You should take advantage of these opportunities if you’re interested in online gambling. Of course, you should also take the time to learn more about the market.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including available gambling sites, legality, apps, and bonuses.
Best PA Online Gambling Sites
Pennsylvania boasts plenty of quality internet gambling hubs. However, you undoubtedly want to wager at the best of the best.
The list below features top PA online gambling sites. It also includes links to full reviews and important bonus information.
- DraftKings
- Unibet
- Fox Bet
- Hollywood Casino
- FanDuel
- Bet Rivers
- Sugar House
Available Online Gambling Sites in Pennsylvania
The Quaker State’s internet gaming market is constantly evolving. Therefore, you can expect more and more sites to enter the mix in the future.
As of now, though, only a few PA online gambling sites have launched. Below, you can see the currently available sites along with their land-based casino partners and mobile compatibility.
Gambling site | Land-based partner | Mobile friendly |
---|---|---|
DraftKings | The Meadows Casino | Yes |
Unibet | Mohena Sun Pocono | Yes |
Is Online Gambling Legal in Pennsylvania?
Internet gaming has been legal in PA since October 30, 2017, when former Gov. Tom Wolf signed HB 271 into effect.
This bill makes online casinos, lotteries, poker sites, and sportsbooks legal. Given that HB 271 is still in effect, you can legally place online bets in the Keystone State.
All internet operators must be partnered with a land-based Pennsylvania gambling entity. For example, The Stars Group holds a partnership with Mount Airy Casino.
Each of the 12 PA brick-and-mortar casinos can acquire an online gambling license. Some casinos have already exercised this option and gained approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Both casinos and their online partners enjoy mutual benefits from partnerships. Land-based operators hold the PGCB-issued licenses and feature pre-existing customer bases.
However, brick-and-mortar casinos aren’t experienced in running real-money gambling sites. Online gambling entities bring their expertise to the table when setting up and running a gaming hub.
What types of Internet Gambling are Available in PA?
Pennsylvania hasn’t held anything back when approving different online gambling forms. You can read about the various types of legal internet gaming below.
PA Online Casinos
Gaming sites are proving popular in Pennsylvania. Despite its relatively short history, the online casino market already offers a wealth of games.
For more information, see the PA online casino guide.
These casinos work with established software providers to deliver quality and popular games. Notable software developers that operate in Pennsylvania include High 5 Games, IGT, NetEnt, and SG Digital.
These providers have come together to deliver lots of popular online slots to PA residents. Popular slots at Pennsylvania online casinos include:
- Asgardian Stones
- Blood Suckers
- Candy Blast
- Cleopatra
- Dead or Alive
- Divine Fortune
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Guns N’ Roses
- Hotline
- Jack Hammer
- Jimi Hendrix
- Secrets of Atlantis
- Siberian Tiger
- Starburst
- Victorious
- Wolf Run
In addition to slots, PA online casinos also boast table games. Blackjack and roulette variations are available in abundance.
Unfortunately, live-dealer gaming isn’t currently available in the Quaker State. However, we expect sites to roll out live casino games in the future.
PA Online Lotteries
The Pennsylvania iLottery gives you an opportunity to enjoy instant win games online. Over 60 instant games are available through the iLottery.
You can enjoy fun lottery games 24/7. Furthermore, these games combine the benefit elements of lotteries and online gaming to create an entertaining experience.
For example, A Dragon’s Story takes place at a dragon’s lair with a pile of gold in the background. It boasts stellar graphics and interesting characters.
Other lottery games available in Pennsylvania include:
- Bee to Zee
- Bigfoot Reveal
- Cash and Conquer
- Creepy Cash
- Deal Or No Deal
- Foxin’ Wins Again
- Gorilla Go Wild
- Money Night Football
- Monster Wins Again
- Pharaoh’s Multiplier
- Rainbow Fortunes
- Super Cash Buster
- Treasure 7×7
- Walrus Winnings
Not all PA lottery games are present online. Drawing, keno, and Xpress Sports tickets are only available through land-based retailers.
Nevertheless, you can look forward to many convenient instant games. With iLottery products featuring between 83% and 90% return-to-player (RTP), you can also expect a better chance to win.
PA Online Poker
Multiple PA gambling companies rushed to open internet casinos and sportsbooks, but the market has been slower in taking to poker.
However, you can still enjoy online poker in some capacity. PokerStars launched in November 2019 and has provided poker games ever since.
PokerStars is currently slowed by a lack of liquidity. Therefore, PA may explore signing a multi-state compact with other states (e.g., New Jersey) to share player pools
Such a compact would help create larger tournaments and more cash-game tables. Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada benefit from such an agreement together.
Pennsylvania will undoubtedly see more operators enter the market. 888/WSOP.com should be the next company to open a poker site because they’ve formed a partnership with Caesars Atlantic City.
PA Online Sports Betting
Gov. Tom Wolf signed sports gambling into effect in October 2017, making PA online sports betting legal. However, sports wagering didn’t officially become available until the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14, 2018. Pennsylvania’s legal sports betting kicked in effect immediately after.
Several online bookmakers are now live in PA, including BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, FoxBet, SugarHouse, and Unibet.
Some of these sportsbooks bring an international flair to the Keystone State. Therefore, you can look forward to betting markets that are popular worldwide, such as cricket, EuroLeague basketball, Formula 1, Premier League soccer, and tennis.
Of course, PA online sportsbooks also rely on bread-and-butter US markets. You’ll find numerous lines involving baseball, basketball, college sports, football, and hockey in Pennsylvania.
PA Online Horse Betting
Internet horse betting is legal on a federal level. The industry received a carve-out in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006.
Horse racing features pooled bets, wherein placing wagers contributes towards a shared pool.
This pool continues growing until it closes. Winning gamblers share in the pool after vigorish (“juice”) is deducted from the balance.
In addition to gambling on horse races online, you can also visit off-track betting (OTB) facilities. These establishments let you wager on races that are happening around the world.
PA Online Gambling Apps
Every Pennsylvania online gambling site is compatible with mobile devices. However, they’re split regarding what they offer apps for.
Some sites feature an app for both Android and iOS users. Others, however, only offer an Android app.
In the latter case, you must gamble through your browser. You also need to download GeoGuard from GeoComply.
GeoGuard informs a gambling site of your location. The PGCB requires you to be within state boundaries to legally place bets.
Are apps or Browser-based Gambling Better?
Both apps and browser-based use hold advantages over one another. Apps don’t require much data, and they typically offer a smooth gambling experience.
Browser-based gaming doesn’t require you to download anything. Instead, you can get started right away through your internet browser.
In most cases, you won’t experience much difference when using an app or playing directly through the internet. Still, you may hold a preference for either browser or app-based gambling.
Downloading Pennsylvania Gambling Apps
Both Android and iOS apps present hurdles that you may need to overcome. As for Android, the Google Play Store doesn’t allow real-money gambling apps.
They don’t even make an exception for legal markets such as Pennsylvania. Therefore, you need to download such apps directly off a gambling website.
Sites either present the Android download link on their homepage or a clearly marked section. You simply choose the link to begin the download process.
Apple instituted new rules regarding the gambling apps they offer. They now require new apps to use Apple’s own programming language to be accepted.
Pennsylvania gambling apps fall into this category. Therefore, you can only use a site’s app if it adheres to Apple’s new demands.
SugarHouse developed a workaround when they introduced browser-based play with GeoComply. You can get the GeoGuard Location Validator from the App Store.
Once you’ve downloaded this program, you return to your browser to start gambling via your iPhone or iPad.
Getting Started with PA online gambling
You can begin betting at Pennsylvania internet gambling sites without much hassle. Nevertheless, you should consider the following steps to help you get started as quickly as possible.
Step 1: Complete Registration
PA sites require you to register for an account before wagering. The registration process involves filling out required online forms.
You must supply the following information:
- Full name
- Birthdate
- Home address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Username
- Password
- Social security number
- Bonus code (if applicable)
State law requires that Pennsylvania gambling sites ask for this information. They want to ensure that only adult gamblers who aren’t on the self-exclusion list apply.
Assuming you satisfy all requirements, you should receive instant approval that allows you to enjoy free games at casinos, poker sites, and the iLottery.
The bonus code qualifies you for a gambling site’s welcome bonus. If you want a chance at bonus money, you should enter these codes whenever you sign up at a new site.
Step 2: Make a Deposit
You need to make a deposit to bet real money. Each PA gambling hub offers several options for placing a deposit.
You can fund your account using:
- ACH (e-check)
- Credit card
- E-wallet
- PayNearMe (cash deposit at 7-Eleven)
- Wire
Credit cards offer the fastest and most convenient way to deposit. However, an issuing bank may reject your deposit on the grounds that PA features legal internet gambling.
ACH serves as a great alternative for fast deposits. You merely need to enter your banking information before quickly funding your account with e-checks.
PayNearMe is an interesting option because it lets you deposit with cash. You just need to visit a 7-Eleven to purchase a voucher with cash and complete your online deposit.
Step 3: Start Betting
After your deposit is complete, you’ll be ready to begin wagering. The PA market features a wide range of stakes across the board.
You should face no trouble in finding bet sizes and games that fit your bankroll. Online casinos and poker rooms are particularly accommodating if you possess a small bankroll.
PA casinos offer slots that only charge $0.20 minimum wagers. They also boast table games with minimum bets as low as $0.10.
Poker sites feature $1 tournaments and $0.01/$0.02 cash games. You can also find freerolls and play for real-money prize pools without paying an entry free.
PA Online Gambling Bonuseses & VIP Rewards
The Pennsylvania internet market is generous with bonuses and loyalty rewards. Most gambling sites offer a no-deposit bonus, deposit bonus, free bet, and/or a VIP program.
No Deposit Bonus
You can qualify for a no-deposit bonus by registering for an account. No-deposit bonuses are generally worth between $10 and $25.
These deals give you the opportunity to earn free money. However, you must satisfy any specified terms and conditions before making a withdrawal.
Once you meet rollover (a.k.a. playthrough), you can cash out what’s left of the bonus (plus any winnings). Here’s an example:
- You receive a $10 no-deposit bonus.
- Rollover is 20x.
- You must wager 20 x 10 = $200
- You have $12 left ($10 bonus + $2 winnings) after satisfying playthrough.
- You can withdraw the $12 or continue playing with it.
Deposit Bonus
These deals offer a bonus that’s worth a match percentage of your deposit amount. For example, a site might feature a 100% match bonus worth up to $250.
Just like with a no-deposit bonus, you must satisfy T&Cs before withdrawing the money. Unlike in the case of a no-deposit offer, though, you get to cash out a lump-sum amount.
Here’s an example of how a deposit bonus works:
- A gambling site offers a 100% match bonus worth up to $200.
- You deposit $100.
- You’re now qualified for a $100 bonus.
- Playthrough is 10x.
- You must wager 100 x 10 = $1,000
- You can cash out the $100 bonus after meeting rollover and other terms.
Free Bet
Sportsbooks offer free bets as part of a welcome bonus and/or for special promotions. A free wager gives you the opportunity to earn back losses stemming from your first wager.
Here’s an example:
- A PA online bookmaker offers a $25 free bet to new members.
- You deposit and receive a $25 free wager.
- You lose your first $25 bet.
- Rollover is 6x.
- You must wager 25 x 6 = $150
- You earn back the $25 after betting $150 and satisfying other T&Cs.
Loyalty Program
Most Pennsylvania online gambling sites boast unique VIP programs that tie in with their land-based venues.
If you play casino games at SugarHouse, for example, you can use your points online or at Rivers Casino (Pittsburgh).
Brick-and-mortar casinos offer more possibilities for using your rewards. For example, you can exchange your points for hotel stays, meals, nightclub bottle service, show tickets, and more.
Of course, you can also spend your points on online sites. PA gambling sites let you trade in points for cashback and other offers.
Factors to Consider before Choosing a Gambling Site
The PA gaming market offers several top-tier operators and brands. Therefore, you can’t go wrong when choosing a bookmaker, casino, or poker site.
Nevertheless, offerings can vary between operators. Consider the following factors before selecting and depositing on a gambling site.
Game/Betting Selection
The game or betting (bookmaker) selection is the largest discrepancy between different PA online gambling sites.
For example, Unibet Casino has distanced itself from competitors in game quantity. Likewise, some sportsbooks cover more markets and proposition bets than their competitors.
Bonus
Two important factors regarding gambling bonuses include:
- Size
- Terms and conditions
The size carries heavy significance if you’re looking for serious bonus money. A $300 maximum bonus is much more attractive than a $200 maximum offer.
T&Cs determine how easy or difficult it is to cash out a bonus. Pay special attention to the rollover size, which is the number of times you must play through your bonus before you will be allowed to make a withdrawal.
Banking Options
Banking methods are similar at most Pennsylvania gambling sites.
Nevertheless, some operators do feature 1-2 more deposit and withdrawal methods than the competition. Many sites also boast higher deposit and cashout limits.
Customer Support
PA gambling sites generally do a good job of serving customers. However, some operators shine over others in their support contact methods.
You should choose a site that offers email, live chat, and phone support. Live chat is particularly attractive because it puts you in touch with a representative almost instantly.
Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania
The PGCB takes responsible gambling seriously. They feature a self-exclusion program that allows problem gamblers to opt out of land-based and online markets.
Luckily, only a small percentage of bettors experience serious troubles. However, those who do have a problem can display self-destructive behavior that affects both themselves and their loved ones.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania features a questionnaire that potential problem gamblers can take. If one feels they suffer from compulsive betting, they can contact the PGCB and exclude themselves from gambling.
Players can exclude themselves from betting for one year, five years, or a lifetime. Those with one- and five-year bans must recontact the PGCB when the time period is up to be reinstated.
PA gambling sites also offer helpful tools for problem gamblers. For example, one can customize deposit limits by reaching out to customer service.
Gambling sites also feature links that lead to organizations that can help, such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling.
FAQs on Pennsylvania Online Gambling
You must be 21 or older to enjoy internet casino games, poker, and sports betting in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, you only need to be 18 to play iLottery games.
Yes, the PGCB mandates that you be located within state lines before risking real money. You’ll receive a warning if you try betting from outside of Pennsylvania.
The Keystone State’s gambling laws don’t cover other states. Therefore, you’re not allowed to wager when you’re in another state.
Gambling operators use geolocation software to pinpoint your location. Geolocation technology has become highly accurate over the years.
Nevertheless, geolocation can occasionally mess up and flag you as outside of the state when you’re not. In these situations, you should contact the relevant gambling site’s customer support and request help.
Yes, you can complete account registration from anywhere. You only need to worry about being in PA when you want to place real-money bets.
You can wager on internet casino games, horse racing, lotteries, poker, and sports. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that offers all these types of online gambling.
Casino gaming and sports wagering have proven especially popular in the Keystone State. Several sites already offer both gambling forms.
The Pennsylvania iLottery holds a monopoly on the state’s online lottery. Currently, you can only play instant win games through the iLottery.
Online poker is just getting off the ground in Pennsylvania. PokerStars is the lone operator at the time of this writing.
All Pennsylvania gambling sites offer bonuses. Typically, you can expect a no-deposit and/or deposit welcome bonus as a new gambler.
No-deposit bonuses are interesting because they allow you to earn free money. Deposit bonuses give you an opportunity to collect a large lump sum after meeting T&Cs.
Operators also feature VIP programs where you can earn loyalty points based on your betting action.
You can use your points online or at the corresponding site’s land-based partner.
Thanks to Pennsylvania’s population (12.81 million), the state currently boasts the largest legal online poker market in America.
Nonetheless, this market won’t reach its full potential without a multi-state compact.
Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada have all agreed to share liquidity. We expect PA to join this compact in the future.
By pooling its players with other states, Pennsylvania stands to boost tournament prize pools and offer more cash-game variety.
Apple now requires gambling apps to use its programming language to be added to the App Store. Some PA sites that refuse to make this costly and time-consuming adjustment use a workaround.
They can let you gamble through your iPhone or iPad internet browser. You just need to download GeoGuard from the App Store before betting through your browser.
Technically, online poker offers you the best opportunity to win money. You can gain a long-term advantage if you’re more skilled than other players.
The catch, though, is that you must master complex strategy and learn to read opponents’ betting actions.
If you’re not up for this challenge, then you can opt for casino games with high RTP. Some blackjack and video poker variations boast over 99.5% RTP.
French roulette and European roulette also give you a strong chance to win. They offer 98.65% and 97.3% RTP, respectively.
Sports betting is similar to poker in that it can provide a long-term edge. However, you must also deal with vigorish and the heavy research involved with consistently choosing winning bets.
The iLottery’s instant win games feature the lowest RTP in the Pennsylvania market. Some instant games feature RTP as low as 83%.
Of course, these payout percentages are still much better than the average game featured at land-based retailers. However, they don’t compare to most PA online casino games.
Internet poker can lead to heavy losses if you’re a bad player. You should try to limit your poker play until you improve your skill level.
PA internet gambling sites must request your social security by law. The PGCB requires this information to ensure that you’re not on the excluded gamblers list.
You must supply your social security number during the registration process. Otherwise, you won’t be able to sign up at Pennsylvania sites.