

Why Play at Real Money Online Casinos?

If you can't get away to Atlantic City or the Vegas Strip, online casino games bring the action to you. At online casinos, you can play casino games and win considerable prizes without traveling or being around large crowds. The live dealer feature offered at most online casinos gives you an in-person experience from anywhere, plus there are thousands of games — far more than you'll find in even the biggest of land-based casinos.

You'll also find plenty of bonuses at online casinos, which blow away the often meager rewards from big land-based brands. Moreover, playing at licensed sites and casino apps guarantees high security and fair play.

But more than anything, online casino games should offer vast amounts of fun, regardless of whether you win or lose.