- Enjoy a day trip to the best casinos near New York City.
- Atlantic City, NJ is one of the top destinations with nine different casino resorts.
- Some other great gambling cities close by include CT, NY, and PA.
If you’re looking for land-based casinos near NYC, your best bet is to head down to Atlantic City.
Sure, we would all love a casino in New York City, but for now, we will have to make do with what we have. The good news is that there are some fantastic casinos within driving distance.
New Yorkers are among . It’s in their blood. They love to gamble on sports, play poker against each other, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere inside a world-class casino.
Now that New York has legalized , you should soon be able to visit casinos near New York City. Until then, why not cross the border and enjoy what another Big Apple has to offer?
If you can’t get to any of the casinos near NYC mentioned below, you can . Just remember to take responsibility when doing so.
Casinos in New York City
Before we look at the casinos near New York City, it is worth considering the options within the five boroughs.
There are no brick-and-mortar casinos in NYC, but there are a couple of places that off road. One of them is the Resorts World New York, which operates two properties in the city.
Located on either side of the borough, Resorts World New York offers slots, table games, and live poker. There is also a VIP lounge, exclusive tournaments, and high stakes action for experienced players.
While it does not compare to some of the casinos near NYC, it is better than nothing. If you’re a local or visiting the Big Apple, it is always worth dropping in to test your luck.
You can also try your hand at various casino-style games within city limits.
Some upscale bars and clubs in Manhattan feature roulette, blackjack, and craps tables for patrons to enjoy. While these venues do not operate like traditional casinos, you can place real bets and win/lose real money.
For the purposes of this piece, we will focus on land-based casinos near NYC. If you want to play online casino games right now, there are plenty of reputable sites to choose from.
Just remember to and keep a few handy before you get started.
Casinos Near New York City
Let’s look at the top casinos near NYC starting with the most obvious choice.
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Who would have thought that we would include a city in New Jersey as one of the best casinos near NYC? Well, weird is our middle name.
After all, the first modern-day casino was opened in AC by famous businessman Kent Carter in 1978. At the time, it was called Resorts Atlantic City.
It began with humble origins but quickly grew into something special. Other resorts joined the party, and they attracted millions of visitors each year. They came to gamble but also to enjoy live entertainment, world-class restaurants, spas, swimming pools, gyms, and much more.
Sin City might be the undisputed gambling king in the United States, but the East Coast has its own jewel in the crown. There are currently nine operating casinos in Atlantic City today. They are as follows:
- Hard Rock Casino and Hotel
- Caesars Atlantic City
- Borgata
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Tropicana Atlantic City
- Resorts Casino Hotel
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
- Showboat Atlantic City
Did you spot something important about those names? Three of the biggest casino-hotel chains in the world own AC’s top gambling spots.
That should tell you everything you need to know about the quality of Atlantic City. Whencao, boydgaming, and caesarsentertainment did not build enormous resorts in this city out of the kindness of their hearts.
They know there is money to be made. More crucially, they know there is money to be made from you.
Yes, you. The guy reading this post about casinos near NYC. Did you really think we weren’t onto you?
Anyway, here is a quick rundown of what Atlantic City has to offer:
- 2,365 hotel rooms
- 134 table games
- 3,490 slot machines
- 10 Poker rooms
Not bad for a day trip from NYC, huh? If you’re looking for the top casinos near New York City, you do not have to venture too far.
Hard Rock AC is one of the newest and shiniest additions to the city. It features thousands of slots, electronic games, and classic table games.
You can spin a rock song or two on one of the musical guitns as you walk around, trying to decide whether to hit the felt on the poker tables or rub the lucky stone for some slot machine luck.
The Borgata is also up there with the best casinos in Atlantic City. It offers everything from blackjack and roulette to three-card poker and pai gow. There is even a dedicated High Limit Lounge where you can smoke a cigar and contemplate risking huge sums of cash.
Whatever floats your boat; there will be at least one casino in Atlantic City that tickles your pickle. And the best thing is you do not have to travel to Europe to find them!
Driving from New York City to Atlantic City usually takes around 90 minutes. But delays are common on the highway, so it can take longer during peak travel times.
Best Online Casinos in Canada of 2023 - Top Canadian Casino SitesIf you do not fancy making the journey, you can always play at an instead.
2. Mohegan Sun, Connecticut
We head back to the car after our trip to Atlantic City came to an end. It’s time to relax for a bit as we cruise through New York and enter Connecticut after around 80 minutes on the road.
Once we pass Providence, things start to get interesting. We eventually reach Mohegan Sun after exiting 2A on the interstate. This stop is not as dramatic as some on our list of casinos near NYC, but it still attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Mohegan Sun boasts two massive casino floors packed with over 3,500 slot machines and electrifying table games. You can , baccarat, chemin de fer, Caribbean Stud, mini and mega Baccarat, Spanish 21, Pai Gow, three-card poker, three-card draw, three versions of Texas Hold’em, three types of Ultimate Texas Hold’em, three variants of roulette, three forms of craps, three ways to play Blackjack, War, and three different wheels of fortune.
Got all that?
No? Don’t worry. Just go along, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe put down a few wagers here and there. Who knows? You might end up winning a brand-new car if you strike it lucky on the Cadillac Jack’s 5 Card Bonus Poker.
As well as gaming options, Mohegan Sun provides world-class dining experiences, shows, concerts, comedy nights, shopping opportunities, and a luxurious spa where you can unwind after a hectic day of chasing the almighty dollar.
Other amenities within the complex include AVA Agent Provocateur, a chic boutique hotel designed exclusively for Mohegan Sun by renowned nightlife impresario, the aforementioned Ava Max. There is also Earth & Sea Day Spa, Jostens yearbooks, M80 lounge, CVS pharmacy, and a range of delicious eateries.
Situated on what was once the lands of the Mohegan tribe, Mohegan Sun is one of two casinos in Connecticut. Collectively known as Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, these venues employ around 1,600 people and generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue each year.
They recently launched a new mobile sports betting app called BetRiversCT. So, if you cannot make it to the casinos near NYC, you can place a wager on your phone or tablet.
Of course, we would always recommend visiting Mohegan Sun at least once in your life. Trust us; it’s worth the drive.
3. Foxwoods, Connecticut
Less than 10 miles separates Mohegan Sun from our next destination on this unmissable tour of casinos near NYC. Known as the “capital of fun,” Mashantucket is home to just two casinos. But what casinos they are!
Foxwoods Resort Casino opened its doors to the public in 1992. At the time, it was the largest casino in the Western Hemisphere. Today, it is still one of the biggest employers in southern New England, providing jobs for around 7,000 people.
Like Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods took a significant hit when online casinos in Connecticut launched in 2022. However, the resort remains as popular as ever. According to recent reports, it welcomes approximately 20 million visitors each year.
With so many slot machines, poker rooms, and table games, it is easy to see why Foxwoods is among the best casinos near NYC.
Spread across six interconnected zones, Foxwoods Resort Casino features 3,500 gut-wrenching slot machines, 250 heart-racing table games, 50 poker tables, and the MGM-run Foxwoods Poker Room.
The latter is located in the Grand Pequot Tower and offers daily tournaments, cash games, promotions, special events, and much more. It is open 24/7 and welcomes players of all ages, skill levels, and budgets.
Are you a blackjack expert who is used to beating the dealer in your local casino? Or are you a complete novice that needs guidance? Perhaps you fancy yourself as the next Phil Hellmuth, or is poker just a confusing mix of raises, folds, calls, and bets?
It doesn’t matter who you are or what your level of experience is because you can play at your own pace at Foxwoods. There are minimum and maximum bets to suit everyone, while the friendly dealers are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Indeed, Foxwoods prides itself on creating a relaxed and inclusive environment where anyone can come and enjoy themselves. Of course, you can ramp up the tension and stake bigger amounts if that’s your bag.
But at the end of the day, Foxwoods is not a place that judges you or makes you feel uncomfortable. It is a fun, vibrant, and diverse establishment that welcomes you with open arms. What happens next is up to you.
By the way, here are the hotel details for Foxwoods Resort Casino:
- 2,266 hotel rooms
And these are the dining options:
- 40+ restaurants
Finally, let’s look at the electrical gaming footage, bingo, keno, off-track betting, sports betting, and other entertaining options at Foxwoods:
- 20+ Electronic Gaming Technologies
- Bingo
- Keno
- Mega Millions
- Powerball
- Self-service kiosks for Sports Wagering
- State-of-the-art video wall in the Center Stage Showroom for displaying sporting events
- 3201 square-foot digital display in the Foxwoods Courtyard
What more could you ask for? Well, how about a wide range of entertainment options to keep you and your friends/family entertained outside of playing card games?
Foxwoods has it all. Here’s a quick snapshot of what else you can enjoy at the casino:
bet365 Casino vs. BetMGM Casino - A Poker Player's Comparison- Two indoor-outdoor pools
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Full-service spa
- Topgolf Swing Suite
- Line dance at Tanger Outlets
- Bowl a strike at Strike Zone
- Catch the latest movie at Regal Cinemas
- Take the kids to the arcade
As you can see, there are tons of things to do at Foxwoods. It is a true resort casino in every sense of the word. Throw in the fact that it is less than 10 miles from Resort Casino Mohegan Sun, and you begin to appreciate the sheer scale and importance of casinos near NYC.
When you fancy a flutter away from the poker tables, you can treat the family to a fun-filled day at Foxwoods. There is something for everyone at this incredible resort!
4. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Next stop on this epic tour of casinos near NYC is the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. It takes a little longer to drive here from Mohegan Sun, but it’s still an achievable day trip if you leave early.
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem is one of the premier entertainment destinations in Eastern Pennsylvania. It is situated on 80 acres of scenic waterfront property alongside the Lehigh River.
Designed by the late great architect Lord Palumbo, the venue features a stunning Italianate façade with a sloping glass atrium. It houses more than 2 million glass tiles, while the main gambling floor measures almost 160,000 square feet.
Sands Casino Bethlehem opened its doors to the public on May 22, 2009. More than a decade later, it remains one of the top casinos near NYC. In fact, it is the closest full-sized casino to New York City.
According to the official website, here are the key features of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem:
- 80 hotel rooms
- 260 table games
- 2,681 slots
- 60 high-limit slots
- 60 clientelle-style table games
- 60 xLounge seats
- 6 poker tables
- Lehigh Valley’s only Android style OTB (off track betting)
- Seven restaurant and dining options
- 11,000 square foot center
- 1,200-seat music venue
Shearin’ Kelly’s is a live music venue that hosts local bands, acoustic acts, and tribute artists covering the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Journey. It is named after Steve Zarrillo, an underworld figure linked to the Lucchese crime family in New York City.
Zarrillo went by the nickname “The Stone Crusher.” Local musicians jokingly referred to him as Shearin’ Kelly because he would visit Irish bars and listen to live music while counting large amounts of cash won at nearby racetracks and casinos.
Music lovers will be pleased to hear that Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem regularly hosts big names from the world of entertainment. And if you’re hungry, there are seven eateries serving everything from steaks and seafood to Asian fusion and desserts.
Indeed, food appears to be a major selling point at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. On that note, let’s check out the final stop on our tour of casinos near NYC.
5. Resorts World Catskills Montichello
Last but not least, we arrive at Resorts World Catskills in the town of Thompson Ridge. Also known as RWC Montichello, the venue reopened in February 2020 after Resorts World New York City purchased the former Kalaya Spa Resort.
The property had been closed since 2012, so RWNYC spent $12M renovating it ahead of its grand reopening. Unfortunately, those renovations were cut short due to the pandemic, and the plan is to complete the work in the future.
That doesn’t take anything away from Resorts World Catskills, though. Yes, it is smaller and less flashy than some of the other casinos near NYC. But it has a certain charm and character that draws crowds from across New York and beyond.
Here are the key highlights of RWC Montichello:
- 35,000 sq ft (3,252 m2) casino floor
- 600 slot machines
- 10 table games
- 222 hotel rooms
- 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2) event center
- 1,000 person capacity ballroom
- 8,000 person outdoor amphitheater
The casino features all of your favorite slot machines, electronic table games, and classic table games. Indeed, you can play a spot of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and Fortune Favor, or try your hand at 3 Chances Poker.
As you can see, RWC Montichello offers plenty of gambling options for locals and tourists alike. But what about when you need to refuel?
Well, the property boasts several eateries where you can grab a bite to eat. From sandwiches and pizza to Asian cuisine and hearty American fare, there is something to suit every palate at Resorts World Catskills.
In addition, an indoor pool, sauna, health club, and spa allow guests to relax and unwind after a long day. And if you fancy listening to some live music, the Oak Barrel Wine Cabin offers an intimate setting with top local performers.
Is this the best casino in New York? No. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely.
Resorts World Catskills is quirky, charming, and authentic. It gives you a true taste of upstate New York, and when you combine that with exciting gambling options, it’s little wonder so many people visit each month.
On that note, we will bid farewell to RWC Montichello and begin the journey back to the Big Apple. Of course, you do not have to leave the five boroughs if you do not want to.
As we discussed earlier, online casinos in New York are set to launch soon. Once they do, you can enjoy a world of excitement from the comfort of your own home. Why travel to the best casinos in New York when the best New York casinos can travel to you?
Hmmm, food for thought.
Other Noteworthy Casinos Near NYC
We hope you enjoyed the show. It’s time to reveal our remaining contenders for the title of best casino near NYC.
While the previous five entries captured the imagination, they cannot be the only land-based gambling spots worth visiting in the region. No? Good. Because we have four more casinos near NYC that deserve a mention.
6. Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
First up is Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. As the name suggests, this venue features a casino and racecourse. But it is the casino that draws the bulk of visitors these days.
Empire City Casino covers 165,000 square feet and features 5,300 slot machines and electronic table games. It also has nearly 50 table games, including blackjack, baccarat, pai gao, four cards poker, five cards poker, roulette, craps, and bingo.
Following a $12M transformation in 2018, the casino added several new amenities, including a sleek new entrance, additional parking spaces, and a range of new eateries.
Here are the essential details for Empire City Casino:
- 1074 hotel rooms
- 5300 electronic games
- 44 table games
- 750 video gaming terminals
- 6 eating establishments
- 312-room luxury hotel
- 3,500-capacity theater
- 400-person capacity banquet facility
- ½ mile dirt track
- 117 acres of parking spaces
The Westchester Marriott hotel is attached to Empire City Casino, and it offers breathtaking views of the race track. In addition, the property features a range of amenities, such as an indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room, and business center.
The theater is used for live entertainment shows, while the banquet facility can host weddings, communions, birthday parties, corporate events, and holiday gatherings.
Westchester County’s premier entertainment destination is open 24/7, 365 days a year. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the one-mile dirt track that plays host to some of the biggest races in the US.
Indeed, the annual harness racing series offers more than $3M in purses, while the fall meet generates around $10M in wagers. Combine that with the thriving casino industry, and it is fair to say that Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway is one of the best casinos near NYC.
7. Resorts World Hudson Valley
We move north to Orange County and the next casino on our list. Resorts World Hudson Valley opened its doors to the public on January 8, 2012. It is owned by Monticello Casino and Raceway and is operated by Genting Americas.
Monticello Raceway originally opened in 1959, and Genting paid around $38M for the property. Following a $15M renovation, Resorts World Hudson Valley welcomed its first customers nearly ten years ago.
This 1.37 million square foot resort features 2,150 state-of-the-art slot machines and electronic table games. It also has 106 table games, 30 poker tables, and a 20,00 square foot performing arts theater.
Best Online Slot Machines You Can Play Right Now - #9 Is HotThe casino also has more than 40 premium flat screen TVs, a VIP smoking lounge, designated SMART seating areas, and free parking. But if you want to stay on site, there is a 338-room hotel that provides the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of gambling, dining, and entertainment.
Here is an overview of all the facilities at Resorts World Hudson Valley:
- 338 hotel rooms
- 2,150 slot machines
- 106 table games
- 30 poker tables
- 3 dining options
- 20,000 square foot performing arts theater
- 30,00 square foot entertainment venue
- 1,200 seat live venue
- 6 restaurants and bars
- 24/7 security
- 4,000 space parking garage
The casino is open 24/7, whereas the restaurant hours vary depending on the establishment. You can call +1 845-428-7226 for more information regarding opening times, reservations, menus, and other general inquiries.
Resorts World Hudson Valley is home to some of the biggest jackpots in the region. Recent winners have landed more than $100,000 on Fortune Wheel of Gold, Hot DropJackpots, and Fire Link’s Diamonds.
Can you be next?
8. Live! Casino & Hotel, Maryland
We cross the Chesapeake Bay from Resorts World Hudson Valley and enter Maryland, where the final two casinos on our tour of gambling hotspots are located. First up is Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover.
Live! Casino arrived in 2012 and cost around $220M to build. It initially opened as Maryland Live! and was developed by The Cordish Companies. The venue is connected to the Hilton Baltimore Washington Parkway Hotel and features more than 5,500 slots, electronic table games, and traditional table games.
Indeed, you can play a variety of games at Live! Casino & Hotel, including Crapless Craps, Mini and Midi Baccarat, Spanish 21, European Roulette, Pai Gow, and 3 Chance Poker. It also boasts the highest ceiling for fortunes to soar with progressive jackpets topping $40,000.
Here are the key features of this casino just outside Annapolis:
- 310 hotel rooms
- 5,500 slot machines
- 179 table games
- 48 poker tables
- 50+ table games
- 30+ slot machines
- 15 restaurants
- 24/7 security
- 6 garages with 8,400 cars
The upscale hotel features plush rooms and suites, an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, and salt lick therapy lounge. Meanwhile the food options are endless at Live! Casino & Hotel.
Phitia Greek Kitchen serves healthy Mediterranean fare, while McGillian’s Irish Ale House pumps the finest Guinness and serves hearty pub grub. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, Boboli offers a stylish setting for sushi, ramen, dumplings, and other tasty treats.
Elsewhere, The Silo is a rustic-industrial steakhouse housed inside a converted grain silo, and Lucky Moon Musical Bingo uses bingo balls to determine the length of each round. It can last anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes, so you’ll never know what to expect!
Live! Casino & Hotel also boasts a 3,500-seat live entertainment venue. It hosts concerts, comedy shows, boxing matches, and other events throughout the year. Phish kicked things off with a pair of sold-out shows in July 2012, and plenty of big-name artists have followed in their wake.
Overall, Live! Casino & Hotel is a spectacular venue. It’s little wonder it attracts almost 7m visitors per year!
9. Hollywood Casino Perryville, Maryland
Our penultimate stop on this gambling tour of the Mid-Atlantic Region is Hollywood Casino Perryville. Like Live! Casino & Hotel, this establishment is located in Maryland. In fact, it is located around 35 miles north of Live! on the shore of the Susquehanna River.
Hollywood Casino Perryville is owned by Penn National Gaming and cost $120M to construct. It has 500 slot machines, 30 table games, a 24-hour café, and a high-limit gambling room known as The Boulevard.
The latter is a private room with dedicated waitstaff, cocktail service, and complimentary drinks and appetizers. It is open to slot club members with an Aquarium level status or higher. Based on that info, here’s a quick look at the overall layout:
- 200 hotel rooms
- 1,500 slot machines
- 40 table games
- 24-hour café
- 500-seat buffet-style restaurant
- 242-room hotel tower
- 2,600-square-foot ballroom
- 6,400-square-foot meeting space
- 40,000-square-foot open-air boardwalk
- 500-foot fishing pier
- 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheater
Whether you enjoy fresh seafood, juicy steaks, or international cuisine, you can satisfy your cravings at Hollywood Casino Perryville. The all-you-can-eat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the aquarium provides an amazing backdrop for the oyster bar.
Indeed, the casino is home to one of the largest saltwater aquariums in the area. It holds 100,000 gallons of water and is filled with marine life native to the Chesapeake Bay.
In addition to slots and table games, Hollywood Casino Perryville also offers electronic versions of roulette, baccarat, and three card poker. High rollers can visit The Boulevard to enjoy exclusive promos, personalized service, and the very best games in the house.
The nearby hotel features a range of room types, including king and double queen options. There is also a 242-room extended stay hotel, a fitness center, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts regular live performances.
Throw in a 4,500-space parking garage, and it’s easy to see why Hollywood Casino Perryville is regarded as one of the must-visit casinos near NYC.
Casino Before You Go Virtual
Unfortunately, we don’t have time to visit all of the casinos in New York and the surrounding states. A helicopter, a couple of dozen parachutes, and a lot of money is no match for the four Resorts World properties and experienced gambler Brittnie Ferrante.
So, we’ve had to narrow our list down to nine casinos near NYC that you can visit in a single day. Any one of them would be a worthy winner of the Big Apple’s Best Casino award.
But there is one standout venue for us. It offers everything under one roof. You can indulge in fine dining, luxury accommodation, and world-class entertainment in addition to testing your skills at the blackjack table or spinning the slots.
That casino is…resort is…ummm, we cant choose! You’ll just have to visit them all and decide for yourself!
While we couldn’t fit every casino in the tri-state area into this guide, we can direct you to the best online gaming site in New York if you can’t make it to the nearest land-based establishment.
Legal online casinos in NY are coming soon, but for now, you can play thrilling casino games for real money at the following licensed and regulated offshore casino site.
Footnotes:
Casino Mobile vs. Bet365 Mobile – Find the Better App Here- provided info on Resorts World New York City.
- provided info on MGM Resorts plans.
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.
