The best online casinos provide a safe, enjoyable experience with fast payouts, while scammers steal your money and personal information. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot a good online casino so you can enjoy the thrills of online gambling without getting scammed or ripped off.
We’ve been reviewing online casinos since 1995 and know what to look for in a reputable gaming site. We use a set of criteria to ensure that each casino we recommend is safe, secure, and legit.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing a reliable casino site online.
How to Tell if an Online Casino Is Legit
Not all online gaming sites are equal. Some offer thousands of slots and table games from dozens of top developers, while others have only a few low-quality games that no one plays. Some casinos pay out within hours, while others make you wait weeks (or more) to get your winnings.
The key is knowing what to look for when comparing various gaming sites. That will enable you to select a first-rate site that has exactly what you want, rather than settling for a subpar option. Here are several factors to consider before playing at any online casino:
Casino Licensing and Regulation
Licensing might not seem very exciting, but it’s perhaps the most important factor to consider before playing at an Internet casino. After all, you wouldn’t get into a stranger’s car without making sure that they possessed a valid driver’s license, would you? Of course not, because that could put you in danger.
Playing at a rogue internet casino is less dangerous than riding with a dirty driver, but it can still cost you plenty in terms of time, money, and aggravation. Therefore, it pays to ensure that any online casino that you patronize is licensed by an authoritative governing body.
Gaming commissions enforce rules and regulations that protect players. They require casinos to meet certain standards regarding fairness, security, and payment of winnings in a timely fashion. Plus, these regulatory agencies provide recourse in the event of a dispute between a player and a gaming site. If an online casino doesn’t have licensing credentials, cross them off your list.
Of The Best Real Money Online Games For US Players In 2023All licensed casinos have their gambling credentials on display prominently on their homepage. You can usually find licensing information towards the bottom of the page, often in the site map or “About” section. Look for logos from reputable organizations such as those listed below:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) – Widely recognized as the premier regulator in Europe, the MGA has strict requirements concerning player safety and protection of funds.
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) – The UKGC requires member casinos to offer deposit bonuses separate from other promotions, and they place strong restrictions on bonus terms in order to reduce predatory tactics against players. This makes casino sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission among the best options for receiving fair bonus offers.
- Curaçao eGaming – A private entity that provides gaming licenses to numerous online casinos, particularly those located outside the European Union. It does not offer the same level of player protection as the MGA and UKGC, but it does provide some recourse in the event of a dispute between a player and a casino.
- Nevada Gaming Control – The Nevada Gaming Control is America’s oldest gaming regulator, overseeing Sin City’s famous Strip and many other land-based casinos. Several online casinos have obtained a gaming license from Nevada, providing a great combination of land-based casino heritage with online gaming expertise.
The Casinolistings.com recommended sites listed on this page are licensed in one of the following reputable jurisdictions: Malta, United Kingdom, Curacao, Panama or Costa Rica. All of which have excellent records with online gaming operators and reputations for integrity.
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Available Games and Software Providers
A good way to quickly tell if a gaming site is legitimate is to see what kind of software they use and what selection of games they offer. Hundreds of casino games can be found under a single roof at major Internet gambling operations, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, baccarat, keno, and sports betting.
In addition, many gaming sites feature live dealer games, where real humans deal the cards or spin the roulette wheel, with the action transmitted via webcam to the player’s computer or mobile device. Top online casinos offer hundreds or even thousands of different games, giving customers lots of choices and variety.
You can also tell a lot about an online casino by looking at the software providers who power their site. Dozens of companies develop casino games, each with its own style and areas of specialization. Some focus solely on slots, while others produce a wide variety of table games, video poker, scratchies, and live dealer titles.
Many of the world’s best software providers designate which websites their games can be found at, making it easy to research casinos. Simply take a look at your chosen site’s list of game developers, then do a Google search to learn more about them. If you see familiar names like NetEnt, Microgaming, Betsoft, IGT, Evolution Gaming, or Playtech, you can rest assured that the gaming site is top-notch.
NetEnt games, for example, are known for their innovative features, immersive soundtracks, and dazzling graphical quality. While IGT is renowned for its progressive jackpot network, which has made many players rich through massive seven-figure slot machine wins.
Here are some of the most reputable casino game software providers:
- NetEnt – Known for innovatively designed games with high return-to-player rates (RTP).
- Microgaming – Offers hundreds of unique games, including many progressive jackpot slots.
- Betsoft – Famous for its 3D video slots and interactive bonus rounds.
- IGT – Renowned for its land-based slot machines, with titles like Wheel of Fortune and Family Guy.
- Evolution Gaming – Specializes in live dealer games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, three card poker, and Slam Video Blackjack.
- Playtech – Developer of Marvel-themed super hero slot machines, including Iron Man, Thor, and The Avengers. Also provides live dealer games and virtual sports titles.
- RTG – Real Time Gaming focuses on the US market and is known for its realistic multi-hand video poker titles.
- Play N Go – Offers a wide variety of classic casino games, including Jackpot Cinema Stars, which frequently awards seven-figure prizes.
- RNG – Reliable software provider who has been around since 1997 and boasts exceptional graphics and audio across all devices.
- Yggdrasil – Known for its imaginative slot themes and creative bonus features, Yggdrasil also powers the B2B iSense platform that runs smoothly on mobiles.
Most reputable online casinos use software provided by a dozen or more leading developers, giving them access to thousands of different games. That means you won’t have to switchcasinos to play different slot machines or try new types of casino games.
Our team spends countless hours testing and evaluating to determine which online casinos rank highest for overall customer satisfaction. Check out our ranking of the best online casino sites using software from multiple reputable providers.
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Reputation and Customer Feedback
It’s impossible for any gambling site to please everyone, as different players have differing opinions about things like customer service response times, accepted payment methods, or the merits of bonuses with slightly different terms and conditions. Still, some complaints are more serious than others, and patterns can sometimes be discerned that reveal problematic behavior on the part of an online gaming operation.
One way to judge the reputation of a particular gaming site is to read reviews written by other players. You can easily find comments left by customers at a variety of websites, including forums and social media groups. Just do an online search for the name of the casino along with the word “review.”
Also check for certified reviews from reputable sources like AskGamblers. They have a longstanding tradition of resolving player issues and disputes, and their certification program ensures a casino operates up to a high standard of player protection and support.
Another way to gauge a casino’s reputation is to look for endorsements and awards from independent industry experts. Many well-respected gaming sites have been honored by reputable watchdog portals such as Latest Casino News, PokerListings, and the Global Gaming Awards. These prestigious honors include Best New Casino, Best Casino App, Best Customer Service, and Best Casino Bonus.
Some of the top online casinos have received awards from respected websites and events, including Best Casino Bonus, Best New Casino, and Best Customer Service.
The Casinolists.com team has been reviewing online casinos since 1995. Our decades of experience allow us to easily identify scams, as well as highlight the best sites that consistently receive positive feedback from players. Remember, there will always be a couple of negative comments about every online gaming site, no matter how well regarded it may be. That’s simply the nature of doing business in the Internet age.
Still, you should be concerned if you notice a pattern of complaints related to topics such as unreasonably large withdrawal minimums and maximums, failure to pay winners in a reasonable amount of time, repeatedly changing terms and conditions, failing to honor bonuses, or regularly confiscating players’ deposits without just cause.
Any online gaming site can have a complaint or two pop up from time to time, but repeated or patterns of poor treatment of players are a red flag that you should heed. For more guidance, check out our guide to .
Security Measures
Onsite security is another area that separates good online casinos from bad ones. As with licensing entities, gaming regulators, and other third-party watchdog organizations, reputable casinos proudly display trust seals and security certificates on their homepages.
Look for logos from companies like GoDaddy and Symantec, which indicate SSL encryption that helps prevent identity theft and fraud.
SSL is short for Secure Socket Layer, a security protocol that prevents critical data from being intercepted by hackers and misused. Any reputable Internet gaming site will utilize SSL encryption throughout their domain, allowing players to safely send sensitive info (such as credit card numbers) to the casino with confidence that it cannot be compromised.
Trustwave, McAfee, and GoDaddy are among the leading providers of SSL encryption technology. You can usually find their logos toward the bottom of an online casino’s homepage.
Additional security measures employed by top online casinos include identity verification of their players and the utilization of Random Number Generator (RNG) software to ensure that game outcomes are entirely fair and random. The use of RNG technology is independently monitored and verified by third-party accounting firms, which issue a Service Organization Control (SOC) report after a detailed audit has been completed.
Look for a current SOC report on your chosen casino site, as this shows that they take financial responsibility seriously and are committed to treating customer deposits as bank drafts, rather than pools of money available for other purposes.
Game Payout Audits
Speaking of game payouts, it’s always a good idea to play at Internet gaming sites that publicly post average return statistics for their slot machines and other games. That way, you can choose titles with the best odds of paying out while you are playing.
Ways Promotion Codes Can Help You Play at Online CasinosFor example, many casinos post RTP (Return to Player) percentages for their slots, with totems ranging from 90% all the way up to 99%. That tells you which games are likely to hit more frequently or pay larger prizes, giving you greater control over your gaming session.
Even more importantly, reputable online casinos have their RNG software audited by external accountancy firms on an ongoing basis. This ensures that game payouts are accurate and in line with published odds. Every reputable casino should be able to provide details of their most recent SOC audit, carrying out regular payout audits that are carried out by trusted, independent third-party organizations such as eCOGRA.
eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) is one of the best-known firm’s that provide this service, enjoying an esteemed reputation for integrity and fairness. Safe and reputable online casinos often feature the eCOGRA seal of approval on their website, letting you play casino games with confidence.
Bonuses & Promotions
Virtually all online casinos offer various kinds of bonuses and promotions to attract new players and keep existing customers interested in returning for more fun. These incentives range from modest welcome bonuses on a player’s first deposit to complex multi-part offers spread out over several months.
Many gaming sites also provide reload bonuses for subsequent deposits, cashback rewards based on net losses during gameplay, free spins for specific slot machines, and prize giveaways such as automobiles and vacations.
While these promotional offers can add significant value to your gaming dollars, they aren’t all created equally. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions attached to each reward, as they can significantly change the value proposition offered by each promotion.
Casino Bonus Review - Promotions and All Offers Available in 2023For example, some welcome bonuses require players to wager the bonus amount a certain number of times before they are allowed to cash out any associated winnings. Those called ‘Wagering Requirements’, and you’ll find them at every genuine online casino. However, some casinos impose much higher playthrough rates than others, making it difficult or impossible to ever clear your balance and withdraw.
Often referred to as an , this requirement is generally expressed as a multiple of both your deposit and bonus amount combined. For instance, a 3x wagering requirement on a $50 deposit + $50 bonus would mean you need to bet a total of $300 before you could cash out ($50 x 6 = $300).
This system is inherent to almost all online casino signup bonuses, though the ‘best’ casinos will keep the playthrough rate relatively low to make it easier for you to complete. Where possible, look for offers with low wagering and small deposit amounts, especially for your initial deposit. Most illegitimate casinos will try and entice you in with a big bonus, but the strings attached make it close to impossible to actually receive anything.
More information about can be found within our dedicated guide, yet the main thing to note is that they should be convenient for you to work towards clearing. For that reason, it’s worth avoiding sites that have huge wagering demands, excessively short expiration periods, or overly restrictive game weightings that make it hard to clear on popular games.
Our recommended online casinos listed above offer some of the best bonuses and promotions available online, with convenient terms that let you keep what you win with minimal fuss.
Banking Methods and Withdrawal Times
Depositing money into an Internet gaming site is typically a simple process, but you should still pay attention to the banking methods supported by the casino to ensure that one or more of them meets your needs.
The best online casinos accept payments from Visa and MasterCard, along with third-party e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill, plus prepaid cards that don’t require a credit check. Cryptocurrency payments (using Bitcoin or other crypto assets) are also becoming increasingly common.
When it comes to collecting your winnings, however, not all online casinos are alike. While most will pay promptly, others drag their feet, making you wait weeks or longer before they transfer your money.
That’s why it makes sense to read the small print before you start playing, examining each site’s policies regarding withdrawals. Note that many casinos impose a waiting period of one day or longer before payouts are processed, so plan accordingly.
Be sure to enter the correct payment information
Before requesting your first withdrawal, carefully enter your correct banking information into the casino’s cashier software. This will ensure that your funds go where you want them to and help prevent problems down the road.
Once you’re ready to cash out your bankroll, compare the following variables amongst the casinos you’re considering:
- Minimum/Maximum Amounts – Some payment methods are only accepted for withdrawals up to a certain limit, while others can handle much larger transactions.
- Processing Times – Most casinos impose a 48-hour to 72-hour hold or processing period before funds are sent, but some are faster.
- Availability – Not all withdrawal methods are accepted at every gaming site, so if your preferred option isn’t listed, you’ll need to choose another.
- Fees – While most casinos don’t charge players any fees to receive winnings, a few do assess surcharges of $10 to $50 or more.
When checking these variables, remember that none of these factors are absolutely controlled by the casino itself. For instance, credit card companies and banks can also levy fees or place holds on transfers, and third party e-wallets like Neteller or Skrill may apply limits or delays to your request.
Instead, the variables listed above refer to actions taken by the online casino itself, with responsibilities that fall directly to them. Make sure you are aware of how they treat players requesting withdrawals, as quick payments process seamlessly in the background are a trademark of the best online casinos.
Mobile Gaming Options
These days, many players enjoy using their smartphones and tablets to access their favorite online casinos, and that’s understandable since mobile devices offer tremendous convenience and flexibility.
Top gaming sites respond appropriitionally by offering full or partial support for Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems, allowing customers to log on and play using a mobile browser or downloadable app.
An excellent online casino will have a fully-optimized mobile experience accessible to all users. This includes a wide variety of games, easy navigation, and complete banking functionality so that you can deposit, play, and collect your winnings on the go.
Our ranked above include only those who pass every test for safety, fairness, and trustworthiness. Each allows players to access their accounts from a variety of mobile platforms and provides secure banking options with fast withdrawal times.
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Customer Support Options
No matter how thoroughly you read the rules for each game, you may eventually have a question that requires assistance from a knowledgeable representative. That’s why it’s important to pick a gaming site with helpful and responsive customer support services available whenever you need them.
Best Real Money Android Casino Apps | Top Real Money AppsIdeally, a good casino will provide toll-free telephone support, timely email responses, and live chat functions where you can instantly communicate with a representative via text messaging on the casinos website.
When evaluating customer support options, we suggest that you use the live chat function and see for yourself how long it takes to connect with a representative and get your questions answered. If you have to wait too long or are unsatisfied with the results, then that casino probably isn’t worthy of your valuable custom.
Responsible Gaming Policies
While the vast majority of online casino customers gamble for fun and only risk a small portion of their disposable income, a few people are susceptible to developing compulsive gambling habits. To help recognize and assist these individuals before problems become serious, most reputable gaming sites provide resources and tools for responsible gaming.
Examples include the ability to self-exclude from games altogether, setting deposit limits to reduce the maximum amount that can be wagered over a given period, and reality checks that display how much time has been spent playing.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Why Do Online Casinos Differ So Much?
After reading the tips above, you may wonder why online casinos differ so much if it’s all tightly regulated. Unfortunately, the online casino industry lacks worldwide standards, with different governmental entities having varying degrees of oversight when it comes to online gambling regulations.
There are many legitimate licensing jurisdictions that perform extensive background checks before approving a new online gaming operation, requiring operators to adhere to strict standards involving segregated player funds, fast payouts, and transparent game results. Examples include the United Kingdom, Malta, Gibraltar, and the Netherlands Antilles island of Curacao and St. Maarten.
However, other countries offer lax licensing standards that allow disreputable gaming sites to operate, providing little or no player protection. Included among these are Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Indonesian, Hungary, India, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Fortunately, there are many reputable online casinos that have stood the test of time. Our team has reviewed dozens of them and are confident that the recommended sites covered on this page meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
What Are Red Flags of an Illegitimate Online Casino?
With that said, it’s important to stay vigilant since there are still some shady online casinos trying to take advantage of unwary players. Watch out for these red flags that often appear on scam sites:
- No visible address or contact details
- Bonuses that are too good to be true
- Strange fine-print phrases in the Terms & Conditions
- Poor grammar and writing skills mentioned in their T&C
- Limited or non-existent payment methods
- Long and unrealistic withdrawal timescales
- Bad customer service, or no support at all
Remember that any online gaming site can have a rare complaint or two from a handful of players, regardless of its overall reputation. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the big picture instead of blindly believing everything you read in a single negative commentary.
If most feedback is positive, and the casino addresses any concerns raised in negative reviews, it’s likely that the site is legitimate. On the other hand, a pattern of widespread complaints over an extended period indicates deeper problems and suggests that you should avoid that particular online casino.
How We Review Online Casinos
To sum up, here’s a quick overview of the ten main points we consider when rating online gaming sites.
- Security and Safety
- Game Selection and Quality
- Mobile Gaming Options
- Banking Functionality
- Customer Support Services
- Reputation and Trustworthy History
- Transparency Regarding Bonuses and Promotions
- Responsible Gaming Policies
- Licensing and Regulatory Oversight
- Overall Customer Feedback
By using these evaluation criteria, we’ve identified the most reputable online casinos that provide a safe, fun, and rewarding gaming environment. Feel free to visit any of our top picks to learn more and claim your new player welcome bonus today.
Tips for Staying Safe While Gambling Online
If you already have an online casino in mind and want to begin playing right away, consider the following safe gambling tips to increase your chances of a rewarding experience.
- Stick to well-known gaming sites with a long track record of honest dealing and prompt payouts.
- Take advantage of limited-time welcome bonuses that provide extra value for your deposit.
- Read the terms and conditions attached to each promotion to understand the wagering requirements for turning your bonus into withdrawable cash.
- Start by playing the free versions of slot machines and other games to learn how they work and decide if you enjoy them before risking real money.
- Deposit only an amount of money that you can comfortably afford to lose, setting daily and weekly deposit limits if necessary to reinforce your budget.
- If you ever have a question or concern, immediately contact customer service and get a prompt reply with accurate information.
- Always play when you are in the proper frame of mind, never logging on to gamble when you are tired, angry, or depressed.
- Utilize any self-limitation tools provided by the online casino to maintain control over your gameplay, excluding yourself from the site entirely if you feel the need for a break from gambling.
Following these suggestions enhances your likelihood of staying safe and having fun while pursuing big payoffs at a reputable online casino site.
Can online casinos be trusted?
Yes, online casinos can definitely be trusted if you stick to licensed and regulated gaming sites that have passed all of the tests for safety, fairness, and trustworthiness. These legit casinos provide fair odds for all games, pay winners promptly, and protect privacy by strictly enforcing identity verification procedures. For added peace of mind, only play at sites that have endorsements from reputable third-party watchdog organizations likeaskGamblingRegulation.uk (eCOGRA).
What should I look for in an online casino?
When choosing an online casino, look for third-party certification seals indicating that the gaming site is secure, reputable, and provides fair odds for all games. Other factors to consider include a wide selection of popular games, generous bonuses with convenient terms, fast payouts with favorable withdrawal limits, and responsive customer service representatives available 24/7.
What is the most legitimate online casino?
According to our reviewers at CasinoSites.com, the most legitimate online casino is . They possess all the hallmarks of a reputable gaming operator, holding licences from the UK Gambling Commission and Government of Curacao while their games are independently audited and certified as fair by eCOGRA. They boast millions of happy customers and remain one of the most trusted brands in the online casino industry.
What is the safest online casino real money app?
The safest online casino real money app is , thanks to their robust security protocols that protect player privacy and bankrolls. Their mobile apps are also fully licensed and regulated, with third-party auditors verifying the fairness of their game outcomes. On top of that, they have built a solid reputation for honesty and prompt payouts since launching in 1997.
What is the most trusted online casino worldwide?
is widely considered to be the most trusted online casino worldwide due to their lengthy history, strong brand recognition, and reputation for honesty. Having paid out millions in jackpots since 1997, they hold active MGA and Government of Curacao licences, with eCOGRA certification ensuring that their casino games are fair and randomly generated.
What are the pros and cons of online casinos?
Pros:
- Convenient access from home or mobile device
- Wide range of games and stakes
- Bonuses and promotions
- Low minimum bets
- High RTP slots and games
- 24/7 availability
Cons:
- No immediate withdrawals
- Technical issues may occur
- More complex than brick and mortar
How do I know if an online casino is rigged?
To determine whether an online casino is rigged, check that they hold a valid gambling licence from a recognised authority like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. Third-party audit reports showing RNG certification and SOC accounts reveal financial responsibility for held player funds are also reassuring signs. Finally, check that the casino is transparent about their software providers and game payout audits.
How to avoid scam online casinos?
To avoid scam online casinos, only play at sites licensed by reputable governmental authorities like the UKGC or MGA. Additionally, look for an active gambling licence and third-party certification of RNG software and financial responsibility. Avoid sites with low withdrawal limits and check that game payouts are audited and published independently.
Which online casinos are legit?
The are licensed, regulated, and audited by third-party organizations like eCOGRA to verify that their games are fair and payouts are rapid and reliable. Having provided secure gaming experiences for years, they enjoy an enviable reputation for honesty and reliability in the online casino industry.
betfair casino app for androidAre online casinos really random?
Yes, online casino games are truly random and fair, thanks to Random Number Generator (RNG) software built into each game. This sophisticated code creates billions of random numbers every second, ensuring that each round of a casino game produces genuinely random results. Independent testing agencies like eCOGRA audit RNG software to verify its operation.
How can I win in online casinos?
The best way to win in online casinos is to begin with a solid bankroll and a clear strategy. Set a daily or weekly deposit limit, and always play when you’re feeling refreshed and not emotionally drained or distracted. Consider starting with low-stakes games until you gain confidence, and always review the game rules before playing.
How to spot a fake casino website?
To spot a fake casino website, check for visible contact details and an obvious address. Also, examine the URL to make sure it starts with ‘https://’ (with an ‘S’) to verify that it’s a secured site protected by SSL encryption. Finally, inspect their bonuses for feasible wagering requirements and realistic fine print.
Are online casinos safe with real ignition?
are completely safe and legitimate, as Ignition is an established and reputable online casino that has paid out millions in winnings since 2013. Moreover, their games are powered by leading software providers like Rival Gaming and BetSoft, and their site uses SSL encryption to protect all player data and communications.
How do you know if a casino is legit?
There are several ways to determine whether a casino is legit:
- Check for a valid gambling licence from a reputable regulatory agency.
- Verify that the games are audited by an independent organization to ensure fairness.
- Look for clear information about withdrawal procedures and processing times.
- Read reviews from other players to get an idea of their reputation.
- Ensure that their security measures are up to par, like SSL encryption.
Should I trust online casinos?
Yes, you can trust online casinos if you stick to reputable sites licensed by trustworthy gaming jurisdictions. Always check for third-party certification that verifies their games are fair and payouts are prompt. Look for a site with a good reputation and positive reviews from trusted sources.
What is the safest type of online gambling?
Online casino gambling is generally considered the safest form of online gambling, as it involves games that are regulated and monitored for fairness. Unlike other forms of online gambling, such as unlicensed online sportsbooks and offshore poker rooms, legitimate online casinos are subject to regular third-party audits to ensure that their games are truly random and offer players a fair chance of winning.
