You may think that Nevada, with its plethora of sparkling meccas to greedy lust, is by far the top state in terms of casino availability—and you’d be wrong. In fact, you’d only be half right; Nevada does lead the way with regard to quantity, but it doesn’t hold onto the first place spot.
Casinos Within Driving Distance of Pensacola, FL - Casinos to VisitThat distinction belongs to … Florida?
Yes, Florida. The sunshine state boasts a whopping 56 casinos scattered across its landscape, giving locals and visitors alike ample opportunity to get in on a game or three. But what other states surprised me when I looked into their gambling statistics?
I’m glad you asked.
How Many States Have Casinos?
Before we dive into the surprising number of casinos in certain states, let's answer a basic question: How many states have casinos to begin with?
As it turns out, most of them.
48 states (all but Hawaii and Nevada) have some form of casino gambling, with Alabama, Virginia, and Utah being the real stick-in-the-muds. Given that Americans love to gamble—to the tune of $139 billion spent at casinos in 2019 alone—it should come as no surprise that elected officials tend to view casinos fairly tolerantly.
best casino online canadaLet's take a look at the top 15 casino-heavy states in the US (meaning they have at least 30 casinos each). Keep in mind that these figures are subject to change as new casinos open and old ones shutter their doors.
1. Florida -- 56 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
Florida may surprise you as the number one destination for slot machine fans, but there’s no denying the raw numbers. Of those 56 casinos, 44 of them offer table games while 47 feature poker. If you prefer something other than cards or slots, fear not; you’ll also find yourself surrounded by popular games like roulette, keno, pai gow, baccarat, and blackjack.
Best Real Money Slots (Plus 6 Top Sites to Play Them At)2. Pennsylvania – 35 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
You might guess that neon-soaked Vegas would be the American leader in made marriages, but you’d be wrong; according to one source, the most breakable of vows is more prevalent in the Keystone State. Whether you choose to renew your nuptials in one of PA’s many casinos (or online!) is up to you, but if you opt for a visit to a brick-and-mortar establishment, you’ll find plenty from which to choose. The Venetian is a perennial favorite, what with its gondola rides and all, but perhaps your taste runs toward the Hard Rock or the Lady Luck. Whatever floats your boat, rest assured there are plenty of boats to choose among.
3. Illinois – 32 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
Is there anything more quintessentially-American than piling into your automobile and heading out on the road trip of your life? When Illinois casino enthusiasts feel the urge to spin those wheel of fortune-style slots, they simply point their Chevys, Fords, and Ram Trucks towards Des Plaines, Rockford, Chicago, and other gaming Meccas. Along the way they can indulge their hunger at Cooper’s Alley, Lizzie’s Restaurant, and other eating establishments, leaving the casinos to sate themselves on slots, craps, roulette, blackjack, and other games. It’s a beautiful thing.
Best Withdrawal Casino (2023) - Fast Payout Online Casinos4. California – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
It might surprise you to learn that the Golden State takes fourth place in the overall tally, but maybe it shouldn’t. After all, with 39.5 million residents (by far the largest population of any state), California ensures that those slots and tables are well-populated. As you’d expect, Cali offers every casino variation except for craps, so roll those dice with confidence.
5. New York – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
The Empire State isn’t messing around, opening dozens of casinos to serve its nearly 20 million residents. Whether you favor a little reputable risk-taking in Rochester, New York City, or somewhere in between, you’ll find no shortage of gaming options in this diverse state. ResortsWorld is a particular favorite of New Yorkers, but again—you can’t go wrong with any of the Big Apple’s many fine casinos.
6. Michigan – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
We’re still within shouting distance of Las Vegas, folks, and things are about to get even more interesting. Next up is Michigan, whose 10 million citizens enjoy approximately 30 casinos apiece. That comes out to roughly three casinos for every penny-slot-puller, which is an enviable ratio no matter how you slice it. Whether you head for MotorCity Casino in Detroit or MGM Grand in Grand Rapids, you simply can’t misstep in the Great Lakes State.
7. Ohio – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
How do the good people of Ohio like their casinos? Judging by the even distribution to Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown, we’d have to say that they like their casinos spread out. Perhaps they’re leery of crowds, or maybe they just believe in the old adage that too much of a good thing is…well, you know. Either way, Buckeye casino-goers are among the luckiest folks in the Midwest.
8. New Jersey – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
New Jersey has two big things going for it in the casino world, the first of which being its long coastline and the many resorts that populate it. The second is toniness: Where else could a high-roller feel quite so…highbrow? From Atlantic City to Paramus and everywhere in between, Garden Staters can satisfy their gambling urges in style.
Poker Bonus Code & Review - PokerListings9. Oklahoma – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
Who would have thought it? The Sooners certainly haven’t been afraid to place their bets since virtually every man, woman, and child in the state has claimed a casino card or keyfob. Okay, that last part is probably untrue, but with nearly 4 million souls calling Oklahoma home, there’s clearly enough interest to support dozens of casinos across the treeless plains.
10. Wisconsin – 30 Casinos
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
From sea to shining sea, the casino scene ranges from the gaudily glamorous to the reassuringly downhome. Wisconsin falls into that “cozy” category, with casinos sprinkled throughout the dairy state like blue cheese crumbles on a sirloin. No trip to America’s Dairyland is complete without a stop at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino or the Iron Horse Hotel & Casino, so plan your route today!
Maryland Casinos Worth the Trip - Best Casinos Near MeTied for 11th Place (with 28 Casinos Each): * Colorado * Texas * Washington
Colorodo:
- Games allowed: Slot machines, table games
Colorado isn’t called the Centennial State for nothing: It was the first to jump through all of Congress’ hoops and become a legal rock-climbing paradise in 1876, and it continues to forge new ground to this day. What other state will you find introducing its citizens to the joys of casino gaming? Central City anchors Colorado’s casino offerings, but Black Hawk and Cripple Creek are more than capable of holding their own.
Real World Ways to Boost Your Online Poker Game Today....TEXAS (OF COURSE):
- Games allowed: Bingo, baccarat, poker
Sure, Texas comes in ahead of Nevada in sheer volume of casinos…but let’s not forget why that is. After all, Nevada allows gambling on just about everything except forging your sister’s signature on that gym membership form, whereas Texas only permits three games: bingo, baccarat, and poker. I rest my case.
WASHINGTON:
- Games allowed: Bingo, card games, slot machines
Don’t let its laid-back demeanor fool you: Washington is secretly trying to overtake Nevada in the casino department, having already passed the Hoover Dam State in pure volume. Whether you prefer the flash of the city or the quiet charm of the countryside, you’ll find no shortage of casinos willing to take your money in exchange for the chance at more money. Just remember: While the Evergreen State permits slot machines, it escheigns dice, roulette wheels, and pretty much anything that isn’t a slot machine, bingo session, or card game.
No word yet on whether “Deal or No Deal: The Washinton Gambling Edition!” is permitted.
Other Noteworthy Casino States
While the above twelve states certainly lead the pack in terms of available casinos, several others deserve honorable mention. These ten states each boast at least 20 casinos, so grab your wallet and hit the road!
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Minnesota – 19 Casinos
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New Hampshire – 18 Casinos
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Iowa – 17 Casinos
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Georgia – 16 Casinos
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South Dakota – 14 Casinos
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Kansas – 13 Casinos
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Missouri – 13 Casinos
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Montana – 12 Casinos
So what about everybody else? Well, here are the next 30 states in order, starting with those offering nine casinos apiece:
- 31st: Delaware (8 casinos)
- 32nd: Louisiana (7 casinos)
- 33rd: North Carolina (6 casinos)
- 34th: Arkansas (5 casinos)
- 35th: Maryland (4 casinos)
- 36th: Oregon (4 casinos)
- 37th: Idaho (3 casinos)
- 38th: New Mexico (3 casinos)
- 39th: Ohio (3 casinos)
- 40th: West Virginia (3 casinos)
- 41st: Wyoming (3 casinos)
- 42nd: Maine (2 casinos)
- 43rd: Nevada (2 casinos)
- 44th: Oklahoma (2 casinos)
- 45th: Indiana (1 casino)
- 46th: South Carolina (1 casino)
- 47th: Alaska (no casinos)
- 48th: Arizona (no casinos)
- 49th: Hawaii (no casinos)
- 50th: Utah (no casinos)
Why Doesn’t Texas Have More Casinos?
You might have noticed that I saved the Lone Star State for last, and for good reason: With 28 casinos within its borders, it handily beats every state west of the Mississippi—including Vegas! itself. So why does Don Quixote tilt at windmills instead of casinos, and why does Texas fetishize just three forms of gambling?
Best Miami Casinos in Florida - 2023-24 ListBingo, baccarat, and poker are all permitted in Texas, provided the proceeds go to a good cause. That’s right: Charity is the linchpin that keeps the Texas gambling industry waddling along like a pregnant hippo, and some lawmakers would just as soon see it abolished. “Video lottery” refers to charity bingo games played on video screens, but to the Texas Legislature, “video lottery” means “casino gambling,” so changing the verbiage would represent a major shift in how the Lone Star State views fun and games.
On the other side of the aisle are those who claim that the legislature has no business telling charities how they can and cannot raise money. To date none of the proposed bills have gained sufficient traction to effect any changes, but the debate rages on.
One thing we know for sure: If you want to gamble in a genuine Honky Tonk, you’ll need to leave Texas (and its 28 casinos) behind and head for Wisconsin and her 30. Sorry, Willie.
Best Advice for Visiting US Casinos
Now that you have an idea of where to play, consider reading the following pieces of advice to help you make the most of your experience:
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