Real-money online casino apps are booming – but only in a handful of U.S. states. Here’s how the market works, the difference between social casino apps and legal real-money apps, and the best mobile casinos right now (with legal states and welcome offers).
Did you know that Americans spend over 5 hours a day on mobile apps, and gaming is one of the top categories.
Real-money casino apps can only operate within legal states — and they must verify your location before you can place a bet.
Social casino apps thrive nationwide, since they don’t involve real money payouts.
What is a casino app?
A casino app is a mobile app (iOS or Android) that lets you play slots, blackjack, roulette, live-dealer tables, and sometimes poker right from your phone.
There are two main types:
Real-money casino apps (regulated). You deposit, play, and can withdraw winnings. In the U.S., these are legal only in select states with iGaming laws and strict ID/geolocation checks. In 2024, legal U.S. iGaming revenue (online casino) hit $8.41B (+28.7% YoY) across seven states.
Social casino apps (free to play). Virtual coins, optional purchases, no cashouts. Think of these as entertainment apps, not gambling. The “social casino” segment is huge — estimates global market at roughly $8.5–$12.8B, led by mobile usage.
Real-Money Casino Apps by State: What’s Legal in 2026
In 2026, full iGaming & casino apps are legal in just seven states:
Connecticut – DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino (tribal-run exclusives).
Delaware – BetRivers Casino (statewide monopoly).
Michigan – A long list including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, Golden Nugget, bet365, Hard Rock, PokerStars Casino, plus tribal casino apps like FireKeepers.
New Jersey – The biggest selection of casino apps: BetMGM NJ, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, NJ bet365 casino (best slots app), Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Resorts, PlayStar, and more.
Pennsylvania – BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, Borgata, Hollywood, Betway, Unibet, Fanatics Casino, and others.
Rhode Island – Bally Casino (single-operator model).
West Virginia – BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, Caesars, and more.
Why so few states? iGaming requires separate legislation from sports betting. A model bill from state lawmakers suggests a 15–25% tax and consumer protections (e.g., deposit rules), but adoption is slow.
Nevada only allows online poker. Most other states only allow sports betting, not online casino games.
Traveling across the United States and eager to enjoy real money casino games on your mobile device? It’s crucial to understand that online gambling regulations vary from state to state. This guide will help you navigate the top real money casino apps available in 2026, their features, and what to consider as you move between states.
Best Online Casinos for 2026
While rankings shift monthly, analyst reports consistently rank online casino like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, bet365 USA and BetRivers at the top of the market.
Bet365 Casino
Rating: 9.5/10 – LocalsInsider.com
Bet365 brings its global reputation to U.S. players with a sharp, efficient real money casino app available in NJ, PA and Michigan. With over 1,000 games, fast payouts, and exclusive online casino live dealer action, it’s a favorite for mobile players. New customers can claim a $1,000 deposit bonus using promo code USB365.
Hard Rock Bet Online Casino
Rating: 8/10 – LocalsInsider.com
Hard Rock Bet offers a solid mobile casino experience for real money slots and bonuses with a trusted brand behind it. The app is legal in NJ and FL, available on iOS and Android, and features branded slots, table games, and secure payment options. New users can claim deposit match bonuses and join the Rock Rewards program for more value.
Fanatics Casino App – Brand New!
Rating: 7.5/10 – LocalsInsider.com
Fanatics Online Casino ties sports and gaming together with a sleek new app for NJ. The real money app features table games, slots, and cross-promotions with Fanatics Sportsbook and merch. Bonus perks include free spins and cashback on first deposits. Still expanding its game variety.
Stardust Online Casino & Slots
Rating: 8.5/10 – LocalsInsider.com
Backed by Boyd Gaming and FanDuel tech, Stardust Casino is a new slots casino app for real money that offers US players a retro Vegas vibe with a modern mobile twist. Legal in NJ and PA, the app is loaded with slots, table games, and a $1,000 loss rebate welcome offer. Available on both iOS and Android.
PlayStar Casino
Rating: 7/10 – LocalsInsider.com
PlayStar is a newcomer in the real money casino app scene, launching first in NJ. The app stands out for its design and curated promotions. New users can access a no-deposit bonus and a matched offer, making it a fun choice for casual players. Still growing its game library.
BetMGM Online Casino
BetMGM is a collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Entain Holdings, making it a prominent name in the online gaming industry. The Bet MGM Online Casino operates legally in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. The app is available for both iOS and Android phones.
Users appreciate its intuitive design and extensive game library, contributing to its favorable ratings on app stores. New players are welcomed with a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, plus an additional $25 on the house no deposit bonus for slots. The MGM online mobile gambling platform currently has over 1,500 games, including a vast array of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
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BetRivers Online Casino
Owned by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers Casino has established a strong presence in the online gaming sector. It is legally accessible in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. The app is designed for both iOS and Android mobile platforms.
BetRivers is renowned for its diverse selection of slots and table games, as well as a robust rewards program that incentivizes regular play. New users can benefit from a welcome bonus that provides up to $500 in cashback on losses within the first 24 hours.
Borgata Online Casino & Live Games App
As a part of MGM Resorts International, Borgata Online Casino leverages its Atlantic City heritage to offer a premium online, live casino and bonus gaming experience. The U.S. approved casino app is legally available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, catering to players in these states.
The casino app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The app provides a user-friendly interface and an easy-to-navigate menu. New players are greeted with a $20 no-deposit bonus upon registration, along with a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. The casino application features an extensive library of over 820 classic and modern games, including exclusive and branded slots, progressive jackpots, and various table games such as blackjack and roulette, of course.
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FanDuel Casino App
Initially recognized for its daily fantasy sports platform, FanDuel has expanded into the online casino realm, offering a trusted and legal gaming platform. The casino app is legally operational in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Available for both iOS and Android users, the app is praised for its sleek design and intuitive navigation.
New players can take advantage of a “Play It Again” offer, which reimburses net losses up to $1,000 within the first 24 hours, providing a free introduction to the mobile casino app. FanDuel Online Casino has a variety of games, including popular slots, as well as live dealer games, blackjack, and roulette, catering to a wide range of player interests. By the way, you have daily access to $3k real money jackpots with this casino app.
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When traveling between states, it’s important to note that these apps use geolocation technology to ensure compliance with state laws. For example, if you’re playing on BetMGM in New Jersey and travel to New York, where online casino gambling isn’t legal, the app will restrict access to real money games until you return to a legal jurisdiction.
Therefore, you don’t need to change apps when moving between states where the app operates legally; however, functionality will be limited or disabled in states where online gambling is prohibited.
Downloading and Installing Casino Apps
- iOS Devices: Open the App Store, search for the desired casino app, and tap ‘Get’ to install.
- Android Devices: Navigate to the Google Play Store, find the app, and tap ‘Install’.
Registration Process
- Open the App: Launch the installed app on your device.
- Sign Up: Click on the registration or sign-up button.
- Enter Personal Information: Provide details such as your name, email address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number for identity verification.
- Verify Location: Allow the app to access your location to confirm you’re within a legal state.
- Set Up Security: Create a secure password and set up any additional security measures offered.
If you’re playing in a state where online casinos are legal, most apps offer generous welcome bonuses. Here are some examples from big names:
The Best Casino Apps Bonuses in the USA
PlayStar Casino – 100% match up to $500 plus free spins, 80+ slots, regular giveaways, and PayPal payments.
Bet365 Casino – 10 Days of Spins (up to 200 total), 100+ high-RTP slots, Playtech jackpots, cashback offers, and multiple blackjack and roulette tables. Promo code: USB365.
BetRivers Casino – Up to $500 back in your first 24 hours if you lose. Code: NJBRV. Features 15+ progressive jackpots, exclusive blackjack, daily slot tournaments, and fast withdrawals.
Hard Rock Bet Casino – $25 no deposit bonus plus up to $1,000 on your first deposit. Offers 2,500+ games, PayPal payouts, European Roulette, and Rockin’ Rewards perks.
Jackpot City Casino – 100% match up to $1,000 plus 20 free spins on selected slots. Wide game selection and quick cash-out options.
10 Legal Casino Apps in the USA
- Caesars Palace Online Casino
Legal in NJ, PA, MI, WV, and CT, Caesars mobile casino offers a 100% match up to $1,000 for new players. - Fanatics Online Casino
Live in NJ and PA, new gambling app Fanatics Casino offers free spins and a free first deposit. - FanDuel Casino App
FanDuel Casino operates legally in NJ, PA, MI, WV, and CT. New users can claim up to $1,000 back on net losses with the “Play It Again” offer. - Bet365 Casino App
Currently exclusive to NJ and PA, Bet365 offers a $1,000 deposit bonus using the promo code USB365. This app is highly rated for its fast withdrawals, live dealer features, and professional interface. - BetMGM Casino App
Available in NJ, PA, MI, WV, and CT, BetMGM has something for new players – it is a $1,000 deposit match plus $25 free. With over 1,500 games and a user-friendly mobile app, it’s one of the highest-rated real money casino apps in the U.S. - DraftKings Casino App
DraftKings is legal in NJ, PA, MI, WV, and CT. Players receive up to $2,000 in matched deposit bonuses and site credits. - BetRivers Casino App
Licensed in NJ, PA, MI, WV, DE, and CT, BetRivers real money casino offers new app users up to $500 cashback on first-day losses. - Borgata Online Casino App
Operating in NJ, PA, MI, and CT, Borgata casino app gives new players $20 free plus a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. - Golden Nugget Online Casino
Available in NJ, MI, PA, and WV, Golden Nugget welcomes players with a $1,000 match bonus and 200 free spins. - PlayStar Casino App
Exclusive to NJ, PlayStar offers a no-deposit welcome bonus and a matched deposit for new users.
I live in New York, can I play casino games there? As per NYBet, an online gambling guide for New York citizens online casinos are not permitted in the state in 2026.
Responsible Gambling
Always gamble responsibly. Set personal limits on spending and time, and be aware of resources available for assistance if needed. Most gambling casino apps offer tools to help manage your betting habits, such as deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion options.
By understanding the legal landscape and features of top real money casino apps, travelers can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience across different states while adhering to local regulations.
Many of the listed casino brands also offer sports betting apps, which we listed here.
Here is a list of the best NJ casinos and user-preferred betting sites for the Garden State.
