Best Casino Apps That Pay Real Money (For iOS & Android)

The best casino apps by category

Seven U.S. states have legalized real money online casino gambling. Four of those seven states – Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia – offer competitive markets with a range of online casino brands and mobile apps for players to choose from. Here are the top 10 available casino apps in these markets after thorough research from our iGaming experts:

Best casino apps rated by users

The table below provides a snapshot of how the public feels about the top apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Of course, there are better ways to gauge a casino app's quality than relying solely on user reviews. Remember, some players may be mad after a bad beat and won’t be objective in their opinions. Additionally, some complaints may concern issues that have since been fixed.

Our goal is to give you an unbiased picture of the good and bad regarding a casino app before you download it.

Best casino apps reviewed

After initial testing, we narrowed down the list of available online casinos that pay real money to the top eight. These were our most notable observations with online casino bonuses in play: 

BetMGM Casino App 🦁

BetMGM Casino offers a 100% match deposit of up to $1,000 and $25 on the house to all new customers, allowing you to boost your bankroll and get off to a flying start after signing up. Make sure to input our exclusive BetMGM Casino bonus code SBR1000 to collect this bonus.  

Alternatively, residents in West Virginia get an even more lucrative promo: a deposit match of up to $2,500, $50 on the house, and 50 bonus spins. Use the code SBR2500 to claim this offer. 

The vast selection of games is the casino’s biggest highlight, with over 2,000 titles on display. This includes plenty of jackpot games starring the brand’s very own MGM Grand Millions.  

Aside from slots, you can choose from numerous RNG (Random Number Generator) and live dealer games. Be aware, however, that the live dealers log off for a couple of hours each day. This section also offers a couple of exclusives, like BetMGM Blackjack Pro and BetMGM Roulette Pro. 

The only major drawback of the BetMGM Casino app is its relatively slow payout processing, as internal reviews of withdrawal requests can take up to 5 days.

Caesars Palace Online Casino App 🏛

With a Deposit Match up to $1K + 2500 Reward Credits, Caesars Palace Online Casino's welcome offer is hard to ignore. Use the Caesars Palace Casino bonus code SBRLAUNCH when registering to activate this deal, which stands as our best MI online casino bonus.

The app has a very nice layout and is easy to navigate. Players can pin their favorite titles with a single tap and have them appear at the top of the home screen. The casino’s customer support is always quick to respond, and seamless banking is available through various secure options with standard processing times. Like other brands on this list, Caesars Palace Online Casino has a range of exclusive titles, with more than 1,000 slots and casino games.

The app needs to improve its loading times and response rates, but otherwise, we have very few complaints.

DraftKings Casino App 👑

We love DraftKings Casino for its variety of games, especially its several dozen exclusive releases. The live dealer games section is stacked with new and exciting titles offering table minimums suitable for low- and high-rollers. 

DraftKings attracts casual players with a minimum deposit of $5, rather than the standard $10. New users can earn the 500 Spins on Cash Eruption Games + Up to $1K Back in Casino Credits on Cash Eruption games without needing to use a DraftKings Casino promo code of any kind. The range of other promotions is extensive, with one of the industry’s best referral deals and a very lucrative loyalty program.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit http://ccpg.org (CT).

21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. New customers only. Must opt-in to each offer. LOSSBACK: Min. net loss of $5 on eligible games to earn 100% of net losses back for 24 hours following opt-in. Max. $1,000 issued in Casino Credits for select games that expire in 7 days (168 hours). SPINS: Min. $5 in wagers req. Max. 500 Casino Spins for featured game. Spins issued as 50 Spins/day upon login for 10 days. Spins expire 24 hours after issuance. $0.20 per Spin. Game availability may vary. Rewards are non-withdrawable. Terms: http://casino.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

Golden Nugget Casino App 🥇

DraftKings acquired Golden Nugget online casino in 2022, so you'll notice similarities between each operator's mobile app layout. Golden Nugget's app is smooth, and finding a specific game is easy thanks to the search bar.

New customers with Golden Nugget Casino can snag 250 spins + a chance to win up to $100K in credits on a featured game. No Golden Nugget Casino bonus code is necessary at sign-up.

With over 700 games on tap, Golden Nugget is bound to have any specific titles you're looking for. The variety of game types and the value of its welcome offer earned GN a spot in our ranking of the best PA online casino bonuses.

bet365 Casino App 🟢

bet365 Casino has a special welcome offer: A Deposit Match Up To $1,000 + Up To 500 Spins.

Deposit at least $10 to qualify for the deposit match. You must wager the bonus 30 times on select games before being eligible to withdraw any winnings. Use our exclusive bet365 Casino bonus code SBRBONUS for users in New Jersey and SBR365 for users in Pennsylvania.

bet365 offers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate mobile app for iOS and Android users.

Hard Rock Bet Casino App 🎸

Hard Rock Bet Casino is available to users in New Jersey and Michigan. New players are eligible for a welcome offer of Up To $1,000 Lossback + 200 Bonus Spins. The 200 bonus spins can be used on the new Huff N' Puff game after a minimum deposit of $10.

No Hard Rock Casino bonus code is required at sign-up to claim the welcome offer.

The app itself is very intuitive and easy to navigate. There's a seamless integration with the Hard Rock sportsbook, making it easy to transition between the two if you're also interested in wagering on sporting events.

PlayStar Casino App 🎩

PlayStar Casino greets new players with a 100% Deposit Match up to $500 + up to 500 Free Spins. Getting free spins off the bat is rare with real-money online casinos, let alone 500. You don't need to enter a PlayStar Casino promo code to activate the offer.

PlayStar's app makes it easy to find current offers, ongoing promotions, and the cashier. You can also scroll through the most popular titles in the 'Top Picks' section, along with new releases and all other game types. Slots make up most of the 500+ game library, and the highlight is the Slingo game offerings (slots-bingo hybrid).

FanDuel Casino App 🔵

With over 700 titles for players to choose from, everyone is bound to find a game for them at FanDuel Casino. We were especially impressed with the app’s range of daily jackpot games and the overall number of progressive jackpots. There aren’t that many exclusive titles, but we like that there’s a dedicated FanDuel live dealer lobby with several blackjack titles and other table games. 

FanDuel Casino has the Deposit $10, Get 500 Bonus Spins & $40 In Casino Bonus. No FanDuel casino promo code is required to claim one of our top-ranked NJ online casino bonuses. This offer is not available in West Virginia.

Among all the brands on this list, FanDuel stands out for its user experience. The casino’s app feels light and has a great, intuitive interface.

Looking for another app with quality games and quick payouts? Visit our Hollywood Casino promo code page.

How to install a casino app on your mobile device

Installing a casino app and creating an account is a uniform process that takes just a few minutes. If you haven’t done it before, here’s how the setup works on both iOS and Android devices:

How to install iPhone casino apps 📱

1. Go to the App Store and start typing the casino app name into the search bar. 
2. Tap on GET to trigger the installation.
3. Load the app once it’s successfully installed on your iPhone or iPad.
4. Register an online casino account by sharing your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other required information.
5. Make a deposit, claim the welcome offer, and start playing.

How to install Android casino apps 📱

1. Head over to the Google Play Store. 
2. Find the desired casino app and tap INSTALL.
3. Wait for the casino app to install and power it up.
4. Before you can start playing, you must sign up by sharing some of your personal details, including your name, birthday, Social Security number, and more.
5. Use one of the available payment options to deposit, claim the casino’s welcome bonus, and start playing your favorite games.

How we rate & review casino apps

We vetted all major online casinos available in the United States and thoroughly tested their mobile apps. Once we evaluated all their key characteristics, we compiled a list of important categories to focus on when selecting which apps to use.

To further build our readers' trust, we’ve decided to share a portion of our review process. Here are the key attributes we focus on when reviewing mobile casino apps. 

Licensing and Security 🔐

Before we start digging through anything else, we make sure the casino app is licensed and available in regulated states. Proper licensing goes hand in hand with safety, as these apps must implement robust security measures.

Game Quality, Quantity, and Variety 🎰

Games are the fundamental draw of every mobile casino and are the primary focus of our evaluation process. To receive a passing grade, a casino must display a large number of games, feature some of the industry’s most popular titles from world-class game providers, and offer a wide variety of games that cater to every type of player. 

Bonuses and Promotions 💰

Another core identity of an online casino is its lineup of bonuses and promotions. Players should feel rewarded from the moment they lay down their first deposit. Moreover, they should continue to receive incentives through ongoing offers and loyalty perks. Aside from assessing the monetary value of the casino’s bonuses, we also gauge its true worth by carefully examining its terms and conditions.

Mobile Experience 📱

After we download and install the casino’s app, we put it to the test, evaluating its design, measuring its speed, and reviewing its special features. Aside from its user-friendliness, the app should be free of any bugs and freezeouts. 

Payout Processing 💳

We understand the urge to have your winnings delivered as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there are no casinos that offer instant withdrawals. Still, there’s a big difference between waiting a couple of hours and several days. Naturally, we recognized those casinos that process your payout requests the quickest.

Best casino app games to play for real money

You can find numerous types of games and themes at top-rated U.S. mobile casinos. From traditional three-reel slots and progressive jackpot slots to live dealer blackjack and up-and-coming concepts like crash games, each casino app offers plenty of ways to play and win. 

Here are some standard game categories you’ll find at the gambling apps our experts recommend: 

Video slots 🎰

Every mobile casino game library is filled with slots. These are fast-paced, luck-based games where the goal is to connect matching symbols across the spinning reels. Slots feature a rainbow of themes, have various payout mechanisms, and include fun bonus rounds. Progressive jackpot slots are some of the most rewarding casino games you can play, as the largest available prizes often exceed one million dollars. 

Table games 🃏

Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and poker are all available in the table games section. Blackjack can really pay off if you know the optimal strategy, roulette is a numbers game that rewards luck, while baccarat is for casual players who may want to try something with a low house edge. 

Live dealer games ♠️

The live dealer section contains all the familiar table games, but they're run by an actual professional dealer via a live stream. An HD picture quality, casino-like environment, and community live chat all contribute to the immersive social element of these games. Aside from traditional table and card games, live dealer sections are expanding due to surging popularity to include various game shows that combine TV and gambling entertainment elements.

Crash games ♣️

Crash games are among the latest mobile casino hits, appealing to a wide audience thanks to their simplicity and high prize potential. You can cash out anytime as the multiplier keeps rising, but if you wait too long, you'll win nothing.

Other games 🕹️

Mobile casinos may also feature keno, bingo, scratch cards, and a variety of arcade games.

Not sure which game is best for you? Well, be sure to take advantage of the numerous no deposit bonuses that are available at many states and casinos. This will allow you to enjoy yourself, learn which game is best for you, and learn a platform, all without risking any real money. Check out the WV online casino no deposit bonus page for one such example.

Banking options for real money casino apps

Modern online casino apps accept various convenient payment methods, including credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets, and direct bank transfers, and some even allow in-person payments.

Because many banking methods are similar across platforms, you'll also want to check deposit and withdrawal limits and processing times. Many apps will process your withdrawal requests in as little as a few hours, while others take a few business days.

Casinos don’t generally charge any processing fees, but in rare cases, your payment provider might, so learn the details about a given banking method beforehand.

Mobile Casino Deposit Options 💳

When making a first deposit, ensure you’re putting enough money into your newly created account to trigger the welcome bonus. The amount you deposit may impact the size of the bonus you receive, as with match deposit offers. Also, some deposit methods may not be eligible for the welcome bonus, so check all the details before making your first payment. 

Most mobile casinos allow you to deposit as little as $10 — however, there are a few exceptions. For instance, DraftKings has a minimum deposit of $5. As for maximum deposits, they can be anywhere between a few hundred dollars and tens of thousands, depending on the casino’s rules and the specific method you’re using. 

When depositing at U.S. mobile casinos, these will be some of the available options: 

• Debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover) 
• Prepaid cards 
• E-wallets 
• Bank transfers 
• Cash at cage (in-person)
• eChecks
• PayNearMe

Mobile Casino Withdrawal Options 💰

A casino may need some time to process your withdrawal request before sending you the winnings. This internal review usually takes less than 48 hours, but some platforms may take longer. For example, the internal review at the BetMGM online casino can last up to five business days. 

Once your withdrawal is approved, your funds will be available in a few hours or days, depending on your selected method. E-wallets such as PayPal and Venmo tend to be very quick, as do Play+ cards and Visa Fast Funds. If possible, you can request a cash-at-cage withdrawal at the casino’s nearby retail location, which may be the quickest way of getting your winnings.

As mentioned, U.S. casino apps usually don’t levy any deposit or withdrawal fees. Still, your payment provider may impose a small service charge depending on its policy and the amount of money you’re attempting to withdraw. 

One thing to note when making withdrawals is that bonus money is attached to wagering requirements. The wagering requirements of any bonuses claimed must be fulfilled before the money can be paid out.

Is online gambling legal in the US?

The legality of online gambling in the U.S. varies by state. Over the last decade and a half, the legality of online gambling has been debated by many state legislatures. Some, like New Jersey, have fully accepted online gambling and have even been at the forefront of legalization. Meanwhile, others see iGaming as a negative influence on their citizens and have been slow to embrace it. 

Sports betting has been the gambling vertical with the most widespread legalization. Since 2018, over 30 states have regulated online sports betting, and more markets are launching every year. However, online casinos haven’t had the same level of acceptance. At present, only seven states have legalized commercial legal online casino gambling, including: 

• Michigan online casino
• NJ online casino
• PA online casino
• WV online casino
• Delaware
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island

New iGaming bills are being drafted each year, so this list is likely to expand in the coming years. Rhode Island is the latest edition, though users can only play via Bally's in the state. While many had high hopes for New York and Indiana in 2023, their gambling expansion efforts didn't come to fruition. We will continue to monitor the status of online gambling in those states, as well as other states with promising futures such as Illinois, Maryland, Iowa, and Maine.

Legal sports betting

Online casinos may be legal in only seven states, but online sports betting is regulated in many more. Roughly 30 states have legalized some form of sports betting, and most allow the use of sports betting apps. 

Benefits of using casino apps vs. desktop sites

Using a casino app beats playing on your computer in more ways than one: 

• Convenience — Instead of being limited to playing at home as you would with a desktop computer, you can use a mobile app virtually anywhere (as long as you’re within the borders of a state where the given mobile casino is licensed). Sure, you can technically bring your laptop wherever you go, but playing on a smartphone or tablet is far more convenient.
• App-exclusive promos — Although they’re not so common, some casino bonuses and promotions can only be claimed through an app. The offer can range from a small $10 no deposit bonus to free spins on a mobile-exclusive video slot.  
• Safety — The built-in security features of your Android or iOS device add an extra layer of protection, helping ensure that your personal and financial information is not exposed.
• Quick transactions — Linking your Apple Pay or Google Pay account with your casino account is much easier when you’re on mobile. Although this won’t speed up processing times, you’ll still save a few minutes when completing payments. Some players have reported geolocation issues with their casino apps. This usually happens when you’re near a state border, so the app mistakenly detects you as if you’re playing from an unauthorized area.
• Mobile-optimized games — Most online casino games are optimized for desktop and mobile play. However, newer games are being released with mobile play prioritized. 

Does a mobile casino pay real money?

If you’re lucky (or skillful) enough to win a few bets, you can request a withdrawal and be paid out in real money. 

This is only available in states that have legalized commercial online casinos. There are currently seven of them, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Rhode Island is the last state to join this list, and it is expected to launch online casinos on March 1, 2024.  

However, please note that some of these states may not feature the casino apps you can see on this page. For instance, even though Delaware was one of the first states to legalize online casinos, the sector is still fully controlled by the Delaware Lottery. Namely, it only allows three online casino skins, all powered by Rush Street Interactive.

The situation changes once you move farther away to New Jersey. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) allows each Atlantic City casino to run multiple online skins. As a result, the state currently hosts over two dozen casino apps.

Best sweepstakes casino apps

If you want to play real money casino games on your mobile and are located in one of the states that currently prohibit it, you have the option of sweepstakes casinos. 

Sweepstakes casino differ from their real money counterparts as they don’t offer gambling in its true form. Instead, you get two types of virtual currency — Gold Coins through purchases and Sweeps Coins through free promotions. Purchasing Gold Coins is optional, as there are multiple ways to receive free coins. You can win real money just like with traditional online casinos by redeeming Sweeps Coins for cash or other prizes. You can also claim sweepstakes no deposit bonuses with these apps.

Since they don’t offer conventional gambling, sweepstakes casinos are not subject to the same laws as regular online casinos. These platforms are perfectly legal in Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts, and many others. Social casinos offer the same game options as sweepstakes casinos, but there is no opportunity to redeem real cash or prizes. You play purely for entertainment. 

As of Dec. 4, 2024, Google will update its advertising policy to remove social casino operators from the restricted "gambling" category and allow platforms like McLuck Casino to run personalized ads. This move could be a boon for social casinos, as they'll be able to improve the relevance of their adds to boost performance. 

Looking for something different? Check out our favorite sites like Chumba Casino for recommendations. 

Some of the top-rated sweepstakes casinos in the U.S.are linked in the tables below: 

Sweepstakes casino reviews

Sweepstakes promo codes

Privacy & security with real money casino apps

The safety of your personal and financial data is always a top priority when using online casino apps. Here are a few tips on how to always stay protected while gambling on your mobile: 

• Only play on apps that are licensed by your state regulator. Stay away from offshore casinos and mobile apps not licensed in your state. This will ensure that you and the gambling app always comply with the law. 
• Do not disclose your login credentials. You are the only one who should have access to your casino account. Do not share your email and password with others. If you share a mobile device with someone else, always log out of your mobile app when you're done playing. 
• Play certified games. Licensed mobile apps feature games that have been certified for their fairness. This means that a video slot you may decide to play runs on tested RNG, and its outcomes are random. 
• Use reputable banking methods. Your banking information will be kept secure, regardless of the payment method you choose, thanks to encrypted payment gateways.
• Protect yourself with responsible gambling tools. While your money will be safe from hackers, it might not be safe from you. To help you gamble responsibly, U.S. mobile apps offer a range of tools, including deposit limits, loss limits, account time-outs, and self-exclusion programs.

Casino apps to avoid

It is vital that you only play on licensed and regulated casino apps. In addition to staying legal, you will avoid potential fraud and safety risks. 

Offshore online casinos may seem attractive, especially if you’re from a state with no regulated options, but remember that you have no legal protections. Therefore, offshore casinos commonly delay players’ payments, block their accounts for no reason, or misuse personal data. These are not risks worth taking. 

Some of the following online gambling sites may appear on your radar, but you should avoid them: 

Responsible gambling in the US

Casino gambling is a high-risk activity. Despite playing some games using the best strategy, you can only lower the house edge to a certain extent. Unless you get really lucky, the house will win in the end. 

The best approach to gambling is to keep reminding yourself that you’re doing it for fun. If you win, great! But if you start losing, you should know when to stop.  

We know this is easier said than done, and casino sites are obligated to offer you a set of responsible gambling tools and options, such as: 

• Limits — You can set deposit, wager, loss, or session limits.
• Time outs — Block yourself from accessing your account for a given amount of time. 
• Self-exclusion — This is like a longer timeout that can last for several months or even years. 

If you’re still struggling to keep your casino playing habits in control, you can reach out for professional help. In such cases, it’s best to contact one of these organizations: 

• National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG)
• National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG)
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Gambling Therapy
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER