The Best Casinos Near New York City

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world, but it has historically lacked the casino gaming options found in destinations like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or Macau. That's about to change—December 2025 marks a historic moment as New York State prepares to award up to three full casino licenses for the NYC metro area.

Until then, visitors and residents have excellent casino options within a short drive. From the convenience of Queens and Yonkers to the legendary Atlantic City boardwalk, here's your comprehensive guide to the best casinos near New York City in 2025.

Breaking News: NYC Casino Licenses (December 2025)

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will announce the winners of three coveted downstate casino licenses on December 1, 2025. This represents one of the biggest developments in NYC entertainment history.

What's at Stake

• License fee: $500 million each (up to $1.5 billion total for the state)
• Projected revenue: Hundreds of millions in annual tax revenue
• Jobs: Thousands of construction and permanent positions

Remaining Contenders

Resorts World New York City (Queens) - Leading Contender

• Received unanimous CAC approval
• $5.5 billion proposal for 5.6 million square feet of development
• $600 million upfront licensing payment ($100 million premium)
• Would transform existing racino into full-scale casino

Hard Rock/Steve Cohen Proposal (Queens)

• Major Mets stadium area development
• Backed by billionaire Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International

Bally's (Bronx)

• Proposed development in the Bronx
• Competing for one of three available licenses

What Didn't Make It

All three Manhattan proposals—including Caesars Palace Times Square, Freedom Plaza, and The Avenir—were rejected by 4-2 margins due to community opposition over traffic and neighborhood concerns. MGM Empire City (Yonkers) withdrew its application citing unfavorable economic conditions.

Closest Casinos to NYC (Under 30 Miles)

1. Resorts World New York City (Queens)

Distance: 9 miles from Manhattan | Drive time: 20-30 minutes

The closest gaming facility to Manhattan, Resorts World is located at Aqueduct Racetrack near JFK Airport. Currently operating as a racino (slots only), it's the front-runner to become NYC's first full casino.

Current Offerings:

• 6,500+ slot machines and electronic table games
• Electronic roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Free parking

Coming Soon (if licensed): Live table games, poker room, luxury hotel, expanded entertainment venues

2. Empire City Casino (Yonkers)

Distance: 10 miles from Manhattan | Drive time: 25-35 minutes

Located at Yonkers Raceway, Empire City offers convenient access from Manhattan with easy Metro-North connections.

Current Offerings:

• 5,300+ slot machines
• Electronic table games (blackjack, roulette, craps)
• Live harness racing
• Multiple dining options
• Sports bar with betting

Note: MGM withdrew its full casino license application in 2025, so Empire City will continue operating as a racino for the foreseeable future.

New York State Casinos

3. Resorts World Catskills

Distance: 90 miles from NYC | Drive time: 2 hours

The premier full-service casino resort in New York State, located on Kiamesha Lake's shore. Opened in 2018 and now fully owned by Genting Malaysia (acquisition completed June 2025).

Gaming:

• 100,000 square feet of casino space
• 1,600 slot machines
• 150 live table games
• Poker room and private gaming salons

Accommodations & Amenities:

• 332 luxury suites in 18-story hotel
• Premium garden suites, penthouses, two-story villas
• Indoor pool, fitness centers, day spa
• 10 restaurants and bars (including celebrity chef Scott Conant's Italian steakhouse)
• 2,500-seat entertainment venue

2025 Update: A $585 million restructuring plan was announced in September 2025, with non-gaming assets being leased while the casino remains under Empire Resorts ownership.

4. Yellow Brick Road Casino (Chittenango)

Distance: 250 miles from NYC | Drive time: 4 hours

Owned by the Oneida Indian Nation, this Wizard of Oz-themed casino honors author L. Frank Baum, who was from Central New York.

Gaming:

• 64,000 square feet of gaming space
• 400+ slot machines
• 50+ table games
• Sportsbook

Atlantic City, New Jersey Casinos

Atlantic City remains the premier casino destination near NYC, with nine operating casinos along the famous boardwalk and marina. All casinos are open 24 hours, and the minimum gambling age is 21.

Distance: 125 miles from NYC | Drive time: 2-2.5 hours

5. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

The #1 grossing casino in Atlantic City

The crown jewel of Atlantic City gaming, Borgata consistently leads in revenue and offers the most comprehensive luxury experience.

Gaming:

• 161,000 square feet of gaming space
• 2,500+ slot machines
• 180 table games
• Dedicated poker room

Accommodations:

• 2,000+ rooms and suites
• 43-floor main hotel plus MGM Tower
• World-class spa
• Multiple celebrity chef restaurants

6. Ocean Casino Resort

Best boardwalk views and recent $50 million renovation

Ocean Casino completed a major expansion in 2025, including renovations to all 1,860 guest rooms and new restaurant openings. Atlantic City casinos hit $311 million in August 2025—the highest monthly total since 2012—with Ocean leading the revival.

Gaming:

• 138,000 square feet of gaming space
• 2,000 slot machines
• 100 table games
• 7,500 sq ft William Hill Sportsbook
• Expanded 8,000 sq ft Asian Gaming section

Amenities:

• 1,860 renovated guest rooms
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• 2 nightclubs (including beachfront)
• Spa with jetted pool and Himalayan Salt Grotto
• 11 restaurants + 9 bars

7. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Best for entertainment and live music

Known as "the brightest casino in town," Hard Rock offers a full calendar of top artists and the world's largest collection of music memorabilia.

Highlights:

• Live entertainment venue with major acts
• Extensive music memorabilia collection
• Beachfront location
• Modern, high-energy atmosphere

Hard Rock finished second in Atlantic City revenue (behind Borgata) for in-person gambling in 2025.

8. Caesars Atlantic City

Classic Vegas-style luxury

Modeled after Caesars Palace Las Vegas, this iconic property offers Roman-themed luxury on the boardwalk.

Gaming:

• 145,000 square feet of gaming space
• 2,000+ slot machines
• 130 table games
• Four distinct gaming areas including Asian-themed Palace East

Dining: Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, plus Playground Pier Shopping Mall

9. Tropicana Atlantic City

Historic property with rich history

Originally the Ambassador Hotel (1919), this property famously hosted the Atlantic City Conference where Al Capone and Lucky Luciano negotiated territorial rights.

Gaming:

• 125,000 square feet of gaming space
• 2,400 slot machines
• 132 table games

Accommodations: 2,400 luxury guest rooms and suites

10. Resorts Casino Hotel

America's first legal casino outside Nevada

Historic significance meets modern gaming—Resorts opened the door for Atlantic City's entire gaming industry.

Gaming:

• 100,000+ square feet of gaming space
• 2,500 slot and video poker machines
• 76 gaming tables (24/7 operation)

Pennsylvania Casinos

11. Wind Creek Bethlehem

Distance: 90 miles from NYC | Drive time: 1.5-2 hours

A premier Pennsylvania casino offering 24/7 gaming in the historic Bethlehem Steel facility.

Gaming:

• 3,000+ gaming machines
• 176 table games
• Poker room

12. Mohegan Pennsylvania (formerly Mohegan Sun Pocono)

Distance: 115 miles from NYC | Drive time: 2 hours

Located in Plains Township near Wilkes-Barre, this racino is owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut.

Gaming:

• 2,300+ slot machines
• Live table games (blackjack, roulette, poker)
• Sportsbook
• Live harness racing

Casino Comparison Table

Casino	Distance from NYC	Slots	Table Games	Hotel Rooms	Best For
Resorts World NYC	9 miles	6,500	Electronic only	None	Quick trip, closest option
Empire City	10 miles	5,300	Electronic only	None	Harness racing fans
Wind Creek Bethlehem	90 miles	3,000	176	300	Full casino, shorter drive
Resorts World Catskills	90 miles	1,600	150	332	Luxury resort experience
Mohegan Pennsylvania	115 miles	2,300	Live tables	238	Racing + casino combo
Borgata (AC)	125 miles	2,500	180	2,000+	Premier luxury experience
Ocean Casino (AC)	125 miles	2,000	100	1,860	Ocean views, recent renovation
Hard Rock (AC)	125 miles	2,100	120	2,000	Live entertainment
Caesars (AC)	125 miles	2,000	130	1,140	Vegas-style luxury
Tropicana (AC)	125 miles	2,400	132	2,400	Historic property

How to Choose the Right Casino

For a Quick Trip (Under 1 Hour)

• Resorts World NYC or Empire City - Slots and electronic games only, but very convenient

For Live Table Games (Shortest Drive)

• Wind Creek Bethlehem (90 miles) - Full casino experience with live dealers

For a Luxury Weekend Getaway

• Borgata - Atlantic City's best overall property
• Resorts World Catskills - Scenic mountain resort

For Entertainment & Nightlife

• Hard Rock Atlantic City - Best live music calendar
• Ocean Casino Resort - Beachfront nightclubs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will New York City get a casino in 2025?

Yes—the New York Gaming Facility Location Board will announce up to three casino license winners on December 1, 2025. Resorts World NYC in Queens is the leading contender with its $5.5 billion proposal. If approved, the full casino could open by 2027-2028. All Manhattan proposals (including Caesars Times Square) were rejected.

What is the closest casino to Manhattan with live table games?

Wind Creek Bethlehem in Pennsylvania (90 miles, ~2 hours) is the closest full casino with live dealer table games. The two closest options—Resorts World NYC and Empire City—currently only offer electronic/video versions of table games, not live dealers.

What is the minimum gambling age at casinos near NYC?

The minimum age is 21 years old at all casinos in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Valid government-issued photo ID is required.

Which Atlantic City casino is the best?

Borgata is consistently rated #1 in Atlantic City for overall experience, revenue, and amenities. For entertainment, Hard Rock leads with its live music programming. For ocean views and modern renovations, Ocean Casino Resort is the top choice after its $50 million 2025 expansion.

Are there any casinos in Manhattan?

No, there are currently no casinos in Manhattan. All three Manhattan casino proposals (Caesars Times Square, Freedom Plaza, The Avenir) were rejected in 2025 due to community opposition. The closest gaming options are Resorts World NYC in Queens (9 miles) and Empire City in Yonkers (10 miles).

How long does it take to drive from NYC to Atlantic City?

Atlantic City is approximately 125 miles from Manhattan, with a typical drive time of 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic. Bus services from Port Authority also run regularly and take about 2.5-3 hours.

Which casino near NYC has the most slot machines?

Resorts World NYC has the most with 6,500+ slot machines and electronic table games. Among full casinos with live tables, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers 3,000+ machines, and Borgata in Atlantic City has 2,500+.

Can I bet on sports at casinos near NYC?

Yes. Sports betting is legal and available at most casinos in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Ocean Casino Resort has one of the largest sportsbooks (7,500 sq ft William Hill Sportsbook), and all major Atlantic City casinos offer sports betting. Resorts World NYC and Empire City also have sportsbook options.

What happened to MGM Empire City's casino bid?

MGM withdrew its $2.3 billion Empire City casino application in 2025, citing shifting economic conditions. The Yonkers property will continue operating as a racino with slots and electronic table games but will not become a full casino with live dealers.

Are Atlantic City casinos open 24 hours?

Yes, all nine Atlantic City casinos operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most casinos near NYC (including Resorts World NYC, Wind Creek Bethlehem, and Resorts World Catskills) also operate around the clock.

Conclusion

While NYC itself doesn't yet have a full casino, 2025 marks a transformative year with three gaming licenses set to be awarded in December. Until then, visitors have excellent options ranging from the convenient racinos in Queens and Yonkers to the full casino experiences in Pennsylvania and Atlantic City.

For the quickest trip, Resorts World NYC offers 6,500+ games just 9 miles from Manhattan. For a complete casino experience with live table games, Wind Creek Bethlehem (90 miles) provides the shortest drive. And for the ultimate casino getaway, Atlantic City's nine properties—led by Borgata and the newly renovated Ocean Casino—offer world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment just two hours away.