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With several types of online gambling available in Pennsylvania, picking a site can seem overwhelming. If you’re feeling unsure about where to go, you’ve come to the right place.
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Below, you will find reviews for the best online casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. We have carefully studied each site to determine what the strong suits are and, conversely, what things they need to improve.
We also discuss some of the challenges Pennsylvania’s online gambling market is facing.
With things changing almost daily, it can be challenging to keep up with online gambling news in the Keystone State. Hopefully, by reading through our information below, you can determine which sites best fit your online betting needs. Most importantly, you must be comfortable with the site and aren’t worried about anything beyond winning.
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Our best casino bonuses and offers
Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.
Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here’s a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:
Unibet Casino
Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.
For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.
The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.
Read ourUnibet PA online casino review
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player’s initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.
This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.
All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review
Hollywood Casino
At first glance, Hollywood online casino’s bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It’s absolutely free.
All new players must do is register on the site. There’s no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.
Best of all, there’s only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it’s ready for withdrawals.
Read our Hollywood Casino review
PA online casinos partnership tracker
The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.
Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
---|---|---|
Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
Best sportsbook bonuses and offers
Here’s a look at our welcome bonuses offers:
SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.
New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.
Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There’s only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it’s quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers’ online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse’s deposit match. In fact, it’s the same.
Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.
Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.
New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.
Read our BetRivers Sportsbook review
FanDuel Sportsbook
To casual fans, FanDuel might seem like a strange addition to the sports betting landscape. However, the daily fantasy sports giant has become quite a force in online sports betting in the past few years.
So, Pennsylvanians can get a taste of what all the fuss is. New accounts at FanDuel online sportsbook will receive a risk-free bet of up to $500.
New FanDuel players don’t need a promo code to activate this deal. They simply must join FanDuel here and make their first wager.
There is a 1x playthrough requirement on the bonus, which means players must make another bet of equal size to release the funds.
Essentially, players are receiving two bets for the price of one. Still, that’s a great deal for most, mainly if one of them happens to win.
As an added bonus, there is also a FanDuel Casino integrated within the PA FanDuel sports betting app.
Read our Fanduel PA Sportsbook review
Full list of sportsbooks and partnerships
Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook | Online sportsbook launch |
---|---|---|---|
Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | PlaySugarHouse | Launched May 2019 |
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | BetRivers | Launched June 2019 |
Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Parx | Launched June 2019 |
Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | FanDuel | Launched July 2019 |
Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | Barstool | Launched Sept. 2020 |
Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Caesars | Launched March 2020 |
Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | BetAmerica | Launched Dec. 2019 |
Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Fox Bet | Launched Sept. 2019 |
Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Unibet | Launched Nov. 2019 |
The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | DraftKings | Launched Nov. 2019 |
Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed) | March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020) | N/A | N/A |
South Philadelphia Turf Club | Jan. 17, 2019 | N/A | N/A |
The Downs at Lehigh Valley | Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook) | N/A | N/A |
Wind Creek Casino | Nov. 18, 2020 | Betfred | Launched Dec. 2020 |
Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 (FanDuel Sportsbook) | N/A | N/A |
Hollywood Casino Morgantown (2021) | 2021 (BetMGM Sportsbook) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
Many of these online sports betting offerings will eventually be tied to a PA online casino site. For example, Harrah’s will likely roll everything into its single Caesars Online Casino product. PlaySugarHouse offers a shared account between casino and sports betting as well.
The lone exception is if you are an iPhone user. Changes to the Apple app store guidelines make these shared apps difficult, so you might see a sports betting app before you get a real-money online casino app in the lineup. And there is a chance they will remain separate.
What’s legal and illegal for online sports betting?
Few newly legalized activities come without rules and exceptions to their legality. Pennsylvania’s online sports betting is no different.
The good news is that Pennsylvania residents and visitors can wager on any professional, collegiate or international sporting events. The only requirements are:
- Be at least 21 years or older
- Be physically within Pennsylvania state lines
- Wager on an approved, regulated Pennsylvania site
However, the betting must occur on sporting events.
So, non-sports events, such as the Academy Awards or political elections, are not permitted for betting.
Finally, people who are intrinsically involved with a particular sport cannot wager upon it. So, players, officials, coaches, and other sports personnel cannot place bets on their own sports.
Concerning online casinos, most people can play without any restriction. Adults who are at least 21 years old are more than welcome to take part.
However, there is absolutely no online casino play allowed across state lines. The sites use geolocation software to monitor every player’s physical location. You must enable this function on your mobile device or you won’t be allowed to play.
The other exception is people who have placed themselves on the self-exclusion list. There is a separate self-exclusion list in Pennsylvania specifically for online play. Unfortunately, gambling addiction is a real problem, and online casinos are careful not to exacerbate the issue for people who are in recovery.
PA casino apps
With Pennsylvania moving into the online casino space, there are a few points about using these programs that bear mention.
First and foremost, it’s important to know that each casino app will figure out what device you’re using automatically. So, whether you use a laptop or a mobile device, the app will size the casino to fit your screen.
For the most part, every online casino has a browser version that will always work on desktops and some phones.
With that said, many casinos have a dedicated app specific to mobile use. If you are a mobile user, you may find the app to provide a smoother experience.
The mobile apps may also have greater functionality than the browser version. However, the game selection on the app can be smaller because some games don’t translate to mobile.
Finally, no matter which platform you use, you will have to go through some steps for the app to work.
Apple users should be aware all PA casinos or sportsbooks have a native iOS app.
Android users can play on all of the casinos in Pennsylvania but they will need to download the app from the casino website. The Google Play store does not support the distribution of gambling apps.
What online casino games are available in PA casinos?
Online casinos feature many of the same games that one might find in a land-based casino. Here are some of the types of games you may find at your favorite site.
Because of the laws requiring Pennsylvania-specific servers for any game providers to PA online casinos, the selection may not be what you are used to if you’ve ever played on a New Jersey online casino, for example.
Slots
The bread and butter for land-based casinos, slots, are the main focus for most online casinos too. An online slot is technically not a machine, but it functions identically otherwise.
A slot game will usually feature several rotating reels with various symbols drawn on them. The reels stop, and the player wins (or doesn’t) based upon the patterns the reels come to rest.
Many slots also feature bonus games or features that provide extra chances for players to win. Bonuses tend to be mini-games and have a higher chance of success than the slot game at large.
Each online casino in Pennsylvania offers a selection of games. That variety depends mostly on the deals each casino has with the game publishers.
So, the following is a list of the most popular slot developers and their games that are playable at the best PA online casinos:
NetEnt: At this time, all games on SugarHouse Casino are produced by NetEnt Games. NetEnt became an industry leader in the world of online slots by providing players with realistic games that replicated those in a Vegas casino. The list of games below includes the top games you will find at Pennsylvania online casinos.
- Blood Suckers II
- Dead or Alive
- Divine Fortune
- Drive: Multiplier Mayhem
- Gonzo’s Quest
Konami: Konami is a household name in the online casino industry. As of the time of writing, this slot developer is only available at select casinos and with only a handful of Konami slot games. Here is a list of games available at select PA casinos:
- African Diamond
- Ancient Dragon
- China Shores
- Full Moon Diamond
- Solstice Celebration
IGT: IGT is a massive global brand with more than 1,000 styles of slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos and hundreds available online. But there is a limited number of IGT slots in Pennsylvania. This list includes the top games you’ll be able to find online.
- The Big Easy
- Cleopatra
- Crown of Egypt
- King of Atlantis
- Pixies of the Forest
Other game developers entering the Pennsylvania market include Incredible Technologies, Everi Gaming, GAN, H5G, and Slot Symphony.
Video poker
Video poker games are often lumped together with slots. The main difference is that players retain a certain measure of control over the way the game proceeds.
Video poker creates a virtual simulation of a typical five-card draw poker hand. The player receives five cards, can choose to hold as many as they like and then redraws.
The goal is to make a five-card hand that qualifies as a winner. Exactly which rank of hand is required to win varies from game to game.
Table games
Players who prefer a more tactile experience tend to stick to table games. These are games that use a virtual simulation of activities that involve playing cards, dice, balls, or prize wheels.
Blackjack
The most common table game is blackjack. This card game is a competition between the player and the dealer to see whose combination of cards can get closest to 21 in value.
The catch is that the player must act before the dealer and rely on incomplete information to do so. As a result, the casino retains a slight mathematical edge.
However, players can mitigate this edge by using basic strategy. Basic strategy is a widely published set of behaviors designed to play blackjack optimally.
Roulette
The second-most common table game is roulette.
This French version of the game is found in almost any casino with table games. In fact, PlaySugarHouse elected to launch three variants of roulette in its PA online casino before publishing any versions of blackjack.
Basically, roulette involves a randomly released ball falling into a spinning wheel with numbered slots. Players wager based upon which numbers they believe the ball will fall into.
When playing roulette, you will choose between European and American roulette. European roulette features only a single zero on the wheel and boasts better odds for the players. American roulette, on the other hand, features a 0 and a 00, worsening the odds for players.
There are a variety of choices and combinations of numbers that players can choose to bet. Roulette is a staple for casinos due to its pace of play and chance at incredible winnings. A correct bet on a single number will pay 35:1.
Craps
Craps seems to be a bit less likely to appear in PA online casinos. The game itself, which plays with dice rolls, a large tub-like pit, and myriad ways to wager, is likely a challenge for programmers to realize in a virtual setting.
Nonetheless, craps is a dice-based game, which involves players attempting to roll certain numbers on a pair of dice. Players wager based upon the likelihood of various combinations appearing on the dice.
The probability of those combinations often determines the prescribed payout for various wagers on the board. The casinos generate their profit margin by ensuring that the payout odds are worse than the event odds.
For example, a particular number may only have one chance in three of occurring, but a successful wager will only payout 2:1.
Other table games
Several table games are available from time to time at online casinos. These games are less common and, frankly, have a bigger house edge to them.
Nevertheless, they can be a fun option for someone looking for a change of pace. Some other table games include:
- Casino Hold ’em
- Caribbean Stud
- EZ Baccarat
- Let It Ride
- Pai Gow Poker
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
Live dealer games at PA casinos
People often speak about the “next big thing.” For online gambling in the US, live dealer games are that thing.
This style of online casino game has been nothing short of a revolution. It has propelled casinos in New Jersey to great heights. Live dealer games will come to a Pennsylvania online casinos as soon as the operators can get it off the ground.
Essentially, live dealer games are games dealt in real-time and broadcast live across the site. Real dealers run the games in an interactive studio located in or near the actual land-based casino itself. In fact, there are a few games conducted on the casino floor itself.
Players can place their bets, interact with the dealers, or even interact with one another. Some versions of live dealer games have even expanded to allow players to have multiple views of the game in action.
So far, the following games are available in a live dealer setting in New Jersey. Hopefully, they will appear in Pennsylvania soon:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Casino Hold ’em
- Roulette
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
Stay on top of things with your favorite online site. Live dealer games are not something to miss.
More about PA’s legal online gambling industry
Online poker, online casino table games, and slots became legal in Pennsylvania as a part of a comprehensive gambling expansionpackagepassed by state legislators in October 2017.
The PGCB is providing regulatory oversight for the local online gambling industry. Casinos could get all three types of interactive gaming licenses at once for a $10 million licensing fee. The cost was $4 million each individually for slots, table games, and peer-to-peer games like poker.
There is no limit on the number of skins, or alternatively branded online gambling operations, that can operate under each licensee. However, regulations designed by the board stipulate branding for the skins must clearly identify the licensee. Plus, players can only create one account per licensee, not per skin.
Potential PA online casinos
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), there are 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos and two smaller resort casinos operating inside the state. Plus, a 13th casino, Live! Philadelphia, is coming to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area, home of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams.
All of these PA casino operations could have applied for online gambling operator licenses in the state beginning April 16, 2018. The properties had until July 16 to turn in applications for a $10 million comprehensive interactive gaming license. With this license, casinos can offer online poker, online slots, and online table games.
There were nine casinos which applied:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Wind Creek (formerly Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem)
- Rivers Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- Live! Philadelphia Casino (under development)
After applying, Rivers Casino Pittsburg eventually rescinded its application, electing to punt on online gambling. Stadium Casino, now called Live! Philadelphia, did something similar, opting to forgo an online poker license.
Meanwhile, both Presque Isle Downs and Mohegan Sun Pocono applied for a la carte licenses. Presque Isle opted to skip poker. Mohegan surprisingly signed up for all three at a cost of $2 million more than its competitors. However, like Rivers and Live!, it too abandoned its online poker plans.
That left 12 unclaimed interactive licenses. PGCB opened up a process for qualified gambling entities (QGE) from outside of Pennsylvania to claim them.
Only two groups applied. MGM Resorts has preliminary approval for all three categories of license. Golden Nugget Atlantic City can offer table games and slots, but no online poker.
These two major US gaming players will be among the last to launch online casino and sports betting products in PA. They will also be the only sites without a PA land-based casino partner.
Potential PA online poker sites
The first online poker site to go live in the state was PokerStars PA when it fully launched on Nov. 6, 2019. The global poker brand is offered in conjunction with its land-based counterpart Mount Airy Casino Resort.
Today, 10 of 12 Pennsylvania casinos have poker rooms. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Valley Forge Casino Resort are the only casinos in the state that do not have poker rooms.
More than 220 live poker tables are operating across the state with the 10 rooms pulling in an average of $4 million in revenue every month.
Plans for Live! in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area include opening a poker room when the facility opens its doors in early 2021.
In addition to Mount Airy, six more PA casinos plan to offer an online poker counterpart. Those that will launch an online poker room in Pennsylvania (MGM is applying as an out-of-state entity) include:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Parx Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- MGM Resorts (QGE – no land-based partner)
PA online gambling site safety
PGCB will regulate all online gaming sites in the state. This is the same branch of the state government that regulates all land-based PA casinos.
Other important points regarding PA online gambling security
The regulations designed by PGCB will include several security measures specifically designed to:
- Ensure player balances are held in a separate account from operating funds
- Force sites to implement a rigorous player verification process
- Prevents minors from gaining access
- Deal with problem gamblers
- Force sites to implement geolocation software making sure all players are within the state
- All deposits and withdrawals are processed securely
Looking for the best casino site? Online gambling is exploding in the US, and this means there are a ton of legal online casinos to choose from. Naturally, more and more people want to game online. Get the lowdown on the best online casinos in the US right here. Plus, get the best online casino bonuses around!
Top NJ Online Casinos
Review | NJ Casino | Welcome Offer | Bonus Code |
---|---|---|---|
Visit Review | BetMGM Casino | $25 on the House + 100% Match up to $1000 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | SugarHouse Casino | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Unibet Casino | $10 Free Play + 100% Match up to $1000 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | DraftKings Casino | Up to $500 deposit bonus and $100 in FREE BlackJack credits T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ/PA/WV | |
Visit Review | Virgin Casino | $25 at Signup + Up to $100 Cashback T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Borgata Casino | $20 on the House + 100% Match up to $600 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Tropicana Casino | $20 at Signup + Up to $100 Cashback T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Party Casino | 100% Welcome Bonus up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Resorts Casino | 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | Pala Casino | $25 Free + 10 Free Spins & 100% Deposit Bonus up to $500 + 10 More Spins T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
Visit Review | bet365 Casino | Click Here to See bet365 Casino Bonus |
Top PA Casinos
Review | PA Casino | Welcome Offer | Bonus Code |
---|---|---|---|
Visit Review | Unibet Casino | $10 Free Play + 100% Deposit Match up to $500 T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
Visit Review | Hollywood Casino | 100% Deposit Match up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
Visit Review | SugarHouse Casino | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA |
Play For Real Money at These Top Online Casinos
Note, at the moment, most of the best online casinos are only in NJ. That said, many of these top sites are sure to expand to other states soon. In the list below, we've ranked the top 10, not only on the online casinos themselves but how likely they are to open in other states soon. So, check out the best online casinos today!
Ranking | Online Casino | Games | Bonus |
---|---|---|---|
1 | SugarHouse Casino | 70+ | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 |
2 | Unibet Casino | 275+ | $10 Free Play + 100% Match up to $1000 |
3 | BetMGM Casino | 400+ | $25 Free + 100% up to $1,000 |
4 | Virgin Casino | 200+ | $25 at Signup + Up to $100 Cashback |
5 | DraftKings Casino | 75+ | Up to $500 deposit bonus and $100 in FREE BlackJack credits |
6 | Tropicana | 250+ | $20 at Signup + Up to $100 Cashback |
7 | Borgata Casino | 415+ | $20 on the House + 100% Match up to $600 |
8 | Party Casino | 50+ | 100% Welcome Bonus up to $500 |
9 | Resorts Casino | 500+ | 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 |
10 | bet365 Casino | 50+ | Click Here to See bet365 Casino Bonus |
Available Online Casinos Bonuses
Casino bonuses are the primary way that popular casinos both incentivize existing customers to keep playing, as well as attract new customers with some pretty exciting welcome offers. Top sites for online casino games often have offers like a spins bonus, often as extra spins. Also, top-rated popular casinos generally offer fast payout for any winnings you might have. And, of course, a solid game selection is essential. When choosing online casino bonuses that work for you, take special consideration into their welcome offers and rewards programs or VIP programs, as some are better for certain styles or wallets!
When you’re signing up for your online casino account, you’ll often have to punch in a promo code or make an initial deposit to benefit from the welcome offer. Make sure you’ve got those in mind when signing up for a new account to play your favorite casino games online!
Deposit Bonuses
Casino no-deposit bonuses are about the simplest way to double the size of your wallet when you’re first starting out at the top sites. When you’re creating your real money online casino account, you may need to enter a promo code, or in some cases, a deposit bonus will be automatically added to your online gambling wallet when you make your first deposit.
The best online casinos in the USA have deposit bonuses are usually 100% matches up to a certain amount. For example, if casino bonuses offer a 100% match deposit bonus up to $500, you can deposit up to that amount and get 100% returned to you: a $240 bonus will give you a $440 wallet, for example. Anything over a $500 deposit bonus is pretty stellar in the online gambling world, so take special consideration if you see a deposit bonus in the +$500 range.
Some casino bonuses have wagering requirements, and some are fairer than others. Make sure that the wagering requirements aren’t too astronomically high before signing up with an online casino - it’s important to get the best bonuses for your money.
Free Spins
A free spins bonus or extra spins are offered by popular casinos online in a lot of different ways. One, you may get free spins on virtual slots, easing the sting of a bad roll when playing online. Two, there are sweepstakes promotions and 'Spin the Wheel' promotions on several of the best online casinos that can net you upwards of $1,000,000!
We’ve seen plenty of virtual slots bonus free spins as a weekly promotion or an email-based promotion, but not as a welcome bonus. Make sure you’re signed up with your favorite online casino newsletters to get secret bonuses sent right to your inbox! This will maximize your time playing online casino games.
VIP Program
This is one of the most important things to look for in the best casino apps and sites. Whether they call it a VIP program or a Rewards program, look for your online casino to give you points on every dollar you spend.
In some cases, you can spend those points on cashback rewards, better multipliers, and even complimentary gifts at brick-and-mortar casino resorts like free stays and free meals!
The best casino apps offer rewards programs that work just like their in-person counterparts, and the best among those are the ones that offer real-life benefits. Imagine playing your favorite table games at home from your own smartphone, and winning a free stay in a famed resort destination! Which brings us to the games...
Online Casino Games
Another big consideration to make when choosing your favorite online gambling destination is whether or not they host your favorite casino games! Like it or not, there’s only so much server space in the world, so you may have to make a choice based on whether or not an online casino has, for example, Slingo, your preferred type of Baccarat, etc.
On top of all that, there is a possibility that a casino bonus revolves around your favorite casino game.
Here’s a rundown on what casino games you might expect hosted on your favorite casino apps.
Table Games
Table games are some of the more explosive and exciting game types at any casino, whether online or in person. Now, you can roll the dice or go for La Grande all from the comfort of your smartphone or home computer! (That’s craps and Baccarat slang, if you weren’t clear!)
Take a look at an online casino’s table game offerings before you make your choice. For the most part, however, any good online casino will have at least two roulette types, at least two baccarat variants, and a craps game or two. You’ll also find a few different flavors of blackjack on most of the best online casinos worth investing time in-- most casino games offered include quite a few Blackjack types.
Slots
Slots are where the best online casinos really shine - you’ll often find online slot variants in the hundreds on the best casino apps. Also look for special slot variants like Slingo and special sweepstakes slots, if you’re looking to win big on one spin or you want a different kind of slot experience.
The slots of any online casino app are usually a good litmus test for the rest of the experience. If the website or app’s slots run poorly, don’t appeal to your aesthetics, or just don’t suit your tastes, then it might be time to move on to another online casino of your choosing.
Video Poker
Casino games wouldn’t be what they are without video poker. It’s not your standard sit-and-tap experience like you’d expect from a Vegas haunt, however - video poker online is a totally different story. Explosive graphics, multiple game types, and great multipliers make video poker one of the most fun online casino games.
If you’re used to the old-school 32-bit screens with sticky buttons and unresponsive touch controls, you’ll feel pleasantly out of place with the new, online video poker. We’ve tested most of the varieties of video poker available on the market, and they all share one thing in common: it isn’t your father’s video poker.
If you’re used to the old-school 32-bit screens with sticky buttons and unresponsive touch controls, you’ll feel pleasantly out of place with the new, online video poker. We’ve tested most of the varieties of video poker available on the market, and they all share one thing in common: it isn’t your father’s video poker.
If you are looking for legal live online poker rooms, we encourage you to check out Global Poker as one option. With Global Poker, you can play in tournaments and compete for different sweepstakes prizes.
VegasInsider Capper Poker Series
On Sunday, May 31st at 6 pm EDT (3 pm PDT), VegasInsider, in partnership with WSOP, gave poker fans a chance to compete for a minimum of $1,000 against betting industry experts in Nevada and New Jersey in the VegasInsider Capper Poker Series, sponsored by WSOP. Our May poker tournament brought together VegasInsider’s expert handicappers to go up against you and other online poker fans. Stay tuned for more info on VegasInsider's next tournament!
Live Casinos
If you see a Live Dealer casino game hosted on a popular online casino, that’s a good indicator that the casino site is offering innovative game types on the cutting edge.
What are Live Dealer games? A live-streaming dealer or croupier calls the shots while you play against real people for real cash! A Live Dealer casino brings the action of live casinos right into your home. Or, take them on the go by playing on a top-rated casino app!
Keep in mind that Live Dealer games eat up data and are best played on secure, fast Wi-Fi connections. Like any streaming, you might see hiccups if your connection isn’t the best, but customer service teams are usually quick to refund any bets accidentally made on a stuttering live stream. That’s a rare occasion - for the most part, Live Dealer games are fun to play and run smoothly.
Online Casino Payment Methods: Deposits & Withdrawals
Depositing into your online casino account is usually a pretty straightforward process. Just sign in, go to payments, and choose your deposit method. Here’s a list of commonly accepted payment methods for most online casinos for US players.
- PayPal
- VISA
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- E-wallets
When you’re withdrawing from an online casino USA account, you’ll have to endure a bit of a waiting period. Processing times both for the casinos and the bank you’re working with mean it will not be an instant withdrawal process, and you don’t have a wide variety of options available for receiving winnings. However, this is to keep both the operator and you, the player, safe and legal. Here’s a list of common withdrawal methods for online casinos in the USA:
- PayPal
- VISA
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- E-wallets
- Checks
Best Online Casinos in the USA: What’s Legal?
Online casinos in the USA weren’t strictly limited on a federal level: there were simply no laws in place that would anticipate the explosion of technology that we’ve seen in the past 20 years. Some casinos (admittedly more common in Europe) even offer bitcoin casino payments.
Simply put, it is up to each individual state to decide whether or not to allow for legal, real money online gambling. States with gambling history like New Jersey were among the first to establish legislation on internet gambling. With the precedent set by the overturning of PASPA, numerous states are either already offering real money casino games, or seriously attempting to do so:
Online Casinos in NJ
Most casino operators in New Jersey already offer a website and a casino app for real money gambling, and the state has had legal online casinos since 2013. Online casinos in NJ, such as DraftKings Casino, are already offering great casino games online. Look around to also find the great selection of online casino promotions to choose from!
Legal online casinos in NJ are a competitive and busy market, with new operators offering new and welcome bonuses all the time. Some are better than others, and some have wagering requirements, so do your research before picking the NJ online casino that is right for your play style and wishes.
Online Casinos in PA
PA has had legal online casinos for a few years, but bureaucratic and financial issues prevented the market from really taking hold. That storm seems to have cleared, and now we’re seeing more Pennsylvania legal online casinos throw their hats into the ring.
If you’re looking for an online casino PA, take special note of the different bonuses and rewards programs available for each. There aren’t many national brands yet establishing online casinos in PA just yet, but we expect MGM to be among the first big national chains to operate in Pennsylvania.
Illinois Online Casinos
Illinois is one of the US states that hasn’t yet legalized online operators, but is expected to in the near future. With the legality of sports betting taking a 180-degree turn in 2018, Illinois tracks and casinos are already looking to put online sportsbooks on the market.
This sets a precedent for the future of online operators in the Prairie State. In addition to the market opening up for online sports betting, we’re seeing new casinos pop up in previously forbidden areas in Illinois, namely a casino in the Chicago metro area.
We’re seeing a new, relaxed attitude towards gambling in Illinois, and we’re hoping that the online casino revenue being pulled in by other states is an incentive to Illinois lawmakers to make real money online casinos a reality very soon.
Indiana Online Casinos
With the passage of HB 1015, Indiana lawmakers cleared the way for casinos to offer online and in-person sports betting. What this means, of course, is that it isn’t a long stretch towards offering online operators in Indiana!
As with Illinois and other states, we’re seeing a more favorable attitude towards online operators as a source of revenue in the Hoosier state and elsewhere (at least in the lower 48).
Online Casino Apps
Whether you’re a casual gambler or looking to break into the pros, these best casino apps are a great way of getting a full casino experience without having to leave the house.
The best online casino apps have to hit three benchmarks: easy to use, fun to use, easy to manage. Fun and ease of use are all up to the interface and game designers, so make sure to play the free versions of your favorite casino games before you download.
Most online casinos in the USA will allow you to play free-to-play versions of their casino games to get a feel for them.
Casino App Interface
In addition to the feel of the games, get a good idea of how the interface works by checking out the screenshots for your favorite casino apps on the website or the App Store. This is a great way of finding out if the color scheme is pleasing and easy to read, or if you’re going to miss out on a hand because you’re too busy squinting at your phone to bet.
Casino Quality & Reputation
An online casino that is easy to manage has a few features: good customer service and well-explained payment options. If you find yourself at all confused by the payment options listed on an online casino FAQ, perhaps take a look at the other options or refer again to our guide.
When you’re spending your hard-earned money on an online casino, it should be clear where that money’s going, and you should have a quick line to customer service in case you have any questions. That’s why we prioritize sites that have 24/7 live chat options, because it’s such a convenient and quick way to manage your online casino account.
With these considerations in mind, just download the app that feels the most fun to you. Every casino app on the market is thoroughly vetted by the local state Gaming Board, so you can be sure that you’re not getting scammed.
In all cases, you will have to provide your social security number and enable location services or geotagging through a plugin on your device - this is standard legal practice for all real money online casinos.
US Online Casinos FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding online casinos in the US:
How do casino apps make sure I am legally gambling?
All online casino apps are licensed by state game boards. This requires them to check your social security number and location, whether using location services on your phone or a geotagging plugin on your browser.
You must be physically present in the state of your choice and 21+ in order to legally gamble online in that state.
Is online gambling legal in my state?
At the moment, online operators are legal in quite a few states. Online operators, however, are only fully legal in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In Nevada, you can play online real money poker through the World Series of Poker app, but this is the only option for Nevadans looking to do any kind of casino gambling online for real money.
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Is it safe to deposit money on a casino app?
Depositing your money on an online casino app is perfectly safe. Every transaction is made through a secured online ACH transfer, credit card, or other insured means. Every casino app on the market is secured and managed by a Gaming Board or Gambling Commission, which again means that the public and the operator are both protected against fraud.
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What is the best and safest online casino?
Any legal, US online casino should be safe and secure thanks to state-level regulation. Plus, current technology ensures that activity is monitored. Likewise, top sites offer robust customer service, meaning that if you have an issue, there is someone on hand to help.
Here at VegasInsider, our favorite online casinos are BetMGM Casino and Virgin Casino in New Jersey. For Pennsylvania, we love Unibet Casino, hands down!
How do I make deposits and withdrawals on a casino app?
Depositing into your online casino app is generally an easy and straightforward process. In some cases, you’ll be able to use PayPal, but Visa and Mastercard are generally always accepted. In addition, you can deposit into your online casino account using a secured bank transfer or through eCheck.
Withdrawing from your online casino account is just as easy, but it can take some time. Bank transfer times and casino processing times must be taken into account, so it’s important to be patient. Most casino withdrawals must be done using an eCheck, physical check, or PayPal. In some occasions, you’ll be able to use a debit card or prepaid casino card, but cash and credit transactions are unlikely.
Can I set betting limits?
Yes. Every virtual casino in the US offers a “cooling off” period in its Responsible Gaming section. If you feel you need to take some time away from playing or if you need a bit of assistance, contact your online casino’s responsible gaming service or a customer service representative for more information.
Some online operators also offer deposit limits. Check the “Payments” or “Banking” section of your online casino for more information.
Legal Online Sports Gambling
There may be different laws involved for each state when looking for legal online sports gambling. Check out our Sportsbook Directory for information on where sports betting is legal, our sportsbook reviews, and bonus codes for when you sign up.
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The Best Online Casinos in the USA - Final Thoughts
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It’s a hectic market, and there are new online gambling operators coming on the market every day. We hope this guide has educated you not only on casino bonuses and how to start an account with your favorite internet casino, but how to make informed choices on where to begin.
As always, casino bonuses and rewards programs are a good indicator of how an operator treats its users. In addition, taking a look at the interface, user experience, and customer service options is a great way to evaluate if an online casino is right for you.
Check back with us for more info on the latest in casino news, odds and tips! What are you waiting for? Start playing today!