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Online casino reviews: Best US ratings

Written by
Checked by Paul P.

Our goal? To provide a transparent and easy-to-understand rating system, consistent across all of our online casino reviews.

We use section-by-section ratings, concrete criteria, and three different scoring methods to make sure our users are getting the best online casino reviews.

Discover how we review, what operators must do to get our top casino ratings, and how you can channel that into your own research. 

In brief: The top 10 US casinos for Dec 2023

  1. 🥇 WOW Vegas — ⭐ 93/100 Expert Rating
  2. 🥈 DraftKings — ⭐ 93/100 Expert Rating
  3. 🥉 SugarHouse — ⭐ 89/100 Expert Rating
  4. Stake.us — ⭐ 88/100 Expert Rating
  5. Borgata — ⭐ 88/100 Expert Rating
  6. BetMGM — ⭐ 87/100 Expert Rating
  7. Pulsz — ⭐ 87/100 Expert Rating
  8. PlayStar — ⭐ 87/100 Expert Rating
  9. Caesars — ⭐ 85/100 Expert Rating
  10. Mohegan Sun — ⭐ 85/100 Expert Rating
Casino Logo Odds rating Bonus Go to casino Button Show more T&C
1
WOW Vegas casino review
94/100 Expert rating by Anna M. 92% Playscore based on 1.5 million WOW Coins + 30 free Sweepstakes Coins
Play now

Good to know

  • Daily log-in bonus
  • 756 slots to play
  • Regular promotions

8 payment methods

American Express
Apple Pay
MasterCard
Skrill
Visa
Trustly
Discover
Diners Club
Play now
2
DraftKings casino review
93/100 Expert rating by Anna M. 89% Playscore based on 100% up to $500 or 100% lossback up to $1,000
Play now

Good to know

  • USA's #1 casino app
  • 1,000+ games
  • Exclusive games

13 payment methods

Play+
Visa
VIP Preferred
Discover
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Cash at Casino Cage
Wire Transfer
American Express
MasterCard
Venmo
Check
Apple Pay
Play now
3
SugarHouse casino review
89/100 Expert rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on 100% match bonus up to $250
Play now

Good to know

  • 1x bonus wagering
  • 28 software providers
  • Exclusive software on offer

10 payment methods

Discover
MasterCard
Visa
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Wire Transfer
Play+
PayNearMe
VanillaDirect
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now
4
Sweepsteaks Ltd
Stake.us casino review
88/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 96% Playscore based on 250,000 Gold Coins and $25 Stake Cash
Play now

Good to know

  • Exclusive Time2play bonus
  • VIP rewards program
  • Giveaways and challenges

11 payment methods

Bitcoin
Binance Coin
Bitcoin Cash
Cryptocurrency
Dogecoin
EOS
Ethereum
Litecoin
Tether
Ripple
Tron
Play now
5
Borgata casino review
88/100 Expert rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on $20 Bonus Dollars + 100% up to $1,000
Play now

Good to know

  • 12 payment methods
  • 24/7 support
  • Quick sign-up process

13 payment methods

Visa
Discover
Play+
American Express
VIP Preferred
PayPal
PayNearMe
MasterCard
Bank Transfer
Cash at Casino Cage
Skrill
Apple Pay
e-Check
Play now
6
BetMGM casino review
87/100 Expert rating by Ian Z. 91% Playscore based on 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play
Play now

Good to know

  • 20+ software providers
  • 24/7 support
  • Play over 700 games

14 payment methods

PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
American Express
PayNearMe
Cash at Casino Cage
Bank Transfer
Skrill
TAPPP
GAME ON
Apple Pay
Play now
7
Pulsz casino review
87/100 Expert rating by Claire S. 84% Playscore based on Up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 free Sweepstakes Coins
Play now

Good to know

  • Social media and VIP rewards
  • Regular tournaments and contests
  • 700+ games

8 payment methods

Visa
Skrill
MasterCard
American Express
Bank Transfer
Apple Pay
Trustly
Google Pay
Play now
8
PlayStar casino review logo
PlayStar casino review
87/100 Expert rating by Charlie S. 81% Playscore based on 100% Deposit Match up to $500 + 500 Free Spins
Play now

Good to know

  • Two-part welcome deal
  • Five-tier Playstar Club
  • Smooth mobile apps

6 payment methods

Visa
MasterCard
Play+
e-Check
PayPal
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now
9
Caesars casino review
85/100 Expert rating by Ian Z. 86% Playscore based on 100% up to $1,000 + $10 bonus bet + 2,500 Reward Credits
Play now

Good to know

  • Caesars Rewards loyalty program
  • Quick registration
  • Over 800 games

10 payment methods

MasterCard
Discover
Visa
American Express
Bank Transfer
PayPal
Play+
Cash at Casino Cage
PayNearMe
VIP Preferred
Play now
10
Mohegan Sun casino review
85/100 Expert rating by Lorella F. 85% Playscore based on 100% up to $1,000
Play now

Good to know

  • Email, live chat, phone support
  • iOS and Android apps
  • Over 790 slot games

9 payment methods

VIP Preferred
ACH Network
Play+
Bank Transfer
PayNearMe
MasterCard
Visa
PayPal
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now

The top three casinos – our expert reviews

Reviewing a casino is hard work, and our experts are eager to put all that work to good use. Every singe casino has been completely analyzed, for their bonuses, game offerings, safety, customer support, and overall offering.

Using this information gained from the casino reviews, our experts have picked three top casinos for you to enjoy.

🥇#1 Best overall: WOW Vegas

Looking for a solid casino? Check out WOW Vegas. They’ve got daily login bonuses, over 300 games, and reliable payment options.

Plus, when you rack up 100 Sweepstake Coins, you can cash them in for real money at a 1:1 rate. The best part? You’ll score some SC with every purchase, so you’re off to a good start from the beginning.

🥈#2 Best real money casino: DraftKings

One of the largest online casinos available, DraftKings is an established US casino brand that offers over 1,000 different games.

Add to this is it’s great welcome offering, it’s exclusive games, and top tier customer support. In fact, it’s one of the only casinos to score a perfect 100 on customer support in our casino reviews!

🥉#3 Best for mobile: SugarHouse


SugarHouse means business, offering a whopping 800+ games from 28 different studios and an incredibly low 1x wagering requirement on their welcome bonus. They also provide native apps for a seamless gaming experience.

But what sets SugarHouse apart is its exclusive mobile games, taking the game count to over 850, including 14 live dealer options. Add to that an app that’s easy to navigate and user-friendly, and you’ve got yourself one of the top casino apps available today.

How we build the best casino reviews

We use a set system of data-driven criteria to rate each online casino. So if the numbers are different, it’s not down to personal preference. Industry knowledge and scientific technique is a good, fair combo, and we believe it’s the way to supply the best online casino reviews.

Our numbers are based on market averages. Our experts have years of casino experience, and we’ve combined that with deep casino research to define exactly what a top casino looks like to us. We take a similar data-based approach for all our online gambling sites.

We dissect online casino sites into different sections, like ‘games’, ‘bonuses’, and ‘safety’, and score each one separately, then aggregate the points into a total Expert Rating.

So, how do we review online casinos? Read on to check out what we look for in each section, or head on over to our methodology page for the full breakdown of all the criteria, including the numbers and data.

Bonuses

We rate on the number of casino bonuses, the type, and the quality — both of the initial prize and the terms. For example, a triple-tiered welcome bonus of a $1,000 deposit match, with an extra no-deposit bonus and some free spins will score way better than a solo $200 cashback. Especially if there’s a 1x wagering requirement on the former and 50x on the latter.

Games

A total of 700+ games is good, but variety’s a prime factor if a place wants to be among the best online casinos. Slots, live casino, table games and progressive jackpots are a must especially for high rollers looking for big payouts. Good filters, exclusive games and niche offerings like bingo and keno help separate the good from the great.

Software

Having a large number of software providers shows that casino sites aren’t cheaping out on their games. If most of those are from top gambling names like NetEnt, SG and IGT casinos, you’re in good hands. Bonus points for great online live casino offerings — 24/7 availability, and being shot from a real casino. Exclusive software is a plus.

Payments

Operators aiming for top casino reviews will make sure there are loads of options for money exchange. High-quality options like AMEX and PayPal casino deposits help. Instant deposit and withdrawal times, low minimum deposits, no maximum withdrawal limits and no operator payment fees help to secure the elite scores.

Safety

The best safe online casinos we review will have their own responsible gambling platforms. It isn’t enough to merely stick to state-mandated responsible gaming standards. SSL-encrypted websites and dedicated pages for game fairness and auditing should be present. Transparent, easily accessible terms and conditions will seal the deal.

Mobile

For leading mobile casino scores, the best online casino sites need to offer all of the games they do on desktop, including live games. Native apps for Android and iOS, a glitchless experience, and an intuitive mobile interface are all prerequisites for scoring high. Mobile-specific promotions or payments can land it a top-tier casino review.

Support

If a casino has email, live chat, FAQs and a phone number, it’s a good start. Easily accessible contact details and live chat for non-registered users sweeten the deal. If it’s got all that, 24/7 availability, and high-quality, accurate live chat responses that come back to you in under a minute, it’s a top scorer. 

Usability

What do we look for? Easy sign-up forms that don’t take more than a few minutes to fill out. Easy bonus claims. Easy site navigation with search options and game filters. Toss in a smooth website experience, and the casino’s well on its way to getting a high score.

State

Casino offerings differ from state to state. Our casino reviews contain dedicated state sections that point out any important differences impacting your playing experience. Of course, not all states have legalized online casinos and in these cases, we opt for social or sweeps casinos

The Time2play methodology breakdown

Expert rating: This is the result of scoring each section of a casino separately, and tying it into one average score. Each section is weighed equally, to make sure we’re not favoring casinos that are strong in only one area. If an operator scores brilliantly in every section, it gets a prime spot on our best online casinos page.

Playscore: A Time2play exclusive, our Playscore aggregates online casino review scores from around the web, and averages them out into one easily digestible number. We believe having access to that data is valuable for our users.

User rating: This displays the average of the scores put together by our users. Player involvement is a part of creating the best platform for the user — casino reviews for the people, by the people. Our online casino reviews have a dedicated ‘user rating’ section, and we’re proud that our users can Trust Us. Get involved.

Man sitting at desk with time2play's three rating scores: expert rating, user rating, and Playscore

What’s needed for the best casino reviews?

Top scores don’t happen every day, but they do happen. The best casino reviews go to the crème de la crème – those who go above and beyond with their offerings, giving players more than what’s simply adequate.

So what does that look like to us? Here’s a section-by-section breakdown of every mark an operator would need to hit to get to the top of our online casino ratings. It’d take a unicorn of a casino to get 100/100 in every single section, but we’ll surely let you know when that day comes!

Bonuses

Perfect score needsBest casino
300% deposit match, $50 no deposit bonus, 50 free spins BetMGM casino
Wagering requirement of 15x bonus or less

Games

Perfect score needsBest casino
700+Golden Nugget casino
All major types covered
Good filters
Exclusive games

Software

Perfect score needsBest casino
21+ totalGolden Nugget casino
12+ top providers
24/7 live casino, shot on location
Exclusive software

Payments

Perfect score needsBest casino
15+ totalDraftKings casino
Nine+ top methods
Instant deposits/ withdrawals
No operator fees
No withdrawal limits
Minimum deposits/ withdrawals under $5

Safety

Perfect score needsBest casino
Responsible gambling platformDraftKings casino
Transparent responsible gambling tools and links
(legally required in most states)
Listed by state boards (e.g. MGCB)
SSL encryption
Fair gaming pages
Transparent, easily accessible T&Cs

Mobile

Perfect score needsBest casino
95% + of total gamesSugarHouse casino
Native apps
Glitch-free
Mobile-specific promotions/ payments

Support

Perfect score needsBest casino
All support channels availableSugarHouse casino
24/7 support
Live chat for non-registered users
Quick, high-quality responses

Usability

Perfect score needsBest casino
Easy sign-upBorgata casino
Easy bonus claim
Easy site navigation
Good search and filter

Blacklisted casino reviews

Look; there are some really great casinos out there. But there’s lots of trash too. We’ve said that the point of Time2play is to be transparent and to challenge the affiliate market — well, this is how we prove it. 

If a casino doesn’t meet our standards, it’s off the nice list. A few things we look out for include accepting bets in violation of state laws, shady practices like hidden fees or rigged games, and illegal payment methods.

It’s why we use 3 separate scores to find the best online casinos — the Playscore from other reviewers shouldn’t be taken at face value, and user ratings hold us accountable too. 

We want to give the best online casino reviews, so if a place doesn’t pull its weight, we don’t pull our punches. 

Playing it safe — casino research tips

Looking at our top online casino reviews is a great way to find legal, trustworthy sites. But there’s plenty you can learn by snooping around yourself – if you know what to keep watch for.

We’re jotting down a quick batch of tips you can use to get started with creating your own online casino ratings. You’re encouraged to go further and build up your research portfolio as you encounter more casinos. 

Approved Online Roulette Table On Mobile
Tip 1

Don’t underestimate a first impression

If there’s one thing a casino should have, it’s money — at least enough to cover everyone’s wins. If you pop on to a platform and it looks like the operator couldn’t afford to get a decent website made, that should go straight to the bottom of your internet casino review pile.

5star Casino Review With Badge
Tip 2

Check the license

State restrictions are a big thing in the US gambling industry, and you don’t want to be caught off guard, especially at payout time. The usual restriction is physical location – e.g., you can be from CA and bet on an NJ site, as long as you’re actually in NJ when you do it. In some states it’s limited to sweeps casinos. You should always check the licenses and read online casino reviews before playing for real money.

Open Giftbox With Positive And Negative Tick
Tip 3

Browse the bonuses, and their terms

Tip 1 – Go through the bonus selection and make sure there’s some stuff for existing players. A welcome bonus may be top-tier, but you’re only ever going to get one of those. Tip 2 – Each bonus and promotion should link to its terms/conditions. You’re going to want to check out wagering requirements and how long you’ve got to cash in.

Slot Machine With Gambling Symbols
Tip 4

Use demos!

Lots of top casinos let you play free versions of their online casino games. Take advantage of that. Pro tip – if you’re at a casino that doesn’t offer demos, you can usually try out the demo on another site without needing to make an account. However, demos don’t usually work with live dealer games.

Live Chat Logo With Headphones
Tip 5

Try out casino resources, especially support

Most top operators won’t ask you to have an account to speak to their customer support teams. This is a good way to find out more information on bonuses and payments, and to get a look into the casino’s process efficiency. If a support team is rude and cuts the conversation mid-chat, it’s probably not the place to be if you ever have real problems.

Mobile With Approved Payment Methods
Tip 6

Check out the cashier section

Sometimes this may require signing up, but payment info is often available on the ‘get started’ page even before that. Essentially, your goal is to scout out the payment methods. If you’re seeing a lot of things you recognize like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and Skrill, it’s a good sign. 

Scale With Coins And Gift Box
Tip 7

Compare and contrast

This is a key component of the Time2play online casino review process. When we’re rating online casinos, we don’t just say good or bad, we tell you who does it better and worse. When you’re checking out an area, e.g. a bonus, at a casino – compare it to what others are offering and see what’s best for you.

How to use our casino reviews

Now that we’ve talked about our 3 scores, how we get them, and how you can do your own casino research, it makes sense to conclude with a few tips and tricks on using Time2play’s top online casino reviews.

Everything’s split into sections, which makes it ultra-easy to find info on your priority areas when picking a new casino. Each section is split into 3 areas, which will help you find the type of information you want.

  1. First are the Facts. Here’s where we tell you what the casino’s got, and how it compares to its competition. We also throw in a table with some quick key facts for clarity and detail. 
  2. Second is the Expert Box. This is where our experts give their honest opinion. Facts are necessary, but here’s where you go to learn how a casino feels, which is an integral part of the entertainment experience.
  3. Last are the Accordions. Here’s where you go if you want to get technical. If you’re looking to squeeze out every last detail before committing to a casino, we’ve got your back there too.

For the best casino reviews — we want YOU!

The most trusted online casino reviews come from players themselves. So, want your favorite casino to be featured? Want to warn people about a bad experience you had? Get involved and review away. 

Saw a brand new casino that looks cool, but you’re not sure about it yet? Got a new phone and want us to add some new spots to the best mobile casinos for real money? Played at a instant play casino that you think everyone should know about? Get in touch, and we’ll get cracking. 

The industry’s charging forward at 100 mph, and we’re determined to keep up. We regularly update our USA online casino reviews to keep things fresh — and you can help us out there. 

Want us to review a casino? Send a request.

FAQs

Why is transparency so important for Time2play reviewers?

Time2play was founded by casino experts who were sick of the state of the affiliate industry. Sponsored reviews and paid score boosts are all too common, and it’s standard practice to only talk about casinos’ good points and leave out anything bad. Transparency is important to us because we don’t want to just tell you we’re different, we want to show you how we’re different. Check out our casino review process.

How does Time2play create unbiased online casino reviews?

We show scores from our experts, from user reviews, and even from competitors to give players the broadest look at each casino. Our expert scores are based on a set system across all casinos – everyone gets the same test. On our best casino reviews page, we explain what’s needed for top scores, both per US state and per scoring category, so if we say something is good/bad, we’re accountable to publicly available information. Finally, we compare and contrast in every casino review. If we point out an advantage, we’ll contextualize it with an example from another casino.

How do I add a user rating to an online casino review?

User ratings are important because they allow us to give users a different, fuller overview of every casino. We want to be known as the transparent industry lighthouse with the top online casino reviews, and your ratings help us live up to that promise. You can head to the user ratings section on this page, and use the ‘Get in touch’ button to kickstart your reviewing journey.

Research methodology

Our casino assessment method is thorough and transparent. We begin with a screening that confirms legal compliance. Then, using data-driven metrics, we meticulously rate casinos in categories like game variety, bonuses and their terms, security measures, UI, mobile, payments, and support. Our stringent approach ensures that only casinos meeting our high standards appear in our top lists.

Casinos we monitor

888 casino, bet365 casino, BetAmerica casino, BetMGM casino, BetRivers casino, BetRivers Casino4fun, Betway casino, Borgata casino, Caesars casino, Captain Jack casino, Chumba casino, Delaware Park casino, Dover Downs casino, DraftKings casino, DuckyLuck casino, FanDuel casino, Fortune Coins casino, Funrize casino, Funzpoints casino, Gambino Slots casino, Global Poker, Golden Nugget casino, Harrahs casino, Harrington casino, High 5 Casino, Huuuge casino, LuckyLand Slots casino, Mohegan Sun casino, MyChoice casino, NoLimitCoins casino, Pala Casino, PartyCasino, Parx casino, PlayStar casino, Pulsz casino, Red Dog casino, Refuel Casino, Resorts casino, Rush Games casino4fun, Scores casino, Slotomania casino, Stake.us casino, Stardust casino, SugarHouse casino, SweepSlots casino, Sweeptastic casino, Tao Fortune casino, Tropicana casino, VegasGems casino, Virgin casino, Wild casino, WOW Vegas casino, WynnBET casino

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