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. Video slots and video gambling terminals (VGTs) were also legalized at truck stops across Pennsylvania. It was a big step for the industry to have Pennsylvania legalize online gambling.
Just as casinos in NJ, at a standard PA online casino, real money gambling is completely permitted. You can play classic slots for a cent a spin or hit the high-stakes blackjack tables and bet hundreds.
PA Online Casino Laws
Under the gambling expansion in 2017, PA online casinos were made 100% legal. Ten casinos were awarded licenses by the state Gaming Control Board and the first online casinos in PA went live in 2019. In addition to online slots and table games, gamblers in PA can also purchase lottery tickets on the web.
- Bill HB 271 allows for legal and licensed online casinos in Pennsylvania
- Dozen interactive gambling licenses have been issued
- First online casinos went live in 2019
- Online casino games include slots, table games, online poker and live casino
- Games are available to those over 21
What Online Casinos in PA Are Most Popular?
Despite a slow start to legalized online gambling, Pennsylvania casino sites are now offering more and more games. You can play table games, slots and lots more at an online casino. PA gamblers must be physically located within the state to gamble for real cash. The first online casino Pennsylvania launched came in July 2019. Some of the bigger operators have taken a little longer to get ready. Here is an up-to-date list of Pennsylvania casinos online with some of the big players we really like.
DraftKings Casino
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) giant DraftKings went live in late 2019 and is partnered with The Meadows Racetrack. As well as DFS and online sports betting, DraftKings casino spreads several hundred online video slots and table games for PA players. The casino also provides a full range of bespoke branded games such as DraftKings Blackjack. DraftKings is also known for having one of the best online sportsbooks.
BetMGM Casino
BetMGM is one of the most active online gambling operators in the US. It provides the best online casino gaming in multiple states, including New Jersey and Michigan (check out all about Michigan online casinos and New Jersey online casinos). The operator runs its best PA online casino in partnership with Hollywood Casino and offers a full suite of live dealer games and regular table games. You can also join the M life Rewards program and earn points and perks, whether you’re playing online or at an MGM Casino. Be sure to also check out the online sportsbook at BetMGM.
Unibet Casino
European online gambling giants Unibet launched their PA legal online casino in partnership with the Mohegan Sun Pocono. As official partner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Unibet casino PA has introduced a host of games themed around the team. However, you can also enjoy plenty of IGT slots and NetEnt table games. As well as an online casino, Unibet supplies a fully-stocked sports betting platform offering odds boosts on local sports teams, parlay boosts and free bets.
BetRivers Casino
BetRivers added its new PA online casino to its online sportsbook in early 2020. In fact, BetRivers operates under a gaming license from Philadelphia’s own Rivers Casino. You can also access slots and table games through your existing BetRivers Sportsbook app.
Hollywood Casino
Hollywood Casino was one of the first legal online casinos to launch following legalization. The parent company, Penn National Gaming, is based in Pennsylvania and operates brick ‘n mortar casinos across the state.
TwinSpires Casino (formerly BetAmerica Casino)
Recently rebranded from BetAmerica by its parent company, TwinSpires Casino is owned and operated by Churchill Downs and was one of the newest PA online casinos when it went live in 2020. As well as table games and big-name NetEnt slots, you can enjoy sports betting through the online site or mobile app.
PokerStars Casino
PokerStars is one of the most recognizable online poker brands. It launched a licensed online casino in PA in partnership with FOX Bet back in 2019. PokerStars’ game offering is a little lower than at some PA online casinos, but it does boast a few multiplayer games and video poker. Plus, PokerStars currently offers Pennsylvania’s only online poker site, making it some of the best real money gaming in Pennsylvania
Caesars Casino
Online gambling behemoth Caesars casino launched its PA online casino in 2020. Caesars casino PA operates in partnership with one of Pennsylvania’s biggest casinos, Harrah’s Philadelphia. Caesars offers sports betting, slots and casino games. PA residents and visitors will also be able to play poker on the Caesars online casino soon.
Are PA Online Casino Bonuses Available for Players?
Every Pennsylvania online casino will offer some type of bonus to attract players. Better still, casino operators will keep offering deals to keep you playing so its important to keep looking for the best online casino bonuses.
A PA online casino deposit bonus is perhaps the No. 1 pick avid gamblers are looking for. If this is you, you will be pleased to know BetMGM PA and TwinSpires PA are two examples of casinos that offer free play bonuses. The deposit match welcome bonus is the another desirable type of promotion. Make a deposit, use a bonus code and earn free cash to use on games of your choice. As long as you meet the wagering requirements, you can claim free money in your account.
After your first deposit bonus, the best PA online casinos will offer plenty of ongoing promotions. You can claim free play spins to use on slot games or get cashback on some of your losing games. You can even join a VIP program and earn comps and rewards every time you bet real money.
Most Popular Online Casino Games
The best casino in Pennsylvania should offer a good selection of video slots and table games. Try demo play games to learn the rules or jump onto real-money tables at stakes that suit your budget. You can also find VIP rooms with high stakes up to $1,000-$5,000 if your bankroll allows. At a good casino online, PA players can enjoy live dealer games too – where you can play games like blackjack and baccarat against human croupiers – plus progressive slots where you can win massive jackpots.
Online Slots
Legal Pennsylvania online casinos usually offer more than 50 legal online slots. PA gamblers will find games from established software developers such as IGT and WMS. And under PGCB rules, casino providers must be properly licensed to offer online gambling. Therefore, you’ll find lots of reliable PA casinos that offer online slots have been audited and tested before hitting the lobby.
At the best online casino, PA gamblers can enjoy hit online games like NetEnt’s Starburst or trigger the bonus in IGT’s Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin. You can also play progressive jackpots with a shot at winning a multi-million-dollar pot. Should you be curious about some of the slot games, check out our vast selection of free slot games.
Video Poker
Just as in brick ‘n mortar casinos, video poker games are hugely popular at every Pennsylvania online casino. At a casino, PA real money gamblers can play video poker from industry leaders such as IGT. Play Ten Play Draw Poker or Deuces Wild at stakes to suit you. You can even increase the number of coins and go for the jackpot.
Online Blackjack
Play 21 against the dealer and win 3/2 on your blackjack! As well as classic blackjack, you can find interesting variants with side bets such as Blackjack Surrender, 21+3 and Perfect Pairs.
Online Roulette
In land-based casinos in PA, American Roulette is the most popular form of the game. However, at the best online casinos, you can enjoy interesting variants like European Roulette and French Roulette. You’ll also be able to play online roulette at smaller stakes than you’ll find in a local casino.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casino games are also making an appearance at PA online gambling sites. In live dealer games from providers such as Evolution Gaming, you can play against a human croupier situated in a studio. The dealer uses special cards that are scanned by a camera before being displayed on your computer screen. You make decisions using your keyboard and mouse, but the equipment is 100% real! You can even chat to the dealer as the game takes place.
Other Online Casino Games
If roulette and slots aren’t your thing, you can also enjoy a range of alternative casino games. The best online casinos offer a host of scratchers and instant win games like keno. You can even try Slingo, a cool blend of traditional slots and bingo.
Are Mobile Apps Available at Pennsylvania Online Casinos?
PA mobile apps let you play casino games and slots on the move. Turn your Apple or Android smartphone into an all-powerful casino wherever you are. You can find the best PA online casino apps in the App Store (iOS) or direct from the casino site if you’re using Android. You can make deposits and play adapted slots and table games that work on your touch screen.
Mobile PA casino apps use geolocation tools to help real money gaming sites pinpoint your location. If you’re outside Pennsylvania borders, you won’t be able to log on and play for real money. This is important as it means casinos are complying with PA gambling regulations. When you open your mobile PA casino apps, remember to switch your WiFi on, as well as your GPS. That way, the casino will always know that you’re inside Pennsylvania and playing legally.
iOS Slots
You can download a dedicated slots casino app direct from the App Store. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS to give you access to the latest download slots.
Android Slots
Install the Android casino app direct from the Google Play Store or get an .apk file from the casino website. Play hundreds of slots and table games that are specially designed for your Android device.
Top Reasons to Gamble at a PA Online Casino
There are many reasons to enjoy casino games online in PA. You never have to leave home to get your fill of slots and table games. Plus, you can earn a great deposit bonus or free spins when you sign up. Best of all, you can play for free or choose much lower stakes than you’ll find in your nearest PA casino.
- Get an Exclusive Bonus Code: You can claim a tasty welcome bonus when you register at an online casino. PA customers can make a deposit and get matched funds or free games to use on the biggest slots in town.
- Ongoing promotions: Once you’ve completed your first deposit match offer, you can sit back and enjoy lots of regular bonus offers. Take advantage of bonus spins on new slots, 50% reload bonuses or slots tournaments with big prizes.
- VIP Rewards: Your local brick ‘n mortar casino may not offer much in the way of comps. Plus, you’ll have to travel there in person to rack up player points.
At top PA online gambling sites, you can join a VIP program and earn points every time you play casino games at home. You can even enjoy added benefits like tickets to an exclusive party or the next big ballgame.
How Are Pennsylvania Online Casinos Regulated?
Casino games and online gambling in PA is overseen by the PGCB. It was set up in 2004 to regulate and oversee all casino gaming in the state. Since HB 271 passed, the PGCB has been responsible for overseeing the expanded gaming regulations. It issues and approves licenses for interactive gaming operators wanting to set up regulated online casinos.
- Main regulator of gambling in Pennsylvania
- Enforces the current gaming laws and regulations in PA
- Issues Interactive Gaming Certificates to online gambling operators
- Issues sports wagering certificates to operators
- Assists the horse racing industry through funding
- Tests slots machines to confirm payouts
Registering a PA Casino Account Online
Before you start playing your favorite casino games for real money, you’ll need to open an account. Sign-up only takes a few minutes but you’ll need your Social Security number on hand to complete the process. Under Pennsylvania online gambling regulations, PA casinos online will need to verify your age and identity. Therefore, you may be asked to provide additional documents such as a scan of your passport and driver’s license.
When you register your new account, enter the following information. You may also be able to enter a deposit bonus code to claim your first promotion:
- Full name
- Age
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Cell phone number
- Email address
- Social Security number (last 4 digits only)
Once you’ve clicked through the confirmation email, you’re ready to play online table games and your favorite slots. You will also need to create a unique username and password. You can use these to log in online or through your smartphone.
PA casinos use geolocation tools to ensure you are within the state when you log on and gamble. You may have to install a geolocation plugin like GeoComply when you open your account. And if you’re a mobile gambler in PA, the top casino apps will come with the software already installed.
Banking At Pennsylvania Gambling Sites
Before you claim your deposit match bonus, you’ll need to load your account with money. The good news is that it’s quick and simple to make a deposit at PA online casino sites. You can also request a withdrawal and have physical access to your winnings within days.
Deposits
You can make easy deposits using your PA debit card or bank account. Alternatively, transfer cash instantly and anonymously from an e-wallet such as PayPal or Skrill. To transfer funds, open the casino cashier tab and select the method you want to use. Then, enter your card number or e-wallet address, plus the amount you want to deposit. You’ll also have to type in your account password.
Each deposit method will have its own minimum and maximum limit. There may also be fees to pay depending on the method used.
Credit card/debit card
More and more institutions are now allowing legal casino deposits via credit card, but be warned: They are often treated as cash advances and subject to fees. You can also transfer cash from your bank account using your Visa or Mastercard debit card. The process is instant and the PA casino won’t charge you a dime. However, you should be prepared for some US banks to reject online gambling payments.
VIP Preferred
VIP Preferred is an online banking method that uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH) to make transfers. Sign up to the service and send cash safely direct from your checking account. You never have to share your card details with the casino.
Play+ Prepaid Card
Some legal online casinos offer their own branded prepaid Play+ cards. Use a debit card or credit card to load funds onto the prepaid card. You can then transfer cash easily into your casino account. It’s easy to do and you avoid those irritating declined payments associated with bank cards.
PayNearMe
PayNearMe is an easy service which you can use at your nearest 7-Eleven, CVS or Family Dollar. Get a PayCode in the casino cashier and use it at your 7-Eleven to make a cash deposit at the counter.
Online banking
If you want to avoid a card payment, you can also make an online bank transfer using available funds. Log on to your online banking page and send cash straight to the casino’s account using the information provided.
e-wallet
PA online casinos allow deposits and withdrawals using e-wallets such as PayPal. Store cash in your PayPal wallet and send it to your casino account. The fees can be low in the US and you never have to share your card details.
Cashier cage
You can also make deposits at the casino cage of the affiliated land-based casino.
Withdrawals
You can make a withdrawal request from your PA online casino account if you have sufficient funds available. To cash out, visit the cashier and select the method you want to withdraw money to. In most cases, you’ll only be able to cash out back to the Play+ card, bank account or e-wallet you used to make the last deposit with.
All withdrawals are processed and reviewed. This can add a few days to the entire procedure. For most withdrawal methods you’ll have to wait around 2-5 business days to receive your funds. You can click on the "History" tab in your account to track the current progress of the withdrawal.
- Play+ Prepaid card (instant)
- VIP Preferred (2-5 business days)
- e-wallet (1-2 days)
- Paper check by mail (2-4 weeks)
- Online bank transfer (3-5 business days)
Promotions You'll Find at Pennsylvania Casinos
You can claim a host of exciting promotions and casino bonuses at the top PA gambling sites. Start off with a welcome bonus, then progress on to reload bonuses, slots tournaments and a VIP program.
Welcome Bonus: This is a special online gambling bonus reserved for new sign-ups. Register your account and enter the exclusive bonus code. You’ll also have to make a first deposit using your card. Most welcome casino bonuses usually fall into one of two categories:
With a deposit match, the casino often will match your first deposit 100% with bonus funds. You can use these to play eligible slots and table games. In most cases, online slots will contribute 100% toward the bonus funds total. Table games may contribute much less. You will then have a wagering requirement added to the bonus. You might have to gamble your bonus funds up to 40 times over before you can unlock your free cash or site credits. Naturally, you may also go bust before that happens.
Free spins are awarded on specific slots or a group of online slots. You must use your free spins at a set stake. Any winnings are stored as bonus cash or site credits. To unlock the winnings, wager them according to the terms and conditions. You may have to gamble them 25-40 times over before releasing them into your account.
Reload Bonus: As a regular customer, the online casino will offer you a smaller deposit bonus. A reload bonus works just like a welcome bonus but the amounts are usually smaller. For example, a welcome bonus may promise 100% matched up to $1,000. A reload bonus typically guarantees 25-50% up to $250.
Reload bonuses also carry a wagering requirement. You’ll have to play through your bonus funds 20-30 times before you can withdraw them. You will also have restrictions on which games are eligible, and how much they contribute.
Bonus Spins: A bonus spins promotion works like a free spins welcome bonus. Receive a few free games on the latest slot release and play through the bonus funds in order to claim your winnings.
Slots Tournament: Some online gambling sites in PA will run slots leaderboard challenges. Play a nominated slot in the designated times and climb the leaderboard the more you win. You might win a prize or a share of the cash prize pool.
VIP Program: A loyalty program rewards PA players who maintain a lot of regular casino play. You’ll earn player points every time you play slots or table games to win real money. The more you play, the more points you earn. You can then cash in your points for real money.
If you maintain a monthly balance of points, you can work your way through the loyalty program tiers. The higher you go, the more benefits you can earn. Benefits can range from exclusive deposit bonuses to birthday gifts and even your own personal VIP manager.
Legal Penn Gambling Sites Vs. Offshore Gaming Sites
PA online casinos are now fully legal. You can make deposits and withdrawals, opt in to a promotion and join a rewards plan. Casinos are properly licensed and regulated by Pennsylvania's Gaming Control Board. However, unlicensed offshore casinos still exist. These are internet gambling sites with remote servers based overseas. They often won’t feature regulated games and software, and the random number generators may not be fully reliable.
We would never recommend you sign up to an offshore casino. You are risking your own money and winnings, and it may be difficult to get any disputes resolved. Here’s why we you should always play at licensed PA casino sites:
- Properly regulated and overseen by the PGCB
- Segregated and protected player funds
- Protected and encrypted personal details
- Audited random generators and payouts
Pennsylvania Online Casino Revenue
Online casinos in PA may have only been around since 2019, but revenue is already on the increase. In February 2021, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported combined total revenue of over $311 million for the previous month. That marked an increase of 2.73% compare to the same month a year earlier. Online casino gaming took in $80.4 million, an increase of 11% on the previous high set in December 2020.
Yet in March 2021, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported monthly gaming revenue in excess of $400 million for the first time. The total revenue of $403,131,336 marked an increase year on year of 162%.
With the Pennsylvania online gambling market now becoming more mature, and the major operators all up and running, those revenue records could be smashed yet again.
Responsible Gambling
Under state guidance, PA online casinos must adhere to strict responsible gambling measures. Licensed will offer resources for players and provide assistance if they need it. You will be able to set your own deposit limits and request a period of self exclusion if you feel you have a gambling problem. Good PA casinos also provide details and contacts for problem gambling helplines and support sites. Some bodies are local to Pennsylvania, while others are US-wide organizations. These support sites are an important part of having online gambling legal in Pennsylvania.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA: A non-profit organization which is affiliated to the National Council on Problem Gambling. They offer a free, 24-hour helpline to anyone looking for help with a gambling problem. Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
National Council on Problem Gambling: This organization provides a national helpline for gamblers to receive help when they need it. They will also provide a list of support groups in your area. Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of problem gamblers who self-support through regular meetings. Phone: 855-222-5542
Online Casinos Pennsylvania FAQ
Yes. You can sign up for an online casino account anywhere in the US. However, you must be physically located inside PA borders in order to log on and gamble for real money.
Yes. All PA gambling sites must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board before offering casino games. Funds and personal data are secure and protected.
Yes. Online casino gambling was legalized in PA back in 2017. You can legally gamble on slots and table games for real money at stakes to suit your budget.
There are many top online PA casino sites to choose from. To decide which casino is right for you, read our unrivaled reviews and recommendations. Make a deposit, use bonus code promotions!
A no-deposit bonus is a great way to enjoy casino games and win real money without risking your own bankroll. Some PA online casinos will offer a no-deposit bonus when you register.
Yes. Pennsylvania has over a dozen land-based casinos, including properties from some of the biggest casino operators in the US, such as Harrah's and Rivers.
We offer expert reviews and reports on all Pennsylvania online casinos. Our reviewers have been gambling in PA since the first casinos appeared.
Online casinos in Pennsylvania use geolocation software so that they can verify your exact location. When you use a mobile casino app, the casino will use your phone’s GPS and Wi-Fi location.
Yes. You must pay 3.07% on any gambling income you make at a PA online casino site. Casinos will also withhold 25% of any winnings you make for federal taxes.
Most forms of online gambling are now legal in PA. You can play casino games, video slots, buy lottery tickets, make sports bets or play online poker for real money. The PA gaming control board makes sure all these games are safe and secure.
Yes. There are PA online casino no deposit bonus options. BetMGM PA and TwinSpires PA are two examples of casinos that currently offer no deposit, or free play, bonuses.
Contributors
Jon Young is a writer and magazine editor with over 12 years' experience in the gaming sector. He has written on everything from poker and slots to casino, sports betting and mobile gambling. When not trying to take down the Mega Moolah jackpot he can be found playing poker tournaments in casinos.