A casino online is an internet-based gambling venue that offers the same kinds of gambling games you might find in a traditional brick and mortar casino, like poker, blackjack, roulette and slots. These casinos must be licensed and regulated to ensure that the games they offer are fair and that players’ funds are safe. They also must comply with regulations to prevent money laundering and underage gambling.

In addition to offering a wide variety of real cash casino games, online casinos must have reliable banking methods that allow US players to deposit and withdraw funds quickly and securely. Most reputable sites use industry-standard 128-bit SSL encryption to protect player data and have their security measures audited regularly by independent companies. Some even let players fund their accounts with cash by visiting participating 7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar or Walmart stores that partner with them through the PayNearMe service.

Some of the best real money online casinos will have a variety of welcome bonuses that are designed to give new players extra cash when they first start playing. The most common bonus is a deposit match bonus that will match a percentage of your initial deposit with bonus wagering credits. You may also find other types of bonuses at an online casino, such as free spins on online slots.

In addition to offering a huge selection of casino games, an online casino should have a solid customer support team that can answer any questions you might have about their games or bonuses. The most reliable casinos will have email and live chat options that are available around the clock so you can contact a customer support agent whenever you need to.