Pennsylvania Casinos: A One-Stop Destination for Fun
If you think online casino games and sports betting are exciting, then you’ll be blown away by the many land-based casinos in Pennsylvania.
Interestingly, the first legal PA casino opened in the state in July 1965 and boasted the first slot machine. Known as Pocono Downs, it created generations of one-arm bandits and was an instant hit. Today, there are 12 amazing land-based casinos in the state of Pennsylvania that you can visit today. Each casino and gambling facility is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
We’ve received many questions from the readers of our reviews about gambling in Pennsylvania, so we thought it best to prepare this full guide to answer most questions regarding how PA casinos are regulated, where to find the best casinos, what different types of casinos there are, and much more. So sit back, relax, and enjoy reading our guide!
If you are planning a visit to Pennsylvania and want to experience some gambling, our comprehensive map of Pennsylvania casinos can be helpful. Using the filters provided, you can quickly locate the 14 licensed casinos in the state, which include racinos and traditional casinos. Our research and categorization can help you find the perfect fit for your gambling preferences, whether you are a seasoned player or a newbie. If you looking for the best PA online casinos, we’ve also got you covered. With this map, you can save time and energy and focus on enjoying the exciting gambling experiences Pennsylvania offers.
PA Land-Based Gambling Facilities by Categories
Do you know that Pennsylvania’s land-based gambling industry is the biggest in the US after Nevada? According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Penn casinos have generated over $3 billion per year since 2011. It’s a notable achievement as the state had just started offering table games in 2010.
PA gambling establishments are categorized into four casino types by the PGCB:
Standalone casinos: These are your typical brick-and-mortar casinos that typically offer a variety of casino games ranging from slots to tables to card games and more.
Racinos or Horse-racetrack casinos: These casinos originally began as legal horse gambling locations and racetracks that further expanded into sports betting casinos and bookmakers. They typically have a small selection of slots and are typically referred to as racinos.
Satellite casinos: These casinos are usually temporary venues set up at truck stops and mini-casinos that host real-time connections that are mostly used in national and worldwide poker tournaments. Here’s one of the interesting facts about Pennsylvania: satellite (Category 4) casinos can have up to 40 table games and 750 slots.
Resort casinos: These casinos offer the whole package. Apart from what other casinos usually offer, they boast hotel accommodations, spas, beauty salons, boutique high fashion stores, and more.
We’ve compiled all the PA casinos according to their license categories. Pennsylvania offers visitors a complete entertainment experience, including gaming, shows, and fine dining. Below, you’ll find an overview of what these casinos are offering so you know what to expect when visiting.
Pennsylvania Standalone Casino List
Although many casino resorts have grand amenities and entertainment, Pennsylvania is home to various standalone casinos. These casinos provide a complete casino experience. They mainly offer many licensed slots. Still, standalone casinos are ready to give visitors an unforgettable experience beyond slot play.
Standalone Penn casinos are legal if they hold a Category 2 license to offer slot machines to their customers. Besides slot machines, Category 2 standalone casinos can apply for another permit when offering table games. Thus, visitors to standalone casinos can enjoy slots and table games to their heart’s content.
Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia – [2021]
Stadium Casino RE, LLC owns and operates Live! Casino Philadelphia. All Live! locations are also working with The Cordish Companies. The Cordish Company has been the key player in developing the brands’ establishments since 1910. Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia is located off I-95 and I-76; the casino provides easy access to visitors from anywhere.
The casino floor features over 2,000 high-quality slots, electronic table games, a poker room, and 134 live table games, like blackjack, craps, and roulette. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy betting on their favorite sports in the FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge. The casino complex offers world-class dining spots. There’s the reputable The Prime Rib and international fusion cuisines to please visitors’ cravings.
Mount Airy Casino – [2007]
The USA Today named Mount Airy as one of the top ten casino hotels in the USA based on readers’ choice. Many recognize the casino as the first AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. The establishment can also keep up with its reputation for over a decade. It remains one of the best gambling destinations in the Pocono Mountains region with their licensing body the PA Gaming Control Board.
The casino floor offers everything a casino enthusiast might want to try. The game collection showcases 1,700 slot machines and 70 table games. In the table game area, you can enjoy baccarat, roulette, craps, and blackjack. A separate poker room also offers exciting poker games accompanied by professional and friendly dealers.
Mount Airy features eight sports betting kiosks for sports enthusiasts. The sportsbook provides college and pro sports choices, which sports bettors can enjoy in the luxurious lounge.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia – [2010]
Rivers Casino started as SugarHouse when it first appeared on the Philadelphia casinos map. The establishment operates under Rush Street Gaming to bring its gambling services to Philadelphia. The casino floor is packed with thrilling entertainment, from popular slot machines to various table games and live sports betting.
Rivers features over 1,500 slots, including classic choices and the latest titles. The table game section provides extensive options for blackjack, Spanish 21, craps, and many more. Visitors can explore the 72 table games available and 24 hybrid seats in the table game area.
The casino floor also caters to high-rollers, offering a high-limit area with higher minimum bet. The high-limit room features blackjack and baccarat, with a separate private baccarat room.
Rivers Casino Philly’s Online Casinos Partners
4.6 /5
10 users visited casino for the past 24h
100% Deposit Match Up to $250
Promo Code: PACASINO250
Deposit match up to $250 for new players
Only 1x play through requirement
Venmo, PayNearMe, ACH deposits & withdrawals
Some users reports minor glitches
10 users visited casino for the past 24h
Promo Code: PACASINO250
Full T&Cs Apply. New players only. 21+
Full T&Cs Apply. To be eligible, players must be at least 21 years old, playing within the state of Pennsylvania. Players must make a single deposit of $10. The bonus money has a 1x wagering requirement.
4.2 /5
4 users visited casino for the past 24h
100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000 + $20 No Deposit Bonus
$20 bonus dollars on the house upon sign up
1,000+ online slot & casino table games
Deposit via PayPal, Apple Pay, VIP Preferred™
Live dealer is excluded from $20 bonus
4 users visited casino for the past 24h
Full T&Cs Apply. New players only. 21+
Full T&Cs Apply. New players only. To be eligible players must be 21 years or older and playing within the state of Pennsylvania. $10 minimum deposit required. Players must wager the bonus amount 15x.
Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh – [2009]
Rush Street Gaming brought Rivers to Pittsburgh with equally wonderful facilities. Not only would visitors be able to enjoy high-quality gaming, but the facility also hosts live performances. There are top dining spots in the area and luxurious rooms at the Landing Hotel.
The number of slot machines in the Pittsburgh establishment surpassed River Philadelphia’s at 2,200 machines. The high-limit room in Rivers Pittsburgh also features a selection of slots with high minimum bets for those looking for extra thrills.
As one of the premier gaming destinations on the North Shore of downtown Pittsburgh, Rivers provides a variety of table games. Gamblers favorite blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker are available at the table game area. The gaming floor also provides a separate live poker room.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching and betting on their favorite team at the 5,500-square-foot sports lounge in Rivers Pittsburgh.
Wind Creek Casino – [2019]
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians own ten Wind Creek properties in the US. The casino offers world-class entertainment, comfortable accommodations, and top dining spots. When you check a map listing all Bethlehem casinos, you’ll find Wind Creek to be one of them.
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino floor features over 150 table games and 2,000 slot machines. The food includes a high-limit room to entertain high-rollers, a poker room, a live dealer stadium gaming, and a sportsbook. Visitors can join blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette tables anytime they want. All tables provide professional dealers to guide players throughout the games.
List of Racinos in Pennsylvania
Not all casinos in Pennsylvania offer racetracks, but you’ll find many reputable racinos in the city. Some of these racinos offer greyhound racing, while others provide horse racing or both! If you’re coming to Pennsylvania aiming to experience both racetrack betting and casino play, you won’t be disappointed.
According to the PGCB, racinos can apply for a Category 1 license. This license ensures they get racetrack facilities regulation. No category 1 facility will be within 20 miles of another category facility and must renew their licenses every three years. The Horse Racing Commission watches over the facility. The same authoritative body also grants permission to the racino operator to provide legal racino betting services.
Harrah’s Philadelphia – [2007]
Harrah’s operates under the renowned Caesars Entertainment. At Harrah’s Philadelphia, you can enjoy world-class harness racing facilities and the lively atmosphere in the casino. The establishment also often hosts live performances. It’s an excellent destination if you’re looking for the best nightlife experience.
The thoroughbred and standardbred simulcasting are available seven days a week. The simulcasting facility is indoor, so visitors can comfortably enjoy the action. The casino floor provides 1,700 slot machines in its 100,000 square-foot gaming floor. Meanwhile, the sportsbook section uses 45 screens for sports enthusiasts. Visitors looking for table games will find various blackjack, poker, and craps tables.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National – [1972]
The Penn National racetrack opened for the public in 1972, but the Hollywood Casino established its place on the map of casinos near Pittsburgh in 2003. The establishment is one of the best racinos in the Hershey and Harrisburg area, providing over 1,750 slots, video poker, and 47 live tables. You can enjoy the slots 24/7, but the tables are only available from 10 AM to 4 AM daily at this PENN Entertainment casino location.
The Sportsbook in Hollywood Casino is adequate to please sports enthusiasts with over 30 TVs and a 28-foot Jumbotron. Sports bettors can choose to visit any of the ten sports betting kiosks to support the team of their choice. The Penn National racing live simulcasts are available according to the schedule, which you can check on the website.
Hollywood Casino’s Online Casino Partner
4.8 /5
5 users visited casino for the past 24h
100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000 & $25 FREEPLAY®
Up to $1,025 new player bonus
Accepts deposits via PayPal, Apple Pay, Play+
More than 1,000 online slot & 50+ table games
Demo play not available
5 users visited casino for the past 24h
Full T&Cs Apply. New players only. 21+
Full T&Cs Apply. New players only. To be eligible players must be 21 years or older and playing within the state of Pennsylvania. $10 minimum deposit required. Players must wager the bonus amount 15x for the deposit match and 1x on the no deposit bonus.
Hollywood Casino at the Meadows (ex-Meadows Racetrack and Casino) – [1963]
As race betting is one of the oldest legalized gambling forms in the state, The Meadows Racetrack, and Casino is another one that opened in the 1900s. The casino was a new addition that came in 2009 under the management of Hollywood Casino. The establishment was known as The Meadows Racetrack and Casino until 2021 before it became Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows contains a whopping number of over 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games. You can browse to play any available 65 table games or enter the 14-table poker room. Sports bettors have the Barstool Sportsbook, where they can get a selection of delectable foods and beverages while betting on their favorite team.
Mohegan Sun Pocono – [1965]
The racino started as Pocono Downs, opening its live harness racing to the public in 1965. The establishment became the first racino to open in Pennsylvania when they began offering slot machines in 2006. The vicinity is located in the hillside of Plains, operated and owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut. It’s operated by The Hellenic Gaming Commission.
Mohegan Sun Pocono slot machines and video poker collection go over 1,600 with various betting sizes, all available at the 82,000 square feet gaming space. The 50-table game collection includes craps, blackjack, roulette, mini-baccarat, a variation of poker, and a separate poker room.
Parx Casino – [2009]
Parx Casino at Bensalem is always ready to give players the ultimate gaming experience and exciting live experience. With a massive gaming floor of 260,000 square feet, the casino is located 20 minutes north of Center City Philadelphia. The establishment has become one of the best Bensalem casinos with its grand facilities.
The casino offers over 3,000 classic and latest slots, and 141 live tables that allow players to join a thrilling game of blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and baccarat. Poker players can join any of the 48 tables inside the poker room, which often holds tournaments as well.
Presque Isle Downs – [2007]
When you open a map showing casinos near Erie, you’ll quickly find Presque Isle Downs right off exit 27 on I-90. The 59,000 square-foot casino’s collection of over 1,500 slot machines and electronic tables alongside 30 exciting live tables is the strength that attracts a lot of players. Try the thrill of playing craps, blackjack, and roulette, or check out Presque Isle Downs’ TwinSpires Sportsbook.
The sportsbook is as good as the casino, with 50 self-serve sports betting kiosks. Other than that, as a racino, Presque Isle Downs’ live thoroughbred horse racing track is one of its most established products. The live simulcasting is available year-round, showing horse racing nationwide.
Pennsylvania Resort Casinos List
Many people look for the ultimate fun at casinos, which includes relaxation on their bucket list. If you’re one of the casino enthusiasts who’d like a relaxing experience inside a luxurious casino resort, Pennsylvania has many destinations you can try visiting.
PA casino resorts need a different license than racinos and standalone casinos. When an operator aims to open resort-style venues while offering slot machines, they must apply for a Category 3 license. Operators looking to provide casino resorts must be able to provide at least 275 guest rooms and amenities to support guests’ recreational needs year-round.
Valley Forge Casino Resort – [2012]
Valley Forge boasts a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor and two towers providing luxurious guest rooms to offer competitive service in the King of Prussia area. Valley Forge visitors can enjoy live performances and the thrilling nightlife scene at the facility.
Boyd Gaming owns the facility. The company ensures that the casino’s 850 slot machines and 50 table games are fair and of the highest quality. Table game players can enjoy daily Pai Gow Poker, baccarat, roulette, craps, and blackjack. The casino resort also features FanDuel Sportsbook to provide visitors with good sports betting options.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin – [2013]
Lady Luck Nemacolin is located at Lafayette Drive and ensures your vacation will be an unforgettable experience. You can purchase the casino’s vacation packages to get the complete taste of dining and gaming with a special room rate.
The casino floor provides visitors with nearly 500 slots and electronic tables. The table game section boasts 26 tables, not including the high-limit gaming room. All classic choices include blackjack, roulette, craps, Mississippi Stud, and more. The casino is under Woodlands Fayette, LLC, which ensures that all games are licensed and provide fair results.
PA Satellite Casinos
Satellite casinos are another type of gaming establishment legalized by the government. These casinos are establishments that authorized operators administer. However, they operate under the management of third parties.
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, operators who want to establish a satellite casino must request a Category 4 license. The gaming board can auction off up to ten licenses for the Category 4. The license grants operational allowance for mini-casinos or satellite casinos. These satellite casinos must feature at least 300 slot machines but not more than 750. Establishments offering table games can only provide up to 40 table game choices.
Parx Shippensburg – [2023]
Parx Shippensburg is the latest addition that Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment brought as the newest Parx Casino branch. The facility is located at 250 South Conestoga Drive, just several minutes from exit 29 off I-81.
The casino will welcome players with a good choice of over 500 slot machines and 48 electronic tables. Sports bettors can also find several sports betting kiosks. Each kiosk features various pro and college sporting events. The table selections are electronic, but players would still meet professional live dealers dealing with real cards. The electronic table collection includes blackjack, roulette, and poker.
Hollywood Casino York – [2021]
Penn Entertainment has another Hollywood Casino at the York Galleria Mall. The York Hollywood offers over 500 slot machines and 24 live tables such as Pai Gow poker, blackjack, and craps. The slots are available 24/7, so you can visit whenever you feel like spinning reels.
The location offers the Barstool Sportsbook, where sports bettors can watch the matches through large-screen TVs. There’s also a bar at the sportsbook lounge, so visitors can enjoy the vibe while sipping their favorite drink.
Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Westmoreland – [2020]
There’s another Live! Casino in Pittsburgh and the establishment is located inside the Westmoreland Mall. The facility is under the management of Stadium Casino Westmoreland RE, LLC, in affiliation with The Cordish Company.
The gaming floor is a large 100,000-square-foot facility containing 750 slot machines and 40 live tables, therefore operating at the maximum capacity for satellite casinos. The casino also reserves a separate poker room and provides the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is working with several other Live! Casinos.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown – [2021]
Just off the PA Turnpike at exit 298, the Hollywood Casino Morgantown offers a good collection of slots and live tables. The establishment provides a Sportsbook as well as many dining options.
The casino invites visitors to enjoy top music selections and special shows at Bar 76. If you’re only coming for the casino, the 50,000-square-foot gaming floor is ready for a visit. The area contains 750 slot machines and 30 table games. You might also like the Barstool Sportsbook, which includes an exceptional bar and dining experience. Hollywood Morgantown offers also free live performances every weekend.
Pennsylvania Gambling Regulations
Before you start gambling in a land-based casino, it’s essential to be aware of some crucial PA gambling laws and regulations. Understanding how gambling is regulated and what to look out for before spending your money at any gambling establishment is of utmost importance.
PA Gambling Regulatory Bodies
When Pennsylvania got the go-ahead, it was established by state law that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board would oversee, license, regulate, and monitor each casino, gambling establishment, and online operator.
If a PA casino or an iGaming systems developer in Pennsylvania has a registered license with this board, they’re protected by the law. Gambling boards have stringent requirements and ways of auditing slot games and establishing fairness in order to ensure you’re kept safe at all times.
Regulatory Bills
Pennsylvania passed a comprehensive PA gambling expansion bill in 2017 that legalized online gambling, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports in PA, and authorized the construction of up to 10 satellite PA casinos. These measures have generated significant revenue for the state, with land-based casinos contributing billions of dollars in taxes and fees to support local communities and social programs.
The state has also implemented measures to promote responsible gaming, including self-exclusion programs for problem gamblers and strict age verification measures to prevent minors accessing a casino and placing a wager. Pennsylvania’s regulatory bills have created a safe and secure gaming environment for both players and operators.
PA Legal Gambling Age
The legal PA gambling age differs depending on what type of gambling activity you want to play. Land-based, resort and satellite casinos have a legal age requirement of 21. The age limit for participating in horse racing betting or casino games at racinos is 18 years old.
Taxation
Different regulations apply to group winnings, but for individual online gambling winnings in PA, Form W2G must be sent if the winnings reach specific thresholds. These include PA online casino winnings of $1,200 or more (not reduced by the wager) from bingo or slot machines, $1,500 or more (reduced by the wager) from keno, and more than $5,000 (reduced by the wager or buy-in) from a poker tournament.
According to the state law, PA Casino winnings (except for bingo, slot machines, keno, and poker tournaments) that are reduced by the wager and amount to $600 or more and are at least 300 times the amount of the wager must also be reported. For winnings above $5 million, it’s advisable to consult a tax professional.
History of Gambling in PA
Casino gambling has been a part of Pennsylvania’s history for centuries. In the 18th century, gambling was so popular that it was considered a major source of revenue for the state. However, gambling went through many ups and downs in Pennsylvania over the years.
Fast forward to 1965 when PA legalized gambling and Pocono Downs opened as the first legal casino in Pennsylvania, boasting the first slot machine. Gambling at the casino was limited to horse racing tracks, but as time passed, state laws were passed that allowed for more forms of gambling. In 2004, the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act was enacted. The state law allowed the establishment of casinos in the state.
In 2010, PA casino table gaming was legalized, and casinos began offering games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. Since then, each segment of the industry has become widely popular, including online gaming. By 2019, Pennsylvania had 12 land-based casinos and a growing online gambling industry. Check out our full guide to history of Pennsylvania casinos to learn more.
Get Your Game On!
With 17 casinos and gambling establishments spread across PA, there’s something guaranteed that everyone will enjoy. Now that you’ve done your research regarding casinos and are aware of the state laws and regulations regarding gambling in the state of PA, you can begin to plan your big night out and get your game on!
FAQ
How many land-based casinos are in Pennsylvania?
There are currently 12 licensed and regulated land-based casinos in Pennsylvania.
What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania?
The legal PA gambling age differs depending on what type of gambling activity you want to play. Land-based, resort and satellite casinos have alegal age requirement of 21. However, the legal age for betting on horse racing or playing casino games at racinos is 18.
Which casinos in Pennsylvania allow smoking?
No casinos in the state of PA allow smoking indoors. However, some Pennsylvania casinos and gambling establishments have designated outdoor smoking areas.
Which is the largest casino in Pennsylvania?
There are 12 casinos in the state. The Parx Casino and Racing located in Bensalem is the largest gambling facility in PA. The Parx Casino boasts a gaming floor of 260,000 square feet with 3,330 slot machines, 188 live games, a sportsbook, and one of the best poker rooms in PA with with 48 tables. Additionally, it has a 1,500-seat entertainment venue, various dining options, and a luxurious hotel with 280 rooms.
Are there any pet-friendly casino hotels in Pennsylvania?
Unfortunately, none of the PA land-based casinos allow pets on their premises, with the exception made for service animals. We recommend looking for pet-friendly hotels in Philadelphia or other cities with vibrant casino markets to make sure you can travel with your fluffy friend and play your favorite casino games.
Which PA casinos offer sportsbooks?
Currently, all 12 land-based casinos offer sportsbooks. These casinos offer a wide range of sportsbook options, including moneyline bets, point spreads, totals, futures, and more. Additionally, most of these casinos have dedicated sportsbook lounges with comfortable seating, multiple TV screens showing sports events, and food and beverage services.
What is the proper casino etiquette in PA brick-and-mortar casinos?
On the whole, Pennsylvania casinos are no different to gambling establishments in other states. General casino etiquette rules include not disturbing other players unless absolutely needed, being aware of the game rules or making sure they’re explained to you by the dealer when it comes to table games, staying conscious of your alcohol intake to not ruin the gambling experience for you and those surrounding you, etc.