The list of land-based USA casinos now in operation is an impressive one, and these locations generate billions of dollars in revenue each year thanks to an endless stream of patrons looking for quick riches or a few hours entertainment. This page focuses on some of the most popular American casino destinations, which should come in handy the next time you’re planning a vacation or weekend getaway.
Las Vegas Casinos
When it comes to popular gambling destinations in the United States, the city of Las Vegas reigns supreme ($6.207 billion in revenue in 2025). Filled with an endless array of casinos and five-star hotels, “Sin City” is a mecca for tourists looking to be seduced by neon lights and the allure of quick riches. Some of the city’s most popular gambling establishments include:
MGM Grand – Featuring one of the largest hotels in the world, this 30-floor structure opened for business in 1993 and has been a staple of Vegas ever since. Over 20 restaurants and bars are available for famished gamers, and the 2,300 slot machines and nearly 200 table and poker games should provide hours of entertainment.
Bellagio – Opened in 1995, this luxury hotel and casino has over 200 table and poker games, as well as almost 2,500 machines for slots enthusiasts. The 155,000 square feet of gaming space makes them one of the largest casinos in the world, and standing in front of their renowned fountains is practically a rite of passage for any first-time visitor to Vegas.
Atlantic City Gambling Destinations
The premier destination for USA casinos on the East Coast, Atlantic City has been offering games of chance ever since voters approved casino gambling in a 1976 referendum. While times have been tough recently–four casinos closed in 2014—the resort city still offers a number of options, including the following:
The Borgata – Not only does this facility offer the largest hotel in the state of New Jersey, but it also includes one of the most financially successful casinos in the United States. The spa, fine dining, and nightclubs might bring customers in, but it’s the 4,000 slot machines and 200 table games that will keep them there well into the wee hours of the morning.
Resorts – Outfitted with a Roaring Twenties theme and 100,000 square feet of playing space, Resorts is a longtime fixture of the Atlantic City gambling scene. Opened in 1978, it holds the distinction of being the first legalized US casino located outside of Nevada.
Chicagoland
Also known as the Chicago metropolitan area, Chicagoland is home to nearly 10 million people, as well as over a dozen casinos. One of the most popular destinations for American gamblers, this region stretching across Illinois and Indiana includes the following venues:
Horseshoe Casino Hammond – With some of the highest limits in the United States, this Chicago-area gaming vessel boasts 400,000 square feet, 100 gaming tables, and over 3,000 slots. The poker room is the largest in the Midwest, and a private area is available for high rollers.
Harrah’s Joliet – Located 40 miles from Chicago, this riverboat casino features a hotel, multiple restaurants, over 1,100 slot machines, and 40,000 square feet of gaming space. Multiple types of poker are available, including Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, Three Card, and Let It Ride.
The WinStar World Casino
Most people would expect the largest USA casino to be located in Las Vegas, but they would be wrong. That honor goes to the WinStar World Casino located in the tiny Oklahoma town of Thackerville. The Winstar surpassed the Foxwoods Resort Casino in overall gaming floor space thanks to a major expansion project completed in 2013.
WinStar World offers over 7,400 slot machines, as well as poker rooms, table games, bingo, keno, and off-track betting. High rollers can get their gambling fix in a private area, and the facility’s impressive global décor should give even the thriftiest players a way to pass the time.
USA casinos are still going strong, although the expanding gambling market in Macao, China has provided major competition in recent years. The next time you have a few extra dollars to spend, we suggest visiting one of the above destinations for a few days of fun and potential profit.