Online casinos are booming right now. New sites hit the market every week, and players have more choice than ever. These sites are in competition with one another, offering bigger gaming rosters, better bonuses, a wider selection of payment methods, and more.


It’s a good time to be a gambler.


But with so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are worth your time. So, we asked casino review experts, Casino Tops Online, to tell us what they look for in an online casino. With this info on your side, you’ll know which sites to join and which ones to avoid.


Fully Licensed and Regulated


A legitimate casino must be licensed by the relevant authorities to operate legally in the United States. It must also have the necessary license in your state, and that often means that you will need to be in the state when using the casino’s site or app. It doesn’t matter if you were born there and live somewhere else—you will need to be in the state when using the app.


The rules differ from state to state, but regulation is always important, and this should be the first thing that you look for in an online casino.


It’s worth noting that there are overseas sites that provide services to players around the world, including the US. Many of these are regulated overseas but don’t allow US players. The ones that aren’t regulated anywhere may accept players from the US, but the lack of licensing means they haven’t undergone any strict vetting procedures and aren’t held to account. So, if you want complete safety and peace of mind while gambling, look for those licenses!


Accessible Platform


How can you access the casino, and is that method something that interests you? Many US igaming platforms have mobile apps, and these should work across most platforms and devices. You’ll also find plenty of desktop casinos, although these are no longer the main focus of casino operators. They typically throw all of their time and resources into their mobile apps and neglect their websites.


Look for the option that suits your style of play. If you’re not big on mobile play, stick with top desktop casinos. If you’re all about gaming on the go, check casino app reviews and see which ones stand out.


Assortment of Bonuses and Promotions


Welcome bonuses are often the main thing that players look for when joining new casinos, and operators know it. They create the most eye-catching offers, but those offers are often steeped in strict terms. So, while the size of the bonus is important, it’s equally important to check the terms and conditions and make sure it’s actually worthwhile.


For instance, an offer of 100 free spins sounds fantastic at first glance, but if you dig through the T&Cs, you may discover that those spins have a very small value, and all winnings are subject to a strict wagering requirement. It takes the shine off somewhat, and this is true for many bonuses.


It’s not the case with all of them, though. Whether they seem modest or generous, bonuses are always defined by their terms and conditions, so dig through them.


Applicable Payment Options


Online casinos offer a selection of payment options, appeasing as many players as possible by letting them use their chosen method. But as above, it’s not the number that counts, but the details.


After all, a casino that offers a dozen different payment methods isn’t worth much to you if you don’t use any of those methods. What’s the point in joining a site that has so many different methods but not the one that you actually use?


Pay attention to the payment details, as well. Look for minimum deposits and withdrawals, as well as the speed of those withdrawals. Most modern casino sites and apps offer instant payouts, but some are still stuck in the dark ages in that respect, and they insist that you wait several days to get your funds.


A Wide Selection of Games from Certified Developers


There are thousands of online slot machines, live casino games, and RNG table games licensed in the United States. It’s a huge number, and it ensures that there’s something for everyone—provided the casino has chosen wisely.


Look for online casinos and apps that host games from big-name developers like Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Games Global. All of these developers are licensed and certified, using advanced random number generators in games that have been tried and tested by millions of players around the world.


The games should have a clear RTP, as well as details on volatility and other key aspects. If not, and something doesn’t look right, stay clear. If they host a wide selection of games, all those games are from licensed operators, and you see titles you actually want to play, you’re good to go.


Summary: The Best Casinos


Using the information above, you can trawl through the many casinos available to US customers and pick out the best ones. There are plenty to choose from, so browse, narrow them down, and find your new favorite casino!