This page discusses Pennsylvania online casinos and how you can start playing at them. It also covers apps, bonuses, legality, and available games.
Best PA Online Casinos
Each casino must pass rigorous standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Therefore, you can bet with confidence at each of these gaming sites.
However, some casinos stand out from the competition in one or more areas. You can see our picks for the top PA online casinos below.
- BetRivers Casino
- Hollywood Online Casino
- FanDuel Casino
- PokerStars Casino
- Unibet Casino
- BetAmerica Casino
- Sugar House
- Parx Online Casino
What Online Casinos are Available in Pennsylvania?
The Keystone State officially legalized internet gambling on October 30, 2017. However, the first online casino didn’t go live until July 15, 2019.
Due to its relative youth, the market only features a few casino gaming options. FanDuel, Hollywood, PlaySugarHouse, and Unibet are the four active casinos at the time of this writing.
Unibet PA stands out among the early entries into the market due to its game selection and bonus. However, FanDuel, Hollywood, and PlaySugarHouse are worthy options as well.
More online casinos will likely enter the market in the future.
Brands are hesitant to launch in PA due to a requirement that operators host servers within the state. Casinos that already operate in New Jersey were simply hoping to use their NJ servers for the Pennsylvania market.
Despite this hurdle, PA still remains an attractive internet gaming hub. It offers a large population (12.81m) and many potential land-based casino partners.
Each gambling site must hold a partnership with a brick-and-mortar operator. For example, PlaySugarHouse is aligned with Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino.
Are Online Casinos Legal in PA?
Former Gov. Tom Wolf officially signed HB 271 into effect in October 2017. HB 271 deems multiple forms of internet gambling legal, including casino games.
Therefore, you can legally gamble online in PA as long as you’re 21 years or older. You must also be within state lines to play for real money.
Pennsylvania internet gaming laws only cover the Keystone State’s boundaries. PA would run into legal issues with other states if it allowed you to place bets from anywhere within the country.
Operators use geolocation software to determine your location. If you’re within the state, you won’t experience any trouble gambling at PA casinos.
How to Play at Pennsylvania Online Casinos
Pennsylvania gaming sites do their best to make the registration and deposit process as simple as possible. Regardless, you might not fully understand one or more aspects of getting started.
The following steps will point you in the right direction:
- Choose a PA online casino.
- Select the signup prompt on the homepage.
- Complete account registration.
- Enter a bonus code during registration (if applicable).
- Make a deposit (optional).
You can use our reviews to help narrow down prospective casinos. You should also consider visiting each gaming site individually and forming your own opinion.
Account registration is a simple process that should only take a few minutes. Once you’re done, you submit your account for approval.
Registration includes an option to enter a bonus code. You should input the relevant code if you’re interested in qualifying for a welcome bonus.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Each PA internet casino offers a variety of deposit and cashout options. You should be able to successfully use at least one deposit and withdrawal method.
Here are the primary banking options available in Pennsylvania:
- Cash at cage (visit land-based casino partner)
- Credit card (Visa & Mastercard)
- E-check (a.k.a. ACH)
- E-wallet (Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill)
- PayNearMe (available at 7-Eleven)
- Prepaid card (branded card from casino)
All of the methods above are available for deposits. E-check, e-wallet, and branded prepaid cards double as withdrawal options, too.
PA Casino Apps
Pennsylvania internet casinos mainly rely on apps to serve mobile gamblers. FanDuel, Hollywood, and Unibet offer both Android and iOS apps.
PlaySugarHouse features an Android app and browser-based play for iOS devices. PlaySugarHouse launched after Apple instituted a new rule for gambling apps.
Apple now requires apps to be built natively (specifically for the App Store) rather than with HTML programming language. Casinos must invest more money into building native apps versus HTML products.
PlaySugarHouse found a way around this situation by offering browser-based play to iPhone and iPad users. IOS players merely need to download GeoGuard from the App Store to gamble through their internet browser.
In summary, all PA gaming operators are compatible with Android and iOS devices.
What Online Casino Games are Available in Pennsylvania?
The Quaker State only offers a handful of internet casinos at the moment. However, these sites are doing a great job of spreading games across multiple categories.
Slots
Slots dominate the game selection at PA internet casinos. You can look forward to dozens or even hundreds of slots no matter where you play.
Some of the industry’s top software developers provide slot games. Bally, IGT, NetEnt, and Scientific Games (SG) are Pennsylvania’s most notable providers.
They combine to feature an adequate selection of slots throughout the market. Here are some popular PA online slots:
- Baywatch
- Blood Suckers
- Candy Blast
- Cleopatra
- Da Vinci Diamonds
- Dead or Alive
- Divine Fortune
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Guns N’ Roses
- Jimi Hendrix
- Siberian Storm
- Wheel of Fortune
Table Games
You can enjoy a wide variety of online table games in the Keystone State. Examples include American roulette, baccarat, blackjack, Caribbean stud, craps, and European roulette.
Blackjack and roulette are the best-served games in PA. Each casino offers multiple variations of both games.
For instance, you may find Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, and classic blackjack at a gaming site. These variations differ in terms of rules and return-to-player (RTP).
Roulette games include American, European, and French roulette. French and European roulette offer the best RTP among these variants at 98.65% and 97.30%, respectively.
Video Poker
IGT supplies its Game King video poker brand to Pennsylvania online casinos. Game King lets you choose from the following variations:
- Bonus Poker
- Bonus Poker Deluxe
- Deuces Wild
- Deuces Wild Bonus
- Double Bonus Poker
- Double Double Bonus Poker
- Jacks or Better
- Joker Poker
- Triple Double
Will PA Casinos Offer Live Dealer Gaming?
Live casino gaming is noticeably absent from the Pennsylvania market at this time. However, we fully expect PA operators to offer this gambling form in the future.
Live-dealer studios feature real dealers and tables. They deliver a brick-and-mortar gambling experience to your mobile device or computer.
Some of the PA casino brands feature live casinos in New Jersey, and they’ll likely bring this style of gaming to the Quaker State, too.
Play for Free or Real Money
While Pennsylvania land-based casinos offer entertaining experiences, they don’t give you the opportunity to play free games. In contrast, online casinos do provide free gaming.
You merely need to register for an account to play free internet casino games in PA. Once registered, you’ll enjoy access to a casino’s slots, table games, and video poker variations.
Some casinos limit how many play-money chips you receive. For example, they may only give you enough funds to place a few blackjack bets.
You can get past this hurdle by refreshing a game whenever you run out of chips. Although inconvenient, this method at least lets you continue playing free games.
If you want to gamble real money, you can deposit using one of a casino’s available options. Real-money gaming gives you the chance to win large jackpots and other prizes.
PA Casino Bonuses
You can qualify for bonuses when you sign up and deposit at a Pennsylvania casino. You need to use the appropriate bonus code while registering or depositing to become eligible.
Your first deposit qualifies you for a welcome offer consisting of both a no-deposit and deposit bonus.
No-deposit bonuses become available after you complete account registration. They allow you to earn what’s left of the bonus, plus potential winnings, after satisfying wagering requirements (a.k.a. rollover).
Here’s an example:
- You receive a $20 no-deposit offer.
- Rollover is 10x.
- You must wager 20 x 10 = $200.
- You hold $15 after meeting wagering requirements.
- You can either cash out the $15 or continue playing with it.
You need to place a deposit to qualify for a deposit bonus, which gives you a match bonus based on your deposit amount.
Here’s an example:
- A casino offers a 100% match bonus worth up to $200.
- You deposit $150, qualifying for a $150 bonus.
- Rollover is 20x.
- You must wager 200 x 20 = $4,000.
- You can withdraw $150 after satisfying wagering requirements.
Unlike in the case of no-deposit offers, you can withdraw the full bonus value after meeting rollover. That said, these deals don’t involve any mystery.
Rollover isn’t the only term behind bonuses. You should read the full T&Cs behind any PA bonus offer before depositing.
Other Promotions
Internet casinos feature promotions beyond the welcome bonus. Common promos include double comp points, free chips, free spins, leaderboard races, and reload bonuses.
These deals help you continue padding your bankroll. Therefore, you should consider PA casinos that offer many promotions.
Loyalty Programs
VIP programs let you earn comp points through your real-money play. You can exchange these points for rewards.
Each PA gaming site allows you to accumulate rewards online or through its land-based partner. The latter aspect provides more flexibility when spending your points.
Common online perks include cashback, free spins, and slot tournament tickets. Land-based casino rewards can include fining dining, hotel stays, and spa treatments.
How Should you Choose a Pennsylvania Internet Casino?
It’s unlikely that you’ll have a bad experience at any PA online casino. After all, prominent brands run these sites and hold licensing with the PGCB.
However, you should still dedicate time to finding a casino that suits your personal preferences. Our reviews can guide you in this process.
We’ve spent hours vetting each Pennsylvania gambling site to offer an unbiased opinion on all operators. If you want to analyze the casinos yourself, you should pay special attention to the following aspects.
Game Selection
A large game selection provides a more entertaining experience as it gives you more options to choose from.
Unibet’s variety stands out thanks to over 150 slots and more than a dozen table games. They continue adding to their selection each month.
Bonus
You should consider both the size of a bonus and its terms and conditions. The latter determines how easy or difficult it will be for you to release bonus funds.
For example, the Hollywood Casino bonus is attractive from a size perspective. It features a $25 no-deposit deal and a 100% match deposit bonus worth up to $500.
Website Navigation
A user-friendly casino website lets you find games, promotions, and other sections with no hassle. In contrast, a cluttered or disorganized site makes it more difficult for you to see what a casino offers.
You can get a feeling for navigation by spending a few minutes on a casino’s website. Your goal should be to find a casino that emphasizes its content—not promotional banners—on the homepage.
Mobile Compatibility
Again, all PA operators serve Android and iOS users. If you hold a preference for apps over browser-based play, though, then you should focus on casino apps for your respective device.
FanDuel, Hollywood, and Unibet feature Android and iOS apps. PlaySugarHouse, on the other hand, only carries an Android app.
The site offers browser-based play for iOS apps. Considering the recent changes to Apple’s policy on gambling apps, future casinos will consider going the same route as SugarHouse.
Banking Methods
Payment and withdrawal options are fairly similar across the Pennsylvania market, but some differences exist.
If you prefer a specific banking option, you should ensure that a casino offers it. For example, not all PA gaming sites feature cash at the cage as a deposit or cashout method.
Customer Service
The Pennsylvania internet gambling market features professional companies with quality customer service. However, you should look into a casino’s support department to cover all bases.
You may consider contacting the casino via live chat and asking a simple question to get an idea of how quickly support responds as well as its demeanor towards customers.
Differences Between Pennsylvania Online and Land-Based Casinos
The Quaker State boasts one of the largest gambling markets in America. It hosts 12 brick-and-mortar casinos and will soon feature five mini-casinos.
Pennsylvania’s internet gaming market is taking flight as well. Soon, you may experience trouble deciding whether you want to gamble at home or visit a land-based venue.
You can consider the following differences between online and brick-and-mortar casinos to make this decision.
Land-Based Casinos
- Offer a strong social element (chat with the dealer, players, cocktail waitresses, bartenders).
- Feature more slot machines on average.
- Deliver unique experiences (fine dining, lavish hotel rooms, nightclubs, spas).
- Boast a wide range of comps.
Online Casinos
- Provide the most convenient gambling experience.
- Offer lucrative welcome bonuses.
- Give you the chance to play free casino games.
- Let you quickly move from game to game.
Responsible Gambling in PA
Pennsylvania offers a self-exclusion program. Problem gamblers can ban themselves from online and brick-and-mortar casinos by joining this list.
Players must contact the PGCB to be excluded. Options for self-bans include one year, five years, or a lifetime.
Anybody who chooses one or five years can reinstate their gambling privileges afterward. They need to reach out to the PGCB to end the ban.
Gamblers who are unsure if they have a problem can fill out a questionnaire offered by Pennsylvania’s Council of Compulsive Gambling.
Online casinos provide tools to help curb problem gaming. Bet and deposit limits are prime examples of such measures.
Gaming sites also include links to problem gambling organizations and tools on their homepages.
History of Pennsylvania Casino Gaming
As evidenced by the Quaker State nickname, PA is historically a conservative state. However, it has shed this reputation when it comes to gambling.
PA was one of the earliest states to legalize casino gaming when it did so in 2004 when the legislature passed the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act.
The Racehorse Development Act made way for land-based casinos and created the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
PA didn’t feature any active racecourses when the gambling bill passed. That said, casino operators needed a few years before they got up and running.
Despite the slow start, Pennsylvania quickly established itself as a premier casino market. In 2009, it earned the second-highest revenue from casino gaming (behind Nevada).
State politicians began discussing gambling expansion in 2013—including internet casinos. These talks didn’t result in any action for several years.
In 2017, though, both houses passed HB 271. Gov. Tom Wolf signed it into law on October 30, 2017.
HB 271 established online gaming, video gambling terminals (VGTs), and sports betting. The first online casino, Hollywood, went live in July 2019.
FAQs on Pennsylvania Online Casinos
You must be at least 21 years old to play for real money at Pennsylvania gaming sites. Online casinos require you to verify your birth date during the registration process.
Gaming sites hold the right to require extra documentation when you cash out. You may need to upload a photo ID.
If you lie about your age, this process will expose you. Therefore, you should only gamble real money if you’re 21 or older.
The Keystone State requires you to be located within state boundaries when playing at gaming sites. You’re in violation of Pennsylvania laws if you attempt to gamble for real money outside of the state.
However, you likely wouldn’t even get this far. PA online casinos send you a warning if you’re outside the boundaries.
Geolocation software becomes more and more accurate every year. However, it’s not perfect.
Sometimes, this technology can determine that you’re outside of Pennsylvania, even if you’re within state lines.
In these cases, you should contact the support department at the relevant casino. Customer service can guide you through the steps to remedy this problem.
You can register for an account from anywhere. You only need to be within the state if you’re playing games.
If you plan on visiting the Keystone State, you might consider registering for an online casino ahead of time. By registering beforehand, you can begin playing for real money as soon as you’re within state boundaries.
You must enter the proper bonus code to become eligible for a PA casino bonus. These codes signify which deal you want to pursue.
Most offers also require you to place a deposit. In these cases, you need to choose an available banking option and fund your account.
Each Pennsylvania casino bonus carries terms and conditions. You should closely examine T&Cs before chasing any deal.
Rollover is particularly important when earning bonuses. Low rollover (1x-10x) allows you to withdraw bonus funds faster.
No PA gaming site has launched a live casino yet. However, we believe that one or more sites will offer this option in the coming years.
Operators already feature live gaming in New Jersey. They’ll likely bring live casino games to Pennsylvania as well.
When this happens, you’ll be able to experience land-based gambling action through your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Every PA internet casino offers apps. FanDuel, Hollywood, and Unibet provide apps for Android and iOS players.
However, PlaySugarHouse only features an Android app. They serve iOS users through browser-based play.
Blackjack and video poker give you the strongest odds of winning in PA. Depending on the variation, they can offer over 99.5% RTP.
However, these are both strategic games. You must use proper strategy on the right variants to achieve high RTP.
If you’re not interested in using strategy, you can opt for baccarat (98.94% RTP), French roulette (98.65%), European roulette (97.3%), and select slots.
Some slot games deliver over 97% payback. NetEnt’s Blood Suckers, for instance, boasts 98% RTP.
Each category of casino games can offer strong or poor odds, depending on the specific variation and rules in place.
Generally, though, you should stay away from American roulette (94.74% RTP), Caribbean stud (94.78%), and most craps prop bets. Some craps wagers come with less than 90% RTP.
Online slots carry a reputation for poor odds due to their land-based counterparts. However, most of these games offer 96% payback or better.
Pennsylvania internet casinos give you a unique opportunity to use your rewards both online and in land-based locations.
This setup gives you more control over loyalty benefits. Rather than being limited to cashback or free spins, you can enjoy lavish perks at brick-and-mortar casinos.
The PA internet gambling market is 100% legal. Nevertheless, some banks that issue Mastercard- and Visa-branded cards reject Pennsylvania casino deposits.
Each bank differs in its stance on internet gaming. Bank of America is especially notorious for canceling deposits at legal online casinos.
If your credit card deposits keep getting denied, you can exercise one of two options:
1. Find a different bank and order a new card.
2. Use a different deposit option.
Pennsylvania casinos offer plenty of deposit and withdrawal methods. You may find it easier to choose another option rather than switch banks and get a new card.
No-deposit deals offer the potential to earn free money. However, they provide no guarantees.
A no-deposit bonus gives you a chance to earn free money. You keep what’s left from the bonus after satisfying T&Cs.
Unfortunately, you can sometimes lose the bonus funds when meeting rollover. This happens more often when high rollover is involved.
Of course, you don’t need to rely on no-deposit offers alone. Gaming sites feature other deals, including deposit bonuses, promotions, and VIP programs.