Best Casino Apps in New York for December 2024
Casino apps are a popular way to play casino games online in states where online gambling is legal. People in New York are starting to prepare for the potential legalization of online casinos in the state, and we’re here to guide you toward the best casino apps and tell you everything you need to know about how to use them.
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In this article you will learn:
- Preview of featured casino apps in NY
- Casino apps vs. mobile browser vs. desktop
- Features at potential New York casino apps
Who we are and why you can trust us
PlayNY is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information about all aspects of legal gambling in New York. The PlayNY staff brings a wealth of experience to that effort.
Our contributors possess many decades’ worth of experience when it comes to understanding and evaluating online casinos and the gambling industry as a whole. Our writers and editors come from a variety of backgrounds, although many have spent years reporting on the gambling industry. Some have even worked in casinos, sportsbooks or poker rooms or had experience in the online gambling sector, adding further to our knowledge base.
PlayNY is part of the Catena Media network of sites that cover gambling across the US. Catena Media is a licensed and registered vendor in jurisdictions that require it. New York does not presently require a license of media outlets in relation to gambling, but if that happens, Catena Media will apply for one as it has done in other states.
We routinely check and update all of our informational pages. When it comes to online casinos and apps, we are in direct contact with the casinos themselves, enabling us to provide readers with the most up-to-date information regarding the sites’ features as well as any new promotions or bonuses.
Like other sites in the Catena Media network, PlayNY is an affiliate site, which means we do have partnerships with certain gambling companies. However, our editorial guidelines preclude these partnerships from affecting our reporting, all of which is independent.
PlayNY is committed to promoting responsible gambling and helping to connect those impacted by problem gambling to the resources they need. That commitment extends to all of our reporting, including our approach to reviewing casino apps.
Preview of featured casino apps in NY
Online casinos contain a variety of features, with casino apps generally available for use on both iOS and Android devices. Here’s a snapshot look at what you can expect to find at these popular online casinos:
| Casino App | Real Money | Live Dealer | iOS Rating | Android Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Palace Online Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Bally Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| BetMGM Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Hard Rock Bet Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.9 | 4.7 |
| BetRivers Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.4 | 3.8 |
| FanDuel Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| DraftKings Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| PlayStar Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Fanatics Casino | Yes | Yes | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Note that those ratings are for the casino app as it is accessible in New Jersey. In some cases, online casinos offer the same app in every state where they are legal, while others have state-specific apps.
There are more online casinos out there, although the ones above have proven track records and are some of the most popular among online casino players.
What are casino apps?
Casino apps are downloadable applications that enable you to play at an online casino via a mobile device such as a smartphone or iPad. While you can usually also play on these sites via a mobile browser or on a computer via a web browser, the apps tend to be quite convenient.
If you are using a mobile device, it is usually easiest to use a casino app rather than accessing the site via a browser, since the casinos make sure the app is compatible with Apple and Android phones and tablets. See below for further discussion of the pros and cons of playing on the app versus playing on the website via a mobile device or computer.
Alternatives for online casino apps and mobile gaming in New York
Social and sweepstakes casino sites allow you to legally play online casino-style games in New York. These sites offer a variety of online slots — and, in some cases, a few table games — that you can play with virtual currencies. In some cases, the sites offer chances to redeem winnings for cash prizes.
Most of these social casinos are only available via a web browser, although some of them have their own casino apps. Some examples of these sites with their own apps include the following:
Casino apps vs. mobile browser vs. desktop
Let’s sort through the positives and negatives of the different ways you can access an online casino. Depending on the online casino, there may be up to three ways to access it and play the games:
- Casino app — Download the app and play on a mobile device.
- Mobile casino — Access the casino site via a web browser on your mobile device.
- Desktop casino — Access the casino site via your computer browser.
Pros and cons of casino app vs. mobile casino vs. desktop
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Casino App | - Games fully optimized for mobile devices. - Often faster loading times for games. - Convenient to play anywhere. | - Smaller screen size can limit graphics and info on the screen, increase chance of misclicks. - Some online casinos offer a smaller selection of games than you can access via browser. - Potential connectivity issues if not on Wi-Fi. |
| Mobile Browser | - Full selection of available games. - No downloading or installation necessary. - Convenient to play anywhere. | - Small screen size can impact gameplay, increase chance of misclicks. - Longer loading times and/or other technical issues resulting from heavy use of memory and processing power. - Potential connectivity issues if not on Wi-Fi. |
| Desktop Browser | - Larger screen, improved sound can better match immersive casino experience. - Full selection of available games; better for live dealer games. - Often better connectivity on home Wi-Fi. | - Longer loading times for games requiring more processing power - Lack of touch screen, which some users prefer. - Inability to play “on the go.” |
We should mention as another general and relevant point that mobile gambling options can present a specific risk to problem gamblers. The New York State Gaming Commission offers ways for individuals to enter into a voluntary self-exclusion program, but, at the moment, the program only limits play in brick-and-mortar commercial casinos.
How to choose a casino app
While there will be many potential NY casino apps from which to choose, you will want to be selective and thoughtful when judging the best one for you. Here are some of the key elements to consider:
Legal and secure
Legal, regulated online casinos that offer games for real money are subject to rigorous regulation, checks and oversight. The sites must follow numerous guidelines to ensure the integrity of their games and the safety of customers’ personal information and funds. For instance, all operators of legal gambling in New York must abide by state gambling laws and regulations from the New York State Gaming Commission.
While licensed and legal sites generally follow necessary protections, make sure to confirm that a site is in fact operating legally and according to gambling laws in your state before signing up for an account or depositing funds. Avoid offshore sites that are not regulated in the US, as they present numerous risks, and you have no legal recourse should you encounter any difficulties.
Variety of banking options and fast payouts
Also check the banking methods that you can use via the casino app before you sign up and download it. You’ll find that most will offer multiple ways both to deposit funds and to withdraw your money. However, some methods might be more convenient for you than others. Also, the time to process withdrawals can vary greatly depending on the method you use, with some methods providing very fast payout options and others taking more time. Here are the most common banking methods at mobile casinos:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Neteller
- Skrill
- PayNearMe
- PayPal
- Play+
- Prepaid card
- Online banking
- ACH/e-check
- Bank wire transfer
- Check by mail
Be aware that you will usually find a greater number of depositing options at an online casino than withdrawal options. Also, if the casino is associated with a retail casino, another option would be to pay cash at the land-based casino cage.
Smooth and user-friendly interface
Some casino apps run more smoothly than others. Some also feature better interfaces for navigation within the game library and other areas. In many cases, you can test the site first before creating an account or depositing.
You can visit the site’s lobbies and click around to learn about different features. You often can also play demo versions of games to see how well they perform on your device. If possible, take some time to try an online casino or casino app before choosing to play on it.
Welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Practically all online casinos offer a welcome bonus or some similar incentive to new users for signing up and/or making a first deposit. The sites also often offer ongoing promotions to all players, potentially including cash rewards, free spins and bonus site bets, deposit bonuses and referral bonuses.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few options, compare the available promos as another factor to help you decide.
Game variety
Finally, you also will definitely want to check out the selection of games available at a given online casino before committing to play on it. Note that casino apps sometimes don’t have all the same games as the casino site itself, so if you plan to play on your phone or tablet, check out what games are actually available.
Slots are always the main focus at online casinos, but some sites offer hundreds of real money slot games, while others may only have a few dozen. Table games also vary across sites, with some having online blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino poker and more, while others may have relatively few or none at all.
How to download a casino app on a mobile device
A casino’s app will be free to download and install on your device. The process for doing so is simple, and largely the same whether you are using Apple or Android.
If you visit the online casino’s website, you will generally see links to both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Clicking one of these buttons will take you straight to the app’s listing in the appropriate store.
At that point, click download and the app will automatically download and install on your device.
Registering for an online casino app account
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can register for an account if you haven’t done so already via the casino’s website.
The process typically takes just a couple of minutes. You’ll need to provide some personal information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Email address
- Phone number
You may also need to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number or other information. Often you’ll also need to create a username and password, and even perhaps set up some security questions to help ensure the privacy of your account. Later, if you decide to deposit funds, you might have to provide other personal information, including banking info or other details related to your chosen deposit method.
Adding a mobile casino shortcut to your home screen
If you don’t want to download an app and would prefer to play at a mobile casino on your device using the browser version, you can create a home screen shortcut that will take you straight to the site. Doing so saves you the trouble of always having to open a web browser first in order to reach the site. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the mobile casino via a browser.
Find the URL and load up the site on your device.
- Step 2: Create a shortcut to add to your home screen.
When using Safari on iPhones and other Apple devices, you’ll want to click the square with an arrow in the middle of the bottom, and then choose “Add to home screen” to create the shortcut.
If you’re using an Android device and looking at the site with Chrome, click the three dots in the upper-right corner and similarly choose “Add to home screen.”
In either case, creating a shortcut might work a little differently if you are using a different browser, but it should be simple enough to do.
- Step 3: Rename the home screen shortcut, if needed or desired.
In some cases, the new shortcut might have a long or awkward name that you’ll want to edit. If so, whether on an Android or Apple device, you’ll need to rename the shortcut when you receive a prompt before you click to confirm you are adding it to the home screen.
- Step 4: Click on the shortcut to visit the site.
That’s it. Now you can click on the shortcut icon (which looks like an app icon), and it will take you to the mobile casino site via your browser.
Best features at potential New York casino apps
Casino apps offer various features that help make them a fun and simple way to play casino games from anywhere. Here are a few of the features you can expect to find at new casino apps in New York:
Special bonuses and promotions
Online casinos routinely offer bonuses and promotions. In some cases, you’ll find exclusive promotions for app users that aren’t available to those who only play via browser. These offers may include the following:
- Deposit matching bonuses: Casinos will often offer up to a 100% match of whatever you deposit, up to a set limit.
- Refer-a-friend bonuses: Receive cash or casino credits if someone you refer creates an account and starts using it.
- Cash back: Potentially receive cash back on net losses up to a certain maximum.
- Free spins or bonuses: Receive bonuses simply for playing.
- Loyalty points and reward programs: Earn points while you play that you can then redeem for cash or casino credit.
That just scratches the surface, really, when it comes to the promotions you’ll find. Keep in mind that in many cases a bonus will have a playthrough requirement that requires you to play a certain amount in order to unlock and receive the bonus.
Variety of games
Casino apps generally offer the same variety of games as their website counterparts, all designed to operate smoothly on your mobile device.
You will find many slot titles on any casino app, as well as table games like roulette, blackjack, poker and bingo. In many cases, you can even play live dealer games on your app at those casinos that offer them, including online roulette in New York (once regulated).
Compatibility across devices
Advancements in design and technology are big reasons for the surge in popularity of online gambling and casino apps. Casinos work with developers to create high-functioning apps that are compatible across different devices. They have minimum system requirements for each type of device. Here’s a snapshot of those requirements:
System requirements for potential NY online gambling apps
| Casino App | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Palace | 7.0 and up | 15.0 and up |
| Bally | 9.0 and up | 16.0 and up |
| BetMGM | 5.0 and up | 15.0 and up |
| Hard Rock Bet | 8.0 and up | 13.4 and up |
| BetRivers | 9.0 and up | 14.0 and up |
| FanDuel | 5.0 and up | 15.0 and up |
| DraftKings | 5.0 and up | 15.0 and up |
| PlayStar | 8.0 and up | 15.0 and up |
Note that some (not all) casino game apps are also compatible with Microsoft mobile devices, Amazon Kindle tablets and Chromebooks. Those, too, require the device to have a certain version of Windows or later in order to work, so be sure to check.
Easy banking
Mobile casino apps include all of the same banking options that are available on the browser-based version of the online casino. In fact, apps often make banking even easier, especially after you have set up and used your preferred depositing and withdrawing methods. You may find hotlinks or “one-touch” options, allowing you to move money quickly and easily.
Casino apps that pay real money also feature the same security as on corresponding casino websites, providing protection for your funds and personal information.
Mobile play
The best feature of casino apps, of course, is the way they allow you to play games from anywhere within a state where online casinos are legal. As long as you are able to use your mobile device to connect to the internet, you can access the games and play them wherever you like.
Conclusion
Online casinos let you play games via your mobile device or computer. Casino apps in particular let you play games on the go from wherever you are, provided that’s a location where online casinos are legal. Check the recommended options above when seeking potential online casinos on which to play.
NY casino apps FAQ
Right now, New Yorkers wishing to play at real money online casinos can travel to New Jersey to play legal and regulated games online. Popular NJ casino apps include Caesars Palace, Bally, BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and BetRivers (among others).
New Yorkers can also play at social and sweepstakes casino-style sites that use virtual currencies, some of which have mobile apps such as WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, McLuck Casino and others.
They typically offer many of the same ones. Sometimes, casino apps even offer exclusive bonuses and promotions only available to those who play the games using the app. Be sure to check what promotions are available whenever you play, as often you can earn bonuses simply by opting in and playing as you normally would.
Online casinos that have loyalty programs will count your play on the casino app toward claiming the rewards. Caesars Palace Online Casino, for example, rewards you for your play on its app just as it does if you play on the website version on your computer.
Before creating an account or depositing funds, first make certain the site is licensed and regulated in your state. Sites that are legal confirm their legitimacy with documentation showing their licenses wherever they operate. For example, legal online sportsbooks in New York all must be licensed by state regulators, and they will show evidence of this prominently on the site or app.
The same goes for online casinos. As long as they are licensed, they must abide by relevant gambling laws to remain so, which in turn provides protections for your funds and personal information.
The previous answer also covers this one. Licensed and regulated online gambling sites must offer fair games according to the rules that regulators set forth.
Much as brick-and-mortar casinos undergo checks and must make reports showing their games operate as they should, so, too, do online casinos have to pass such quality control measures in order to continue operating. Such regulations help players trust in the integrity of the games they play on casino apps and sites.