The main requirement is that they do not require participants to spend real money for a chance to win. Borrowing the sweepstakes model used for interstate competitions, they can operate across all US states for anyone 18+.
Sweepstakes casinos are only legal in the US, operating as a hybrid between the above three.
Players can still spend money to buy coins for additional playtime. These are for entertainment purposes only and do not pay out any real cash prizes.
Such sites provide a selection of games you can play with virtual coins. Big Fish Casino,, Parx Social Casino, and Slotomania are some social casinos accepting Americans, and players from all over the world, who are over 18.