Pennsylvania Online Casinos
PokerStars Casino was the first to enter the Pennsylvania online casino market, bringing its legendary 88 online poker software and its reputation from the PartyPoker Network into the fabric of Pennsylvania online gambling. While playing online poker was the main billing to compete with nearby states like New Jersey and Delaware, besides live casino poker games powered by Evolution Gaming, PA online casino play featured online sports betting that became available since the overturning of the PAPSA ban by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
PA online gambling quickly became the second behind Nevada in gambling tax revenue. If you frequent brick-and-mortar casinos like Live Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia, the same thrills and even more real money casino games away you with the top online casinos in the Keystone State. If you're ready to switch from your local casino to the best PA online casinos, take a moment to read about how invaluable sports betting apps and the best PA casino apps are to a rewarding and private online gaming experience.
Online Casino Regulations in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board requires each PA online casino to have a license in the Keystone State. Even when a license is granted, every PA online casino might follow strict rules set forth by the PGCB, especially fair gaming practices. Just like licensed retail casinos must use a random number generator to guarantee gaming transparency, the same applies to all legal online casinos and sweepstakes casinos like High 5, which operate in the state.
Also, all online gambling websites can only accept real money wagers from members within the state's borders. To comply, you can expect geolocator tools when you try to log in from the PA casino apps or from the website's browser.
Legal Status
Legal retail casinos have been available in the Quaker State since 2004, and the signing of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Act paved the way for the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs to open in 2006. In 2009, other staple partner casinos, like Parx Casino and the Mount Airy Casino Resort, set the stage for the eventual top-tier PA online gambling sites like BetParx and Golden Nugget to enter via a qualified gaming entity.
In 2010, former Governor Rendell signed an amendment to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Act to allow table games like blackjack and roulette into retail casinos. In 2019, after the US Supreme Court tossed out the PAPSA ban, the Keystone State signed legal sports betting for retail casinos and online play.
Minimum Age
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board maintains a uniform standard that gamblers must be at least 21 to participate in retail and Pennsylvania online casinos. However, you only have to be 18 years old for horse racing. You also only have to be 18 to play the state lottery.
Taxes on Winnings
All gambling winnings are considered and taxed as ordinary income but in a separate category in The Commonwealth and with the IRS. For gambling winnings, meaning the profit you have left over from the net losses, Pennsylvania imposes a 3.07% tax rate. For the IRS, Pennsylvania casinos, including online gambling sites, are required to withhold 24% from substantial winnings, especially from progressive jackpots or high-stakes tournaments. Even though 24% is withheld, each lucky winner is required to pay the remaining tax liability.
How to Find the Right PA Online Casino
Besides the splendid gaming options, choosing to join and spend time and money at any legal PA online casino is an investment. Like any investment, due diligence and research are needed to make the best and most informative choice. To help you select the best Pennsylvania online casino, please consider the key considerations before you commit to becoming a member.
Game Variation
To appeal to a broad audience in the Keystone State, leading casinos offer hundreds of the latest casino games from developers like Pragmatic Play and Red Tiger. For slot lovers, there are usually designated sections for daily jackpots, jackpots, hold and win, and megaway slots. They also strive to have classic table games like American Blackjack and American Roulette but try to mix it up with exclusive variants like Blackjack Xchange and Super 6 Baccarat. Live dealer games by Evolution Gaming help convince those on the fence to join.
Safety & Security
Besides offering a superior game selection and promotions to match them, the attention to detail for online security is also a major factor. Sadly, cyber thieves have taken down some of the biggest casino names in the world through expensive ransomware demands.
As a result, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board requires all legal casinos to have strict cybersecurity measures and at least a 128-bit SSL certificate. The site's privacy policy section provides all of these details and more.
Device Options
When Governor Wolf signed HB 271 into law, he did so with the understanding that PA online casino apps would play a significant role. With over 3 billion Android users and plenty more using iOS apps, the esteemed Pennsylvania online casinos have state-of-the-art apps that are a breeze to download in minutes from Google Play and Apple Store. The main benefit of playing on a casino app is that you can play anywhere in the Keystone State.
I continue to use many of these user-friendly and customizable apps, including FanDuel, which is one of the easiest to customize for your preference, including automatic updates. While these top-tier casino apps strive to have all the essential casino games, sometimes, not all of them carry over to the mobile platform.
Digital Customer Support
Another license requirement is prompt and satisfactory customer support. Live chat continues to be the primary and the fastest way for online casino members to get their needs met. Thanks to advancements in AI technology, it is commonplace now to get swift live chat resolution in two minutes or less. Besides live chatbots, the top PA casinos strive to respond to emails in 24 hours or less. Besides the toll-free phone number that's available during certain hours, you have the option to get quick answers through the well-developed FAQ section.
Best Online Casinos in Pennsylvania in May 2024
We ranked the best real money online casinos in Pennsylvania in 2024 to help you decide which one to play:
Fanatics Casino PA: Best New Online Casino
- Read our Fanatics Casino Promo Code & Review
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Fanatics Casino, along with Mohegan Sun Live, which is replacing the soon-to-be departing Unibet online casino operator, are new PA online casinos, bringing the overall total to 22 in the Keystone State. After making a successful debut in New Jersey, Fanatics Casino went online earlier this year after careful testing from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Fanatics Casino PA continues to emerge as a go-to online casino in Pennsylvania, offering popular online casino games from heavyweight game developers.
Thanks to its successful partnership with the brick-and-mortar Hollywood Casino, Fanatics offers new members 250 free spins worth of bonus credits. This new member casino bonus applies to Cash Eruption, where you can win real money. All it takes is a $5 deposit to trigger casino credits instantly.
The Fanatics Casino app is already proving to be among the best among PA online casinos because it is built to carry over the winning tradition of PointsBet Online Sportsbook. But besides giving Pennsylvanians a chance to get in on the top professional and collegiate sports betting with up-to-the-minute odds, whether on Android or Apple, Fanatics PA online casino app makes available 24/7 live dealer games like Lightning Roulette and baccarat. Playing all Fanatics PA online casino games leads to building precious FanCash to move up the VIP club. Other online casino bonuses include cashback site credit and $100 in casino credits for every friend you refer to Fanatics.
BetMGM Online Casino PA: Best for Live Dealer Experience
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As part of the legendary MGM Casino and Resorts brand, BetMGM ranks as one of the best Pennsylvania online casinos, beginning with $25 in no-deposit bonus money. Either directly from the website or via BetMGM PA online casino apps, BetMGM is one of a few PA casinos that offer separate welcome bonuses for playing online casino games and table games, one for sports betting and one for tournament online poker.
While the $1,000 worth in casino bonus funds, new BetMGM members can play games for free and win real money, except progressive jackpots. For online sports betting, first-time sports bettors can receive up to $1,000 in bonus money to cover initial first-day losses. For those who prefer championship online poker, BetMGM is one of the elite PA online casinos that offer daily C-Note and weekly poker tournaments.
You might also catch a progressive bounty tournament with the $1,000 online casino bonus that includes multi-table tournament tickets. With plenty of online banking options, including Play+, $10 kicks off the online gaming festivities.
A large assortment of poker, slots, and table games make this casino a premier place to play. Specifically, the live dealer blackjack is very entertaining and closely simulates a real-life casino experience. Customer service and occasional tech issues have room for improvement. The state-switcher feature of the BetMGM app is great for those who travel often and want to play on the go.
Caesars Palace Online Casino PA: Best for Customer Support
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Even though Caesars Palace Casino has been online for over a year, it is still one of the newest online casinos in PA. According to the many Pennsylvanians who download its official PA online casino apps, Caesars Palace Online Casino ranks as the best online casino for its devotion to bonuses and online slots. Sometimes, using the Caesars Palace Online Casino app rewards you with exclusive mobile promotions to play online gaming on your Android or Apple device.
Thanks to its referral system, Caesars Palace Casino continues to make its mark as one of the top online casinos. For every friend you get to sign up at Caesars Palace, you both will receive 5,000 reward points in casino bonus funds. Caesars Palace lets its online members sync and combine their bonus money and reward points from the Caesars Palace brick and mortar casino with its online website or via the casino app.
Play via the Caesars Palace Casino app or through the website to win it all with sterling table games, online poker, slots, and a welcome bonus of up to $1,000.
DraftKings Online Casino PA: Best for Casino Library
- See our DraftKings Casino Bonus Code and Review
- Bonus Offer: Get $35 in Casino Credits + a 100% Deposit Match up to $100!
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Must be 21+. Min. $5 Deposit. Must be physically located in: CT, MI, NJ, PA, WV. New DraftKings Casino customers only. Bonus issued as site credits that can only be used on DraftKings Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text "CTGAMB" TO 53342. See draftkings.com/casino for full terms and conditions.
DraftKings Casino is one of the few PA casinos that offers daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and a mix of table games to go with the latest slots, including progressive jackpots. Many of the progressive jackpots include proprietary table games like DraftKings American Roulette, which features multiple jackpots to ensure members get a chance to win.
DraftKings Casino goes out of its way with in-house casino games, especially with almost 40 online gambling options for blackjack. In partnership with Hollywood Casino, DraftKings Casino offers many online gambling options with demo play, except for live dealer games. If you're on the website or one of the DraftKings PA casino apps, you can explore and win with almost two dozen roulette options.
The DraftKings Casino app is easy to install and frequently updates automatically. Like other online casinos in PA, DraftKings Casino offers a casino bonus for regular online casino games and sports betting. For a $5 deposit, you can get $100 in site credit. Through the Dynasty Online Casino rewards program, DraftKings online casino in Pennsylvania has five unique levels where members can redeem points for perks.
FanDuel Casino PA: Best for 24/7 Live Dealer Studios
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FanDuel Casino has been part of the Pennsylvania online gambling network since 2019 when PA casinos were first launched. Like DraftKings, FanDuel Casino is one of only a few online casinos in PA that offers daily fantasy sports, sports betting, proprietary casino games, and other in-house table games. FanDuel Casino has a long-standing partnership with Valley Forge Casino. Also, FanDuel PA Online Casino works into the mix with many of its proprietary casino games like FanDuel Fishing Fever Bass King and Tetris Slingo.
Among the top online casinos in PA, FanDuel has a treasure chest of promotions, starting with 200 bonus spins and a casino bonus up to $1,000 in site credit to tackle non-progressive casino games and most standalone table games from developers like NetEnt, Red Tiger, and IGT. FanDuel Casino continues to rank among the best online casinos with its daily jackpots and the reward machine casino bonus with up to $2,000 daily funds available.
Like other PA online casinos, FanDuel Casino has a refer-a-friend system where you receive a $75 casino bonus in your account for every friend you get to sign up.
BetRivers Casino PA
- See our BetRivers Casino Bonus Code and Review
- Bonus Offer: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $250!
BetRivers online casino in Pennsylvania continues to benefit from Rivers Casino's sterling reputation and has one of the best overall brand reputations among online casinos in PA. Like other PA casinos, BetRivers offers a competitive mix of casino games, live dealer games, and standalone table games for KeyStone State online gamblers. BetRivers Pennsylvania online casino gives new members a second chance with $250 worth of bonus money to help offset initial losses from casino games that contain megaway slots like Gonzo's Quest.
When it comes to table games, BetRivers Pennsylvania online casino, offers Four Card Poker and other staple table games like Three Card Poker and Let it Ride. However, many BetRivers PA online casino members consider it the best online casino, hands down, through the superior iRush Rewards loyalty program. BetRiver's iRush system is eleven levels deep compared to most PA online casinos, with the elite level being reserved for invitation only.
Other Popular Online Casino Options in PA
Borgata Online Casino: Best for Bonus Codes
- See our Borgata Casino Bonus Code and Review
- Get up to a $1,000 Deposit Match + $20 in Bet Credits! with code ACTIONBCASINO
The first online casino licensed to launch in New Jersey in 2013, Borgata online casino is now legal in Pennsylvania as well. While Borgata’s welcome bonuses will help you get the hang of the site, there are plenty of other promotions to keep you engaged on an ongoing basis. You’ll find daily slot tournaments, a Jackpot Slots Leaderboard contest, and a Refer a Friend bonus. There are also bingo and poker promos. Check the promo page to find one and opt-in. The poker promos apply to the poker section at Borgata’s online casino. Like BetMGM, players may download a Borgata Poker PA software client to get started.
Golden Nugget Online Casino: Best for High Return-to-Player (RTP)
- Read our Golden Nugget Casino Bonus Code & Review
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As the newest online casino in PA, Golden Nugget will not disappoint with its vast game selection. Users are now able to play about 835 games. A major highlight is that Live Dealer games are available 24/7 if you prefer an authentic casino experience from your phone or computer.
Some quick RTP tips to note when playing slots; Blood Suckers II and Immortal Romance offer 96.94% and 96.86% RTPs, respectively.
Golden Nugget Online Casino is only available in the Apple App store at this time.
Mohegan Sun Online Casino PA
- See our Mohegan Sun Casino Bonus Code & Review
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The Mohegan Sun Casino opened in 1996 via the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. Recently, in a partnership with FanDuel, the Uncasville casino launched an online casino experience. In addition to the desktop version available at MoheganSunCasino.com, PA players may download iOS or Android mobile apps on the App Store or Google Play.
From classic table games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette to hundreds of slots, The Mohegan Sun real money online casino has plenty to explore. As an added bonus, you can even link a Momentum account to earn rewards online with Momentum Dollars, redeemable at Mohegan Sun dining, shopping, entertainment, and hotel outlets!
Pennsylvania Bonus Codes
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Use promo code ACTIONCASINO to Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1000 + $25 on the House! |
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ACTION22500 to Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! OR ACTIONLAUNCH to Get $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000! |
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Unlock the DraftKings Casino promo: Get $35 in Casino Credits + a 100% Deposit Match up to $100! No promo code required! |
 FanDuel Casino 4.8 Stars / 52.1K Ratings 4.7 Stars / 35.9K Reviews |
No promo code required to claim the "Deposit $10, Get $20 In Site Credit & Play It Again $1000!" bonus! |
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New users don't need a bonus code to Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $250! |
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Borgata also offers standalone apps for Poker and Bingo |
Use bonus code ACTIONBCASINO to Get up to a $1,000 Deposit Match + $20 in Bet Credits! |
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Unlock the Deposit $5 Get $50 + Mystery Spin Bonus up to $1000 in Casino Credits! No promo code required! |
Fanatics Casino
BetMGM Casino
Caesars Palace Online Casino
DraftKings Casino
BetRivers Casino 
Borgata Casino
Golden Nugget CasinoOnline Casinos to Avoid in Pennsylvania
When Governor Ed Randell signed legislation to legalize land-based casinos with slot machines, he also enacted the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board enforces all the casino rules, including Hollywood Casino and all PA online casinos. By issuing and controlling licenses, gamblers in the Keystone State are guaranteed basic assurances like receiving payouts and getting prompt and satisfactory customer support.
It is strongly advised to deal only with legal PA online casinos instead of offshore online casinos because not all are licensed and, thus, aren't obligated to pay members. Finding the PA online casinos' legal status is straightforward and available throughout their site. If you're having trouble finding this information, you are likely dealing with an offshore casino, which should be avoided.
Also, if the offshore casino hasn't laid out terms and conditions and how they store and protect your online security, these are other red flags. Land-based casinos like Hollywood Casino and thriving sites like PokerStars Casino outline how they protect and collect your data.
Online Casino Games Available in Pennsylvania
PA casinos compete against each other by keeping their online gaming library fresh. While some sites have more tabletop games compared to others, you can bank on slots, which make up the majority. Most of these esteemed and sterling sites, especially new sweepstakes casinos, strive to add new online slots even every week. To get you up to speed on all the magnificent casino game selections, please consider these signature game categories.
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Online Slots - You might have three-reel Vegas-style slots, depending on the online casino. Five-reels are the majority, but epic six-reel titles like Gates of Olympus are becoming popular. The top-tier sites have dedicated sections for daily jackpots, megaways, and hold-and-win slots.
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Table Games - Dealing with legal PA online casinos means you get 24/7 access to staple game options like blackjack, Punto Banco Baccarat, and American Roulette. Of course, you can find your mainstream poker favorites like Texas Hold'em and Omaha, including for live dealer play. You can also play craps, or in some cases, Sic Bo with the live dealer.
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Bingo - If you like to roll with the numbers, perhaps your preferred Pennsylvania online casino might have 45 and 90-ball bingo games to help you collect.
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Keno - If you are familiar with the lottery or like playing it, keno plays vary similarly. The onus is on you to submit your keno card on time. However, most keno games carry an extremely high house edge of over 30%.
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Slingo - It's common to find a section dedicated to slingo games at premier sites like BetRivers. Slingo is a mix of slots and bingo play.
For more information, see our Best New Online Slots Games review, some of the Most Popular Slots to play, and where we say to Watch Slots Online.
Real Money Casinos vs. Free Casinos
To compete against the surging profits of nearby New Jersey online casinos, the Keystone State today has 22 legal real-money options where players can win real money like they would at a traditional land-based casino. The caveat to having a chance to rack up real money is that it requires deposits through one of the reputable and instant-processing payment gateways.
As a result, real money casinos have the most games and promotions at any given time compared to free casinos. Today, free casinos are led by the social casino revolution. The genius behind social casinos like Pulsz is that they offer members a chance to play for free among their peers or compete for cash prizes. Please note that social casinos can't offer real money. Instead, the option for cash prizes via sweep coins is what allows them to work legally and in harmony with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Through gold coins, players can play their favorite games for free, which is especially helpful for those who might be struggling with compulsive gambling. While gold coin promotions are abundant, it can be tough-sledding getting your hands on sweep coins. Also, social casinos don't offer as many games as their real money counterparts, with some, like McLuck, not even having table games at all. However, the newer ones strive to add new slots weekly.
Mobile App Gambling in PA
The ability to pick up and go with a PA online casino app is invaluable to the success of any Pennsylvania online casino. For example, PokerStars relies heavily on their mobile apps in tandem with the 88 poker software engine to maintain the same level of excellence for poker tournament play on the latest Android and Apple devices.
Game developers like Microgaming remain pioneers in optimizing their games, particularly slots, to be mobile-first. Playing on the mobile app also opens the door for exclusive promotions that you might not find on the main website. Most of the time, not 100% of the casino games carry over to the mobile platform. However, not needing the internet or being confined to a computer continues to propel mobile casino play.
Popular Promos & Bonuses at Casinos in Pennsylvania
Aside from sign-up bonuses, some form of deposit is necessary to trigger bonuses and promotions available at online casinos and retail locations. Retail casinos usually use coupons and matchbooks to incentivize players to apply for a membership card and earn perks. Online casinos offer more bonuses, including free spins, sometimes alternative welcome bonuses, and extensive rewards programs. To play online, you can expect credit cards, PayPal, Play+ Card, PayNearMe, and online banking.
Welcome Bonuses
The deposit bonus remains the most popular and accepted new member bonus. Generally, new members make a first deposit, usually as low as ten bucks, to initiate the 100% matching bonus, which usually caps at $1,000. Sites like BetMGM and Borgata offer new members the choice of taking advantage of a welcome package for casino games, poker, and sports betting.
However, sites like FanDuel and BetRivers offer second-chance promotions for new members. Instead of getting a percentage of bonus money upfront, new members will receive between $100 to $250 worth of credits in their accounts to make up for initial losses. Slots usually comprise 100% of the wagering requirements, beginning at 15x. However, with FanDuel, it's as low as 1x playthrough. Most new member bonuses work automatically without the need for a promo code.
No-Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses are a win-win situation for new casino members. Without wagering a penny, new online casino members receive a decent amount of free money to play most games except for progressive options and live dealers. BetMGM and Borgata are the only PA casinos that offer a no-deposit bonus. Once your account becomes active, the sign-up bonus automatically kicks in.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses work like new member deposit bonuses, but they apply to veteran players. Reload bonuses can be daily, weekly, or monthly, but they are usually far less than the general 100% new member deposit package. It's typical for reload bonuses to range between 30% and 50%. However, the playthrough requirements tend to be much higher with these types of bonuses.
Common Pennsylvania Casino Programs
It takes a fantastic welcome package to get new members through the door. However, sensational and timely bonuses and loyalty programs are also necessary to keep members engaged. From cashback prizes to refer-a-friend promotions, learn about the best bonuses available at retail and virtual casinos.
Loyalty Programs
While nobody likes to lose, even losing wagers can pay off down the road through loyalty programs. Most of the top-tier PA online casinos compete with multi-level loyalty programs, with each level offering particular perks and bonuses. BetRivers' famous iRush program offers luxury VIP gifts, higher spending limits, faster withdrawals, and dedicated account managers.
Rewards Programs
Rewards programs work in tandem with loyalty programs and come in multiple levels, such as Golden Nugget Casino's Golden Crown program. With enough reward points, casino players can redeem them in cash or use the points to play free table game hands or with the slot machine. Prolific casinos like Caesars and MGM let members sync their reward points from land-based casinos to their online counterparts to cash in on luxury vacations, free room and board, and more.
Popular Casino Payment Options in PA
To offer user-friendly and safe payment gateways besides credit cards, today's leading PA online casinos offer a competitive mix of digital payment options to get members up and running. The cash cage is the primary way to get chips and tokens for land-based casinos. Or you can insert your credit and debit card directly into the slot machine.
Casino Deposit Options
The usual deposit minimum is $10, but it can vary from casino to casino. To prevent potential flagging and blockage from your bank using credit cards, please consider these other online banking options:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Play+ (prepaid card)
- ACH (VIP Preferred)
- Online Bank Transfer (also debit/credit cards)
- PayNearMe
- Skrill
You can also use Google Pay and Apple Pay, depending on the PA online casino. You can also make an instant deposit at the cash cage. For PayNearMe, you can initiate your deposit online and pay for it at participating retailers like CVS and 7-Eleven.
Casino Withdrawal Options
Unfortunately, there are usually fewer withdrawal options available for a legitimate online casino. Depending on the virtual casino, you might have the option for same-day withdrawals depending on the amount and initial deposit method, such as PayPal and RushPay. Generally, PA casinos offer these withdrawal methods:
- Play+
- PayPal
- Venmo
- ACH
- Paper Check
Depending on the withdrawal method and amount, there might be delays in processing these requests. Online players can usually initiate withdrawal requests and pick up the money directly from the partner casino's cash cage.
Legalization of Retail & Online Gambling in Pennsylvania
Although they have only been online for about five years, Pennsylvania's online casinos continue to boom and thrive. Annually, the Quaker State's online casinos deliver over $2 billion. Together with land-based casinos, the Keystone State delivered over $5.5 billion in 2023.
Retail Casinos
The birth of retail casinos in the Keystone State began in 2004 when former Governor Ed Rendell signed the Pennsylvania Race Horse and Development Act legislation to permit tribal casinos to operate with slot machines. 2004 also saw the birth of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which manages all Keystone State casino and sports betting activities.
In 2006, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs became the first retail casino to open. It wouldn't be until 2009 that the first non-tribal casinos would open in the Commonwealth, beginning with the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem and Sugar House Casino in Philadelphia. In 2010, Governor Rendell amended the 2004 act to legalize table games like poker.
Online Casinos
In response to the booming New Jersey and Delaware iGaming scene, in 2017, despite fierce pushback and criticism from anti-gambling activists, Governor Wolf signed HB 271, which allowed online poker and other traditional casino games to become available. PokerStars broke the ice in 2019 to become the first PA online casino to launch. Shortly after, the main brand sites like BetMGM went online. Today, the Keystone State has 22 online operators, with Unibet PA set to leave North America in June.
Online Casino Regulations in Pennsylvania
To maintain their license requirements, PA online casinos must provide their members with a safe and secure online playing environment. They also have to ensure that the payment gateways are from reputable sources. In addition to sound customer support, casinos in the Keystone State must use a certified random number generator to guarantee fair and transparent game results.
Legal Status
All 22 online casinos in the Commonwealth are fully licensed and proudly display their details throughout their websites. If you don't find these details or are unsure, it's a wise move to avoid the casino and find another option.
Minimum Age
The PGCB has strict rules that casinos can only allow those who are 21 and over to gamble. Gamblers in the Keystone State also have to be 21 to partake in sports betting. However, they only have to be 18 for horse racing and play the lottery.
Gambling Taxes
On the one hand, winning a nice jackpot or a lucrative poker tournament is cause to rejoice, but on the other hand, it means there are taxes. The particular casino will withhold at least 24% in federal taxes for large winnings, but you might still be on the hook for the remaining amount. Also, please remember that there is still a state tax liability of 3.07%.
Retail Casino Regulations in Pennsylvania
All of Pennsylvania's retail casinos must have a license to operate. The high-profile ones, like Rivers in Pittsburgh, are fully licensed. Otherwise, they won't be permitted to keep their doors open.
Legal Status
The PGCB requires all its retail casinos to have a valid gaming license. Tribally owned casinos like Mohegan Sun usually receive legitimacy from brokered compacts with the state government. Retail casinos must also provide fair gaming results, which is why their slot and video poker machines use a random number generator.
Minimum Age
PA online casinos require members to be at least 21, like their online counterparts. For your account to be approved, you must prove that you are at least 21. The 21-age minimum also applies to sports betting. Horse racing bets can be placed by those who are at least 18.
Taxes on Winnings
In the same way, you have to pay taxes for online gambling; the same applies to winning at traditional casinos. If you have the fortune to set off the flashing lights for a progressive slot machine, there's a good chance they will cut you a check minus 24%, which has to go to the IRS.
How to Pick the Right Retail Casino in PA
Picking the right Pennsylvania casino boils down to comfort level and whether they offer the games you're looking for. However, other important details to consider go into letting it ride on the roulette wheel or rolling the dice at Pennsylvania's land-based casinos.
Game Selection
While you will find that slots are the majority on the casino pit floor, the retail casino must offer the table games you're interested. If you're not a high roller, do they have regular tabletop games where you can play a blackjack hand for $5 or less? If you want to improve your odds with roulette, do they at least offer European Roulette, for example? You can visit the casino's website for a sneak peek of their casino games.
Safe & Secure Gambling
Beyond the obvious first move of only playing at a licensed land-based casino, another consideration is how the casino operates its security detail. Do they have enough personnel on the floor, and is the pit boss available on the floor? The physical security is important to cut down on personal property theft and your casino chips.
Hospitality
Going to a land-based casino lets you enjoy a luxurious, spacious hotel room with all the trimmings. Some establishments, like MGM Resorts, even have a built-in spa as an added draw. If you're a frequent rewards member, you can also use those points for discounted hotel room stays. For dining, you can expect world-class cuisine and multiple bars to lounge or hang out with friends.
In-Person Support
Just like online casino support is essential, having access to knowledgeable customer support in person is another deal breaker. Depending on the crowd size and the time of day, the wait time and availability vary, but they should still be timely. VIP members have the luxury of personal concierges to attend to their needs. Sometimes, chatting with dealers and croupiers can yield pleasant results.
Retail Casino Game Types in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's land-based casinos continue to strive to keep up with the times and keep members satisfied and coming back. You can generally find most of the same casino game categories in person.
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Slot Machines - While there not as many in person or as diverse like megaways, you can still enjoy Vegas-style slots and cutting-edge five-reel slots with jackpots.
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Table Games - No respectable Pennsylvania casino would become complete without a blackjack and roulette table. You can also find a crowd around the craps table and special rooms for high-stakes poker games like Seven Card Stud. Of course, you can get the poker experience with video poker machines.
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Keno - You can usually rush to fill in your keno card to pick up some extra change with this lottery game system.
Local Casinos to Consider
Today, the Keystone State has 17 legal retail casinos. Besides Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the Keystone State has many worthwhile casinos spread out throughout the state. If you need some pointers, here are some prime examples:
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Parx Casino - Feel the casino bliss that includes nearly 50 poker tables and almost 200 dedicated table games.
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Harrah's Philadelphia - Besides having all the jackpot slot machines you can handle, Harrah's Philadelphia also has features the harness race track which has year-round events. Enjoy luxury wine and steakhouses before you catch a live concert.
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Rivers Casino Pittsburgh - Despite having some slot machines removed, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh still has the third-most slot machines in the state with over 2,900. Rivers Pittsburgh also boasts one of the best and interactive sports books in the Commonwealth.
Responsible Casino Gambling in Pennsylvania
While every effort is made to present an unbelievable ensemble of casino games and the thrills of big wins, the biggest thrill that casinos in Pennsylvania share is that you play responsibly. For playing online, you can set playing session limits through the responsible gaming section. You can also set loss limits.
The golden rule, whether playing in person or online, is to only spend what you can comfortably afford without financial hardship. Still, it is always a good move to come up with a reasonable budget and stick with it, even if you're on a winning streak. Should you need professional help, please don't hesitate to contact these organizations.
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Mayo Clinic
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gam-Anon
- Pennsylvania Gambling Addiction Hotline
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania
You also have the option of placing yourself on the self-exclusion list. However, this step will bar you from playing online and in person in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Casinos Customer Support
There's nothing more frustrating for a gambler not being able to get support with their deposits or trying to follow up on their withdrawals. Online players can also tap into the FAQ section for ready-made answers to common issues.
- Chatbot for live chat
- Toll-free phone
Live chat has evolved to the point that through AI assistance, you can often get a resolution in minutes.
Pennsylvania Casinos Summary
Since the groundbreaking passage of HB 271, Pennsylvania virtual casinos have continued to produce billions annually. Just this past March, iGaming in the Commonwealth topped over $500 million. The journey for the wild success of PA iGaming goes back to 2004 with the legalization of retail casinos. Thanks to the 2010 amendment, table games became legal, paving the way for the success of live dealer games.
The Keystone State, with its iGaming sector and retail casinos, produced nearly $6 billion in gambling revenue in 2023. Thanks to the power of mobile casino apps that allow you to play anywhere in the Keystone State, new sites like Mohegan Live, through its Momentum program, will continue to keep the casino bar of excellence high, even if powerhouses like Unibet are leading.
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