Play with Confidence: Your Guide to Safe & Legal Online Gambling in PA

Pennsylvania boasts a vast array of legal gambling options. Look no further than PennStakes.com for comprehensive and reliable information specific to the Keystone State. Our platform empowers you to navigate the online gambling landscape safely and securely, ensuring informed choices when choosing the best PA casino sites for your needs.

Legal Pennsylvania Gambling Sites

Verified Offers Verified By Our Experts
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Best Choice
Jackpot City US Casino
Best Choice
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLERMust be 21+. PA only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. New Customers Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit/bonus bets unless otherwise provided in the applicable terms Rewards subject to expiry.
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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
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Valid only in PA. Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+. PA only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit Borgata.com for T&Cs. New Customers Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit/bonus bets unless otherwise provided in the applicable terms Rewards subject to expiry.
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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply.

Latest Gambling News in Pennsylvania

We're all about bringing you the latest in Pennsylvania gambling news  in a way that's easy to follow. From sharing the newest stories to keeping our social media buzzing, we've got you covered. Whether it's exciting news about new online casinos in PA or updates on laws and issues, we make sure you're in the know, every step of the way.

A Timeline of All Gambling in Pennsylvania: 2000s - Present:

  • 2004: The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act legalizes slots at racetracks and authorizes casino licenses.
  • 2006: First casinos open, offering slot machines only.
  • 2010: Table games legalized at casinos.
  • 2017: House Bill 271 legalizes online casinos, poker, and sports betting (pending federal approval).
  • 2019: Online casinos and poker launch after licensing and regulatory processes.
  • 2018: Sports betting becomes legal at casinos and select racetracks.
  • 2024: Gambling industry continues to evolve, with potential expansions like online sports betting for retail locations and satellite casinos under discussion.

The Legality of Gambling in PA

The first state run lotterys were legalized in 1971. Since then gambling in Pennsylvania has come a long way. In-person gambling at casinos officially began in 2006 with the first brick and morter establishments opening their doors. In 2019, online gambling was made legal. All forms are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). However, every operator must be licensed and approved. There are a few differences between online and in-person gambling. Much of this comes down to the types of wagering available. 

Legal Forms of Online Gambling in PA

There are several forms of legal online gambling in Pennsylvania; these include:

Online Casinos

  • This includes slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, etc.), live dealer games and specialty games. These games are offered by multiple licensed operators and vary by site. 

Online Sports Betting

  • Online and mobile sports betting platforms allow wagers on various sports and events. Many of these platforms offer casino games as well. 

Online Poker

  • Several online poker rooms operate in Pennsylvania, some even offering shared player pools with other legal states. PokerStars PA is the leading site to take a seat at the virtual green felt. 

Online Daily Fantasy

  • Fans of DFS can access several Fantasy contests via DraftKings or FanDuel PA. Prize pools in the 5 and 6 figures are readily available.

Legal Forms of In-Person Gambling

In-person gambling in Pennsylvania falls into several categories, each with specific regulations and limitations:

State-Run Games

  • Pennsylvania Lottery: Offers various instant-win scratch-off tickets, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, and online ticket sales.
  • Horse Racing: Legal at licensed racetracks with betting options like win, place, show, and exotics.

Charitable Gambling

  • Small Games of Chance: Non-profit organizations and taverns can conduct limited games like pull-tab tickets, raffles, bingo, and daily/weekly drawings under the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act.
  • Bingo: Licensed organizations run bingo games with specific rules and limits on prizes and participation.

Commercial Gambling

  • Casinos: There are 17 casinos and racinos offer slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, etc.), and other casino classics.
  • Sports Betting: Available at casinos and certain racetracks, allowing wagers on various sports and events.

Who Can Gamble in Pennsylvania?

  • Must be 21+ years old (18+ for lottery and DFS).
  • Physically located within Pennsylvania borders while playing online.
  • No real-money gambling within physical casinos while using online platforms (except sports betting).
  • Non-residents can also participate while physically present in the state.

Quick Facts on How Pennsylvania Gambling Supports the Economy

Gambling winnings are taxable income and are taxed at 3.07%. Casinos and sportsbooks are required to pay taxes to the state of Pennsylvania and in turn this money goes to Property Tax relief funds, Economic Development, Tourism and Host Communities. 

  • Economic Impact: $14.86 Billion
  • Jobs Supported: 65,000
  • Tax Revenue: $3.62 Billion
  • Gross Revenue: $5.34 Billion

Licensing and Regulation

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board strictly regulates all types of gambling through in-depth vetting, ongoing compliance checks, different licenses for specific products, controlled license issuance, regular renewals, and responsible gambling measures, all while ensuring operators pay taxes and players remain within state borders.

Safety and Security When Gambling Online

Licensed operators in Pennsylvania aren't just playing by the rules, they're playing it safe. Strict security protocols and responsible gambling practices are mandatory, ensuring a fair and secure environment for all. But for those who need a break, self-exclusion programs offer a way to step back, while resources provided by the PGCB are readily available for anyone struggling with gambling addiction. Remember, responsible gambling is always the winning play.

We Are Pennsylvania’s Gambling Experts

Forget navigating the Pennsylvania gambling scene alone! Our team of seasoned veterans, boasting decades of experience, acts as your trusted guide. We're experts in all things gambling, from PA online sports betting to casinos, and we're dedicated to empowering you to make smart, informed decisions.

Don't let promotions leave you scratching your head. We break down the fine print, helping you choose the offer that perfectly matches your needs. Our extensive knowledge ensures you stay ahead of the curve, benefiting from up-to-date insights on the ever-evolving Pennsylvania gambling landscape.

Rest assured, our recommendations are watertight. Our expert reviewers meticulously evaluate and scrutinize every legal site, leaving no stone unturned. With PennStakes.com, you're guaranteed unbiased expertise, empowering choices, and ultimate confidence in your next Pennsylvania gambling adventure.

PA Gambling Operators

State law allows for up to 25 licenses for permanent gaming operations, and each can have a betting platform. Because of that, the state has a wealth of operators, including some of the most well known brands. Some of them include:

SiteOnline CasinoOnline SportsOnline Poker
Caesars Palace Casino & SportsbookYesYesNo
BetMGM Casino & SportsbookYesYesNo
BetRivers Casino & SportsbookYesYesNo
DraftKings Casino & SportsbookYesYesNo
FanDuel Casino & SportsbookYesYesNo
Golden Nugget CasinoYesNoNo
Betway Sportsbook & CasinoYesYesNo
Fanatics Sportsbook & CasinoYesYesNo
ESPN BETNoYesNo
Hollywood CasinoYesNoNo
PokerStarsYesNoYes
UnibetYesYesNo
Borgata CasinoYesNoNo

Responsible Gambling

It is part of our mission to be a resource for gambling education and provide support information to Pennsylvania bettors who may have a gambling problem. We provide contacts for support groups such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (1-215-643-4542) and the PGCB helpline (1-800-GAMBLER). You can also ask the PGCB to instruct state-regulated casinos and sportsbooks to exclude you from playing for a period of time.

PA Gambling FAQ

Author

More than 30 years working in online gaming and sports journalism. I hope to explain the growing US online casino market to help those new to internet gambling have a better understanding.

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