Pennsylvania Online Casinos

Pennsylvania Online Gambling Overview

Pennsylvania Gambling Laws

If you are older than 21 and within Pennsylvania’s borders, you can gamble safely and legally with any state-regulated online casinos. All are licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), which oversees fairness, data protection, player safety, and responsible gambling.

When Pennsylvania lawmakers faced a $2 billion budget deficit in the 2010s, legalizing online gambling was suggested as a long-term revenue solution. The first major legislative efforts to legalize online gambling in PA started in 2015 with HB 649 and SB 900. Both bills failed, but gamblers only had to wait until 2017 for successful gambling legislation to pass. On October 30 of that year, Governor Tom Wolf signed HB 271, legalizing online gambling in Pennsylvania. However, logistical issues prevented online casinos from launching in the state until 2019. All PA online operators must partner with a land-based casino in the state to receive a license.

How to Play with Pennsylvania Casinos

The online casino registration process can seem challenging to new players, but operators do everything they can to make the process quick and straightforward. We’ve made your sign-up even easier by providing a step-by-step guide:

1. Select 'play now' on one of our recommended Pennsylvania online casinos.

2. Once you have arrived at your selected casino, click on the 'register' or 'sign up' button.

3. Enter the required personal details, including your full name, address, date of birth, phone number, email address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Also create a username and password for your casino account.

4. Email your photo ID, proof of address, and bank statement copies. The verification process usually takes up to two days but is often completed sooner.

5. If you have a unique casino promo code, enter it when prompted. Your sign up will not be affected if you don’t have a promo code, as many welcome bonuses are credited to your account automatically.

6. Visit the cashier section and choose a payment method and deposit amount. Follow the instructions to fund your casino account. Welcome bonuses often have minimum deposits, so be sure you meet the minimum deposit requirements.

7. Use your bonus to play casino games. If you are lucky enough to win, revisit the cashier and follow instructions to withdraw.

Accepted Pennsylvania Online Casino Banking Methods

Online casinos cater to players by offering a wide range of safe and easy-to-use banking methods. If you want to play with an online casino for real money, you must deposit funds into your casino account. Follow the steps below to make a deposit quickly:

1. Visit your chosen online casino and log in to your account.

2. Go to the casino’s cashier section.

3. Select a payment method and the amount you would like to deposit.

4. If you have a bonus code, enter it to trigger a promotion while making a deposit.

5. Check your information and confirm the transaction.

A minimum deposit is one of the most common conditions for claiming an online casino welcome bonus, so be sure you are depositing the right amount. However, some online casinos offer no deposit bonuses which don't require this step.

Most Pennsylvania online casinos support payment methods that players use in everyday life, like popular bank cards and e-wallets. However, some banks impose restrictions and block gambling-related transactions. If you plan to use a banking method like online bank transfers or credit cards, check your provider’s policies regarding online and gambling transactions.

Who Can Play at Pennsylvania Online Casinos?

Anyone in Pennsylvania who is over 21 can gamble legally on online casino websites and apps. You don’t have to be a PA resident, just present in the state and old enough to gamble. Online casinos will ask you to verify your identity with your photo ID to prove your age. If you are using a mobile device, you must also allow the gambling site to use your device’s location to verify that you are in PA while gambling online.

What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for Pennsylvania Casinos?

Every online casino in Pennsylvania must adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and verify player accounts to prevent money laundering and underage gambling. Although you can sign up and redeem casino promotions right away, you must verify your account before withdrawing winnings.

When signing up to a PA casino, you will need to provide information like your date of birth, email and home address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Once you sign up, most PA casinos let you deposit and play casino games for real money.

However, you can only cash out after you verify your account. As part of your account-verification process, you will need to provide copies of documents, including your picture ID, proof of address, and payment method. Casinos typically take between a few hours to a few days to verify your account. You only need to go through the verification process once, so we recommend doing it shortly after you sign up.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in Pennsylvania?

Since it was founded in 2004, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all land-based and online casinos in the state. The PGCB was founded as the regulating body for slot machines when these were introduced in land-based casinos. It was the first government agency created by the State of Pennsylvania after more than 30 years.

Except for the Pennsylvania Lottery and small games of chance, the PGCB oversees all gambling licensing and regulation in the state. It was also a driving force behind Pennsylvania’s self-exclusion program launched in 2020, being the first such initiative in the country.

The Top Legal Games to Play at Pennsylvania Online Casinos

As most gambling verticals are legalized in Pennsylvania, players can access a wide variety of games from anywhere in the state. Pennsylvania gambling regulations state there are very few differences between the type of games land-based and online casinos can offer. Below are the main games available to Pennsylvania players:

Blackjack

Pennsylvania online casinos feature many real money blackjack variations. You can play by yourself against the computer or join other players in live dealer games. Online casinos offer a wide variety of blackjack games like Las Vegas Strip blackjack, Atlantic City blackjack, European blackjack, and pontoon.

Online Slots

Slot players will find thousands of online slots on PA casino sites and apps. Online slot machines typically offer better Return to Player (RTP) payout rates than land-based slots and often boast more bonus features and jackpots. You can play games across various themes, so there is always an exciting new experience waiting on the reels.

Roulette

Playing online roulette opens a wide variety of unique features and additions, whether you want to play European, French, or American roulette. If you are looking for more exciting gameplay, you can find innovative editions like Lightning and multi-wheel roulette on PA online casinos.

Live Dealer Games

If you want to experience the buzz and excitement of the casino floor from the comfort of your own home, live dealer games allow you to join fellow players at a table staffed by human dealers. The game is streamed to you in real-time, and you can chat with the dealer and fellow players. Pennsylvania online casinos offer live dealer tables of many popular casino games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino hold ‘em, and live game shows.

Online Craps

Craps is available at most Pennsylvania casinos, allowing you to play dice games 24/7. While there are no live dealer craps games, you can play online craps for real money or in demo mode at many PA online casinos.

Video Poker

Pennsylvania online casinos offer video poker games with a paytable that will tell you how much you win for each type of hand, giving you more control over the game as you choose which cards to keep and which to swap.

Baccarat

Pennsylvania casino players who like fast and straightforward games will love online baccarat, which is all about luck and excitement. Online casinos in PA feature a wide range of baccarat options, including live dealer versions of the game.

Bingo

The Pennsylvania Bingo Law of 1981 allows “Associations” to hold bingo games to raise funds for charity and other civic reasons. Any Association that holds a regular license can hold bingo draws twice a week for a year.

Mobile Casino Apps for Pennsylvania Players

As a part of HB 271, Pennsylvania legalized mobile casino games. Anyone of legal gambling age in the Keystone State can download an online casino app or play on a mobile casino site. The registration process is the same as on a desktop site, but you must enable your device’s geolocation services so the online casino can check you are within Pennsylvania’s borders.

Pennsylvania Casino Apps for Android

You can download Pennsylvania casino apps for Android devices by visiting the Google Play Store or directly from the casino’s website. Below are the PA online casinos with Android apps:

• Barstool Casino

• BetMGM Casino

• betPARX Casino

• BetRivers Casino

• Betway Casino

• Borgata Casino

• Caesars Casino (Not on the Google Play Store)

• DraftKings Casino

• FanDuel Casino

• Hollywood Casino (Not on the Google Play Store)

• PlayLive! Casino

• Stardust Casino

• Stars Casino

• SugarHouse Casino

• TwinSpires Casino

• Unibet Casino

• Wind Creek Casino

Pennsylvania Casino Apps for iOS

Many Pennsylvania online casinos provide apps for iOS devices that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the casino’s website. Below are the PA online casinos that provide iOS apps:

• Barstool Casino

• BetMGM Casino

• betPARX Casino

• BetRivers Casino

• Betway Casino

• Borgata Casino

• Caesars Casino

• DraftKings Casino

• FanDuel Casino

• Hollywood Casino

• PlayLive! Casino

• Stardust Casino

• Stars Casino

• SugarHouse Casino

• TwinSpires Casino

• Unibet Casino

• Wind Creek Casino

History of Online Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania first regulated gambling in 1959, with the state’s legalization of horse racing. But it wasn’t until 2004 that slot machines were introduced in the state. The introduction of casino table games followed in 2010.

Online casinos have been legal in Pennsylvania since 2017, with the first casino going live in the state in 2019. Most online casino games launched in 2019, except for live dealer games that were introduced in October 2020. Online gambling tax is allocated by game type, with online slot revenue tax being the highest at 54%.

Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in Pennsylvania

• July 17, 2019: Parx Online Casino (Now betPARX Casino) receives full approval to operate in the Keystone State and is the first licensed operator to launch.

• October 30, 2017: Gov. Tom Wolf signs HB 271 and legalizes online gambling in Pennsylvania.

• June 9, 2015: Senator Kim Ward sponsors SB 900, a bill to legalize online gambling.

• March 2015: Representative John Payne introduces HB 649 to legalize online gambling to the House.

• January 7, 2010: Gov. Ed Rendell signs a bill to legalize table games at casinos in Pennsylvania.

• July 2004: Gov. Rendell signs the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act to legalize land-based casinos. This allows 14 casinos in Pennsylvania to provide slot machines.

Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?

Any regulated online casino in Pennsylvania has met the strict regulations set out by the PGCB, which guarantees financial transparency, player privacy and security, game fairness, and responsible gambling. You can find the licensing information for any online casino at the bottom of each casino’s website and app.

However, PA players can access online casinos that are not licensed by the state. Some of these offshore casinos hold licenses from international gambling jurisdictions, while others don’t hold a license at all. Therefore, they do not adhere to Pennsylvania’s gambling regulations and do not offer the protection and security standards as required by the PGCB.

In addition to distinguishing between legal and offshore casinos, it is crucial to be aware of the differences between them.

Offshore casinos are not legal to operate in the US. By using an offshore casino, you are putting your financial and personal information at risk. We only recommend playing in legal online casinos in Pennsylvania that are licensed by the PGCB.

PA Online Casinos vs PA Land-Based Casinos: Which is Better?

Pennsylvania’s gamblers have an excellent choice of land-based and online casinos. The state is home to 17 online casinos and 16 land-based casinos. While both allow you to play your favorite casino games, we’ve compared some of the main differences between online and land-based casinos to help you choose.

Legit Online Casinos in Pennsylvania

For an online casino to be legitimate in Pennsylvania, it must hold a license from the PGCB, which it can only receive after inspection and approval from the regulatory body. In addition, every online casino must partner with a licensed land-based casino. Currently, 10 land-based casinos are partnered with online casinos. Plans to launch more land-based casinos in the state are underway, and a maximum of 39 online casinos can launch.

BetMGM Casino PA

BetMGM Casino launched in PA in August 2019 and is operated by MGM Resorts International, one of the biggest casino operators in the US. That experience has helped develop one of the best sites and apps in the US. The MGM Rewards program lets you earn points for gambling which you can redeem for prizes. This includes trips, stays at MGM resorts, and boosts for your gambling. The operator is also partnered with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers to provide exclusive Steelers-themed games.

FanDuel Casino PA

FanDuel launched in 2009 as a Daily Fantasy Sports company but has grown to provide online gambling and sports betting in Pennsylvania. The online casino is powered by Flutter Entertainment, a huge gambling company that operates brands like Paddy Power and Betfair. FanDuel has made its name in the US by offering hundreds of different games, including classics and exciting new games.

Caesars Casino PA

There are loads of famous Caesars casinos and resorts across the US, and its online casino was one of the first to launch in New Jersey in 2013. The company expanded its online gambling operation by buying William Hill’s US branch and launched with Caesars’ branding across all applicable legal gambling states in 2021. The online casino’s high roller games are particularly great, as not many online casinos provide games specifically for these customers.

What Other Online Casinos Will Open in Pennsylvania in the Future?

There are 39 online casino licenses available in Pennsylvania, so plenty more operators could launch in the state in the future. The Mr. Vegas brand has announced its intentions to launch in PA in 2023.

What are the Best Land-Based Casinos in Pennsylvania?

There are 16 land-based casinos in Pennsylvania, which provide some of the best live gambling experiences you can find in the US. Brick-and-mortar casinos offer all the same games you can find at PA online casinos.

Mount Airy Casino Resort

• Address: 312 Woodland Road, Mt Pocono, PA 18344

• Website: https://mountairycasino.com/

• Phone Number: (877) 682-4791

• Operator: Stars Casino

Mount Airy Casino Resort has the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four-Diamond casino resort. That quality carries through to its casino, which is open 24/7. There are almost 1,700 slot games and 70 table games with options like craps, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. There is also a retail sportsbook and a poker room on site. You can earn Mount Airy Player’s Club points by gambling, giving you free play on slot games.

Mohegan Sun Pocono (Wilkes-Barre)

• Address: 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

• Website: https://mohegansunpocono.com/

• Phone Number: (570) 831-2100

• Operator: Unibet

The Mohegan Sun Pocono casino is a huge 82,000 square foot space with over 1,900 slot machines and more than 50 table games. Half of the casino allows smoking, and you can enter the high-limit slot room or private player’s lounge. There is also a poker room with nine tables, live horse racing, a spa, several restaurants, and shops alongside the casino. The Mohegan Sun Pocono frequently hosts live entertainment like its Wise Crackers Comedy Club.

Parx Casino & Racing

• Address: 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020

• Website: https://parxcasino.com/bensalem/

• Phone Number: (215) 639-9000

• Operator: Parx Casino

Parx Casino was voted best casino in Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2017 by Casino Player Magazine, and provides over 3,000 slots, over 140 table games, and nearly 50 poker tables. The casino covers 150,000 square feet, and slots games have regular promotions you can enjoy if you have an Xclub card. If sports betting is more your speed, there is a retail sportsbook onsite.

The casino also offers fun promotions for its customers, like its best hat competition for anyone visiting on Kentucky Derby day. Live thoroughbred horse races are held on the race track, and you can watch and bet on these events.

Pennsylvania Land-Based Casinos

What Casinos Will Open in Pennsylvania in the Future?

The PCGB is currently considering a proposal for a casino construction project in Nittany Mall. The new casino, which has already passed the College Township Council, is expected to be a 94,000 square foot property with 750 slots and 30 table games. The casino is backed by Ira Lubert and Bally’s Corporation.

How We Rate Pennsylvania Online Casinos

Finding the best online casino can be tricky, so we do the hard work for you by comparing all the top online casinos in Pennsylvania. We rate casinos using categories we know that players value, including entertainment and player safety.

Casino Bonuses

Online casinos often offer bonuses to encourage players, but we only promote sites that provide promotions in line with Pennsylvania regulations. We then compare those bonuses, and our top recommended sites will have the most generous offers.

Security & Safety

You need to entrust your personal and financial information to an online casino, so you want to know if that information is safe. We only review online casinos with valid operating licenses that employ modern security measures.

Variety

The PGCB sets out what online casino games are available in the state, but any online casino that offers a wide variety of legal games ranks highly on our page.

Mobile Gaming

Many players like to gamble on the go, so having a good mobile platform is important. We test an online casino’s mobile app or mobile browser site to ensure it delivers the same quality as the desktop site.

Fast Payouts

While online gambling is all about fun, we all hope to make some profit along the way too! If an online casino processes withdrawal requests quickly, it will be ranked higher on our page.

Player Testimonials

We consider what other players have said about an online casino for our reviews, so if we see a history of refusing to payout or conning customers, we add an online casino to our blacklist.

Entertainment

There are lots of factors that go into making great online casinos, but a fun experience is one of the most crucial. Things like the quality of graphics and bet limits go a long way toward us promoting an online casino.

Avoid These Blacklisted Online Casinos

Playing with a safe online casino guarantees game fairness, financial security, and data privacy. Any operator on our casino blacklist has failed customers in the categories above or in other ways.

Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania

Problem gambling is a serious issue that many players don’t know how to spot. One of the signs of problem gambling is gambling habits straining personal relationships with friends, family members, or coworkers. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should seek help and responsible gambling resources from professional organizations.

In accordance with Pennsylvania gambling regulations, all online casinos must provide a responsible gambling page. These pages must include resources on spotting problem gambling, account tools like spend limits, and links to third-party resources. Like many states in the US, Pennsylvania operates a self-exclusion policy allowing players to opt out of all promotional gambling material and preventing them from registering with online casinos.

• The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA – (800) 426-2537

• National Problem Gambling Helpline – (800) 522-4700

• Gambler’s Anonymous – (800) 222-5542