Online Pa Casinos

Are Online Casinos Legal in PA?

Yes. In 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth state in the U.S. to legalize online gaming, part of a massive gambling expansion signed by Gov. Tom Wolf. The legislation allowed for online casinos, online poker and other forms of gambling, including online sports betting and online lottery games.

Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here’s a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now: Unibet Casino. Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $750. For the free money, use promo code FREEBONUS.

1. Below is a guide to the new online casinos you can enjoy in Pennsylvania. First, we’ll take a look at the advantages of the latest casino apps and websites. We cover what separates the good online casinos in PA from the rest, including details of some of the biggest and best PA casino brands.
2. Some PA online casinos may also offer existing customers a free spins bonus for volume play or for making a new deposit. Do what the PA online casino asks and you’ll receive the free spins. Win anything using the spins and it’s yours to keep. All casino bonuses come with terms and conditions, like a wagering or playthrough requirement.

PA online casinos launched in July 2019, and five were live by the end of the year. By 2021, the number had grown to 13, each offering slots, table games and video poker. PA land-based casinos are permitted to partner with an unlimited number of brands, creating a wealth of legal online casino choices for Pennsylvania players.

Pennsylvania Casino Bonuses and Promo Codes

Whether you’re looking to find the best online casinos in Pennsylvania or the latest updates on bonus codes, PennStakes.com can be a valuable resource. The Keystone State is home to more than a dozen online casinos, with more on the way, giving Pennsylvania players an increasing number of choices. We provide information on the state’s gambling apps and online casino games, along with state-specific rules and regulations.

As the number of PA online casinos grows, so does the competition to sign up new players. So, PA online casinos offer a variety of bonuses to attract new players, such as welcome and no-deposit bonuses. Promo or casino bonus codes are often used to market the promotions and for tracking purposes. And here at PennStakes.com, we’ll help you find the best bonuses available.

100% Welcome Bonus up to $1000 + $25 in Free PlayPROMO CODE:PENNBONUSRead Expert Review Terms apply for all bonuses. Must be 21+ to participate.

Best Pennsylvania Online Casino Bonuses

A no-deposit welcome bonus generally provides a small bonus just for signing up. In a deposit match, an online casino site will match a percentage or all of your initial deposit. Other offers include reload bonuses for existing players and freerolls, which provide free contest or tournament entry. Some bonuses require that the bonus money be wagered a number of times before it can be fully redeemed, so it’s important to read terms and conditions.

Legal PA Gambling Apps

PA casino apps offer incredible convenience, providing 24/7 access to online slots, table games and video poker, whether you play for real money or just for fun. The apps are free to download and available for Android and iOS devices.

The apps allow players to choose from a wide selection of slots or table games, including several live dealer games. The multi-functional apps also allow you to claim a casino bonus, earn loyalty rewards and make deposits or withdrawals on your smartphone or mobile device from anywhere inside the state.

Pennsylvania’s Most Popular Online Games

PA online casinos offer many of the same slots and table games you would find at your favorite land based casino. And unlike those brick-and-mortar casinos, almost every online casino game can be played for free in demo mode, allowing players to become comfortable with the game before risking real money. Among the state’s most popular online casino games:

Slots: PA online casinos offer hundreds of slot titles, from classic games such as Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune to new titles with the latest graphics. Most offer a large selection of progressive slots, which feature massive jackpots that grow over time.

Blackjack: The most popular table game in any casino, whether land-based or online, with a house edge of less than 1 percent for players who use correct basic strategy. The online version offers single deck and multiple deck blackjack games, some with surrender options and sidebets.

Poker: In addition to video poker, several online casino poker variations are available, including Pai Gow, 3 Card Poker and Casino Hold’em. For those who wish to play No-limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha or other stud games at a poker-specific site, PokerStars provides the state’s lone poker app, offering a large number of cash games and tournaments for various buy-in levels. There is hope that online poker options will increase, though.

Roulette: Identical to roulette in your favorite land-based casino, with a random number generator replacing the electronic wheel. Several online variations are available, with European and French Roulette (no double zero slot) offering more favorable odds than the American version.

Live Dealer: Live dealer re-creates the casino table game experience with an actual person dealing the cards (or spinning the wheel) from a studio. The online casino game is streamed to your computer or mobile device. Players can chat online with the dealer and others at the table. This popular format went live in PA during the fourth quarter of 2020.

PA Online Casino List

More than a dozen online casinos were operating in Pennsylvania during the first quarter of 2021. Each offers its own selection of slots and table games and is partnered with a PA land based casino.

SiteLicensing CasinoLaunch DateHollywood Casino PA Hollywood Casino at Penn National July 15, 2019Parx Online Casino Parx Casino July 15, 2019PlaySugarHouse Casino Rivers Casino PhiladelphiaJuly 17, 2019PokerStars Casino (FOX Bet) Mount Airy Casino Nov. 4, 2019Unibet Casino Mohegan Sun Pocono Nov. 13, 2019FanDuel Casino Valley Forge Casino Jan. 4, 2020BetAmerica Casino Presque Isle Downs Jan. 28, 2020BetRivers Casino Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Jan. 30, 2020Caesars Casino Harrah’s Philadelphia April 23, 2020DraftKings Casino Meadows Racetrack and Casino May 1, 2020Wind Creek Casino Wind Creek Bethlehem Aug. 5, 2020PlayLive! Casino Live! Hotel & Casino Philadelphia Aug. 11, 2020BetMGM Hollywood Casino at Penn National Dec. 1, 2020

Hollywood Casino

The first online casino site to launch in PA offers a large number of live dealer blackjack games and roulette options. Bonus offers include sign-up and deposit match.

Parx Casino

The state’s land-based casino leader in slot machine and table game revenue is also formidable online. Robust slot selection includes a variety of jackpot games.

PlaySugarhouse Casino

The state’s leading online casino in slots revenue, with several titles offering the latest 3D graphics and design. Live dealer options include blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

PokerStars Casino

The only PA gambling app to offer a live poker room, though others are reportedly on the way. Casino app includes several varieties of blackjack and video poker options. PokerStars is partnered with FOX Bet, which offers an online sportsbook.

Unibet Casino

Taking advantage of partnership with NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles by offering team-themed blackjack tables and online slots. Table game selection includes more than six variants of roulette.

FanDuel Casino

Powerhouse in online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports also offers solid online casino option, ranking among state’s top two operators (along with a familiar foe, DraftKings online casino) in internet table games revenue.

BetAmerica Casino

Churchill Downs-owned casino is relaunching its iGaming platform and sportsbook under TwinSpires brand. Slot selection includes several new releases and high limit games.

BetRivers Casino

Like PlaySugarhouse, is owned by Rush Street Interactive, and operates under the PlaySugarHouse license (though BetRivers is affiliated with Rivers Pittsburgh). First deposit bonus offers include 100% match.

Caesars Casino

Smaller selection of online table games, but with several live dealer blackjack options. Slot selection includes dozens of new titles.

DraftKings Casino

Like FanDuel, this dominant online sportsbook/Daily Fantasy Sports operator is now a leading online casino competitor. DraftKings Casino ranks among state leaders in internet slots and table game revenue.

Windcreek Casino

Tribal based operator closed on purchase of Wind Creek Bethlehem in 2019 and launched online casino in August 2020. Smaller number of games offered but selection is growing, with convenient format for demo play.

PlayLive! Casino

The 12th online casino in PA launched in August 2020, before completion of the company’s land-based casino in Philadelphia, which opened in February 2021. Already offers decent selection of slots and table games.

BetMGM Casino

One of the leading online casinos in New Jersey is the most recent addition to the PA market. BetMGM online casino is aggressively marketing its entrance, reaching gaming partnerships with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.

Gambling Regulation

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates the state’s online gambling industry. Among the key components of the state’s online casino gambling laws:

• The minimum age to participate in Pennsylvania online casino gambling is 21.
• Bettors must be inside the state to place a wager with a Pennsylvania-licensed online casino. GPS software and IP Address identification verify a bettor’s location.
• The rules of play for internet casino gaming must be similar to the rules of play in land-based casinos.
• Existing Pennsylvania land-based casino license holders are eligible to receive an online gaming license and can partner with an unlimited number of online “skins.”
• Casino tax rates on gross revenue from internet gaming are 54% for slot machines (one of the highest rates in the U.S.) and 16% for table games.

Gambling Revenue in PA

Land Based CasinoOnline Casino Total Revenue August 2021$296,134,108$85,522,028$381,656,136 July 2021$309,795,427$86,085,189$395,880,616ChangeDown 4.4% Down 0.7% Down 3.6%

Note: Online casino (iGaming) reflects gross revenue for interactive slots plus banking tables; land-based casino figures include total table games gross revenue plus slots gross revenue

RELATED: Key Takeaways from the Pennsylvania August Gaming Report

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be fun, which is why we take responsible gambling seriously at PennStakes.com. When reviewing casino and slots sites, we make sure they take it seriously, too. Pennsylvania bettors who may have a gambling problem can contact the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (1-215-643-4542) or the PGCB helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), to name a few sites, and seek help. The PGCB also, at your request, have state-regulated casinos and sportsbooks to exclude you from playing for a set amount of time. Part of our mission is to provide resources to help you gamble responsibly.

PA Online Casino FAQ

Yes, online casinos are legal in Pennsylvania. PA online casinos launched in 2019. Entering 2021, there were 13 online casinos offering slots, table games and video poker operating in the state.

The minimum age to play in casino games at a legal online casino in Pennsylvania is 21, the same age to play in a PA land-based casino.

Choose an PA online casino you wish to sign up with. Go the online casino’s website or download the app from App Store. Click on “register’’ or “create an account.’’ You will be asked to provide some general information such as name, phone number, email address, last four digits of your Social Security number, etc. When your information is submitted and then verified by the casino operator, your account is created

PA online casino offers several deposit options to fund your account. The list includes, but is not limited to, credit/debit cards; Play+; prepaid cards; bank transfer; wire transfer; e-wallets such as PayPal, Neteller or Skrill; PayNearMe; or cash at the casino cage of the land-based facility affiliated with your online casino.

You can request a withdrawal at any time. Simply click on the ‘’make a withdrawal’’ button and follow the prompts. It’s generally best (and often required) to withdraw with the same method used to make a deposit (e-wallets and bank transfers work best; credit/debit cards are often not accepted for withdrawals). Withdrawals via old-fashioned paper check mailed to your address are also a common option.

All wagers at PA online casinos must be placed from within the state. Geofencing technology and IP Address identification are used to track a player’s location and will automatically block entry and play if a user is outside the state.

They all do. While each online casino has its own unique program, all reward and incentivize players for various levels of play. Generally, players earn credits or points which can be redeemed for cash, prizes and other perks.

Offshore casino sites are unregulated and risky, and withdrawals can be unreliable. Offshore sites are not licensed by any U.S. regulatory authority and may shut down at any time, causing bettors to potentially lose their funds and personal information with no recourse. Every legal online casino in PA is licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which ensures your accounts are secure.

All gambling winnings are subject to federal and state tax, according to the IRS. Pennsylvania levies a 3.07% tax on gambling income. Calculate your gambling winnings after taxes using our PA Gambling Winnings Tax Calculator.

Few, if any, states offer as many gambling options as Pennsylvania. The state offers casino gambling at land-based and online casinos; online and retail sports betting and poker; daily fantasy sports; pari-mutuel wagering; electronic gaming devices; bingo and lottery.

References

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

US Department of Justice

American Gaming Association

National Council on Problem Gambling

International Association of Gaming Regulators

Contributors

Jon Young

Reviewer sinceMay 2019

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.

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.

Pa Online Casinos Free Bonus

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.

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.

Best Online Pa 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.

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.

All Online Pa Casinos

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.

Best Online Pa Casinos

Map Of Pennsylvania Casinos

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.