This is one of the reasons licensed online gambling sites have done financially worse than expected. Only existing brick & mortar casino owners within those states can apply for licenses, although they can apply together with an existing online gambling site in a software-licensing agreement, like Caesar’s Interactive and 888.com have done. The Top Real Money Roulette Sites Online Right Now. In the UK, there are hundreds of real money casino sites on the market. This makes it pretty difficult to figure out which is the best place to. Online gambling customers also tend to be very price-savvy, meaning that online casinos have to compete in price to attract top customers. That leads online casinos to offer blackjack variants that pay nearly 100 percent back and the highest-paying versions of other popular games like roulette and craps. Remember, the house still has an edge.
Wondering if online gambling is legal in your state? Looking for the best online gambling sites in the USA? TechNightOwl is here to help. We keep track of the ever-evolving legal status of online gambling across the nation, so you don’t have to!
Our expert team also researches and explores all the current legal online casinos, compiling their findings here in easy-to-follow gambling site reviews. You can trust in us to provide everything you need to know about online gambling in the United States.
Your Resource for Safe, Legal Online Gambling and Sports Betting Sites
At TechNightOwl, gambling is our passion. From simple online slots to poker, we’re experts in games of all types – and let’s not forget sportsbooks. There’s nothing quite like not just watching your favorite sports team, but also winning real money in the process!
Our team goes above and beyond to vet every gambling site we cover here. We make sure that each one is safe, legal, and not setting an unfair house advantage. Even better, we try the sites we review to ensure we can share the information you really want to know, from legal considerations to site functions. By doing your online casino and betting site research on TechNightOwl, you’re not taking a gamble!
Is Online Gambling for Real Money Legal in the USA?
Yes and no—online gambling for real money is legal in the USA on a federal level, but at a state level, that’s not always the case. Each state has its own regulations regarding which games and forms of gambling are legal, if any. State laws also don’t prevent you from using international sites, so long as they are not on US soil.
The good news is that while online gambling was entirely illegal in America up until 2012, in just eight short years, that’s changed dramatically. Twenty-two states now have some form of legal online gambling.
As of June 2020, five states are fully legal, so to speak, and allow online casinos, poker, and sports betting:
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Michigan
Nevada allows both poker and sports betting, but not casinos.

Sixteen additional states allow sports betting only:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Montana
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- New Mexico
- Mississippi
- Washington
- North Carolina
Exceptions to the Rules – Fantasy Sports and Online Lotteries
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are handled a bit differently than gambling and sports betting because they are excluded from some legislation. Unfortunately, that makes their legality even more confusing.
Most daily fantasy sports (DFS) providers, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, legally operate in 43 states. DFS is illegal in Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Washington, and Hawaii, which may soon change. Some providers also ban additional states. For example, Yahoo! Daily Fantasy Sports also does not operate in Delaware, Florida, Missouri, and Montana.
Online Lottery
Most US states offer some form of lottery, which is gambling of a sort. However, only a few give you the opportunity to play online, including Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
Alternative premium resources sources for US Gambling:
Non US resources:
How to Tell if a Gambling Site is Legal in the US
On top of the ever-changing state-to-state legality of gambling in the United States, certain gambling sites also have restrictions. Most sites will have geo-based tracking and will let you know if they detect your location as an area they can’t service, but that doesn’t always happen.
There are two ways you can find out if a gambling site you’re considering is legal in the US, or more accurately your state, the first is to look them up right here on TechNightOwl. We cover all the best online gambling sites in the USA.
If, by chance, the site isn’t here, you can also scroll down to the bottom of the site and look for a regulatory body logo. If you don’t see one at all, it’s likely either not a legitimate site or one that’s not legal in the United States.
Is Gambling Online Safe?
Legal online gambling sites are safe. They are regulated by the same entities as brick-and-mortar casinos and betting establishments and must meet all the same safety protocols and ethics codes. Those regulations ensure that all the games are fair, your money is secure, and that you actually are paid when you win.
However, as an illegal gambling site has no reason to follow those regulations—otherwise, they’d be legal—it is vital to ensure that you’re playing on a safe, legal site. That’s why we started TechNightOwl. Scam and unregulated gambling sites give the entire industry a bad name, and worse, they hurt people. We do everything we can to make sure that online gamblers like you have all the information they need to avoid those sites.
Gamble Responsibly
On the note of safety, when gambling online, you aren’t physically looking at the money you spend—or lose—it can be easy to spend more than intended. Many players get caught up in the moment, and betting is fast online.
Always gamble responsibly, and keep in mind that you are still gambling with real money. Know when to cut your losses or walk with your winnings and be aware of gambling addiction symptoms. Gambling can be fun and even very lucrative. At TechNightOwl, we’d like it to stay that way for you.
Types of Legal Gambling in the US
Remember that not all the options listed here are legal in all 50 states unless you opt for a website outside the US.
Casino Games

You can play a range of casino games in the US, including card games like Baccarat and Blackjack, as well as slots and table games like Roulette.
US gambling sites also offer live casino games such as Live Roulette and Live Blackjack. With these games, you play in a real-life casino via a video stream. You can place bets remotely using your phone or computer.
The best online gambling sites use modern, high-tech software to deliver your favorite games and ensure you have the best experience gambling online. While you can try most online games for free to make sure they meet your needs, free games generally don’t allow you to win real money.
Poker
If you’re wondering why states break legal gambling into three classifications—casino, poker, and sports betting—when poker is offered at casinos, it’s because the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 excluded “skill games.” This point also applies to Fantasy Sports, that’s how they scored an exception and became legal in 43 states.
Many poker fans assert that poker is indeed a game of skill—including the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), which has fought hard to legalize real money online poker sites. However, the US Department of Justice flip flops a bit over whether they consider it a game of skill or chance, as it involves both. That’s why poker is not legal in as many states as Fantasy Sports but isn’t lumped in with casino games either. It gets its own gambling “category” legally.
That said, in states where online poker is legal, you’ll find a wide range of online casinos and even sites dedicated solely to playing poker to suit your needs.
Sports Betting
Until recently, legal sports betting in the US was only available in a few states, most notably Nevada. Today, in addition to the states listed above, numerous others are working towards fully regulated sports betting.
This is attributable to the Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court ruling in 2018, which laid a foundation for legal sports betting in the United States. Sports betting includes both online and mobile betting.
Online betting may include a wide range of events, including bets on NFL, NBA, college football, NHL, and MLB games. You may even get the opportunity to bet on non-sports events such as the Academy Awards — popularly known as “specialty betting.”
Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports allow you to create your own dream team from real players. Your team’s performance is then measured based on those players’ stats in real life. Your team competes against other Fantasy Sports player’s teams, and just like regular sports betting, you can place bets on who will win, among other things.
The Best Online Gambling Sites in the USA (2020)
To get the best gambling experience, you need to find the best gambling sites. You want a site that is user-friendly and offers fast payouts. Note that as US-based gambling sites are few in number at present, and you can only bet within state lines with those sites, some of the options below are not in the US, but they do all allow American players.
Here’s a look at some of our top picks: Chumba Casino, LuckyLand and DraftKings.
Advantages of Online Gambling
While the most obvious advantage of online gambling is accessibility – not every town in the United States has a casino nearby – it also offers a range of other benefits.
Ability to Play Games Instantly
Whether you have 5 minutes at a bus stop or you’re at home relaxing, you can play online casino games anywhere, anytime, instantly. There’s no travel, dealing with other patrons, or waiting to cash in your chips.
Attractive Bonus Schemes
Land-based casinos rarely offer bonuses or rewards, and often jackpots are only available on select games. Bonus programs are one of the biggest advantages of online casinos. They are a great way to improve your chances of a big payout.
Most online gambling sites offer match deposit bonuses, bonus spins, and other bonus offers. If you’re just getting started with online gambling, you can expect a range of bonuses and rewards in the form of welcome packages for new customers.
Better Odds
Return to Player (RTP) is usually higher in US online casinos compared to their land-based counterparts. That’s because the operating costs of online casinos are much lower than brick-and-mortar casinos.
Those lower operating costs allow online casinos to offer a better RTP – and that means better odds.
Variety
Online gambling platforms give you access to a vast selection of casino games and sports events with just a few clicks on your PC or smartphone. If one site doesn’t have what you want, there are plenty of options out there. With a brick-and-mortar casino, you’re limited to what your local casinos decide to offer.
Customizable Experience
Perhaps the best thing about gambling online is that you can find the right site for your needs. Gamblers have different betting and playing preferences, and one site can’t meet all those needs.
Odds and Ends – Online Gambling FAQ
Can I access casino games on my phone?Yes. Many US gambling sites have a mobile-friendly platform that allows you to load casino games through your phone’s browser. While some offer a limited selection of games, many are comparable to the site’s desktop version.
Do I have to download software to play?You don’t need to download software to enjoy online gambling or sports betting. Virtually every US gambling site offers a web-based instant play platform to load games through your web browser. Some options do also offer software downloads, but they aren’t universally mandatory.
What payment options do I have?Best Online Gambling Websites In Usa
Most US online casinos accept deposits and withdrawals through credit cards and various e-wallets, such as PayPal. Payment methods vary by casino.
Where can I play casino games for free?You can play your favorite online casino games for free anywhere in the US. However, most of these games are just for fun or practice and don’t involve any cash winnings.
Why can’t I play games from certain developers?Games from some developers like NetEnt, IGT, and Microgaming, aren’t available at many US online casinos. These developers only operate in licensed regions, and few casinos are licensed to offer these games in the United States.
Will I earn loyalty points?Some online casinos do offer loyalty programs like land-based casinos. In fact, some online options are run by brick-and-mortar casinos, and the points you earn online will apply if you visit in person too! Caesars is an example of a casino that offers online loyalty point accumulation.
Where do I get help if I have an issue with a casino?If you have an issue with a casino, try to contact their customer support team. If you can’t find a solution, consider voicing your concerns at one of the reputable online forums. These forums usually work with casino management and can help address your problem.
What happens if I lose my Internet connection or get disconnected?Some gambling sites will automatically reconnect you right where you left off. In those that don’t, there’s usually a standard procedure detailed in the help section regarding what to do, and you’ll get a refund. However, do not attempt to avoid losses by intentionally disconnecting if things are going badly. You may be credited a few times, but customer support will catch on, and eventually, you’ll be banned.
Are online gambling earnings taxed?Yes. For in-person and online gambling, your net earnings are considered taxable income on your federal return. That applies whether you gambled at an international or US site. You may be asked for your personal information when you sign-up to meet US tax reporting requirements.
Most sites will send you a W2-G if your earnings exceed a certain threshold, but technically, you are supposed to report any earnings, whether it’s $10 or $10,000. If you don’t receive a form, you can report it under “other income.”
As far as state income taxes, that varies by the state. Currently, in states with an income tax, only New Hampshire and Tennessee do not tax gambling earnings. Many states also don’t allow you to deduct your losses from your winnings unless you file a schedule C and are a professional gambler.
If you have significant winnings online, we recommend working with a tax expert familiar with gambling income specifically to minimize your tax obligation.
Discover the Best Online Gambling Sites in the USA and More
Whew – that was a lot of information to cover – but there’s a lot more. We’ve designed our homepage to be a quick crash course in the legality of online gambling in the US, types of online gambling, and the best online gambling sites, but you’ll find all this information covered in-depth elsewhere on our site. Stick around and explore a bit. We promise you’ll find everything you need to know about online casinos and betting sites in the US. If you can’t find the information you need, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Best gambling sites for 2021
The best online gambling sites are legal and regulated sites. Here’s a look at the top legal and regulated online gambling sites in the US and where they are currently available:
When it comes to online gambling in the US, you have a choice. You can play with legal and regulated online gambling sites where your money and personal information are guaranteed to be safe and secure.
State government bodies regulate and license these online gambling sites and ensure you have somewhere to turn if something goes wrong. Plus, part of the revenue these online gambling sites generate is paid in taxes to the state and earmarked for important things like major infrastructure projects and education.
Of course, you can also play with illegal offshore online gambling sites where you’ll be risking your hard-earned money, have no recourse if something goes awry and the profits are hoarded by billionaire scofflaws with no ties to the US.
The list below gives you an overview of the top 10 sites in the US, most of which offer sports betting and casino games.


Top 10 legal US gambling sites
| Rank | Sportsbook & Casino | Legal States | Bonus Offer | Get Your Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Unibet Casino | PA, NJ | $500 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 2. | BetMGM Casino | NJ, WV | $500 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 3. | PlaySugarhouse Casino | NJ, PA | $250 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 4. | DraftKings Casino | NJ, PA, WV | $45 Free | Get Bonus! |
| 5. | Hollywood Online Casino | PA | $502 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 6. | Golden Nugget Casino | NJ | $1,500 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 7. | Tropicana Casino | NJ | $100 Match | Get Bonus! |
| 8. | LuckyLand Slots | All US (except WA) | Get A $10 Gold Coin Package for $4.99 | Get Bonus! |
| 9. | Chumba Casino | All US (except WA) | Get A $30 Gold Coin Package for $10 | Get Bonus! |
| 10. | FunzPoints | All US (except WA) | $20 Match | Get Bonus! |
The importance of reading gambling site reviews
Reviews of legal and licensed online casinos, online poker sites and online sportsbooks will tell you what these online gambling sites have to offer. Our reviews are created by real people who gamble online and write about online gambling for a living. They can help you make the right decision when it comes to which online gambling site is best for you.
You won’t find reviews for shady offshore gambling sites here. Promoting illegal offshore gambling sites is irresponsible. Legal and regulated gambling sites are the only online gambling sites operating under US law, delivering real consumer protection and keeping your money and personal information safe and secure. As a result, they are the only online gambling sites we promote.
Here’s a few words about some of the top legal and regulated online gambling sites in the country, including a link to our full review:
- BetMGM Casino: An integrated online casino, online poker site and online sportsbook, where legally available, from one of the biggest and most trusted names in the US casino and gambling industry.
- FanDuel Casino: One of the top brands in daily fantasy sports has branched out into online sports betting and online casino gambling where it legally can.
- DraftKings Casino: The daily fantasy sports market leader has also moved into online sports betting and online casino gaming where it legally can.
- Golden Nugget Casino: An integrated online casino and online sportsbook, where legally available, promising the largest game library in most markets from a trusted name in US gambling.
- PokerStars Casino: An integrated online poker and online casino site with ties to a partner online sportsbook, where legally available, from the worldwide leader in online poker.
- Caesars Casino: An integrated online casino, online poker site and online sportsbook, where legally available, from one of the biggest and most trusted names in the US casino and gambling industry.
- William Hill Casino: The largest retail sportsbook operator in the country has launched online sports betting and online casino gambling where it legally can.
Where is online gambling legal?
Certain forms of online gambling are legal in the states that have passed laws making it so. Here’s a look at states with poker, sports betting and legal casino gambling:
- New Jersey: New Jersey has legal and regulated online casinos (2013), online poker sites (2013), and online and mobile sportsbooks (2018). It is the largest regulated online gambling market in the country right now, generating hundreds of millions in revenue annually.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has legal and regulated online casinos (2019), online poker sites (2019), and online and mobile sportsbooks (2019). The regulated online gambling market is much smaller than it is next door in New Jersey, partly due to higher tax rates.
- Delaware: Delaware has legal and regulated online casinos (2013), online poker sites (2013), and online and mobile sportsbooks (2018).
- Michigan: Michigan launched the state’s first legal and regulated online casinos, online poker sites, and online and mobile sportsbooks in January of 2021.
- West Virginia: West Virginia has legal and regulated online casinos (2020) and online and mobile sportsbooks (2018). Online poker is expected to launch in 2021.
Here’s a look at states with legal sports gambling only:
- Colorado: Colorado has online and mobile sportsbooks (2020). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Illinois: Illinois has online and mobile sportsbooks (2020). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Tennessee: Tennessee has online and mobile sportsbooks (2020). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Indiana: Indiana has online and mobile sportsbooks (2019). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Iowa: Iowa has online and mobile sportsbooks (2019). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- New Hampshire: New Hampshire has an online and mobile sportsbook (2019). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Oregon: Oregon has a sportsbook app (2019). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island has an online and mobile sportsbook (2019). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Montana: Montana has a sportsbook app (2020). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C., has an online and mobile sportsbook (2020). However, there are no current plans for online casinos or online poker sites.
- Virginia: Virginia is another state that launched online sportsbooks in January of 2021.
Nevada is the only state with both online poker and sports betting.
- Nevada: Nevada has legal and regulated online poker sites (2013) and online and mobile sportsbooks (2010). However, there are no current plans for online casinos.
Gambling sites by category
Here’s a look at the different kinds of online gambling available across the country:
- Online casinos: Legal and regulated online gambling sites offering online casino games and online slots.
- Online slots: Online versions of the slot machines you find in land-based casinos across the US and some exclusive-to-online-casino slots.
- Online poker: Online peer-to-peer poker games, including tournaments and cash games featuring various poker variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
- Sports betting: Single-game sports wagering on a variety of pro and college-level sports from around the world.
- Real money sites: Online gambling sites that allow you to play online casino games, online slots or online poker, or bet on sports, with real money.
- Online gambling apps: Apps that allow you to play online casino games, online slots or online poker, or bet on sports, on your mobile device with real money.
How to find the best gambling site for you
We can’t tell you which is the best online gambling site for you. That’s a personal decision you’ll need to make based on what’s important to you. What we can do is point out certain factors we think you should consider when making this decision:
Gambling apps
This is an emerging factor in separating great online gambling sites from good ones as more and more Americans enjoy the freedom of gambling with mobile devices. Some casino, poker and sportsbook apps are smaller versions of what’s available through desktop browsers. Others are just as robust.
Ask yourself if you want to play with your smartphone or tablet. This will help you determine how important the quality of the online gambling site’s app is to you.
Casino payouts
Legal and regulated online gambling sites have to pay out winnings quickly and accurately in accordance with operating rules mandated by regulators. This is one of the great benefits of regulated online gambling, and payouts typically happen within 24 to 48 hours.
What separates great online gambling sites from good ones in this category is the availability of a variety of banking options. Some have more than others, and that makes them a better bet to have one that works for you.
Game library
Good online gambling sites have a decent selection of games or betting markets. Great online gambling sites have a huge selection of hundreds of games and betting markets. Good online gambling sites may have what you want. Great online gambling sites pretty much guarantee it.
Bonus offers
Pretty much every legal and regulated US gambling site in the country offers you some kind of bonus for signing up for an account, making a deposit or being loyal to the brand. What separates great sites from good ones in this category is the size of these bonuses and how easy it will be to meet any gambling requirements attached.
Obviously, the bigger and easier, the better.
Customer support
If you go through your entire existence on this earth and never have to contact an online gambling site’s customer support team, you’ll have lived a happy life.
That said, issues may arise, and while good online gambling sites have accessible and functional customer support, great online gambling sites go the extra mile to make sure you continue to enjoy a happy life even if you have to contact them.
Real money gambling vs. free-to-play sites
You have another choice when it comes to online gambling in the US. You can choose to play free online casino games and online poker through various social media and free-play apps. Unfortunately, you won’t win anything real.
In other words, you can have a ton of fun playing these online casino and online poker games, but you aren’t going to win any real money.
Legal and regulated online casinos, online poker sites, online sportsbooks, and sweepstakes casinos and poker sites are the only ways to win real money gambling online.
There is usually some risk involved, but without the risk, there is no reward. The games are equally as fun, but with legal and regulated online gambling sites and sweepstakes operators, there’s real money on the line.
Of course, you can also get started with most legal and regulated online casinos, online poker sites, online sportsbooks, and sweepstakes casinos and poker sites for free.
Take advantage of the many bonuses legal and regulated online gambling sites offer, and sweepstakes laws, and you can win real money without the risk.
How to gamble online safely in the US
Gambling online safely in the US is about leaning on regulation. The states that have legal and regulated online gambling guarantee the safety of your money and personal information when you gamble with licensed online gambling sites.
In other words, you’re only gambling safely when you’re gambling with online casinos, online poker sites and online sportsbooks licensed by the states in which they are operating.
Best Rated Gambling Sites
Why trust our reviews?
You can trust OnlineGamblingSites.com for several reasons.
We only promote legal and regulated real money gambling sites operating on US soil. That means every real money online casino, online sportsbook and online poker site we write about is licensed by a state with legal online gambling.
In other words, if you can trust the state government, you can trust the information about the online casinos, online sportsbooks, and online poker sites you find on OnlineGamblingSites.com.
We also write about sweepstakes casinos, sweepstakes slot parlors, and sweepstakes poker sites that operate under US sweepstakes laws. If that ever changes, so will OnlineGamblingSites.com.
Legal and regulated real money gambling sites are the only online gambling sites licensed by state governments, operating under US law, offering real consumer protection, and guaranteeing your money and personal information are safe and secure.
These factors make these the only online gambling sites you can really trust. The fact we promote only these sites is why you can trust us.
You want a safe place to gamble online — an online casino, sportsbook or poker site licensed by a state government that guarantees your safety and privacy.
We want to point you in that direction and let you decide what online gambling options are best for you.