Yes, gambling online in Pennsylvania is perfectly legal. PA casinos have acquired licenses from the state's regulator, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and there were 13 initial casinos in PA that officially launched in June 2019 with more to come in 2020. How can I tell the difference between an illegal and legal online casino? Dec 10, 2018 Illegal gambling is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania, punishable by up to five years in prison and as much as $10,000 in fines. Learn more about Pennsylvania's gambling laws and regulations in the following table, with links to additional articles and resources.

Check out our selection of the best Pennsylvania Online Casino welcome bonuses available for New Customers:

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Finally, PA online casinos are releasing PA casino apps and browser games for fans to enjoy! Win real money from the comfort of your phone or smartphone-- just follow this simple guide to get online and start playing today!

Top PA Casinos - How We View And Select Online Betting Sites

If you’re looking for the best PA online casinos, we’ve put together a handy guide for picking the right one. After all, you should be spending your money at a trusted, well-designed, and most of all, secure online casino! We’ve done the legwork so you can do less guessing and more betting.

We’ve taken these PA casino apps and sites for a test drive, including checking out customer support, trying out the games, poring over rewards programs and bonuses, and much more.

Confused about which PA online casino will be right for you? Read further for all you’ll need to know to get online and start betting ASAP! We’ll address a few frequently asked questions, but first, we’ve put our team on the task of testing these PA online casinos for a few of the following benchmarks:

Interface: Is the PA casino app or browser-based online casino easy to read? Is it difficult to understand when you’re making a bet, or is everything clearly defined? Is the main screen too busy, or well streamlined?

Customer support: Can you access customer support options during non-business hours? How promptly do customer service teams respond to user needs? What kind of banking options are available?

Games: Is there a good variety of games? Do they respond well whether you’re on mobile or on a home Wi-Fi connection? Do the games and graphics have a modern feel to them, or do they feel outdated?

Rewards programs and bonuses: Is there a rewards program? Are there welcome bonuses? If so, what are they and how do they work?

We’ll address all of these questions and more below using the aforementioned casinos. Let’s get started with our picks for noteworthy PA online casinos!

Parx Online Casino

Parx Online Casino boasts a modern and clear interface, worthwhile promotions, and a decent set of games. The Parx Xclub is also a great way of scoring yourself cashback bonuses and real-life comps, so be sure to get signed up and get your deposit bonus secured when you start a new Parx account.

Parx Online Casino has a well-rounded selection of games, but as with most PA Online Casinos, we’d like to see that menu expanded. Also, the Parx servers often have issues at peak times, so maybe don’t hop on right after you get off work. We’re hoping to see these issues improve as the PA online casino market matures.

Parx is one of the more modern online casinos on the market, and we’re eager to see what their people come up with in the future -- it’s a great destination for new players looking for a streamlined casino experience.

Hollywood Online Casino

Hollywood Online Casino has a clean interface and a great online experience. Link up with the mychoice Rewards Program to gain extra points on your play and get comps on hotel stays, enter your name into huge giveaways, and a bunch more.

We’re hoping to see a rollout of new promotions but it’s a great start for this new PA online casino. As the market expands, we expect great things from Hollywood Online Casino in the near future. You can find plenty of games at this online casino in PA.

SugarHouse Online Casino

SugarHouse PA gets many things right. As a new user, navigating to their main page is straightforward, and each page details exactly what you’re entitled to. A great choice for fans of slots, SugarHouse has new slots and old favorites in an easy-to-read menu with jackpots and sweepstakes amounts clearly visible.

The SugarHouse iRush rewards program is also one of the best we’ve seen. That puts SugarHouse among some of the best online casinos PA, namely because your benefits are numerous and graduating to higher tiers isn’t a huge hassle.

We are hoping that SugarHouse Online Casino expands its selection of games, however-- right now only slots are live, but clearly SugarHouse has plans to expand that to table games, card games, and more.

Projected Future PA Online Casinos

Quite a few other favorite casinos in Pennsylvania are positioning to release their own online casinos, but they’re not yet live. Look forward to great service from Harrah’s Valley Forge, Mohegan Sun, The Meadows, Presque Isle Downs, and more.

Best PA Casino Apps

When we’re looking at the best online casinos PA, we’re also looking at their smartphone apps. Over half of all internet traffic is from mobile devices, so naturally, PA online casinos would look to implement PA casino apps. We’ll detail the process of getting these apps on your device below, but first, a few small considerations have to be laid out.

If you’re playing from your mobile device, you must be within the physical limits of the state and 21 years of age or older to play. The apps need to have location services turned on for this reason. Also, make sure you’re on a stable connection -- we’re hoping to see Live Dealer support for these apps in the future, which will require live streaming video to your app.

Apple users will not have much trouble finding the apps -- just search your favorite online casino and install from the App Store. The Google Play store does not allow for any real money gambling apps to be hosted on the platform, so you’ll have to navigate to your preferred online casino’s website and download the APK for your Android device. Don’t forget to “Allow installations from unknown sources” when prompted.

Apps are a great way to play on the go or from the comfort of your own home. Take a look at the interface and layout of your preferred online casino and see if it’s a good fit for you. If not, you can always play the casino games right from your browser.

Online Casino Games in PA

Admittedly, there is a bit to be desired when it comes to the variety of games at PA online casinos. It’s a new market and lining up developers to create games, or getting the licenses for existing games, can take time. We’re looking forward to a new game in PA online gambling’s future.

SugarHouse, for example, hasn’t yet rolled out most of its projected games catalog -- right now, we’re only seeing slots. There are quite a few virtual slot types and three-reel styles, but the absence of other games is a bit disappointing. However, a nice variety of table games, card games, and video poker variants are slated for the future.

Parx offers blackjack, roulette, slots, and video poker. Fans of baccarat and craps will have to wait, as it doesn’t seem those game types are going to be implemented just yet. Still, the Parx games play well, and they are not alone in having a scant selection of games. If you’re a fan of blackjack, right now Parx Online Casino is the only place in PA where you can play. As the industry matures, more games will come.

Hollywood Online Casino offers slots, roulette, baccarat, and video poker. Again, not as robust an offering as we’ve seen in other states, but it’s still one of the more expanded games menus of the three PA online casinos available in summer 2019.

We understand that the industry is new and there isn’t a whole lot of variety in the best online casinos PA just yet. It makes sense that operators would release their apps before they have a full menu of games.

PA Online Casinos Payment Options

When you’re looking to deposit new funds into your PA online casino account, you have quite a few options available to you. Don’t forget to sign up for any deposit bonuses before you make your first deposit, however -- don’t want to miss out on a potential 100% increase in your wallet! Here’s a quick list of commonly accepted payment methods at most PA online casinos:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• PayNearMe (at locations all over PA)
• Cash @ Cage deposits (in-person at local casinos)
• ACH/eCheck
• Play+

When you’re making withdrawals from your winnings, there are quite a few more requirements that you need to meet. Those differ for each casino’s website, so make sure to read up on requirements before you withdraw.

In addition, these withdrawals usually take a bit of time -- bank processing times and casino processing times often lead to slow withdrawals. Be patient! Here’s a list of available withdrawal options:

• Check
• Preferred Prepaid Card
• Cash to Cage Withdrawals in-person at local casinos
• Bank transfers
• NETELLER or Skrill in some cases

It is unclear whether or not PayPal will be added as a preferred option to PA online casinos, but it is likely. We may also see a rollout of more PayNearMe locations as the industry matures.

PA Online Casinos Bonuses & Promotions

There are a bunch of different kinds of bonuses and promotions available to you with your new PA online casino account. Here are the details on a few different promotions that might be available to you:

Matched Deposit Bonus

Deposit bonuses are bonuses that trigger on your first deposit, and usually are 100% match bonuses up to a certain dollar amount. For example, if you deposit up to $250 and get up to $250 in your account with a matched bonus, you will get a total starting wallet of $500. With any deposit bonus, wagering requirements and deposit requirements may apply, so read the fine print before you decide.

Free Spins

Sometimes throughout the year you’ll notice “free spins” being handed out to online casino users. This is a great bonus, and you should always take your chance at the wheel, because the free spins are usually tied to some pretty impressive jackpots! Take a look at the promotions calendar on your preferred best online casino PA for more info.

Registration Bonus

Free cash bonuses trigger when you first open your PA online casino account, and usually don’t require any deposit. The casino of your choice will give you up to $30 of free starting cash which acts like real money -- bet with it, make winnings on it! Again, withdrawal and wagering requirements do apply.

Loyalty and Similar Recurring Bonuses

Also take a look at your favored PA online casino to see if there’s a rewards program that pays points for online play -- these points can often be used for cashback rewards, hotel stays, meal comps, VIP purchases, and more.

Often, you’ll earn tier rewards for every dollar you spend, so make sure that online play does in fact pay into the Rewards program of your choice before you sign up. (SugarHouse, Parx, and Hollywood Casino all have rewards programs that benefit online players.)

Refer a Friend

Lastly, refer a friend! Any online casino worth their salt will give its users a referral bonus when a friend signs up for an account and makes their first deposit! It’s a quick and easy way to get up to $50 extra in your wallet, and then you’ll have a friend to play alongside!

PA Online Gambling Regulations

When you’re gambling online, whether from the comfort of your smartphone or a browser, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Here’s everything you need to know to stay legal and above board when betting online:

All gambling is restricted to players 21 and older. Most sites will require you to offer some or all of your social security number to verify this. Don’t worry -- all gambling sites are regulated by the PA Gaming Control Board.

If you’re gambling on a PA online casino, you’ll need to be physically within Pennsylvania. The apps and browser version all have geotagging software that you’ll need to enable on your device to make sure you’re in PA at the time of sign in.

Once you’ve gotten all your details cleared and your location plugin enabled, you’re all set to play! Just sign up, grab your first deposit bonus, and play some of your favorite casino games online, at home or on the go!

PA Online Betting FAQ

You will find a couple of useful answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Are online casinos legal in the US?

Yes, online casinos are legal in the US, but only in certain states. NJ, PA, DE, and NV all have legal online casinos or poker tables. Any other state claiming to offer legal online casinos is likely using an offshore operator, which is illegal in the US.

What do I need to start my PA online casino account?

You will need your social security number, a bank account, and a smartphone or computer on which to register and play. Make sure you’re physically within the state of PA when you play, otherwise the location services or the geotagging plugin that you’ve enabled on your device will lock you out.

How can I be sure my data is safe?

All PA online casinos are registered with and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Enforcement Board. In addition, when using a secure payment method like a credit card or bank transfer, standard transfer insurance like FDIC does extend to these transfers. Still, to be safe, use a verified and preferred method of payment like a credit card or bank transfer, though it may be compelling to just head to the casino and deal in cash.

I have a gambling problem. Can I limit my time on the sites?

Absolutely. You can lock your account down for a “cooling off” period if you need to step away for some time, or you can set deposit limits to limit the amount you are allowed to spend on your online casino account. (Sometimes this is referred to as a “self-exclusion” period.)

At any rate, all online casinos have a Responsible Gaming section that you can turn to if you think you may need a little help.

PA Online Casinos - Finishing Thoughts

As we already mentioned, it is likely that new brands will join the PA online casinos race. Exciting times are ahead for online gambling in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned, we will update this text as new brands join the online casino market.

Casino-style gambling in Pennsylvania is available at the local racetracks and dedicated gaming establishments. Racetracks are allowed to offer pari-mutuel horse race wagering, but you should keep in mind that this option is also available at licensed off-track facilities. Charitable gambling is perfectly legal and the state has its own lottery. Internet gambling isn’t regulated, but the state regulations make it illegal for the local authorities to prosecute people who play on offshore iGaming sites.

Online Gambling in Pennsylvania

The legal status of offshore gambling sites in Pennsylvania is very ambiguous and determining it might prove to be a challenge even for the most seasoned lawyers, but unless you’re interested in studying the law for reasons that aren’t related to online gambling activities, we wouldn’t really recommend worrying about it. As mentioned above, the Pennsylvania code makes it impossible for the local authorities to harass or prosecute individual players who participate in any unlicensed gambling activities. This means that if you’re a Pennsylvania resident or you’re simply visiting The Keystone State, you’re essentially free to play on any iGaming site that accepts US-based players.

Casinos & Sportsbooks Accepting Players From Pennsylvania

Casino Games

Notable land-based gambling casinos in Pennsylvania include Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Township, just to name a few. In addition, a new casino in Philadelphia is very likely to open its doors for the first time in 2016. Other than that, Pennsylvania residents are free to access online casino sites operated by offshore companies. Those casinos may lack the ambience of a real land-based gambling establishment, but there’s simply no denying the fact that the games and bonuses offered by the sites recommended here are absolutely top-notch.

Sports Betting

Pennsylvania has four important horse racing venues, which include The Meadows, Presque Isle Downs, Parx Casino and Racing and the Penn National Race Course. Players are free to engage in pari-mutuel betting right on the spot or via the off-track facilities. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania isn’t allowed to offer sportsbook-style wagers, so players who’d like to bet on their favorite American sports have to stick to Pennsylvania-friendly offshore sports betting services, which have been listed here for your convenience.

Poker

Pennsylvania is one of the East Coast poker hubs and the local high stakes games tend to get ridiculously tough, but in the end most of the local poker enthusiasts stick almost exclusively to major offshore networks due to the fact that it allows everyone involved to play more hands, assume a more strategy-oriented, analytic approach and become a part of a massive player pool composed of players from all over the country. If you’d like to start playing on those networks, all you have to do is follow one of the links provided below.

Online Gambling FAQ

Where can I find regulations that pertain to gambling in Pennsylvania?

Everything you need to know is contained within Section 5512 of Pennsylvania Statutes.

What forms of gambling are legal and regulated within the borders of Pennsylvania?

Poker, casino games, pari-mutuel betting, charitable gambling and state controlled lottery.

What is the legal status of online gambling in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania regulations prevent the local authorities from prosecuting offshore site customers.

Do offshore gambling sites accept Pennsylvania residents?

Yes, all offshore gambling will gladly accept a new customer from Pennsylvania.

How can I deposit to an offshore gambling site from Pennsylvania?

The best – and sometimes only – way of making a deposit to an offshore site is to use your credit or debit card.

How can I withdraw my money from an offshore iGaming site if I live in Pennsylvania?

You have to choose between bank wire transfer and check. Once you’re done, you’ll have to wait for your operator to process the request, which usually doesn’t take longer than a couple of days.

Is Pennsylvania planning to regulate online gambling in the future?

Pennsylvania is currently working on introducing iGaming-friendly regulations.

Gambling History – Interesting Facts

1. Pennsylvania created its lottery in 1971 with the purpose of generating funds for older residents of the state.

2. In 2004, Pennsylvania introduced the Racehorse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which enabled casino gaming across the state.

Pennsylvania Gambling Resources

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes:

American Gambling Association – Pennsylvania:

http://www.americangaming.org/industry-resources/state-information/pennsylvania

Council on Compulsive Gambling in Pennsylvania – Resources:

Can I Gamble Online In Michigan

http://www.pacouncil.com/resources/

List of Casinos in Pennsylvania:

Can I Gamble Online In Paris

Pennsylvania Hearing Cools Off Online Gambling Expectations – Bluff Magazine:

Can You Gamble Online In Pennsylvania

http://www.bluff.com/news/pennsylvania-hearing-cools-off-online-gambling-expectations-54041/