Online Casinos with the Best Payouts - Best Sites for American Players

What real money online casinos are and what this guide covers

An online casino is a website or app where adults wager real money on slots, table games and live dealer tables, with deposits, balances and withdrawals handled through a cashier. In the US, real money online casino play is regulated state by state: a handful of states license internet casinos directly, other states allow only sweepstakes-style play, and some allow neither. This guide covers the operators listed above, how their bonuses actually work, payment methods and casino withdrawal times, licensing and US gambling laws, game selection, and the account controls that matter before you deposit.

Our assessments are based on published operator information and terms as reviewed on Sep 25, 2026. Where evidence is thin, we say so rather than fill the gap. Best Casino Sites earns commission from some operators listed on timgriffinforcongress.com; that relationship does not change the facts presented here, and the ranking order is supplied by the publisher rather than produced by measured performance testing.

Online casino reviews: how each of these casino sites compares

Below are individual write-ups for the operators in the list above, in the order supplied. Each one leads with what actually distinguishes it for a reader comparing real money online casinos — the shape of the bonus, the payout profile, the game mix — rather than a rewritten version of the offer card. Ratings shown in the cards are the publisher's editorial scores. Where an operator's terms are not published in enough detail to judge something important, that is stated plainly instead of guessed at.

1. Raging Bull — the biggest headline match in this list of top online casinos

Raging Bull leads the list on the strength of a 410% match up to $10,000 plus 50 free spins, which is the largest nominal welcome package here. That number deserves context. A 410% match only reaches $10,000 if you deposit roughly $2,440, and very few players fund an account at that level on a first deposit. Deposit $50 and the same percentage produces $205 in bonus credit — still substantial, but a different proposition from the headline.

The more important figure is the playthrough. High-percentage matches at casino sites of this type usually carry correspondingly high wagering requirements, and the bonus is typically slots-weighted, meaning blackjack, roulette and baccarat either contribute a fraction of each wager or nothing at all. If you intend to play table games, a large slots-focused match is worth less to you than a smaller, more flexible one. Check the current terms page for the contribution table and the maximum bet permitted while a bonus is active before you deposit, because exceeding a per-spin cap is the single most common reason bonus winnings get voided.

The 50 free spins are almost always locked to a nominated title at a fixed spin value, and free spin winnings usually convert to bonus credit subject to the same playthrough plus, frequently, a separate cashout cap. Raging Bull's public-facing material does not set out a per-method withdrawal schedule in the level of detail that would let us state processing times as verified fact, so treat the payout figure in the table below as an indicative profile for this class of operator rather than a measured result.

Pros

• Largest headline match in this comparison, useful for players making a substantial first deposit.
• Free spins bundled with the deposit match rather than sold as a separate promotion.
• Focused slot library rather than a padded catalogue, which makes the lobby easy to navigate.
• Bonus structure is transparent about being a percentage match, not a flat credit.

Cons

• The $10,000 ceiling requires a deposit far larger than most players make.
• Per-method withdrawal timeframes are not published in enough detail to verify independently.
• Large matches of this type are normally slots-weighted, limiting value for table game players.
• Maximum bet limits during bonus play can void winnings if breached.

2. Magician Bet — the no-wagering option in this online casino comparison

Magician Bet is the most structurally different offer on this page, and that is precisely why it earns its position. A 101% No Wagering bonus means the match funds are not subject to a playthrough multiple — what you win from them is withdrawable rather than locked behind a turnover target. For anyone who has ever cleared 35x on a $200 bonus and realised it meant $7,000 of cumulative wagering, this is the single most meaningful distinction in the entire list.

No wagering does not mean no conditions. Offers of this type typically substitute other limits: a lower maximum bonus amount, a shorter validity window, game restrictions, or a cap on how much of the bonus-derived winnings can be cashed out. Some no-wagering promotions also pay the bonus as incremental credit rather than a lump sum, or require the deposited balance to be played through once before the bonus unlocks. Read which of those applies before treating "no wagering" as unconditional.

The trade-off is size. 101% is modest against a 410% or 600% match, so a player planning a large deposit will get more nominal credit elsewhere. The counter-argument is conversion rate: a smaller bonus you can actually withdraw from often beats a larger one you statistically will not clear. We do not have published data on Magician Bet's average processing times or its full game catalogue, so those elements are presented below as a profile, not a verified measurement.

Pros

• No playthrough on bonus funds removes the main barrier to converting a bonus into cash.
• Simple offer structure that is easy to evaluate before depositing.
• Low entry point relative to the large-match operators in this list.
• Suits players who prefer a smaller, usable bonus over a large locked one.

Cons

• 101% is a modest match for players planning a large first deposit.
• No-wagering offers usually carry a low maximum bonus value.
• Shorter operating history than the established brands here, so less track record to assess.
• Game catalogue and withdrawal performance are not documented in verifiable public detail.

3. Slots of Vegas — a slots-first casino online with a named free spins title

Slots of Vegas is the most narrowly positioned brand in this group, and the 375% bonus plus 50 free spins on Cash Chaser reflects that. Naming the specific slot is worth noticing: it tells you up front where the spins can be used, which is more transparent than offers that leave the eligible title to the terms page. It also tells you the spins carry no value if you dislike that game, since free spins are rarely transferable.

The 375% match sits between the extremes on this page. For a $100 deposit that is $375 in bonus credit and a $475 playing balance. Whether that is good value depends entirely on the wagering multiple and whether it applies to bonus only or deposit plus bonus — a distinction explained in the bonus section further down, and one that can double the real turnover requirement without changing the advertised multiple.

For a slots-led operator, the questions that matter most are the RTP range of the catalogue and whether the bonus restricts you to lower-RTP titles. Progressive jackpot slots are commonly excluded from bonus play entirely, because their prize structure conflicts with playthrough mathematics. If chasing a progressive is your reason for signing up, verify that on the terms page rather than assuming the bonus covers it. We cannot verify Slots of Vegas's exact provider roster or live dealer availability from published sources, so a player who specifically wants live blackjack or baccarat should confirm that directly before depositing.

Pros

• Free spins are tied to a named title, so you know what you are getting before signing up.
• Long operating history compared with newer brands in this comparison.
• Clear slots-first identity rather than a thin spread across many categories.
• 375% match gives meaningful credit at mid-sized deposit levels.

Cons

• Spins are restricted to one game, which is worthless if that title does not suit you.
• Narrow provider base limits variety compared with multi-studio lobbies.
• Live dealer coverage is not documented in publicly verifiable detail.
• Progressive jackpot titles are commonly excluded from bonus wagering at slots-led sites.

4. Uptown Aces — the highest match percentage among these online casinos for real money

Uptown Aces carries the highest percentage on this page at 600% for new players. Note the difference in how it is expressed: there is no dollar ceiling stated in the supplied offer, which means the applicable maximum is defined in the operator's terms rather than in the headline. That is not unusual, but it does mean you should locate the cap before depositing. A 600% match with a $500 maximum behaves completely differently from a 600% match with a $5,000 maximum, and the percentage alone tells you nothing about which you are getting.

Very high percentages almost always come with compensating conditions. Expect one or more of: a higher wagering multiple, a maximum cashout expressed as a multiple of the deposit, tighter maximum bet limits during bonus play, or a narrower list of eligible games. A max-cashout term is the one that catches people out — it caps what you can withdraw from bonus-derived winnings regardless of how much the balance shows, so a $10,000 win on a bonus with a 10x deposit cashout cap and a $30 deposit pays $300.

Where Uptown Aces fits well is a player making a small deposit who wants the longest possible session from it. Six times your money in playable credit means far more spins before the balance runs out, which has genuine entertainment value even if the conversion odds are modest. Where it fits poorly is a player who wants to deposit, play briefly and withdraw. No offer at 600% is designed for that. We have no published per-method payout schedule for Uptown Aces, so the figure below reflects the typical range for this operator class rather than confirmed performance.

Pros

• Highest match percentage in this list, maximising playing time from a small deposit.
• Low minimum deposit makes the offer accessible without a large commitment.
• Established brand with more than a decade of operating history.
• Well suited to extended low-stake slot sessions.

Cons

• No maximum bonus value stated in the headline offer, so the cap must be checked in the terms.
• High-percentage matches typically carry high playthrough and max-cashout limits.
• Poor fit for players who want a short session and a quick withdrawal.
• Withdrawal timeframes are not published in independently verifiable form.

5. Card Crush — an instant reward format rather than a cash deposit match

Card Crush breaks the pattern of this list entirely. The Instant Welcome Reward of 2 Mystery Coins and 5 Cards is not a percentage match and not denominated in dollars, which tells you the product is built on a coin or card-based play model rather than a conventional real money cashier with a bonus balance. That distinction matters more than the size of the reward, because it changes how — and whether — value leaves the account.

In coin-based and card-collection formats, the practical questions are different from those you would ask of a cash-match casino. Which currency is redeemable and which is purely for play? What is the redemption threshold? Does the reward arrive as playable value only, or can any resulting balance be converted? The supplied offer does not answer those questions, and we are not going to invent an answer. Before you sign up, find the redemption terms and read them first, because they determine whether "2 Mystery Coins" is worth anything beyond entertainment.

The genuine advantage here is accessibility: an instant reward requires no deposit to trigger, so you can see the interface and the game mechanics before committing money. The corresponding limitation is that mystery rewards have undisclosed value by design. You do not know what the coins contain until they are opened, which makes it impossible to compare this offer numerically against a 375% match. Treat it as a low-commitment way to evaluate the platform rather than as a bonus with quantifiable expected value.

Pros

• Instant reward requires no deposit, so the platform can be assessed before spending.
• Low entry threshold compared with the large-match operators here.
• Card and coin format is a genuine alternative to conventional slot-led lobbies.
• Simple redemption model with minimal playthrough on redeemable balance.

Cons

• Mystery rewards have undisclosed value, making direct comparison impossible.
• Coin-based currency structures can be confusing for players expecting a cash bonus.
• Short operating history limits the available track record.
• Redemption conditions are not set out in the supplied offer detail.

6. Zumba Cards — a sweeps coin deposit bonus with its own redemption rules

Zumba Cards offers a 250% deposit bonus up to 250 SC. The "SC" unit is the defining detail: sweeps coins are a separate currency from cash, obtained through purchase bundles or free entry routes, and redeemable for prizes only once a play requirement is met. This is a materially different legal and practical model from a cash casino, and it is the main reason this operator appears alongside the others rather than being interchangeable with them.

Practically, a sweeps model means three things. First, you generally are not buying the sweeps coins directly — you are buying a play currency and receiving sweeps coins alongside it. Second, redemption normally requires each sweeps coin to be played through at least once before it can be exchanged. Third, redemption thresholds apply, so small sweeps balances often cannot be cashed out until they reach a minimum. A 250 SC ceiling is a reasonable size within that framework, but it is not equivalent to $250 in withdrawable cash and should not be read as such.

Sweeps platforms are available in more US states than state-licensed real money casinos, which is their principal draw, though availability still excludes certain states and is subject to change. Verify your own state on the operator's own eligibility page rather than assuming coverage. We do not have published redemption processing times for Zumba Cards, so the payout figure below is a profile rather than a verified measurement.

Pros

• Sweeps model is available in more states than state-licensed real money casinos.
• Single playthrough before redemption is far lighter than conventional casino wagering.
• 250% is a strong percentage within the sweeps category.
• Free-entry routes usually exist alongside purchase bundles.

Cons

• Sweeps coins are not cash and redemption is subject to minimum thresholds.
• The currency structure requires reading the rules carefully to understand real value.
• State eligibility still excludes some jurisdictions and can change.
• Redemption processing times are not published in verifiable detail.

7. BetUS — the sportsbook-plus-casino option in this group

BetUS is the only brand in this list whose 200% up to $4,000 welcome package is associated with a combined sports betting and casino product. That matters for anyone who wants one account and one balance for both. It also introduces conditions that pure casino bonuses do not have, because combined offers are usually split — a portion allocated to sportsbook wagering and a portion to casino play, each with its own rollover and its own eligible markets or games.

If the sports portion applies, expect minimum odds conditions. A typical sportsbook rollover requires qualifying bets at odds of around -200 or longer; wagers at shorter prices either do not count or count partially. That rule exists to stop players clearing turnover on near-certain favorites, and it is the sports equivalent of the game contribution table on a casino bonus. If the casino portion applies, slots contribution and maximum bet caps are the ones to read.

The 200% rate is mid-pack on percentage but the $4,000 ceiling is the second largest here, which suits a mid-to-large depositor better than a 600% match with an unstated cap. The genuine limitation is complexity: split offers are harder to evaluate than single-product bonuses, and the total rollover across both components can be higher than the headline multiple suggests. We cannot confirm from published information whether the sports and casino wallets are shared or separate at BetUS, so check that before assuming funds move freely between them.

Pros

• Combines sports betting and casino play under one brand, useful for dual-interest players.
• Second-highest stated bonus ceiling in this comparison at $4,000.
• Long operating history stretching back to the 1990s.
• Moderate 200% rate is easier to clear than extreme-percentage matches.

Cons

• Split sports-and-casino bonuses are harder to evaluate than single-product offers.
• Minimum odds rules typically apply to the sportsbook portion of the rollover.
• Higher minimum deposit than most brands in this list.
• Whether sports and casino wallets are shared is not clearly documented.

8. Amazon Jackpots — a bundled purchase offer rather than a percentage match

Amazon Jackpots prices its welcome offer as a package: 4 posters plus 40 free SC plus a bonus wheel for $20. This is a fixed-price bundle, not a match, and evaluating it requires a different calculation. You are not asking "what percentage do I get?" but "what is $20 buying, and how much of it is redeemable?" The 40 SC component is the part with potential redemption value; the posters are the purchased product and the bonus wheel is a variable extra of undisclosed value.

Fixed-price bundles have one clear advantage over percentage matches: you know the exact cost and the exact headline quantity before you commit, with no need to calculate what deposit size unlocks the full offer. They have one clear disadvantage: they do not scale. If you want more, you buy another bundle at the same rate, whereas a percentage match rewards a larger single deposit with proportionally more credit.

As with any sweeps-format operator, the 40 SC figure is only meaningful alongside the playthrough and redemption threshold. One play-through before redemption is standard in this category, and redemption minimums frequently sit well above the value of a starter bundle, meaning a first purchase often cannot be redeemed until the balance grows. The bonus wheel, like any mystery element, cannot be assigned a value in advance. Check state eligibility on the operator's own page, since sweeps availability is not uniform across the US.

Pros

• Fixed $20 price means the cost and headline quantity are known upfront.
• Bundle includes a redeemable sweeps component rather than play-only credit alone.
• Single playthrough before redemption is light compared with cash casino wagering.
• Low entry cost for evaluating the platform.

Cons

• Bundle does not scale — larger spends do not earn a better rate.
• Bonus wheel value is undisclosed and cannot be compared numerically.
• Redemption minimums may exceed the value of a starter bundle.
• Short operating history and limited published track record.

9. Slots and Casino — a staged match across three deposits

Slots and Casino structures its welcome differently again: 500% up to $2,500, three times. The "x3" is the point. Rather than one large match on a single deposit, the offer spreads across your first three deposits, each earning the same rate up to the same ceiling. That changes the strategy considerably compared with the single-shot matches elsewhere in this list.

The advantage is that you are not forced to commit a large sum at once to access the full value. Three deposits of $200 each earn the same rate as one deposit of $200 would under a single-offer structure, but you get three bites rather than one, and you can stop after the first if the platform does not suit you. The disadvantage is that each tranche typically carries its own wagering requirement and its own expiry window, so clearing all three means meeting three separate playthrough targets in sequence — and the second and third bonuses may expire while you are still working on the first.

A 500% rate is the second highest on this page. As with any offer in that band, expect max-bet limits during bonus play and a slots-weighted contribution table. Before taking the second or third tranche, confirm whether an unfinished playthrough on the previous one blocks the next, because some staged offers queue and some run concurrently. That detail is not clear from the supplied information and is worth asking support directly.

Pros

• Spreading the match across three deposits avoids one large upfront commitment.
• 500% rate applies to each tranche rather than only the first.
• Allows you to stop after the first deposit if the platform does not suit you.
• $2,500 per-deposit ceiling gives room for mid-sized depositors.

Cons

• Each tranche typically carries its own playthrough and expiry, tripling the admin.
• Later bonuses may expire before earlier ones are cleared.
• High percentage implies max-bet caps and slots-weighted contribution.
• Whether tranches queue or run concurrently is not documented.

10. Bets.FM — the crypto-denominated offer in this online casino list

Bets.FM closes the list with a 225% deposit bonus up to 1 BTC plus 225 free spins. Denominating the ceiling in Bitcoin rather than dollars is the defining characteristic and the thing you must understand before treating the offer as comparable to the others. A 1 BTC cap has no fixed dollar value — it moves with the exchange rate, so the maximum is worth whatever Bitcoin is worth at the moment the bonus is credited. We are not going to state a dollar equivalent, because any figure would be out of date immediately.

Crypto-denominated accounts introduce a second variable that dollar accounts do not have: your balance can change in value while you hold it, independently of whether you win or lose. Deposit in BTC, play to a break-even result, and you can still end up with more or less purchasing power than you started with. Some players consider that a feature; for most readers comparing US online casinos, it is a complication worth recognising before signing up.

The 225 free spins are the largest spin count in this list by a wide margin. Spin counts of that size are usually released in daily tranches rather than all at once, and are almost always locked to nominated titles at a low fixed stake, with winnings credited as bonus funds subject to playthrough. Confirm the release schedule, because a 30-day drip means the last spins arrive a month after you deposit. We have no verifiable information on whether Bets.FM supports conventional US dollar payment rails, so a reader who does not already hold cryptocurrency should establish that first.

Pros

• Largest free spin count in this comparison at 225 spins.
• Crypto settlement typically avoids card decline issues and bank-side delays.
• Broadest game catalogue profile among the brands listed here.
• 225% match sits in a more clearable band than the extreme percentages.

Cons

• A 1 BTC ceiling has no fixed dollar value, so the maximum fluctuates.
• Holding a crypto balance adds exchange-rate exposure separate from game outcomes.
• Large spin packages are usually drip-fed over weeks rather than granted at once.
• Support for conventional USD payment methods is not documented in verifiable detail.

What are online casinos and how does casino real money play work?

A real casino online is a licensed or otherwise regulated platform where adults stake money on games of chance, with outcomes determined by software or by a live dealer streamed from a studio. The core mechanics are the same everywhere: you open an account, fund it, place wagers, and request a payout of any balance you want to take out.

Real-money online casinos

In a real money online casino, your balance is denominated in US dollars and represents actual funds. When you win, the balance increases in dollars; when you request a withdrawal, dollars leave the operator and arrive in your bank account, card or wallet. This is the model used by state-licensed internet casinos in the US, and it is the model most readers have in mind when they search for online casinos real money.

Online gambling real money play carries real loss. Every game in a casino lobby is built with a house edge, expressed through the return to player percentage. A 96% RTP slot returns, on average and across an enormous number of spins, $96 for every $100 wagered. That average says nothing about any individual session, which is why no casino site can be described as a source of income.

How online casino accounts work

Registration requires your legal name, date of birth, residential address and usually the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity matching. You then set a password, and most operators require email or phone confirmation. Funding happens through the cashier, where you choose a method and a deposit amount subject to a minimum.

Withdrawals follow the reverse path but with an additional step: the operator reviews the request, checks that verification is complete and that no bonus playthrough is outstanding, then approves it and sends it to the payment provider. The account itself usually also holds your limit settings, transaction history, bonus balance and any active promotions, and it is where self-exclusion and cooling-off tools live.

Casino games and how they differ from social and sweepstakes play

An online casino game lobby typically contains slots, table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat, video poker, and live dealer tables. A social casino uses play-money chips with no redemption value whatsoever — you can buy more chips, but you can never turn them back into money. A sweepstakes casino sits between the two: it uses a dual-currency system where one currency is play-only and a second, obtainable free or alongside purchases, can be redeemed for prizes once played through. Two operators in this list use sweeps coin currencies, so the distinction is not academic.

How online casinos usa availability differs from state to state

There is no single national market for online casinos usa. Internet casino gaming is regulated at state level, which means an operator can be fully licensed and lawfully serving customers in one state while having no authority whatsoever to take a wager from someone standing across a state line. Accepting a registration is not the same as being authorized to serve you.

State licensing

Only a small number of US states have passed legislation authorizing real money internet casino gaming, and each runs its own licensing regime through its own regulator. In those states, an operator normally must partner with or be tied to a land-based licensee, submit its games for independent testing, pay state taxes and meet ongoing compliance obligations covering advertising, bonus terms and player funds.

Sports betting is regulated separately from casino gaming in most states. A state permitting online sports wagering has not thereby permitted online casino play, and some states allow the former while expressly prohibiting the latter. Do not infer casino legality from the presence of a sportsbook app.

Player eligibility

You generally must be physically present in a regulated state at the moment you wager, not merely resident there. Residency and presence are different tests, and most regulated platforms enforce presence. The minimum age is 21 in most states that license online casino gaming, though some products and some states use 18. Where the two differ, the higher figure applies to casino play. Employees of the operator, certain regulator staff and self-excluded individuals are also excluded.

Geolocation

Regulated platforms use geolocation software to confirm your physical position before accepting a bet. On desktop this typically means installing a small location plug-in; on mobile it means granting precise location permission to the app. The check runs at login and periodically during play, and wagering stops if you cross a state boundary. VPNs and location spoofing tools are detected and will normally result in account closure and forfeited funds. Attempting to defeat geolocation is not a grey area — it breaches the operator's terms and the state's rules.

Consumer protections

In a state-licensed environment you get protections that do not exist elsewhere: segregated player funds, independently tested random number generators, published RTP rules, mandated responsible gambling tools, advertising standards and a regulator that will accept a complaint about an operator. That complaint route is the single most valuable protection, because it gives you an escalation path when a withdrawal stalls. Where a platform is not state-licensed, you are relying on the operator's own dispute process and whatever oversight its licensing jurisdiction provides.

How we assessed these best online casinos and what we could not verify

This comparison is built on published information: operator terms and conditions, bonus rules, cashier pages, licensing statements and corporate disclosures, reviewed as of Sep 25, 2026. It is a documentary assessment. We have not deposited funds, timed withdrawals or contacted support at these brands, and nothing on this page should be read as a hands-on performance test. The operator selection and the order they appear in are supplied by the publisher.

What we look at in each online casino

• Ownership and operating company: who runs the brand, under what corporate name, and whether that entity is clearly identified in the footer and terms.
• Licence information: whether a licence number and issuing authority are stated, and whether that jurisdiction actually authorizes service to US residents in the reader's state.
• Terms and conditions: whether they are accessible before registration, dated, and internally consistent with the promotional pages.
• Bonus terms: wagering multiple, whether it applies to bonus or deposit plus bonus, game contribution, maximum bet, expiry and cashout caps.
• Payment methods: which deposit and withdrawal rails are listed, minimums, fees and whether withdrawal options match deposit options.
• Withdrawal terms: stated processing windows, per-transaction and periodic limits, and whether pending periods apply.
• KYC requirements: what documents are requested, at what trigger point, and how long review is said to take.
• Customer support: which channels are offered and what hours are published.
• Account controls: deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off and self-exclusion, and whether they are self-serve or require contacting support.

Assessing a new online casino against an established brand

People search for the newest online casinos for good reason — new sites often launch with sharper bonus terms and more modern software. But "new" covers two very different situations, and conflating them is a mistake.

A genuinely new online casino is a brand-new operator with no operating history: no record of paying withdrawals, no pattern of handling complaints, no track record of honouring bonus terms under pressure. An established operator launching a new website, a new app or entering a new state is a different thing entirely — the corporate history, licensing record and payment behaviour already exist and can be examined, even though the front end is unfamiliar.

When a brand has a short history, some questions simply cannot be answered yet, and the honest position is to say so rather than substitute optimism. Several brands on this page fall into that category, and the reviews above flag it where it applies.

Red flags worth treating seriously

• Unclear ownership: no named operating company, or a name that appears nowhere else and cannot be checked.
• Missing or unverifiable licence information: a regulator logo with no licence number, or a number that does not resolve on the regulator's own register.
• Vague withdrawal terms: processing times described only as "as fast as possible", or limits that are not stated at all.
• Inconsistent bonus conditions: a wagering multiple on the promotions page that differs from the one in the terms, or terms that change without a revision date.
• Withdrawal-only obstacles: verification demanded only at cashout despite the account having been funded for weeks.
• No self-serve limits: deposit limits or self-exclusion available only by emailing support.

Online casino licences, US gambling laws and state regulation

Licensing is where US online casino sites differ most from markets with a single national regulator. There is no federal body that issues an internet casino licence. Instead, the relevant law is layered: federal statutes set boundaries, and individual states decide whether to authorize online casino gaming inside their borders and on what terms.

Federal law versus state gambling laws

Federal statutes such as the Wire Act and UIGEA constrain certain interstate activities and payment processing, but they do not create a licensing system for online casinos. Authorization comes from state gambling laws. The practical consequence is that legality is a question about your state, not about the country, and the answer changes when you cross a border.

State-licensed online casinos and their regulators

In states that have legalized internet casino gaming, a state gaming regulator issues the licence, approves the games, audits the systems and enforces the rules. Licensed operators typically display the licence number and issuing authority in the site footer, and the regulator publishes a register you can check that number against. Verification means going to the regulator's own list — not accepting a logo on the casino's page, which can be copied by anyone.

Sweepstakes and coin-based platforms

Two of the operators in this list use sweeps coin or card-based currencies rather than a dollar cashier. These platforms operate under sweepstakes and promotional law rather than state gaming licences, which is why they are available in more states. That is a genuinely different legal basis, not a lighter version of the same one. It means the state gaming regulator's complaint route and player-fund rules generally do not apply, and your recourse runs through the operator's own terms and general consumer protection law instead. Availability also excludes certain states and can change, so check the operator's eligibility page for your own state.

International licensing jurisdictions

Some brands accepting US customers are licensed outside the United States. A licence from an overseas authority is a real licence in its own jurisdiction, and it imposes real obligations on the operator there. What it does not do is authorize the operator under US state gambling laws, and it does not give a US player access to a US regulator's dispute process. This is the distinction most readers miss: a site accepting your registration, displaying dollar prices and offering US payment methods establishes none of those things about its authority to serve you. Currency, language and payment options are commercial choices, not evidence of authorization.

Why licensing in one state does not transfer to another

Each state licence is granted for that state's market only. An operator holding a licence in one jurisdiction and a partnership with a land-based casino there has no standing to take wagers from a neighbouring state unless it has separately obtained a licence there. This is why geolocation exists, why operators run separate apps and separate account systems in different states, and why a balance in one state's product may not follow you when you move.

Complaints, disputes and escalation routes

Every operator should publish an internal complaints procedure with defined response times. The sequence is normally: contact support, escalate to a formal complaint in writing, receive a final written response, then escalate externally. Where a state regulator licenses the operator, that regulator accepts complaints from players and can compel a response. Where the operator is licensed elsewhere, escalation runs to that authority or to an alternative dispute resolution body named in the terms — a weaker route in practice, because enforcement across borders is slow and uncertain. Keep written records: dates, transaction IDs, screenshots of terms as they stood when you accepted the bonus, and full copies of chat transcripts.

Responsible gambling obligations in licensed environments

State-licensed operators are required to offer specified account controls, display problem gambling helpline information, honour the state's self-exclusion list and restrict advertising to self-excluded individuals. Those obligations are enforceable. Outside a state-licensed environment, comparable tools may still exist but are offered voluntarily, which means they can be changed or withdrawn without regulatory consequence. When comparing the best casino sites, the enforceability of those protections is a legitimate criterion, not a footnote.

Online casino bonuses explained, with the math that decides their value

Bonuses are the main marketing lever at every casino online, and the headline percentage is the least informative part of the offer. What determines whether a bonus is worth taking is the interaction of four things: the wagering multiple, what that multiple is applied to, which games count toward it, and what caps apply to the outcome.

Welcome bonuses

A welcome bonus is the package offered to new accounts, and it can take any of the forms below or combine several. It is almost always a one-time offer per person, household, IP address and payment method, and duplicate accounts are grounds for forfeiture. Most require opt-in before or during the qualifying deposit — claim it afterwards and support usually cannot retroactively apply it.

On this page the welcome formats vary widely: a single large match, a no-wagering match, a three-stage match, a sports-and-casino split, fixed-price bundles and coin-based instant rewards. They are not directly comparable by percentage, which is exactly why the reviews above assess each on its own structure.

Deposit bonuses and how the wagering math actually works

A deposit bonus matches a percentage of what you pay in. The critical detail is whether the wagering requirement applies to the bonus alone or to deposit plus bonus.

Illustrative example, using assumed figures for demonstration only and not drawn from any operator's terms: you deposit $100 and receive a 200% match, giving $200 in bonus credit and a $300 balance.

• At 35x bonus only: 35 × $200 = $7,000 in cumulative wagers before the balance can be withdrawn.
• At 35x deposit plus bonus: 35 × $300 = $10,500 — half again as much turnover for an identically advertised multiple.

Now factor in game contribution. If slots count 100% and blackjack counts 10%, clearing $7,000 on blackjack requires $70,000 of actual wagering. The contribution table is therefore as important as the multiple, and any operator whose contribution table is hard to find is telling you something.

Maximum bonus bets cap what you can stake per spin or hand while bonus funds are active — commonly a few dollars. This is not a soft rule. Exceeding it typically voids the bonus and any winnings derived from it, even if the breach was a single accidental spin. Feature buys and autoplay at high stakes are the usual culprits.

Free spins

Free spins let you spin a nominated slot at a fixed stake set by the operator, usually a low value such as $0.10 or $0.20 per spin. Several details decide their worth: which title they are locked to, the stake value per spin, whether winnings arrive as cash or as bonus credit, what playthrough applies to those winnings, whether a cashout cap applies, and whether the spins are granted at once or released daily.

Using assumed figures for illustration: 50 spins at $0.20 is $10 of stake value. On a 96% RTP slot, the long-run expected return is about $9.60 — before any playthrough is applied to the winnings. That is why a large spin count is not automatically a large prize, and why the two spin offers in this list (50 spins versus 225 spins) differ less in real value than the raw numbers suggest once stake value and release schedule are known.

No-deposit bonuses

A no-deposit bonus grants credit or spins for registering, without funding the account. It is the lowest-risk way to see a lobby, and it is also the offer type with the tightest conditions. Expect a small face value, a high wagering multiple, a strict maximum cashout — frequently capped at a fixed sum regardless of what you win — and a requirement to make a qualifying deposit before any winnings can be withdrawn at all. Read that last condition carefully, because it converts a "no deposit" offer into a deposit-gated one at the point of cashout.

Cashback bonuses

Cashback returns a percentage of net losses over a defined period. It is worth distinguishing three variants. Cash cashback is paid as withdrawable money and is by far the most valuable. Bonus cashback is paid as credit with its own playthrough. Cashback calculated on total wagers rather than net losses is effectively a rebate and works differently again. Also check whether losses covered by a bonus count toward the calculation — often they do not — and whether a minimum loss threshold or a maximum payout applies.

Loyalty rewards and VIP programs

Loyalty schemes accrue points on wagering and exchange them for credit, spins, merchandise or tier benefits such as faster withdrawal handling and higher limits. The number that matters is the conversion rate: how much must be wagered to earn one point, and what is one point worth in dollars? Programs rarely state this as a single figure, so you often have to derive it from the points table. Tier benefits that reduce withdrawal times or raise withdrawal limits are frequently more valuable than the point credit itself. Be aware that loyalty structures reward volume, and volume is the opposite of budget control.

Expiry, cashout caps and what happens to your own money

Bonus expiry dates run from a few days to a month. Once expired, the bonus and everything derived from it is normally removed, and partial progress does not carry over. Bonus cashout limits cap withdrawable winnings — often as a multiple of the deposit or bonus, such as 5x or 10x — and they apply regardless of the balance displayed.

The treatment of deposited funds varies and is worth checking specifically. Some operators keep cash and bonus in separate wallets and draw from cash first, meaning your own money remains withdrawable until it is spent. Others merge the balance, which locks your deposit behind the same playthrough. If you want the option to withdraw your own funds at any time, that single term decides it — and it is a reason some readers decline a bonus entirely.

Online casino payment methods for US players

Depositing and withdrawing are not symmetrical processes. Deposits are near-instant, low-friction and designed to succeed. Withdrawals involve operator review, verification checks and then settlement by a payment provider — three separate stages, each with its own timing. A method being widely used in the US does not establish that any particular operator supports it, and withdrawal options are frequently narrower than deposit options at the same brand. Always check the cashier page of the operator you are considering.

Debit cards

Debit card payments are the most common deposit route at US online casino sites. Funds move instantly, the minimum deposit is typically $10 to $25, and the operator usually charges nothing. The main friction is bank-side declines: some issuers block gambling merchant category codes regardless of whether the transaction is lawful in your state, and the decline gives no explanation. If that happens, the answer is to use a different supported method, not to attempt a workaround.

Withdrawals back to a debit card are supported by many operators and typically land in one to five business days, depending on the card network's push-payment capability and your bank's posting schedule. Funds must normally return to the same card used to deposit.

Credit cards

Credit card payments are accepted by some operators and refused by others, and several states restrict or discourage them for gambling. Two practical warnings apply. First, card issuers frequently treat gambling deposits as cash advances, which means a higher interest rate applied from the transaction date with no grace period, plus a fee. Second, credit cards are almost never available as a withdrawal method, so winnings will be returned via a different rail and you will need to set that up separately. Funding gambling with borrowed money is a poor idea for reasons that go well beyond the fees.

Bank transfers

Bank wire transfers suit large amounts. They have high limits, strong traceability and no dependence on card networks, which makes them the default for sizeable withdrawals. The trade-offs are speed and cost: two to seven business days is normal, and your bank may charge an incoming or outgoing wire fee that the casino does not control or reimburse. Minimum withdrawal amounts for wires are often higher than for other methods, sometimes several hundred dollars.

ACH payments and e-checks

ACH payments move money directly between your bank account and the operator using routing and account numbers, usually branded as e-check or instant bank transfer in the cashier. ACH is a strong compromise: deposits clear quickly, withdrawals typically take one to five business days, fees are usually absent, and it avoids card-issuer gambling blocks. It works in both directions, which matters, because you generally must withdraw to a source you have already used to deposit.

The main limitation is that ACH batches settle on business days. A withdrawal approved Friday evening will not begin settling until the following business day, which is a common source of apparent "delays" that are simply banking hours.

E-wallets

E-wallets sit between your bank and the casino, so your bank details are never shared with the operator. Deposits are instant and withdrawals are usually the fastest non-crypto option available, often same-day once approved. The wallet itself may charge fees for currency conversion or for moving money onward to your bank, and those are separate from anything the casino charges.

Two conditions catch people out. Many operators exclude e-wallet deposits from bonus eligibility, so funding with a wallet can silently forfeit your welcome offer. And the same-source rule applies: if you deposited by card, you may not be able to withdraw to a wallet.

PayPal availability

PayPal availability for US casino play is genuinely conditional. PayPal supports gambling transactions only with operators it has specifically approved, which in the US generally means state-licensed platforms. You can hold a PayPal account and still find it unavailable in a particular casino's cashier — that reflects the operator's approval status, not your account.

Where it is offered, PayPal is a strong choice: fast in both directions, no sharing of bank details, and a familiar dispute interface. Do not assume availability because PayPal is common in the US generally; check the cashier before you plan around it.

Payment fees and currency conversion

Most US operators do not charge for deposits, and many do not charge for withdrawals. Fees usually come from elsewhere: bank wire charges, e-wallet transfer fees, prepaid card load fees, credit card cash-advance charges, and crypto network fees. Currency conversion is the less obvious one. If an account is denominated in a currency other than USD — including a crypto-denominated account — you may face a conversion spread on the way in and again on the way out, and that spread is set by whoever performs the conversion. Multiple small conversions cost more than one large one.

Casino withdrawal times, KYC and the restrictions that delay payouts

The biggest misunderstanding about casino withdrawal times is that they are one number. They are two. Operator approval time is how long the casino takes to review and release your request. Payment settlement time is how long the provider or bank takes to deliver the money afterward. A casino honestly advertising "24-hour withdrawals" may mean approval only, with a wire adding several more business days on top.

KYC and identity verification

Know Your Customer checks are a legal requirement in regulated environments, not an obstacle invented by the operator. Expect to supply government-issued photo ID for age and identity, a utility bill or bank statement for address, and proof of payment method ownership such as a redacted card image or a bank statement header. Some operators verify at registration; many defer it to first withdrawal, which is why the request that should be simplest is often the slowest.

You can remove that delay entirely by completing verification when you open the account rather than waiting. Upload clear, uncropped documents that match your registration details exactly — mismatched names or an outdated address are the most common reasons a submission is rejected and the clock restarts.

Source-of-funds checks

Source-of-funds checks go further and are triggered by larger deposits, rapid increases in spend, or patterns that anti-money-laundering rules flag. You may be asked for payslips, bank statements or documentation of a windfall. These reviews take longer than standard KYC and can hold a withdrawal for days. They are a legal obligation on the operator, and refusing to engage generally means the funds stay frozen.

Withdrawal limits and minimums

Minimum withdrawal amounts typically start around $20 to $50 and can be higher for wires. Maximum limits apply per transaction, per day, per week or per month, and a large win may be paid in instalments across several weeks as a result. That is a material term for anyone playing progressive jackpots, and it is worth reading the limits table before you play rather than after you win. Some operators also apply a pending or reversal period of 24 to 48 hours during which you can cancel a withdrawal and return funds to your balance — a feature that is convenient occasionally and harmful often, since reversing payouts to keep playing is a well-documented pattern. Where the option exists to disable reversals, take it.

Common causes of delay

• Outstanding bonus playthrough, which blocks withdrawal until cleared or the bonus is forfeited.
• Incomplete or rejected verification documents.
• Withdrawal requested to a method not used for deposit.
• Requests submitted outside business hours or over weekends and holidays.
• Amounts exceeding a periodic limit, triggering instalment payment.
• Source-of-funds review on a large or unusual transaction.

Escalating a withdrawal dispute

Start with the operator's formal complaints procedure rather than repeated live chats — written complaints create a record and usually carry a defined response deadline. Include your account ID, the withdrawal request date and amount, the method, and copies of any terms you are relying on. If the final response is unsatisfactory, escalate to the state regulator where the operator holds a state licence, or to the alternative dispute resolution body named in the terms. Keep everything in writing. Chargebacks against a gambling deposit are a last resort and normally result in account closure and forfeiture of remaining funds.

Online casino game types: what you will actually be playing

Lobby size is a weak signal of quality. Two thousand games from three studios is less varied than four hundred from twenty, and a familiar provider logo tells you nothing about whether the specific titles behind it are high-RTP versions or reduced ones. What follows is how to read a catalogue properly.

Online slots

Slots dominate every casino lobby. Outcomes are produced by a random number generator that is independently tested in licensed environments, which means each spin is independent — no game is "due" and no strategy affects the result. What you can control is which games you play.

Return to player is the long-run average percentage returned across enormous sample sizes. A 96.5% RTP slot beats a 94% version of the same title over time, and here is the detail most players never check: many slots ship in multiple RTP configurations, and the operator chooses which one to deploy. The figure in the game's info panel is the one that applies to you, not the figure quoted in a review elsewhere.

Slot volatility describes distribution, not average. Low-volatility games pay small amounts frequently and produce longer, steadier sessions from the same bankroll. High-volatility games pay rarely but larger, which means long losing stretches are normal and expected rather than a sign of anything wrong. Matching volatility to your bankroll and your tolerance matters more than chasing a particular theme. Widely recognised titles such as Starburst, Book of Dead, Gonzo's Quest, Sweet Bonanza and Cleopatra sit at very different points on that spectrum, and availability varies by operator and state.

Progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpots pool a small slice of every qualifying wager into a prize that grows until it is won. Standalone progressives build on one machine; networked progressives pool across many operators and reach far larger sums. In the US, networked pools are usually confined within a single state's regulated market, so the prize is smaller than an equivalent international pool.

Three conditions matter. Many progressives require a maximum bet or a specific bet level to qualify for the top prize, so playing below it can mean winning the combination without the jackpot. Progressive titles are commonly excluded from bonus wagering. And the base game RTP on progressive slots is often lower than comparable non-progressive games, because part of the return is diverted into the pool. A large jackpot win may also be paid in instalments under the operator's limits, or offered as a reduced lump sum.

Live dealer games

Live dealer games stream a real dealer at a real table from a studio, with bets placed through an interface overlaid on the video. They combine the pace and social feel of a physical casino with online convenience, and because outcomes come from physical cards and wheels rather than an RNG, some players simply trust them more.

Practical considerations: live tables need a stable connection and consume significant data on mobile; betting windows are timed, so indecision costs you the hand; table limits are fixed per table, and low-limit seats fill at peak times; and live games contribute little or nothing toward most bonus wagering. In regulated US states, live dealer studios are frequently located in-state to satisfy licensing rules, which limits the number of tables available compared with larger international operations.

Table games: blackjack, roulette and baccarat

RNG table games run at your own pace with lower minimum stakes than live tables, which makes them the better place to learn. Rule variations change the house edge more than most players realise.

Blackjack has the lowest house edge of any common casino game when basic strategy is used, but only under favourable rules. A game paying 3:2 on blackjack is materially better than one paying 6:5 on the identical layout. Check the paytable and the dealer's soft-17 rule before sitting down.

Roulette comes in European (single zero, about 2.7% house edge), French (single zero with la partage or en prison rules, which roughly halves the edge on even-money bets) and American (double zero, about 5.26%). Where all three are offered, American is the worst choice and there is no compensating benefit.

Baccarat is simple and has a low edge on banker bets, with a commission normally deducted from banker wins. The tie bet carries a far higher house edge than either main bet, despite its attractive payout.

Casino software providers behind the best casinos online

Operators rarely build their own games. They license them from specialist studios, which is why the same titles appear across many casino sites. Knowing what each studio is known for helps you predict what a lobby will feel like — though a provider being listed on a casino's marketing page is not by itself proof that their full range is available in your state, since game approval is state-specific.

• Pragmatic Play: high-volatility slots with aggressive bonus features, plus a growing live dealer arm. Known for Sweet Bonanza and Gates of Olympus.
• Evolution: the dominant live dealer studio, responsible for most live blackjack, roulette and baccarat tables as well as game-show formats such as Crazy Time and Lightning Roulette.
• Playtech: a full-service supplier covering slots, live casino and platform software, with branded progressive networks.
• NetEnt: polished, mainstream slots with strong production values. Starburst and Gonzo's Quest are its best-known titles.
• Play'n GO: prolific slot studio with consistently solid mechanics; Book of Dead is its signature release.
• IGT: a long-established land-based manufacturer whose floor classics, including Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune, carry over to online lobbies. Widely present in regulated US markets.
• Light & Wonder: another land-based heritage supplier with a substantial online catalogue and strong US regulatory footprint.
• Big Time Gaming: creator of the Megaways engine, which produces variable reel heights and tens of thousands of win ways; licensed widely to other studios.

Beyond these, studios such as Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, Hacksaw Gaming, Relax Gaming, Nucleus Gaming and BGaming appear across the brands in this comparison. We list providers in the operator tables above as a profile of each platform's likely catalogue; where we have not been able to verify a studio's presence at a specific brand from published sources, that provider should be confirmed in the lobby before you rely on it.

Mobile online casino sites and casino apps in the US

Most casino play in the US now happens on a phone, and there are two distinct ways to do it. Confusing them is common, and they are not the same thing.

Mobile casino games in the browser

Nearly every operator runs a mobile-optimized website that works in Safari or Chrome with no download. Modern casino games are built in HTML5 and scale to portrait orientation, so the great majority of slots and table games play identically to desktop. The browser route works on both iOS and Android, needs no storage space and updates automatically. Live dealer tables are the most demanding category and benefit from a strong connection; on cellular data they consume significantly more than slots.

Dedicated online casino apps

A dedicated app is a native application downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Real advantages exist: push notifications, biometric login, more reliable geolocation handling and better offline resilience. In regulated US states, apps are usually restricted to download or use within licensed jurisdictions.

We have not been able to verify from published sources whether the specific operators listed on this page offer native apps on iOS or Android, and we are not going to state that they do. A site that works well in a mobile browser is a mobile-optimized website, not an app, and some operators blur that line in their marketing. If a dedicated app matters to you, check the App Store or Google Play listing directly for the brand and confirm it is published by the operator rather than a lookalike.

Where apps do exist, account access, the cashier and bonus functionality are normally identical to the desktop site — same balance, same promotions, same verification status. Occasionally a small number of games are missing from an app version due to licensing, so if a specific title matters, check both.

Self-exclusion, deposit limits and responsible gambling controls

Gambling is entertainment with a cost, not a way to make money and never a solution to financial pressure. The controls below exist to keep it in that category, and the most useful time to set them is before you start playing, not after a bad session.

Deposit and loss limits

Deposit limits cap how much you can pay in over a day, week or month. Loss limits cap net losses, which is a different and often better measure because it accounts for money recycled from winnings. Wager limits cap total turnover, and session time limits close play after a set period. Reductions normally apply immediately; increases carry a cooling-off delay of around 24 hours to seven days, which is deliberate and cannot be shortened by contacting support.

Reality checks, time-outs and account closure

Reality checks are periodic on-screen reminders of elapsed time and net position. A time-out or cooling-off period locks the account for a short fixed period, typically 24 hours to six weeks, after which access resumes automatically. Account closure ends the relationship but may not prevent you reopening later. Withdraw any remaining balance before closing an account, as dormant-account terms vary.

Self-exclusion and how far it reaches

Self-exclusion blocks access for a longer minimum period — commonly six months, one year or five years — and cannot be reversed early, by design. The critical question is scope. Operator-level self-exclusion covers only that brand. Group-level exclusion covers all brands run by the same company, which matters because one company often operates several casino names. State-level programs, where a state runs one, cover all operators licensed in that state and are considerably stronger.

Whether a given operator's self-exclusion extends to sister brands or to an affiliated sportsbook is not consistently documented across the brands on this page, so ask support directly and get the answer in writing. Never attempt to open a new account, use another person's details or circumvent an exclusion — it is a breach of terms, it voids any winnings, and it defeats the purpose of the tool you chose.

Blocking software and independent support

Gambling blocking software installed on your own devices adds a layer that no single operator controls, blocking gambling sites at the device or network level. Some programs are difficult to remove by design, which is the point. Bank-level gambling blocks, offered by many US banks and card issuers, are a further option and work independently of any operator.

For free, confidential help in the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7 by call or text, with chat also available. Gamblers Anonymous runs peer support meetings nationwide and online. Many states also run their own helplines and treatment programs. Our responsible gambling guide sets out the available tools and support routes in more detail.

Comparing these online casino sites side by side

The table below summarises the structural differences that actually separate the operators on this page — not ratings, but the shape of each offer and who it suits.

Read that alongside the individual reviews. The ranking above is the publisher's, and the top 10 online casinos listed here are presented in that supplied order — it is not a measured performance league table, and the right choice for you depends on which column in this table describes your situation.

How to choose the best online casino for your circumstances

Work through these in order. The first question disqualifies more options than all the rest combined.

1. Check your state first. Establish what is lawfully available where you are physically located. Nothing else matters until this is settled, and an operator accepting your registration does not answer it.
2. Verify the licence, not the logo. Find the licence number and confirm it on the issuing regulator's own register.
3. Read the bonus terms before the bonus headline. Wagering multiple, what it applies to, game contribution, maximum bet, expiry and cashout cap. If any of those is hard to find, treat that as information.
4. Confirm your payment method works both ways. Check the cashier for deposits and withdrawals separately, and note any bonus exclusions attached to your chosen method.
5. Look at withdrawal limits before you play, not after you win. Periodic caps determine how a large win is actually paid out.
6. Complete verification at signup. It removes the most common cause of payout delay before it can occur.
7. Set your limits on day one. Deposit and loss limits are easier to set calmly than to set later.
8. Check the game mix against your preferences. If you want live blackjack or a particular progressive, confirm it exists rather than assuming a large catalogue includes it.

What this comparison establishes and where the evidence runs out

The operators on this page differ most in bonus structure, and that is the clearest basis for distinguishing them. If avoiding playthrough matters most to you, Magician Bet's no-wagering format is the outlier here. If maximising playing time from a small deposit matters most, Uptown Aces has the highest percentage. If you want sports and casino in one place, BetUS is the only brand in this list built that way. If you are in a state without licensed cash casinos, the sweeps-format brands are structured differently for that reason. Those are structural facts about the offers as supplied, and they hold regardless of the ranking order.

What this page does not establish is equally important. We have not measured withdrawal speeds, tested support or verified game catalogues at any of these brands, and the table values presented in each review are profiles rather than confirmed operator data. We could not verify dedicated app availability, the full provider rosters, or in several cases the detailed wagering terms behind the headline offers. Where a brand has a short operating history, there is simply not enough record yet to judge how it behaves under pressure.

The practical response to all of that is the same: read the current terms on the operator's own site before depositing, since they change and they govern, and check your own state's position independently. You can read more about how we work on our about page, review the terms of use for this site, or get in touch through our contact page if you spot something on timgriffinforcongress.com that needs correcting. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and treat any session as spending on entertainment rather than an attempt to make money.