Best Casino Apps & Mobile Casinos in December 2024

How We Test and Rank the Best Casino Apps

Our process for testing apps is pretty simple: we download the app and play with it, on both iOS and Android devices, to explore absolutely everything it has to offer. The team at WSN.com has been playing online for decades - before mobile apps were even a thing - and we know what an app needs to really stand out from the competition. 

We’ve tested more than 35 legal casino apps in the US, spending hours digging into each one individually, and here are some of the things we look at:

• Design and User Experience. Playing on an app is different from a casino website. It’s not enough to simply put the same platform on a smaller screen, considerations need to be taken into account for the smaller screen, the amount of information displayed at one time, using touchscreen and hidden menus to navigate around and more. It’s a tricky balance. 

• Games. We get stuck into the gaming menu, testing everything from slots to live dealer tables. We always like to see a good variety of games, from different casino software providers, and exclusive gaming options or other unique features are very welcome as well. 

• Bonuses. Promotions, and especially welcome bonuses, are a massive factor when we’re evaluating mobile apps. We only want to recommend platforms that provide genuinely valuable offers for new players, and we get into the weeds on terms and conditions to provide an accurate appraisal. On-running promos, like reload bonuses, are a factor too.

• Payment Methods. We like to see lots of different online casino methods available for both deposits and withdrawals, including mobile-friendly options that work well with the software, like Apple Pay for instance.

• Customer support. We want to see customer support services built into the functionality of the app. The last thing we want is to click on the help section on mobile and get redirected to a URL that we have to open using our browser. Live chat support is always our favorite, but we like to have a detailed selection of FAQs too.

• Safety and Security. The mobile technology should be robust and safe so that all of our personal and banking details are kept private. We also only recommend legal sites that have been licensed and regulated by a gaming commission.

A Closer Look At Best Mobile Casino Apps for 2024

1. FanDuel Casino App

FanDuel’s Casino mobile platform has extremely high ratings on both app stores and some special features that work very well on the smaller screen.

FanDuel’s gaming menu includes options from various different software providers, including a full selection of live dealer tables from Evolution. FanDuel also has a special section of games that have daily jackpots attached, with a good range of regular payouts for players of all bet sizes. 

We’re huge fans of the FanDuel app. It hits the perfect combination of fun and excitement while also being easy to use and beginner-friendly. It really makes it easy to do everything.

New players who open their account can claim FanDuel’s welcome offer, which gives you $100 in bonus cash once you play your $1. It's super simple to claim and give you enough bonus cash to test FanDuel Casino properly. FanDuel Casino is avilable in NJ, PA, MI, and WV.

Claim your FanDuel Promo

FanDuel Mobile App User Rating

• App Store Rating: 4.8/5

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.6/5

Read our FanDuel Casino review to find out more.

2. BetMGM Casino App

BetMGM Casino is another fan favorite mobile app. For one thing, BetMGM has recognized and harnessed the power and value of casino bonuses and promos. New players get a 100% deposit bonus worth up to $1,000, and a $25 no deposit bonus thrown in for good measure. To claim this promo you'll have to use promo code WSNCASINO during sign up.

Players from WV have access to a different promotion: Deposit $10, Get $200. While we’d love to see a no-deposit bonus for WV players as well, this is still a great offer tailored for new players and it's easy to claim. You would still have to use WSNCASINO promo.

But the piece de resistance is the BetMGM Rewards program. Every time you gamble real money on the site you earn points, which you can cash in for perks and experiences at real-life BetMGM Resorts around the country. The loyalty program really bridges the gap between gambling online and actually going to an in-person casino, creating a holistic experience for anyone who is a fan of both. 

On top of all of this, there are daily jackpot drops all throughout the summer, and a refer-a-friend program where both you and your friend can benefit. 

BetMGM Casino is avilable in NJ, PA, MI, and WV.

Claim your BetMGM Promo

BetMGM Mobile App User Rating

• App Store Rating: 4.7/5

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.4/5

Check out our BetMGM Casino review to learn more.

3. BetRivers Casino App

BetRivers Casino is one of those sites where the mobile app feels more modern and usable than the desktop site, which is a little more old-fashioned. Its mobile app has a good selection of games from lots of top casino software providers, including Red Tiger, NetEnt, and IGT. You can filter this list by provider too, which we like. 

BetRivers has an excellent loyalty program called iRush Rewards. Any time you play you earn loyalty points, which let you graduate through the different tiers in the program. You’ll start off with better deposit limits special offers and tournament invitations, and if you make it to the top end you can get VIP dinners and free Apple products. Maybe unsurprisingly, the best benefits are skewed towards the very high rollers. 

BetRivers Casino is available in NJ, PA, MI, and WV. New players can claim a welcome bonus of 100% cashback up to $500 on their first 24 hours of play. Though it has a lower cap compared to some other casinos, this offer lets you play worry-free, as any losses are covered with bonus cash that has a low 1x wagering requirement. PA players also have access to a deposit match bonus of up to $250.

Claim your BetRivers Promo

BetRivers Mobile App User Rating

• App Store Rating: 4.8/5

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.7/5

Read our in-depth BetRivers Casino review to discover what else it has to offer.

4. PlayStar Casino App

PlayStar Casino has a solid mobile app for both iOS and Android and lots of nice features. Overall, it’s on the smaller side in terms of total number of games and, unlike most of the casinos on our list, there is no sportsbook. If you're someone who is turned off by thousands of games and more features than you are ever going to really use, PlayStar is a great choice. 

There are around 300 games in total, which include a nice blend of slots, table games, slingo, and live dealer tables. There are also some great daily free games, including a lottery and a skittle game which can earn you free spins. 

There is also a 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $500 for grabs by new players, along with 500 free spins which are a bit more complicated to claim fully.

Claim your PlayStar Promo

PlayStar Mobile App User Rating

• App Store Rating: 4.4/5

• Google Play Store Rating: 4.2/5

Dive into our PlayStar Casino review to see what else it offers.

5. Harrah’s Casino App

Harrah's feels like a true online casino, offering a genuine casino experience, whereas platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel treat casino games as just one part of a wider range of betting options. Nothing wrong with that, but if you are exclusively looking for a dedicated casino mobile app, Harrah's Casino is a good choice.

When you sign up you’ll get access to the Caesars Rewards, one of the best loyalty programs around which lets you unlock offers and benefits at real Caesars casinos. 

There’s a no-deposit bonus worth 20 free spins available just for creating an account. Once you do make a deposit, Harrah’s will double it up to $100 and throw in another 100 free spins too. 

Harrah’s mobile app is well-designed. It’s easy to navigate the huge menu of games, make deposits and withdrawals, and claim bonuses. In fact, it’s another casino app on our list which we are definitely recommending over the desktop site, which feels a bit outdated.

Claim your Harrah's Casino Promo

Harrah's Mobile App User Rating

• App Store Rating: 4.5/5

• Google Play Store Rating: 3.9/5

You can read more about in in our detailed Harrah's Casino review.

New Mobile Casinos

As we touched on already, brand-new casinos often have the most interesting apps for the simple reason that they’ve been designed with the latest technology.

Best for Slots

Golden Nugget is getting our pick for the best mobile casino for slots. The main reason for this is, in a word, quantity. Sheer numbers certainly aren’t everything, but it’s undeniable that the menu of more than 1,300 slots is impressive. The menu includes games from dozens of different software providers - from big names to small studios - around 50 games with progressive jackpots, Megaways games, exclusive slots, and more. 

Basically, if you’re looking for a specific type of slot game, you’re most likely to find it at Golden Nugget. If you just want to explore, it can’t really be beaten either. 

Best for Table Games

We’re picking BetMGM as our top recommendation for table games. In total, there are more than 72 different table games on the menu, comfortably above average at online casinos. But the variety is where BetMGM really stands out.

For instance, there are multiple different variations of both roulette and blackjack, including exclusive high roller tables that you’ll only find at BetMGM and micro stakes tables. Thanks to partnerships with major sports leagues, there are special branded tables too, like NHL Blackjack, and fun crossover games like Space Invader Roulette. You’ll also find the likes of craps, baccarat, poker games, and plenty more. 

Best for Live Dealer Games

For live games, we’re going with DraftKings, for a couple of reasons. For one, we appreciate the combination of in-house live tables with classic games powered by Evolution. DraftKings has tons of their own live blackjack tables for instance, with a wide range of limits. Evolution is probably the leading provider of live dealer games out there and you can find their games at most online casinos, so it’s nice to have both. 

DraftKings also has lots of progressive jackpots attached to their live tables, which is rare. 

Best for Video Poker

For video poker, we’re choosing BetRivers. There are around twenty different poker games on the menu in total, including all the classics like Joker Poker and Jack or Better. When we think of video poker, we tend to think of the classic arcade version ahead of new-fangled variations, and that’s what BetRivers provides. We love the retro, nostalgic graphics and gameplay.

There are also some poker-based live dealer games on the menu too. 

What Are the Advantages of Using Casino Apps?

There are tons of benefits to using a casino app, and a lot of them can be boiled down to one word: convenience.

For better or worse, we all use our phones for just about everything these days. Communicating, ordering food or cabs, maps, shopping - why should your online gambling be any different? For the majority of people, it just makes sense to use a casino app that lives with all your other apps, a few swipes away.

At the risk of stating the obvious, you just can’t beat the convenience of having your casino in your pocket at all times. It means you can easily play for just five minutes at a time if you want, or play while you’re sitting on the bus or train without having to drag around a laptop. You can even easily claim time limited Christmas bonuses.

For casino-sportsbooks, it’s ideal for placing a bet on a game you are attending or watching live. Most modern phones even let you log into your account using your fingerprint or face scan, so you’re saving time typing in passwords too. 

As long as you are playing with an official app you’ve downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store, you can expect very high levels of security when you play on a mobile app, including the latest encryption technology. 

It’s not a guarantee, but for many casinos, the apps are where the most cutting-edge technology or most recent design work has gone. Desktop sites run the risk of stagnating a little in comparison. 

Are There Any Disadvantages?

There are arguably some downsides to choosing to play on an app too. 

One is that some bettors may simply prefer the larger screen of a desktop site, where the games appear more clearly. It can sometimes be easier to navigate around a desktop site too, rather than crowding a casino on a mobile screen. 

While having constant easy access to your casino is undoubtedly convenient, it is certainly not without its risks. If you struggle with addiction or just with taking regular breaks, an app can be problematic. It’s so easy to open and start playing, and the knowledge that it’s waiting in your pocket at all times is tricky to manage. We’ve got more advice in our responsible gambling section below.

If you’re playing on the go, connection problems can be an issue. Casino apps also take up space on your device and drain your battery. 

How to Install and Get Started

The first step is to download the app, which you can normally find in the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also normally find a link to the correct store or through the desktop version of the site. We want to be clear here: the apps that we recommend on this page are all legitimate apps found on the official app stores. You can find unregulated casinos that will provide you with a private link to manually download their apps, but these should be treated with extreme caution.

You’ll have to type in your Apple or Android login details to download and install the casino, just like any other app. Once installed, you’ll see the casino icon sitting on your home screen with your other apps.

When you open it, you can either log into your existing account (if you have one) or create a brand-new account if required. The process is exactly the same as on a desktop site and is normally split into a couple of stages or screens on the app. Here is the info you’ll need to provide:

• Name

• Date of birth

• Address

• Email address

• Password

• Phone number

• SSN

Getting hooked up with a welcome bonus is essential when you sign up for a new casino, and it’s no different on a mobile app. If you require a promo code you’ll see the space to type it in during the registration process. If not, you can opt into your bonus afterward, normally by making a qualifying deposit.

Depending on which casino payment method you choose, topping up your casino account can actually be easier on an app. Digital-friendly methods like Apple Pay or PayPal let you confirm payments using your biometric data, and your deposit will be processed and available in your account instantly.

Just choose your preferred method and follow the prompts in the app. When your account is topped up, you’re ready to start playing. 

Note that in addition to the US, some casinos are also available in Ontario, so if you're from Canada, it's worth checking them out.

For an added layer of convenience and security, you can use password and identity managers like Inclave.

Which Casino App Has the Best User Rating?

We have compiled the user reviews for every recommended online casino app on both iOS and Android in the table below.

Casino Apps vs. Mobile Casinos

As we touched on already, casinos absolutely understand the importance of mobile gaming. Still, sometimes they can be slow in getting their apps off the ground. Particularly in the case of new sites: you may find that they launch their desktop site in the meantime while still developing their app.

So this means you can’t play at these sites on mobile? No, not necessarily. 

Pretty much all casinos employ mobile-friendly technology in the design of their websites so that if you search for them using your device's browser you’ll be able to log in and play on the smaller screen. That’s what we mean by mobile casinos: betting sites that are designed to be responsive on mobile, but not necessarily through a downloadable app.

For the most part, casino apps have the edge in our opinion. Again, it really comes down to convenience: it’s just a lot quicker and smoother to tap on an app than it is to open your browser, type in the casino, and manually log into your account. 

While the technology and interface of casino apps and mobile casinos can look and feel fairly similar, apps do have the edge in terms of design. Casinos are more likely to put extra work into designing their mobile apps, compared with simply making sure their site works on a mobile browser.

All that said, there may be some advantages to choosing a mobile casino over an app, depending on your perspective. One, from a practical perspective, is that downloading an app takes up memory on your device while logging in via your browser does not. The extra steps might also be beneficial from the point of view of managing your time spent on the casino.

Our Favorite Casino Games to Play on Mobile

1. Starburst

We’re starting out with an all-time classic: NetEnt’s Starburst. Simplicity often translates to longevity and mass appeal, and that’s certainly the case here. We would add that (although not always), games with fewer reels and simple gameplay often make the most sense on smaller screens like your cell phone, so you don’t need to worry about the graphics or processing power of your laptop.

Starburst looks equally impressive on mobile as desktop, in our opinion. There are five reels, each with three symbols, and ten winning pay lines. The brightly colored gems float in outer space, the rays of a distant sun hazily visible in the background. There are wilds and scatter that unlock free spins too, but in general, the gameplay is fairly simple, beginner-friendly, and fun - perfect for mobile. 

2. Triple Diamond

We’re going seriously old school with our next selection. Triple Diamond looks like something you might have played on Fremont St. in downtown Las Vegas back in the day. It’s a three-real, 9 payline slot, with classic BAR symbols, Diamonds, and Lucky 7s. 

There’s something deeply satisfying about playing such a retro-feeling game on the latest mobile technology. Also, games don’t really come much simpler or easier to jump into, making this perfect for a quick session on your phone. 

3. 88 Fortunes Megaways

We’re fans of the Megaways format here at WSN.com, so we wanted to include at least one Megaways game on our list. We’ve gone for 88 Fortunes, which is a colorful and fun game that shines brightly on mobile.

As always, there are up to 117,689 ways to win on every spin thanks to the unique Megaways format. Cartoonish Chinese-influenced symbols populate the reels, including wilds and scatter which trigger a free spin bonus. Depending on the number of special Gongs you hit, you can get eight, ten or twelve free spins. It’s fun, easy to play and has an RTP of just under 96%.

4. Queen of the Gods

Queen of the Gods has an impressive USP: there are more than a million different ways to win, due to the unique shape of the grid, the different sized symbols that can land, and the fact that winning symbols can disappear to rollover your wins. This slot has an impressive RTP of 96%, but it is rated as volatile - meaning you might be spinning for a while before you win, but jackpot payouts are very much possible.

The design is impressive, with interesting Egyptian symbols and a novel shape for the reels. We would recommend playing this game on larger cell phones or tablets, however - some of the attention to detail might be lost on especially small screens. 

5. Dead or Alive 2

This game has been chosen for all of the major gamblers out there, who love chasing big wins in the most volatile games. Dead or Alive 2 is a sequel to the wildly popular original, both of which take place in Wild West-style saloons with symbols right out of the dusty West. Both editions are all about the bonus games, however, which can be triggered by hitting scatter symbols.

There are three different bonus rounds: Old Saloon, High Noon, and Train Heist. In each one, the reels transform for a series of free spins, where your aim is to hit multipliers and other special symbols to supercharge your payout. While the regular game doesn’t tend to pay very well, the bonus rounds are where you can hit huge wins. 

You can also buy straight into the bonus game if you’re really impatient.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is incredibly important, especially when you add in the easy accessibility of a casino app. 

Our first piece of advice is not to download a casino app if you think its presence on your phone will be too much of a temptation. Sticking to desktop sites is a great way to manage your time more efficiently. If you find yourself playing too much or compulsively, delete the app for a cooling off period.

Remember that gambling is a form of entertainment, not a strategy to earn money. If you find yourself struggling with your gambling, there are lots of organizations out there to help. You can call 1-800-GAMBLER to reach the National Problem Gambling Helpline, available 24/7.

There’s also the National Council On Problem Gaming and Gamblers Anonymous, both of which have lots of information and resources for both people struggling and anyone who wants to help a friend or family member.  

Check our Responsible Gambling Center where you can find more information about how to gamble responsibly, how to recognize you are having a problem, and useful tools and resources to deal with it.

Final Verdict

Mobile casino apps are not only the future but also the present of online gambling in the US. The majority of dollars being gambled online are now being done so via apps and mobile sites in the US, and it’s never been more important for online casinos and sportsbooks to nail their mobile technology.

Desktop gambling sites do still have a place in the industry: some people will always prefer a bigger screen and it’s definitely easier to manage your gambling habits when you don’t use an app.

But, as long as you are playing safely and have a good relationship with gambling, using an app on your mobile to bet really does make a lot of sense. In terms of convenience, it just can’t be beaten. We use our mobile for just about everything else these days - why should gambling be any different?

Check out our favorite mobile apps in the list above to get started.

References

• Gamblers Anonymous

• NetEnt

• Division of Gaming Enforcement