Best states for gambling in the u.s. - top casino hubs

There are plenty of great cities around the world known for their gambling opportunities, from Monte Carlo to Las Vegas. But if you’re an American looking for the best states for gambling, you won’t have to look too far. While Sin City certainly remains one of the top destinations for any gambler, there are plenty of other places worth considering as well.

In fact, a number of states have taken advantage of modern technology to offer players new ways to enjoy casino games. These include online casinos and sports betting apps, which can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

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However, not every state has jumped on board with this digital revolution just yet. If you want the convenience of playing slots from your living room or wagering on the NBA from your phone, where should you live? Here, I’ll take a closer look at the best gambling states in America, breaking down the action in brick-and-mortar establishments as well as online.

Top Casino Cities in America

Before we get to the full list of gambling states ranked from one to 10, let’s first take a quick look at some of the top casino cities across the United States.

There are quite a few contenders when it comes to the country’s premier destinations for gambling, so be sure to keep reading for my complete list of the top gambling states in the US. If you can’t wait to find out if your favorite casino hotspot made the cut, scroll down and see how they stack up against the competition.

Atlantic City Casinos & More

First up, let’s talk about one of the most iconic gambling cities outside of Nevada, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Home to Kim Kardashian’s Infamous scam and a wide range of exciting casinos, this beachside destination offers something for everyone. While things got a little rough for Atlantic City in recent years, as casinos shuttered their doors left and right, it has managed to stage somewhat of a comeback in recent times. Today, nine casinos operate within its borders, including the Hard Rock, Tropicana, Borgata, Caesars, and more. The gaming handles have a long way to go before they reach their Atlantic City peaks of the 1980s and 1990s, but the industry appears to be on solid ground moving forward. In addition to being home to many of the best land-based casinos on the East Coast, Atlantic City has also emerged as one of the country’s leading gambling cities in terms of online activity. The Garden State was one of the first to legalize online gambling, beating Nevada to the punch by several years. This has created a vibrant online casino scene in New Jersey, which features a wide assortment of legal NJ online casinos offering slot games, table games, online poker, and sports betting.

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As you can see, the city ranks second on my list of the best states for gambling, thanks in large part to its thriving online industry. Check back later for the full list of gambling in the USA statistics.

Casino Baltimore, Maryland (Horseshoe)

When it comes to choosing the best cities for gambling in America, some may be surprised to see Baltimore crack the top three. However, the Balitmore gambling scene has received a boost in recent years, courtesy of Caesars Entertainment. That’s because the mega-gaming corporation opened the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore back in 2014, breathing new life into the local gaming industry. Featuring two hotels, a massive casino floor, and a connected garage with more than 3,000 spaces, this facility can accommodate hordes of gamblers. With 1,768 slots, 148 table games, 40 poker tables, and a high-limit room, the casino caters to all sorts of customers with different levels of wealth. Add in such dining establishments as Rat Pack Lounge, The Buffet, Gayety Restaurant and Bar, and Gigato’s Pizza, and you have everything you need for a fun night out. When you factor in the quality of this establishment, along with the lack of quality casinos in the surrounding area, it becomes clear that the Horseshoe helps elevate Baltimore into the upper echelon of gambling destinations up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Check out our complete list of the best cities for gambling in America if you can’t wait to see where Baltimore ranks among them.

St. Louis Gambling & Casinos

When trying to decide which cities in the US are good gambling destinations, sometimes you have to think outside the box. For instance, while St. Louis may not boast the largest collection of riverboat casinos, it does have access to legalized sports betting via the state of Missouri. Why is that significant? Well, the Show-Me State doesn’t have casinos, but it does allow residents to place wagers over the phone with the help of companies like Stanley Better Casino. While that loophole almost closed last year, voters eventually decided to maintain the status quo, allowing MO bettors to risk it all on the Big Leagues.

When looking at the top gambling cities in America, you have to give credit where credit is due. Even if St.Louis doesn’t feature the bright lights and endless table games of Las Vegas, it still deserves recognition for its innovative spirit. You can check out my complete list of the best states for gambling for more details on their ranking.

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Other Great US Casino Cities

While these three casino hubs crack my list of the top gambling states in the US, I certainly didn’t overlook the others. As you can see from the table below, there are plenty of great destinations for those who enjoy a little risk-taking, whether you are interested in casino Baltimore, MD, attractions or other types of gambling hotspots:

As you can see, there are no shortages of great places to gamble throughout the United States. Whether you prefer the neon lights and nonstop excitement of Las Vegas or the more subdued atmosphere found elsewhere, there is a perfect casino city for everybody. 

If you’re already daydreaming about your next trip to the casino, why not make it a vacation to remember? Before you pack your bags and kiss your paycheck goodbye, you might want to consult our guide to taking time off work. It could mean the difference between a fun trip and a disastrous one.

Top 10 Gambling States in the US Ranked

Now that we have covered some of the top casino cities in America, it’s time to unveil the overall winner. When trying to determine the best state for gambling in the US, there are quite a few factors to consider. Not only do you want a state with plenty of brick-and-mortar casinos, but you also want to ensure that you can play a hand of blackjack or spin a few slots from the comfort of your own home. Let’s face it, there are times when we would all love to enjoy the thrill of gambling without losing our shirt or facing public humiliation. That’s where online gambling enters the picture, providing a safe and sane alternative to chasing horses at the track or hitting a cold streak at the roulette wheel.

With all that in mind, I have set out to answer the question: what is the best state for gambling? Scroll down to see my rankings for the 10 best gambling states in America:

10. South Dakota

Rounding out the bottom of my list of the best gambling states comes South Dakota. That’s not to say that South Dakota is a bad place to gamble; in fact, it offers plenty for those seeking a little Lady Luck. With nine Indian casinos spread across its landscape, the Mount Rushmore State provides ample opportunities for those who wish to test their fate with a slot machine or card game. Some of the more popular options include the following:

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While nine casinos provide plenty of slots and table games, none support sports betting—for now. That could change in the near future, as South Dakotans will vote on amending the current sports betting law during the 2023 midterm elections. Proponents of Measure 27 want to repeal a 2021 law that allows anyone at least 21 years old to engage in sports wagering at in-state casinos or through online and mobile applications.

Also working against South Dakota is the absence of legal online casinos and poker sites. Until the Internet gaming landscape shifts, you might want to look at other states for your next gambling excursion.

9. Kansas

When looking for the best state for gambling, sometimes potential trumps experience. While Kansas isn’t known for its casino scene, things are changing rather quickly in the Sunflower State. That’s because Governor Laura Kelly in March 2022, setting the stage for the state’s 125,000+ social clubs to offer gambling.

You read that right: 125,000+ social clubs.

Kansas boasts more than 125,000 family and farmer clubs—essentially private clubs that run alongside traditional farms—which could soon become hubs for gambling enthusiasts throughout the region. Each of the state’s 125 counties is allowed to have up to two gaming facilities per each 25,000 residents, meaning there could be as many as 532 gambling establishments in the state. Each facility can offer up to a certain number of machines based on attendance figures:

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This bill legalizes daily fantasy sports and sports betting, with a 10% tax rate on the revenue. Of that money, 80% goes to the state’s general fund, 15% supports the Kansas Division of the Budget, and 5% is allotted to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission for enforcement and regulation purposes.

It remains to be seen how this legislation shakes out, though opponents have vowed to collect signatures for a referendum that would put the issue to voters. Regardless of how things pan out, there’s no denying that Kelly’s bill infuses some serious potential into the Sunflower State’s gambling industry. We just have to wait and see if it reaches its full potential.

8. Louisiana

People have been gambling in Louisiana since its French colonization days, so you could argue that it’s one of the original gambling states. Over the years, the Bayou State has earned a reputation as a riverboat gambling capital, with dozens of casinos spread throughout its parishes.

If you’re planning a trip to Louisiana, here are some of the top facilities worth checking out:

In addition to these brick-and-mortar establishments, Louisiana offers various forms of legal online gambling. You can access a number of through the state’s 13 licensed racetracks and four existing federally recognized Indian tribes. Those sites offer a variety of , as well as mobile wagering apps that allow you to bet on the big game from anywhere within state lines.

Louisiana also recently passed a bill authorizing four new casinos in the Pelican State, with one facility permitted for eight parishes: Caddo, Desoto, Jefferson, Lafayette, Ouachita, Orleams, Rapides, and St. Tammany. The remaining three casinos can be built in East and North Bourbon, East and North Franklin, and East and North St. Helena.

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7. Illinois

If you’re wondering where to gamble, Illinois could prove to be a wise choice. Though it doesn’t possess the same star power as Las Vegas or Atlantic City, the Prairie State offers plenty for those looking to hit the slots or risk it all on the ponies.

Illinois boasts 10 riverboats, three racetracks, and five land-based casinos, giving players ample opportunity to try their luck. Some of the more prominent facilities include the following:

Those land-based casinos join their riverboat counterparts and racinos to offer more than 10,000 slot machines and 400+ table games throughout the state. They also provide numerous poker rooms, with more than 30 tables available on any given day.

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Of course, the best gambling states don’t just offer excellent brick-and-mortar establishments; they also support online gaming. When it comes to Illinois online casinos and sportsbooks, the latter has clearly taken off, with the former moving at a snail’s pace. While several try to operate within the state, regulators have cracked down in recent months, ordering five illegal sites to cease operations or face severe penalties.

That leaves legal online sports betting as the lone gambling option for Illinaws, though things are moving in the right direction for casino gamers. Lawmakers introduced a bill in February 2023 that would allow online casinos and sportsbooks to operate under one license, with the operator simply paying a higher tax rate. Only time will tell if the “Omnibus Gaming Bill” sees the light of day, but it appears as though online casino gaming in Illinois could become a reality in the near future.

6. Colorado

Colorado has developed into one of the better gambling states in the past decade, offering a nice mix of brick-and-mortar establishments and online activity. With more than a dozen casinos scattered throughout the Centennial State, players have easy access to hundreds of slot machines and table games. Here are some of my favorite casinos in Colorado:

In addition to those land-based casinos, Colorado boasts a vibrant sports betting industry. Several allow players to wager on their favorite teams from anywhere within state lines, with popular apps including BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.

There hasn’t been as much movement in regard to online casinos, though that could always change in the future. According to , state senator Michael Freeman plans to introduce a bill that would legalize various online gambling activities. Among those proposals are internet casino gaming, internet poker, and fantasysports contests.

Colorado’s gambling industry continues to grow, which bodes well for those pushing for online casino gaming. With more revenues coming in each year, state lawmakers will have less of a reason to shy away from internet gambling in the future.

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5. Pennsylvania

Thinking about where to begin your gambling career? You might want to consider the Keystone State. Despite not having a major city on the level of New York or Chicago, Pennsylvania has carved out a nice piece of the gambling pie for itself.

What are the best casinos in PA? That certainly isn’t for a lack of options, as the state ranks second in the nation in commercial casinos. There are currently 12 brick-and-mortar casinos operating within its borders, as well as six mini casins (also known as satellite casinos):

Those land-based casinos bring in lots of revenue, but Pennsylvania wouldn’t rank this high among the best gambling states without its online industry. The market has exploded in recent years, drawing many of the industry’s top names to the Keystone State. Players can access a variety of and apps, as well as online poker platforms.

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PA gambling laws also allow for fantasy sports contests, horse racing betting, and instant win games. When you combine that with its top-notch casinos and gaming apps, it becomes clear why Pennsylvania is one of the top gambling states in America.

4. New Jersey

When thinking of the best state for gambling, many people naturally gravitate toward New Jersey. After all, the Garden State has long been a leader in the gaming community, serving as one of the world’s premier destinations for gambling lovers.

Though it doesn’t have the volume of casinos possessed by Nevada or Mississippi, New Jersey makes up for it with quality. The famed Atlantic City Boardwalk plays host to 9 , offering everything from classic slot machines to high-stakes poker tournaments. Among those facilities, you won’t find a better house than the Ocean Casino Resort.

Not only did the Boardwalk property rank as the highest-grossing Atlantic City casino in 2022, but it also happens to be my top casino in NJ. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend doing so on your next trip to the shore.

Of course, the real reason New Jersey cracks the top four gambling states is its online industry. Following in the footsteps of neighboring New York, New Jersey lawmakers acted fast to pass a comprehensive bill in 008. That paved the way for the industry, which generated nearly half a billion dollars in revenue in December 2022 alone.

Thanks to that online marketplace, New Jersey narrowly edged out Nevada to lead all states in gaming revenues ($4.14 billion) in 2022. When you have a shot at dethroning Vegas, […]

3. New York

Yes, you should gamble in NY. Believe it or not, the Empire State takes home third place in our rankings for the best state for gambling. How did this happen? Two words: online sports betting and casinos.

New York has long been a major player in the gambling world, though it lacked the online component that has become so vital in recent years. That changed in 2022, when state lawmakers finally passed a bill that allowed betting apps to hit the ground running on January 8, 2023.

Naturally, the Big Apple drew plenty of big names for its online gambling market. …just in time for super bowl LVII. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other popular brands went live on the same day, giving New Yorkers plenty of choices for placing their wagers.

“New York is the largest market ever to be launched on Earth, and today’s launch features our entire omni-channel product offering, including , in-person retail, and our cutting-edge loyalty program, Crown.”

With such a lucrative marketplace, it’s hard to deny New York’s place among the best gambling states. Will it one day challenge New Jersey and Pennsylvania for supremacy in the Tri-State Area? Time will tell, though it appears as though the Empire State is just getting started.

2. Wisconsin

Looking for the best state to gamble in? Look no further than America’s Dairyland. Yes, Wisconsin…The Badger State boasts a plethora of gaming options for those seeking a little risk and reward.

Wisconsin offers both tribal and commercial casinos, with a total of 26 properties scattered throughout the state:

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There you have it: 26 casinos offering thousands of slot machines and countless table games. Combine those brick-and-mortar facilities with Wisconsin’s growing industry, and it’s easy to understand why I rank this as one of the best states for gambling.

The only thing holding Wisconsin back from the top spot is …well, there is no top spot. As noted by OnlineCasinoReport, Wisconsin leads all states in gaming revenue per capita. With more than 5.8 million participants generating $3.36 billion in 2022, the typical Badger gambled away more than any other resident in the union.

If you want to join them and become , consider packing your cheese and heading to America’s Dairyland.

1. Nevada

No matter which you consult, the Silver State tops the list. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Nevada has long been considered the gambling capital of the world. From the glitz and glamour of Vegas to the small-town charm of Reno and everywhere in between, this is truly the best state for gambling.

Nevada claims 263 , though the vast majority of those facilities are in Clark and Washoe Counties. You can find numerous casinos in Vegas and Reno—from the flashy mega-resorts on the Strip to the cozy joints in Downtown Vegas and Midtown Reno.

Here are 10 of the best casinos in NV:

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Those Las Vegas casinos help generate more than $11 billion in annual revenue, with Reno bringing in another $2 billion. Smaller towns like Laughlin, Tonopah, and Elko also contribute to Nevada’s stranglehold on the national gaming market.

So, what are the best casino games to play in Nevada? That depends on your personal preference, though the Silver State offers a little bit of everything. You can pull the arm on a one-armed bandit, put chips behind your favorite color in roulette, risk it all at a high-stakes poker tournament, or try your luck at the latest slot machines.

Nevada also made history in October 2022, becoming the first state to offer . Though Nevada isn’t the leader in i-Gaming revenue, it’s hard to doubt their place as the top gambling state in America.

Enjoy Responsible Gambling

I hope you enjoyed my take on the best state for gambling. Regardless of where you choose to scratch that itch, it’s important to do so responsibly. Set a budget before entering the casino or logging onto an app, and never chase your losses.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call the National Council on Problem Gambling’s free helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Footnotes:

Anthony is a sports writer for GamblingSites.com covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. He also covers other various topics such as entertainment, general sports betting tips, and more.

His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also will be a temporary fan of any team if it means winning him bets.

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