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The purpose of online casino gaming for real money is to have fun and be entertained. In that way, online casinos are a lot like any other hobby: video games, fantasy football, or watching TV. But because these sites involve using your real money, there are inherent risks involved. You should know this going in, and keep the following tips in mind before, during, and after your play session at a real money online casino.

• Use Responsible Gambling tools and strategies: many online casinos have specific tools you can use, such as deposit limits, spending caps, and time limits.
• Stick to your budget: whether it’s a single deposit or a weekly limit, stick to your budget and don’t deposit or play with more than you can afford to lose.
• Take frequent breaks: it can be easy to get caught up in the fun of a casino game. Take a breather every 15-30 minutes and walk around, do a chore, or switch to a different hobby. Breaks can help you play responsibly.
• Check in with yourself: if you stop having fun, you should stop playing.
• Don’t chase losses: if you lose a bit, don’t bet more than you can handle in an effort to recoup those losses. The odds aren’t in your favor by design.

We also encourage players to review responsible gambling tools and tips before playing. And remember, it’s OK  to ask for help if you need it.

How to get started at online casinos

While each real money online casino has a distinct sign-up process, the overall steps are similar at every platform. Follow the steps below to get started with an online casino, but bear in mind that the exact terminology and/or the order of the steps may be different from one site ot the next.

1. Use our links to head to your preferred online casino.
2. Click “Sign Up,” “Join,” “Register,” or similar to start the sign-up process.
3. Enter the required personal details: name, address, phone number, email, password, SSN, and date of birth. You may also be required to submit a photo ID at this point.
4. If necessary and when prompted, enter your online casino promo code to claim your bonus.
5. Complete account creation. Some sites may require you to verify your phone number and/or email with a link or code sent to you.
6. Make a deposit with your preferred payment method—keep your bonus in mind as you do this.
7. Start playing games right away.

That’s all there is to it! Most sign-up processes only take a few minutes. If you run into any issues, contact online casino customer support.

The purpose of online casino gaming for real money is to have fun and be entertained. In that way, online casinos are a lot like any other hobby: video games, fantasy football, or watching TV. But because these sites involve using your real money, there are inherent risks involved. You should know this going in, and keep the following tips in mind before, during, and after your play session at a real money online casino.

• Use Responsible Gambling tools and strategies: many online casinos have specific tools you can use, such as deposit limits, spending caps, and time limits.
• Stick to your budget: whether it’s a single deposit or a weekly limit, stick to your budget and don’t deposit or play with more than you can afford to lose.
• Take frequent breaks: it can be easy to get caught up in the fun of a casino game. Take a breather every 15-30 minutes and walk around, do a chore, or switch to a different hobby. Breaks can help you play responsibly.
• Check in with yourself: if you stop having fun, you should stop playing.
• Don’t chase losses: if you lose a bit, don’t bet more than you can handle in an effort to recoup those losses. The odds aren’t in your favor by design.

We also encourage players to review responsible gambling tools and tips before playing. And remember, it’s OK  to ask for help if you need it.

While each real money online casino has a distinct sign-up process, the overall steps are similar at every platform. Follow the steps below to get started with an online casino, but bear in mind that the exact terminology and/or the order of the steps may be different from one site ot the next.

1. Use our links to head to your preferred online casino.
2. Click “Sign Up,” “Join,” “Register,” or similar to start the sign-up process.
3. Enter the required personal details: name, address, phone number, email, password, SSN, and date of birth. You may also be required to submit a photo ID at this point.
4. If necessary and when prompted, enter your online casino promo code to claim your bonus.
5. Complete account creation. Some sites may require you to verify your phone number and/or email with a link or code sent to you.
6. Make a deposit with your preferred payment method—keep your bonus in mind as you do this.
7. Start playing games right away.

That’s all there is to it! Most sign-up processes only take a few minutes. If you run into any issues, contact online casino customer support.

Variety is the spice of life and the spice of real money online casinos. Playing at an online gaming site is similar to walking a brick-and-mortar casino floor; you’ll find plenty of different games, minimum bets, jackpots, and bonuses. Before you start playing at real money online casinos, it helps to brush up on the most popular game types and their likelihood to pay out.

Slots

The word “slots” might summon a particular image in your mind. Perhaps it's a classic three-reel game with 7s and bar symbols. OR maybe it's a game themed around your favorite movie. The fact that everyone’s first thought is different speaks to the vast variety of slot games. While the visuals and themes all differ widely, so, too, do the chances of winning.

Two major factors influence how a slot plays and how likely you are to win: RTP and volatility. Keep in mind that all slots are games of chance, so there’s never a guarantee that you’ll win.

Return to player or RTP is represented as a percentage, such as 96.5%. A slot with an RTP of 96.5% tends to pay out $96.50 over time for every $100 played. This measure is over many thousands of spins. The higher the RTP, the better a slot game will tend to pay out.

Volatility is a measure of a slot’s general win frequency and size. A high volatility slot tends to pay out large wins sporadically. A low volatility slot wins more often on average, but those wins are smaller. This is a scale, so you might also find medium volatility slots with moderate payouts of modest frequency. Treat these distinctions as preferences and not hard-and-fast rules. You might prefer playing for a while and hitting a big bonus, while your friend may prefer flashy wins even if they’re smaller in size.

Blackjack

Blackjack has a high RTP overall, though different factors can influence it. Because there’s a strategy element to blackjack, some games have an RTP of 99% or higher with ideal play “by the book.” You’re more likely to get 95-99% at the average blackjack table, online or otherwise.

When seeking a blackjack table, look at the payouts for when you hit a blackjack. For example, 3:2 is a better payout than 6:5, so your wins may take you further at one “table” versus another.

If you see side bets at a blackjack table, you’re better off avoiding them. Their big advertised payouts are highly unlikely, and they lower your overall win percentage if you constantly funnel money into them.

Roulette

There are three major roulette variants offered at online casinos: American (double zero), European (single zero), and French (single zero with a few alternate rules).

That order also represents their relative returns. American roulette has the lowest return average thanks to its two green zero slots. French Roulette, on the other end, has the highest RTP thanks to a special “En Prison” rule that can save losing bets if the green space lands twice in a row.

Baccarat

Baccarat’s house edge can be as low as 1.06%, which means the RTP can be as high as 98.94%. The game’s elegance stems from its simplicity. At its core, baccarat has three bets: player, banker, or tie. The dealer runs the game, and you just hope for the side you bet on to win. It’s close to 50/50, but the tie throws a wrench into the gears. Plus, baccarat games often charge a small commission on banker bets, guaranteeing the casino a cut either way.

Video poker

Playing video poker with some strategic decisions (e.g. holding the right cards) can yield RTPs of 97% to 99% or more. The video poker space has all sorts of variety, which means the win chances can vary, too. Make sure you understand the mechanics of the game you’re playing to maximize your potential.

Live dealer games

Live dealer games are the closest online equivalent to playing at a real land-based casino. When you play live dealer blackjack or roulette, you can often get odds similar to the same games at a physical property. Once again, tough, stay away from side bets, which can easily siphon money with low odds of a potential payout.

Casino games are all chance-based, but some tips can keep your experience enjoyable.

• Play for fun, not for wins: these games are meant for entertainment, and they all have a house edge, which gives the casino an advantage.
• Adjust your bets to fit your budget: Many games let you bet different amounts, with some as low as $0.10 per spin. Use these minimums and maximums to play within your means.
• Play in demo mode (where available): Some online casinos let you try games for free (without the opportunity to win) in demo mode. This is a great way to give a game a try before you play for real.
• Brush up on RTP and volatility: Understanding Return to player and volatility can help you pick games that fit your playstyle.
• Play “by the book” whenever you can: In games like blackjack where there’s a strategy element, play “by the book.” There are plenty of online guides that can teach you how.

While you might be here for the fun and games (literally) real money casinos have even more to offer. Bonuses and promotions can amplify your gaming experience with extra rewards. You can take advantage of these offers by signing up, depositing, and playing at an online casino. Learn more about the most common types of bonuses below.

No-deposit bonus

• What it is: Free credit just for signing up, usually in the $10 to $50 range
• Common terms/conditions: Playthrough required (typically 1x or close to it) plus a deadline
• Best casino: BetMGM offers $25 on the house for new players with no deposit required.

Deposit match

• What it is: An online casino will match all or part of your first deposit in bonus credits, up to a maximum amount.
• Common terms/conditions: Minimum deposit and playthrough are required. There is usually a deadline for using the credits, too.
• Best casino: Caesars Palace Online Casino grants a 100% first deposit match up to $2,500, but beware of high playthrough requirements.

Free spins

• What it is: just what it sounds like! Free spins, usually on a specific game or qualifying titles.
• Common terms/conditions: Must be used within a certain time and on a qualifying game. The casino determines the amount of each free spin.
• Best casino: Golden Nugget gives new players 250 bonus spins on a featured game when they sign up.

Cashback/lossback bonus

• What it is: Play for a certain amount of time, then get losses back as casino credit.
• Common terms/conditions: Requires initial deposit and play. Playthrough requirements on credits, plus a deadline.
• Best casino: BetRivers gives new players up to $500 back as casino credit for their first 24 hours of play with a 30-day deadline and only 1x playthrough required.

Play and get/bet and get

• What it is: Play a minimum amount at the online casino, then get credits as a prize.
• Common terms/conditions: Requires an initial deposit, and the credits often have a wagering requirement and deadline.
• Best casino: At FanDuel, new players can bet $1 to get $100 in casino credits with 1x playthrough required.

You may have heard a whole host of claims about real money online casinos. Many may have been true, but chances are a large swathe of them are myths or half-truths. That’s where we come in. In this section, we’ll discuss some common assumptions about online real money casinos and tell you directly whether they’re true.

Online casinos are rigged

Verdict: False

The term “rigged” harkens back to days of the mafia controlling Las Vegas and fixing games in their favor. Nowadays, casinos (online or physical) offer the same level of fairness to all players.

That’s an important term: the same level of fairness. Why? Because the casino always has an edge. Even if it’s 1% on a game, that smidgen of an edge is enough to make the casino money when you bet. So, no, online casinos are not rigged. But they’re also made to make money for the operator. While you can and might win big, the more realistic outcome is a loss or breaking even.

Online casinos aren’t safe and secure

Verdict: False

Online casinos must abide by strict legal and regulatory standards, many of which include rules governing their security practices. Our recommended sites are all legal, licensed, and make full use of security features such as multi-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and trusted payment methods.

You can’t win at real money casinos

Verdict: False

You absolutely can win at real money online casinos. Chances are you won’t, just given the way odds and house edge both work. Still, the possibility is there, and the games are fair, giving the same chance to each player.

If you win at online casinos, you still won’t get your money

Verdict: False

Real talk: if an online casino refused to pay out your winnings, they could be legally liable. Most state laws require online casinos to have enough money in the bank to pay out all winnings.

If you don’t get paid for winnings, you may have legal recourse.

Online casinos are connected to the mafia

Verdict: False

Real money online casinos go through a rigorous licensing and approval process overseen by each state’s government. These processes ensure that the sites are operating legally and treating players fairly.

If you play online casino games long enough, you’ll win

Verdict: False

In fact, the opposite is more likely true. Casinos have a house edge, which gives them an advantage over players. Even if you play blackjack with perfect strategy over hundreds of hands, you’re mathematically likely to lose in the long term.

If you’re lucky enough to hit a sizable win, we recommend withdrawing most or all of it, because the more you play, the more likely you are to lose. 

Your private information can be compromised

Verdict: Not quite

Giving your information to any online business comes with inherent risks. That’s why we can’t call this outright false. The truth is that casinos are susceptible to data leaks just like any other platform: online retailers, social media sites, banks, etc. Rest assured that casinos take diligent measures to keep your data secure.

Payment and withdrawal methods at online casinos vary by platform. However, most of the sites accept common methods, such as:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal
• Play+ Card
• PayNearMe
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Cash at a partnered casino
• Gift cards
• ACH echeck
• Online banking
• Wire transfer

Deposits at online casinos tend to process right away, so you can jump into the action immediately. We recommend picking one or two methods and sticking with them. That’s easier than trying a new method every time. Plus, it makes withdrawals easier.

Also, note that most online casinos have a minimum deposit of $5 or $10.

Most of the methods from above are accepted for withdrawals. The only major difference is in timing. Withdrawals tend to take at least a few hours or a few days at most. This is due to each online casino’s in-house review policy. They must approve each withdrawal before sending it to your chosen method, which may have its own processing time.

Responsible play has many sub-elements to consider. While you are, of course, responsible for yourself, there are tools and services that can help you keep your play fun and responsible.

First, start with yourself. Employ strategies to play responsibly, such as:

• Setting and sticking to a budget
• Limiting play sessions and deposits
• Take frequent breaks

Next, explore the options available at your preferred online casino. Many have tools you can use to keep yourself in check, such as:

• Daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
• Session time limits
• Self-exclusion or time-outs

Finally, there are plenty of services available for players who may be in need of external help. Remember, it’s always OK to reach out if you think you're in need.

• Kindbridge
• National Problem Gambling Helpline
• Gamblers Anonymous

Once you’re ready to sign up for an online casino (or multiple), keep these tips in mind. We’ve played at many sites and can speak from experience.

• Pay attention to value over dollar amount: A high dollar amount in a bonus might not be worth it if you have a high playthrough requirement and relatively little time to claim it.
• Note deadlines: Most casinos require you to meet their terms and conditions within a certain timeline.
• Know the minimum deposit: Most bonuses are only available to players who make a minimum first deposit (usually around $10).
• Know your playthrough requirement and contribution rates: These factors greatly influence your ability to clear the bonus and make it withdrawable. Look for low playthrough requirements and low contribution rates to make things easier.
• Claim multiple bonuses, if desired: You can sign up for more than one casino and claim each bonus. This can be a nice way to play the field and try out different sites.

Real money casinos provide a trusted and secure way to enjoy online gaming. Our team of experts has vetted each site we recommend on this page. Plus, we only recommend sites that have licenses granted by each state’s government oversight organization. Our top sites accept trustworthy payment providers and provide fair and balanced games. You can play at these sites with peace of mind.