A casino online is a website or mobile app that allows players to gamble for real money. These sites offer a variety of games, including video poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat. They also feature live dealer tables. Some offer tournaments and loyalty bonuses. In order to gamble legally, you must be over the age of 21 and live within a state where gambling is legal.

When choosing an online casino, you should look for a website that has a secure SSL encryption connection. This ensures that your personal information is not intercepted by unauthorized parties. You should also read the privacy policy to see how the site handles and protects your information. You should also make sure that you can deposit and withdraw using a number of different methods.

If you’re thinking of trying a new casino online, it’s important to choose one with a license from a state regulator. These regulators are often responsible for ensuring that casinos use adequate security measures and test their games for fairness. They’re also typically more transparent about how they handle player disputes.

Online casinos are currently prohibited in some states, most notably Alabama and New Mexico. While Alabama does have three tribal casinos, residents are unable to play them online. The state legislature has considered legalizing online casinos, but that remains a long shot. New Mexico is still working to legalize mobile sports betting, and major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars will likely need to maintain partnerships with tribal casinos before they can operate there.