Best Real Money Casino Apps for 2026

Ready to take the casino with you? If you're age 21+ in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or West Virginia, you can. 

These states offer legal, regulated online casinos you can download straight to your phone or tablet. We've played, tested and reviewed the best real money apps so you don’t have to. Whether you’re spinning reels on your lunch break or doubling down from the sofa, we’ll point you to the smartest options.

Not in a legal state yet? No problem. There are apps for best sweepstakes casinos, and these, offer a legit alternative – and yes, you can still win real cash prizes.

We also endeavored to create a curated list of the top casino apps based on where you live. They include the following:

We’ve tested the top casino apps to find the ones that deliver. Our reviews dig into what really matters – ease of use, gaming variety, and how smooth the experience feels on your phone.

From online slots and blackjack to live-dealer tables, these apps stand out for real money play. And if you're looking for top-tier bonuses, our list of the best casino promo codes has you covered. Here are the ones we enjoy the most:

Chances are if you’re reading this, the best casino apps aren’t legal where you live. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Sweepstakes casinos give you a way to play popular games like slots, blackjack, and baccarat – and still win real prizes.

The twist: you don’t bet cash directly. Instead, you play with virtual currency (usually called Sweeps Coins) that you can redeem for cash prizes, gift cards, or branded rewards. You’ll mostly collect these coins through bonuses, promotions, or purchasable packages that also include a free Sweeps Coins.

Are they a perfect substitute for real money apps? Not really. We’d prefer it if state legislators catch up with the times and full legalize online gambling. But until then, sweepstakes casino apps, which are essentially free casino apps, are a nice alternative.

One important note: sweepstakes casinos are not available everywhere. You can’t play if you’re in Michigan, Connecticut, Montana, New York, New Jersey, or Washington. And states like Florida and Delaware have limits to how much you can win. 

Can’t play real money casino apps where you live? Sweepstakes casinos are the next best thing. They’re fun, legal in most states, and their apps are built for smooth play on both Android and iOS.

• McLuck Casino: Mobile-first controls that include large, tappable buttons and dropdown menus built for phones.
• Crown Coins Casino: A dedicated “new releases” lobby so that you always know what’s just been added.

Getting set up on a real money casino app only takes a few minutes. Follow these quick steps and you’ll be ready to play right away:

Step 1: Tap the Link
Start by clicking one of the casino links we recommend on this page. You’ll go straight to the official site where you can safely download the app.

Step 2: Sign Up
Open the app and hit “Sign Up” or “Register.” Enter your details so the casino can verify your account.

Step 3: Fund Your Account
Head to the cashier, pick a trusted payment method (like PayPal, debit card, or online banking), and make your first deposit. The process is fast, and you’ll see your balance update instantly.

Step 4: Claim Your Bonus
Most casinos give new players a welcome offer. Don’t forget to select it during signup or enter the promo code provided so you can start with extra cash or bonus spins.

Step 5: Now You’re Ready to Play!
With money in your account, head to the lobby and choose from slots, table games, or live-dealer action.

Sure, you can gamble through your phone’s browser, but why settle for “good enough”? Dedicated casino apps are built for mobile from the ground up, making them smoother, faster, and more fun. Mobile sites get the job done, but they’re basically shrunken versions of desktop platforms, which means clunky menus and slower play.

Bottom line: Apps are built for players, browsers are built for compromise.