100% Honest Online Casino Reviews
I haven’t done an official study, but I think the number of online casino reviews out there is between the grains of sand on the earth and stars in the sky.
It isn’t hard to find real money casino sites, even for USA players, but it’s nearly impossible to find unbiased reviews of them.
I’ve been in the online casino business for more than a decade and I’ve learned that the best thing you can do for players is be honest with them.
Be honest that you've actually tested the online casino you're reviewing. Dig beyond the bonus numbers and test what real players will deal with before they deposit their hard-earned money.
Keep reading to discover:
We personally review every casino
I've been reviewing the best (and the worst) online casinos since I created Beat The Fish in 2005. I've played for real money at dozens of online gambling sites since then.
What I think makes these casino reviews different is the effort my team and I put into each one. I believe in honest reporting above all else, which is easy to do when you're really playing for real money at the casinos.
My team has reviewed a number of online casinos for Beat The Fish and have been in the gambling business for more than a decade.
When I ask them to play at a casino and give me their honest feedback, they've never let me down. My team shares the same sensibilities about what makes the best online casinos.
Finally, we always follow a strict real money review process for every site before we add it to the site.
Our Online Casino Reviews
Ignition Casino
Although Ignition Casino has only been online since 2016, they're owned by the same company as Bodog and Bovada, some of the oldest online casinos. Ignition Casino accepts USA players, has live dealer games, and an excellent payout history.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
9.0
Rating
100%
Bonus
Yes
Live Dealers
2016
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Planet 7 Casino
Our Planet 7 Casino review shows that they shower new players with promotions, almost to the point of being overwhelmed. Besides a $25 no-deposit bonus, they offer a deposit bonus up to 450%. Planet 7 accepts USA players, although their payouts and lack of live dealers could be improved.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
8.5
Rating
450%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2009
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Slots.lv
Slots.lv Casino earned my initial trust because they're owned by Lynton Limited, who's involved with Ignition and Bovada. Slots.lv offers one of the only real-money no-deposit bonuses for USA players, strong game selection, and an above-average mobile casino.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
8.5
Rating
200%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2013
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Café Casino
Café Casino is another USA-facing online casino owned by Lynton Limited. One of the biggest reasons to play at this casino includes a giant 500% bonus with reasonable wagering requirements. Café Casino has a strong focus on Bitcoin, which could be an issue for players using other deposit methods.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
8.5
Rating
500%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2016
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Wild Casino
Wild Casino is open to American players and has the backing of the BetOnline group, one of the oldest casino and gambling online. The Wild Casino mobile site requiring Flash is a fail, but the cashier, quick payouts, and extensive live casino mostly make up for it.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
8.2
Rating
100%
Bonus
Yes
Live Dealers
2018
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Sloto'Cash
Sloto'Cash reviewed as one of the most well-rounded US-friendly online casinos, with more than a decade of experience. Sloto'Cash has an excellent selection of slots, a significant cashier, dependable payouts, and live dealers.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
8.1
Rating
200%
Bonus
Yes
Live Dealers
2007
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Lincoln Casino
Lincoln Casino is an established casino in the American market, having an official gambling license and paying attention to table games in addition to slots. Another draw of Lincoln Casino includes player-friend wagering requirements, but they could improve their software client.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
7.9
Rating
100%
Bonus
Yes
Live Dealers
2013
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Silver Oak Casino
Silver Oak Casino is one of the longer-tenured online casinos with our review showing strong points of a large bonus and 24/7 phone support. This casino also has a high $25 no-deposit bonus that can be used immediately. They should look to add a better withdrawal system and live dealers in the future.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
7.9
Rating
320%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2009
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Royal Ace Casino
Royal Ace Casino is very good at attracting new casino players with some strong promotions, such as a $25 no-deposit bonus, reasonable wagering requirements, and an uncapped deposit bonus. However, the game selection is low and the payout speed is inconsistent.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
7.8
Rating
400%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2009
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Diamond Reels Casino
Diamond Reels Casino is a lesser-known brand in the American casino market, but they made a strong impression in our review. This casino's lack of license for real-money is questionable, but they handled our payouts well and have an excellent promotion system.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
7.7
Rating
150%
Bonus
No
Live Dealers
2015
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
Drake Casino
Drake Casino reviews as one of the more complete online casinos, combining availability to USA players with rare features such as live dealers. The slots selection is very good and the mobile casino is smooth, but they have a high minimum payout and above-average wagering requirements.
Payout Speed | Game Selection | Mobile Casino |
|---|---|---|
7.6
Rating
300%
Bonus
Yes
Live Dealers
2012
Open Since
Yes
USA Players
✅ What is the best online casino for US players?
I tend to avoid calling any one online casino the very best, simply because every player is going to value different features in a different way. However, for US players especially, a trustworthy track record of fairness and consistent payouts is what I care most about. For that, I recommend older trusted brands such as Ignition or Chumba Casino (if you want a 100% legal option).
✅ Which online casinos are legitimate?
Every online casino listed on this page has passed my certification process, meaning I believe them all to be legitimate for real money. That includes testing the deposit process, investigating the terms and conditions, testing the support team, verifying any gaming license, and ensuring payouts are handled quickly.
✅ Can you win money at online casinos?
Just like at a brick-and-mortar casino, it’s certainly possible to win real money at an online casino if you’re risking real money.
✅ How do online casino bonuses work?
Usually, online casinos will add your bonus to your balance, allowing you to bet with it right on casino games right away. However, they have what is called a wagering requirement, which means that you have to wager a certain amount prior to withdrawing. This is typically between 10-50 times the bonus amount.
What's included in every casino site review
Every online casino review I publish must contain certain parts because I feel like every prospective player has a right to know as much as possible before they make a deposit or play any of the games.
Among the minimum of 1,500 words spent on each casino review, this is what I'll always cover:
Real-Money Bonus
I don't simply regurgitate the eye-popping bonus numbers online casinos like to promise potential new players with. A 100% or 200% bonus might sound great, but how easy is it to cash out?
Is there a cap to how much you can actually with using bonus funds? Do certain casino games clear more of the bonus than others?
You know what type of player you are. I don't want you to be in for a surprise when you get less of a bonus than you're expecting.
No-Deposit Bonus
Although usually heavily restricted, no deposit bonuses are used by some online casinos to let new players try out real money games without making a deposit.
Free money is always appreciated, but it isn't all that common and many offers are either limited or hidden to normal players.
I update reviews regularly as no deposit bonuses are added and removed at casinos. I also provide exact instructions on what players need to do to claim them.
Wagering Requirements
A nearly-universal method of releasing casino bonuses is putting a wagering requirement on them. That means that players must bet the bonus money a certain number of times before they can cash out the bonus.
These wagering requirements can vary wildly and turn a huge bonus on the surface into a stingy hassle. I'll also note any no-deposit bonus available.
I always include a review on how much play is required in different game types in order to claim the money an online casino is dangling on a stick in front of you.
Deposit Methods
Most players prefer to stick to their favorite and most familiar deposit method. Others are restricted to specific deposit methods because of where they live.
I always include every deposit method an online casino accepts and how easy it is to work with their cashier. Easiest deposit options include Bitcoin, credit card, and PayPal.
If an online casino doesn't support depositing your money the way you need them to, then they're worthless to you.
Withdrawal Speed
I've always said that an online casino is only as strong as its payout speed.
Casinos can have the best game variety and take your money smoothly for deposits, but how good are they if you can't make timely and consistent withdrawals of your winnings?
I won't review online casinos that won't pay out winning players and do so quickly. Period.
Player Support
A pet peeve of mine is any online casino that still has the nerve to only offer email support to its real money players.
It doesn't mean that I'll blacklist a casino for it, but I'll certainly call them on that epic fail.
Offering live chat is better. Best is the trifecta of email, live chat, and telephone player support. I test multiple support methods with example questions to see how well and how quickly they answer.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games have become a staple at the best and most well-rounded online casinos.
It's easy to see why as it brings back the social element of casino gaming and takes place in a regulated environment where you can witness the game fairness with your own eyes.
I always review a casino's live dealer offerings and list which games are available.
Slots Variety
Slots are the backbone of any casino, whether it be online or brick-and-mortar. Every online casino is going to offer dozens (and sometimes hundreds) of slots, but the selection can vary significantly.
Some players prefer slots from a specific game developer, while others are just looking for free spins, a number of reels, or progressive jackpots. My reviews cover a casino's slot options, including free slots options, in detail.
Table Games Variety
Classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps are favorites of mine, so I’m always sure to include their availability in my online casino reviews.
Everyone knows the games, so my focus is on how a casino handles the graphics and how many variations are offered.
Specialty Games
A casino’s special games can help round out the catalog and I know some players prefer games like keno, bingo, scratch cards, and even Sudoku at some casinos.
I like to review a casino’s specialty games in case you care about them.
Mobile Casino
There’s no excuse anymore for an online casino not to have a perfectly-functioning mobile casino. We live on our phones and, on average, casino players use their phones and tablets more than their computers.
I review every mobile casino and make sure everything you’d expect is available.
License
Although casino game fairness doesn’t begin and end with a license, it’s still incredibly important.
I always investigate an online casino’s status for my reviews. Not only are they licensed, but which territory are they regulated by?
With gaming licenses handed out by tax-friendly islands like candy, not every one is created equally.
Looking Closer at Online Casinos
I've been around online casino long enough to ignore the bonus amount and go right to the fine print. All our reviews explain what it takes to actually see your bonus.
Casinos try to lower your bonus by making different games release different bonus amounts. We'll alert you to predatory terms.
Online casinos don't like you to know the bonus wagering requirements, but our reviews will always expose them.
As a new casino player, you'll have a tough time finding a casino's real-money withdrawal policies. We'll find test them for you.
Casino sites are always going to brag about their trustworthiness, but who are they actually licensed by? For example, I'm a fan of Ignition Casino, but they fail in that area.
Live dealers have become an integral part of online gambling. Our reviews will always review a casino's live dealer offerings and game limits.
Choosing a Real-Money Casino on Your Priorities
Every online casino player is an individual with their own priorities.
For example, some players might only be interested in clearing the most bonus money they can, while others only want to play at live dealer games, and others only want to play at casinos where they can deposit with Bitcoin.
When I review an online casino, I put myself in the shoes of other players and answer every question I can imagine they might have.
I aim to give more information on each casino than most players need. I'd rather mention a ton of casino features that might be crucial to some than simply cover the most common bases.
A Simple Test for Every Online Casino Site
Besides just looking at the current statistics of online casinos, my experience in the industry can help to predict how bright a casino’s future is. I’ve seen a number of online casinos try to operate after payout red flags or cheating scandals.
New players wouldn’t know about them, so I’m sure to include any questionable casino history in my reviews.
Every online casino I review must pass the following questions to my satisfaction before they're listed at Beat The Fish. It's a simple litmus test that easily separate the best online casinos from ones that go on my blacklist.
Online casinos listed here must pass all these test questions
- Who are they licensed by?
- How can players make sure the games are fair?
- How easy is it to deposit?
- How fast will the casino pay me out?
- How long has the casino been in business?
- What are other players saying about them?
Our 10-Part Process of Every Casino Review
1
Analyze casino licensing and Terms and Conditions
The first thing we look for in any new casino is who has approved their license, making them legal online casinos. While a license isn't everything, it gives players peace of mind if an official government gambling agency has declared a casino site's games fair.
2
Ensure that the games are audited for fairness
The fairness of an online casino's games is everything. Because players can't see the cards being dealt or touch the slot machine, there's a huge amount of trust involved. We always run checks to see if a casino's games have been audited for fairness.
3
Sign up at casino with a new account
You can't review a casino without signing up and playing there for real-money yourself. We always actually create a new online casino account, note any hassles for new players, and actually play at the games.
4
Make a test deposit, sometimes using multiple methods
Even the best online casinos are only as strong as its deposit and payout methods. It sometimes gets overlooked, but we're always sure to test which deposit methods are available, any fees, and how easy it is to make a deposit.
5
Test multiple games over many hours
We don't just hit up a few spins at the casino's slots, play a few hands of Blackjack, and then bolt. We put in at least several hours of gameplay over multiple days. That gives us fresh eyes and better perspective on what an online casino is really like.
6
Test bonus release and wagering requirements
Online casinos love to brag about their welcome bonus package in giant letters, but how much of that money you'll actually see is what really matters. We always test how easy it is to get your bonus money and tell players exactly how to do it.
7
Ask example support questions
A casino's player support department is easy to forget about until you really need it one day. We do the homework on which support methods are available and test how well the reps actually know their casino.
8
Request payout with an emphasis on speed
Every online casino player intends to win money and the best online casinos will get them their money quickly. We always test payout methods and speeds so you can know what to expect before you put your bankroll on the line.
9
Check other websites and forums for complaints
Just because we have a great experience at an online casino doesn't mean that there haven't been scandals or major complaints we missed. We'll continue to shut down casino reviews if our investigation uncovers proven wrongdoing.
10
Write and built the review page
Only after we've played extensively at an online casino will we write our final opinions and evaluations. Our philosophy is always to give prospective new casino players too much information rather than not enough.
How we make the best online casino reviews we can
Most of all, I want casino players to be able to count on my reviews for something different than they’d find with the other endless reviews online. I enjoy doing the testing and ratings because I’m still a player myself. I want every review to be a bit longer, a bit more in-depth, and a bit more honest than what you’re used to.
Currently, these are the online casinos the BTF team has reviewed:
- 888 Casino
- Café Casino
- Lincoln Casino
- Slots.lv
- Ignition Casino
- Wild Casino
- Planet 7 Casino
- Sloto’Cash Casino
- Trada Casino
- Wixstars Casino
- Barbados Casino
- Unique Casino
- Gunsbet Casino
- Lord of the Spins
- Diamond Reels Casino
- Cloud Casino
I would rather build trust with real online casino players and have them return to me for more of my reviews than trick then into signing up at the casino that offers me the most money.
I appreciate you putting your trust in Beat The Fish and I hope you find these real-money casino reviews an honest breath of fresh air.
A lifelong poker player who moved online in 2004, Josh founded Beat The Fish in 2005 to help online poker players make more-informed decisions on where to play and how to win once they got there. He hopes to counter the rampant dishonesty in online gaming media with objective reviews and relevant features. Tech nostalgic. Fondly remembers the soup avatar at Doyle’s Room.
Great review and to be honest to another honest person. Online gambling probably wouldn’t be here or gambling period. BUT, this world needs a lot more of us out here behind these screens.
I had no idea their was such a thing as BTF I wish I’d found y’all sooner becos I love to play but I know so little well till now thank you for being here
the only review page worth reading,very helpful