Short answer: prioritize legality, regulation, independent audits, clear banking/withdrawal rules, strong security, and responsible-gambling protections. Below is a concise, practical checklist and how to verify each item.

1. Make sure online casino access is legal where you are

• Online casino laws vary by state; only play on licensed state-iGaming sites if your state permits it (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, West Virginia and a few others have regulated iGaming at various times). Check a current state-by-state tracker or your state gaming regulator before signing up. (PlayUSA.com)

2. Prefer state-licensed operators (when available)

• State-licensed casinos are regulated, audited, and must follow consumer-protection rules (complaint processes, verified payouts, anti-money-laundering checks). If your state has regulated iGaming, choose operators licensed by that state (e.g., NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement, PA Gaming Control Board, Michigan MGCB). You can verify license details on the regulator’s website. (njoag.gov)

3. If no regulated local option: be extra cautious

• Offshore sites that accept US players can be risky. Look for verifiable licensing (e.g., Malta, Gibraltar, or state licenses where they operate) and strong independent testing—but understand they won’t have US regulator protections. Use only well-known brands with long track records and transparent policies. (GlobeNewswire.com)

4. Verify independent testing and fairness

• Reputable casinos publish audits or certifications from independent labs (eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs). Click the auditor’s seal (don’t just rely on an image) and confirm the certificate on the auditor’s site to avoid fakes. Look for published RTP / payout reports. (eCOGRA.org)

5. Confirm website security and data protection

• Look for HTTPS with a valid certificate (click the lock in your browser), clear privacy policy, and industry-standard encryption. Verify the site’s identity and that login/payment pages are secured. Avoid sites with weak or missing security indicators.

6. Check banking, ID/withdrawal and payout policies

• Read the cashier/withdrawal terms: accepted deposit/withdrawal methods, verification (KYC) requirements, minimum/maximum cashout amounts, withdrawal processing times, and fees. Prefer casinos with clear, fast payout histories and multiple reputable payment options (ACH, card, e-wallets). If withdrawals are unusually slow or blocked, that’s a red flag.

7. Read bonuses and T&Cs carefully

• Bonuses often carry rollover/playthrough, game-weighting, maximum cashout and other limits. Don’t judge a bonus by the headline alone—check wagering requirements, game exclusions, and time limits before depositing.

8. Reputation, reviews and complaints

• Search for independent player reviews, complaint history, and regulator actions. Look for consistent, recent positive experiences about withdrawals and support. Be skeptical of sites that only show affiliate reviews or have many unresolved complaints.

9. Responsible gambling and self-exclusion tools

• A safe operator offers deposit limits, session limits, cooling-off, and self-exclusion options and publicizes problem-gambling resources. State regulators often run self-exclusion programs for licensed sites. If you worry about control, use these tools. (americangaming.org)

10. Test with a small deposit first

• Open an account, deposit a small amount, play a bit, then request a withdrawal to confirm identity checks and payout speed. This is the simplest practical test before committing larger sums.

Red flags — avoid sites that:

• Have no verifiable license or fake seals.
• Hide withdrawal rules or have unusually restrictive T&Cs.
• Force you to use obscure payment methods or demand cryptocurrency only.
• Show many unresolved player complaints or poor audit history.
• Use aggressive, spammy marketing with impossible-sounding promotions.

Quick checklist you can run in 5 minutes:

• Is online casino play legal in my state? (yes/no). (PlayUSA.com)
• Does the casino show a state regulator license or a verifiable license elsewhere? (click the license seal and check the regulator). (njoag.gov)
• Is there an independent audit or eCOGRA/GLI certificate? (click the seal). (eCOGRA.org)
• Is the site HTTPS and are payment/withdrawal rules clear?
• Are there responsible-play tools and a clear complaint process?

If you want, tell me which state you’re in and I can:

• (a) confirm whether regulated iGaming is allowed where you are right now, and
• (b) point to the state regulator’s verification page and a short list of licensed operators in that state.

Sources (selected):

• PlayUSA iGaming bill tracker / state-by-state guides. (PlayUSA.com)
• Gambling360 / state online gambling overview. (Gambling360.com)
• eCOGRA information about seals, audits and how to verify them. (eCOGRA.org)
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement — internet gaming info & complaint process (example regulator). (njoag.gov)
• American Gaming Association — responsible play guidance. (americangaming.org)

Would you like me to check the current legal status and licensed iGaming sites for your specific state? (I can look it up now.)