New online casinos aren’t popping up at the blistering pace they used to, but the legal U.S. industry is still ripe with growth. With each launch comes the opportunity for players to experience new games, climb VIP loyalty ranks, and build their bankrolls by claiming lucrative welcome bonuses.
Yet, new casino sites vary widely in quality. Some are derivative of existing sites, while others push the limits of innovation. Then you have relaunches of products that initially underperformed but fancy a second go-round.
We’ve thoroughly vetted them all and can conclusively say which ones warrant a look.
Contents
Newest US online casinos in the last 2 years
Find below a list of every new online casino brand that has debuted in the U.S. over the past two years.
- Live casino options
- Extensive range of games
- Clean and simple interface
- Outstanding mobile app
- Licensed and regulated in multiple states
- Excellent loyalty program
- Over 400 games, including live dealer options
- Account linking for Jackpocket Lottery players
- Weekly promotions and rewards
- Competitive welcome bonus
- Extensive slot games
- Secure payment options
- Attractive welcome package
- Well-known, reliable brand
- Extensive game variety
- Trusted, globally recognized brand
- Extensive game library
- VIP program for loyal players
- Trusted operator offering 400+ exclusive and popular games.
- Earn rewards with Boyd Gaming’s B Connected loyalty program.
- High-quality mobile apps for seamless gaming experience.
- Licensed and secure platform
- Mobile app for Android and iOS
- Hundreds of games, including top slots
- Daily free games and promotions
- Quick payouts and low payment minimums
- Dedicated VIP program
All our recommended sites are legal and licensed, so this page does not mention illegal, offshore books.
A closer look at the newest online casinos
The newest online casinos face fierce competition in the legal online gambling industry. New sites must go above and beyond to survive, let alone thrive.
To lesser and greater degrees, the following casinos have answered the call.
Fanatics casino – launched November 2023
Tell anyone that Fanatics Casino has been around for 5+ years, and they’d probably believe you. The truth is, it just launched.
The app sparkles with ingenuity, making smart use of limited real estate, with games sorted into useful categories. Sports betting and the casino are housed under one roof, and player wallets are shared between the two verticals.
Fanatics comes out of the gate with over 500 slots, 40+ Slingo games, a massive Live Casino, and dozens of table games. Impressive by any account, but particularly so for a brand spanking new casino.
One major gripe against Fanatics Casino is the lack of a desktop platform. Mobile-only is fine for sports betting, but many casino enjoyers prefer larger layouts. The lack of promotions is also somewhat disappointing.
Welcome Bonus: Deposit $5, and get $50 in casino credits. Online casinos rarely give away money for nothing, but this is about as close as it gets. New players who deposit $5+ receive $50 in casino credits with a breezy 1x turnover on any game. Sure, the ceiling on this bonus is low, but it’s nearly guaranteed money.
Pros
- Outstanding user interface
- Comprehensive Live Casino
- Player-friendly welcome bonus
- FanCash loyalty program
- Integrated sportsbook
Cons
- No desktop platform
- Thin promotional menu
Jackpot City Casino – launched November 2023
Jackpot City has been a staple of the worldwide gambling scene since 1998 but took its sweet time entering the U.S. It quietly launched in NJ in November 2023, followed by a PA rollout several months later.
The initial product was underwhelming, to say the least, spanning just 100 slots and a smattering of table games. Since then, JC has grown modestly, now featuring over 225 slots by providers like NetEnt, IGT, and Microgaming, 20 digital table and video poker games, and a basic Live Casino.
That’s still leagues behind what more mature sites offer.
A sparse promotional menu and overly basic desktop and mobile platforms don’t do Jackpot City any favors either.
Keep this one on your radar, but don’t prioritize it.
New Jersey Welcome Bonus: 50% match up to $1,000. This bonus looks appealing but is marred by insanely high wagering requirements. Players must play through their bonus 90x on slots before it converts to cash. Obscene turnovers are standard in European markets, but not so much in the U.S. Apparently, Jackpot City didn’t get the memo.
Pennsylvania Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to $1,000. Pennsylvania players get a better shake, as they’ll only have to deposit $1,000 to claim the full bonus. Furthermore, the wagering requirements are “only” 50x. You’ll get 30 days to clear it before the bonus funds go poof.
Pros
- Solid, but minimalist, platform
- Live Casino games
- Strong Blackjack selection
- Daily rewards
Cons
- Substandard welcome bonus
- Limited game selection
- No exclusive games
- No loyalty program
JackPocket Casino – launched November 2023
Jackpocket broke ground in 2023 as the first U.S. lottery platform to dip its toes in iGaming. Our expectations were modest, but Jackpocket Casino coasted right by them.
The platform is nothing special but has just enough bells and whistles to help users find what they want. In particular, the way Jackpocket categorizes slots hits the spot.
Game selection is middle-of-the-road, with a lobby featuring roughly 450 slots and table games, a few lazily branded exclusives, and a quaint Live Casino. Notably, Jackpocket is one of the few to snag Hacksaw Gaming as a game provider.
However, the real shining point is Jackpocket’s commitment to player value. Both its welcome package and recurrent promotions are stellar.
Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $500 + $50 lottery credits. 10x wagering requirements are rare, but that’s exactly how many times you’ll need to play through Jackpocket Casino’s new player bonus. Well, at least on slots. The turnover is 50x on table games and video poker, but at least they count for something.
This offer is also a crossover promo, as players will net $50 in credits on the Jackpocket Lotto app. Pro tip: Set up a Jackpocket lottery account before claiming the casino bonus.
Pros
- Stellar welcome bonus
- Recurrent daily offers
- Loose integration with the lottery app
- Strong blackjack lobby
Cons
- No loyalty program
- The interface feels somewhat dated
- No meaningful exclusives
ESPN bet Hollywood casino – launched November 2023
ESPN Bet Hollywood Casino is mostly just a reskin of the defunct Barstool Casino and may go the way of the dinosaur shortly. Until then, it should appeal to players running thin on new casino options.
ESPN has partnered with multiple big-time providers like NetEnt, IGT, Red Tiger, Gaming Realms, and Hacksaw, yet only supports about 500 slots. However, its Live Casino is a real treat, boasting exclusive Hollywood tables, over a dozen games, and a special high-limit area.
Overall, the platform is sleek and we especially like that ESPN provides vital information like min/max bet sizes and game providers from the homepage. The casino is intimately tied to ESPN’s heavily publicized sportsbook, another nice touch.
Yet, returning players won’t find much value here. There are only a few casino-focused promos, and the VIP program requires players to split their time online and at Penn Entertainment retail outlets.
Welcome Bonus: 50 free spins + 24-hour insurance up to $500 cashback. New players get 10 free spins upon arrival ($0.20 denomination) and another 40 after placing a $1+ cash wager.
They’ll also get a refund on any losses incurred during their first 24 hours of casino play, capped at $500, and paid as eligible cashback with a 1x playthrough requirement. It’s a solid deal but does little for players who win their first session.
Pros
- Partnered with top slot manufacturers
- Exclusive Hollywood games
- Expansive Live Casino
- A host of depositing options
Cons
- Low-value casino promotions
- Inflexible VIP program
- Average slot count
Hard Rock Bet Casino – launched August 2023
In 2023, Hard Rock took on a sprawling revamp of its underwhelming sportsbook and casino. The outcome was Hard Rock Bet, a magnificent upgrade that’s not only one of the best new online casinos but one of the best casino sites, period.
The new app juxtaposes modern design with Hard Rock’s expansive partnerships, resulting in a sleek-looking interface that houses a whopping 1,500+ slots, and spans over 30 game providers. A Live Casino and digital table games are also on full display.
With the relaunch, Hard Rock debuted a highly gamified loyalty program that emulates what BetRivers did with its successful iRush Rewards system. It’s admittedly too confusing for our taste, but the kickbacks are worthwhile.
It’s too bad the casino didn’t launch in nearly as many markets as Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. Right now, it’s only available in New Jersey.
Welcome Bonus: 500 free spins + a 100% match up to $1,000. New players that fund their account will automatically receive 500 free spins on Triple Gold, with winnings paid as cash. In addition, they’ll receive a 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 with a reasonable 20x wagering requirement on most slots.
Pros
- Exceptional game library
- Over 600 jackpot slots
- Expansive Live Casino with exclusive tables
- Gamified loyalty program
- Icon-based lobby with intelligent filters
Cons
- It’s not the fastest casino app
- Figuring out your VIP rewards can be confusing
Caesars Palace Online – launched August 2023
Caesars Palace Online is the new flagship site of the Caesars conglomerate.
Despite its infant age, the casino is equipped with nearly everything players expect from established brands. This includes a 1,100+ slot library, a fully realized Live Casino, promotions galore, and a deep loyalty program based on the award-winning Caesars Rewards.
It’s missing a few novelties like Must Hit Progressives, and the software is rather slow and lacks advanced filtering options. Otherwise, this is an impressive rollout.
Welcome Bonus: $10 no-deposit bonus, and 100% deposit match up to $1,000 + 2,500 Rewards Credits. There’s little denying the size of Caesars’ welcome package, but the value varies. The $10 registration bonus and the 2,500 RCs are only subject to a 1x turnover on slots, which is fantastic. However, the match bonus carries a rather hefty 30x wagering requirement that may be too hefty for casual players.
Pros
- Impressive slot library
- Robust Live Casino with branded games
- Ties to Caesars Rewards
- Solid recurring promotions
- Expansive cashier
Cons
- The software could use a refresh
- No Must Hit Progressives
Stardust Casino – launched May 2023
When Boyd Gaming acquired Pala Interactive in May 2023, one of its first tasks was to rebrand the much-maligned Pala Casino as Stardust Casino.
Unfortunately, the reimagining was mostly in name only. The new Stardust has the same old slot games, and the Live Casino and table game lobbies are uninspired.
The user interface has received a fresh coat of paint but retains the same dated look and sluggish loading times synonymous with Pala Casino.
On a more positive note, Stardust has been integrated with Boyd’s stellar loyalty program, and new players get their choice of two welcome packages, although one has significantly greater appeal.
Welcome Bonus: 25 free Starburst spins with no deposit required. 100% match up to $500 + 200 Starburst spins OR 50% cashback up to $150 on first 24-hour losses (Live Dealer only).
The 25 free spins are a nice perk for signing up but are only valued at $2.50. Stardust’s deposit match carries a 20x wagering requirement on most slots, and will probably be the go-to for players looking to build a bankroll.
The loss-back option is a bit too restrictive for our taste, as it only benefits Live Dealer players and only returns half their losses. Other casinos have better insurance bonuses.
Pros
- Daily free spin
- Modest wagering requirements on new player bonus
- Exclusive jackpot game Jackpot Shores
- Integrated with Boyd Rewards
Cons
- Uninspired user interface
- Weaker game selection
- Small Live Casino
Wheel of Fortune Casino – launched March 2023
Wheel of Fortune Casino is a skin on the popular MGM network, joining Borgata Casino and Party Casino.
Unfortunately, MGM blew a golden opportunity to leverage a household brand. The resultant product would have Pat Sayak scratching his head, featuring just a few loose ties to the popular game show.
Additionally, the app is missing key ingredients from other MGM sites, like a Live Casino and Must Hit Progressives. In fairness, WoF has over 900 slots, which is more than average, but virtually none are exclusives. Even the site’s Wheel of Fortune slots can be found elsewhere.
Welcome Bonus: Deposit $10, get $40. This bonus is decent for players on a strict budget, but better options exist. Players that deposit $10+ will receive a $40 bonus that can only be used on slots and carries a 5x wagering requirement, which is high for a Deposit & Get style offer.
Pros
- The same strong platform as BetMGM
- Large slots library
- A sizable array of table games
Cons
- Low-value promotions
- No Live Casino
- Fewer games than other MGM sites
PlayStar Casino – launched October 2022
PlayStar Casino is an understated gem that’s more developed than many sites twice its age.
The game lobby is immaculately designed and stocked with over 500 slots, a full suite of Live Casino games, and over 30 digital tables. Those aren’t exactly awe-inspiring numbers, but they’re impressive for a startup with few previous industry ties.
Another major plus is the casino’s multi-tier loyalty program (PlayStar Club), which offers measurable rewards like reload bonuses, exclusive promos, and weekly cashback. Players can even earn gift card vouchers, simply by making regular deposits.
PlayStar is always making new moves. For instance, in February 2024 it teamed up with SGG Media to release a new streaming show.
Keep an eye on this one.
Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to $500 + 500 free spins. PlayStar’s new player package is fairly standard. The main nuance is the free spins, awarded in three phases: 100 spins after wagering $20, 200 after making a second deposit and wagering it, and another 200 after making and wagering a third deposit.
The deposit match carries a 30 wagering requirement on slots and 50x on roulette, which is about as average as it gets.
Pros
- Responsive user interface
- Smart design
- Premium VIP program
- Aggressively adds new products and innovations
Cons
- The welcome bonus is average
- Fewer games than the industry’s biggest brands
New online casinos by state
Over the past few years, states with legalized online casinos have seen new platforms emerge steadily, with major brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM entering the scene.
The pace has since slowed to a drip, but most states where online casinos are legal have seen at least a few new rollouts over the past two years, with more en route.
New Jersey
Initially launched in 2013, the New Jersey online casino market is heavily saturated, and new casino brands struggle to make headway.
However, the state’s iGaming laws are highly amenable to operators, compelling some brave souls to take a flyer.
There are 28 active online casinos with Tipico, Unibet, and Pointsbet recently leaving the market. New Jersey holds nine master licenses and licensees can partner with five brands, for 45 possible skins.
New NJ Online Casinos:
- Fanatics Casino NJ (May 2024)
- Jackpot City Casino NJ (March 2024)
- Jackpocket Casino NJ (March 2024)
- ESPN Bet NJ (November 2023)
- Caesars Palace Online NJ (August 2023)
- Hard Rock Bet NJ* (August 2023)
- Stardust Casino NJ* (May 2023)
- Tropicana Casino NJ* (April 2023)
- Wheel of Fortune Casino NJ (March 2023)
- PlayStar Casino NJ (October 2022)
*relaunch
Pennsylvania
The PA online casino market went live in 2019 and currently houses 21 apps. The state allows unlimited online casino skins, but smaller brands are generally hesitant due to the high licensing fees (up to $10m) and taxation rate on slots (54%).
Despite this, PA has seen more hustle and bustle than any other state in the past few years.
New PA Online Casinos:
- Bet365 Casino PA (July 2024)
- Mohegan Sun Casino PA (April 2024)
- Fanatics Casino PA (January 2024)
- Jackpot City Casino PA (December 2023)
- ESPN Bet PA (November 2023)
- Caesars Palace Online PA (August 2023)
- Golden Nugget Casino PA (August 2023)
- Bally Casino PA (June 2023)
- Stardust Casino PA* (May 2023)
- Tropicana Casino PA* (April 2023)
*relaunch
Michigan
The first MI online casinos sprung open their doors in January 2021, a month after the Michigan Gaming Control Board approved fifteen license holders — 12 authorized tribes and three commercial casinos.
Per state law, each licensee can only partner with one casino brand, for a hard cap of 15 casino apps. Presently, the only way for a new entity to join the mix is for someone to drop out.
That happens more than one might think.
Fanatics gained market access via its blockbuster acquisition of Pointsbet in April 2024. Then in May 2024, 888 decided to wind down its SI Sportsbook & Casino operation in Michigan and other states, opening the door for fresh blood.
In June 2024, Caesars bought out WynnBet’s fledgling MI online gaming operation, with plans to launch a Horseshoe branded app.
The Golden Nugget Casino and ESPN Bet launches were also byproducts of acquisitions, by DraftKings and ESPN respectively.
New Michigan Online Casinos:
- Fanatics Casino MI (February 2024)
- ESPN Bet MI (November 2023)
- Caesars Palace Casino MI (August 2023)
- Golden Nugget Casino MI (August 2023)
West Virginia
The first West Virginia casino apps went live in July 2020, and there are currently nine active sites, with a potential for 15.
Brands haven’t exactly been jumping over each other to occupy those remaining spots, as the state’s low population curbs enthusiasm.
New West Virginia Online Casinos:
- Fanatics Casino WV (November 2023)
- ESPN Bet Casino WV (November 2023)
- Caesars Palace Casino WV (August 2023)
- Betly Casino (July 2023)
Other States
The remaining states where online casinos are legal — Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut — are small markets with severe restrictions on the number of available licenses.
Therefore we don’t expect new casino brands to launch in these states.
The most notable recent development was in Delaware, where in January 2024 BetRivers took over as the state’s sole gaming provider, replacing 888.
Upcoming online casino launches
The upcoming online casino launches in the next year are expected to be minimal, with few states poised to consider online casino legislation.
We expect existing markets to expand slightly, driven by a handful of key rollouts:
- Horseshoe Online Casino: In July 2024, Caesars announced plans to go digital with its famous Horseshoe brand, with an expected launch in Michigan in late 2024, followed by rollouts in other markets.
- Hollywood Online Casino: Penn National is poised to launch a standalone casino app sometime in 2025. The newly minted ESPN owner currently operates its online casino via the ESPN Bet app.
- Betr Casino: Upstart fantasy and sports betting company Betr has secured market access in Pennsylvania via the Cordish Gaming Group. The plan is to launch the first Betr Casino by the end of 2024.
Tips for picking new online casino sites
We spend more time scrutinizing new casinos than established brands. The reason is simple: New doesn’t always equal good, whereas casinos that have survived for years are usually of solid stuff.
Here are a few tips to get you going:
Only play at legal sites
This is practically a given, but only play at legal online casinos licensed and overseen by a state’s gaming regulatory body.
Legal sites offer numerous benefits that offshore sites don’t, like identity verification, fund protection, and guaranteed game fairness. You’ll want these safeguards, trust us.
We only recommend legal online casinos, so any sites mentioned on this page are safe.
Otherwise, look for sites stamped with a seal from an official gaming body, like the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement or the PA Gaming Control Board.
Another hallmark of legal sites is that they require you to enter the last four digits of your SSN at registration. If a casino doesn’t ask for this info, it’s probably not legal.
Dig deep into the welcome bonus
There’s this misconception that new online casinos have the best welcome bonuses. That’s not necessarily true.
Granted, casino apps tend to put their best foot forward at launch. Yet, that doesn’t mean their bonuses will be better than those at competing sites, especially ones with a huge marketing allowance.
Carefully dissect each welcome bonus, ensuring that it provides value. If it’s a match bonus it should have reasonable wagering requirements, about 30x or less. Likewise, a lossback offer should return 100% of losses, preferably as cash or a bonus with a 1x turnover.
Check out the other promos
If a new online casino has a barren promotional menu or lackluster offers it’s a major red flag. Take a peek to see what’s on tap, and if the offers don’t impress, head elsewhere.
At a minimum, you’ll be looking for a couple of recurrent promos like reload bonuses, game of the week deals, leaderboards, or free daily spins.
To VIP OR not to VIP
A casino without a rewarding VIP structure isn’t taking its business seriously.
Even if it does have one, ask yourself whether it’s worth starting from scratch, or if you’re better off sticking with an app where you’re already established.
Sometimes, climbing the first few VIP ranks unlocks nice rewards, and it’ll cost you less than squeezing out the highest rank on another app.
Tour the game lobby
New online casinos will never launch with thousands of games, but they should at least have a few hundred. Peruse the game lobby for your favorite titles or game providers, and see if the app (it does have an app, right?) has any exclusives.
You’ll also be looking at game quality. Does the casino have high RTP slots? Are the video poker paytables good? What are the blackjack rules?
Live Dealer is a mandatory requirement for some players. If you’re in that boat, ensure the live games are active or coming soon.
Scour the payment methods
If you can’t load funds on an online casino, then what good is it?
We don’t expect sites to launch with dozens of payment options, but staples like ACH, PayPal, Play+, and credit/debit are a strong starting point. Sites that offer niche or trendy payment methods like Apple Pay and Venmo get extra credit.
New online casinos vs. established casino apps
The following are not immutable facts but generalizations about new versus established online casinos.
| New Online Casinos | Established Online Casinos |
|---|---|
| Usually a few hundred slots | More slots, up into the thousands |
| Small Live Casino | More robust Live Casino offering |
| Welcome bonuses are at their best | Welcome bonuses may be less generous |
| Software may be subject to glitches and bugs | More stable software and mobile apps |
| More modern platforms | Platforms will be dated, unless they've been updated |
| VIP programs are absent or aren't fleshed out | Monthly or annual VIP program with multiple tiers |
| Fewer payment methods and slower withdrawals | Many payment methods and fast withdrawals, sometimes instantaneous |
| Less likely to have an integrated sportsbook | Integrated sportsbooks |
Bonus offers on newly launched online casino sites
New online casinos generally don’t deviate from the formula laid out by their predecessors, with welcome bonuses falling neatly into one of a few categories:
- Match bonuses: Players who make their first deposit receive a bonus usually equal to their deposit amount. They must then wager that bonus X times over a few days or weeks before it converts to cash. These wagering requirements vary widely, and certain games might not contribute, so always check the T&C.
- Lossback bonuses: Think of lossback bonuses as a sort of short-term insurance. Following their first deposit, players will receive a refund on net losses incurred within 24 hours, up to a certain amount. The lossback is usually paid in casino credits, but sometimes cash.
- Deposit & Get: A beginner-friendly bonus where players who make a small deposit receive casino credits. For instance, a Deposit & Get may award $50 in credits to players who make a qualifying first deposit of $10+. The credits usually carry a 1x turnover requirement.
- Free spins: Free spins are usually a side dish and not the main attraction. In addition to your welcome bonus, you’ll receive X free spins on a specific slot. The spins are usually at a low denomination, like $0.10 or $0.20, and winnings may be paid as cash or casino credits.
New trends in the legal online casino industry
In recent years, online casinos have exploded in popularity, facilitated by a once-in-a-generation pandemic and the advent of legal sports betting.
Yet, only seven U.S. states have legal online casino options, and the outlook for other states joining the fray is dim. Lawmakers in states like Massachusetts and New York see online casinos as the next logical step, yet attempts to pass legislation have all fallen flat.
Of the states that do have thriving online casino industries, innovation has been slow and steady, highlighted by a few key upgrades:
- Must Hit Progressives: These haven’t popped up on new online casinos yet, but old standbys like BetMGM and FanDuel have added progressive jackpots to popular slots that must hit daily or by a certain dollar amount.
- Enhanced Live Dealer experience: Gone are the days when Live Casinos consisted of a few blackjack and roulette tables. The average studio now offers a host of poker games, baccarat, craps, and live game shows like Crazy Time.
- Augmented VIP programs: The best online casinos have VIP programs that simulate land-based rewards, with multiple tiers, annual resets, and benefits including VIP hosts, luxury gifts, signature experiences, and exclusive promotions.
- Massive slot libraries: Nowadays, some online casinos offer more slots than Vegas strip casinos. New titles and game providers are added weekly. Most recently, popular provider Hacksaw Gaming has forged partnerships with select sites. We’re still waiting on gaming behemoth Pragmatic Play.
- Social features: A few sites have begun incorporating chat and other community features to increase player engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best new online casino for US players?
For our money, Hard Rock Bet Casino is the best new online casino launched in the past few years, but that’s cheating a bit since it was a relaunch.
As for brand-spanking new casinos, Fanatics Casino is high quality and has the financial backing to become a top-tier app. Caesars Palace Online is another contender with a mammoth game library, quality promos, and deep ties to Caesars’ land-based rewards.
How often are new online casinos launched?
New online casinos are launched less frequently in today’s market, and expectations for new online casino launches in 2025 remain tempered. We expect Hollywood to launch a standalone casino in several markets, and Caesars to debut its Horseshoe-branded app.
A few upstarts could sneak in, but the current industry is fairly inhospitable to newer brands.
What are the key benefits of joining a new online casino?
Right now, the main benefit of registering for a new online casino is the ability to claim valuable welcome bonuses. Following that, you’ll have new promotions to enjoy, and possibly another VIP program to climb.
You might also run into a few games you haven’t seen before, but it’s unlikely.
Are new online casinos safe and secure?
As long as they’re legal and licensed, new online casinos offer the utmost safety and security.
Legal sites use bank-level encryption to protect your information, and store player deposits in non-operational accounts. Furthermore, they institute Know-Your-Customer checks designed to protect players from fraud.
Players can further secure their account through Face ID and two-factor authentication.
