The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and for UK fans who have made the trip across the Atlantic, the football is only part of the experience. With 11 US cities hosting matches across 39 days, there is a huge amount of ground to cover, and an even bigger spread in what each city has to offer once the final whistle blows.
One of the more practical questions for travelling fans is where to find a decent casino for a fun night out after the game, hopefully to celebrate. The US has a fragmented gambling landscape: some states have full casino resorts within walking distance of the stadium, others will have you driving for two hours just to find a slot machine. Knowing the difference matters, especially if you are planning your trip around more than just the group stage.
Research from Gambling.com, home of the best Apple Pay casino sites scored all 11 US host cities across five criteria: casino proximity, casino density, legal iGaming access, legal sports betting and the overall quality of the casino experience. The results reveal a striking gap between the best and worst cities for gambling, with the nearest casino ranging from a 14-minute walk to a 143-mile drive.
Here is what UK fans need to know, city by city.
Philadelphia: The Surprise Standout (9/10)
Philadelphia sits joint top of the ranking, and it earns that position in the most straightforward way possible: fans can walk from the stadium to a full-service casino floor. Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia is approximately 0.3 miles from Lincoln Financial Field, a 14-minute stroll through South Philadelphia’s sports complex.
Pennsylvania is also one of only two host states where online casino gaming is legal, which means visiting fans can access casino apps on their phones throughout their stay. Sports betting is fully operational too, with retail options close to the stadium. For a city not traditionally associated with casino tourism, Philadelphia is a genuine gem for gambling-minded fans.
New York and New Jersey: Scale Over Proximity (9/10)
New York and New Jersey also score 9 out of 10, though their strength lies in breadth rather than convenience. Resorts World NYC in Queens is around 15 miles from MetLife Stadium. Atlantic City, with nine casino resorts along its boardwalk, is roughly 117 miles away: a two-hour drive, but one that many fans making the trip for the World Cup Final on 19 July will consider well worth it.
The New York area has strong legal sports betting infrastructure, and the sheer density of entertainment options around the city means there is no shortage of things to do between matches. For fans basing themselves in Manhattan, the casino options are accessible without requiring a dedicated road trip.
Dallas and Atlanta: Strong Domestic Options (7/10)
Dallas and Atlanta each host nine matches, making them the most active venues of the tournament. Both cities score a respectable 7 out of 10. Texas has a more restricted gambling landscape than some states, with no commercial casinos within the city, but there are tribal gaming facilities within a reasonable drive. Meanwhile, Atlanta benefits from proximity to several Georgia casinos, with options around an hour from the stadium.
Neither city is a natural casino destination in the way that Las Vegas is, but for fans spending extended time in either city for multiple matches, an evening casino trip is absolutely achievable.
Los Angeles: Celebrity Glamour, Patchy Casino Access (6/10)
Los Angeles is hosting a quarter-final and carries enormous prestige, but the casino picture is complicated. California has a large number of tribal casinos, though the nearest to SoFi Stadium requires a drive of around 30 to 45 minutes in typical LA traffic. Online casino gaming is not yet legal in California, which limits options for fans who prefer playing on their phone between sightseeing and match days.
That said, the Los Angeles area does have some of the most striking casino resort experiences in the US, particularly for fans willing to make the short trip to Commerce Casino or drive up to San Manuel. The overall experience can be excellent; it just takes more planning than in Philadelphia or New York.
The Bottom of the Table: Seattle and San Francisco (3-4/10)
Seattle and San Francisco sit at the lower end of the ranking. Both cities are brilliant in many other ways, but neither offers straightforward casino access for visiting fans. Seattle’s nearest casino options require a drive outside the city. San Francisco is in a similar position: California’s tribal casino landscape means the options are there, but you will need to factor in travel time. San Francisco in particular scores low on casino density, with the nearest full-service resort sitting well outside the city limits.
For fans whose priority is football, nightlife and food, both cities deliver handsomely. For those specifically looking to combine a match with a casino evening, they are the trickiest cities on the tournament map.
A Practical Note for UK Fans
One thing worth sorting before you travel is how you plan to pay at a US casino. Most American gaming floors accept cards and cash, and many now support contactless payments. Apple Pay is increasingly accepted at casino cashiers and hotel bars across the major properties, which makes it a convenient option for UK visitors who prefer not to carry large amounts of cash in an unfamiliar city.
US casinos also vary considerably in atmosphere. The tribal resorts in states like Connecticut and Oklahoma tend to be large, well-resourced and family-friendly in their hotel and dining offering, even if the gaming floor is adults only. The Las Vegas-style commercial casinos found near cities like Philadelphia and Miami are louder, more theatrical and built around the full entertainment experience.
Whichever host city you are visiting, it is worth checking the specific casino’s dress code and ID requirements before heading out. US casinos typically require photo ID, so keep your passport or driving licence to hand.
