Last Updated: March 8, 2024, 10:53AM PST |
7 min. read
Playing for real money at online casinos gives you the chance to win sizeable amounts of cash. Furthermore, that money can be deposited straight into your bank account or crypto wallet. If you play your “cards” right, you might even be able to multiply those winnings with the right bonus or by playing the right game.
Our team here at Best US Casinos has put together this guide to help with all of your money-related interactions. We’ll walk you through the best casinos, banking options available to you, bonuses (and how to choose them) — all the way down to what games have the best house edge.
Below, see our top-rated casinos across seven categories for help finding the best real money online casino for your player profile.
DuckyLuck — Best Overall Real Money Casino. Wager and win real money on hundreds of games, or sharpen your skills with unlimited demo play. Find a dedicated jackpot games section and claim a generous 500% match welcome bonus.
SlotsandCasino — Best Crypto VIP Program. Take advantage of 490 online slots games through the Crypto Elite VIP program. Get better bonuses, priority withdrawals, daily Bitcoin draws, and other exclusive perks.
Bovada — Largest Live Dealer Casino. Play live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and Super 6 tables, along with a 100% welcome bonus up to $3,000, multiple banking methods, and availability on both desktop and mobile devices.
Ignition Casino — Best for Crypto Options. Claim a crypto bonus matching up to 300% of your crypto deposit, split between casino and poker. Crypto users also have access to higher deposit limits and exclusive rewards.
Slots.lv — Best for RNG Table Games. Try a diverse selection of classic casino table games along with new variations like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar, and poker games with progressive jackpots.
El Royale — Great Real Money Slots Casino. Play hundreds of real money slots powered by RealTime Gaming (RTG). Featuring progressive jackpots, a free spin bonus with up to 100 free spins and frequent slot-specific reload bonuses.
Red Dog Casino — Best Real Money Site for Mobile Users. Wager on 200 HTML5-optimized online casino games and enjoy the convenience of mobile-first banking methods and a custom mobile menu.
#1
DuckyLuck Casino — Best Overall Real Money Casino
DuckyLuck is at the top of our list because they excel in a variety of areas. For starters, they offer almost 500 real money slots, video poker, and table games alongside their live dealer casino. Plus, you can test out most of their games without signing up thanks to their demo-play feature.
If you’re looking to win large sums, DuckyLuck also has a section dedicated to jackpot games, which includes slots like 777 Deluxe and Cyberpunk City. Both of these games have an RTP of 96% and frequently have 5-digit jackpots.
Even though DuckyLuck has only been around since 2020, they’ve already instituted one of the largest welcome bonuses in the industry at a 500% match. The wagering requirements for the bonus are relatively low at 30x, but the 10x maximum cash out policy could do with a bit of tweaking.
Overall, DuckyLuck provides a solid gambling platform for players of all skill levels and is a great place to stake a few bucks on slots or blackjack.
Welcome Bonus: 500% welcome bonus up to $7,500 over three deposits
US Availability: Available in all 50 states
Software: BetSoft, Rival Gaming, Fresh Deck Studios, Dragon Gaming, Qora Games, Felix Gaming, Fugaso, and Saucify
Minimum Deposit: $25
Withdrawal Fees: $50 fee for withdrawals using wire transfers or paper checks
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: Free play available without an account
Pros
Over 500 real money games to choose from
Fast, 24/7 customer support via live chat and email to assist with deposits, withdrawals, and bonus claims
Live-dealer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat with betting limits ranging from $1 to $12,500
Cons
Payout options limited to Bitcoin, wire transfer, and paper check
Poker options limited to just a few RNG table games
#2
SlotsandCasino — Best Crypto VIP Program
If you’re looking to play with crypto, SlotsandCasino is our top choice for VIP crypto gambling. The unique Crypto Elite VIP program improves the standard VIP rewards and entitles recipients to higher bonus amounts, priority withdrawals, and daily entries into Bitcoin draws. To become a part of the Crypto Elite, you have to contact customer support, who will then lock all banking methods except Bitcoin, BitcoinCash, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and Dogecoin.
If you choose to be in the Crypto Elite program, you’ll have full access to SlotsandCasino’s game library, which includes slots, table games, video poker, and a live dealer casino. The casino also offers a large welcome bonus and quick, reliable payouts regardless of whether you’re in the VIP program, making it ideal for playing with real money.
Welcome Bonus: 300% up to $4,500 + 100 free spins
US Availability: Available in all states except NJ and WA
Software: BetSoft, Rival Gaming, Arrow’s Edge, Tom Horn, Dragon Gaming, Qora Games, Felix Gaming, Fugaso, and Saucify
Minimum Deposit: $25 for all banking methods
Withdrawal fees: $50–$53 fee for withdrawals using wire transfers or paper checks
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: Free play available without an account
Pros
Cashback, reload and monthly match bonuses boosted by Crypto Elite membership
Fast withdrawals within 2–4 days for most methods
A vast selection of over 490 online slots games
Cons
Withdrawal options limited to Bitcoin, wire transfer, check, and Interac
(Canadian customers only)
Games like live dealer and progressive slots don’t count towards wager requirement of bonuses
#3
Bovada Casino — Largest Live Dealer Casino
Live dealer games are a big hit among online gamblers, and Bovada has one of the largest live dealer libraries out there. The most popular live dealer game is blackjack by far, and Bovada has 24 different tables to choose from. Most of their tables have unlimited “bet behind” and table limits ranging from $5–$5,000 per hand. Bovada also has American and European roulette, baccarat, and Super 6 live dealer games. In the future, we’d like to see a live dealer craps game as well. As is standard across the online casino industry, the live dealer games at Bovada cannot be played for free. However, deposits are fast and easy, with credit or debit card, cryptocurrency and eWallets via MatchPay accepted. We recommend withdrawing via cryptocurrency for the fee-free fast payouts.
Welcome Bonus: 100% deposit match up to $3,000 over first three deposits
US Availability: Available in all states except DE, NJ, NV, NY, and MD
Withdrawal Fees: Free for crypto, voucher and player transfer; $100 fee for checks and bank wire transfers (first one waived every 90 days)
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: RNG free play without an account, no live dealer free play
Pros
The live dealer casino is available on both desktop and mobile
There are 11 safe banking methods available
In addition to the live casino, Bovada also has a sportsbook and poker room
Cons
Limited promotions for returning players
Free/Demo mode not available for casino games
#4
Ignition Casino — Best for Crypto Options
Ignition Casino shines as a premier destination for crypto enthusiasts. Not only do they accept all the most popular cryptocurrencies, (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, etc.) but they also have a generous crypto bonus of 300% up to $3,000 split between casino and poker. The casino bonus is subject to a 25x deposit + bonus wagering requirement, which is significantly lower than most other casinos. The poker side is unlocked over time and has no rollover.
Using Bitcoin SV, BitcoinCash, Ethereum, or USDT to withdraw your winnings takes less than an hour, while Bitcoin withdrawals could take up to 24 hours. To top it off, players who deposit with crypto are rewarded with higher deposit limits than players who use credit cards. USDT deposits start at $5 and have no maximum, while Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions range from $10–$5,000. Ignition also has a crypto-exclusive membership, which gives users extra free spins, rewards points, and weekly poker tournament tickets.
Welcome Bonus: 200% up to $2,000, or 300% up to $3,000 for Bitcoin deposits
US Availability: Available in all states except DE, NJ, NV, NY, and MD Software: Rival Gaming, Genesis Gaming, and RTG
Minimum Deposit: $10 for crypto and vouchers, $20 for credit cards and MatchPay
Withdrawal Fees: Varies, but will cover the fees for the first withdrawal of the month
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: RNG free play without an account, no live dealer free play
Pros
$10 withdrawal limits for BTC, BSV, BCH, and LTC
Most crypto payouts happen within 1 hour (24 hours for BTC)
Low playthrough requirements of 25x on casino bonuses
Cons
Only offers virtual sportsbook, which doesn’t have betting on real sports
Credit card deposits have fee of 15.9% or higher depending on the card
#5
Slots.lv — Best for RNG Table Games
Despite the name, Slots.lv actually has an impressive selection of digital table games. As well as the casino classics including craps, blackjack and roulette, you’ll find versions of less common games like Teen Patti, Andar Bahar and Pai Gow poker in the library. Bets on table games start at $1 and can go up to as much as $5,000 per round.
Most online casinos have one or two variants of blackjack, but Slots.lv has eight, including double-deck, Perfect Pairs, and Zappit. The Single Deck version has a house edge of less than 0.5%, making it a profitable choice for the casual real money gambler. However, the poker variations are where Slots.lv shines. Players can enjoy progressive jackpots of up to $92,000 on either of the Let ‘Em Ride variations. Smaller jackpots of less than $10,000 are up for grabs on the Caribbean Hold ’Em and Stud games too. Note that most withdrawal options have a maximum payout of $2,500 per transaction, but Bitcoin withdrawals have no limits.
Welcome Bonus: 200% up to $2,000, with a special Bitcoin sign-up bonus
US Availability: Available in all states except DE, NJ, NV, NY, and MD
Software: Betsoft, Genesis, and RTG
Minimum Deposit: $20
Withdrawal Fees: Free for crypto; $50 fee for credit card (first one waived every month); $75 fee for checks
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: Yes, on practice mode
Pros
Double Up Bonus that gives players a 100% deposit boost every Monday
Crypto exclusive perks, such as bigger bonuses and MySlots Rewards points
Variant RNG table games like Andar Bahar and Teen Patti with $1 minimum stake
Cons
Check and crypto are the only withdrawal options (check by courier has a $75 fee)
Live chat support not available 24 hours a day
#6
El Royale Casino — Great Real Money Slots Casino
El Royale’s casino is powered by RealTime Gaming, and they provide some of the industry’s best slots games. Fortunate Buddha (95% RTP), Desert Raider (96% RTP), and Sweet 16 (96.6%) are among some of their most popular slot titles. For progressive jackpots with life-changing sums, check out Aztec’s Millions or Shopping Spree II.
El Royale caters specifically to slots fans with their free spin bonus. With as little as $10, players can score 70 free spins on the 5 Wishes slot machine, and the Spins Party bonus grants players up to 100 free spins on the Gemtopia slot. Plus, El Royale frequently has new game bonuses that are slot-specific.
Welcome Bonus: 245% on deposit bonus up to $8,000
US Availability: Available in all 50 states
Software: RTG and Visionary iGaming
Minimum Deposit: $20 for most cryptocurrencies; $30 for Visa and Mastercard
Withdrawal Fees: None
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: Free play available without an account
Pros
No withdrawal fees for BTC, Visa, Mastercard, or Bank Wire
Two customer support phone lines, email support, and 24/7 live chat
Progressive jackpot slots with seven figure prize pots
Cons
Allows for deposits with five different cryptos but only allows Bitcoin payouts
Minimum withdrawals of $150
#7
Red Dog Casino — Best Real Money Site for Mobile Users
For players that prefer using a phone or a tablet to gamble online, Red Dog Casino is the best equipped for you. Their casino has over 200 games from RTG, all of which have been optimized for HTML5 and scaled to work flawlessly on Android and iOS devices. You can enjoy slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and a full-fledged live dealer casino from Visionary iGaming.
Plus, Red Dog supports Neosurf and Flexepin payments, both of which are designed to be mobile-first banking methods. If you have any issues, it’s nice to know that Red Dog has dedicated 24/7 customer support via live chat and telephone specifically for making deposits. To find the toll-free number, hit ‘Deposit’ and scroll to the last option on the page.
Welcome bonus: 225% up to $12,250
US Availability: Available in all 50 states
Software: RTG and Visionary iGaming
Minimum deposit: $10 for Neosurf, $20 for crypto, $30 for credit cards
Withdrawal Fees: No fees on any withdrawal methods
Demo Mode/Free Play Availability: Free play available without an account
When evaluating casinos through the lens of money, we consider several criteria that are crucial for you to safely get the most out of your bankroll and have fun doing it. Here are the six categories we prioritize:
Safety & Security
We’ll only recommend casinos with robust security measures, encryption protocols, and a strong reputation for protecting players’ personal and financial information.
Bonuses & Promotions
We look for generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty rewards that enhance your gaming experience.
Game Variety & Fairness
We prioritize casinos with a wide range of high-quality games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. Additionally, we ensure that games are developed by reputable software providers and employ fair gaming practices.
Customer Support
We evaluate casinos based on the availability of responsive support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone, as well as knowledgeable and friendly support agents who can assist with any inquiries or concerns.
Deposit Methods
We assess the availability of diverse and reliable payment methods, ensuring that players have convenient and secure options for depositing funds into their casino accounts.
Withdrawal Options
We focus on casinos that offer quick and hassle-free withdrawal options, allowing you to enjoy your winnings without unnecessary delays.
Your preferred deposit or withdrawal method may impact the casino you choose. After all, you can’t play for real money if you’re unable to deposit at the casino you’ve picked.
The best payout online casinos offer a variety of payment methods to facilitate secure and convenient transactions for their players. These payment options include credit cards and modern alternatives, such as cryptocurrency and digital wallets.
Each option has various features, including minimum deposit requirements, withdrawal times, and fees. For your convenience, we’ve summarized the most popular methods alongside their standout features.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are one of the most widely accepted payment methods around, mainly due to convenience. Most casinos offer popular credit cards as a deposit option, but you can't be paid out with them.
Popular cryptocurrencies accepted by casinos include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Withdrawal times for cryptocurrency transactions are typically faster than other banking methods, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours.
While these transactions don’t usually incur any fees on deposits and withdrawals, it’s important to consider network fees that may be associated with specific cryptocurrencies.
It’s worth noting, that some casinos only allow Bitcoin withdrawals, so if you intend to use a different coin, make sure to check if you can withdraw with it. Our top casino for crypto payments is Ignition, as they accept six popular cryptos for deposits and withdrawals.
In addition to the above, casinos offer various other payment methods to cater to different player preferences. These alternative options may include bank transfers, prepaid cards, vouchers (like Neosurf), eWallet integrations like MatchPay, and e-transfer for Canadian residents.
No fees, except for fees that could be charged by your bank
Neosurf
El Royale
$10
Not available for withdrawals
No fees
MatchPay
Bovada
$20
Instant
$100 if you go over the max withdrawal frequency
Interac e-transfer (for Canadians only)
DuckyLuck
$25
24–48 hours
No fees
Once you’ve deposited your money, your next step will be to look through the bonuses available at the online casino you’ve chosen. Bonuses can be an effective way to boost your bankroll. Keep in mind that most sites offer their best bonuses on crypto deposits, which adds another reason for you to consider crypto as your preferred casino payment method.
Understanding the Best Real Money Bonuses Available
When it comes to real money play, online casino bonuses can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Discover how these bonuses can boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning a bit more cash (or crypto).
How to Choose the Right Bonus for You
One of the most exciting parts about gambling online is getting to choose a bonus that fits your play style. Almost all online casinos and online sportsbooks offer real money bonuses that will boost your bankroll (and sometimes give you extra perks like free spins or cashback). But before you hop in to claim the largest bonus possible, take a few minutes to find out what promotions are best suited for you.
Best For
Best Option
Redeem At
New Players
225% up to $12,250
Regular Players
25–50%
High-Rollers
Crypto Elite VIP program
Slots Enthusiasts
30 free spins on Mondays
Competitive Players
Weekly freeroll poker tournaments
All Players
Referral bonus of up to $100
Explaining Wager Requirements
Real money bonuses come with wagering requirements (often called rollover or playthrough requirements) that dictate how much a player has to wager to meet the bonus conditions.
Here’s a quick example of how rollover works:
Scenario: You deposit $50 and claim 100% deposit bonus with 15x rollover.
To find out how much you have to wager to satisfy the rollover, use this formula:
(Deposit + Bonus) x Rollover = Amount Wagered Needed to Cashout
In this scenario, you need to wager $1,500 to cash out. (($50 + $50) x 15)
Breaking Down Bonus Types for Real Money Wins
Above we covered the best bonuses based on player type. Now we’re going to walk you through the most common bonuses, how they can help pad your bankroll and the best casino to claim each of them at.
Welcome (Sign-up) Bonus
The welcome bonus is best for first-time players who are looking to get a boost to their bankroll. Sign up promotions often consist of a deposit bonus (ie. 100% up to $1,000) and sometimes include free spins on select slot machines. As a new player, you must claim the welcome package with your initial deposit, or else you’ll no longer be eligible.
It’s also not uncommon for welcome packages to be spread out across multiple deposits. For example, Las Atlantis’ 280% boost is spread out over 5 deposits, each maxing out at $2,800 for a grand total of $14,000 in bonus funds.
Reload/Deposit Bonus
The reload bonus is suited for many kinds of players, but holds specific value for frequent gamblers. Most casinos offer reload promotions on certain days of the week or for certain games. For example, Red Dog Casino offers a 24/7 bonus, which you can claim at any time with as much — or as little — as you please. Their 24/7 bonus has three tiers, 120% with a $30 deposit, 135% with a $75 deposit, or 160% boost with $150. Even with the lowest amount, you can still get an extra $36 in your bankroll to play slots like Lucky Tiger or Dr. Winmore.
VIP Rewards
Casino VIP rewards programs are often free to join, and you can start earning comp points as soon as you make your first deposit. VIP programs will also offer better bonuses to players in higher tiers, making them a great opportunity for loyal players.
Café Casino, DuckyLuck, and SlotsandCasino.ag all have great VIP rewards programs that offer players prioritized payouts on top of their enhanced bonuses, free spin gifts, and higher cashback promotions. If you have a favorite casino and play there frequently, make sure you check out their VIP program to get the best gambling experience.
Free Spins
Free spin bonuses are designed for slots players, but there’s a bit more to them than that. Casinos will often give away free spins as part of a welcome bonus, reload offer, as a prize for VIP members, or to let prospective players test out new games.
Free spins come with a preset monetary value, like $0.10 per spin, which makes the amount you can win from free spins limiting. Plus, free spins usually have their own wagering requirements on winnings, like 10x or 15x. That being said, free spin bonuses are good if you don’t mind winning smaller prizes.
Tournament Entry
Tournament entry bonuses are a rare kind of promotion, because they waive an entry fee to certain tournament-style events. For example, Ignition Casino offers a weekly poker freeroll tournament chip, which gains you entry to the event. For competitive players, this is an awesome value add, because you’re likely going to win more off that free entry than any other kind of bonus.
But, if you’re a casual player, these kinds of bonuses might not hold as much value as a reload or referral bonus. Though, you can always test your luck at the tournament since entry is free.
No Deposit Bonus
The no deposit bonus is an elusive one. It’s great for players that want to get a taste for real money gambling without risking their own money. Most no deposit bonuses are low value and are often only available for certain games. For example, El Royale has a $15 free chip that users can claim for use on slots, video poker, and keno.
However, just know that once you claim a no deposit bonus, you’ll have to make a deposit to claim any winnings from your bonus.
Referrals
The referral bonus is great for all players. Almost every casino site has a bonus for referring your friends and family, some of which even have unlimited referral codes.
Referral bonuses either come as a percentage of the deposit your friend makes, or as a flat rate per person referred. For example, DuckyLuck offers $100 for each person that signs up with your link and makes a $25 deposit. This bonus is unlimited, but comes with a 50x wagering requirement.
Bonuses are just one way to maximize your winning potential at online casinos. You also need to look closely at the games that you’re choosing and the house edge of those particular games. Putting all that together will give you the best chance at a positive outcome.
Popular Casino Games for Winning Real Money by House Edge
Most casino sites offer a wide array of real money games but the most popular games in the US are those with a low house edge. Statistically, games like blackjack, baccarat, and poker are better for winning money than slots or roulette. However, as long as you’re cognizant of the return to player (RTP) and house edge, you can still maximize your winnings.
Blackjack
House Edge: 0.5–2%
With a relatively low house edge of 2% (as low as 0.5% by learning basic strategy), real money blackjack is a favorite among players who are looking to walk away from the casino with a profit. Its strategic gameplay allows skilled individuals to influence the outcome and make informed decisions, providing better odds of winning cash.
Poker is renowned for being a game of skill, allowing you to showcase your expertise and exercise control over your bankroll. By utilizing strategies and reading opponents, you can outperform others and pocket significant winnings. Games like Tri-Card Poker boast house advantages as low as 1.5%, while games like Caribbean Stud have 5% or more.
Playing slots for money is a staple at any online casino. With various progressive jackpot slots available, you have the chance to strike it big and transform your fortunes. You can also look at the Return to Player Percentage (RTP) of a slot game to determine how profitable a game is. We recommend only playing games with high RTP rates of more than 96%.
House edge varies by game: Blackjack (0.52%) / Baccarat (1.06–24%) / Roulette (2.7–5.24%)
Live dealer games provide an immersive casino atmosphere, particularly appealing to high rollers. Popular live dealer games include blackjack, baccarat, mobile roulette, and Super 6. The minimums for these games are often as low as $1 and can go up to six-figure betting limits depending on which game you play.
The steps below walk you through how to sign up for an online casino account so you can play games for real money:
1
Find a Real Money Casino
Begin by selecting a reputable online casino, such as one we’ve recommended above. Look for licenses, security measures, game variety, and positive player reviews to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
2
Create an Account
Sign up and create a new account at the chosen online casino. Provide the required information, including your name, email address, and preferred username and password.
3
Deposit Money
Once your account is set up, navigate to the cashier or banking section of the casino. Choose a suitable payment method, such as credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers and follow the prompts to deposit funds into your casino account.
4
Claim Welcome Bonus (Recommended)
If the online casino offers a welcome bonus or promotional offer for new players, be sure to review the terms and conditions. If it suits your preferences, claim the bonus and ensure you meet any wagering requirements.
5
Explore Game Selection and Start Playing!
Browse through the online casino’s game library to find your preferred game category, such as slots, table games, live dealer games, or video poker. Select a game that interests you and suits your bankroll and start playing!
Responsible Gambling at Real Money Casino Sites
When engaging in gambling for real money, it's essential to prioritize responsible gambling practices. Casinos offer various options to promote responsible play and ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Bet Limits — Casinos often provide you with the option to set bet limits, allowing you to control your spending and avoid exceeding your predetermined budget.
Time Limits — To promote responsible gambling, casinos may offer timers that help you prevent excessive play while encouraging breaks to avoid prolonged periods of gambling.
Deposit Limits — Deposit limits cap the amount of money you can deposit into your account within a specified time frame. This feature helps you maintain control over your finances and prevents excessive spending.
Loss Limits — Loss limits let you determine the amount of money you are willing to lose during a particular period. Usually, time and bet limits are enough, but loss limits can also be helpful.
Self-Exclusion — Reputable gambling sites often offer self-exclusion programs, allowing you to voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing your account and participate in gambling activities for a specified period.
Responsible Gambling Resources
If you feel that your gambling habits are getting out of hand, there are helplines and support organizations ready to give you the assistance you need. If you’re experiencing difficulties with your gambling habits, you can reach out to any of the following resources for help:
