Pennsylvania Online Gambling: PA Online Gambling Guide January 2025

Written by: Martin Pramatarov

Fact checked by: Kate Matthews

Map of USA, where the state of Pennsylvania is pinned.

Pennsylvania online gambling is legal which makes the state a very hospitable place for games of luck and betting. There are multiple ways that you can have fun with games and sports. From online table variants to Fantasy Sports, everything is available here. And there are many gaming platforms that offer incredible welcome bonuses.

Best Pennsylvania gambling sites

Last updated: 08.01.2025
CasinoCasino RatingWelcome BonusProsSports BettingPaymentLegal StatesGo to CasinoCasino ReviewSignificant Terms
4.9/5 100% match up to $1000 Plus $25 on the house
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • MGM Rewards Loyalty program
Yes
  • NJ
  • WV
  • MI
  • PA
Play now!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5 100% match up to $1,000 + $20 on the house
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • Borgata Online Rewards
Yes
  • NJ
  • PA
Play now!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.5/5 Play $5 Get $50
  • Loyalty Program - Dynasty Rewards
  • Player help available 24/7
  • Mobile App
Yes
  • CT
  • MI
  • NJ
  • PA
Play now!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply

Keystoners are blessed with a booming digital gaming and betting industry. Let’s check the top PA online gambling sites and see all the great offers residents have available. The spotsbooks and casinos are competing for every new player, offering great welcoming bonuses, VIP programs, and many promotions to keep their users happy. This brings strong competition and multiple benefits for the Quaker State Folk.

You can also expect high-level security for the browser-based and mobile apps of the best online gambling sites in PA. To be as easy as possible for you as a player and user of the platforms, there are multiple deposit and withdrawal methods. It is definitely a great state for Internet games of chance and wagers on sports!

If you are into games and like wagering on sports and other events, you will be delighted to hear about all the available opportunities that the state offers. Whatever your hobby may be, it is highly likely that it is legal to do it. Both offline and online casinos are legal! PA is one of the richest states when it comes to the variety of available gambling websites and apps.

If you are a poker player, there are many poker rooms too. You can enjoy the game in a traditional casino or compete against multiple contestants from around the state. That way, you can show your skills against some of the best. As you can already guess, there is a lottery, the Pennsylvania State Lottery. It has been around for a while, and it offers you a chance to win the big jackpot and change your life.

PA legal forms of gambling:

  • Online casinos
  • Internet video poker games and live streamed versions
  • Sports betting
  • B&M casinos
  • Lottery
  • Internet lottery
  • Fantasy sports
  • Horse racing
  • Bingo
  • Keno

Online casinos Legal

Gaming platforms in Pennsylvania are legal. The law was passed in 2017. The state had more than a few years to develop and refine their services well. And sure, it did! Now you can play whatever you like in this state: poker, blackjack, baccarat, slots, roulette, Kano, Bingo, and much more. Online gambling PA sites are many, more than 20, and the competition between them has created great games and outstanding bonuses for Keystone Staters. It is one of the states where you can feel really appreciated by the tons of offers from those websites.

Of course, just like in other states, you can play international legal online casinos, but you don’t have to. The offers of exclusive games and great promotions here are so good that there are almost no reasons to search for other options. There are great players in the Coal State, so if you are into tournaments, you can find good matches right in your state. Out of the few states where online casinos are legal, Pennsylvania is one of the best ones. If you are into digital gambling, you are very lucky that you are a resident of the Iron State.

Online poker Legal

Оnline poker is often separated from the rest of the casino games. Here, in Penn’s Woods, the game has been legal since 2017. It is thriving, and there are many great sites that organize poker tournaments around the year. Some of the greatest that Pennsylvania residents can join are SCOOP, Poker Starts COOP, and WSOP Online Circuit. If you are at least 21 years old, you can start playing poker on your computer or directly from your mobile phone through the web browser or an app. It is quite easy and accessible for everyone in the state.

The Pennsylvania gambling sites are many, so you can expect a lot of payment and withdrawal methods. That way, you can find the one that best suits you and save both time and money in transfers. Luckily, the online casinos here are really focused on the players, and they have done everything possible so that people have an excellent experience.

Land-based casinos Legal

The state of Pennsylvania has more than 20 brick-and-mortar casinos! Quite an impressive number. The state legalized them in 2010. By that time, horse racing and slot machines were already legal, but in 2010, the state permitted all the typical table games like craps, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more.

Now there are 4 types of B&M casinos: racinos, standard ones, resort, and satellite casinos. The difference is mostly the size. The racinos are the biggest and offer the most variety of gambling types. You, of course, can bet on races, but now, most of the casinos also offer sports betting too. Brick-and-mortar venues in Pennsylvania definitely have many things to offer.

Racinos (Casino + Racetrack)

Standard casinos

Resort casinos

Satellite casinos

Sports betting Legal

Wagers on matches and other events were legalized in Pennsylvania in 2018. It took a year more until the big players opened sportsbooks in the state. But today, you can find most of the nationwide providers like BetMGM, DraftKings casino, FanDuel, and Caesars casino. Now there are a total of 14 legal online sportsbooks, so you have a huge variety of providers.

What you can expect here is to be able to bet on top events and games, namely football, baseball, basketball, soccer, snooker, hockey, handball, and many more. You can enjoy innovative features from the providers. You are free to place bets not just on results but on multiple parameters.

To support your favorite team, you need to be at least 21 years old and choose one of the online or offline sportsbooks. Many of the PA casino apps offer sports betting, so you can use the same app for multiple purposes. Great, isn’t it?

Daily Fantasy Sports Legal

You can bet on Daily Fantasy Sports in Pennsylvania legally. The minimum age is set to 18. Lower than most of the other gambling types that are allowed in the state. At the moment, there are at least 10 operators, which include big names like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Most of the best online casinos in the state will provide DFS, too, and you can even get a hefty deposit bonus when you start. You can try your knowledge, experiment with a different strategy and see if your skills are good enough to win real money. Gambling winnings are subject to federal and state taxes. Just make sure you pay it later.

Lottery Legal

Pennsylvania legalized the lottery back in 1971. Since then, there have been many lucky winners of attractive jackpots. You can get a million dollars and even more from draw and scratch-off games, Keno, Second chance, and similar games. Starting in 2019, you can also play online lottery, and that makes it even easier. Now, you can buy a lottery ticket straight from your desktop or your mobile phone.

What you should know is that the minimum age, both for the Internet and offline lottery, is 18. That is still lower than the age for digital casinos or sports betting on the Web. Because the State Lottery is managed by the state, you can be sure that it is very safe to play it.

Horse racing Legal

Horse racing has been legal in the state since 1959. You can see that Pennsylvania has a deep tradition in this beautiful sport. Now, you can bet on horse races, and many more activities, on racetracks and inside brick-and-mortar casinos.

To bet on horses, you must be at least 18 if you bet offline and 21 if you bet online. So, if you are a truly big fan, you can bet directly at the racetrack, even if you are not yet 21 years old.

Now, so many people love to bet on horses that the revenues for the state are huge! They are the second biggest revenues, behind only the state of Nevada.

If you want to try horse racing, you can do it in The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, The Meadows, Parx Racing, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, and Presque Isle Downs.

Bingo Legal

Pennsylvania legalized Bingo in 1981. A decade after the state legalized the lottery, the next one legalized was Bingo. Now everybody who is 18 or more can play Bingo. The restrictions are less strict. Most of the other game types require players to be at least 21, but this is not the case with Internet Bingo, which is legal. The state permitted it, together with all other popular types of digital gambling.

The curiosity here is that there is no company in the state that offers online Bingo. It is a miss for many fans of this game. But, for sure, soon, there will be providers of this activity. It’s all just a matter of time.

Keno Legal

Keno has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2018. It is managed by the State Lottery. You can find the game and start playing. Usually, the prices are not as high as the lottery, but still, a jackpot of $100 000 is very attractive. Keno is really easy to learn and there are new drawings every 4 minutes.

So, you have plenty of chances to start wagering. But, before you do it, check out the rules of the game, how exactly you can bet and what you can expect as a result. It is not hard to understand, but still, it is always better to be prepared before. Know the rules well so you can play well and with confidence. Otherwise, you can lose the first few games while you still don’t understand how the game really works and what is happening on each stage. The minimum bet is just $1, so it is very easy to start.

Pennsylvania online gambling is well-developed, and there are many ways that you can wager money. The first age group is above 18 and younger than 21. These people can try their luck in the Pennsylvania State Lottery (online and offline), go and play Bingo (offline), bet on a horse racing outcome (offline), and try their skills and knowledge with Fantasy Sports (offline).

As you can see, the state gives many options. All the rest that are above 21 can enjoy the previous activities, both on site and through the Internet. They can also play games including poker, use social casinos, and place sports bets.

Gambling typeLegal age land-basedLegal age onlineOnline since
Casinos21212019
Sportsbooks21212018
Poker21212019
Fanstasy sports1818

(21 in an online casino)

2018
Horse race betting18212018
Lottery18182019
Bingo18182019
Social casinosN/A21N/A

Top online casinos in the Iron State

There are more than 30 gaming websites in PA, so there is a lot to choose from. But, to make it easy for you, we have already done the hard work and shortlisted the best Pennsylvania gambling sites for you. There are great offers. You can bet on your favorite table games. Join a poker table and even play with players from other states.

And, of course, there are many online slots! All of the gaming platforms offer amazing slot machines both on desktop and mobile. There are many choices. Attractive prizes and progressive jackpots. There are many exciting games that you can try. What are you waiting for? Check the top online casinos in Pennsylvania now!

CasinoCasino RatingWelcome BonusBenefitsCasino GamesSecure LinkSignificant Terms
4.9/5 100% match up to $1000 Plus $25 on the house
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • MGM Rewards Loyalty program
2500+
  • MI
  • WV
  • PA
  • NJ
Claim Bonus!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.9/5 100% match up to $1,000 + $20 on the house
  • Live Casino & Poker
  • Mobile app available
  • Borgata Online Rewards
4000+
  • NJ
  • PA
Claim Bonus!Read Casino Review Terms & Conditions apply
4.8/5 Up to $100
  • Live Casino
  • Over 1000 Games
  • Trusted Payment Methods
1000+
  • NJ
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.8/5 Up to $600 + $25 on the house
  • Live Dealers
  • Loyalty Program
  • Trusted Payment Methods
5000+
  • NJ
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply
4.7/5 Get $40
  • MGM Rewards Program
  • Jackpot Slots
  • Mobile app
400+
  • NJ
Claim Bonus!Terms & Conditions apply

Gambling and safety

The Quaker State has the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to handle online betting and casino activities, B&M venues, poker games, and sportsbooks. PGCB can give and take licenses and sanction any wrongdoings when it comes to gambling in the state.

When you check physical and online casinos open to Quakers, you need to know if the PGCB has already licensed them. You will see the logo of the PGCB on all legal online gambling PA sites.

There is another institution that you can trust for regulation and licensing in PA – the Department of Revenue. It works together with the PGCB and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to audit land-based and, digital PA casinos and sportsbooks.

If you see any problem with a gaming operator, whether online or offline, you can contact the Board at 1-800-GAMBLER. You can use the same number if you have any problems related to addiction. There are people who can help.

  • Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
  • Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Pennsylvania gambling laws through time

Let’s see the progress of the Steel State toward the legalization of the different types of gambling. Where is it now, and what has the state of PA achieved already.

1959 - Horse racing legalization

1959Horse racing legalization

In 1959, thanks to the Race Horse Industry Reform Act, the state of Pennsylvania legalized horse racing. Back then, horse racing was really popular in America. Many people gather to watch these beautiful animals compete, and since 1959, they could add the thrill of betting. After the legalization, it still took some time for the creation of the first horse racing hub – the Meadows Racetrack. It opened its doors in 1963.

1971 - PA Lottery was created

1971PA Lottery was created

In 1971, Pennsylvania gambling expanded through the creation of the state lottery. People have got a new way to bet and win money. And for those that were not lucky, there was a property tax relief for citizens above 65 years old.

1981 - Pennsylvania legalized Bingo

1981Pennsylvania legalized Bingo

In 1981, Bingo got legalized in PA, and later on, in 1988, some other small games of chance got the green light too. So, at the end of the 80s, people could already enjoy Bingo, raffles, punchboards, pull tables, draws, and pools.

1993 - A failed attempt to legalize casinos in PA

1993A failed attempt to legalize casinos in PA

In the 90s, there were many fans of games already. There was a strong attempt to get land-based casinos legalized, but it didn’t happen. There was still a long road to walk until the day that the Quaker State Folks could finally enter a PA gaming venue.

2004 - Slots were finally legalized in the Iron State

2004Slots were finally legalized in the Iron State

As you can see, there has been a will to legalize casino games since the 90s, but it took quite a lot of time for it to happen. One middle step was the legalization of slot machines. In 2004, Act 71 passed and established the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as the control institution in the state. It can give and take licenses and control the slot operators and casinos. That was the moment when finally, people could go and play in brick-and-mortar facilities.

2010 - Poker and table games get legalized

2010Poker and table games get legalized

Finally, in 2010, Keystone Staters could play the most popular table games. Since then, you can have fun trying your luck with games like poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, red-dog, craps, and more in land-based venues. PA is definitely a progressive state and has already built a very strong casino industry.

2017 - Pennsylvania digital gambling legalized

2017Pennsylvania digital gambling legalized

2017 was a big year for online gambling in PA. In the same year, not only did online casinos and Fantasy Sports got legalized, but online poker, too. And let’s not forget that in 2017, VGTs and mini “satellite” land-based casinos got legalized too. It was a big year for the PA gambling industry and since then, the residents could bet on almost everything except sports and events.

2018 - Sportsbooks allowed

2018Sportsbooks allowed

There was almost no waiting time. One year later, sports betting got legalized! In many places around the USA, bookmakers got regulated and allowed, and Pennsylvania was not an exception. The first to offer it to the public was Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Since then, there have been many more operators, so you can bet on different places, even on PA gambling sites (since 2019).

2019 - The first digital sportsbooks and online casinos appeared

2019The first online sportsbook sites and online casinos appeared

It took some years before the first PA internet platforms were created. But now, there are many. You can play online casino games both on your computer through a browser or on your mobile phone. It is an exceptionally-well developed state. The large competition has created excellent conditions for players.

The most important Pennsylvania gambling laws

To summarize the history, let’s see which are the most essential gambling rules and decisions for PA.

  1. The authorities allowed horse racing in 1959. Later, in 1971, the state lottery was created. In 1981, Bingo also got legalized, but still, a very important component was missing, the casinos!
  2. The slot machines also got a green light in 2004. It took forever until games also got legalized. There were multiple attempts, and finally, in 2010, the state allowed brink-and-mortar facilities that offer casino games.
  3. Internet wagering was getting popular, and Pennsylvania didn’t want to be left behind. In 2017 online poker and other games became legal too. Multiple PA online gambling sites were created. In 2018, sports betting was also allowed, and many platforms added it to their portfolio. Now, online gambling in Pennsylvania is well-developed.

Latest updates

The Steel State has legalized the most common types of gambling already. Check out the latest updates:

Thanks to the huge interest from players, both Internet gaming and sportsbook wagering had record-high revenues in 2022. Two more mini-casinos are expected to open in 2023 – Parx Casino Shippensburg and State Collage Casino. That way, the total number will rise to twelve.

In 2023, there will be up to ten new digital gaming platforms that can get a license. That way, the market will develop even more, and you will have even more places to enjoy your favorite games. Starting January 2023, PA online casinos must provide multi-factor authentication options to their users. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board introduced it to add extra security to the players’ accounts.

FAQ

Is Internet gambling legal in Penn’s Woods?

Yes it is. The state legalized online casinos in 2017 and digital sportsbooks in 2018. The state offers many, and thanks to the massive amount of gambling websites and apps in PA, you can enjoy many promotions.

Is online sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

The Quaker State legalized it in 2018 and the first sites started operating in 2019. Now there are multiple online sportsbooks and betting apps available in PA. You can bet on your favorite sport. The selection is large. NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and many more sports and leagues.

How old do you need to be to gamble in the Steel State?

You must be at least 21 years old to engage in online sports wagering and games in Pennsylvania. This age limit is valid for table games on online casinos, sports betting, social casinos, Internet poker, Daily Fantasy sports (at casinos), and horse racing. If you are between 18 and 21, you can play the lottery and DFS.

Are there real money PA online casinos?

Yes, you can play real money games on any PA online casinos you like that operate by the law and have licenses. You can find the best digital gambling portals PA at the beginning of this page.

Is playing online games in Penn’s Woods safe?

Yes, you can play table games without any problems. Just, choose only licensed operators. The state has legalized many. When you visit a casino site for the first time, check if it has an SSL/TLS certificate (it should start with HTTPS), and then check if the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board gave it a license. Unlicensed casinos operating in the state might be illegal.

Can I play online slots in the state?

Yes. Most PA casino apps and the best casinos offer online slots. There are many options. Thanks to the strong competition in the state, you can enjoy hundreds and even thousands of online slots from multiple providers.

What games are available at Pennsylvania casinos?

You can play all kinds of casino games: keno, baccarat, poker, blackjack, roulette, and many more. There are many live dealer variants too! Live dealer games are quite popular in this state.

Can I play at online casinos in the Iron State for free?

You can play free table games and slots on the Web through a desktop or by downloading gambling apps of your choice. You can learn the rules of the games and apply strategies without losing your own money if you want to. This can be enough for many, but if later you would like to try the thrill of wagering, you can try social gaming operators where you only bet virtual points or low-bet real money casino games.

Are my winnings at a Pennsylvania casino taxable?

Yes. You need to pay both federal and state taxes in Penn’s Woods. The federal tax is 24%, and there is a PA flat income tax of 3.07%.

When did the Coal State legalize e-gambling?

This happened in 2017 and a year later, in 2018, the state made online sports betting lawful as well.

When did casinos become legal in Pennsylvania?

The state legalized traditional casinos in 2010, but it took seven more years for PA to make online platforms that offer games of chance lawful.

Martin PramatarovAuthor at Gamezinger.com