There are hundreds of casinos in the United States. If you are planning a trip and want to find a casino near you, our US casino map can help. Check out the state you’re living in or planning to visit, and see which casino options are legally available to you.
There are many land-based and online casinos in the United States. But which casino venues stand out from the pack? We’ve ranked some of the top US casinos based on our strict criteria, expert knowledge, and personal experiences. Here are our best casinos in the US that you should definitely visit:
Slots are the most popular type of casino game. Both at land-based casinos and at online slots sites, you’ll find hundreds of options to choose from. Slot games now come with stunning designs, dedicated mobile slot apps, exciting bonus features, and wide bet limits, ensuring there is a slot game to suit all tastes.
Roulette is one of the oldest and most popular casino games. You place your bets, the croupier spins the wheel, and you win if the ball lands on your number. You can bet on anything from red or black to a single number, giving a wide range of potential payouts. You can play roulette online in select states.
Blackjack is a much-loved card game available at all top casinos in the US. It is a simple game where you aim to get closer to 21 than the dealer without busting. Side bets are also available. You’ll find wide-reaching betting limits when playing blackjack online or at land-based casinos, making it suitable for low-stakes players and high rollers.
The best US casinos have dedicated poker rooms where you can compete against other players in cash games and poker tournaments. You can also play casino poker games like Texas Hold ’em and Three Card Poker against the dealer. You can put your poker skills to the test at online poker sites in some states.
Baccarat is a classic casino game with simple rules. It is a card comparing game, where you bet on the player or banker, with the hand closest to 9 being the winner. You can also bet on a tie. In states where gambling sites are legal, you can also play live versions of the game at online baccarat casinos.
You can play craps online at numerous US casinos. You can bet even if you’re not the player rolling the dice (the ‘shooter’). Look for 7 or 11, avoid snake eyes, and see if you can pocket a big win. This is one of the most common dice games in America, so availability shouldn’t be an issue.
Video poker is a casino game based on five-card draw poker. It is played at video poker sites on a terminal similar to a slot machine. Payouts are made for winning poker hands. Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better are among the most popular video poker variations at online fast payout casinos.
Raffles are different from the average casino game. They are similar to a lottery. You buy a ticket and wait for the draw to see if you win a prize. Of course, there are state and national lotteries too, but casinos in the US offer the occasional lottery draw you can participate in.
Casino games aren’t all you can find in big land-based gambling venues in the US. Many casinos let you place sports bets on big sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Series. You can even bet on live games as they happen. Be sure to compare odds to find the best deals.
There are several types of casinos available in the United States. Gambling laws vary by state. This, in turn, means that the available types of gaming venues vary between states. For example, states with federally recognized tribes often have tribal casinos. Of course, you will not find such casinos in states without federally recognized Native American tribes.
Knowing the difference between casino types will help you decide which sort of gaming venue will best cater to your preferences. It will also help you decide whether casinos in your state cater to your needs or whether you should venture further for your next casino visit. Here are the main types of casinos in America:
Gambling in the United States is subject to various legal restrictions. There are both federal and state laws that impact what gambling activities are legal and available in each state. It is important to know that you cannot legally gamble from each state.
Most states allow some form of gambling, with only two states banning all gambling activities. However, you should note that various states do not allow casino gambling. If you want to play at a land-based casino, you can check out our US casino map to see at a glance which states have legal casino options.
Every state where gambling is legal has its own regulatory authority. Gaming control boards/commissions are government agencies charged with regulating gambling within their jurisdiction. The state regulators are usually responsible for creating rules and regulations for gambling operators based on the state’s gambling laws. They award licenses to land-based and online casinos, plus their employees and vendors.
State gambling authorities supervise licensees and ensure that casinos are safe and secure, and provide fair gaming conditions for players. They generally set responsible gambling standards for the industry and ensure that licensed gambling companies operate responsibly. There are different types of gambling authorities, and some states have more than one. Here is an overview of the different types of gambling authorities in the US:
| Gaming Control Board/Commission | A government agency responsible for regulating a state’s gambling industry according to state law. |
|---|---|
| Racing Commission | A body that regulates and facilitates all aspects of a state’s pari-mutuel industry, including harness and thoroughbred racing. |
| Casino Control Commission | A government agency that oversees a state’s legal casino industry. It licenses casino venues and their employees. |
| Racing and Gaming Commission | Another term for a gaming control board. A racing and gaming commission regulates most forms of gambling in a state. |
| Division of Gaming Enforcement | A separate body or division of a gaming control board responsible for enforcing gambling rules and regulations. |
| Lottery Commission | A lottery commission oversees the state lottery, ensuring that it operates with integrity and generates maximum revenue. |
| National Indian Gaming Commission | The NIGC regulates and supports tribal gaming in the US, pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). |
| Tribal Gaming Commission | Some Native American tribes have established their own independent gaming control boards to supervise regulatory activities. |
| State Gaming Association | Some states with a well-established gambling industry have a gaming association which advocates for the interests of its members. |
In addition to regulatory authorities, some states also have gaming associations, who represent the interests of industry members. For example, the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) is a trade organization that advocates for the Atlantic City casino industry. Furthermore, the American Gaming Association is the leading national trade group for the overall US casino industry.
Federal taxes are payable on all casino winnings. On top of this, each state has its own regulations when it comes to taxation. Some states will not apply any taxes to winnings at all. Other states will treat casino profits as a form of income and tax them as such.
If you win a substantial sum of money, the casino may withhold federal income tax from the winnings. The requirements for withholding vary depending on the type of gambling and the size of the winnings. According to IRS gambling taxation rules, you may be able to deduct gambling losses on your tax return. You need to keep a record of your winnings and losses and itemize the deductions.
Differences can be found between land-based and web casinos. Casino sites offer the most convenient way to play your favorite casino games. You can deposit with many payment options and claim generous bonuses. However, internet casinos lack the social experience of playing in a brick-and-mortar casino. Below, we have listed the main pros and cons of internet and land-based casinos.
| Online casinos | Land-based casinos |
|---|---|
| Slot games with higher RTPs | Social gaming experience |
| Convenient access to casino games | Huge casino resorts with extravagant packages |
| Wider range of casino games | Instant withdrawals available |
| Welcome bonuses for new players | Casinos available in most states |
| Many regular promotions for loyal players | Casino cruises and riverboats offer unique experiences |
| You can play demo versions of games | Lower RTPs on some games |
| Many online payment methods accepted | Fewer games available |
| Play via desktop, smartphone, or tablet | Casino options limited by location |
| Available 24/7, 365 days a year | Fewer promotions available for players |
| Immersive live dealer games available | Dress codes sometimes in place |
| Less social interaction when playing | Limited deposit options |
| Withdrawals are not always instant | You must visit the casino to play |
| Available in only six states | You cannot try games for free |
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect anyone at any time. Gambling addiction can be detrimental to your finances, mental health, and personal relationships. It’s important to keep vigilant, and watch out for potential warning signs. Some typical indicators of a gambling addiction include spending money you can’t afford on gambling, or lying about the amount you are wagering.
If you think you or someone you know might be suffering from gambling addiction, it is important to get help with the problem without delay. Free help and advice is available from various state organizations. You can also seek help from the following national organizations for responsible gambling:
State laws include responsible gambling measures. Casinos must display adequate signage alerting players to the dangers of gambling. They must also provide contact details for responsible gambling organizations that can provide specialized support. Most states include statutory funding for responsible gambling as part of a casino’s licensing conditions.
There are some steps you can take to help you gamble responsibly. Before you head to the casino, you should set yourself spending and loss limits. You could take a break if your gambling behaviour is becoming problematic. You could also consider self-excluding from gambling. Most states have a self-exclusion register. Once you sign-up, you will not be permitted to gamble at any casinos in the state.
We have ranked the top 10 US casinos based on detailed reviews and personal experience. The top operators offer thousands of slot machines and many popular table games. You can enjoy great entertainment, dining options, spas, and other such facilities away from the casino floor.
Forty-three states allow some kind of casino gambling, so there is a good chance there are casinos in your state. This guide includes a US casino map, which provides an overview of states with legal casinos. We have also provided a map of casinos by state to help you find the casino options where you reside.
Slots are the most popular games at US casinos. They have diverse themes, exciting bonus features, and wide-reaching betting limits. Roulette and craps are top table games featured at every reliable casino. Blackjack, baccarat, and poker are the best-loved casino card games. American players also favor video poker, raffles, and sports betting.
Yes, there are several different types of casinos in the US. The types of casinos available in each state differ, owing to the variations in state gambling laws and other factors. Casino resorts rank among the most popular casino types. Commercial casinos and tribal casinos feature in many states. You can also play at internet casinos in some states.
There are federal and state gambling laws in the US. Therefore, the legality of gambling in the US varies by state. Most states allow some form of gambling. There are 43 states with legal casino options. Of these states, 35 have commercial casinos. Online gambling laws also vary by state. To date, web casinos are legal in six states.
Each state with legal casinos has its own regulatory authority. Each state's gaming control board is an agency of the government responsible for supervising the legal gambling industry. Some states have several gambling authorities, depending on the type of gambling activities that are legal within their jurisdiction.
Yes, all casino winnings are taxable in the United States. You must pay federal taxes on winnings from gambling. Some states may also apply income tax to casino winnings. The casino may withhold federal income tax on certain winnings and provide you with Form W-2G. You must declare gambling gains on your tax return.
The legal casino gambling age varies by state. The most common legal gambling age is 21. However, some casinos in certain states allow gambling from the age of 18. The prevention of underage gambling and protection of minors are key parts of responsible gambling policies. Therefore, casinos may require proof of age before allowing you to play.
The Bellagio Casino & Resort in Las Vegas is the most famous US casino. It ranks in first place on our best US casinos list. The Bellagio Casino features over 2,300 slot machines, 130+ popular table games, and a 40-table poker room. The resort includes a luxurious hotel, a Mediterranean-inspired pool, and the iconic Bellagio fountains.
The casino world has come a long way since miners chasing gold in the hills took breaks to play a few hands of poker in a local card room. The massive casino resorts in states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Oklahoma have proven hugely popular with Americans and tourists alike.
Mike is one of our most senior team members and contributes with over 20 years of experience in the gambling industry. He’s our online and land-based casino review expert and a blackjack enthusiast. Mike’s a table games strategist and is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions.
If you’re brainstorming your next vacation and you’re interested in trying your hand at a few casino games, the experts behind online-casinos.com have got you covered, with detailed US casino site reviews that provide details and exclusive tips for gambling in every state. If you’re among the increasing number of folks that feel more confident gaming from the comfort of their homes, check out our review of the best online real money casinos available to gamblers across the US.
