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Modern gambling in Pennsylvania began with the legalization of horse racing wagering in 1959 and the PA state lottery in 1971. From there, the industry expanded in 2006 to allow slot machines at racetracks and land-based casinos, while table games were added into the rotation in 2010.
Online casinos were legalized in Pennsylvania in 2017, allowing several brands to go live by 2019. Today, the thriving PA online casino market generates over $1 billion annually in state revenue and offers some of the best gambling options and bonus offers to new players.
More on the Best Pennsylvania Online Casinos
Are PA Online Casinos Legal, Regulated and Safe to Use?
In short, yes, they are. Real money online casinos were officially legalized in Pennsylvania in October 2017. For various licensing fees, the state granted casino companies the rights to offer poker, table games, and slots online.
As just the second state to legalize online gambling at the time, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversaw the testing of Parx Casino and Hollywood Casino ahead of the launch. The PA online casino market finally went live in July 2019, with Parx, Hollywood, and PlaySugarHouse Casino taking the state’s first digital wagers.
Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos formed partnerships with various brands to offer online casino platforms to in-state players. There are now over a dozen online casino brands operating in PA under the authority of the PGCB.
This makes Pennsylvania one of the country’s safest and most trustworthy states for legal online gambling. Top participants include household names such as FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers.
Additionally, Betr Casino has secured market access in Pennsylvania. This potentially paves the way for the platform to enter the state.
Top 6 Best Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
When choosing a Pennsylvania online casino app or website, you’ll want to try various platforms in order to find the most suitable option for you. Listed below is our definitive ranking of the nine best online casino sites currently available in Pennsylvania. The following list was formed based on key components such as game selection, promotions, and overall user experience.
1. BetMGM Casino Pennsylvania
BetMGM Casino is one of the top options for casino players in Pennsylvania. Provided by MGM Resorts and Entain, players can access table games, jackpot slots, and plenty more on this loaded site. BetMGM Casino is available via desktop, mobile browser, or downloadable apps on both iOS and Android devices.
The App Store version of BetMGM Casino ranks #35 in the Casino category with a 4.7 score from 51.7K ratings. On Google Play, the app maintains a score of 4.4 from 13.4K reviews and over 500K downloads.
Choose from live dealer craps, blackjack, roulette, or baccarat. Players will also find video poker options and classic slots like Cleopatra and Cash Machine.
Earn BetMGM Rewards Points (BRPs) for every dollar spent on casino games and if you rack up enough, exchange them in the BetMGM Rewards Store for prizes and other incentives!
In addition to all of the incredible features mentioned above, players highlighted the following reasons as to why they chose BetMGM Casino over the competition:
Shared Wallet with Sports & Poker: On top of its loaded online casino, BetMGM players based in PA will also have access to the site’s sports betting and poker products. The best part? All three products operate under one shared wallet, meaning your funds can be used on any of them at any time!
Exclusive Live Dealer Options: BetMGM’s online casino offers unique live dealer options for classic table games like craps, three-card poker, and Texas Hold’em, among others.
Over Two Dozen Jackpot Slots: For those looking to go for it all, there are 30 jackpot slots on offer at BetMGM Casino PA, including crowd favorites Mirage Mega Magma, MGM Grand Millions, and Divine Fortune.
BetMGM Casino is one of the top places to bet in Pennsylvania. BetMGM Casino
2. Caesars Palace Online Casino Pennsylvania
Caesars Entertainment offers another fantastic Pennsylvania online casino option that comes loaded with slots, table games, video poker, and more. Players in the state can access the Caesars Palace Online Casino platform from a desktop or mobile internet browser. A pair of sharp mobile apps are also available on Android and iOS devices.
Each game at Caesars Palace Online Casino is accompanied by an information (i) tab. Hover over various titles for details on each game, or click on the ‘Join Now’ or ‘Demo Play’ buttons to dive right into some action. The demo feature at Caesars is one of the best aspects of the site, as it allows newer players to get accustomed to a game before playing for real money.
Live dealer options at Caesars include craps, roulette, three-card poker, Texas Hold’em, and baccarat. There are also over two dozen live blackjack tables available.
Online table games at Caesars include three-card stud, American and European roulette, and Casino War. Various blackjack and poker options are also available. There are six video poker games and hundreds of slots, including 88 Fortunes and Starburst.
The Caesars Rewards program is yet another reason why many players choose to place their action with Caesars. The customer loyalty program allows players to rack up Tier Credits that can be redeemed for hotel stays, shopping, dining credits, entertainment, and even some bonus funds.
Pennsylvania casino players also highlighted the following features when breaking down why they chose Caesars Palace Online Casino as their go-to online platform:
Sleek Mobile App & Website: Both the Caesars Palace Online Casino mobile app and website underwent a complete overhaul in 2021 and now serve as one of the industry’s best platforms in terms of looks, functionality, and overall user experience.
Countless Online Slot Options: Slot players can choose from up to 280 titles in Caesars’ loaded online slots library.
Tons of Promotions for Existing Users: Caesars Palace Online Casino keeps its active users heavily engaged by offering a plethora of promotions that include deposit matches, bet-and-get opportunities, Reward Credit multipliers, and much more.
Caesars Palace Online Casino offers tons of bonuses and promotions for existing users. Caesars Palace Online Casino
3. FanDuel Casino Pennsylvania
A subsidiary of gambling giant Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel Casino is our choice for the best online casino in Pennsylvania. Players can access the FanDuel Casino website from their desktop or mobile browsers or opt to download the app.
With over 500K downloads, the FanDuel Casino mobile app on Google Play maintains an average score of 4.6 from 30.1K total ratings. There’s also an iOS version available on the App Store. With 45.5K ratings and an average score of 4.8, the app ranks #32 in the casino category.
Casino games on offer at FanDuel Casino include baccarat, blackjack, roulette, slots, and video poker. There are also plenty of live dealer options offered for each of the popular table games mentioned above.
While FanDuel has long been a favorite amongst sports bettors, its online casino first went live in PA in January 2020. What began as a partnership with Valley Forge Casino and Boyd Gaming later became FanDuel’s first standalone online casino option.
Overall, the FanDuel brand represents one of the best and most trustworthy online casinos for PA players to partake in. A few additional features that users seemed to enjoy included the following:
Best In-App Technology: As FanDuel Sportsbook users might be able to attest, FanDuel offers by-far the best in-app technology in both the casino and sports betting industries. From its quick loading times to its user-friendly layout, using a FanDuel mobile product is always a treat for the consumer.
Wide Selection of Slots: Users will find that FanDuel Casino has one of the most comprehensive slot offerings on the market, as it currently offers more than 80 different slot games. Popular options include Spirit of Nature, 88 Fortunes, and Wheel of Fortune.
Active User Promotions: Regulars at FanDuel Casino can enjoy a loaded promotional calendar that changes every week, routinely offering deposit matches, player sweepstakes, daily jackpots, and even a chance to win up to $2,000 every day with the site’s brand new Reward Machine.
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4. betPARX Casino Pennsylvania
Offer coming soon!
In July 2019, Parx Online Casino became the first of its kind among Pennsylvania casinos. The company later rebranded as betPARX, launching its brand new mobile app and website in March 2022. Another PA staple, betPARX users can easily access its app on iOS and Android devices or its website on any mobile or desktop browser.
Although the game selection at betPARX Casino remains lower than most with approximately 215 titles, the online casino is still relatively new and growing each day. Categories on the homepage include new games, featured, and popular options.
There are also 24 live dealer titles on hand, 20 of which consist of blackjack tables. Other live dealer games include baccarat, roulette, three-card poker, and Texas Hold’em. You’ll also find a handful of table games and video poker options, however online slots make up most of the games at betPARX.
Once online players in PA start with betPARX promotions, they’ll gain access to the betPARX Gift Shop. Prizes on offer include home decor items, gadgets, and sports gear.
In addition to everything mentioned above, those who choose to place their online action with betPARX Casino PA will also get to enjoy the following aspects of the site:
Shared Wallet with Sportsbook: betPARX allows its players to use the same running balance for both its online casino and online sportsbook platforms. Whether you wish to hit the virtual blackjack table or wager on a basketball game, it’ll all be filed under one balance.
Extensive Slot Library: As mentioned above, slots are definitely the name of the game when it comes to betPARX Casino PA. Choose from more than 180 slot titles and check in regularly for new additions!
Specialty Promotions: betPARX Casino PA routinely offers location-based promotions to its online casino patrons. For example, every Philadelphia 76ers victory grants all users a promo code that can be entered to claim a mystery casino bonus! Bonuses for this offer include deposit matches, free spins, golden chips, or a casino bonus worth up to $76.
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5. Borgata Casino Pennsylvania
In partnership with Rivers Casino Philadelphia, MGM launched the Borgata Casino app in Pennsylvania in February 2021. Initially only live and serving patrons located in New Jersey, PA marked the second state to acquire Borgata’s online services.
The Borgata Casino app on Google Play retains an average score of 4.3 from over 3.16K reviews and over 100K downloads. Borgata’s iOS version on the App Store ranks #127 in Casino Apps with an average score of 4.7 from 22.6K ratings. Players can also access Borgata Casino via desktop or mobile browser.
Casino games are organized on the site by categories that include live dealer games, new titles, exclusives, and jackpot slots. In addition to its loaded casino library, there’s also a Borgata Poker app available from the casino’s website. From there, players can choose from tournaments and cash games.
Online players are automatically registered for the Borgata Online Rewards and MGM Rewards programs after creating an account. Through these programs, players can earn redeemable points and tier credits to unlock bonuses, food and beverage comps, hotel stays, and plenty more.
A few more areas of Borgata Casino that happened to catch our eye were its jam-packed banking and customer service departments as well as its library of exclusive titles:
Strong Banking Options: From VIP Preferred e-check to PayPal to VISA or MasterCard, Borgata Online Casino has enough banking options up for grabs to satisfy any user’s needs. Check out the site’s loaded cashier department and select the right option for you.
Over 45 Exclusive Games: Borgata Online Casino offers more than 45 exclusive titles, from jackpot slots to table games. If you’re in search of something new or unique to play, Borgata Casino is the place to be.
Quality Customer Service: If players happen to run into any issues while wagering with Borgata Casino, they can quickly access the site’s customer service suite that offers three primary contact options: 24/7 live chat, phone and email. Representatives are both friendly and extremely helpful, typically offering a solution within no time!
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6. BetRivers Casino Pennsylvania
Click HERE for the BetRivers PA offer
BetRivers Casino is next up on our ranking of the best PA online casino websites, as it comes equipped with one of the industry’s best welcome offers and an incredible platform to match. Players can choose from desktop or mobile versions of the site or opt to download its app for Android or iOS devices.
Associated with the Rivers Casino brand, BetRivers Casino organizes titles via table games, slots, blackjack, video poker, and Slingo. There are eight different software developers that provide these games to the site, including IGT, Everi, Red Tiger, and SG Digital. Players can also choose from Tourney options and Hot games.
Live dealer table games at BetRivers Casino include roulette, craps, baccarat, three-card poker, and Texas Hold’em. There are also three live blackjack tables on hand, labeled Free Bet, Infinite, and a BetRivers Blackjack Exclusive.
BetRivers offers over 500 online slot options, which include casino favorites such as Blood Suckers, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Gold Cash Freespins, and Crazy Fishin’. There are also dozens of progressives available.
Promotions at BetRivers include slot tournaments, Happy Hour Slots, and a Community Chat Calendar filled with prizes and bonuses. BetRivers also offers its iRush Rewards program, in which active users can earn Loyalty Points and Bonus Store Points for every wager placed. iRush Rewards has up to ten different tiers that players can achieve plus an invite-only Elite Level.
Additionally, BetRivers Casino PA users mentioned the following as to why they opted to use the site in favor of its competitors:
Over 500 Slots Available: While some of its competitors might be well-known for their wide selection of online slots, BetRivers Casino offers even more – players can choose from up to 500 different slot titles.
Slot Tournaments for Cash Prizes: BetRivers Casino hosts ‘slot tournaments’ where players can win up to $5,000 in additional cash prizes for racking up the most points!
Industry-Low Wagering Requirement on Welcome Bonus: Excluding baccarat, craps, and roulette games, the 1x wagering requirement attached to the BetRivers Casino welcome bonus is the lowest players will find in the online casino realm.
Fanatics Casino Pennsylvania Launch
Fanatics Casino Pennsylvania is live and providing a generous welcome offer of Deposit $5 and Get 250 Free Spins! It can be hard to come by new-user bonuses with free spins, so take advantage of this offer now.
No Fanatics Casino PA bonus code is necessary– just use our links to download the app and claim the casino promo during registration. By navigating to the casino page after completing the “Know Your Customer” process, you can start using your free spins.
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/PA) or http://1800gambler.net (WV)
Golden Nugget Pennsylvania Launch
Golden Nugget Casino is officially live in the Quaker State! This big news comes with a big welcome offer as new users in the state get a Deposit $5 Get $50 in Casino Credits! offer.
If you’re in Pennsylvania, and want to claim this tremendous offer, just follow the module above.
The Golden Nugget online casino has launched in Pennsylvania through DraftKings, who bought them in 2022.
Golden Nugget’s online casino brings more than 500 slots to Pennsylvania online gamers, as well as many options for classic casino games like blackjack and roulette. Since Golden Nugget is playable through the famous DraftKings platform, users in PA can expect a safe playing environment and excellent customer service.
Best Online Casino Bonus Offers in PA
Simply put, online casinos use bonus offers to attract new customers to their platform. The most common welcome bonus offered in the iGaming industry is a first-time deposit match, in which the casino matches a designated portion of the player’s initial deposit with the site.
These PA online casino bonuses also come with wagering or ‘play-through’ requirements that task the player to bet a specific amount of money before the original deposit and subsequent bonus funds can be withdrawn.
If this sounds confusing, don’t worry. Each online casino offers a detailed breakdown of their bonus requirements in the fine print below the offer and typically has live chat or email support available for any further questions or clarifications.
Most online casinos will also display your bonus progress somewhere in your account summary or even in-game while you play. That makes it much easier to know where you stand and how close you are to turning any bonus funds into real money that can be withdrawn.
Here’s a look into the best online casino bonuses commonly offered in Pennsylvania:
No Deposit Bonus
While not entirely typical, some PA online casinos offer no deposit bonuses. These bonuses are usually advertised side-by-side with a traditional deposit match bonus that can be claimed after the no-deposit bonus is received.
Unlike a deposit match, no deposit bonuses can be claimed as soon as a new account is registered, making them arguably the most attractive option among all bonus offers. Additionally, they typically carry much lower wagering requirements than a deposit match would.
For example, BetMGM Casino PA offers a $25 no deposit bonus to all first-time players. Once the user’s account is verified, the bonus is automatically credited for immediate use on all games, jackpot slots excluded. There’s a 1x wagering requirement attached to the $25 bonus that must be completed in order to extract any winnings, however this is a lot lower than the brand’s 15x requirement that is tied to its deposit match offer.
Deposit Match Bonus
Competition in the PA online casino market remains fierce. Due to this, nearly every iGaming site offers a deposit match bonus to help bring in new customers. For most deposit match bonuses, there’s usually a minimum deposit requirement ranging anywhere from $10-$30.
Each deposit match bonus also comes with fairly steep wagering requirements. They typically range from 10x-30x the player’s deposit, with certain casino games affecting the rollover differently than others. Also, you’ll always want to check the terms and conditions to see if the wagering requirement includes the deposit plus your bonus, or just the bonus itself:
$100 deposit + $100 bonus = $200 x 10 = $2,000 wagering requirement
$100 bonus x 10 = $1,000 wagering requirement
It’s also important to keep in mind that your welcome bonus may not apply to every casino game offered on a specific site. Some games will not affect the rollover at all, while others may chip away at the wagering requirement at a much slower rate.
In most cases, wagering your bonus on slots will count 100% toward your play-through requirement. Using your bonus on other games might only count for 10%. For example, a $1 bet placed on a table game may only contribute $0.10 toward unlocking your bonus, while the same $1 wagered on a slot spin would contribute the full $1.
BetMGM Casino PA’s current welcome bonus offers a 100% deposit match worth up to $1,000. The deposit match excludes a variety of slots, baccarat, roulette, and craps. There’s also a 15x wagering requirement attached to the casino bonus amount.
In this case, a minimum deposit of $10 would require the player to wager $150 if playing casino games that contribute at a 100% rate. If claiming the max bonus amount of $1,000, the same player would need to wager $15,000 on specific games in order to clear it.
With a 100% deposit match up to $250 that carries an extremely low 1x rollover, BetRivers Casino offers one of the best and most lenient deposit match bonuses in the entire industry.
‘Play It Again’ Opportunities
Some online casinos in PA offer unique bonuses like the ‘Play It Again’ offer that is currently up for grabs at FanDuel Casino. With this type of offer, the casino agrees to reimburse any losses in your first 24 hours of gambling up to a specific amount.
In FanDuel’s case, this number is capped at $1,000 and any amount lost during the designated wagering period will be credited to your account with a 1x wagering requirement attached. This makes the online casino bonus at FanDuel Casino one of the most appealing in the industry. In addition to to the Play It Again aspect of FanDuel Casino’s welcome bonus in PA, new users get $20 in site credit after they deposit $10+.
New players at betPARX Casino can claim a similar welcome offer. They’ll receive up to $1,000 back from any losses during their first 24 hours of play at the online casino. The loss-back bonus at betPARX Casino comes with a 5x wagering requirement and a 7-day time limit before expiration.
Free Spins
Another extremely popular welcome bonus offered by online casinos is a series of free spins given to the user upon registration. Some sites will offer a no deposit free spins bonus, while others will reward them after a player makes their first deposit.
Regardless of how they are obtained, free spins allow players to play slot games for free and keep all of the winnings without risking any real money. Free spins are usually tied to a specific slot and have a set value, meaning the player has to use them on the casino’s game of choice.
PlayLive! is currently offering a no deposit bonus of 25 Free Spins at a handful of particular slots. Once a new player creates their account, they’ll automatically get the reward. The Free Spins come with a 20x wagering requirement and a 7-day timeframe to use them.
How to Sign up for a PA Casino Bonus
In order to receive a welcome bonus from a Pennsylvania online casino, all players must register for a new account. If you’ve already signed up at a specific casino or even its affiliate sportsbook in PA, you’re likely going to be deemed ineligible to receive a bonus.
Luckily for PA players, there are plenty of options to choose from. Since gambling is a matter of personal preference, trying out different online platforms is usually a good idea. You can discern which option suits you best for playing on a desktop, iPad, mobile app, etc, and even narrow down the best bonus options.
Signing up for an online casino bonus usually runs the same way at any online casino. Here are a few general steps you’ll need to take:
Choose an online casino and visit their website or app by clicking any of the links on this page
Click ‘Register’ in the upper righthand corner of the website or app
Fill in all requested personal details: first & last name, home address, phone number, email address and the last four digits of your Social Security number are typically required, among other information
Be sure to enter any promo or bonus codes before finalizing your new account
Verify your new account via email or text message
That’s it! Once you create a new account, the casino automatically checks your details and IP address. Players are not required to be present in PA during the registration process, however, any online play will need to take place within state lines or the site will simply not accept your action.
Some casinos may offer the welcome bonus automatically on your first deposit, while others will require you to opt-in. At PlayLive!, for example, you will find an “opt-in” button on the promotions page on the casino’s website.
Similarly, you’ll find the First Time Deposit at Caesars listed under My Account > My Bonuses & Offers. Select the bonus from Available Bonuses, then click Deposit to claim your bonus.
PA Player Eligibility
Each and every promotion offered by Pennsylvania online casinos comes with eligibility requirements. For starters, all players must be at least 21 years of age or older to sign up and play legal online casino games. Players will also need to be located within PA borders to successfully place any bets and must be a first-time user of the site to claim any offers.
Geolocation
As briefly mentioned above, online casinos in PA require players to be located within state lines at the time of bet placement. Throughout the online gambling industry, geolocation is commonly used to ensure that players are placing their bets in the appropriate jurisdiction. Players in PA may only bet online from outside any brick-and-mortar casino locations, which is a unique caveat exclusive to the state.
Aside from checking a player’s IP address, some online casinos may block users entirely. That might occur if users run a virtual private network (VPN) or enter the online casino from out of state.
The online gambling industry uses software designed for checking WiFi connections, a process known as triangulation, while some may also implement GeoComply specifically. This software prevents wagers from occurring outside of PA.
Most online casinos accessed on mobile will check your location automatically, while desktop platforms typically require users to download geolocation software manually. You’ll receive a pop-up notification when you click on a real money online casino game to start your gambling session.
PA Online Casino Banking Options
For the most part, all regulated Pennsylvania online casino operators typically offer the same banking methods to their customers. Some online casinos may offer a more diverse range of options than others, however, players should be able to use the same ones across the board regardless of the platform they choose. Here are the most common options when it comes to making a deposit:
Credit or Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
Instant Bank Transfer (ACH)
VIP Preferred e-Check
PayPal
Skrill
Venmo
Apple Pay
Play+ Prepaid Card
PayNearMe (7-Eleven & other local businesses)
Cash at the Casino Cage
Bank Wire Transfer
While most online casinos offer some variation of the deposit options listed above, not all of these methods will also allow for withdrawals. Some casinos require particular withdrawal methods to match a previous deposit. For example, a credit or debit card can be used to upload funds but may not be offered as an option for withdrawal. Instead, the player would have to activate a secondary banking method such as PayPal or VIP Preferred e-check to complete their transaction.
Withdrawals may also require an internal review process for any chosen banking method. This process typically lasts 1-2 days but can be extended as long as 5 days. Online operators do this in order to protect themselves from any potential fraud or suspicious activity.
Both deposits and withdrawals come with minimum and maximum limits, with $10 usually set as the smallest amount players can deposit. Withdrawal limits ultimately depend on the method being used, with bank wire transfers usually offering the highest limits.
Best Online Casino Games in PA
The best online casino games offered by Pennsylvania-based operators will ultimately come down to personal preference, as players in the state will have plenty of options to choose from. Most online casinos list games in their main menu categorized by new, featured, exclusive, and popular games, while also breaking down each game type into specific subcategories.
For the most part, the majority of the best Pennsylvania online casinos feature all of the industry’s favorite casino games, from table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat to countless different slots.
Slots
Some of PA’s most popular featured slots include Cash Eruption and 88 Fortunes, which is easily one of the most notable titles in the online gambling industry. With 243 paylines and high volatility, the SG Interactive game offers four jackpots and consistently keeps Pennsylvania players coming back for more.
If slots are your preferred way to play, always be sure to check the jackpot slots at your favorite online casino in Pennsylvania. Top jackpot options include Divine Fortune and Black Diamond.
Table Games
The table game selection at most PA online casinos typically includes blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps, among many other games. Variations of each game are also offered on most sites, with some of the bigger brands offering more variety than others.
A prime example of a table game variation would be American Roulette vs European Roulette. With a lower house edge, European Roulette is preferred by most players over its American counterpart.
Additional table game options at PA online casinos include Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Casino Stud, Let It Ride, Casino War, and plenty more. For a full list of available table games, check out your preferred site’s game library on its app or website.
Video Poker
Most online casinos offer a similar video poker selection. Draw Poker and Ultimate X Poker are standard, with Triple, Five, and Ten Play options also available.
As many video poker titles do, Ten Play Draw Poker from IGT offers nine different games wrapped into one. Options within include Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, and Deuces Wild. Depending on the casino, bet limits may range from $0.10 to $500 per hand.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games in PA require special licensing. Since COVID-19, many online casinos opted for live dealer tables due to their rising popularity among players during the pandemic. These games represent the future of online casinos with a fully interactive user experience.
Live dealer options in the PA online casino market grew to include the most common table games, which typically cover blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. First-person games are also available, as are live dealer poker tables offering Three-Card Poker and Texas Hold’em.
From our experience, the best online live dealer games usually involve blackjack. Most online casinos offer a handful of live blackjack tables so users can play alongside other gamblers and never have to worry about finding a seat at the table.
Licensed PA Casinos Eligible to Offer Online Gambling
A lot goes on behind the scenes when it comes to the online gambling industry. While some states allow brands to accept action on standalone digital licenses, all PA-based operators must partner up with an existing brick-and-mortar location in order to offer online casino or sports betting services.
In-state casinos get a unique opportunity to deliver innovative online gaming experiences to Pennsylvania players because of this. The PA online casino market continues to flourish and will only continue to grow as more operators surface over time.
Below are all of the licensed brick-and-mortar casino properties in PA, along with their online affiliates:
Valley Forge Casino Resort (FanDuel, Stardust)
Hollywood Casino at Penn National (BetMGM, DraftKings, Hollywood, Barstool)
Harrah’s Philadelphia (Caesars, Tropicana)
Rivers Casino Philadelphia (BetRivers, SugarHouse, Borgata)
Live! Casino & Hotel (PlayLive!, Betway)
Parx Casino (betPARX)
Mount Airy Casino Resort (PokerStars)
Wind Creek Casino Resort (Wind Creek)
Presque Isle Downs Casino (Formerly TwinSpires – CLOSED)
PA Casino & Gambling History
Similar to countless other states in the U.S., the Pennsylvania gambling industry has experienced many legal changes over the last few decades. Horse racing became the state’s first legal gambling market in the late 1950s and would be followed by lottery, sports betting, and much more.
Legal Horse Racing in Pennsylvania
The Race Horse Industry Reform Act was passed in 1959 and paved the way for live harness racing to take place in PA. In June 1963, the first legal gambling horse race occurred at the Liberty Bell race track in Philadelphia.
At the same time, The Meadows opened in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh. The track remains in operation today via Hollywood Casino.
Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre opened a harness race track in July 1965. The legalization of thoroughbred racing in 1968 led to the construction of Penn National near Harrisburg. Both race tracks remain in operation today.
PA State Lottery, Bingo, and Slots
The state passed the Pennsylvania Lottery Act in 1971. The Pennsylvania Bingo Law was then passed a decade later in 1981. An extension of that law led to the passage of the Pennsylvania Local Option Small Games of Chance Act in 1988.
With a state lottery, bingo, and other similar games legalized, the state sought to support a sluggish horse racing market. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act allowed for race track casinos with slot machines.
The act also led to the creation of standalone and resort casinos. An amendment to the bill in January 2010 allowed table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and baccarat.
Legalization of Online Gambling and Sports Betting
In 2017, the state passed the Truck Stop and Satellite Casino Bill, permitting slots at truck stops and airports. The legislation also legalized fantasy sports and online gambling.
With the federal overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states were given the opportunity to begin offering legal sports betting. Pennsylvania became one of the earliest states to do so, with PlaySugarHouse launching in May 2019 to kick off the festivities.
A virtual sports betting platform then became available via the PA Lottery. Legal online casinos and poker sites also went live for the first time in PA in 2019.
Tax Rate on PA Casinos and Sports Betting
Per the American Gaming Association (AGA), Pennsylvania requires a 34% commercial gaming tax rate. That applies to Category 1, 2, and 3 casinos in the state. There’s a 50% tax rate on gross revenue from slots at Category 4 casinos.
Online gaming taxes in PA are listed as follows:
16% on peer-to-peer games (like poker)
16% on non-peer-to-peer table games
54% on slot machines
Interactive gaming operators that provide platforms get taxed at the following rates:
14% on online peer-to-peer games (like poker)
16% on online non-peer-to-peer table games
54% on online slot machines
36% on online sports betting
The state also charges a 3.07% individual tax rate on casino winnings. You’ll be responsible for those taxes if you reach any of the following thresholds:
$600 from horse racing
$1,200 from bingo or slots
$1,500 from Keno
$5,000 for poker tournaments (factoring in buy-ins)
Individuals may also deduct losses without exceeding any winnings for that year. For example, if you won $1,500 but lost $5,000, your deduction would be capped at $1,500.
Taxes from commercial gaming go to causes such as education, property tax relief, and economic development programs.
Pennsylvania Responsible Gambling Resources & Support
The digital wagering industry in the United States operates under strict Responsible Gambling guidelines. Each online casino in Pennsylvania offers resources and support to help problem gamblers.
Players can find the RG logo on the dashboard of every online casino app or website. Through Responsible Gambling, users can learn how to set limits on gambling sessions and deposits.
Some casinos, like Borgata, offer tutorials on how to play better and learn more about a specific game. The site’s Problem Gambling section provides information on underage gambling, warning signs, and treatment options. There’s also an e-screener to assess a player’s habits.
Players will also be able to find short breaks, self-suspension, or voluntary self-exclusion options.
For more help with problem gambling, PA players can contact the following:
PA Online Casino FAQs
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions posed by PA online casino players. Topics include the legality of online casinos, safety, promotions, and more.
For any further questions or concerns, players can also access a full FAQ menu on their preferred online casino’s website or mobile app.
Are online casinos legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, online casinos are legal in Pennsylvania. The state legalized online gambling in 2017. Online operators started going live in July 2019. Pennsylvania is now one of the most prominent jurisdictions regarding legal online casinos in the United States.
What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania?
Per the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, all participating players must be at least 21 years old. The law mirrors the gambling age for land-based casinos.
Are Pennsylvania online casinos safe to use?
Yes, Pennsylvania online casinos are extremely safe to use. They are both licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. If you choose to place any action at a regulated online site or app in PA, do so with the utmost confidence that your information is safe and all of the games are fair.
Do I have to live in PA to play online casino games?
While players are not required to be a resident of Pennsylvania in order to sign up and play online casino games, they must be located within state lines at the time of play in order to place any real money wagers. If geolocation determines you are not inside PA when using an app or website, your action will be denied.
Can you win real money at PA online casinos?
Yes, you can win real money at Pennsylvania online casinos. However, it’s important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment. Players shouldn’t risk or gamble with money they can’t afford to lose.
What kind of promotions are available at PA online casinos?
Pennsylvania online casinos offer some of the best promotions in the gaming industry. Welcome bonuses remain the most popular, with many casinos offering to match a player’s first deposit. Other welcome bonuses include no deposit bonuses, free spins, and even a 24-hour wagering period that returns any losses to the player in the form of site credit.
Each casino also offers a ‘Promotions’ section on its website or app. Check for daily, weekly, or monthly offers. You may also receive emails about a casino’s latest promotions, or you can even reach out to get special deals.
