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The 5 Best Casinos in New York State

We reviewed and ranked the top land-based casinos in the Empire State based on game selection, amenities, and overall player experience.

New York Casino Guide8 min readUpdated July 13, 2026
Quick answer

The top five casinos in New York State are del Lago Resort & Casino, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, Resorts World New York City, Empire City Casino, and Tioga Downs. Our single top pick is del Lago Resort & Casino due to its complete resort experience, excellent gaming floor, and modern amenities.

Reviewed by SlotRigorLast updated July 13, 2026

New York State has a diverse casino landscape. You can find massive electronic gaming facilities near New York City and full-scale resort casinos upstate. Finding the right spot depends on what you want. Some players look for thousands of slot machines. Others want live table games, sportsbooks, or upscale hotel rooms.

We evaluated the top venues across the state. Our team looked at the overall gaming environment, dining options, and overall convenience. We only include properties licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission. This ensures a safe, fair, and regulated environment for every visitor.

Whether you live in the city or are planning an upstate weekend trip, this guide helps you choose. We break down what makes each destination unique. Read on to find your perfect spot to play.

NY Casinos at a Glance

Compare the top New York casinos by their standout features, location type, and year established.

#SiteOur ScoreLocation TypePrimary FeatureYear Established
1del Lago Resort & Casino4.2/5Upstate ResortFull Vegas-style floor2017
2Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady4.4/5Urban WaterfrontModern sports lounge2017
3Resorts World New York City4.4/5Metro QueensMassive electronic floor2011
4Empire City Casino4.3/5Historic YonkersHarness racing and slots1905
5Tioga Downs Casino4.1/5Southern TierRacetrack and casino1970

Understanding New York Casino Types

New York has a unique mix of gaming venues. You will find commercial resort casinos, native American tribal casinos, and racetrack casinos. Racetrack casinos are often called racinos. They usually offer electronic gaming machines but do not have live dealers for card games. Commercial resorts offer the full Vegas-style experience with live dealers.

  1. Commercial Casinos. These are fully licensed resorts with live table games, slot machines, sportsbooks, and hotels.
  2. Racinos. These venues combine horse racing with electronic gaming machines like video lottery terminals.
  3. Tribal Casinos. Operated by sovereign nations, these venues offer full gaming options under federal and state agreements.

Important Casino Terms to Know

Before visiting a New York casino, it helps to understand some basic terminology. This ensures you know what games are available and how they operate. Different machines have different rules and payout structures.

  1. VLT (Video Lottery Terminal). These machines look like slots but their outcomes are determined by a central lottery system.
  2. ETG (Electronic Table Game). Digital versions of blackjack, roulette, or baccarat played on a screen instead of with a live dealer.
  3. Live Dealer Games. Traditional table games where a physical person deals real cards or spins a physical wheel.

Tips for a Great Casino Experience

A little preparation goes a long way when visiting a casino. Setting a budget before you arrive is the most important step. You should also consider joining the loyalty program at any venue you visit. These programs are free and offer rewards for your play.

  1. Join the Rewards Club. Always sign up for the player card to earn points on food, rooms, and free play.
  2. Check the Game Rules. Make sure you know if a table uses live dealers or electronic screens before sitting down.
  3. Plan Your Transport. Some upstate venues require a long drive, while city options are accessible by train.

New York Gaming Options Comparison

Compare the different types of gaming experiences available across New York State.

Gaming TypeLive DealersHorse RacingBest For
Commercial ResortYesNoComplete resort weekend
RacinoNoYesQuick gaming and track racing
Tribal CasinoYesNoUpstate gaming variety
Electronic Gaming HallNoNoConvenient local play

How to Choose the Best NY Casino for You

Every player has different preferences. Use this quick checklist to find the casino that fits your style.

  • Decide if you want live dealers or if you are happy with electronic gaming screens.
  • Check the distance and decide if you want a day trip or an overnight stay.
  • Look at the dining options if you plan to have a nice dinner during your visit.
  • See if the venue offers horse racing or sports betting if you like sports wagering.
  • Research the loyalty program to see if it links with other properties you visit.

The 5 Best Casinos in New York State, Reviewed

  1. #1
    1. del Lago Resort & Casino 4.2/5
    Best for full resort amenities

    A top-tier upstate destination that brings a complete Las Vegas style experience to New York.

    Del Lago Resort & Casino opened in 2017 in Waterloo. It offers a massive gaming space with plenty of variety. You will find a large selection of slot machines and traditional table games. The property also features a sportsbook, a hotel, and multiple dining options.

    The atmosphere is modern and clean. It feels like a true destination resort rather than just a local gaming hall. Players can easily transition from the gaming floor to fine dining or a show. The staff is helpful and the layout is easy to navigate.

    Why it stands out

    • Full table games
    • Modern hotel rooms
    • Great dining variety

    Worth noting

    • It is a long drive from New York City.
    Read our review
  2. #2
    2. Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady 4.4/5
    Best for sports betting fans

    A vibrant waterfront casino with an energetic atmosphere and excellent sports betting options.

    Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady launched in 2017 along the Mohawk River. It has quickly become a favorite for players in the Capital Region. The gaming floor is bright and energetic. It features a great mix of slots, live table games, and a dedicated poker room.

    The property stands out for its sports wagering area. It is a comfortable space to watch and bet on games. The adjacent hotel and dining options make it a great spot for a weekend getaway. It is highly accessible for players in eastern New York.

    Why it stands out

    • Excellent sports lounge
    • Waterfront location
    • Active poker room

    Worth noting

    • The gaming floor can get very crowded on weekend nights.
    Read our review
  3. #3
    3. Resorts World New York City 4.4/5
    Best for electronic gaming variety

    The largest electronic gaming facility near the city, offering unbeatable convenience for metro players.

    Resorts World New York City opened in 2011 in Queens. It is the only casino located directly within the five boroughs. Because of local regulations, the floor features electronic table games and slot machines rather than live dealers. The scale of the electronic gaming options is massive.

    This venue is perfect for quick trips. You do not need to drive upstate to get your gaming fix. The multi-level facility is easy to access by public transit or car. It is a bustling, high-energy environment that caters to a fast-paced crowd.

    Why it stands out

    • Incredibly convenient location
    • Massive selection of video slots
    • Easy public transit access

    Worth noting

    • No live-dealer table games are available at this location.
    Read our review
  4. #4
    4. Empire City Casino 4.3/5
    Best for historic racing fans

    A historic Yonkers destination blending harness racing with thousands of electronic games.

    Empire City Casino is located in Yonkers and has a history dating back to 1905. It combines historic horse racing with a massive modern electronic gaming floor. Like the Queens location, it focuses on electronic slot machines and video table games rather than live dealers.

    The proximity to New York City makes it highly popular. The historic racetrack adds a unique charm that modern casinos lack. It is an excellent choice for players who enjoy both horse racing and video gaming under one roof.

    Why it stands out

    • Close to New York City
    • Historic harness racing track
    • Huge number of video terminals

    Worth noting

    • Lacks live card dealers on the casino floor.
    Read our review
  5. #5
    5. Tioga Downs Casino 4.1/5
    Best for a relaxed atmosphere

    A friendly, country-style casino and racetrack perfect for a laid-back gaming getaway.

    Tioga Downs Casino has been a staple in the Southern Tier since 1970. It started as a racetrack and later expanded into a full casino. The vibe here is much more relaxed than the high-energy city venues. It offers a comfortable mix of traditional slot machines and live table games.

    The surrounding area is scenic and quiet. It is a great option for players who want to avoid massive crowds. The property includes a hotel, golf course access, and casual dining options that fit the friendly local atmosphere.

    Why it stands out

    • Relaxed country setting
    • Live harness racing
    • Friendly local service

    Worth noting

    • The overall game selection is smaller than the larger resorts.
    Read our review

Frequently Asked Questions About NY Casinos

What is the legal age to gamble in New York casinos?

The legal age to play casino games in New York is 21. Some venues that only offer horse racing or lottery games may allow players who are 18, but you must check the specific terms of the operator.

Do all New York casinos have live dealers?

No. Only commercial resort casinos and tribal casinos have live dealers. Racetrack casinos, or racinos, are limited to electronic gaming machines and video table games.

Can I bet on sports at New York casinos?

Yes. Many licensed casinos in New York State feature physical sportsbooks where you can place wagers on professional and college sports.

Are New York casinos open 24 hours?

Many major casinos in New York operate 24 hours a day, but hours can vary for specific table games, restaurants, and sportsbooks. Check the operator's website before visiting.

What payment methods can I use at NY casinos?

Most casinos accept cash, credit cards, and cash transactions at the casino cage. You can use ATMs on the property, but they often charge convenience fees.

Must be 21 or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (National Council on Problem Gambling) for free, confidential support. Our rankings and reviews are independent editorial opinions based on our team's research.

Last updated July 13, 2026