Breakdown of the Best US Online Casino Games 2025

Stepping into the world of online casino games for the first time can feel like walking into a neon-lit jungle. All those flashing slots and intricate card games are often overwhelming for beginners.

But don’t worry. This guide will break down the best online casino games, explaining what’s what. From slots that spin on their own to online casino table games that require a bit of strategy, I’ll cover the basic definitions, odds, software, and even talk about how to play while staying responsible. Let’s deal you in.

What Are Casino Games?

Casino games come in all shapes and styles, but they all revolve around wagering money for a shot at winning more. You can find them in both land-based establishments and on dedicated casino websites. 

The lineup is diverse, from video slots showcasing various symbols across spinning reels, to classic card games like blackjack, where it’s you versus the dealer in a race to 21.

Some games are purely about luck, while others reward a bit of skill and strategy. They also vary in risk. Take roulette, where you can go bold and bet on a single number for a big payout, or play it safe with even-money bets like red/black.

Which game you choose boils down to your personal preferences, knowledge of rules, and risk tolerance.

Types of Casino Games

There are plenty of ways to break down the best casino games, but to keep things clear and beginner-friendly, we’ll stick to video slots and table games, as these are the two major categories.

Table Games

Casino table games are traditional gambling games played on a felt table, typically involving cards, dice, or numbers. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Blackjack

You play against the dealer, trying to reach (or get as close to) 21 points without going over. You get two visible cards, while the dealer gets one visible card and one facing down. 

Cards 2 through 10 carry their face value, picture cards are all worth 10 points, and aces count as either 1 or 11, depending on what’s best for your hand. 

Once the cards are dealt, you choose whether to hit (receive more cards), stand (not draw any more cards), split (make a pair into two separate hands), or double down (double your bet and receive one more card). Once the action is over, the dealer turns their second card, and the two hands are compared to determine the winner.

If your first two cards are an ace and any of the 10-point cards, you’ve got a blackjack, and you win automatically with a 3:2 or a 6:5 payout, depending on the game version. Any other win, and your payout is 1:1.

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games and the one that has the most game variations. Some versions include additional side bets, while others completely change how the game is played. At the best blackjack casinos, you can find the following game variants: 21+3 Progressive, 777 Blazing Blackjack, Bet the Set 21, Blackjack 6 in 1, Blackjack Fortune Spinner Pro, Blackjack Lucky Ladies, Blackjack Perfect Pair, Blackjack Poker and Pairs, Blackjack Single Deck, Blackjack XChange, Free Bet Blackjack, Multi-Hand Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Quantum Blackjack, and Zappit Blackjack.

» Start with the basics and learn how to play blackjack games the right way.

Roulette

The roulette wheel typically features 37 or 38 pockets, showing numbers 1 through 36, a zero, and a double zero if you’re playing the American version. 

The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and launches the ball in the other. As the ball slows down, it bounces along the numbered pockets before finally landing in one. That number and color become the winning outcome for that round (e.g., “23, red”).

Roulette allows you to make a variety of bets. You wager by putting chips on a betting layout, which includes straight bets (exact number), corner (four numbers sharing a corner on the table), red/black, odds/even, dozens, columns, and more. The fewer numbers your bet covers, the bigger the risk, and, therefore, the bigger the payout.

If you're looking for variety, roulette has plenty to offer. Whether you prefer simple rules or exciting twists, the best roulette casinos have something for every type of player. You can stick to the classics like American Roulette, European Roulette, and French Roulette, or try something more modern like Lightning Roulette or 101 Roulette. Some players enjoy the fast pace of Automated Roulette, while others go for the extra thrill of Double Bonus Spin Roulette. No matter your style, there is always a version waiting for you at the best roulette casinos.

» Learn how to play roulette and understand your betting options before you spin the wheel.

Baccarat

Baccarat is the simplest of all top casino games. Here, you place bets on Player, Banker, or Tie, together with optional side bets. The Player and Banker positions are dealt two cards, and the winner is the one who gets as close to a total of 9. Cards 2 through 9 carry their face value, 10s and face cards are worth zero, and aces count as 1. 

If the total goes over 9, the first digit is dropped (e.g., 12 becomes 2). A third card may be drawn based on special rules, but you don’t need to know them to play. You just place your bet and let the dealer handle the rest.

Baccarat is ideal for beginners and players who like to keep it simple, while also having a very low house edge of 1.06% on the Banker bet.

As you can see, baccarat is a smooth and elegant game loved by many for its simple rules and fast action.

At the best baccarat casinos, you’ll find several popular versions to suit your style. If you like quick gameplay, Speed Baccarat is perfect for you. For those who enjoy an added twist, No Commission Baccarat lowers the house edge by removing the usual commission on banker wins. Fans of excitement will appreciate Lightning Baccarat, which adds random multipliers to boost payouts. And if you want a straightforward face-off, Dragon Tiger offers a simple and fast card battle that keeps the action moving. Whatever your preference, the best baccarat casinos offer something for every player.

» Learn how to play baccarat and see why this game is easier than it looks.

Craps

In craps, players bet on the outcome of dice rolls. Everything starts with the come-out roll. If the shooter (player throwing the dice) hits a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins, and if they roll 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. If any other number is rolled, it then becomes the “point,” and the shooter continues rolling until they hit that number again or roll a 7.

The Pass Line is the most popular bet, but there’s also Don’t Pass, which implies betting against the shooter. The Come and Don’t Come bets are similar, but are made after the come-out roll. There are also numerous proposition bets in the center of the table with higher payouts, albeit with much worse odds.

Craps is one of the most social casino games. While it’s perfectly playable online, the best way to experience its charm is to play it in a live setting surrounded by fellow players and high-energy table action.

The best craps casinos offer several exciting versions to suit different playing styles. If you want an immersive experience, Craps Live lets you join a real dealer’s table from anywhere. For a more solo-focused approach, First Person Craps gives you full control over the game pace and betting. And for something a bit different, Craps The Matrix adds unique twists while keeping the fast action craps is known for. No matter which version you choose, craps delivers fast excitement at the best craps casinos.

» Learn how to play craps and get familiar with the rules and betting layout.

Slot Games

Video slots are by far the most popular online casino games, making up the largest portion of all casino games. They come in a wide range of styles and themes, from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots featuring immersive storylines and bonus rounds. The best slot games become so popular that they develop a loyal following of players who return to play the same favorites again and again.

At their core, slot games are simple to play. When you press the Play button, the reels spin and then stop to reveal a combination. Wins are determined by how many matching symbols line up on paylines, which are predefined patterns that run across the reel set. The more symbols that align on a payline, the bigger the payout. Not all slots use this payline structure, however. Some, such as cluster pays slots, award wins when identical symbols land in a cluster rather than along a specific line.

The results are completely luck-based, determined by a behind-the-scenes random number generator (RNG). Regardless of previous spins or your bet level, the outcome of the next play will always be random.

Meanwhile, Return to Player (RTP) is a percentage that reflects how much a video slot pays back to players over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP theoretically returns $96 for every $100 wagered, so the number essentially shows how "generous" the game is. Most slots have an RTP between 93% and 98%. 

All that being said, RTP is calculated over millions of spins and does not guarantee a return in each session. Luck rules the game in the short term, so while RTP is a helpful stat, it’s not a guarantee of how your spins will go.

One of the reasons slots are so popular is that they can yield massive payouts. This is especially true for progressive slots, which feature jackpots that keep increasing with every player’s bet until someone wins it. Some of these progressive jackpots can rise to millions of dollars.

Slot games make up the biggest percentage of all casino games, and they come in different styles and themes. Classics like three-reel slots sit alongside modern video slots with immersive storylines and bonus rounds.

» Find out how to play slots and make the most of every spin.

Casino Games That Give You the Best Chance to Win

Not all games are created equal when it comes to your winning odds. Some offer a fair show with a relatively low house edge, while others are designed to eat away at your bankroll fast. The following sections cover some of the best and worst games in terms of winning potential.

Games With the Best Odds

If you want your money to have a good fighting chance, you should try some of these casino games online:

• Blackjack: The house edge on blackjack can drop as low as 0.5%, but only if you know the basic blackjack strategy. This is a set of optimal decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s up-card, telling you exactly what to play in a given scenario.

• Video poker: Video poker can also be played with a strategy that shows you which cards to keep and which to discard in every combination. The house edge depends on the variant, and some rare variants can theoretically even have a negative house edge when played optimally. You can start playing today at any of our best video poker casino sites in the US

• Baccarat: With baccarat, you don’t have to worry about strategy. Just stick with the Banker bet, and the house edge will always be 1.06%.

Games With the Worst Odds

Unless you’re feeling really fortunate, it’s best to avoid the following casino games:

• Keno: In keno, you pick a maximum of 20 numbers out of a pool of 80. The game then randomly selects 20 numbers, and the more matches you have, the more you win. While the rules here are friendly to beginners, the percentages are not kind to your bankroll, as the house edge in keno can range from 20% to 25%.

• Low-RTP slots: While I already mentioned how RTP doesn’t guarantee success when playing slots, you should still stay away from games with a theoretical return percentage lower than 95%.

Free vs. Real Money Casino Games

Although the whole point of slots and online casino table games is to have fun and get to win money, you can also play them for free. Over the following few paragraphs, I’ll talk about the potential benefits of enjoying free games while also walking you through the process of starting to play these games online.

Why Play Free Casino Games

Playing free casino games is a great way to become familiar with the online gambling world without any financial risk. 

It allows you to enjoy the game while learning the rules, test out strategies, and examine different game types.

If you’re unsure whether video slots are your thing or if you’ll have the patience to master basic blackjack strategy, the best way to find out is by giving it a shot. Jumping in with real money while you’re still learning can be risky, so the clever move is to play for free and save yourself from financial pressure or costly mistakes.

Free casino games are available all around the internet, while some casino sites enable players to test their games in free demo mode.

How to Play Casino Games Online

Before you start playing casino games online, you need to understand a few technicalities. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide of how that process usually works:

1. Find a safe, legal, and reputable online casino. Our top US online casino lists can help you narrow down your search.

2. Head over to the casino site and start the registration process.

3. The casino needs to know more about you for legal reasons. You will need to share your name, date of birth, address, and other similar details so that your identity can be verified.

4. After signing up and activating your account, you need to deposit some money to play. Go to the cashier, select a suitable banking method, and enter your payment details, including the deposit amount (the minimum deposit is typically $5 or $10).

5. Once the deposit goes through, you can claim the casino’s welcome bonus. It’s optional, but advisable, as it will give you some extra bankroll to play with.

6. Now that you have some money in your balance, browse the casino’s library, load the game that you want to try first, and start playing.

Choosing Safe Online Casinos to Play Games

Before diving into any casino game, it’s crucial to choose a platform that’s legal, regulated, and fully secure. You can easily check if the casino meets these criteria by seeing if it has a license and going through its privacy policy. 

Playing at licensed casinos ensures fair gameplay, protects your money, and allows you to use responsible gambling tools if needed. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together a list of safe online casinos that meet strict standards for security and legitimacy.

Casino Game Providers and Software

The vibrant world of casino games wouldn’t exist without the casino software providers working hard behind the scenes. These are the studios that design, build, and power the games you play, blending creativity, tech, and innovation to keep things fresh and exciting.

Up next, we’ll explore why casino software providers matter and how they impact your gameplay and highlight some of the industry’s best.

Why Casino Software Providers Matter

Casino providers are the driving force behind the games you play. They do everything from designing the sound and visuals to building the core mechanics, payout structures, and special features that make up the whole experience. More importantly, providers must ensure that the games are fair. By using certified RNGs, they guarantee that every game gives you a fair chance of winning.

Top Software Developers for Online Casino Games

There are hundreds of casino software developers today, ranging from well-established brands that have been in business since before online gambling began to aspiring indie studios trying to make a name for themselves.

Here are some of the most well-known and respected studios behind the best gambling games:

• NetEnt: Known for its high-quality video slots, NetEnt has brought us blockbuster titles like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest and continues to have a strong presence in the iGaming sphere.

• Microgaming: One of the pioneers in online casino software, founded in 1994, Microgaming is best known for its progressive slots, especially Mega Moolah, which has produced record-breaking jackpots over the past decade and a half.

• Evolution: Establishing itself as the gold standard for live casino games, Evolution delivers high-end streaming, professional dealers, and game show-style titles. Lightning Roulette and Crazy Time are a couple of Evolution’s must-try creations.

• Playtech: Playtech does a little bit of everything, from powering large-scale live dealer casino platforms to producing high-end video slots. Age of the Gods and Buffalo Blitz are some of the best and most influential titles coming from Playtech.

Responsible Gambling

While having fun playing online casino games, you should not forget that they can also become addictive if you’re not careful. Sticking to a reasonable bankroll, taking breaks, and knowing when to stop are essential for having a fun and safe gaming experience.

The good thing is that most legitimate online casinos offer built-in responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control. These include setting deposit and loss limits, session time reminders, cool-off periods, and complete self-exclusion.

Unfortunately, these are sometimes not enough. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional support might be necessary. There are many national help organizations and services that you can turn to, including NCPG, Gamblers Anonymous, or 1-800-GAMBLER.

Additionally, you can visit our Responsible Gambling Center for extra guidance and tools.

Why Trust Us

WSN is your one-stop hub for everything related to online casinos. Our editorial team is made up of seasoned industry experts who constantly monitor the market to uncover the best platforms or call out those that miss the mark. 

Every casino we feature is thoroughly reviewed over a minimum of a one-week period, with our ratings based solely on hard facts. We dig deep into every aspect, from game selection and bonuses to payment options and customer support.

With WSN, you’ll always be pointed toward reliable, high-quality casinos that match your preferences and can be trusted.