Skip to main content
Independent Reviews

Est. 2024 — Independent Reviews

Best Online Casinos
2026

We test every casino ourselves — depositing real money, playing real games, and timing real withdrawals. Our 174+ reviews cover sweepstakes casinos, crypto gambling sites, and sportsbooks across the US. Each review includes bonus details, payout speeds, game selection, and licensing info so you can pick the right site without guesswork.

Editor's Selections

Our Top Picks This Month

Hand-selected venues that consistently deliver exceptional experiences

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Chumba - sweepstakes casino featured banner

Chumba

(5)

Experience top-tier social casino gaming at Chumba with daily bonuses and exciting sweepstakes draws.

BEST COMMUNITY

Bitstarz

Trade and play with crypto at Bitstarz, featuring instant deposits and anonymous gaming.

BEST FOR CRYPTO

Pulsz

Pulsz delivers authentic casino entertainment through a legal sweepstakes model with no purchase necessary.

Knowledge Center

Master the Game

Expert insights and essential guides to help you make informed decisions

Sweepstakes Casino Guide

Learn how sweepstakes casinos work, legal status across states, and how to maximize your free play opportunities.

Read Full Guide

Crypto Casino Safety

Essential tips for choosing secure crypto casinos, understanding provably fair gaming, and protecting your digital assets.

Read Full Guide

Play Responsibly

Set healthy limits, recognize warning signs, and access support resources to ensure gaming stays fun and safe.

Read Full Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions answered by our experts

1 Are sweepstakes casinos legal in the US?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos operate legally in most US states using a dual-currency model (Gold Coins for fun, Sweeps Coins for prizes). They don't require a gambling license because they use the sweepstakes promotion model. Only Washington and Idaho have restrictions.
2 How do I know if an online casino is trustworthy?
Look for proper licensing (Curaçao, Malta, or state-level), transparent ownership, published RTP rates, and responsive customer support. We verify all of these in our reviews before recommending any site.
3 What's the difference between sweepstakes and crypto casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies and are legal in most US states without traditional gambling licenses. Crypto casinos accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, typically offer faster payouts, and often operate under offshore licenses with provably fair games.
4 How long do withdrawals take at online casinos?
Withdrawal times vary by method: crypto payouts are usually instant to 1 hour, e-wallets take 24-48 hours, and bank transfers can take 3-5 business days. We test and report actual payout speeds in every review.
5 Do I need to pay taxes on online casino winnings?
In the US, gambling winnings are taxable income. For sweepstakes casinos, you'll receive a 1099 form if you redeem more than $600 in a year. We recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.
6 How does OnlineCasinoFriend rate casinos?
We evaluate casinos on a 1-5 scale across multiple factors: game selection, bonus value, payout speed, customer support, mobile experience, and security. Every rating comes from hands-on testing — we deposit real money and play real games before publishing.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our support team for personalized help with your questions.