The thrill of a casino was once limited to the walls of a retail establishment.

However, improvements in technology over the past two decades mean, those of us legally able to do so, are opting to play and enjoy online casino games from the comfort of our sofa.

But knowing which online casino is best can be tricky, especially for beginners. With this in mind, here are our top five tips for finding the best online casino sites in the US.

Choosing an Online Casino: 5 Tips

1. Find out if online casinos are allowed in your state
2. Consider the selection of online casino games on offer
3. Look at the payment options available
4. Check the compatibility of online casino
5. Review customer support options

First things first. Does your state permit the use of online casinos? Yes, legal sports betting may be legal. But that doesn’t necessarily mean online casino sites are legal too.

These are the only states where you will find licensed and secure online casino sites. Delaware was the first state to enter online casino gambling in 2012, followed by New Jersey in 2013 and Pennsylvania in 2019. West Virginia is the most recent state to have joined the list in July 2020.

Which games do you want to play? Traditional games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Craps? Are you a fan, as many are, of online slots games such as Cleopatra or Gonzo’s Quest? Perhaps you’re all about all-time classic titles such as Wheel of Fortune and Wolf Run?

And have you thought about how you want to play? There’s the option to gamble against the casino but it’s possible to play live dealer table games too. The type of online games you want to play will have a bearing on the online casino you decide to sign-up with.

It’s useful to know your gambling intentions too. Will you just play online casino games? In which case, one of the renowned casino games such as SugarHouse or Golden Nugget may be for you.

Or, will you be looking to bet on sports and go between the two gambling verticals? If so, you may be better choosing a more rounded online gambling site like FanDuel or Unibet.

Separating a good online casino from the rest is easy - just check the payment options listed. As with any online transaction you want to feel secure and move your money quickly. But, also, you want to feel in charge of how you do it.

Whichever payment method you want to use to play real money casino games, you should have a flexible and broad set of options available.

• Credit/debit cards (VISA/Mastercard/Amex)
• E-wallets (Paypal, Neteller, Skrill)
• Bank transfers (Bank wire, e-check, Western Union)

The best online casinos on the market guarantee freedom in terms of payment methods and ensure you are comfortable making a payment the way you want.

Is the online casino site compatible across all devices: mobile phone, laptop, desktop? These days, it’s rare a site is designed without considering such a vital element.

However, we still regard this as an important aspect to consider - there is nothing more frustrating than being unable to play or being limited in what you can play due to your device not being up to it.

We recommend checking the website for software compatibility specifications before you commit to signing-up.

Alright, it’s not a question likely to top your list. Ours neither. The thing is, though, a good level of customer support is a necessity for when things go awry, as they so often do when technology is involved.

Top online casinos cover all bases in terms of making themselves available. But many online casino companies don't, leaving customers to fend for themselves instead.

For us, a lack of customer support options is a major turn-off regardless of how many games available or how big the bonus offer may be.

Live chat, email, a direct phone line, and a detailed FAQ section should be the minimum of any online casino site.

As you’ve read, there are a few factors to consider before choosing an online casino. Deciding on the right one for you depends on your gambling preferences and intentions, which vary from player to player. We hope this article has helped you with the process!

Now apply what you've learned to choose the best online casino. Here are the top-rated online casinos in the US currently.