Before the advent of the internet, players had to visit a land-based casino to play games. Sometimes, they had to wait for their turn at the table. Today, however, several online casinos in the iGaming industry feature many different kinds of games.
You can play these games from home if you qualify to open an account. This guide will discuss some casino games featured at top online casinos in 2023. Let's get started.
Are online casino games legal in the US, you may wonder. The short answer is yes, but check if it's legal in your state, as it differs from state to state.
According to federal law, online casino gambling is legal in the US. However, each state has the autonomy to decide whether playing online casino games is legal.
In states such as Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, players can gamble on the best US online casinos, but they must be present within the state's borders. Some other states, like Washington and Montana, are also on the verge of legalizing online casino games.
If online gambling is not yet regulated in your state, we recommend you try a Social Casino, unlike a regular online casino real money is not involved in terms of playing the game. Social & Sweep Casinos are legal in all states apart from Washington.
We recommend you check your state's gambling laws to know if playing online casinos is legal.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in the US and other parts of the world. Several American online casinos feature it in their lobby. The goal of the game is relatively straightforward. You must have a hand with a total value higher than the dealers without exceeding 21.
The following are some common variations of blackjack games available at some US online casinos.
| Classic Blackjack | European Blackjack | Multi-hand Blackjack |
In our Blackjack section, you can find guides for:
Video Slots
This is probably the most common game you will find in the lobby of a US online casino. Slots are fun to play and come with in-game bonus features you can trigger. This includes free spins, multipliers, re-spins, wilds, etc.
In addition, they have various themes ranging from cartoon themes to fruit themes. One of the good things about video slots is that they are easy to play. You do not need any skill to play the game, and the rules are not complex.
The following are some different types of video slots that online casinos in the US feature on their sites:
| Classic slots | Multi-payline/ multiplier slots | 3D slots | Progressive jackpot slots | Branded slots |
In our slots section, you will find guides for:
Online Roulette
This is another popular table game that many US players love to play. Roulette is a luck-based game that involves guessing what the number will be. The game has three components: the roulette wheel, the betting table, and a ball.
The goal is to bet on the numbered pocket on the wheel where you think the ball will land after it is spun. Regarding payouts, the game pays based on the bet you place.
Among the popular variations of roulette that American casinos feature include:
| American Roulette | European Roulette | French Roulette | Mini Roulette |
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games there is. At CasinoTalk, you can find a range of guides for online roulette:
Video Poker
A US casino is not complete without video poker games. Video poker is a game that shares similar gameplay with 5-draw poker. It is entertaining to play and comes with different features.
Some online versions even come with in-game bonus features and a gambling feature. As an American player, you can check the game's payout when you play video poker online.
Among the popular variations of the game available in US casinos, there are:
| Deuces Wild | Jacks or Better | Tens or Better | Bonus Poker |
Our Video Poker Guides:
Online Baccarat
Baccarat is a table and card game that most online casinos in the US also offer players. The game involves betting on a hand you think will win — the player's or the bank's hand.
The rules of baccarat are quite simple, and it offers decent payouts. Apart from that, the game has nice graphics when you play it at an online casino. The following are some popular variations of online baccarat that you can find in the lobby of US casinos.
| Baccarat Banque | Mini Baccarat | Chemin de Fer | Punto Bunco |
Online Live Dealer Games
Most American betting sites also feature live dealer games besides regular games. These are games hosted in a developer's studios and anchored by a human dealer.
You can play against other players and use the interactive chat feature to chat with them. Live dealer games offer an immersive and realistic experience. You can play as if you are at the actual tables.
Some popular types of live casino games that American casinos feature include:
| Live Roulette Online Game | Live Blackjack | Online Casino Live Baccarat |
Craps
The main objective of Craps is direct enough. You are supposed to correctly predict or bet on the outcome of a roll of dice, a couple of consecutive rolls or a pair of dice rolled together at once.
Here, participants can bet against one another or a bank. Nonetheless, there are many different wagers you can place on the game, and it will depend on the variant you play.
Online Poker
Poker is often considered a game of skill and strategy unlike all casino games. The game uses the standard 52-card deck, and the winner of the game is usually determined based on the combination of cards they have after the cards are dealt.
However, since there are over 20 game spinoffs, the number of cards players receive, the community cards (shared), and the hidden cards will vary. Likewise, the procedures of betting will also be different in each spinoff.
Online Poker was booming back in the early beginning of the 21st century until the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) introduced in 2006, which led to almost all online poker sites shutting down.
Now it’s back and on the rise in the states where online poker has been legalized. Read our poker guide to learn more about the game itself:
| Poker History | Game types | How to play | Where to play |
As you might have already noticed, you can play so many different casino games, and it takes a long time before you can master them to perfection. A few other Casino games worth mentioning are:
- Sic Bo - a dice game that originated in China and is played with three dice. Players bet on the outcome of the roll, with a variety of betting options available.
- Three Card Poker - a poker-based game where players make the best possible three-card hand against the dealer's hand. The game also has an optional side bet called Pair Plus, which pays out if the player's hand contains a pair or better.
- Pai Gow Poker - a game played with a 52-card deck and a joker, where players make two separate hands, one with five cards and one with two cards. The objective is to beat both the dealer's hands.
- Let it Ride - a poker-based game where players make three bets and are dealt three cards. They can choose to remove one of their bets or "let it ride" based on their confidence in their hand improving with the next two community cards.
- Mississippi Stud - a poker-based game where players make a bet and receive two cards. They can then choose to make additional bets as community cards are revealed, with the objective of making a five-card poker hand that pays out based on a pay table.
- Caribbean Stud - a poker-based card game where players make an ante bet and receive five cards. The dealer also receives five cards, with one card face up. Players can choose to fold or make an additional bet, with the objective of beating the dealer's hand. The game also has an optional side bet called the progressive jackpot.
So far, we have discussed the different kinds of games you can play at US betting sites. But how do these games work? Well, regular games use Random Number Generator (RNG) to randomize their outcome.
An RNG is a computer algorithm that generates a random number sequence and other codes to make the outcome or specific actions of the game lucky. This way, every player has the same chance of winning when they play casino games at the best online casinos in the US. However, live dealer games do not use RNG.
Unlike land-based casinos, where you can walk in and play games, you need to use a device to access the betting platform at online casinos. You can play games at the best online casinos via your desktop computer and mobile device.
Most betting sites have a mobile casino app that players can install on their Android and iOS devices. Several benefits come with using a mobile casino site. First, you will be able to play games on the go. Besides that, you can also receive push notifications to stay updated with the latest offers with the app.
One major difference between online casinos and land-based casinos is that you can play games for free at the former. Several online casinos in the US offer some or all of their slot games in free mode.
What is the benefit of playing for free? For beginners, it is a good way to practice and familiarize themselves with the gameplay. They can learn the rules and different moves of the game.
Another benefit of free games is that you can test different strategies. Perfecting a strategy can help enhance your gaming experience.
Selected Free Demo Play Casinos
There are numerous casino game providers that design games featured by the best online casinos. Some of these providers are better than others in terms of the quality of their games. So it is essential that you choose games from reliable providers licensed and respected in the industry.
This is because their games have passed a series of tests and are considered safe to play. Some of the popular developers that the best betting sites partner with are NetEnt, Bally, IGT, and Playtech.
| Recommended Game Providers | |||
| IGT | Barcrest | Evolution Gaming | NextGen Gaming |
| AGS Interactive | Digital Gaming Corp | Konami | Scientific Games |
| Bally Technologies | Everi | NetEnt | WMS Gaming |
How to choose casino games
There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a game to play at a US casino. However, these factors may vary depending on the type of game you are used to playing. But we will give you an insight into the general idea of what makes the best games.
Betting Limit
The betting limit depends on how much you can wager in the game. Some prefer games with high betting limits, others with low betting limits. So when choosing a game to play, try as much as possible to consider the allowed wager size and go for more flexible ones.
Payouts
Make sure to check the payout information of a game before you decide to choose it. If the payout is low while its betting limit is high, it may not be the best choice.
However, this still depends on the risk associated with the game. Thankfully, you can always check the paytable information of an online casino game before wagering money.
Risks/Volatility
Another critical factor to consider when choosing a casino game is the risk involved. In slots, this is referred to as volatility. High-volatility games have high risks. Low-volatility games, on the other hand, have low risks. Regular games featured by all legal online casinos use RNG to randomize their outcome, so you have the same chance to win as everyone else.
Graphics and Features
The graphics of a game is a rather subtle factor to consider before choosing it. Of course, a game with good graphics will be more fun, and you can catch all the actions.
However, as you check the visuals, do not forget to consider the features included in the game. The best online slots, for instance, come with in-game bonus features such as free spins, multipliers, and wilds.
Are online casino games legal in the US?
Yes, they are. According to federal law, it is legal to play online casino games in the US. However, each state has the power to decide whether it allows online gambling or not. As a result, some states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey allow online casino gaming while other states do not.
Can I win real money playing games online in the US?
Yes, you can. When you play games at the best online casinos, you stand a chance to win real money. However, you must wager real money on the game as well or use casino bonuses. If you are using casino bonuses, you must fulfill the wagering requirement set by the operator.
Can I play games on my mobile phone at American casinos?
Yes. Top betting sites in the US optimize their platforms so that players can play games on their mobile devices. Some of them also have a mobile app that you can download on your iOS and Android devices to access their betting platform.
How can I deposit money to play games at American online casinos?
To deposit money, you need to use one of the payment methods that your online casino supports. Then, after depositing money, you can start playing your favorite games and stand a chance to win from them.
Can I claim bonuses at an online casino in the US?
Yes, you can. The best betting sites in the US offer different kinds of bonuses such as welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, loyalty rewards, and so on.
