For every legal US online casino, there needs to be a physical counterpart. That’s just how gambling laws are in America.
One great thing about this rule is you get an equal number of excellent online and brick-and-mortar casinos in the US. Below, we have created an interactive map where you can see all the slot machine casinos in the states. Just tap on any casino near you to learn more:
Before we take you on our state-by-state guide to casinos with slot machines in the US, it is important to explain some things about the gambling landscape. America is one of the few countries where gambling doesn’t carry a negative connotation. Fans of this sport have always been open about visiting their favorite Las Vegas to play slots, blackjack, roulette, and other table games. Some games like poker even started in the Land of the Free.
Anyone interested in gambling doesn’t need to look elsewhere. You can get everything you dreamed of from a casino near you or by playing at legal online casinos that are sweeping the nation. Most states or big cities have more than one great casino, so you are never too far from a perfect gambling destination near you. Worst case scenario, you’ll drive a few hours to find yourself situated in the casino halls.
Still, it pays to find a great online casino than settle for slot machines you spotted in a pub or club nearby. The same goes for online casinos in America. Research plays an integral part in the overall gambling experience. Our site is the perfect spot to find details about the nearest casinos to your location and other platforms where you can bet on your favorite casino games.
Continue below to find out details about casinos in the states, gambling laws in America, and more.
Find the Nearest Casino With Slots In Every US State
Many US states can be compared to proper countries like the UK, and even continents like Australia. As a result, there is no shortage of casinos and gambling destinations.
Las Vegas casinos might be the first that stand out, but the Strip is just one of the great gambling destinations in America. To date, it also remains the best casino landscape in the world. Thousands of online slots, table games, poker rooms, and exclusive VIP table games are all in one place. The shows and the casino hotels just add to the overall experience.
But that’s not all the US has to offer to casino enthusiasts. Atlantic City, New Jersey, has an astonishing selection of land-based casinos, while also being the first state to legalize online gambling.
Riverboat casinos and Indian reservations or tribal lands also come packed with casino halls. For a rough idea, California alone is home to over 150 casinos, while Mississippi stands at 30 and counting. Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana are renowned for their riverboat casinos that mix gambling with glam life.
History of US Online Casinos
Horse racing and lotteries were the first two forms of gambling in America, dating back to colonial times.
The first casinos appeared around 1930 in Nevada, which played a huge role in its financial boom. The Strip was slowly established in this very same state. If it wasn’t for the casinos, hotels, and shows, Las Vegas would be just another city in the middle of the desert. Instead, it is the capital of gambling, attracting tourists and whales from all over the world.
Gambling was slowly legalized in other states following WWII, bringing prosperity to the states that moved ahead with it. Slot machines popularity reached new heights in states like Maryland, while mini-gambling cities started developing on the East Coast. Today, they are renowned globally as the Atlantic City and Las Vegas strips.
Fast forward to this day, and you can find over 1,000 land-based casinos in the United States. Easily scoring number one compared to any other place in the world. And that’s without gambling being legalalized everywhere.
A few states permit online casinos and slot machines, while others only allow horse racing, poker, bingo, lotteries, or sports betting. Getting your head around the specifics can be a real challenge.
US Gambling Laws
Are casinos legal in the US? Which forms of gambling are allowed in the United States? These are common questions and are posed frequently by aspiring players. It should be easy to answer, but that’s not the case due to the various gambling laws and individual state laws in the country.
Before discussing specific gambling laws in America, you should understand one basic thing. The US federal laws are in favor of gambling, meaning they allow it. Instead of taking a one size fit all approach, they have passed the burden onto each state. This has resulted in some states being gambling havens, like Nevada, while other states not permitting any form of gambling, like Utah.
The strictest state laws are usually applicable to commercial casinos, which are classed as such under the American Gambling Association. Other forms of gambling also exist and might be legal where casinos are not. So while you might not be able to play slot machines in your state, lotteries, sports betting, online poker, sweepstake casinos, and charitable bingo games might be open to you. We could mention various such examples, but let’s take two. In Indiana, betting on horses is legal, while tribal casinos are not permitted. In contrast, Kansas allows tribal casinos to operate freely while deeming racetracks illegal.
Every state can change its laws surrounding gambling at any moment, and there has been a lot of action in the last few years. That’s because online casinos and sports betting sites are slowly appearing in the states. A new governor who leans more on the liberal side might strive to pass a bill that would legalize all forms of gambling in their state, while a more conservative MP might take the exact opposite approach. Currently, online sports betting is legal in over 20 states, online casino gambling in 6 states, and casinos can be found in about 40 states. This means about 10 states take a very strict approach to casino gambling.
Our team strives to keep our reviews up to date with any legal changes, but it is always wise to check with the operator before signing up. Before we explain which are the best casinos in the US, we explain some of the laws that have affected the gambling landscape in America.
Also known as the Interstate Wire Act of 1961, this bill was put forward by Robert F. Kennedy to prohibit gambling companies from operating across state lines.
Although the internet was nowhere near that time, it applies to online gambling sites that are based in one state and offer services to another. Which is in fact prohibited.
The bill didn’t make clear whether it applied to sports betting or just casinos. The actual goal of this was to tackle crime.
The UIEGA of 2006 concerned gambling payments across state lines, explicitly banning them. This act was required since the Wire Act wasn’t clear about which gambling activities are prohibited. The only exceptions to this act concerned lotteries and horse racing wagering.
PASPA was passed in 1992, outlawing sports betting in the vast majority of US states. Nevada, Oregon, Delaware, and Montana were the only exceptions. Its repeal in 2018 came after considerable efforts from New Jersey and has since led to the legalization of several online sports betting states.
Despite the above acts, currently, US states are free to legalize online gambling activities as they see fit, and the same goes for actual casinos.
Best US Casinos With Slots Near You
As stated above, there is no shortage of casinos in the US. Not all are created equal, though, which some being small tribal bingo halls to massive Florida casino resorts. The map we have attached above is the best way to find the nearest casino to you. You can read our state guides to learn more about each state’s casinos.
To save you time, we took the initiative to highlight the best casinos by state in the USA.
Indifferently to your interests and whether they relate to gambling, Las Vegas should already be on your radar. The Strip is a great place for anyone to visit, indifferently of gambling. For the most part of US history, Nevada was the only state with legal casinos, and they took it to the next level. Since WW2, Las Vegas, Nevada, is rated as the capital of the gambling world.
The Las Vegas Resorts are a huge part of the attraction, and each houses some of the best casinos around. Visiting is a must, even if you don’t intend to spin the slot machines or place a wager at the tables. Casino floors aside, Las Vegas resorts house nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and theaters with some of the best events.
With more than 200 gambling venues in Las Vegas, getting started might be a bit of a challenge. Roulette, poker, slots, progressive jackpots, and blackjack tables are all over the place, but a few casinos stand out among the rest.
The Venetian is one of these, with over 2000 slot machines and 500+ tables. Wynn Las Vegas Casino and the Mandalay Bay Casino rank as the 2nd and 3rd largest on the Strip. Bellagio is a name that should be familiar to most people and is rated as the 4th biggest casino in Las Vegas.
Next, come the MGM Grand and Santa Fe Station, both incredibly popular with tourists and players alike. High rollers usually get free rooms at these five-star resorts. And that’s not a small thing, since 9/10 biggest hotels globally are located within a few miles distance on the Las Vegas Strip.
Atlantic City is the second largest gambling city in the US and has been lately recognized as a big deal across the whole world. Still, it is miles behind Las Vegas. Partly because it started developing its gambling scene in the 1970s, over 30 years after Vegas.
You won’t find nearly the variety of casinos in Atlantic City as in Vegas, but all the big names are present. A good arrangement is how they are placed near the beach, allowing gamblers to move from one casino resort to the next while enjoying the nightlife with a nice city coast view.
The biggest and best casinos in Atlantic City are Bally’s, Ocean Casino, Hard Rock Casino, Caesars AC, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s Casino, Tropicana, Sands, and Mohegan Sun Casino. Each of these is home to over 1,000 slot machines and a huge number of tables where you bet on cards and other gambling games.
Despite the lack of tribal and native casinos in AC, some of the biggest poker tournaments and gambling events take place in AC and Las Vegas. The city has also attracted New Yorkers for years, being a few hours drive away only. Atlantic City came ahead of Nevada in the legalization of online casinos, with over 30 operators licensed in the state.
Philadelphia is another gambling hotspot, with many visitors spending time at Philly casinos between their sightseeing and museum visits. Hardly anyone would go to Philadelphia for gambling explicitly, but the city offers a decent scene. Brick-and-mortar and online casinos in Pennsylvania have paid some of the largest progressive jackpots to date, even nearing Vegas casinos.
This shouldn’t be surprising, with Harrah’s Philadelphia alone housing over 2,500 slot machines. Several other floors at the casino offer an all-around gambling experience.
Some of the biggest names in the PA gambling scene include Rivers Casino, SugarHouse Casino, Hollywood, and Parx Casino. Most of these also have dedicated online casinos.
Chicago is home to some of the greatest casinos in America. It attracts players from neighboring Indiana and Illinois, while also catering to tourists who have a thing for placing a wager. Despite most knowing Chicago for its modern city and state-of-the-art skyscrapers, its casinos are nothing but impressive.
Take Majestic Star Casino, featuring nearly 2,000 slot machines in a six-story complex. Hundreds of roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and poker tables are also available. Many people simply visit it to take a gander, while enjoying a drink at the bar or a fancy dinner at the restaurant. Ameristar is the biggest casino in the eastern part of Illinois, equally impressive to Majestic Star.
Unlike the previous states, you won’t find Chicago casinos in the city center, but rather towards the metropolitan area. This is to protect locals from excessive or compulsive gambling, which seems like a sensible approach.
Cripple Creek, CO, is a fantastic place to be at if you like casino gambling. There are nine casinos in the mountain town, a few miles away from Bennett Avenue. If you are in Colorado Springs, there is a great selection of Black Hawk casinos that won’t disappoint. These are all open 24/7, with thousands of games available to visitors.
For starters, there are three Triple Crown Casinos in Colorado, called Bronco Billy’s, Midnight Rose, and JP McGills Casino. The first is the most popular with Coloradans, housing a casino floor of over 48,000 square feet. There, you can find 800 slot machines and 10+ roulette tables.
Wildwood Casino is another notable Cripple Creek casino, home to 500+ online slots and nearly 10 tables. It’s nowhere as impressive as Bronco Billy’s, with a casino floor of 8,000 square feet.
Other great casinos in Colorado include Brass Ass Casino, Century Casino, Colorado Grande, and Double Eagle.
New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in the US, and its gambling scene is hot right now. Casinos in LA are not that much of a big deal compared to the rest attractions, but they do get their fair share of attention.
Harrah’s Casino New Orleans has a massive casino floor with over 1,500 slot machines and numerous table games. The Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots is the best destination in LA for those who like to try out different types of wagers. Notably, this racetrack is one of the oldest in America.
If you fancy a change from the partying, theme parks, and Disneyland while being in Florida, casinos might be a good deal. There are over 20 casinos in Florida, with an exquisite selection of slot machines and casino games. Visitors and locals who are over 18 can gamble in Florida, but only those over 21 can combine their wagers with a drink.
Fort Lauderdale is a few miles away from Miami, and it is one of the best gambling destinations in America. You won’t find as big casinos as in some of the states previously covered, but the range is great. Great weather and vibe combined with a party scene and tourists make up for a nice vibe to go gambling. A few cruise casinos are also available in Fort Lauderdale, setting up the perfect combination of gambling and vacationing. If you take a tip, go over on a cruise ship with a casino floor and onto international waters to save money on gambling taxes.
One of the best FL casinos to check out is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where you can breeze across 2,000 slots and try your luck on 80+ tables.
Before Vegas became a thing, Reno and Tahoe, both positioned on the northwest border of Nevada, were a big deal. They still are if you don’t care about the huge resorts and glitz you’ll experience in Vegas.
Over 20 Reno casinos await those who like to gamble. You will find slots, jackpots, roulette tables, blackjack games, and VIP poker rooms on any of these. Today, Reno feels like a miniature of Las Vegas, with much more affordable prices. CA residents often cross state lines to place a wager at Tahoe and Reno casinos.
If you find yourself in Reno, you should check out Atlantis Casino, Grand Sierra, Eldorado Silver Legacy, and Peppermill Casino.
On the other hand, Lake Tahoe is packed with renowned gambling destinations – including Harrah’s, Harveys Casino, Montblue, and Hard Rock Casino.
Both Reno and Tahoe casinos remain popular and packed with visitors all year round, with interesting lake activities and skiing hotspots in the winter.
In the US, you’ll find cities with over 10 million people, and others with less than 100,000 residents. Council Bluffs is a small city in Iowa, with less than 70,000 residents. You might be wondering why it’s part of this list – unless you have previously heard of Horseshoe Casino IA.
The casino floor is open 24/7, hosting over 1600 slot machines and a retail sportsbook. Restaurants, buffets, and a prestigious hotel complement the experience and set it apart as one of the best casinos to visit in America.
If you ever plan to visit Iowa, note the address – 2701 23RD AVE Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Riverboat casinos are the highlight of the Mississippi gambling scene, although the state is also home to a few private and Native American Casinos. One thing you might know is that Mississippi carries the third largest gambling revenue in the US. The market started booming in the 1990s, and it is still growing.
Some of the biggest casinos in Mississippi include Bally’s Tunica, Silver Slipper Casino, and the Margaritaville Casino. The state gambling laws require visitors to be over 21 to place a wager on the tables or play slots. If you are a fan of bingo, 18+ suffices.
California is the most populated state in America, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that is home to a large number of casinos. In fact, you can browse across over 150 land-based casinos and poker rooms in CA. Many of these are located on Indian reservations.
What has dropped CA casinos way down on our list are its current gambling laws. Casinos can only offer skill games, which include card games mostly – Poker, Blackjack, and Baccarat. If that’s your fix, make sure to check out Blue Lake Casino, Pala Casino, Harrah’s Rincon, and Hustler Casino.
For slots and other gambling activities in CA, you’ll have to visit one of the Native American Reservations and check out their casinos.
New York is a US state everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Whether for the skylines in New York City or the luxurious restaurants and events, NY is the most renowned US state. The city vibe and overall quirk are likely to get you in a gambling mood. The good news is that you’ll find 15 casinos in New York, ideal for any experienced or casual player.
Resorts World Casino New York City is the first and largest casino in the state, with a casino floor extending 175,000 square feet. It is home to no less than 6,000 slot machines, with games from IGT, Aristocrat, and Ainsworth making rounds. Standard and high-limit table games are another attraction of NYC’s best casino.
Other renowned NY casinos include Seneca Niagara Casino, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, del Lago Resort & Casino, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and Empire City Casino.
The two biggest casinos in Connecticut are Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard and the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville. Both have branched online today, but we recommend visiting the actual casino floors if you are nearby. The luxurious resorts will satisfy any visitor, with big events and thousands of slots and tables to play at.
Keep in mind that only persons over 21 can gamble at CT casinos or play poker. Other gambling activities in the state are open to anyone over 18.
Michigan is one of the few states to legalize online casinos back in 2021. This, however, shouldn’t come as a surprise, with the city having a thriving scene. You’ll find over 25 casinos in Michigan, with most available in Detroit, New Buffalo, and Marquette. These are mainly Tribal Casinos, with three commercial casinos currently available in the state.
The biggest MI casinos are Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino Hotel. You’ll find thousands of games at these commercial casinos, including slot machines and table games.
A few of the notable tribal casinos in MI include Four Winds, Gun Lake Casino, FireKeepers Casino, Little River Casino, and Soaring Eagle Casino. All the above have branched online today. This means cross-platform loyalty rewards, with exclusive benefits wherever you end up gambling.
Gambling laws passed in Indiana in 2007 and 2015 have made casinos in the Midwest widely available. Previously, Indiana residents had to visit Michigan River casinos and the Ohio River gambling venues.
If you are near Southern Indiana, the Tropicana Evansville is worth a visit. It is home to a 50,000 square feet casino floor, with two hotels and four restaurants complementing the experience.
Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg recently transitioned to land from a Riverboat casino and is now a great place to play slots and table games.
Other great casinos to check out if you ever find yourself near Indiana include the Belterra Casino Resort, Rising Star Casino, and the French Lick Resort.
States with Casinos Near You
Most US states allow casino gambling with several casinos near you no matter where you are. The age limits and gambling options vary in each state. Some allow casino gaming, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, bingo, poker, and anything else that pops to mind. Other states nothing, while most provide a mixture. The age limit to gamble also varies per state. Tap on any of the following guides to learn more for your state.
Specific laws surround online gambling in the US, too. If there are no casinos or slot machines near you, this might be your best alternative. Online casinos are available on both online and mobile devices, making it easy to bet on your favorite games.
State-licensed casinos are slowly emerging in the US. These sites get a license on a state-by-state basis, after partnering with a physical casino and getting approval from the state’s gambling authority. It’s a long and costly progress, and only currently legally viable in NJ, PA, MI, CT, WV, and DE.
Sportsbooks licensed on a state-by-state basis have to comply with similar regulations. The same rules apply here, and often the same platforms provide both casino games and online sports betting. Horse racing is also part of the product in most cases. The good news is that legal online sports betting in the US are way more accessible – AZ, AR, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NV, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VA, WV, WY, and DC.
For users outside these states and no casino nearby, sweepstakes casinos are a great alternative. They are legal in all states except DC and ID. Users play with casino games from home here using virtual coins, for a chance to win cash prizes.
A big BUT comes here. A fourth and most widely available option also applies to Americans. Before states started licensing operators, online casinos and sportsbooks have been accepting Americans over 18 years old. These sites operate from offshore locations, like Panama, Curacao, and Costa Rica, essentially evading US gambling laws. They offer the best bonuses and massive gaming and sports betting collections, without any state restrictions. No law explicitly forbids them, and they freely operate in the US. You can see some of the best online casinos from this category here, with some renowned companies being BetOnline.ag, Bovada, BetUS, and Wild Casino.
With nearly 2,000 casinos in the US, you will find a casino near you no matter your location. The vast number of states with casinos and options in each state makes it impossible and pointless to cover each in one page. Our interactive gambling map with all US casinos and the mini-guides for each state should help you find the best nearby casino anywhere in America.
If you want to optimize your search, you can look for the best casinos near you for each state. Our team has prepared a comprehensive guide for casinos in every state. There, you can learn about the best casinos near every state, with details about their games and facilities.
Gambling laws in America might be complicated, but this guide should have hopefully provided a few insights into how they work. Bookmark our site for additional details on the best casinos in the states, and where they are located.
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