Safe online casinos – trusted online gambling sites 2025
Big bonuses and flashy games are meaningless if you can’t trust your casino. Here you’ll find 100% clean casinos and you’ll learn how to ensure you’re playing at a secure online casino site.
I break down how they are regulated, where to play safe online slots, and how to spot unregulated US casinos.
Top 10 US safe casinos for May 2025
- 🥇Horseshoe casino — Regular third-party audits to ensure fair play
- 🥈PlayStar casino — 256-bit encryption
- 🥉Caesars casino — Caesars Entertainment responsible gaming program
- Bet365 casino — Information Security Management System (ISMS)
- Stardust casino — Two factor authentication available
- SugarHouse casino — Self-exclusion policy
- BetMGM casino — Transparent terms and conditions
- FanDuel — Wide variety of RG tools
- Borgata casino — Fast and safe verification process
- Harrahs casino — Scientifically-driven RG policies and procedures
The best safe online casinos in May 2025
| Casino Logo | Rating | Bonus | Go-to-casino button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
97/100 Safety rating by Denise M. 84% Playscore based on |
100% bonus back up to $1,000
|
Play now players accepted |
8 payment methods 
|
|
2
|
95/100 Safety rating by Charlie S. 82% Playscore based on |
100% Deposit Match up to $500 + 500 Free Spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
3
|
91/100 Safety rating by Dasha G. 86% Playscore based on |
100% up to $2,500 and 2,500 Reward Credits on a $25+ wager
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
4
|
90/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
10 days of Spins – Generator Reveal.
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/IL/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) 21+, (KY) 18 |
5
|
90/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
$25 free + up to $500 in deposit bonuses
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
6
|
88/100 Safety rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on |
100% match bonus up to $250
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
7
|
84/100 Safety rating by Vule P. 91% Playscore based on |
100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
14 payment methods
|
|
8
|
84/100 Safety rating by Dasha G. 87% Playscore based on |
Deposit $10, get 500 Bonus Spins + $40 Casino Bonus
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
12 payment methods
|
|
9
|
83/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 92% Playscore based on |
$20 Bonus Dollars + 100% up to $1,000
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
13 payment methods
|
|
10
|
81/100 Safety rating by Dasha G. 80% Playscore based on |
100% up to $100 + 100 free spins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
9 payment methods
|
|
1
|
96/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 85% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
2
|
94/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 81% Playscore based on |
10,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
3
|
94/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 91% Playscore based on |
1.5 million WOW Coins + 35 free Sweepstakes Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
8 payment methods
|
|
4
|
92/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 90% Playscore based on |
57,000 Gold Coins + 27.5 free Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
5
|
92/100 Safety rating by Elena I. 79% Playscore based on |
250,000 Tao Coins + up to 3,000 FREE Secret Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
6 payment methods
|
|
6
|
92/100 Safety rating by Denise M. 84% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
11 payment methods
|
|
7
|
90/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on |
100,000 Crown Coins + 2 FREE Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
7 payment methods
|
|
8
|
90/100 Safety rating by Denise M. 76% Playscore based on |
100,000 Gold Coins + 1 FREE Sweepstakes Coin
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
4 payment methods
|
|
9
|
90/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 77% Playscore based on |
10,000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
10 payment methods
|
|
10
|
90/100 Safety rating by Paul P. 87% Playscore based on |
Up to 120,000 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now players accepted |
Good to know
3 payment methods
|
The casinos listed here are selected first and foremost for their safety features. I believe in gambling as a form of entertainment, so any gambling site that takes extra steps in its responsible gambling features will always score highly with me.
“Responsible iGaming is crucial for any brand looking to engage with audiences safely, so ensuring that you meet regulatory demands across markets is essential.”
The top three safest online casinos (tested by me)
Not everyone has the time to review all online casinos’ safety policies, tools, and responsible gambling efforts. That’s what I’m here for, and I’ve looked through all the criteria and curated a top-three list of secure casinos.
These criteria include the casinos’ safety tools, encryption technology, responsible gambling efforts, and overall casino offering.
🥇#1 Horseshoe Best overall
The latest casino from the veterans over at Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Horseshoe has proven its safety by managing to get a license for four US states, these being New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Winner of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award in 2024, Horseshoe boasts 256-bit SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and a slew of Responsible Gaming tools including self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and responsible gaming training.
Pros
- Owned by a reputable establishment
- Licensed in 4 states
- Two-factor authentication available
Cons
- No trust seals on website footer
🥈#2 PlayStar Best encryption
PlayStar prioritizes safety by using 256-bit SSL encryption. This ensures that player data and transactions are fully protected. You’ll find a transparent privacy policy and clear details on how your data is used and stored.
Additionally, you’ll find in-app tools for setting deposit, time, and loss limits, encouraging responsible gambling. A standout safety feature PlayStar offers is the identity verification process which uses AI to flag any inconsistencies during your account setup, making sure everything’s in order before you start playing.
Pros
- Advanced 256-bit encryption
- AI-driven identity verification
- Transparent terms
Cons
- No two-factor authentication
🥉#3 Caesars Best for mobile
Caesars prioritizes safety, which is also true for players on the go. You’ll find that the Caesars mobile app is equipped with two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced secturity, making it harder for anyone to access your account. It’s also fully SSL-encrypted, protecting your sensitive data.
The app also provides access the Caesars Entertainment responsible gaming program, including deposit and session limits directly within the app. And with over 95% of the desktop features available on mobile, you can enjoy secure gaming anywhere, any time.
Pros
- Two-factor authentication
- Easy access to self-help tools
- Oversight in line with land-based casino
Cons
- Large app size
So let me just begin by saying that I have used pretty much all the casino apps legal in MI and have time and again returned to the Caesars app because it works consistently (provided your internet signal is sufficiently strong), I win routinely (I also lose routinely but that’s par for the course and should be expected), the deposit process is efficient and the withdrawal process is similarly simple and efficient.
If you have an interest in app-based gambling, I can whole heartedly recommend Caesar’s as a front runner.
Good luck!
How to find safe online gambling sites in the US
Here are some tips and tricks, together with the things to look out for when assessing whether a casino is legit.
Licenses and auditing
No permit, no party. Licenses and auditing are high priority, so if you don’t see certain seals, immediately find another casino. A safe casino is one that understands the value of transparency and isn’t afraid to show off the auditing stripes that mark it legit. Look for these seals in the footer of a casino’s website at the very bottom of the page.
Payment methods
An honest online casino always has two things in its payment options: quality and variety. Look for casinos that offer payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, and PayPal, as these are widely known for their security and reliability. Also, make sure the casino has transparent policies around deposit limits, fees, and processing times.
Responsible gambling tools
The safest online casinos take responsible gaming seriously. Look for casinos that offer deposit, loss, and wagering limits. Of course, you’re not obliged to use them, but the fact they are there speaks volumes about whether or not a casino cares about its players. Look for the RG or 800Gambler trust seals on the casino’s website to make sure these are in place.
Security and encryption
Security and encryption are always of significant importance in the online casino world. Online casinos that are SSL encrypted and have seals proving they’re regularly audited by unbiased third parties are the ones that should get your vote and money. These seals too will be found in the footer on their website.
Reputation on forums and in reviews
Online casinos are only as good as their reputations, and if you’ve been doing the dirty on your clients, sooner or later, you’re going to get blacklisted. Google prospective casinos and see what kind of service players have been getting. Of course, the internet is the home of the good, the bad, and the ugly, so you might even discover that the casino you have in mind has a huge trophy case of awards.
Support
The safest online gambling sites know how important support is and don’t skimp on making sure their players get the best. Top safe US online casinos have readily available contact details that are easy to find and available 24/7. A legit online casino with nothing to hide won’t be afraid to have easy contact info. Look for other methods too; preferably a full suite with live chat and phone service over a ticketing system or some FAQ pages.
Transparency of terms
For a casino to be considered a secure online casino site, players must have access to the full terms, bonus policy, and cashier information. Secure online casinos make this info easily accessible and offer dedicated pages. New online casinos that feel like they have something to hide should not go down well with you.
Reliability of products
When you choose between secure online casinos, it’s pretty much like choosing a home. That means that you want to ensure that you have the right amenities. In an online casino, you’re going to want the best casino games and software out there. If a casino is working with top providers such as NetEnt, IGT, and Evolution, then that’s another safety signal.
Mobile casino safety
Over 60% of players use their phones to play at real-money online casinos, so it would make little sense if mobile casinos weren’t safe and easily accessible in this day and age. Trusted online casinos go the extra mile and build native apps, as well as give access to over 95% of what you would find on the desktop version, safely and securely.
One often-overlooked sign of a truly safe online casino is how disputes or payout delays are handled. I’ve learned that the most trustworthy platforms respond quickly and transparently, providing detailed transaction history in your account.
Before committing to a casino, test their support team with a minor question about withdrawals or bonus terms. The speed and clarity of their answer can give you insight into their overall reliability. Additionally, check if they offer account activity logs. These allow you to track every login, bet, and transaction, ensuring nothing happens on your account without your knowledge.
This level of accountability separates the best from the rest.
Regulation for safe online casinos
Each state where real money online casinos are legal has its own gambling licensing board. Many of them, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), are also auditors who test online casino games in the Technical Services Bureau – this means that they have complete control over who to let in and leave out.
Of course, each state is a legal entity unto itself, which means that each state has different legal requirements – NJ requires slots to pay out a minimum of 83%, while PA requires a slots payout of 85%.
However, regardless of legal requirements, they are all licensors who need responsible gambling and player safety tools to be in place before they green-light a spot as a secure online casino site.
Most states will publish lists of their legal online casinos on their state page, so if you want to play at a reputable casino, those lists are a good place to start.
“Being agile, planning ahead, and meeting the regulatory changes will ensure operations run smoothly, and responsible iGaming is upheld.”
Where are casinos legal?
If you’ve ever wondered who issues licenses to safe online gambling sites — we have the answer! We have compiled a table detailing which states have legalized gambling, which boards regulate them, when they legalized online gambling, and how many internet casinos are currently available in each state to make it easier for you.
| State | Licensed by | Online gambling legalized | No. of casinos (last count) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (1) | 2013 | 23 |
| Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board (2) | December, 2019 | 15 |
| Delaware | Delaware Gaming Enforcement (3) | 2012 | 3 |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (4) | October 12, 2021 | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (5) | October 30, 2017 | 18 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Lottery Commission (6) | March 27, 2019 | 5 |
| Rhode Island | Division of Lotteries (7) | June 22, 2023 | 1 |
Safest payment methods at online casinos
A safe online casino is nothing without secure casino payment methods to go with it. Having a reputable payment method that you can use to deposit and withdraw money is not only necessary for a casino to function smoothly, but it also gives the player peace of mind.
My personal pick would be online casinos that accept PayPal, as they tend to have a high safety rating.
| Payment type | Why is it safe? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal | PayPal uses an internal approval process for anything to do with gambling, meaning extra security. | Not all casinos accept PayPal, withdrawal times may vary depending on the casino. |
| Visa/Mastercard | Two renowned, globally recognized brands that are trusted and used by millions. | May not allow withdrawals in some cases, deposits may appear as cash advances. |
| Play+ | A payment method built especially for casinos, with the fastest withdrawals. | Only available at select online casinos, may require a physical card to activate. |
| PayNearMe | Adds several security layers while allowing in-person payments at land-based casinos and shops. | Only supports deposits, not withdrawals, requires physical access to payment locations. |
| Bank Transfer | The oldest and most established way to move money, even though it may be slower than other options. | Slow processing times, may incur higher fees compared to other payment methods. |
Are casino bonuses safe? What to watch out for
While most bonuses can look pretty enticing on the surface, it’s essential to always look at their terms and conditions. Even if you’re playing at the safest online gambling sites, you always need to be aware of conditions like wagering requirements, or you’ll be in for a nasty surprise.
The bottom line is if something seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is. Here are a few things to watch out for when looking through the terms and conditions of potential safe online casino bonuses.
Type of bonus
The important thing to remember here is to not get carried away. Read the terms and conditions of each bonus properly — something may look good on the surface but turn out not so great. A no-deposit bonus for example is always a better idea than a cashback bonus for most players.
Wagering requirements
Each bonus is subject to wagering requirements meaning that you have to play a set number of times before getting your bonus. It’s a commitment that you need to be ready to take on. A very good wagering requirement in my book is anything less than 15x the bonus amount, with some casinos going as low as 1x.
Expiry date
Every bonus comes with an expiry date or a limited amount of time in which you can wager to earn your reward. You should know what the expiry date is from the outset because if you don’t wager in the time given, you’ll lose your bonus. It sounds pretty simple, but it’s tripped up plenty of players.
Cashout limits
The safest online gambling sites will clearly state how much you can cash out. Cashout limits change from place to place, and a good casino lets you withdraw at least $5,000 a week, with a withdrawal time of preferably under 24 hours. Always read the fine print — it might help stop you from being frustrated later.
Game eligibility
Don’t just assume that your game of choice will be covered by the online casino bonus. You’re usually fine with slots, but some casinos limit the jackpot options — they don’t want to lose a million bucks to someone who’s only risking bonus money. Table games are often limited in some way. Usually only a percentage of each wager will contribute towards the requirements. This is normal even at the most trusted online casino sites.
Order of funds
If you’ve gone for a deposit match, the most common kind of US casino bonus, you’ll have real money and bonus money in your casino account at the same time. Many casinos will take credit from your bonus cash for wagering first, and those are the ones I like. Always read the terms and conditions to make sure you know what you’re betting — you don’t wanna be spending your real money while your bonus cash just ticks its merry way along toward its expiration date.
Safe online casino slots
Some casinos are indeed more reputable than others; however, if your casino is vetted and audited, you can rest assured that the online casino games they provide are safe too. You can confirm regulation through clickable seals on the website or by checking your state’s list of licensed internet casino operators.
When choosing safe casino slots there are other factors to consider, such as volatility and RTP. For more information about how to pick the right slot for you, visit our online slots page.
Gates of Olympus
Step into the realm of Zeus with this high-volatility slot featuring cascading wins. Always play responsibly by setting limits, as its fast-paced action can be thrilling but risky.
Big Bass Bonanza
Reel in exciting wins with this fishing-themed slot that offers free spins and multipliers. Always verify the RTP and settings when playing on reputable platforms to ensure transparency.
Butterfly Staxx
Experience serene spins with glowing butterflies and re-spin features in this low-volatility slot. Choose licensed casinos to ensure fair play and secure transactions for peace of mind.
Dead or Alive2
Venture into the Wild West with high stakes and big win potential in this classic slot sequel. Play safely by sticking to trusted operators and understanding the high volatility.How to play safely at online casinos
Right, so you’ve found your safe online casinos, but you want to go the extra mile to cover your back. No worries. I’ve put down a few tips and tricks you can follow to have the safest online experience.
Use available responsible gambling tools
A secure online casino will always offer responsible gambling tools that you can take full advantage of as you play. Set yourself a deposit limit, loss limit, and wagering limit, and play knowing that all your financial logistics are being taken care of.
Try casino games for free
The safest online gambling sites will allow you to play for free before you commit to enable you to practice and gain confidence before putting down your hard-earned cash. Playing for free also helps you learn the ins and outs of the game without the stress.
Make sure casinos are listed on auditor’s sites
A surefire way of making sure that you are playing at safe online casinos in the USA is by looking at auditor’s sites and seeing if your casino of choice is listed. Many auditor sites carry lists of all the reputable casinos they’re linked to — especially if the casino is displaying the auditor’s seal on its site or app.
Avoid offshore casinos
It should pretty much go without saying, but the truth is that if you want to play at reputable online casinos, then an offshore casino is not the answer to your prayers. Offshore casinos are shady throwbacks to when online casinos were illegal in the US — there’s no need for you to revisit that time or them.
How to avoid gambling at illegal US casinos
With the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, online casinos were effectively outlawed in the US, which meant that casinos that wanted to stay in business had to operate offshore.
The same bills that are legalizing online casinos in the US today are often taking care to close this loophole, outlawing offshores in the process. However, these untrustworthy offshore casinos have remained fully functional.
If you want to play at secure online casinos, check that your casino of choice hasn’t been blacklisted. A casino can be blacklisted for various reasons, but one of the main reasons is if it doesn’t pay its players when they win.
Top three signs of an illegal US casino:
- No state regulator seals in the footer
- Offers unsecured payment methods
- Has bonuses well over the 100% match
Here’s a list of some popular offshore casinos you should avoid:
| Casino | Ever blacklisted? |
|---|---|
| Captain Jack | Yes |
| Las Atlantis | No |
| Planet 7 | No |
| Wild Casino | No |
| JackpotCity Casino | Yes |
Crypto can be legal in some rare cases. While it’s not something you’ll see at real-money casinos, lots of reputable sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us do offer crypto payment options. If this is important to you, it’s best to look at sweeps casinos.
Bonuses over 100% aren’t illegal, it’s just rare for legal, safe casinos to offer them. Illegal ones will often flash big numbers like 400% — to try to get you to make a deposit, so be wary of offers that seem to good to be true.
Safe online casino FAQs
What are the most trusted online casinos?
The most trusted online casinos are licensed and usually come with seals of trust so that you know exactly how safe and secure they are before you start depositing your money. Time2play never advises playing at a casino that isn’t reputable.
What is the safest casino online?
The safest casino will be one that has all of the licensing in place, along with responsible gambling tools, safe payment methods, modern security measures, quality support, and reputable software providers. Take a look at my list at the top of the page for more specific information.
How do you know if an online casino is safe?
One of the ways of knowing that an online casino is safe is by checking what payment options it offers. The safest online casinos will have renowned payment methods such as PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard because big names like these can’t afford to be seen anywhere except the best.
How can I gamble online safely?
If you want to deposit and gamble at a secure online casino, it’s essential to make sure to read all the terms and conditions that your game of choice comes with. No reputable casino will ever ask you to disclose your full bank details in an email either, so that’s something else to look out for. Ultimately, if you stick to the tips outlined above, you should be more than fine.
What is the safest casino game?
If you go with a reputable provider you can rest assured you’ll be playing safe online games. Do keep in mind that most casino games are games of chance, so any casino game that requires skill — such as poker — is always going to be safer than slots or roulette (games that are only up to chance).
