Where Can I Gamble Online For Real Money
California! The land of sunshine, great weather, and a place that, according to the late Tupac, knows how to party… But did you also know that California is home to a lot of people just like you who love to gamble!
There’s just something exciting about testing the limits of lady luck and seeing how the cards and dice fall.
With 1,024 different ways to win, it’s little wonder Buffalo Slots is one of the most-played slots games of all time. Whether you want to gamble real money on slots or play free online slots games, Buffalo. The best Maryland online casinos believe in the quality of their product. They give you the ability to play the same versions of the games you would for real money, but with zero risks. If you are new to gambling online for real money, we highly recommend making a pit stop at the play money. Welcome to Casino.com, the worldwide leader in online gambling. Get ready to play all your favorite casino games for real money, from the comfort of your home or on your mobile device. Casino.com works with all the leading casino game developers to bring you the best casino games. You’ll find hundreds of online slot games and dozens of online.
And if that’s you, we’ve got some even better news. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the home of Silicon Valley is also leading the charge in the merging of gambling and technology.
- Best Online Gambling Sites For Real Money Biggest casinos in the world + newest casinos in Macau; Cotai Strip threatens mainland Macau for top gambling destination. Yes, Realtime Gaming provides.
- Where Can I Gamble Online in the USA? Online casinos are legal to play at in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Each state has its own laws for legal online gambling, with some.
Online Casino | Bonus | Get Started | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site | |
| 2 | Betway | 100% up to €250 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 100% up to €400 | Go to Site | |
| 4 | PlayAmo Casino | 100% up to $1500 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
Yes, you now have unfettered access to the best California online casinos and California gambling apps. No matter the games you want to play, the stakes you desire, or what you do to tap into lady luck, you’re covered, thanks to these awesome real money California casinos online.
Las Atlantis Is Our Top Pick for the Best California Online Casino
Who knew that the lost city of Atlantis transformed into an online casino and found its way into the hearts of Cali residents? Okay, some of that story might be made up, but here’s what we’re getting at. The best online casino site in California is hands down Las Atlantis.
Modeled after the history of the famous lost city, Las Atlantis offers mega bonuses, high-quality graphics, incredible games, and mobile gaming like you won’t find anywhere else.
| Game Type | # of Options |
| Slots | 193 |
| Video Poker | 17 |
| Table Games | 13 |
| Specialty | 11 |
| Blackjack | 8 |
What We Like About the Las Atlantis Casino App
- Never pay any fees for deposits or withdrawals
- Helpful auto-play options to enhance the slot playing experience
- Highest-quality games available on desktop and mobile (including smartphones)
Things to Consider
- No attached sportsbook or poker (except video poker)
- No live dealer games (streaming)
Sign Up Bonus Details
- 280% Welcome Bonus up to $14,000
- New players only
- Minimum qualifying deposits range from $10-$30, depending on the method
- Spread out over up to (5) deposits ($2,800 bonus per deposit available)
- 35x playthrough requirement
- Maximum payout of 30x your deposit
Las Atlantis vs. Pechanga Resort and Casino
In California, you have a lot of in-person casino options to choose from. So, how do California casinos online compare? Well, let’s take a look.
Here’s a breakdown of the different games that are available at Las Atlantis (online) and Pechanga Resort and Casino (the largest in-person casino in California).
| Game | Las Atlantis | Pechanga Resort and Casino |
| Baccarat | Yes | Yes |
| Blackjack | Yes | Yes |
| Caribbean Stud | Yes | No |
| Craps | Yes | Yes |
| Let It Ride | Yes | Yes |
| Pai Gow Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Red Dog | Yes | No |
| Roulette | Yes | Yes |
| Sic Bo | Yes | No |
| Slots | Yes | Yes |
| Three Card Poker | Yes | Yes |
| Three Card Rummy | Yes | No |
| Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em | No | Yes |
| Video Poker | Yes | Yes |
| War | Yes | No |
| Spanish 21 | No | Yes |
| Crazy 4 Poker | No | Yes |
Additional Benefits of Playing Casino Games Online in California
- Never wait in line or risk missing out on playing your favorite games
- Open 24/7/365
- No need to leave your home or office; play from mobile
- Far more lucrative California casino bonuses, especially for lower-limit players
- Can get started right now from anywhere in the state!
5 Biggest Questions About California Online Gambling
1. Is Gambling Online in California Legal?
As of our most recent research, there are no laws in the state of California making the act of playing casino games online illegal. You’re free to play online casino games for money in California from anywhere.
There are laws concerning the ownership and operation of a casino betting site in the state (and how that is regulated), but that doesn’t concern any of us as players. Unless your local jurisdiction has some wild laws, you should be all clear to get into the action.
2. Are Real Money California Casinos Safe?
Many of the available California online casinos are 100% safe to use, but that doesn’t mean that all of them are.
It’s imperative that you ensure you’re sticking with a safe, reputable, and trusted casino gaming option.
How do you find these battle-tested options? That’s what we’re here for. Head back up to the top of the guide, and you’ll see our favorite California casino apps that pass the test.
3. How Long Does It Take a CA Casino Site to Pay Me My Winnings?
The range of payouts from fast payout California casinos online goes from under 24 hours to 2 weeks’ time, depending on the method you choose.
- Cryptocurrency: 24 hours or less
- Credit/Debit Cards: 3-7 business days
- E-Wallets (like PayPal): 1-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3-10 business days
- Paper Checks: 1-2 weeks
4. Can I Play Slots Online in California?
Yes! Many of the best California casinos online offer a wide array of slots to choose from. In fact, our featured pick, Las Atlantis, is one of the best online slots options for players anywhere in the state.
5. Can I Play Table Games Online in California?
Yes! Games like craps, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more are available when you play casino games online in California. Most top options will have every popular game available. The only game that is hit or miss online is craps (it is available at Las Atlantis).
How to Gamble in California for Real Money
- Online CA Casino Sites and Apps
- In-Person Tribal Casinos
- Drive to Other States
Online California Casino Apps and Gambling Sites
Our top pick for the best place to gamble online in the state is through California gambling sites and apps.
When you look at the convenience, the game options, the quality of the experience, and, oh, did we mention the convenience?—It’s hard to argue.
Benefits:
- Play 24/7/365 from anywhere in the state
- More game and slot options to choose from
- Safe, secure, and no risks that come when you leave the house
Our Favorite Options:
In-Person Tribal Casinos
There are 62 tribal casinos in 27 counties in the state of California. That means that pretty much wherever you live in the state, you’ve probably got a casino somewhere close that you can drive to.
Benefits:
- Watch other people play before you jump in (if allowed)
- Cash in and out in-person at the cashier’s cage
- Can make for a fun night out with friends as a social event
- Pechanga Resort and Casino
- San Manuel Casino
- Morongo Casino Resort and Spa
- Barona Casino and Resort
- Viejas Casino and Resort
Drive to Other States
For most people in the state of California, you’re going to have an in-person casino in close proximity. And for everyone in the state, you’ll certainly have California online casinos available.
But in unique and rare situations where you have the itch to play in-person, you may actually be closer to a casino that’s located in another state.
The most common reason you might drive to another state is if you want to gamble in person and also place sports bets.
In the next section, we’ll talk about where the closest in-person sportsbooks are for the major cities in the state.
Again, though, all of that action is available online without ever needing to hop in the car or on a plane.
Benefits:
- May get access to in-person sports betting
- Could be closer to you, depending on where you live in the state
Other Forms of Gambling in the State of California
Bingo
When it comes to playing legal Bingo in the state of California, you have three main options—charity games, a few select casinos, and online.
- Charity and non-profits are allowed to run Bingo games in most cities
- In-person bingo games at CA casinos are limited but available
- Example: Elk Valley Casino In Crescent City, CA runs bingo
- Real money California online casinos offer bingo action
Horse Racing
The sport of horse racing is alive in well in the state of California! You can bet on your favorite horse races at any one of the California betting apps we’ve recommended.
As far as placing wagers in California, currently, you have four major tracks in the state where you can place wagers on the races.
California Lottery
The state of California only takes a backseat to one state when it comes to the sale of lottery tickets. Last year, Californians purchased a staggering $7.39 billion worth of tickets.
Some of that may be attributed to residents of Nevada driving over (since the lottery is strangely illegal in Nevada). Either way, it’s an impressive number that’s good for the second-highest in the U.S.
| Rank | State | Lottery Sales in Billions of Dollars |
| 1 | New York | 10.29 |
| 2 | California | 7.39 |
| 3 | Florida | 7.15 |
| 4 | Texas | 6.25 |
| 5 | Massachusetts* | 5.49 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 4.88 |
| 7 | Georgia | 4.78 |
| 8 | Ohio | 4.42 |
| 9 | Maryland | 3.96 |
| 10 | Michigan | 3.88 |
Poker
Who doesn’t love playing poker? Poker one of the most popular California online casino games, and California is known on the poker scene as a hotbed for wild action. No gamble, no future!
When it comes to playing poker, you can play in person at one of the many cardrooms and casinos or online at one of the top online California poker sites.
- The top 3 casinos with the most poker tables in the world are all in California (2019).
- Commerce Casino – 200+ tables
- Hawaiian Gardens Casino – 145+ tables
- The Bicycle Hotel and Casino – 135+ tables
- California is home to many stops on several prestigious live poker tours.
- LA Poker Classic
- WSOP Circuit at Thunder Valley
- WPT Legends
- Commerce Hold’em Series
Sports Betting
Brick and mortar casinos in the state of California do not offer sports betting. But never fear! You can still get action on local, national, and worldwide games. Here are your two options:
Use California Online Sportsbooks
- California betting sites offer the easiest and most convenient way to bet on sports in the state
Travel to a Neighboring State With In-Person Sports Betting
- From LA – Tijuana is 135 miles and Las Vegas is 255 miles
- From San Diego – Tijuana is 18 miles and Las Vegas is 317 miles
- From San Francisco – Reno is 224 miles
What Cities Have the Most Interest in Online Gambling in California?
California is a massive state with 58 counties, 163,696 square miles, and a population of right around 40 million. So, what areas of the state have the most interest in online gambling? Glad you asked!
Our data team dug into the Google Trends data and internet search traffic of every major metropolitan area in the state. They looked for the cities with the highest prevalence of search activity for topics relating to California online casinos.
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno-Visalia, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- Chico-Redding, CA
- Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo, CA
- Monterey-Salinas, CA
Surprisingly, Bakersfield has the most interest in the ability to gamble online in the state! In most states, we see the highest population centers rise to the top. But in California, things are all over the place, which is pretty interesting and exciting.
Statistics About Gambling in the State of California
California Has the 2nd Highest Number of Gaming Machines in the U.S. (2019)
If you’ve wondered just how California stacks up with other states when it comes to the size of the casinos, this statistic helps drive that one home. As of 2019, the state had just over 75,000 gaming machines in its casinos.
This is good for a second-place finish barely squeaking out a win over Oklahoma but falling far short to Nevada.
| Rank | State | # of Machines |
| 1 | Nevada | 163,612 |
| 2 | California | 75,369 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 75,140 |
| 4 | Illinois | 42,940 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 39,998 |
| 6 | New York | 35,230 |
| 7 | Washington | 31,759 |
| 8 | Michigan | 31,126 |
| 9 | Mississippi | 28,216 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 24,216 |
California Has 62 Tribal Casinos in 27 Counties
Speaking of how expansive the gambling scene is in CA, an important statistic to look at is just how many casinos there are.
According to the most recent report from California’s Clean Air Project, there are 62 casinos in 27 different counties. The provided link has some good information on each property like:
- What tribe runs the casino
- The address of the casino
- The phone number for the casino
- What levels or areas of the casino are smoke-free
How to Stay Safe Playing at California Online Casinos
Your safety is our ultimate concern! Here are our top tips for staying safe while you play online casino games in California.
Stay Current With the Latest Gambling Laws
You certainly don’t want to break the law while enjoying California online gambling. Laws concerning gambling and real money online casinos have changed over the years, and we don’t doubt that they will change again in the future. Check-in with us regularly to stay informed about the latest news concerning gambling laws and regulations.
Find a Trustworthy Online Casino
The best way to keep your private information and your money safe is to make sure you are playing at safe online casinos. There are so many CA online casino sites and California gambling apps out there that claim to be trustworthy and safe, even though they are not.
That’s why it’s best to stick with our recommended reliable California online casinos. They have been tested thoroughly to ensure they are safe, secure, and worthy of your time.
Consider Joining Multiple Online Casinos
There’s no reason to limit yourself to enjoy the benefits of just one site for online casino gambling in California. By signing up at several casinos, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of multiple bonus opportunities.
You will also have even more slot games and table games to choose from.
Read Each Casinos Terms and Conditions Page
Legit online casinos for California residents have extensive terms and conditions page that provides all sorts of information. You can find their privacy policy here, which will reveal what they do to keep your private info safe.
What Makes Real Money California Casinos Online Great?
- Safety and Security – Californians love to be safe, be healthy, and keep things above board. For that reason, you’ll never see us recommend and California online casinos that aren’t reputable, trusted, and safe. The betting website options outlined in this guide are all tested and come with a tried and true track record of doing things the right way.
- Game Options – Not only do people from Cali like to keep it safe, but they know what they want. And because of that, it’s imperative that any California gambling app we recommend comes with a wide variety of games to choose from. This means slots, table games, video poker, bingo, and anything else you could ever want to play.
- Fast Payouts – California is the home of Silicon Valley, which means we hold real money California casinos online and tech companies to higher standards. This couldn’t be more evident than when it comes to how well these California casino apps and gambling sites integrate with banking. We want to see safe and secure integrations that get you paid fast and without a headache.
Answering Your Questions About California Gambling Online
Since Native Americans and their reservations are not restricted by California’s laws and regulations, they are perfectly legal to operate
Our experts test out their games, spending hours playing them, and making sure there aren't any signs of misconduct. They will also contact each casino's customer service teams to make sure they are both educated and kind.
When choosing California online casinos or California casino apps, there's no better option than one on our list. Don't just take our word for it though, feel free to do your own research!
Almost any game you imagine can be found at online casinos in California. You will find your most popular table games like Texas Hold'em and blackjack and more obscure games like baccarat or Caribbean Stud Poker.Each casino you play at will have a different selection of games available, so feel free to sign up for accounts at multiple ones!
Every California online gambling site presents different opportunities for their players when it comes to how much money you can win. While slot games at California online casinos don't always pay out well, a progressive jackpot could reach millions of dollars under the right circumstances.Table games with high limits also present opportunities for massive payouts.
Absolutely! Most CA online casinos can be played on either a dedicated app or your phone's web browser. Please note that not all table and slot games available on a desktop will always be compatible with your mobile devices or CA casino apps.So, while you can almost always play something, you can hardly ever play everything with USA mobile casino sites.
There are so many real money casinos on the web that it can be difficult to know which one to choose. That’s why websites like this exist.
Luckily, our team of experts has decades of experience in the industry and is trained to spot rogue casinos as well as world-class ones.
We’ll explain to you how we pick the best online casinos for real money to recommend, how the various games work and your chances of winning them, whether or not you can gamble for real money for free, and we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about real money gambling.
The casinos listed below all have:
- Top-Quality Graphics and a Large Variety of Games Available
- Excellent Ratings for Safety and Security
- Proven Real Money Payouts
| Rank | DE Gambling Site | Sign Up Bonus | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Betway Casino | 100% up to €250 | |
| #2 | Europa Casino | 200% up to €500 | |
| #3 | Jackpot City Casino | 100% up to €400 | |
| #4 | Spinia | 100% up to €250 | |
| #5 | Spin Casino | 100% up to €400 |
Best Real Money Casinos by Location
If you’re unsure if the above accept players from your country, don’t worry; we still have lots of top-rated online casinos for real money which we can recommend to you. There are also some we definitely won’t recommend, and we want you to be aware of those, too.
It’s crucially important to pick a real money casino which accepts players from your country for a few reasons.
First, it’s possible that your government has some sort of minimum standards a casino needs to meet. That’s definitely the case if you’re from the UK or some other European countries.
Second, you don’t want to face unnecessary restrictions such as not being able to claim bonuses, not being able to play some games, or not being able to sign up at the given casino you have spent time researching.
Finally, this will help you stay on the right side of the law. Some countries prohibit players from their countries from signing up at anything other than state-sanctioned online casinos. While these laws are difficult to enforce, they do exist in some countries.
Take a look at some of the regions listed below. If you’re from there, click on the relevant button to see a list of online casinos for real money which accepts you.
Beating the House Edge
Every online casino game has a house edge. This is the casino’s built-in advantage and means that it’s mathematically guaranteed to make money over a long enough timeline.
In the long run, you honestly can’t beat it. It’s pure mathematics. Ever heard the saying “the house always wins”? Well, it does!
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t win in the short term. If everybody lost at online casinos constantly, it wouldn’t be long before people stopped playing at them. The fact is, some people do win real money at casinos.
While the majority of winners will simply double or triple their money and walk away after having had a great time, there are some crazy stories of life-changing wins that enter the realm of the almost unbelievable. If they weren’t documented, they might seem like fiction.
A Spin from Heaven
One such example is the story of the biggest online slots jackpot ever won. A British soldier playing Mega Moolah slot won £13,200,000, which shattered all existing records and hasn’t been topped since. Best of all, he won it with a £0.25 spin.
That’s just one headline story. There are many more, and it’s no coincidence that video slots are involved in many of them. If Lady Luck is going to visit you and then change your financial destiny, there’s a good chance that this type of huge win will come while playing slots.
These colossal wins aside, we’ve all heard stories of people winning enough to buy a house while playing poker, paying off debts after a great night at the blackjack tables, or going on a roll while playing roulette and buying something they’ve always dreamed of afterwards.
Even when these insane wins happen, the casino still makes money because of house edge. The majority of players won’t win, and you can be sure that over the long run the casino makes a percentage no matter what.
Not All Games Have the Same Edge
It’s important to recognize that house edge is not a fixed number across all games. Different games have different math involved in them, and understanding this can be the key to winning more often.
For ExampleIt’s widely accepted that some variants of video poker have the lowest house edge, whereas keno and lottery games have the largest house edge, meaning the worst odds for you as a player.
We’ll talk a little later about the odds of various games and their pros and cons. For now, just be aware that not all games are mathematically equal. There are some you have a much higher chance of winning than others, and there are some in which you have a greater degree of control over the outcome as compared to games of pure chance.
Safety and Legality
It’s essential to know how to stay safe while gambling online. There are a few potential pitfalls which you may not be aware of if you’re not an experienced online gambler.
Luckily, you have us to show you the ropes. Here are some of the things you have to be aware of to gamble safely online.
Risk Associated with Sharing Financial Details
Sharing your credit card, debit card, or bank details with any online merchant carries some degree of risk. If that merchant is untrustworthy, you could find yourself in a world of trouble quickly.
You can immediately find out if a casino site is trustworthy by reading our reviews.
Take the time to look around, and you’ll see that we certainly don’t recommend every site we review, and we aren’t afraid to call out scam casino sites when we discover them.
Financial predators are everywhere online, and sadly the casino industry attracts its fair share of them. Stick with expert-recommended real money online casinos to avoid falling into their clutches.
Predatory Terms and Conditions
There are real money online casinos which aren’t direct scams in that there are real games to play and you can win actual money.
Warning:However, they can make it extremely difficult for you to get your money out when the time comes to do so, even if it’s technically possible. The idea is to make you give up and go away without collecting.
Usually, a site will state in its terms and conditions that withdrawals can be held for no reason, that the casino can drag its feet before paying, or that they can simply void winnings on a whim without justification.
Believe us; we’ve seen it all in our years of reviewing real money online casinos. This type of casino site preys on the fact that nobody takes the time to read endless pages of legal jargon before registering.
Once again, having experience in dealing with casinos online can solve this problem.
Our experts know exactly where to look in the terms and conditions, and our casino reviews show you all of the deposit and withdrawal methods and any good or bad sides to the terms and conditions of the sites we review. If a site is going to try to screw you, we’ll let you know.
Fixed or Pirated Games and Software
As you gain experience in playing at real money online casinos, you get to know more about the software companies that provide the games. In time, you’ll know instantly by looking at the range of games whether or not you can trust an online casino.
This can help you avoid the fixed games which are run by some rogue software companies in order to fleece you.
Note:However, it takes a little bit of more time to get to know how to spot pirated versions of legitimate games.
By assessing a real money casino’s licenses and looking at some other factors, our experts can instantly tell if the games on a casino site are pirated. By playing the games and assessing them against the published return-to-player figures, we can quickly figure out if they’re fixed.
You probably don’t have the time to figure this all out for yourself, and by the time you realize the games are fixed, it will likely be too late.
Once again, that’s where we come in. It’s our job to figure this out, so you don’t have to.
The Legal Situation in Your Country
While online casino gambling is a global phenomenon, each country is still sovereign and has its laws and regulations. This can confuse the matter of whether or not it’s illegal to gamble online in some places.
You can check out our gambling laws page for the latest and most up-to-date information on the legality of gambling in your country.
You won’t only have to contend with the authorities if you get caught, but scam artists know you have no legal recourse when they hustle you out of your hard-earned cash.
After all, if gambling is illegal in your country, you can’t exactly go to the police and report that you lost money to a scam artist while gambling on the internet.
Keeping things legal is one of the keys to gambling safely online.
Online Casino Bonus Offers
There are a few different types of real money casino bonuses available to new and existing players. We have an entire page dedicated to explaining the differences between these bonuses. Check it out by clicking the button below:
There are pros and cons to taking casino bonuses. Let’s start off by looking at the reasons you might want to take them before turning our attention to why they might not be suitable for you as an individual player.
Whether casino bonuses are right for you depends on what your goals are.
The Positives
You Can Test the Waters Without Risk
It’s nice to be able to play the games available in an online casino and to be able to check it out in general without having to make a financial commitment.
While some bonuses do require you to deposit to activate them, there are many which don’t. These are known as no-deposit bonuses and are the ideal way to test an online casino without risking your own money.
Once you’re sure you can trust the casino site and have decided you would like to play the games, then you can start playing for real money.
Some Bonuses Can Increase Your Chances of Winning
In the casino bonuses and promotions page we linked to above, we explain the concept of wagering or rollover requirements. Bonuses which have these attached make it difficult (without serious luck) for you to withdraw the bonus amount and are designed to allow you to simply test the casino.
However, there are plenty of casino bonuses with no wagering requirements available online these days. If you take these, you’ll more than likely be required to make a deposit, but they increase your chances of winning by giving you free spins or free games with no strings attached.
They may only slightly increase your chances of winning, but hey, any increase in the chance of winning is always welcome.
The Negatives
You Can Become a Marketing Target
If the casino figures out that you are a bonus hunter or that you like a particular kind of bonus, they might decide to pitch you regularly.
This can be a good thing if you like taking these offers, but if you sign up at multiple casinos, take the bonus, and don’t play, you can expect your email inbox, and sometimes your cell phone, to be bombarded with offers. The more accounts you create, the more intense this will become.
Some unscrupulous casinos will sell your information on to other operators who will pitch you, too. This can become a serious annoyance, and so if you’re going to take bonuses with no intention of becoming a real money player, we suggest setting up an email address specifically for that purpose.
Most Bonuses Have Terms Which Favor the House
If a real money casino bonus has rollover or wagering terms, there’s a very little chance you’ll ever be able to withdraw it or anything you win while playing with it.
You have to remember that bonuses are a promotional and marketing tool. The casino doesn’t want to let you play with house money and walk away with the multimillion-dollar jackpot. They also don’t want you to take the free casino chips and walk away without playing. That wouldn’t be very good business, would it?
Rollover requirements are explained in greater detail on the casino bonuses page linked to above. Basically, they mean you have to bet the bonus cash a number of times before you can withdraw it. For example, if a bonus has 20x wagering requirements, then you need to bet the total amount 20 times before you can withdraw it or anything you win while using it.
Real Money Casino Apps
Mobile casinos have become a huge deal in the past several years. Real money casino apps and mobile casino sites can now boast that they serve the majority of players. This trend will undoubtedly continue for years to come, at least until something comes along to replace mobile devices (chips in the head, perhaps?).
We’ve written an entire page to help you decide which casino app is right for you. Check it by clicking the button below.
Online Casino Games for Real Money
New players are often bamboozled by the vast range of casino games on offer and how to play and win them.
We’ve created game-specific pages on each popular real money casino game to show you how to play, how to give yourself the best chance of winning, and what the rules of each game are.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the games listed below. Click any of the buttons, and you’ll be transported to a wealth of information on that specific game.
We also cover a bit about each game in the “which casino game is right for you?” section below.
Real Money Online Pokies
Real Money Baccarat
Real Money Slots
Real Money Roulette
Real Money Blackjack
Real Money Craps
Real Money Video Poker
Real Money Sic Bo
Playing Free Casino Games to Win Real Money
Is it possible to win real money playing free casino games? The short answer is no.
A casino is a business, and usually, it’s a very profitable one. You can’t expect a casino to let you play real money games and assume all of that risk without getting anything in return.
It’s true that some bonuses will allow you to play real money casino games for free. However, these bonuses will have terms and conditions which favor the casino and make it almost impossible for you to withdraw all that money. See the page about bonuses for further details.
We’re telling you straight that if anyone tells you that you can win real money without any risk, they’re lying to you. They might be scam artists waiting to empty your wallet, or they may have merely misunderstood a bonus offer they read about online. There is no such thing as a free lunch. That’s an old saying for a reason, primarily because it’s always correct!
With that said, it is possible to play free casino games to win things like virtual points and virtual money. These can be enjoyed at social casinos, and sometimes the points can be traded in for prizes. Just don’t expect to cash out real money jackpots, or you’ll be disappointed.
Which Casino Game Is Right for You?
There are lots of great online casino games to choose from. They may be digital variants, but they’re not that different from what you would find at a real Vegas casino, or a casino anywhere else, for that matter.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular casino games you might be interested in playing. We’ll look at your chances of winning them, how fun they are, and some other things you might want to be aware of.
Hopefully, by the end of this section, you’ll have a better idea of which game you would like to play.
Please note that the “house edge” figures listed below can vary depending on how you play the game, the game variant, and the casino itself.
Baccarat
This is a fun card game with a simple objective – bet on either the player or the banker to get closest to nine, or bet on a tie between the player and banker. If you place a bet on the banker hand to get closest to nine and the banker does so, you win your bet for that hand.
It’s fast-paced, fun, and you just bet on the outcome, rather than actively participating.
- If you bet on the player, the house edge is 1.24%
- If you bet on the banker, the baccarat house edge is 1.06%
- If you bet on a tie, the house edge is 14.36%
Don’t bet on a tie! Also remember that if you bet on banker and win, the house can take a 5% commission.
Blackjack
This might be the most popular card game in the world. It’s a game with some degree of skill involved, and there are professional blackjack players out there. Entire movies and books have been made about this game.
The objective of blackjack is to get a hand totaling 21, or as close to it as possible without exceeding it. You play against the dealer, and whoever has 21 (or the highest hand not exceeding 21 in cases where neither has 21) after all the cards have been dealt wins.
Going by Vegas rules, the house edge is a tiny 0.28%. This will change if you play another variant of blackjack such as Atlantic City rules or Suit ‘Em Up.
The tiny house edge is what makes it possible for some people to make a living playing blackjack.
Keno
This is a fun lotto game, but it’s known for having the worst odds in the house. The objective is to pick between one and ten numbers from a pool of 80, and then wait for the draw.
The house edge in keno can be between 25% and 29%, depending on the variant and the casino itself. This game is okay for switching off and having a little fun, but it’s highly unlikely you’re going to win money playing keno, at least in the long run.
Roulette
This is one of the most fun casino games, period. The objective is to predict where a ball will land on a spinning wheel when it stops.
You can pick a color or a number between 1 and 36 (or the zero) if you want to make basic roulette bets. It’s also possible to select clusters of numbers, rows, or entire columns as you gain confidence and learn to understand the game.
- If you’re playing American Roulette (Double Zero), the house edge is 5.26%
- If you’re playing European Roulette (Single Zero), the house edge is 2.7%
You have a decent chance of winning roulette, but you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun whether you win or lose.
Video Poker
This is a machine-based game based on 5-hand poker. There are many different variants with different pay tables and slightly different rules, but the aim is always to make as valuable a hand as possible according to poker hand ranks. No matter the variant, a Royal Flush will always pay the most.
Covering some popular versions of video poker, you can expect the house edge to be:
- 0.46% when playing Jacks or Better with an optimal strategy.
- 0.71% when playing Deuces Wild with a perfect strategy. In this case, you as the player have the advantage.
- 0.64% when playing Joker Poker with perfect strategy. Once again, you have the advantage here.
If you are patient and want to make money playing casino games, video poker is your best bet. You’ll need to develop skill, though, and learn video poker strategy first.
Don’t expect to have the advantage when you’re new to video poker and don’t know what you’re doing. Even in these cases, though, the house edge is significantly lower than in most other casino games.
Video Slots
These are probably the most-played casino games online. There are tens of thousands of video slots ranging from simple 3-reel games with no features to 5-reel new slots with bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots.
They’re fun, highly entertaining, and if you’re lucky, you can win a fortune playing slots.
The house edge depends on the game in question. It can range from 2% to 15% – that’s no small difference! Knowing this, it pays to do your research on which slots have the best RTP.
A Quick Summary Before Moving On
Which casino game is best for you ultimately depends on your goals as an individual player.
If you want to real money playing casino games, then pick the games with the best odds and lowest house edge.
If you just want to have a little fun and relax, then any of the above games will do.
Choosing the Right Real Money Casino
If you already know what games you want to play, then it’s time to look at picking an online casino. If you’re new to playing casino games, there’s a lot more to this than you might initially think. As you’ll see, most of the top real money casinos have some things in common.
Consider the following factors before registering at any casino site.
1 – Reviews
Are there reliable, trustworthy casino reviews on the site? If so, what do the experts say?
It pays to pay attention to these reviews. If a casino expert says a site sucks, there’s a great chance you’ll want to avoid it.
If you were looking for a new car, you would probably talk to someone who knows a thing or two about cars before making a decision, or at least read a few reviews on various models, wouldn’t you? The same should go for choosing an online casino. There’s more to it than you might think, and reading a review can be a great way to get all the information in one place.
Be suspicious of reviews which are overly positive, though. Sometimes there’s an agenda at play. If a review site gives a real money online casino a glowing review, check out some of the other reviews, too.
If they’re all overly positive, that could be a warning sign. If the reviewers throw some terrible casinos under the bus, you’re probably dealing with an honest casino review site.
2 – Legality
Is this casino operating legally with a valid gaming license?
If so, what jurisdiction is the license from? Believe us when we tell you that not all casino licenses are equal. UK, Malta, Alderney, Gibraltar, Curacao, and Puerto Rico licenses are all respected and are good indicators that a real money casino can be trusted. Others, we don’t have that much faith in.
Also, make sure the casino isn’t accepting players from your country even if it’s illegal to do so. If they’re willing to break the law, what makes you think they’re going to be honest with you?
3 – Safety
A valid license is one way to make sure you’re dealing with the safest real money casinos.
There’s more to it than that, though. We advise checking that the website is operating on a secure, encrypted connection. You can do so by looking at the web address. If you see HTTPS:// in front of the domain, you’re dealing with a secure casino. If it’s just HTTP:// (no “S”), then the connection might not be protected.
Also look for published game payouts verified by third parties. This is a hugely positive sign, and it means that it’s highly likely this is a safe casino site. If the games are verified by eCOGRA, you’re in safe hands.
4 – Preferences
It would be a shame to go through the registration process only to find out the casino doesn’t offer the types of games you want to play or doesn’t offer very many of them.
Make sure the exact games you want to play are offered, make sure the casino accepts the types of bet you want to make regarding size, and check which betting services are provided. For example, some casinos also offer Texas Hold’em poker tournaments or sports betting as additional services, whereas others don’t.
We would also suggest taking some time to familiarize yourself with the site. If you like how it “feels,” that’s a great sign. A user-friendly website likely means the operator actually cares about its players and has invested time in figuring out what makes you happy. That’s likely to show across the casino as a whole.
5 – Bonuses
First, you’ll need to figure out if the online casino offers real money bonuses at all. Most do, but some don’t.
After that, you’ll need to look into exactly what types of bonuses are offered and their terms and conditions.
Don’t just look at the welcome offers, which are always emphasized to attract new players. Look at the ongoing weekly and monthly offers, too. These will give you an insight into what kind of casino you’re dealing with.
Also look at the terms and conditions of any bonus offers. Pay attention to minimum deposits and wagering/rollover requirements. If they’re excessive (40x or more), think twice about taking the offer.
If you like playing slots on weekends, it makes sense to find a casino which offers free spins on weekends, doesn’t it?
Gamble Online For Real Money Usa
6 – Service
Everybody likes to feel like they matter, casino players included. It’s essential that a casino has top-notch customer service if you’re going to enjoy your experience playing there.
Check the number of customer service options available. Email and live chat are a necessity, but if a real money casino also offers telephone support, that’s an excellent sign.
Don’t be afraid to test the customer service if you wish. Ask a question or two. You’ll soon see how fast the responses are and how helpful (or unhelpful) the customer service agents are.
You know that old saying that goes “When someone shows you who they are, believe them”? That applies here. If an agent is slow to respond, avoids answering questions directly, or acts in an unhelpful manner, move on.
7 – Banking
You wouldn’t believe how many people register at online casinos for real money without considering the most important thing of all – withdrawing your money!
Most casinos will make it as easy as pie for you to deposit, but only the best real money online casinos make it as easy for you to withdraw.
Look for a roughly equal number of deposit and withdrawal methods, low (or no) fees, and fast withdrawals.
The last thing you want is to be sitting around waiting for weeks to get your money, or worse, never getting it at all!
Feeling Overwhelmed? Don’t Worry!
If all of this makes your head spin and you wonder how on earth you’re going to go about finding all of this information out, don’t worry; we have plenty of top casino reviews where you can find the information all in one place.
We don’t want you to think that all real money casino sites are scams out to get you. There are lots of world-class online casinos worth playing at. It’s just that you have to wade through a fair deal of not-so-great ones to find them.
Our job is to make that as easy as possible for you. If you see a casino on this site that you like the look of, there will be a full, in-depth review attached.
Other Real Money Sites to Consider
While playing at real money casinos is arguably the most fun way to gamble, there are other ways to have fun gambling and hopefully make a little money in the process.
Betting on sports, playing poker, playing bingo or lotto games, and even betting on financial markets are all possible thanks to the global connectivity the web facilitates.
Why not check out some of the other options? We have sections dedicated to each form of gambling. If you want to know more, click any of the buttons below.
Real Money Online Casinos FAQ
Q. Will I need casino bonus codes to claim the bonuses offered by online casinos?
Where Can I Gamble Online For Real Money At Home
A. In most cases, you won’t need a casino bonus code, but where one is required, the casino will make it abundantly clear before you register.
Sometimes casinos run temporary promotions which do require bonus codes. In these cases, the codes are often emailed directly to you or are listed in the terms and conditions of the offer. If in doubt, ask the customer service agents.
Q. Do real people win the slots jackpots, or are they fixed?
A. Real people most definitely win slots jackpots from time to time. Big slots software companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, and IGT are independently audited, and random number generators control the games. There is no possible way that these games could be fixed.
Real Gambling Sites
It’s unlikely that you’ll become a millionaire playing slots, but you never know! Many more people win hundreds or thousands, and you never hear about them. This is a far more likely outcome.
Q. Is it illegal to gamble online as an American player?
A. This is somewhat of a grey area. The relevant regulations (UIGEA – 2006) make it illegal for financial institutions to facilitate real money gambling online, or for casinos to accept deposits from US-based players.
That does not make it illegal for you to gamble online. There are still many casinos which do accept deposits from US players.
Don’t worry; nobody wearing a S.W.A.T. vest with a machine gun is going to come through your door and shoot your dog before arresting you just because you played a little blackjack online.
Q. Are there any real money casinos which accept Bitcoin?
A. There are indeed. In fact, the number of casinos accepting Bitcoin is growing by the day. You could say Bitcoin is trending in the online casino world. It’s becoming a hugely popular way to make deposits and withdrawals quickly and safely.
If you’re looking for a Bitcoin casino, we have reviews on several. Feel free to check out our real money Bitcoin gambling sites page.
Q. What’s the number-one sign that a casino is a scam site?
Casino Games That Pay Real Money
A. Having no valid gaming license is a big warning sign. Having had a permit in the past, but having had it stripped for some reason is even worse.
Where Can I Gamble Online For Real Money Without
We don’t recommend casinos to you which don’t have valid and legal gaming licenses. Without them, it’s the Wild Wild West, and casino operators can do whatever they want without fear of repercussions.