Pa Online Casinos
Check out our selection of the best Pennsylvania Online Casino welcome bonuses available for New Customers:
PA Online Gambling Laws. PA online gambling was legalized back in 2017 with the passing of HB 271. Under a huge new legal framework, the bill paved the way for regulated online poker, sports betting, online lottery and online casino games. The Best Pennsylvania Online Casinos 2021 – Online Casinos for PA Players. After the legalization of many forms of online gambling in 2017, PA saw the launch of its first legal online casinos in 2019. On this page, we’ve tracked down the best Pennsylvania online casinos players can access and broken down what makes them so special. The application process for casinos in PA started back in May and venues had just 90 days to apply for an online gaming package. Also, the package includes the license to offer online poker, an online slot license, and an online table games license. This all came at a cost of $10 million per application. Pennsylvania allows the license holders to launch multiple online casinos and Hollywood Casino was the first to do so when DraftKings Casino went live in early May 2020. Both DraftKings and Hollywood were also among the first online casinos to begin offering live dealer games in October 2020.
Rank | PA Online Casino | Welcome Offer | Bet Now |
---|---|---|---|
1. | BetMGM Casino Visit Review | $25 on the House + 100% Match up to $1000 Bonus Code: VIBONUS600 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ | |
2. | Caesars Casino Visit Review | First Deposit Match Up To $1,000 T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
3. | Borgata Casino Visit Review | Sign up with MLife Rewards T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in NJ, PA | |
4. | Unibet Visit Review | $10 Free (No deposit needed) + 100% Deposit Match up to $500 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
5. | Hollywood Casino Visit Review | 100% Deposit Match up to $502 T&C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
6. | FOX Bet Visit Review | Up To $1,500 Deposit Bonus T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
7. | SugarHouse Visit Review | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 T & C’s Apply, 21+, Only in PA | |
8. | Betway Visit Review | $1000 Casino Bonus T&C's Apply, 21+, Only in PA |
Updated on :
Online Casinos· Pennsylvania Sportsbooks· PA Casinos |
Finally, PA online casinos are releasing PA casino apps and browser games for fans to enjoy! Win real money from the comfort of your phone or smartphone-- just follow this simple guide to get online and start playing today!
Contents
Top PA Casinos - How We View And Select Online Betting Sites
If you’re looking for the best PA online casinos, we’ve put together a handy guide for picking the right one. After all, you should be spending your money at a trusted, well-designed, and most of all, secure online casino! We’ve done the legwork so you can do less guessing and more betting.
We’ve taken these PA casino apps and sites for a test drive, including checking out customer support, trying out the games, poring over rewards programs and bonuses, and much more.
Confused about which PA online casino will be right for you? Read further for all you’ll need to know to get online and start betting ASAP! We’ll address a few frequently asked questions, but first, we’ve put our team on the task of testing these PA online casinos for a few of the following benchmarks:
Interface: Is the PA casino app or browser-based online casino easy to read? Is it difficult to understand when you’re making a bet, or is everything clearly defined? Is the main screen too busy, or well streamlined?
Customer support: Can you access customer support options during non-business hours? How promptly do customer service teams respond to user needs? What kind of banking options are available?
Games: Is there a good variety of games? Do they respond well whether you’re on mobile or on a home Wi-Fi connection? Do the games and graphics have a modern feel to them, or do they feel outdated?
Rewards programs and bonuses: Is there a rewards program? Are there welcome bonuses? If so, what are they and how do they work?
We’ll address all of these questions and more below using the aforementioned casinos. Let’s get started with our picks for noteworthy PA online casinos!
Parx Online Casino
Parx Online Casino boasts a modern and clear interface, worthwhile promotions, and a decent set of games. The Parx Xclub is also a great way of scoring yourself cashback bonuses and real-life comps, so be sure to get signed up and get your deposit bonus secured when you start a new Parx account.
Parx Online Casino has a well-rounded selection of games, but as with most PA Online Casinos, we’d like to see that menu expanded. Also, the Parx servers often have issues at peak times, so maybe don’t hop on right after you get off work. We’re hoping to see these issues improve as the PA online casino market matures.
Parx is one of the more modern online casinos on the market, and we’re eager to see what their people come up with in the future -- it’s a great destination for new players looking for a streamlined casino experience.
Hollywood Online Casino
Hollywood Online Casino has a clean interface and a great online experience. Link up with the mychoice Rewards Program to gain extra points on your play and get comps on hotel stays, enter your name into huge giveaways, and a bunch more.
We’re hoping to see a rollout of new promotions but it’s a great start for this new PA online casino. As the market expands, we expect great things from Hollywood Online Casino in the near future. You can find plenty of games at this online casino in PA.
SugarHouse Online Casino
SugarHouse PA gets many things right. As a new user, navigating to their main page is straightforward, and each page details exactly what you’re entitled to. A great choice for fans of slots, SugarHouse has new slots and old favorites in an easy-to-read menu with jackpots and sweepstakes amounts clearly visible.
The SugarHouse iRush rewards program is also one of the best we’ve seen. That puts SugarHouse among some of the best online casinos PA, namely because your benefits are numerous and graduating to higher tiers isn’t a huge hassle.
We are hoping that SugarHouse Online Casino expands its selection of games, however-- right now only slots are live, but clearly SugarHouse has plans to expand that to table games, card games, and more.
Projected Future PA Online Casinos
Quite a few other favorite casinos in Pennsylvania are positioning to release their own online casinos, but they’re not yet live. Look forward to great service from Harrah’s Valley Forge, Mohegan Sun, The Meadows, Presque Isle Downs, and more, in addition to the preferred providers listed above and in the table
Last Updated October 1, 2021 2:00 PM ET
Best PA Casino Apps
When we’re looking at the best online casinos in PA, we’re also looking at their smartphone apps. Over half of all internet traffic is from mobile devices, so naturally, online casinos would look to implement apps. We’ll detail the process of getting these apps on your device below, but first, a few small considerations have to be laid out.
If you’re playing from your mobile device, you must be within the physical limits of the state and 21 years of age or older to play. The apps need to have location services turned on for this reason. Also, make sure you’re on a stable connection -- we’re hoping to see Live Dealer support for these apps in the future, which will require live streaming video to your app.
Apple users will not have much trouble finding the apps -- just search your favorite online casino and install from the App Store. The Google Play Store formerly did not allow for online gambling apps to be hosted there, but have since overturned the decision, making it easy for users on the majority of mobile operating systems to get online.
Apps are a great way to play on the go or from the comfort of your own home. Take a look at the interface and layout of your preferred online casino and see if it’s a good fit for you. If not, you can always play the casino games right from your browser.
Online Casino Games in PA
Admittedly, there is a bit to be desired when it comes to the variety of games at PA online casinos. It’s a new market and lining up developers to create games, or getting the licenses for existing games, can take time. We’re looking forward to a new game in PA online gambling’s future.
SugarHouse has expanded into new states in recent memory, and with that have expanded their available table games. There's also BetMGM, Caesars and more providers in the state offering a wide variety of games, including:
- Slots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Video poker
- Live Dealer games
- ...and more!
PA Online Casinos Payment Options
When you’re looking to deposit new funds into your PA online casino account, you have quite a few options available to you. Don’t forget to sign up for any deposit bonuses before you make your first deposit, however -- don’t want to miss out on a potential 100% increase in your wallet! Here’s a quick list of commonly accepted payment methods at most PA online casinos:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- PayNearMe (at locations all over PA)
- Cash @ Cage deposits (in-person at local casinos)
- ACH/eCheck
- Play+
When you’re making withdrawals from your winnings, there are quite a few more requirements that you need to meet. Those differ for each casino’s website, so make sure to read up on requirements before you withdraw.
In addition, these withdrawals usually take a bit of time -- bank processing times and casino processing times often lead to slow withdrawals. Be patient! Here’s a list of available withdrawal options:
- Check
- Preferred Prepaid Card
- Cash to Cage Withdrawals in-person at local casinos
- Bank transfers
- NETELLER or Skrill in some cases
- PayPal
PA Online Casinos Bonuses & Promotions
There are a bunch of different kinds of bonuses and promotions available to you with your new PA online casino account. Here are the details on a few different promotions that might be available to you:
Matched Deposit Bonus
Deposit bonuses are bonuses that trigger on your first deposit, and usually are 100% match bonuses up to a certain dollar amount. For example, if you deposit up to $250 and get up to $250 in your account with a matched bonus, you will get a total starting wallet of $500. With any deposit bonus, wagering requirements and deposit requirements may apply, so read the fine print before you decide.
Free Spins
Sometimes throughout the year you’ll notice “free spins” being handed out to online casino users. This is a great bonus, and you should always take your chance at the wheel, because the free spins are usually tied to some pretty impressive jackpots! Take a look at the promotions calendar on your preferred best online casino PA for more info.
Registration Bonus
Free cash bonuses trigger when you first open your PA online casino account, and usually don’t require any deposit. The casino of your choice will give you up to $30 of free starting cash which acts like real money -- bet with it, make winnings on it! Again, withdrawal and wagering requirements do apply.
Loyalty and Similar Recurring Bonuses
Also take a look at your favored PA online casino to see if there’s a rewards program that pays points for online play -- these points can often be used for cashback rewards, hotel stays, meal comps, VIP purchases, and more.
Often, you’ll earn tier rewards for every dollar you spend, so make sure that online play does in fact pay into the Rewards program of your choice before you sign up. (SugarHouse, Parx, and Hollywood Casino all have rewards programs that benefit online players.)
Refer a Friend
Lastly, refer a friend! Any online casino worth their salt will give its users a referral bonus when a friend signs up for an account and makes their first deposit! It’s a quick and easy way to get up to $50 extra in your wallet, and then you’ll have a friend to play alongside!
PA Online Gambling Regulations
When you’re gambling online, whether from the comfort of your smartphone or a browser, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Here’s everything you need to know to stay legal and above board when betting online:
All gambling is restricted to players 21 and older. Most sites will require you to offer some or all of your social security number to verify this. Don’t worry -- all gambling sites are regulated by the PA Gaming Control Board.
If you’re gambling on a PA online casino, you’ll need to be physically within Pennsylvania. The apps and browser version all have geotagging software that you’ll need to enable on your device to make sure you’re in PA at the time of sign in.
Once you’ve gotten all your details cleared and your location plugin enabled, you’re all set to play! Just sign up, grab your first deposit bonus, and play some of your favorite casino games online, at home or on the go!
PA Online Betting FAQ
You will find a couple of useful answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Are online casinos legal in the US?
Yes, online casinos are legal in the US, but only in certain states. NJ, PA, DE, and NV all have legal online casinos or poker tables. Any other state claiming to offer legal online casinos is likely using an offshore operator, which is illegal in the US.
What do I need to start my PA online casino account?
You will need your social security number, a bank account, and a smartphone or computer on which to register and play. Make sure you’re physically within the state of PA when you play, otherwise the location services or the geotagging plugin that you’ve enabled on your device will lock you out.
How can I be sure my data is safe?
All PA online casinos are registered with and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Enforcement Board. In addition, when using a secure payment method like a credit card or bank transfer, standard transfer insurance like FDIC does extend to these transfers. Still, to be safe, use a verified and preferred method of payment like a credit card or bank transfer, though it may be compelling to just head to the casino and deal in cash.
I have a gambling problem. Can I limit my time on the sites?
Absolutely. You can lock your account down for a “cooling off” period if you need to step away for some time, or you can set deposit limits to limit the amount you are allowed to spend on your online casino account. (Sometimes this is referred to as a “self-exclusion” period.)
At any rate, all online casinos have a Responsible Gaming section that you can turn to if you think you may need a little help.
PA Online Casinos - Final Thoughts
iGaming, or online casinos, are increasingly becoming popular in the US. Pennsylvania represents one of the largest and most flourishing sports betting and legal online casino gambling markets in the country, and is always innovating with new games and promotions.
This rundown has given you everything you need to get online with preferred PA iGaming providers and bet on your favorites in a safe, regulated environment. Sign up with one of the providers above for exclusive bonuses that will reward you just for opening an account!
The Pennsylvania online casinos launch made the state just the third US state to offer state-regulated, legal online casinos.
All of Pennsylvania’s online casinos operate in partnership with the state’s land-based casinos. Of the state’s 12 retail casinos, more than half currently offer online casino platforms.
Best Pennsylvania Online Casino Promotions October 2021
- BetMGM Casino – Best for New Jersey Bettors with $25 Free Play
- Unibet Casino – Best for $10 free on sign up
- Caesars Casino – Best for a deposit match up to $500
- DraftKings Casino – Best for100% match up to $2,000 + $85 in casino credits with $5 deposit
- FanDuel Casino – Best for Risk-Free Day with up to $1000
- Stars Casino – Best for Bet $1, Get a $50 Instant Casino Bonus
- BetRivers Casino – Best for 1x Bonus Playthrough Requirements for up to $250 dollars
BetMGM Casino
One of the most recent online casinos to launch in Pennsylvania, BetMGM is another industry-leading choice with an excellent welcome bonus.
BetMGM Casino officially went to market in December 2020 in partnership with Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. BetMGM’s sportsbook, which is also accessible as part of the all-in-one app, is the official sports betting partner for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unibet Casino
The US expansion of Unibet continued with the launch of Unibet Casino in Pennsylvania. The international gaming powerhouse went live in Pennsylvania with the hybrid online casino and sportsbook in November 2019.
Operating as a license partner of Mohegan Sun, Unibet Casino is the second mobile casino platform to debut in the US from the brand.
Caesars Online Casino
Visit:Caesars Casino to claim a 100% match up to $500
Licensed under Harrah’s Philadelphia, Caesars Online Casino is integrated with Caesars Sportsbook on mobile apps. On the desktop, the casino operates as a standalone site.
The Pennsylvania platform launched with a small selection of games, but with the Caesars name on the product and some time to mature in the market, that library has already expanded.
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings Casino launched in Pennsylvania in May 2020. Much like FanDuel Casino, DraftKings Casino is a major player in the Pennsylvania online casino industry.
DraftKings Casino operates under the Hollywood Casino license. Players can find the casino through a link on the DraftKings Sportsbook platform.
* exclusive Bonus.com offer; $60 free on sign-up and $25 free.
FanDuel Casino
FanDuel Casino became an instant contender for the title of top-earning online casino in Pennsylvania. In its first full month of operation, FanDuel eclipsed all other state-regulated mobile casinos in revenue.
Licensed under Valley Forge Casino Resort, FanDuel Casino operates as part of a hybrid online sportsbook and casino. The casino app emerged as a favorite for Pennsylvania players immediately upon launch. It’s now a major part of the state’s online gambling market.
Stars Casino
Stars Casino by PokerStars is live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. It has over 200 slot games and live dealer options like Blackjack and Roulette.
BetRivers
BetRivers, like SugarHouse Online Casino, operates under the Rivers Philadelphia license. BetRivers debuted in the Pennsylvania market in January 2020.
In the first year of Pennsylvania’s legal online casino industry, Rivers Philadelphia emerged as the state leader in revenue by operator. The BetRivers platform offers a $250 deposit match bonus for new players with promo code: SHARP250.
Rivers Philadelphia is a top performer in the Pennsylvania market, consistently showing excellent revenue and leading the iGaming space in the state.
Additional Real Money Pennsylvania Online Casinos Offers
Borgata Casino
Visit: Borgata PA to claim $20 free on sign up plus a $1000 deposit match bonus
Roar Digital already entered the PA casino market with both BetMGM Casino and the Bet MGM Sportsbook app in 2020. They continued their expansion into Pennsylvania by launching the Borgata Casino app in February 2021. All apps operate as licensed partners of Penn National Gaming.
Players may recognize the Borgata name as one of Atlantic City’s premier casinos. The Pennsylvania launch is the second for the Borgata online casino brand. They launched in New Jersey prior.
SugarHouse Online Casino
SugarHouse Online Casino debuted among the first wave of online casinos to launch in Pennsylvania. The platform went live in July 2019, two days after Hollywood and Parx launched their mobile casino sites.
One of two online casinos licensed under the Rivers Philadelphia interactive gaming license, the SugarHouse brand is the first to operate mobile casinos in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Rivers Philadelphia leads Pennsylvania in online casino operation revenue.
Hollywood Casino
Hollywood Casino went live in Pennsylvania in July 2019. The launch made the platform the first state-regulated, legal online casino available to Pennsylvania players.
Pa Online Casinos
The Hollywood Casino online platform operates under the interactive gaming license of its parent company, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.
For its first foray into online casino gaming, Hollywood Casino partnered with International Gaming Technology (IGT), a well-known brand in gaming technology.
FOX Bet Casino
FOX Bet is a joint venture between FOX Sports and The Stars Group (operator of PokerStars). The FOX Bet online casino is available to Pennsylvania players thanks to a partnership with Mount Airy Casino.
By leveraging the reach of FOX Sports and the industry knowledge of The Stars Group, FOX Bet stands to be a strong competitor in Pennsylvania.
TwinSpires (formerly BetAmerica)
Owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the TwinSpires iGaming brand (formerly known as BetAmerica) launched its Pennsylvania online casino in November 2019. The platform operates as a hybrid mobile casino and sportsbook site.
Presque Isle Downs is the interactive gaming license partner for TwinSpires’s Pennsylvania platform.
Parx Online Casino
The land-based version of Parx Casino is the biggest-grossing retail casino in Pennsylvania. Parx Online Casino is licensed to its parent company.
Parx Online Casino launched in Pennsylvania just hours after Hollywood Casino in July 2019. The debut made Parx Online Casino the second legal mobile casino to go live in the state.
Much like its retail counterpart, Parx Online Casino offers one of the biggest selections of games among Pennsylvania’s online casino platforms.
Live! Casino Hotel
Pennsylvania’s 13th retail casino opened its doors in February 2021. Live! offers an online casino as well.
The state-approved Live! Casino for an internet gaming license.
Coming Soon To Pennsylvania
888 Casino
888 Casino is expected to launch in Pennsylvania in 2021. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved the Mount Airy Casino Resort to license 888 Casino.
The 888 brand is an international gaming giant and a big player in the US online gambling scene. 888 operates an online casino, poker, and sports betting hybrid platform in New Jersey. The brand also operates Delaware’s integrated online poker and casino network of sites.
Golden Nugget Online Casino
Golden Nugget is a huge online casino competition in New Jersey. The operator is gearing up for a launch in Pennsylvania, which should happen in 2021.
Golden Nugget has a strong industry reputation, and its online casino boasts an impressive game library. Once it launches in Pennsylvania, Golden Nugget will certainly be a competitor to keep an eye on.
WynnBET Online Casino
Wynn is building off its reputation for top-notching casinos in cities like Las Vegas by building out its online casino app. Although it is more common to find the WynnBET sportsbook app, the casino app has launched in Michigan and is coming soon to Pennsylvania.
Bonuses Available At Pennsylvania Online Casinos
PA Casino App | Free Money Offer | Promo Offer |
BetMGM | $25 free-play | 100% match up to $1,000 |
Unibet PA | $10 free on sign-up | 100% match up to $750 |
Caesars PA | None | 100% match up to $500 |
DraftKings Casino PA | $60 free on sign-up + $25 free | 100% match up to $2,000 (10x playthrough) |
FanDuel Casino PA | $1000 risk-free day | FanDuel Casino Promo Code: RF1000 |
Stars Casino | $50 Instant Casino Bonus | Bet $1 for Instant Bonus |
BetRivers PA | None | 100% match up to $250 |
SugarHouse PA | None | 100% match up to $250 |
Borgata PA | $20 free on sign-up | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 |
Hollywood Casino | $10 free on sign-up | $502 deposit bonus (100% match on first two deposits of up to $251 each) |
FOX Bet Casino | None | 100% match up to $500 |
Free Sign-Up Bonus
Several of Pennsylvania’s online casinos offer a small bonus just for signing up, with no deposit required. Players just have to register an account, with proof of identity and age, and the casino puts money on the player’s balance.
Pa Online Casinos Ranked
These no-deposit bonuses usually range anywhere from $10-$35. Platforms like DraftKings and Unibet Casino offer a free sign-up bonus, among others. Borgata offers $20 free on sign-up.
Risk-Free Day
New players can take advantage of risk-free day bonuses at some Pennsylvania online casinos. This kind of bonus offers a rebate on losses, up to a certain amount, in the first 24 hours after deposit.
FanDuel Casino gives new players a $1000 risk-free day bonus upon initial deposit. On deposit amounts up to $1000, these casino will refund losses incurred within a 24-hour period after the deposit.
If that same player deposits $1000 and ends the initial 24-hour period with $600, the casino will refund $400 in betting credits. If a player records a net win at the end of the 24-hour period, no refund is awarded.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Many of the US-facing legal online casinos offer deposit match bonuses for new players. Upon first deposit, the casino awards an amount of bonus money that matches some or all of the deposit.
For example, Unibet Casino offers a 100% match bonus on deposits up to $750. With that offer, players can earn up to $750 in bonus money if they initially deposit $750.
Deposit match bonuses generally require players to wager a certain amount to unlock the bonus.
Best Game Selection At Pennsylvania’s Online Casinos
Pennsylvania’s online casino industry debuted in July 2019. The first year of the new industry saw no less than 10 different mobile casinos launch in the state.
With the industry still in its infancy, Pennsylvania’s online casinos don’t yet offer the same number of games as some of the online casinos operating in New Jersey. Many of New Jersey’s mobile casinos offer several hundred different games, as legal online casino gaming launched in 2013 in the state.
Most of Pennsylvania’s online casinos offer around 100 games each, with game libraries expanding every month. Like other retail and online casinos, slots dominate the catalogs of each Pennsylvania mobile casino.
Number Of Casino Games Offered
Parx Casino leads the pack in terms of the overall number of games. Powered by a catalog of more than 100 slot variants, Parx Online Casino is living up to the reputation of its parent company. Parx Casino is the biggest and highest-earning retail casino in Pennsylvania.
The other mobile casino platforms available to Pennsylvania players aren’t far behind with their game selections.
Hollywood Casino, Unibet Casino, and SugarHouse Online Casino all have a similar number of games available. Unibet Casino has the biggest video poker selection, while PokerStars Casino tops the field in the number of table games offered.
Are Live Dealer Games Available At Pennsylvania’s Online Casinos?
Live dealer games are a popular option in the well-established online casino markets of New Jersey and Delaware. Combining the best of both live and online gaming, live dealer games allow online players to interact with a live dealer and other players.
These games allow online players to look in on a live casino table via live stream. There are a real-life dealer and physical table located in a secure studio. These games are starting to become available at Pennsylvania’s online casinos.
Live dealer games include:
Blackjack
Live dealer blackjack gives players the thrill of the live experience and the comfort of playing from a desktop or mobile device.
Baccarat
Another favorite from the live casino world, live dealer baccarat offers the social experience of the live game, but with the convenience of playing from anywhere within the state.
Roulette
Another ideal game for the live dealer format, multiple versions of live dealer roulette are going live at Pennsylvania’s online casinos.
Casino Table Games
Games like Casino Hold’em and Three-Card Poker are available as live dealer games at some Pennsylvania online casinos.
Progressive Jackpots At Pennsylvania Online Casinos
Slots rule the landscape at retail and online casinos. As such, Pennsylvania’s mobile casino platforms offer more slot variants than any other game.
Pa Online Casinos 2021
Much like their retail counterparts, the biggest jackpots to be won at online casinos come from progressive jackpot slots. Some of these grand prizes can reach six figures and beyond.
Divine Fortune
Much like in the New Jersey online casino industry, the Divine Fortune progressive slot finds a home on multiple platforms in the Pennsylvania market.
Divine Fortune resides at Hollywood Casino, SugarHouse Online Casino, FanDuel Casino, Unibet Casino, and others. The slot’s progressive grand prize, the Mega Jackpot, can yield jackpots of $375,000 or more.
Mercy Of The Gods
The progressive slot sequel to Divine Fortune, Mercy of the Gods offers big jackpots up into six-figure totals. Like Divine Fortune, Mercy of the Gods offers these grand prizes at several online casinos in Pennsylvania.
BetRivers, FanDuel Casino, and Hollywood Casino are all mobile platforms that host the Mercy of the Gods progressive slot.
PA Online Gambling Options
Game options in Pennsylvania include hundreds of different varieties of slots. This includes online versions of popular classic and progressive jackpot slots that are often seen in retail casinos.
Other games on the online casino platforms include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, video poker, and casino card games like Caribbean Stud and Pai Gow Poker. Live dealer table games, in which online players interact with a live dealer and other players, will be introduced in the future as well.
Players 21 and over can access Pennsylvania’s legal online casinos from anywhere in the state. All of these platforms use geolocation software to determine a user’s location.
With this geolocation technology in place, players can enjoy the casino gaming experience from anywhere in the state.
Online casino gaming offers Pennsylvania players the ease and convenience of playing, depositing, and withdrawing from any mobile device or desktop. Many of the games enjoyed by players on a physical casino floor are found on these legal casino apps.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all of Pennsylvania’s online casinos, like their retail counterparts.
Pennsylvania’s Online Gambling Industry
Some of the biggest players in Pennsylvania’s online casino industry include DraftKings Casino (operated in partnership with Penn National Hollywood Casino), SugarHouse Casino (Rivers Casino), and FanDuel Casino (Valley Forge Casino Resort).
The PGCB breakdown of overall revenue from the state’s online casinos can be read here.
Pennsylvania’s Biggest Online Casinos By Earnings
Rivers Philadelphia emerged as Pennsylvania’s top revenue-earning operator in the early months of the industry’s launch but has since been topped by Penn National Hollywood Casino (DraftKings Casino, Hollywood Casino, BetMGM).
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reports online casino revenue by operator, making it impossible to know how each of the Penn National Hollywood Casino or Rivers Philadelphia skins performs individually. The combined revenue of DraftKings Casino, Hollywood Casino, and BetMGM, however, puts Penn National Hollywood Casino in the lead in terms of revenue by operator.
The latest reports show that in June 2020, the operator brought in nearly $35 million in online casino revenue. It leads the market by nearly $10 million.
Rivers Casino Pennsylvania, while no longer the frontrunner, brings in substantial revenue to the state. It brought in $23,336,153 in revenue for June 2021.
As a license partner of Valley Forge Casino Resort, FanDuel Casino continues to make an impact. June saw the platform bring in $14,953,787, making it the third-highest online casino revenue earner for the period.
Top 3 PA Online Casinos By Gross Revenue
Top Performing Online Casinos | August 2021 Revenue |
---|---|
Penn National (DraftKings Casino, Hollywood Casino, BetMGM) | $30,137,472 |
Rivers Philadelphia (SugarHouse, BetRivers) | $27,002,038 |
Valley Forge (Stardust, FanDuel) | $14,030,184 |
Pennsylvania’s History Of Online Gaming
Pennsylvania put big plans for gambling expansion in motion in October 2017. Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 271 into law. The bill laid out the legislature’s plans for Pennsylvania to potentially become one of the biggest online gambling economies in the US.
House Bill 271 legalized sports betting (both land-based and online), online casinos, and online poker. It also formally legalized Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Pennsylvania is one of five states (along with New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia) to legalize all three verticals of online sports betting, casinos, and poker. As of November 2020, Michigan is the only one still awaiting launch, though it’s expected to go live in early 2021.
Overturning PASPA
The state legislation for online sports betting went into place in October 2017, with one hurdle still left to clear. That final obstacle was overcome in May 2018, when PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was overturned.
PASPA, originally put into law in 1992, was a federal ban on sports wagering. With the exception of Nevada and sports lotteries in a handful of other states, PASPA mandated that sports betting was illegal in the US.
In May 2018, however, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional. This gave states the power to legalize sports betting on an individual basis.
The Launch Of PA Online Gambling
The first of Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks went live in May 2019, when PlaySugarHouse Pennsylvania launched. Pennsylvania bettors now have several different mobile sports betting platforms to choose from.
November 4, 2019, was a landmark day in the history of online poker in the US, as PokerStars PA debuted. PokerStars PA is the first US online poker network to launch outside of Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Pennsylvania’s Live Gambling Industry History
Of the 50 states, Pennsylvania is second in casino revenue, trailing only Nevada. Legalized horse racing started in Pennsylvania in 1959. And the PA State Lottery started operations in 1971.
In 2004, the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act established legal casino gambling in the state.
The legislation allowed for legalized slot machines at five of the state’s racetracks. It also permitted the development of five stand-alone casinos and two resort casinos. The state legalized table games in 2010.
The state’s 12 land-based commercial casinos brought in $3.4 billion in revenue in 2019, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal.
State legislators introduced a plan for massive gambling expansion in the state with House Bill 217. This bill, passed in October 2017, legalized online casinos, sports betting (both live and online), and online poker. It also officially legalized Daily Fantasy Sports.
Pennsylvania Gambling At A Glance
FAQ | Answer |
---|---|
Is lottery legal in Pennsylvania? | Yes; the Pennsylvania Lottery has been operating since 1972. Multi-state lottery tickets like Powerball and MegaMillions are also available for purchase in PA. HB 217 legalized online lottery ticket sales in 2017. |
Does Pennsylvania have casinos? | Yes; Pennsylvania is host to 14 land-based casinos. |
Does Pennsylvania have racetracks? | Yes; Pennsylvania is host to six horse race tracks. The state’s current live casino industry evolved from its horse racing industry, as many of PA’s casinos began as horse race facilities. |
Where else can you gamble in Pennsylvania? | Pennsylvania offers online casinos, sports betting and poker, as well as daily fantasy sports. All of these mobile gaming variants can be played from anywhere within the state. |
What is the minimum gambling age? | 21 (18 for horse race betting and lottery) |
Who regulates gambling? | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
Retail Casinos
Of Pennsylvania’s 14 casinos, seven are near the eastern coast of the state. Four of these venues are in the greater Philadelphia area, including Parx Casino. This is the largest-grossing casino in Pennsylvania. Hollywood Casino at Penn Racetrack is located about 120 miles west of Philadelphia.
The state’s other four casinos are all located in western Pennsylvania. Two of these (Rivers Casino and The Meadows Racetrack & Casino) are in the Pittsburgh area.
Pennsylvania Casinos At A Glance
Casino Name | Location |
---|---|
Parx Casino and Racing | Bensalem (Philadelphia area) |
Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Philadelphia |
Valley Forge Casino Resort | King of Prussia |
Wind Creek Bethlehem | Bethlehem |
Harrah’s Philadelphia | Chester (Philadelphia area) |
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course | Grantville |
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin | Farmington |
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino | North Strabane Township (Pittsburgh area) |
Mohegan Sun Pocono | Plains Township |
Mount Airy Casino Resort | Mount Pocono |
Presque Isle Downs & Casino | Erie |
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh |
Sands Casino | Bethlehem |
Live! Hotel and Casino | Philadelphia |
The origins of Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos go back to the state’s long-standing horse racing industry.
The 2004 Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act authorized seven of the state’s horse racing venues to install slot machines. It also authorized licenses for up to five more stand-alone casinos and two resort casinos.
From those original expansion plans, the Pennsylvania gaming industry evolved into the current 12 land-based casinos.
The Pennsylvania Casinos
Parx Casino is one of the largest and most popular casino in the state. Located just northeast of Philadelphia in Bensalem Township, Parx Casino was one of the original seven horse racing venues to expand into casino gaming after the state passed the 2004 legislation.
Then known as Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino, the property grew into the state’s highest-earning casino property, with $639 million in revenue in 2019.
Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc., owns Parx Casino. Wind Creek Hospitality owns Wind Creek Bethlehem, the state’s second highest-earning property. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates Wind Creek.
Rush Street is the parent company to Rivers Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, in addition to two additional Rivers Casino properties outside of Pennsylvania.
Gaming and Leisure Properties is another company operating multiple Pennsylvania casinos. They operate Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Hollywood Casino. Caesars Entertainment is another player in the PA casino industry. They operate Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Due to PGCB regulations, a maximum of 14 land-based casinos can operate within the state.
Legal Pennsylvania Online Casinos Versus Illegal Online Casinos
As one of just a handful of states with legal online casinos, Pennsylvania offers access to a growing number of mobile gambling platforms. Each of these casinos expands its game libraries every month, which allows Pennsylvania players to enjoy the best of mobile casino gaming.
State-Regulated And Secure Online Casinos
Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos own all of the state’s online casinos, in partnership with approved technology partners. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversees and regulates all of the state’s online gambling sites.
The PGCB, a government agency, also regulates Pennsylvania’s retail casino industry. Playing on a legal, state-regulated online casino platform in Pennsylvania ensures the same level of safety as playing at one of the state’s retail casinos.
Legal retail and online casinos in Pennsylvania operate with a vested interest in providing fair games and prompt payouts. These platforms also provide the highest level of encryption to protect personal information.
Risks From Offshore Gambling Sites
Offshore gambling sites can’t guarantee this same level of fairness, transparency, and personal protection. Playing from Pennsylvania on any gambling site not regulated by the PGCB doesn’t have the same oversight as the state’s legal casinos.
Offshore gambling sites in the US are also operating illegally, possibly exposing players to criminal penalties.
Looking for more information on online gaming in PA? Check out our comprehensive Guide To Online Gambling In Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Online Gambling Options: The Breakdown
- Online Casinos – Pennsylvania’s online casino industry appears slated for more growth. The state is poised to be a big part of the overall US online casino market like its nearby states, New Jersey and Delaware.
- Online Sports Betting In Pennsylvania – Mobile sports betting officially launched in May 2019. As of early 2021, Pennsylvania bettors have numerous online sports betting platforms to choose from. See our full Guide To Online Sports Betting In Pennsylvania.
- PA Online Poker– The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved seven retail casinos to operate online poker in the state. The launch of PokerStars PA was followed by Borgata Poker, BetMGM Poker, and WSOP.com.
- Pennsylvania Online Horse Race Betting – Pennsylvania is home to a long-standing tradition of horse racing. Many of the state’s retail casinos began as horse racetracks that expanded to eventually incorporate full-scale casino operations.
- Pennsylvania Online Lottery – Pennsylvania online lottery options recently expanded to include the ability to purchase tickets for draw games. These draw games include in-state drawings, as well as multi-state games like MegaMillions and Powerball.
- Daily Fantasy Sports – Daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites are available to players in about 40 US states. DFS is explicitly legalized in about half of those states. This includes Pennsylvania.
- Sweepstakes Casinos – Online gambling sites that operate as sweepstakes casinos include sites like Chumba Casino, the biggest of the sweepstakes casinos, and LuckyLand Slots. Sweepstakes sites are available to players in most states, including Pennsylvania.
- Sweepstakes Poker Sites – The sweepstakes casino model is the same for both Chumba Casino and Global Poker. Players purchase “Gold Coins” for play money games and they come with a corresponding amount of “Sweeps Coins.”
More On Pennsylvania Gambling
Pennsylvania Gambling FAQ
Yes. Pennsylvania legalized retail casino gambling in 2004. As of 2021, the state is home to 14 land-based casinos.
The state taxes gambling winnings at 3.07 percent. For state residents and non-residents alike, the state taxes gambling winnings from in-state gambling institutions and the lottery at the state personal income tax rate of 3.07 percent.
This tax rate applies to all gambling winnings, except non-cash prizes won in the state lottery. All gambling winnings, from retail or PA online gambling platforms, must be reported. You can find more about PA gambling tax lawshere.
Players must be 21 for most forms of gambling. To legally play any game at a retail casino, or play at an online casino, sportsbook, or poker room, players must be age 21 or over.
Exceptions to this law are lottery and horse racing, both of which carry a minimum age of 18.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which itself is a government-regulated agency, regulates all legalized gambling in Pennsylvania.
State casinos must adhere to fairness of play regulations set forth by the PGCB. For slot machines, state laws dictate that all slots must payback at least 85 percent to players.
Casinos violating these payback laws, or in any way colluding to rig games or deceive players about the rules of a game, are subject to penalty by law.
Yes. Passed in 2017, HB 417 legalized online sports betting, casino games, and poker. These Pennslyvania online gambling platforms can be accessed from anywhere within state borders.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all legal online gambling platforms. All games must display the PGCB seal on the site.
Yes. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), a government agency, regulates all Pennsylvania’s online gambling platforms.
The state’s land-based casinos own and operate all of the online gambling platforms. Playing online comes with the same level of safety as gaming at a legal land-based casino.
Yes. The state legalized both retail and online sports betting in Pennsylvania in October 2017.
All of these legal online sportsbooks are available to bettors 21 and over, as long as they’re located within state borders when playing.
Yes. Pennsylvania’s state-regulated online gambling sites operate on secure https connections. All of these platforms use high-level encryption to protect customer’s personal information.
Protecting customer information is the highest of priorities for Pennsylvania gaming sites. State-regulated online gaming sites use encryption technology on par with that of banks and major retail vendors, like Amazon for example.
Per the PGCB, disputes that involve an online casino are directly filed with the operator of that casino.
The PGCB website has aseries of formsfor use when filing a complaint or dispute. Should a dispute with an online casino need to be resolved by the PGCB, the requisite form will need to have a complaint number from the original filing with the casino.
Yes. DraftKings Casino is one of Pennsylvania’s legal, state-regulated online casino platforms.
DraftKings Casino operates as a technology partner of Hollywood Casino. The casino is integrated into the DraftKings Sportsbook Pennsylvania site. It’s available to players anywhere within Pennsylvania borders.
A variety of slots and table games, as well as blackjack, roulette, craps, and other casino table games, reside on the DraftKings Casino platform.
Yes. FanDuel Casino operates in Pennsylvania and is licensed to Valley Forge Casino Resort. Players 21 and over can access FanDuel Casino from anywhere in Pennsylvania.