Regulated Casino, Poker and Gambling Sites in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania recently overtook New Jersey in terms of casino revenue – taking second place behind Nevada. With a long gambling history, the passing of H-217 opened the doors PA online gambling.

As part of a large gambling expansion bill that passed in October 2017, Pennsylvania is the latest state to legalize the online lottery. The PA iLottery soft-launched on May 29, 2018. Currently, it only features instant win online scratch-off games. It is legal to play at regulated online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites in Pennsylvania. In October 2017, Pennsylvania regulated online gambling when Gov. Tom Wolf signed a gambling bill into law. The PA online gambling bill took advantage of US online gambling laws, making. Jan 07, 2020  The law legalizing iGaming in PA authorizes Internet slots, table games such as blackjack and roulette, online poker and sports betting. With the exception of online poker, all verticals are now live, with new sites coming online steadily. Online poker brands like PokerStars and WSOP.com have applied for licenses to open up shop in the state.

This guide covers everything you need to about online casinos in PA, gambling online and PA poker sites.

2020 is shaping up to be a busy year in the Keystone state, thanks to nearly a dozen gambling sites launching in 2019. There are multiple sites to choose from in Pennsylvania, including, poker, casino and sports betting.

This guide walks you through the best PA casino apps, including bonus offers available and how to choose a site that works for you.

Best Online Casinos in PA

Here is what you’ll find in this detailed Pennsylvania online gambling guide:

• Legal Overview: Recent law changes and current news
• Online Casinos in PA: The partnerships we know about so far
• Sports Betting Sites in PA: Betting on sports online
• PA Poker Sites: Partnerships and the possibility of shared player pools
• What to Look for: What makes one online casino better than another?
• Gaming Options: Slots, table games, live dealer options and online poker are all covered here.
• PA Online Gambling FAQ: Everything players need to know before heading online
• The Road to Regulation in PA: History and timeline of the legislative efforts

PA Gambling Sites Overview: What’s New?

2019 will be a busy year for Pennsylvania. Licenses have been issued and partnerships are forming, with both real money PA casinos and poker sites already online. The initial licenses are awarded to holders of existing gaming licenses (brick and mortar casinos). A second batch awarded to ‘qualifying gaming organizations’ bringing increased choice for players further down the line.

Many big brand names including Scientific Games and PokerStars have already found partners – and have launched. While some live casinos declined to move online (for example Sands Bethlehem), other big names including Harrah’s Casino and Mohegan Sun are all posed to make this move.

Sports betting is live in PA live casinos, following New Jersey’s victory at the Supreme Court. Licenses have since been issued for a number of sites and many have launched in 2019 with more expected come 2020.

Slots are taxed differently to table games and poker in PA. With a 54% tax on gross gaming revenues, these games will not be as profitable for the casinos as in other states. This high tax rate also applies to slots at existing B&M casinos – and help make PA the state with the highest tax take from casinos, even beating out Nevada.

PA Online Casinos

Most of the license holders have formed technology partnerships already. Big international brands and equivalents gave some clues as to what players could expect with Pennsylvania online casinos. The first casino to go online was Sugarhouse, followed by Parx, BetRivers and Hollywood Casino.

Here is a list of online casinos in PA and known partnerships to date:

• Harrah’s: 888 / Scientific Games
• Hollywood: IGT
• Unibet: Scientific Games / Mohegan Sun
• Mount Airy: PokerStars
• Parx: GAN / Kambi
• Presque Isle: SBTech
• SugarHouse: Rush Street Interactive
• Valley Forge: GVC / IGT / GAN
• BetRivers: Rush Street Interactive

Pennsylvania Online Casino Bonus Guide

With the online casinos in PA open, players have a unique opportunity. The brands (and their partner land-based casinos) are keen to get a great start. This means bonuses and promotions for new players should be both generous and easy to come by.

You’ll find the best PA online casino bonus codes here along with some pointers of the types of bonus and promo deals to expect – and how to take advantage of each one.

• Free Play Bonuses: Over in New Jersey, all NJ online casinos offer new players free play on real money games without the need to deposit. This is money is placed in a bonus account – and can’t simply be withdrawn. You can keep what you win with it, subject to a play-through requirement (and at some casinos a deposit). PA internet casinos are also offering no deposit offers, however, its few and far between.
• Matched Welcome Bonuses: As well as showcasing games with free-play, Pennsylvania online casinos will be keen to encourage deposits. To do this, matched bonuses are on offer. A typical casino deal is 100% matched to your first deposit, up to $500 (sometimes more). You’ll then need to wager this bonus money a number of times before it can be withdrawn.
• Other Deposit Deals: Some casinos in Pennsylvania offer extras along with your deposit. This can be entry into a slot tournament, a free chip for live-dealer casino games or free slot spins.
• Reload Bonuses: You might need to top up your account at times, and casinos are keen that you stay with them instead of seeking a fresh welcome bonus elsewhere. You’ll find reload bonuses similar to your matched welcome offers, with a percentage match and play-through requirement. Remember to check for these if you decide to reload, that simple casino bonus code can make a big difference to your bankroll!
• Comp / Loyalty Schemes: These work in a similar way to schemes at live casinos. You get points based on your play. Instead of swapping them for drinks, you’ll get extra bonuses online instead.

One significant type of casino bonus you can expect from PA gambling sites is one-off and special promos. These can be tied to holidays, sporting events like the Super Bowl or sometimes just new slot games. A solid number of one-off promos shows that a casino is serious about looking after their regular players, and not just attracting new ones.

PA Sportsbooks & Online Betting Sites

At the time of writing, over half a dozen live casinos have applied for online sports betting licenses. Mid 2019 saw Sugar House become the first PA sports betting site, albeit with a soft-launch. Since then, Fanduel, FoxBet Bet Rivers and Unibet PA have launched.

The other casinos expected to roll-out PA sports betting sites in 2020 include:

1. Presque Isle
2. Valley Forge

PA Online Poker Sites

Poker relies on a larger number of players to offer bigger prize tournaments and a wider choice of games / formats. It was assumed that a link-up would happen, though the recent reassessment of the opinion on the Wire Act has now bought this into question.

PA has a big enough population (12.8 million) to make online poker viable alone – though the benefits to players of the extended player pool would be considerable.

Giant brands including 888 and Party Poker are preparing to enter PA, while PokerStars PA has already launched.

PokerStars was the first online poker site in Pennsylvania to go live and is partnered with Mount Airy Casino.

Here are the rest of the sites and partnerships announced so far:

• Harrah’s:888 Poker
• Hollywood: IGT
• Parx: GAN / Kambi
• Valley Forge: Party Poker
• Sugar House: Rush Street Interactive

What to Look for with PA Online Gambling?

With so many options available, choosing the best PA online gambling site might not be easy. This section draws on years of casino, poker and sportsbook experience to bring you the key things to look out for before you sign-up.

For casino fans, the software, games, bonuses and live-dealer options all come into play. Casino site software has come on a long way since the big brands left the US back in 2006. This is now responsive to your screen size, with animations and 3D effects which will blow you away.

In the past, casinos required you download a software package onto your PC. These days, your choices are mostly browser-based – with some smartphone apps.

Instead of games from a single software provider, casinos curate their own choice of slots, table games and novelty titles. You’ll find games from giants like SG and IGT alongside titles from new and innovative software houses. I recommend you try out casinos (with free no-deposit money where possible) to find the game selection and software that you like best.

Poker fans will also have some choices to make. While a lot depends on whether player pools are shared or PA-only – there are differences between the games and formats each site offers. With poker, size matters. While you might prefer software on one site, if all the opponents (particularly the recreational ones) are playing elsewhere, then it makes sense to switch. As well as welcome bonuses, ongoing offers make a big difference to your bottom line in poker games. The best PA poker site will combine a lot of players, a great selection of games and regular reward.

Finally, sports bettors will know that the lines on offer at PA sports betting sites are more important than the software client. That is not to say bad sportsbook software should be tolerated! This area is one where having a choice of site (and the ability to shop for the best lines each time you bet) is more important than a long list of features or gimmicks.

What Casino Games Will Be Available to PA Residents?

Taxes on slot machines for Pennsylvania online casinos are higher than table games, sports and poker. This will be unlikely to stop the casinos offering an excellent range of slot titles. I do expect to see the table games incentivized – and pushed a little harder than in other states.

The choice of slots online these days will come as a pleasant surprise to many new players. You can enjoy online versions of slots from live casinos (including many movie and TV show themed games). You will find the depth of game-play in online-only slot titles has significantly improved. Increased competition from smaller software houses, combined with classics from the likes of MicroGaming, IGT and others will give you a huge choice.

If you prefer your slot play more traditional, then you’ll be happy to know 3-reel slots – which mimic the original mechanical machines – are also widely available. Many online slots have huge (million+) jackpots these days too.

Table games can be played via casino software, or with live dealer via a real-time video link. Live dealer games are hugely popular – adding a social element to online casino gambling. You’ll find plenty of options including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and casino poker variants. Software based table games give you even more choices including many innovative side-bets and rules variations.

Between table games and slots, you’ll already have 1000’s of games to choose from. Add in video poker, keno, scratch-cards and novelty games – and your choices get even better.

PA Online Gambling FAQ

Here are answers to many of the common questions asked by PA residents about the new online gambling sites.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. A bill was signed by Governor Tom Wolf on October the 30^th, 2017. This kick-started a licensing process, initially awarding online gambling licenses to live casinos in Pennsylvania. 12 licenses covering the 3 main gambling verticals (casino, sports betting and poker) have been awarded. Anyone over 21 physically inside the state borders can legally gamble online at licensed sites. There is no requirement to be a permanent resident of Pennsylvania.

What are the Regulations for Licensees in Pennsylvania?

Licensees are currently required to hold a licensed for a brick and mortar casino. There are additional requirements involving taxation, the purchase of 5-year licenses, player protection and game fairness testing. These are overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

When Can I Play Poker or Casino Games in PA?

Online casino games and real money poker is available, with PokerStars launching the first PA poker site and Sugarhouse offering the first online casino. There are only a handful of sites available, but each provides a variety of games.

What are the Age Requirements to Play Real Money Games?

You need to be 21 to legally gamble in PA, this applies to both online and brick and mortar establishments.

Will I be Able to Play Casino Games for Free?

Most real money casinos also offer free-play versions of their games for new players to try out. In addition to these completely free slots and games, many casinos offer free bonus cash to new players. This allows you to play casino games with no personal financial risk. You can keep your winnings, subject to play-through requirements and other terms.

What are Bonuses and Will I be Able to Receive One?

Pa Online Gambling

Gambling site bonuses are common – and will be available to new players at all online gambling sites. These take various forms. Typical incentives include free play (no-deposit) bonuses, matched bonuses based on your first deposit, matched bonuses for existing players (reloads), comp point schemes and one-off promotions.

You’ll be able to take bonuses from each casino, as long as nobody else in your household has already claimed the same bonus.

Will I Need to Pay Tax on my Winnings at PA Online Casinos?

All gambling winnings need to be declared on your tax return and are treated as any other form of income. This is separate from the tax that the casinos pay on their ‘Gross Gaming Revenue’.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Recent clarification at the Supreme Court means that individual states are free to offer sports betting on pro sports. Currently, residents in Pennsylvania can bet on sports at existing casinos, race tracks and online sportsbooks. View all sportsbooks here.

Why Should I Play at PA Casinos and Not Offshore Sites?

There are two main reasons to stick to the regulated casinos in PA. These are safety and quality.

Safety: Offshore casinos are lightly regulated, giving you little or no recourse should you have issues or a dispute. In addition to the risk of encountering a rogue operator, you’ll find it difficult to get money off quickly in the event of legal action from the US. If you stick to PA casinos, you have protection and can ensure that games are completely fair.

Quality: The offshore casinos rely on software supplied by companies willing to turn a blind eye to where it is used. While some games are good, these generally don’t match the quality of the big international game / software developers like IGT and MicroGaming. You’ll have a choice of better-quality gaming options at online casinos PA.

How Do I Deposit and Withdraw from PA Gambling Sites?

Playing at the legal PA online gambling sites makes payments much simpler than with the grey-market offshore casinos. You’ll be able to use your credit cards in the same way as making any online purchase. Common brands like Amex, Visa and MasterCard are all welcomed by online casinos. In addition, electronic wallets like PayPal and Skrill are available.

PA Online Gambling: The Road to Regulation

Like many East coast states, Horse Racing, and the gambling associated with them, were popular as far back as the 1830’s. A lottery and limited charity gambling options were all that was available for a long stretch – until 2004.

In that year ‘Act 71’ was passed, legalizing live casinos and betting at horse racing tracks. These forms of gambling would become a big source of income for the state coffers. High tax rates (particularly on slot and casino gaming), meant that more tax revenue came from gambling in PA than in any other state in 2018. This includes Nevada, where the revenues are higher – though tax rate is significantly lower.

On Oct. 25, 2017, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a comprehensive gaming expansion package that includes online gambling in the form of online poker, online slots, as well as online table games. The next day, the PA House passed the bill as well, making Pennsylvania the fourth state in the nation to authorize online gambling.

The package then went to Gov. Tom Wolf, who signed the bill on Oct. 30, 2017, officially cementing PA’s status as the fourth US state to legalize online gaming.

The legislation, H 271, permits a variety of other gambling expansions, including daily fantasy sports, sports betting both online and off (should the federal government repeal PASPA), video gaming terminals (VGTs) in authorized truck stops, and tablet gaming at qualified airport locations.

Now that Wolf signed the bill into law, it will likely be around nine months before the first legal online gambling sites launch in Pennsylvania. Regulations will need to be promulgated, licenses issued, sites tested, and so forth.

When legal NJ online gambling was passed, it was roughly nine months before sites went live.

Pennsylvania has surpassed their first year of online gambling and in that year they saw half a dozen sportsbooks go online, one poker site and four casinos. More are expected to rollout over the course of 2020.

History of gambling in Pennsylvania

A bit late to the party, Pennsylvania has made up for all the years of having an unregulated market with a bountiful land-based offering, lottery and horse race betting. In terms of commercial gambling revenue, Pennsylvania is second to Nevada, the home of Las Vegas, no less. Interestingly, Pennsylvania has a history of being a regulated gaming state of a little over a decade.

Before casinos and the modern concept of gambling, Pennsylvania embraced horse racing and lottery. The Pennsylvania legislature passed the Race Horse Industry Reform Act in 1959, and the oldest racetrack which is still operational today was opened in 1963. Before that, horse races were prohibited and despite that, ‘betting on the ponies’ was one of Pennsylvania’s favorite pastimes throughout the 1700’s and 1800’s.

Modern-day gambling legislation in Pennsylvania focuses on making revenues to boost the state’s economy, create more jobs, and the like. The PA state lottery was established in 1971 and became a government-run entity with a purpose to relieve the elderly from property tax. There were failed pushes for regulating other forms of gambling in Keystone State in the 90s, but it wasn’t until 2004 that Pa got its Act 71, known as the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act. The document established the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and legalized casinos and racetracks across the state. Slot parlors (future casinos) were authorized to operate virtual lottery terminals (VLTs), and in 2010, these were added table games (poker). In 2017, Pennsylvania officially became the fourth US state to legalize online gambling.

Land based casinos

PA was quick to implement is legislation, and that allowed the brick and mortar industry to thrive throughout the state. In Pennsylvania, you can visit racinos (casino and racetrack combinations), smaller standalone casinos (slot parlors) and resort-style casinos which include massive gaming floors and lavish hotels. There are a dozen venues that cater to horse race lovers, slot machine enthusiasts, poker fans and beyond.

Notable racino facilities include Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, Meadows Racetrack and Casino in North Strabane Township, Parx Casino and Racing in Bensalem and Hollywood Casino Grantville in Dauphin. Harrah’s offers traditional casino games like blackjack, craps and roulette, as well as Pai Gow Poker, Pai Gow Tiles and Sic Bo. The casino is equipped with a 35-table 24/7 poker room and a limestone encrusted racetrack overlooking the Delaware River.

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino caters to a diversified group of gamblers, offering a 350,000 square-foot gaming establishment and a year-round racing schedule. Meadows it situated in the Greater Pittsburgh area, housing more than 3,500 slots and video pokers. It also features Three Card Poker, Let it Ride, Texas Hold’em, as well as roulette and blackjack tables.

If you care for a more pampered treatment, you can visit the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington or the Valley Forge Casino Resort in Upper Merion Township. More alternatives to the racino facilities include Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem.

Online casinos

Sites such as Miami Club Casino, Bovada and Ignition Casino are recommendable internet venues with plenty to offer to someone from the Keystone State.

Miami Club is a Deck Media brand, a sister site to casinos such as Spartan Slots, Red Stag and Cafe Casino. It features a Curacao license, rare WGS software, a VIP program, and both instant play and desktop download options. Bovada Casino has a terrific reputation; Real Time Gaming and Betsoft supply its library with animated 3D goodness and proven high-quality machines. Ignition is regulated by Kahnawake Gaming Commission and it offers a mixed suite of games created by Betsoft, Rival, Genesis Gaming and RTG.

Pennsylvania Gambling News

Regulation and legality of online gambling

Will Pennsylvania Legalize Online Gambling Laws

Pennsylvania legislators started looking into online gambling in 2013 while the State Senator was Tina Davis. The talk heated up by 2015. There were bill propositions in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the legalization of online gambling in-state came into effect. At the end of October in 2017, PA passed the state’s gaming expansion package, the H 271. It was signed into law by the governor Tom Wolf, and made Pennsylvania the fourth US state which legalized online gambling.

Legal States For Online Gambling

The new online gambling law allows 13 licenses and each of these licenses covers online table games, online slots and online poker (peer-to-peer games). At first, nine Pennsylvania casinos applied for the three-category license. The original 9 applicants include Parx Casino, Harrah’s Philadelphia, SugarHouse Casino, Hollywood Casino at Penn National and Mount Airy Casino, to name a few. The tenth brand to apply is Mohegan Sun. Everyone is eager to see what happens next, as concrete dates for launches haven’t been announced yet.