Online Casinos in Pennsylvania Guide

Is Online Casino Gaming Legal in Pennsylvania?

Since HB 271 was passed in 2017, online casinos have been legal in PA with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) responsible for licensing infrastructure and regulation of the industry.

Arguments for online gambling legalization focused on the potential boost new Pennsylvania online casinos would bring to the economy, including creating new jobs and collecting tax revenues. The leading proponents on the road to legalization included Governor Tom Wolf, State Representative George Dunbar, and State Senator Kim Ward.

Even though it took two years for the first online casino to appear in the state, there are now 17 licensed casinos operating in Pennsylvania, contributing to various public initiatives with tax revenues.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) was established in 2004 to regulate racecourses that operate slot machines made legal by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Since the passing of HB 271 in 2017, the PGCB is now responsible for implementing and enforcing all gambling activity in the state, including the licensing of online casinos.

The PGCB relies on the primary documents outlined in Act 71 from 2004 and the 2017 Truck Stop and Satellite Casino Bill to regulate online gambling and its associated regulations.

The PGCB has also committed to addressing problem gambling by setting up the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling. Part of the online casino licensing requirements is that online casinos in PA must adhere to regulations on addressing problem gambling, including offering certain gambling limits and clear instructions on how to get help.

To ensure the organization runs smoothly, it follows a hierarchical organizational structure with Executive Director Kevin F. O’Toole at the top of the 300-employee agency.

Historical Timeline of Gambling in Pennsylvania

Below is a brief history of gambling in PA, highlighting the key points on the road to online gambling legalization.

Casino Operators with the PGCB Licenses

There are 17 licensed online casinos, including Parx casino online PA, Unibet, and DraftKings, each providing a different experience, notably in the number of games they have, their bonuses, customer support, and mobile app. Below is a brief review of our top six picks for online casinos in PA:

BetMGM

Partnered with Rivers Casino PA and launching in December 2020, BetMGM Casino Pennsylvania is one of PA’s top online casino offerings. BetMGM Casino boasts over 1,300 game titles, including slots, table games such as roulette and blackjack, live dealer table games, and more.

BetMGM Casino PA offers new players a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 and a $25 FREEPLAY bonus. The welcome bonus has a 15x wagering requirement, while the FREEPLAY has a 1x requirement, and both offers must be fulfilled within three days of receiving them.

BetMGM Casino PA has a well-reviewed casino app for iOS (4.7/5) and Android (4.4/5) users, offering exclusive games and live dealer options. In addition, BetMGM Casino’s customer service is available 24/7 through email, phone, or live chat, ensuring a pleasant and supportive experience.

Unibet

Launched in November 2019 through a partnership with Mohegan Sun Pocono, Unibet Casino PA has a modest collection of around 200 slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games.

Unibet Casino Online offers new PA players a $10 Free Play Bonus with no deposit and a 100% first deposit match bonus up to $500. The free play bonus comes with 1x wagering, while the deposit match bonus comes with 10x wagering.

Unibet Casino PA has a well-received app for iOS (4/5) and Android (3.1/5) users, with a user-friendly interface and plenty of online casino games. In addition, Unibet Casino’s customer service is available 24/7 through live chat, email, and phone support.

Caesars

Partnered with Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack and launching in April 2020, Caesars Casino PA offers an extensive game selection with over 1,000 casino game titles covering everything from video and jackpot slots to blackjack, live dealer games, video poker, and more.

Players new to Caesars Casino PA can enjoy a generous 100% deposit match welcome bonus of up to $250 on their first deposit, with wagering requirements of 15x on slots, 30x on video poker, and 75x for other games.

While the Caesars Casino app is available for both iOS (1.8/5) and Android devices (4.5/5), user experiences on iOS tend to be poor. Additionally, Caesars Casino PA provides reliable customer support via phone, email, and live chat between 8 AM – 12 AM EST.

BetRivers

Entering the PA Online Casino space via their land-based Rivers Casino in June 2019, BetRivers Casino PA offers an exemplary gaming experience with a customer-first welcome bonus that gives players a $250 deposit match bonus with just 1x wagering requirements.

The online casino has amassed over 500 games, including many live dealer titles, table games such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, and video poker, and a boatload of slot games.

BetRivers PA has a feature-packed online casino app for iOS (4.5/5) and Android (3.1/5) devices, ensuring a seamless gaming experience from anywhere in the state. With live chat and email available from 9:30 AM to 2 AM EST, BetRivers PA has established itself as a top online casino in Pennsylvania.

DraftKings

A household name in the fantasy sports scene, DraftKings Casino PA is partnered with Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. They opened their virtual doors in April 2020.

DraftKings Casino PA has over 800 online casino game titles, including tons of video slots, jackpot slots, classic slots, table games such as baccarat, blackjack, video poker, and craps, as well as a variety of exciting live dealer titles.

The DraftKings Casino PA new player welcome bonus offers a titanic 100% deposit match bonus of up to $2,000 plus $60 in free money, with an effective 30x wagering requirement and a 30-day time limit.

DraftKings Casino PA also has a high-quality app for Android (4.4/5) and iOS (4.7/5) users and is one of the top-rated online casino apps in the Keystone State.

FanDuel

Another fantasy sports icon, FanDuel Casino PA, partnered with Valley Forge Casino Resort, has been entertaining players since its launch on January 24, 2020.

FanDuel Casino PA offers players an enticing welcome bonus wherein any account with a net loss of up to $1,000 24 hours after their first wager will be refunded in bonus money that carries a 1x wagering requirement.

Players can choose from around 200 game titles at FanDuel Casino, which includes video slots, classic slots, jackpot slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer titles.

The well-designed online casino app, available for iOS (4.8/5) and Android (4.6/5), gives players everything they need and is one of the best apps in the state.

How Can I Get Started With Online Gambling?

Getting started with online gambling in Pennsylvania is a straightforward process. That said, there are certain documents you’ll want to have to hand. Here’s our quick guide to help you sign up for a Pennsylvanian online casino.

1. Choose a licensed PA online casino with a good-looking welcome bonus. You can check out online reviews of the casino, such as the ones we post, or read Google Reviews to find out what other players think. This is also a good time to check if any PA bonus codes are available and if you need one;
2. Gather your documents. We have a complete list below of what you may need, but most casinos Pennsylvania will require some kind of government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and your SSN;
3. Create an account. Head to the website’s registration page by navigating to the URL or clicking a direct link like those on this page. Here you’ll provide the casino with your personal info from the documents you gathered earlier;
4. Verify your identity. Some online casinos may require you to verify your identity by uploading a picture of yourself with your ID or another similar process. This is entirely normal, and all information is processed securely;
5. Make a deposit and play your bonus. Choose your payment method, make your initial deposit, and play through any wagering requirements. Always check the T&Cs to know precisely what you need to do with each bonus, as they often differ from casino to casino.

Documents you may need:

• Government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID
• Proof of age, which is commonly found on your ID
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, or bank statement SSN or ITIN
• Tax documents, where applicable, such as a W-2, 1099 form, or a PA state tax return

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list; other documents may be required depending on the Pennsylvania online casino.

Payment Options at Online Casinos PA

Players have lots of options when it comes to depositing and withdrawing money at online casinos in PA. Here are some of the most popular:

• PayPal is a widely accepted e-wallet that lets users connect and spend money directly from their bank, debit, or credit card. In addition, only licensed casinos accept PayPal, increasing security.
• Debit and credit card transactions are simple transactions using the card numbers on your physical or virtual debit or credit card. These are widely accepted for deposits but not often accepted for withdrawals.
• ACH or eCheck is a popular payment method in the online casino space. Accepted by many online casinos in PA, players can use their bank’s ACH network to deposit money or use the specialist casino provider VIP Preferred to track transactions across various casino sites and apps.
• Cash at cage allows players to deposit cash at a local partner casino in Pennsylvania and have the money deposited instantly into their online account. It can also be used to make faster-than-average withdrawals. Cash at the cage is handy for those who live close to a brick-and-mortar casino and prefer to play online.
• Play+ provides players with a physical card linked to their casino account, allowing fast deposits and withdrawals with generous transaction limits. These cards can also be used to make money withdrawals and can be used like any other plastic card on the PULSE and NYCE networks.
• PayNearMe is a service offered at hundreds of physical locations across PA, allowing players to deposit money and have it instantly available in their online casino account. Unfortunately, PayNearMe cannot be used for withdrawals.

Online Casino Games for Pennsylvania Players

There is a wide range of casino games on offer at the many PA online casinos, with players able to find online slots, online poker, table games such as roulette and blackjack, live dealer games, and more. In addition, many casinos offer players the opportunity to play online casino games entirely free in a demo mode.

Online Slots

Online slots are the lifeblood of an online casino and often number in the hundreds in any given PA online casino game library. Many slots offer competitive odds, with the average online slot RTP ranging from 92% to 97%. Some titles, such as Mega Joker, have even broken the 99% barrier. Stardust casino online PA is an excellent option if you’re looking for a wide range of slots with varying bet amounts in Pennsylvania.

Many online casinos and developers that operate in the state offer an accessible demo mode, allowing players to enjoy the excitement of slots without financial risks and refine their strategies. However, when you’re ready to play for real money, you will find slots with bets ranging from a single cent to over $100.

Some of our favorite PA online slots are:

• Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt
• Mega Moolah by Microgaming
• Book of Dead by Playn’ GO
• Bonanza by Big Time Gaming

Table Games

Table games are a classic staple in land-based and PA online casinos, with blackjack, roulette, and baccarat being the most popular types. Other table games include craps, poker variants, and games like Casino War.

These games have reigned popular since their inception and are sometimes played to a strategy rather than just pure luck alone.

Online casinos have upped the stakes with table games, creating a wealth of variants that can shake up how classic games are played. Some of the most popular table games are:

• French Roulette by NetEnt
• Casino Hold’em by Play’n GO
• Pai Gow Poker by Playtech
• Double Exposure Blackjack by Play’n GO

Live Dealer

Live-streamed with real-life croupiers and hardware rather than the digital random number generator used in most online casino titles, live dealer games aim to bring the merriment and camaraderie of the casino floor to the players fingertips from anywhere in the state.

Live dealer games are mainly operated by Evolution and Playtech, and some in-house offerings from online casinos such as BetMGM. That means your favorite titles, dealers, and friends could be found at more than one PA live online casino.

With exciting features such as live chat, music, and tv-trained presenters, here are four of our favorite live dealer games in PA:

• Live Infinite Blackjack by Evolution
• Live Double Ball Roulette by Evolution
• Live No Commission Baccarat by Playtech
• Blackjack Party by Evolution

Poker

Combining elements of traditional poker and slot machines, video poker table games provide a unique and convenient way for players to get their poker fix on a single-player game while ensuring fairness in a game that can’t be cheated.

Some video poker table games follow the classic rules of poker, while others introduce innovative twists and features to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Many online casinos in Pennsylvania also offer free demo modes for their video poker table games, allowing players to practice and refine their strategies before risking real money.

Here are four of our top video poker table game picks in PA:

• Double Joker Poker by NetEnt
• All American Poker by Playtech
• Double Double Bonus Poker by IGT
• Joker Poker by Playtech

Keno, Bingo, and Slingo

Many lottery-style titles are available in PA online casinos, including games like keno, bingo, and Slingo.

Many enjoy lottery games like keno and bingo for their simplicity, fast-paced gameplay, and the chance to win big with small bets. On the other hand, Slingo titles are a mix between bingo and a slot machine and are a more complex game that benefits from strategy.

Some of the most popular bingo, keno, and Slingo titles include:

• Power Keno by Playtech
• Electro Bingo by Microgaming
• Jungle Keno by NetEnt
• Slingo Showdown by Slingo Originals

Seeking Help for Gambling Addiction: Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, several organizations in PA offer free support, advice, and facilitate problem gambling prevention initiatives. The organizations can also help you learn more about voluntary self-exclusion in Pennsylvania and more. Here are a few helpful resources:

Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP) is a non-profit that educates and supports those dealing with gambling addiction. The organization provides resources such as a helpline, a list of treatment providers to help those in need, and prevention and outreach programs to raise awareness about problem gambling in the state.

Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling (OCPG) is responsible for overseeing responsible gambling initiatives within the state. Online casinos licensed by the PGCB must liaise with the OCPG on various responsible gambling matters to ensure players are well-informed about responsible gambling practices. They also provide free resources and information for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.

The National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a national organization that aims to raise awareness about gambling addiction and support affected individuals and families nationwide. Among other helpful resources, the NCPG has a free helpline and a directory of certified gambling counselors.