May 15, 2026
by Emma Harrison
If you are looking for a new online casino site to join, the US market has many choices that will suit everyone. With plenty of online casinos available, it might be a little overwhelming knowing where to start and how to play safely.
If you are situated in a regulated state, you will have access to a range of traditional gaming sites. However, if you are located in a state where this activity isn’t permitted, there’s an alternative available – social casinos. On this page, we will give you an overview of your options as we prepared another thorough check and update today, and guide you on how to play, depending on where you are based.
Find Recommended Sportsbooks That Also has Slots
Differences between traditional online gaming sites and free-to-play sites
Depending on where you are located in the United States, you might have access to both traditional online gambling sites and social casinos. Alternatively, you may have restricted access to one or the other. This is all down to gambling regulations and individual state laws, as each state has the power to ban different types of online gaming.
Fundamentally, the key difference between these two options is that traditional online gaming sites let you deposit funds that you will play with, while also being able to withdraw your winnings in real cash. On the flip side, social casinos give you the chance to play for free using virtual currencies known as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins can be used to play casino-style games for fun, while Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes after you have met the site’s playthrough and eligibility criteria.
Both traditional online gaming sites and social casinos will give you access to similar games from the same reputable software providers. For example, you will find games from Relax Gaming, NetEnt, and many more on both types of gaming sites, and Pragmatic Play solely on traditional online gaming sites. So, just because you may need to access social casinos as an alternative, they provide a high-quality gaming experience that many players choose over traditional casinos.
Customers from the sportsbook eligible states can now take advantage of the bet365 new user promo: ‘Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!’ or something similar, depending on their location. Following the Super Bowl on February 9th at 5:00 AM MST, Bet365 has a new welcome promo for new customers only, which is the Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose across all states, except for NJ and PA customers. For NJ, it is Bet $5 Get $150 plus 10 Golden Chips, while for PA, it is Bet $5 Get $150 plus 50 Spins. The promo will run until March 17th at 4:59 AM MST.
The minimum deposit required is $10. The bet must be placed at minimum odds of -500 or greater. The Bonus Bets wager is excluded from returns.
Time limits, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions apply.
For Casino players in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, there’s a casino bonus available.
NJ – Deposit $10, Claim a 100% matched bonus of up to $1,000 AND receive up to 1,000 Spins
NJ T & C’s
Min $10 deposits required. Max. $1,000 matched bonus. Bonus must be wagered 30 times prior to withdrawal. Promo must be claimed within 30 days of registering a bet365 account. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
PA – Deposit $10, Claim a 100% matched bonus of up to $1,000 AND receive up to 1,000 Spins
PA T& C’s
Min $10 deposits required. Max. $1,000 matched bonus. Bonus must be wagered 25 times prior to withdrawal. Promo must be claimed within 30 days of registering a bet365 account. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
To qualify, new customers must be physically located in eligible draftkings states where the sportsbook operates legally — and the good news is that the bonus is available in most states.
As a new customer, you can get $100 in Bonus Bets when you place a first bet of $5 or more. All you need to do is just sign up, place your bet, and the Bonus Bets are added after it settles. Besides that, new customers can claim the draftkings $100 promo: bet $5+ and get $100 in bonus bets instantly.
The bonus bets expire 7 days after being issued, so it’s best to use them within that time. The offer is available to eligible new customers aged 21+ in most states (18+ in DC, KY, NH, PR, and WY), with location restrictions.
This promotion runs until May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Full terms are available at DraftKings Sportsbook.
If you sign up on Fanatics Sportsbook for the first time, there is a new sports welcome offer of “10x $100 Bet Match”. It’s a very simple promo for new users who want a bit of extra value on their first few bets.
On the other hand, Casino players have a bigger welcome bonus available right now, with 1,000 Free Spins on Triple Cash Eruption. To qualify, all you need to do is sign up, make a deposit, and wager $10 within your first 7 days. Once that is done, you can claim 100 spins per day over 10 days to use on the slot game Triple Cash Eruption.
If you’re not a fan of free spins, Fanatics also has a Wager $30, Get $150 in Casino Credit offer for eligible new casino players.
Some of the key terms are worth noting, as you will not qualify for this promotion if they are not met. The offers are for new customers who are over the age of 21 only, and if you live in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you are automatically eligible for this offer.
For full terms and eligibility, you can visit the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
DraftKings offers an amazing promo for new players who sign up at the casino. New Players: Get 1500 Spins for your choice of featured games, all without needing any DraftKings casino bonus code.
New DraftKings Casino players can get up to 1,500 Spins on featured games of their choice. To qualify, opt in after you register and place at least a bet of $5.
You’ll then receive 50 Spins per day for 30 days (up to 1,500 total). Spins are valued at $0.20 each and expire 24 hours after selecting your game.
This offer is available to eligible new players located in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia only.
This promotion ends on May 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Full terms are available at the DraftKings Casino site.
FanDuel Sports welcome offer
As a new FanDuel customer, you can claim the ‘Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins’ offer. The offer is only for new customers aged 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, WV). The offer is void where prohibited.
To claim the offer, you must register, deposit, and make a first-time bet of at least $5. If your bet is successful, you get $150 in Bonus Bets.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.
New players who sign up for Fanduel Casino can also claim the ‘Deposit $10, Get 500 Bonus Spins and $40 in Casino Bonus’
The offer is only for new customers who are at least 21 years old and physically present in NJ, PA, MI, or WV.
To claim the offer, customers must make a first-time deposit of $10. The bonus is issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins and Casino Site Credit that expire 7 days after receipt.
The Bonus spins are received in increments of 50 and may only be used in the state where the first deposit was made, and only on select games.
Restrictions, terms, and conditions all apply. For full terms, visit fanduel.com/casino. ©️ 2025 Light and Wonder. All rights reserved. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
Are real cash online casinos legal in the US?
In all honesty, the answer to this question isn’t clear-cut, as it depends on where you are physically located. Traditional casinos are only legal in eight US states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. So, if you are based in any of these states, you can access online casinos without any problem.
As such, if you are outside any of the seven states we listed above, you won’t be able to access traditional casino sites. However, you may be able to visit social casinos instead, which we will talk more about further down this page.
If you are based in a regulated state, you must stick to the most reputable casinos. To help guide you through your decisions, we have assessed and reviewed some of the best new online casinos. Keep reading to take a closer look at our top picks.
Traditional online gaming sites for regulated states
By now, you should have an idea about whether you can safely and legally access traditional online gaming sites. In this case, we have three of the best casino brands to highlight as solid options to start with. Plus, they all provide players with fantastic online gaming site bonus promos, which is always most welcome. So, here’s a quick list of our favorite traditional online casinos where you can enjoy real-cash gaming:
| Online casino | Welcome bonus |
| BetMGM | 100% deposit bonus and free casino bonus |
| Caesars | $10 signup bonus, 100% up to $1,000, + 2,500 Reward Credits |
| Borgata | 100% Deposit Match, up to $500 |
BetMGM – Superb selection of games for all players
BetMGM features a varied casino lobby, where you can pick from classic slots, table games, progressive jackpots, and live casino games. This range of games makes sure that every type of player is catered to.
You can also venture into the exclusive games category, where you will find titles that aren’t available anywhere else. Some of our favorite exclusive games include 3 Jokers, Triple Dragons Strike, 3 Fat Hens, PayPig, and Bison Fury: Gold Link.
When you join the site, you will be eligible for a deposit match bonus and a free casino bonus, which varies depending on where you reside. For example, players in MI, NJ, & PA can pick up a 100% deposit bonus up to $1,000 and $25 on the house. Whereas those based in West Virginia can collect up to $2,500 and a $50 bonus.
Caesars – Claim a no-deposit bonus after registration
If you are searching for an RMG site with a no-deposit casino bonus, caesars sportsbook sign up bonus is right up your street.
Caesars has come up with a truly unique caesars new user promo. The sportsbook deal is simple but rewarding — commencing on the 19th of August at 12 PM ET, you just have to sign up, make a bet of $1, and then Caesars will double your winnings on your next 20 wagers. Each profit boost is capped at $25, but across twenty bets, it still gives you a strong head start and plenty of extra value to enjoy.
Alongside the sports bonus, there’s also a casino welcome package to take advantage of. New players can claim a $10 sign-up bonus plus a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, as well as 2,500 Reward Credits when they wager $25 or more.
Caesars Casino is home to 1,000+ games that features a diverse selection to suit everyone. You can explore slots, table games, live dealers, scratch cards, and Slingo, just to name a few. Given its no-deposit bonus, Caesars is well worth a visit to see if it lives up to your expectations.
Borgata – Unique game types
Borgata reminded us a lot of BetMGM, which is a great compliment for the brand. Borgata features a whole host of casino games, including slots, table games, live dealers, and jackpots. Plus, you will also find a string of exclusive games, including 3 Dancing Monkeys, Fireball Inferno Tiki, and Ocean Spirit.
If you would like to try something a little different, there’s a variety category where you can find games like Slingo, scratch cards, and more. So, there’s no chance of you feeling bored at Borgata with this wide range of games to keep you engaged.
To give you a boost, all new players can pick up a 100% Deposit Match, up to a $500. You won’t need a promo code for this deal, as it’s automatically credited to your account following a qualifying deposit.
To claim, you must be at least 21 and physically located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You will be credited with non-withdrawable site credits or bonus bets, unless it is otherwise clearly expressed in the terms that apply to the promo. Rewards are subject to expiry. For full terms and conditions, visit BorgataOnline.com. Qualification and eligibility requirements apply. Be a responsible gambler. Do you have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
A quick look at the top online casinos and their bonus deals
Social casinos: Alternatives to traditional online gaming sites
Just because you might be residing in a US state where online gaming sites aren’t regulated, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. You can still visit some superb social casinos, which provide a fantastic alternative to real cash or traditional casinos.
Of course, social casinos aren’t permitted in all US states, with some restrictions to look out for. Washington is the only US state where all social casinos are banned, but individual brands may have their own exclusions. Just check out the T&Cs to check that you are permitted to join your chosen free-to-play site.
How the virtual currency system works
Most social casinos operate a dual currency system with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. While you might have an idea of how these coins work, we will give you a full breakdown below:
- Gold Coins (GC): If you want to play casino-style games for fun, Gold Coins are the coins to look out for. They have no monetary value, so you can’t use them for anything else than playing games. You can unlock them in promotions and purchase packages of GCs, if you wish.
- Sweeps Coins (SC): For those who want a chance to redeem real-world prizes, SCs are the coins for you. Sweeps Coins can be used to redeem cash and gift card prizes, but you must meet the site’s playthrough requirement first. You can only obtain Sweeps Coins for free through promotions, as they cannot be purchased like Gold Coins.
Best social casinos to consider
Social casinos are more widely available than regular online casinos, making them the perfect alternative to those who aren’t in regulated states. While you can’t play real cash games here, you can still enjoy similar games and have just as much fun while redeeming real-world prizes with Sweeps Coins winnings.
| Sweepstakes casino | Welcome bonus |
| RealPrize | 100,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins |
| Stake.us | 560,000 Gold Coins, 56 Stake Cash, and a 5% Rakeback bonus |
| Sidepot.us | 10,000 Fliff Coins and 1 Fliff Cash |
RealPrize – Best daily login bonus
RealPrize: Pros and Cons - Generous bonuses and promotions
- Easy to use on desktop and mobile
- Use SC winnings to redeem real prizes
- 500+ top-rated social casino games
- Live chat locked behind VIP progress
Visit Real Prize RealPrize features 550+ casino-style games, including slots, Hold and Win, Megaways, and Progressive Jackpots. All of these games are developed by leading software providers, including Relax Gaming, so you can enjoy the same types of games as regular casinos.
To kickstart your gaming venture, RealPrize will give you 100,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins, so you can start playing immediately. You won’t need to wait around too long for more free virtual currencies, as the daily login bonus will grant you 5,000 GCs and 0.30 SCs every 24 hours.
Stake.us – Best for original games
Stake.us is home to over 1,400+ casino-style games, including its renowned Stake Originals. If you are looking for some unique games, we advise trying out some of the Stake Originals, like Plinko, Mines, HiLo, and Crash. Aside from this, you will find slots, table games, live dealers, and scratch cards. Just like all the best social casinos, you can also claim a huge welcome package consisting of 560,000 Gold Coins, 5 Stake Cash, and a 5% rakeback bonus when you sign up with our exclusive promo code . The best part about this bonus is that the rakeback will last for the lifetime of your account.
Sidepot.us
Sidepot.us: Pros and Cons - Vast collection of games
- Reliable customer service
- Easy-to-use website
Visit Sidepot When you step onto Sidepot.us, you will notice a different list of game categories. Instead of the standard categories like ‘Slots’, you will find Hold & Win, Buy Feature, Instant Games, Classic Games, and more.
The most intriguing section is the Instant Games tab, where you will find a wide variety of games, including Bigger Bass Splash, Minesweeper, and Loony Box. Plus, just like Stake.us, you will find a stream of Sidepot Originals, including Crash.
To get you started, you will pick up 10,000 Fliff Coins and 1 Fliff Cash. This gives you instant access to the games and a nice start towards exploring the fantastic selection of titles available at Sidepot.us.
A fast guide to the best social casinos and the bonuses you can claim
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Review | Bonus Review | Bonus |
| High5Casino | High5Casino Review | High5Casino Bonus | 245% Extra up to 60 SC FREE + 700 Gold Coins and 400 Diamonds! |
| McLuck | McLuck Review | McLuck Bonus | GC 120,000 + Free SC 60 + a chance to win Free SC 500 |
| Real Prize | Real Prize Review | Real Prize Bonus | 625K Golden Coins + Up to 125 SC FREE + 1250 VIP Points |
| Legendz Casino | Legendz Casino Review | Legendz Casino Bonus | Get up to 103 SC + 20,500 GC for FREE with Legendz! |
| MegaBonanza | MegaBonanza Review | MegaBonanza Bonus | 150% First Purchase Offer: Up to 600K Gold Coins + 303 SC FREE |
| Sidepot | Sidepot Review | Sidepot Bonus | 100% Matched Offer: 40 SC FREE + 80,000 Gold Coins |
How to find and get started at online casinos
Now that you know all about online casinos in the United States and how they work, you will have a solid idea about which types of sites you can safely access. When you are ready to register an account, we have created a guide on how you can get started:
🤑 Pick Your New Online Casino Site
First of all, you need to determine whether you can join a traditional casino or a social casino. If you have the option between both, it’s a case of making a decision based on your preferences. To help you with this, check out our mini reviews on this page.
📝 Register a New Account
After you have made a decision, you can create an account by filling out the signup form. You will be asked to enter a few basic details, such as your full name, address, date of birth, and email. You may also be asked to complete a full verification check at this stage, although it’s common for it to come a little later, too.
💰 Get Some Credits to Play With
If you are accessing a traditional casino, you can deposit funds into your account after registration. If you pick one of the three online casinos we have reviewed, this deposit can get you a great welcome bonus. Alternatively, if you are registering at a social casino, you won’t need to make a deposit. In fact, deposits aren’t supported. Instead, you will be given a free sign-up bonus that includes some Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, which allow you to play games for free. Just a reminder that credit card deposits will be turned off for Sportsbook, DK Casino, and GNOG. They will still be accepted for Fantasy Sports where allowed.
🎮 Play Your Favorite Games
If you’re a beginner, consider checking out the full range of games to see what catches your eye. But if you are a seasoned gamer, you will already have an idea of the types of games you prefer. Either way, you will have hundreds of games to explore, including slots, table games, and live dealers. You will often find some unique games like scratch cards, keno, Slingo, and more.
Pros and cons of online casinos
In summary, casino sites promo a huge list of benefits, whether you are joining a regular casino or a play-for-fun site. Of course, nothing is without its low points, but the great news is that there are minimal pitfalls when it comes to playing on casino sites.
- Amazing welcome bonuses
- Unique and niche games
- New games are regularly added
- US state restrictions apply
Conclusion: Find your favorite online casinos today!
Regardless of whether you can access traditional online gaming sites or social casinos, there’s a solid gaming experience waiting for you. We have listed our top picks for both categories, so you can pick from the most reputable brands in the United States.
All of our top sites have easy registration procedures, so you are never far away from playing games. Simply enter a few basic details and complete a quick verification check before you claim your welcome bonus. After this, you can venture into the gaming lobby to try out some of the best games on the market.
Whether you are interested in classic slots, progressive jackpots, immersive live casino games, or more niche games like Crash or scratch cards, we have you covered. You can find all of these options right here in our guide.
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Online casinos FAQ
- 🎁 Can I get free promotions at online casino sites?
Absolutely! Whether you are visiting a traditional casino or a free-to-play casino, you will find some free bonuses. We favor Caesars for the best no-deposit bonus if you are located in a regulated state. Otherwise, our social casino options all provide cracking deals that are 100% free.
- 🎲 What types of games can I play at casino sites?
You will find everything from classic casino games to niche categories, so every kind of player is covered. To give you an idea, you can explore options like slots, table games, live dealers, scratch cards, and Original games.
- 📝 Is it easy to join a new online casino?
Yes, it is! The registration steps are never complicated when it comes to our choice sites. All you need to do is pick your chosen site, fill out the registration form, and claim a welcome bonus. The average signup process takes around 2-3 minutes, which isn’t long at all.
- 🇺🇸 Are online casino sites legal in the US?
Yes, online gaming sites are perfectly legal in the United States. Of course, this depends on where you are located. If you are not located in a regulated state, you may be able to access social casinos instead, which provide a great alternative option.
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