CasinoGenie - The Ultimate Online Casino & Gambling Guide

Real Money Casinos

Americans looking to play at top real money casinos need look no further than our 'Top Casino Lists' for value. This is because each online casino is the result of a rigorous review process by our iGaming experts. Every name comes highly recommended for delivering an enhanced player experience, with industry-leading bonuses, competitive promotions, innovative features, game selection, and more.

Since even the best online casinos excel in different areas, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't always work. Therefore, we've organized top casino lists for categories like banking, casino games, live dealer games, and casino bonuses.

In-house Casino Reviews

Our gambling experts have years of collective experience researching, evaluating, and recommending online casinos to our American player community. We take a top-down approach to every online casino we review. Our starting point is always a licensed online casino with a good player reputation.

Because we're players ourselves, we spend a considerable amount of time looking at casino bonuses and promotions. Casino bonuses, live casino bonuses, and sportsbook bonuses always get extra points in our book. We're on the lookout for standout loyalty rewards, VIP programs, tournaments, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, free spins, and no deposit bonuses. Reasonable bonus terms and conditions and wagering requirements are a must for the best chance at cashing out winnings.

We also like to see a good cross-section of casino games, slots, and live dealer games from multiple providers. While not a requirement, a sportsbook is always a great addition. The best online casinos never let players run out of great games to play.

Banking is another important part of the overall player experience. There's plenty we'll want to evaluate here, including the range of payment options, payment fees, cashout times, and withdrawal limits.

Finally, we all need to turn to customer support sooner or later when gambling online, so responsive agents that are efficient and helpful are a must. We like to test each casino in live chats, emails, and telephone calls.

Each casino recommendation is accompanied by our in-house casino review written in plain American English. It summarizes our findings to help Americans choose the best casino online. We believe each online casino recommended is safe and trustworthy.

Casino Games

Although it may seem that the choice of online casino games is all the same, this couldn't be further from the truth. Some online casinos are built on older provider platforms, only offering games from a single developer. On the other hand, modern casino platforms now provide content from multiple providers, such as Rival Games, Realtime Gaming, ViG, and Betsoft. While one online casino may offer 100+ games, another may offer 1,000+ games.

Don't underestimate the value of being able to play free slots and other free casino games. Players can use this as a risk-free opportunity to learn the rules and evaluate games. Of course, you won't be able to keep any of your winnings or take advantage of bonuses until you play casino games for real money.

Finally, most casino games designed in the last few years have been developed in HTML5, allowing them to be played on different platforms: online desktop, mobile, and tablet. Some of the older games will not run on iOS or Android devices. This explains why the number of online desktop games tends to be greater than for mobile devices.

These are just some casino games topics our experts consider when putting together casino reviews so that you won't be disappointed.

Slots

Online slot machines, including jackpot slots, make up the biggest category of games at most casinos. These come in a tremendous range of engaging themes, fun features, payouts, and more. Classic and video slots also come in different variances and return to players (RTPs), depending on risk-reward preference. The result of all possible combinations has led to the creation of thousands of titles. See our top casino list for online slots for real money with a comprehensive range of titles.

Table Games

Not surprisingly, our American player community loves classic table games. What is a little surprising is how these games can be so underrepresented at some online casinos. This problem is eliminated with our top casino guides for online roulette, video poker, and online baccarat.

Live Dealer

Live dealer games are the evolution of online table games and have helped re-establish the social element lost with online table games. Live casino games use real-life dealers and tables, streamed live from a provider's studio. A chat function allows a player to communicate with the dealer in full view of all other players. These can be great for asking a question or participating in a bit of banter between rounds. Live casino really is the next best thing to visiting a land-based casino, only more convenient. Hence, no online casino is complete without our top casino lists for live roulette, live blackjack, and live baccarat.

Specialty Games

Online casinos often neglect specialty games. Still, our experts understand why some Americans enjoy the appeal of these games of chance. So much so in fact that we've put together top casino lists for online keno, online bingo, and online scratchcards.

Sports Betting

The United States has seen tremendous interest in sports betting as more states have legalized the hobby. It can complement a player's sports passion, much like beer compliments pretzels.

Americans are big enthusiasts of sports betting, so it's not surprising that many top online casinos offer their own sportsbook. Here, bettors can find college and professional US sports events like the NBA, the NFL, and NCAA matches. Some sportsbooks excel in offering betting markets on international sports, like tennis, soccer, boxing, horseracing, and golf.

Some of our top sportsbook casinos provide the best betting odds, prop builder tools, higher payout limits, and more. Although all bettors are familiar with moneyline bets (predict the outcome of a match), many other betting markets offer better odds and excitement.

For example, say you think that the outcome of a match will be too close to call. In this case, a moneyline bet may not be the best option. If you think a match will be high-scoring or low-scoring, you might find better value in the over-under betting market.

Sometimes, competitions are one-sided, so that you wouldn't expect great odds. Here, spread betting is a great way of evening the playing field.

Not all sports betting markets are based on the outcome of a match. For example, European soccer offers markets in total cards and corner match bets. These are called proposition bets (props bets). They're available in different sports betting markets.

Predicting who will win a championship is a very risky bet as anything can happen. However, some bettors go out on a limb by making bold predictions. This is called a futures bet (also known as an outright bet), offering fantastic odds.

Parlay bets (also known as accumulators) is another exciting betting market for risk-takers. It combines multiple bets where the winnings are rolled over from one leg to the next, increasing the wager value.

Bookmakers have recently become even more creative with betting markets by introducing eSports based on video gaming competitions. Aside from first person shooter competitions like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, other eSports competitions open up a whole new dimension in betting.

In-play betting markets (also known as live betting markets) are somewhat of a different beast. Bettors can use it to hedge an existing bet or profit from an opportunity that might arise. You may even be able to follow the action as it unfolds via live streaming.

Casino Bonuses

Bonuses are to casinos what Buffalo wings are to US pubs, or hot dogs are to American ballparks. It would be naive to suggest that casinos offer these out of the goodness of their hearts. Still, it doesn't make online casino bonuses any less prized by new players or regular ones. Considering the competition among online casinos for new American players, it's no wonder that some of these bonuses can be very tempting. That said, our top casino list for the best online casino bonuses is a must-see!

No Deposit Bonus

The no deposit bonus is sometimes available to new players when signing up at an online casino. It can consist of a small amount of bonus money, say $10, or a small number of free spins such as 20. The advantage of this type of bonus is that Americans can play without risking any of their own money. Some online casinos offer occasional no deposit bonuses to loyal players. Our top casino list for no deposit bonuses can be a great place to compare all the best ones.

Deposit Bonus

Every online casino welcome offer consists of a deposit bonus, valid for qualifying casino games and slots. Here, the casino matches a player's first (maybe more) real money USD or BTC deposit with a percentage in bonus money. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the casino to throw in a nice serving of free spins on a select slot(s) on the side. Some casinos really set themselves apart by also offering a new player sportsbook bonus and/or a new player live casino bonus.

Deposit bonuses and free spins are not just for new players. Regular players can frequently find deposit bonuses, sometimes referred to as a reload bonus, and free spins, usually under a casino's promotions section.

Cashback Bonus

Although we've mentioned some of the more popular bonuses, this is by no means all of them. For example, cashback bonuses can present an opportunity for players to win back some of the money they've lost. Although these can be for cash, cashback bonuses are usually awarded in bonus money, making them subject to standard bonus T&Cs.

Depending on the casino, these might also be available for sports betting and live casino. Cashback bonuses are less commonly offered to new players.

Other Casino Promotions

Online casinos have become quite good at using innovation, such as gamification, to keep players engaged and having fun. For example, many online casinos now run regular tournaments to win cash, bonuses, or other prizes. These often involve leaderboards where players can compete against one another for a higher position and ultimately larger prizes.

Loyalty points are another way players can benefit from playing regularly at online casinos. These can often be exchanged for bonus money, offering another layer of entertainment.

Casino Bonus Terms and Conditions

All casino bonuses come with bonus terms and conditions and rollover wagering requirements on the bonus money. Until these are satisfied, bonus money remains the equivalent of play money that a player cannot withdraw. Some casinos make it harder than others with a higher wagering requirement, lower game weightings, or maximum withdrawal limits. This is why each casino review summarizes significant bonus T&Cs and wagering requirements.

VIP Loyalty Programs

VIP loyalty programs can often be exclusively by invite only and another way of getting the most out of your online casino gambling experience. They can offer VIP treatment, luxury prizes, gifts, and more. Find out more about what each casino has to offer in its respective review.

Banking

Banking (payment options) is often an overlooked part of online casinos but is every bit as important. This refers to anything to do with player account deposits and withdrawals. It's wise to consider your preferred currency, payment method, payment provider, deposit & withdrawal fees, casino payout processing speeds, and minimum/maximum withdrawal limits.

Bitcoin Casino Deposits & Withdrawals

Bitcoin casinos have been around for a few years now and have revolutionized online gambling. These casinos accept both fiat currencies (including US dollars) and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. There are several advantages to depositing and withdrawing Bitcoins and altcoins over US dollars. It's no coincidence that every one of our recommended casinos is, indeed, a Bitcoin casino.

Many Bitcoin casinos that accept US players allow free deposits and withdrawals. In fact, it is typically the preferred currency of operators, incentivizing deposits through more generous promotions and bonuses.

Not surprisingly, the preferred deposit method of many Americans is Bitcoin (BTC) or altcoins: Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Often, cryptocurrencies casinos do not charge deposit or withdrawal fees on BTC or altcoin deposits. Furthermore, altcoin/Bitcoin cashouts can have lower minimum withdrawal limits compared to USD cashouts.

US Dollar Casino Deposits & Withdrawals

All recommended top online casinos accept debit & credit card banking options, including some mix of Mastercard, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, and Amex. Alternative deposit methods can differentiate some of the better USD casinos. For example, some accept USD deposits via wire transfer, person-to-person (Venmo & CashApp), or Matchpay.

Although depositing USD is swift with money credited to your player account within minutes, USD withdrawal times differ dramatically. It depends on the banking method and casino cashout processing time. For example, a bank wire transfer, e-check, or couriered check can take over a week. Additionally, the minimum withdrawal amounts and fees will often depend on your chosen method. You can find payment summaries in each of our casino guides.

Customer Support

Customer support may not exactly spring to mind, but it is one of the areas we cover in each casino review. Here, we evaluate the different ways that Americans can contact customer support. While instant chats and email are standard, a dedicated telephone support line is also something we look for. We like fast response times, courteousness, and helpfulness from casino customer support.

Gambling Laws

US gambling laws are defined in each state's constitution, and therefore the legality is different for each. US Interactive gaming (iGaming) has seen a lot of upheaval, notably since 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. As American state gambling laws rapidly evolve, stay in the loop with our gambling laws article for each jurisdiction, plus the District of Columbia.

Although online casinos remain prohibited in all but a handful of states, laws surrounding online sports betting are becoming more friendly in many jurisdictions. The legal patchwork is why many Americans visit offshore online casinos as a way of skirting the restrictions.

Having fun at an online casino should never compromise safety. Furthermore, casino T&Cs outline actions considered breaches, which can get you kicked out or make you lose your winnings. Therefore, we've got some essential tips on what you can do to stay safe and stay in a casino's good books.

• Do not play at unlicensed online casinos for real money.
• Ensure that your connection with the casino is SSL/TLS encrypted.
• Do not lie about your age or address, and never use a VPN.
• Do not open more than one account and ensure only one player account per IP address.
• Do not deposit funds from someone else's account (like a credit card).
• Do not share your login or payment details with anyone.

When gambling for real money, here are some helpful tips to maximize your playing experience.

• Where possible, try games in demo mode first before playing for real money.
• Games with a lower house edge can increase your chances of winning.
• Higher volatility (variance) games may require a higher bankroll (higher player balance).
• Do not forget about casino bonuses and promotions like loyalty programs, tournaments, and prize drops.

Responsible gambling means ensuring that a fun hobby doesn't snowball into an addiction. To help, many online casinos now allow players to set limits on deposits, playing time, bets, and net losses. It can sometimes be hard to recognize early signs of an addiction, but here are tips on how to stay safe:

• Do not play with borrowed money or money you can't afford to lose.
• Do not use gambling as an income source.
• Set limits and be prepared to walk away (never chase losses).
• Take a break when gambling ceases to be fun. When all else fails, customer support can temporarily or permanently add you to their self-exclusion list.

Online Gambling FAQ's

What states is gambling legal?

Legal gambling in the United States depends on the type and jurisdiction. Many American states permit one or more gaming types, such as casino gambling, sports betting, or a state lottery. Read more in our gambling laws guide for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia (D.C.) here at Casino Genie.

What is the best real money casino?

The best real money casino is safe & trustworthy, offers very competitive bonuses & promotions, has a great selection of games, a wide range of banking options, and more. You can find some of the best real money casinos here at Casino Genie.

Can you keep what you win with a no deposit bonus?

Online casino players can generally keep what they win, up to a limit, with a no deposit bonus after fulfilling all of the bonus wagering requirements. Visit our no deposit bonus page for the best casino bonuses for American players.

Where can I play real money slots online?

Here at Casino Genie, we have top casinos with some of the best real money slots online.

Is it safe to play at an online casino?

Playing at an online casino can be safe when taking basic precautions. Players can find safe and trustworthy casinos here at Casino Genie.