An online casino is a web-based gaming platform that provides players with the opportunity to place bets and play slots, table games, video poker, baccarat, craps and more. Designed to emulate the ambiance of traditional land-based casinos, online casinos offer users a safe and convenient way to enjoy their favourite gambling games without leaving home. The best real money casino online sites have user-friendly websites and mobile apps that are fast to load, with a search function for quick navigation. They also provide a variety of deposit and withdrawal options to suit different needs.

The top casino online real money sites use TLS or SSL encryption to protect personal and financial information from hackers. They are also protected behind powerful firewalls. Most offer a secure payment system that lets you fund your account with a bank transfer, ACH or e-check and even an e-wallet. Some also accept PayPal, which allows for instant deposits and extremely quick payouts. Some even have their own branded prepaid cards.

In addition to the security measures they take, the best real money casino online operators promote responsible gambling. This includes allowing players to set a deposit limit, a session limit and a loss limit for their accounts, as well as offering time-out periods. They also provide links to external support and help organizations. Many of these sites also have dedicated sections for problem gamblers. Moreover, some even have phone support and live chat for their customers.