The Pennsylvania online poker industry took off in 2019 following the launch of PokerStars. Now, you can choose from two poker apps (and desktop clients) that both offer plenty of action in a variety of games - including No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, fast-fold poker, and more.
Online poker players in Pennsylvania also have access to some of the largest online casinos and sportsbooks in the state which helps bolster up prize pools during busy times such as weekends. Plus, with no live poker rooms at this point in time, the entire market belongs to online operators.
draftkings casino android appIn this guide we’ve outlined how you can get involved with online poker in Pennsylvania today. This includes information about what legislation has been passed, which sites are available, and what kinds of games you can play. You can jump straight to the poker sites via the links above or keep reading to learn all about Pennsylvania poker night!
Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites
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Is Online Poker Legal in PA?
Yes, online poker is legal and available in the State of Pennsylvania. In fact, legislators passed HB 697 in October 2017. Mountainview Gaming LLC (MSGOCC) was the first company to go live with its poker site, , in November 2019. When PokerStars followed MSGOC into the PA market in 2019, it kickstarted the poker industry and turned it into one of the US’ strongest.
Pennsylvania Online Poker Bill History
As you can see from the timeline below, the push to legalize and regulate got underway in February 2016 when Rep. John Payne introduced H 699. Although this bill never progressed beyond the Committee stage, it set the ball rolling. A year later, a new bill - HB 921 - was introduced by a different representative. This time, the bill made it all the way to the Senate but stalled before a vote could take place.
Timeline of PA Online Poker Legislation
House Bill 396 - also known as the Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Act - contained provisions for online poker and gaming. It was signed into law in October 2017. This opened the door for operators to apply for licenses and start building their platforms ready for launch. and went live in November 2019. PokerStars joined the party in 2020 making Pennsylvania one of the most active online poker states in America.
How Do Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites Work?
Anyone aged 21+ inside the State of Pennsylvania with an account at one of the licensed online poker sites can . To open an account and play, you’ll need to provide some personal details to verify your identity. These typically include your name, address, and social security number. As Pennsylvania is geolocation enabled, you’ll need to enable location services/download a plugin so the site can confirm you’re within state lines.
A max of three accounts per household/IP address are permitted and each one must be associated with a legitimate form of payment. Therefore, if you want to sign up, you’ll need to deposit at some point. Once these steps are completed, you’ll have access to a range of poker variants and cash games, with stakes starting at $0.01/$0.02. There will also be satellites for the occasional online tournament and freerolls too.
Best Sites Like Cash N Casino - New Apps like Cashncasino 2023From there, you just need to choose your game, pick a seat, and pay your dot. Any money won at one of these sites is yours to do with as you wish. You can transfer it between casino games, use it to bet on sports, or withdraw it via one of many secure payment methods.
Online Poker Taxes in PA
When you and begin , you’ll notice that the sites are quite progressive when it comes to reporting winnings. Each account has a “tax info” section where you can store important documents and declare your status. From there, you can inform the site of your tax number and playing history, which should make things easier when it comes to declaring your income come the end of the year.
of the Best Casinos in Maryland, U.S.A.Speaking of income, online poker operators in Pennsylvania are subject to a 54% tax on revenue. Because of this, there isn’t a huge amount of money available for poker rakeback and promotions. Therefore, you won’t find any major internationally facing sites operating in Pennsylvania. Instead, you’ pittaged against locals which, in turn, makes rake and fees more important than prize pools/tournament series. With this in mind, we’re pleased to report that both PA online poker sites cap rake at 5% and offer deals such as :
- Rakeback - You’ll earn FPPs for every raked dollar at . These points can be exchanged for cash, bonuses, and tickets to freerolls and tournaments. The rate at which you earn FPPs will depend on your status (based on gameplay), but it toppers out at 22%. Therefore, if you generate $1,000 in rake in a month, you’ll receive 220 FPPs, which is equivalent to 22% rakeback.
- Rakeback at - You’ll earn Points for every raked dollar at PokerStars PA. These Stars Can be used for a variety of rewards, including bonuses, cash, and tickets to tournaments and freerolls. The number of Stars you earn will depend on various factors, including your status level and the type of games you play. However, much like the PS Casino, you can earn up to 22% rakeback via the program.
How We Rate Online Poker Rooms in Pennsylvania
You can now choose from two online poker sites in Pennsylvania. The process of licensing more operators to enter the state is lengthy and expensive, so it’s possible that the market will remain static for a few years. As it stands, however, we’ve rated the based on the following criteria:
online casinos no deposit bonus codes- Security - All licensed online poker operators in Pennsylvania use 128-bit SSL encryption protocols to protect your data and transactions. Additionally, all sites are required to verify your identity when you join and use geolocation software to ensure you’re always playing within state lines.
- Games - We check each operator’s selection of poker games and update our rankings accordingly. At this point in time, both sites primarily focus on Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. However, the availability of cash games, MTTs and SNGs varies depending on the time of day.
- Software & Graphics - Our reviewers spend countless hours playing cash games, MTTs, and SNGs at all of the state’s licensed online poker sites. We analyze the features, customization options, filters, avatars, animations, and general user interface of each client to determine which one is best. While nothing can beat , PA online poker sites hold their own and are perfectly functional even on older devices.
- Promotions - Everything from welcome bonuses to daily deals and special events are covered in our reviews. You’ll find details of how each offer works, any strings attached, and whether it offers good value or not. Based on this research, we can tell you which sites are more generous than others.
- Customer Support - You may never need customer support when playing online poker in Pennsylvania. However, it’s reassuring to know help is at hand should you encounter a problem. Our team members tested the speed and efficiency of live chat, email, phone and FAQ sections at each site.
- Mobile App - You can play poker on your mobile or tablet in Pennsylvania without downloading an app. However, dedicated iOS and Android apps are available if you want enhanced features, filters and multi-tabling capabilities. We test these apps across a variety of devices to assess how easy they are to use and navigate.
- Payment Options - From to prepaid cards, there are lots of ways to move money to and from an online poker account in Pennsylvania. However, we feel eWallets are the easiest option simply because they allow you to play without sharing your card details or banking information with a processor. Furthermore, transaction times tend to be much faster.
By analyzing each of these areas, we’re able to separate the from the rest and highlight any hidden gems. If you’re looking for something specific - such as the best poker bonus in Pennsylvania - you can use the quick navigation table below to skip to that section.
2023's Best NJ Online Poker Sites - Top NJ Poker Apps & GamesPoker Laws in Pennsylvania
The legal landscape for both live and online poker in Pennsylvania is defined by three key pieces of legislation:
- Fantasy Sports Control Act (FSCSA) - Signed into law by Governor Ed Rendell in October 2006, this bill defines fantasy sports as games of skill. It lays down the foundations for operators offering this format to acquire licenses and operate legally in the state.
- Task Force on Gaming** - In the aftermath of the 2006 FSCSA, Governor Tom Wolf established this task force to explore ways of maximizing revenue for the state. Chaired by former Senator Lloyd A. Smucker, its members spent eight months examining the merits of expanding Pennsylvania’s gambling laws to encompass other forms of adult entertainment, such as poker and casino games. In December 2016, the Task Force on Gaming issued its final report, recommending lawmakers consider regulating poker and casino table games.
- Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Act (Senate Bill 1200)** - Also known as the REPAIR Act (Restoring Economic Prosperity in Agricultural, Rural, and Impacted Areas), this bill was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on October 30, 2017. Among its many clauses was a provision for “interactive gaming.” This referred to online casino games, poker and sports betting. It gave the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) the power to start licensing operators and preparing for a regulated digital gaming industry.
Current Poker Landscape in Pennsylvania
Things moved fairly quickly after SB 1200 was passed in late 2017. The PGCB began accepting license applications in the spring of 2018. This allowed companies to secure a position in the market ready for when legislation was enacted. became the commonwealth’s first licensed online poker operator in November 2019, with following in early 2020.
Nashville Casinos to Visit (or Avoid) on BroadwayWho Can Play in Pennsylvania?
If you’re aged 21+ and located within the State of Pennsylvania, you’ll be able to play online poker at one of its licensed sites. As Pennsylvania operates a closed-loop system, you don’t necessarily have to be a resident in order to play. However, you will need to be physically inside the state in order to create an account, play cash games, and enter satellites for poker tournaments.
Any attempts to use a VPN or similar tool to mask your IP address will be picked up by the site’s geolocation software. If you try to register and your address falls outside of Pennsylvania, you won’t be able to complete the process either. The only exception is if you are visiting the state. In this instance, you will be able to play as long as you have not disabled location services on your device or downloaded a plug-in designed to hide your IP address.
Pennsylvania Poker Liquidity Sharing Agreement
One of the key elements to come out of H 699 and SB 1200 was the requirement for “interactive” gaming providers to share liquidity. This means that, in theory, each site could share its player pools with another site within the state. However, there is a caveat: external agreements are only permitted for poker games. Online casinos games and sportsbooks cannot share liqudicity in Pennsylvania.
Tropicana Casino Games That Aren't Slots - NJ & Atlantic City 2023When entered the PA market in late 2019, it didn’t have any liquidity sharing agreements in place. Therefore, it was always going to struggle to compete with - a site that was already live. Eight months later, PokerStars launched with a liquidity sharing agreement in place. This meant it could offer combined prize pools during its opening weekend for its biggest Sunday events. And combine $100,000 (for ) with $75,000 (for the ). This made it an irresistible destination for high stakes pros and recreational players alike.
Since then, MSGOC has had to settle for being the secondary site. However, it does benefit from having a fully integrated poker platform that is synonymous with top level poker around the world. Moreover, the shared player pool does mean overall levels of activity and liquidity are relatively high compared to other US states.
Available Games and Traffic Report
At this point in time, Pennsylvania online poker sites are only allowed to offer cash games and satellite tournaments. This means you won’t be able to enter MTTs directly. Instead, you’ll need to qualifier via a satellite or wait for one of the occasional networked events. As mentioned in the previous section, these restrictions don’t apply to online casino and sports betting. Hence why there aren’t any restrictions on running MTTs.
The focus is on No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omahol variations at this point in time, which is great news if you’re a recreational player. These variants are the most popular in the world and attract amateurs as well as professionals. The latter like to play large fields, win trophies, and boost their profile ahead of bigger events such as the . Pros also like to aim at the higher stakes cash games that run in Pennsylvania. So, they’ll play low stakes MTTs as a way of topping up their bankroll ahead of the weekend.
Our looks at the game selection in more detail. However, to summarize, you can play the following games at Pennsylvania online poker sites:
Tips to Help You Win Real Money at Online CasinosCash Games
- No Limit Hold’em
- Pot Limit Omahol
- No Limit 8 or Better
- Pot Limit Five Card Omahol
- Pot Limit Omahol
Tournaments
- No Limit Hold’em
- Pot Limit Omahol
- No Limit 8 or Better
- Pot Limit Five Card Omahol
All of the above games are available in sit & go format, and sit & go’s with multiple tables (known as ONJs). Full Ring, Six-Handed, and Heads-Up ONJs are available at predetermined stakes.
Live Game Features
Live game features are kept to a minimum in Pennsylvania. For example, you cannot filter cash games based on the number of players seeing the flop. You also can’t use avatars or icons that resemble real people. Finally, you cannot display your own hand strength during cash games or showdown in tournaments. In other words, all cash games operate blinds-only and you’ll see a graphic of your hole cards during tournaments.
Pennsylvania Poker Operators
Two companies currently hold licenses to offer online poker in Pennsylvania. As we’ve explained, these operators are linked to land-based casinos in the state. They share revenues and resources, as well as player pools through liquidity sharing agreements.
Mountainviews Gaming Occasional Poker (MSGOC)
Global Poker is the occasional poker arm of MSGOC. It focuses on unique, rewarding poker that’s accessible to everyone. Its flagship product is , which uses a sweepstakes model. Effectively, Gold Coins you purchase to play games can be redeemed for cash prizes. At the same time, Acorns can be exchanged for cash bonuses. Global Poker does not accept real money and is not available in every US state.
of best ‘no deposit’ poker bonuses 2023 - PokerListingsHowever, if you live in Pennsylvania and want to play using real money, you can exchange your Gold Coins and Play Money for cash balances at : Global Poker’s interactive partner. Both sites link to each other, which means you can use Gold Coins and Play Money won at Global Poker at XLV Poker, and vice versa.
XLV Poker is linked to the Stadium Casino in Philadelphia. It offers a mix of cash games and tournaments with a focus on Pot Limit Omahol variations. As PA does not currently permit online poker operators to run MTTs, all tournaments at XLV Poker are satellites. In other words, you have to qualify via a lower buy-in event in order to play. This works well for high rollers events, such as the weekly $10,300 guarantee, as it allows amateurs to chase big prizes without breaking the bank.
Flutter Entertainment
Aka PokerStars PA, this is the international giant of online poker. Flutter Entertainment owns the Stadium Casino in East Pittsburgh (just outside of Pittsburgh), so it’s authorized to offer poker, casino games, and sports betting online. PokerStars initially took its time entering the PA market. This was partly due to it waiting for federal regulation in the US and partly because it wanted to launch with a liquidity sharing agreement in place. This strategy paid off because, since going live in April 2020, it has firmly established itself as the leading site in the Keystone State.
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Based on data compiled by PokerScape, the following traffic report shows how activity fluctuated at Pennsylvania’s online poker rooms throughout 2020 and into Q1 of 2021:
Looking at the above graph, it’s clear that, on average, sees around 150 players at peak hours. This drops to around 100 at and rises to around 80 at . It’s worth noting that these numbers include all player accounts that are active at the time. Some of those players may be sports bettors or casino game players, rather than poker enthusiasts.
If you look at the cash game boards at any time of the day, there will typically be around 20 tables running from $0.01/$0.02 to $5/$10. Most of the action takes place at $0.01/$0.02 and $0.02/$0.05 with the odd table running at $0.05/$0.10, $0.10/$0.25, $0.25/$0.50, $1/$2, and $5/$10.
Turning to the tournament lobby, there tends to be a smattering of sit & goes running from $0.04 to $10. Occasionally, you’ll spot a headsonliness (HSON) game with a buy-in ranging from $0.10 to $30. There are almost always ONJs (on-demand sit & go tournaments) running. These games cost between $0.10 and $100 to enter and scale up up to $100 in prizes. Occasionally, there may be a ONJ with a $1,000 prize pool if there are enough players willing to ponied up the $100 entry fee.
Aside from satellites for dropping into the lobby, there aren’t many MTTs running. On Sundays, PokerStars runs the $10,300 guaranteed with a $100 buy-in. If you manage to win your way in via a satellite or on-site satellite, this is the main event to play in Pennsylvania. The next largest tournament is the $2,100 Sunday Rudolph Warm-up at 5:30pm ET with a $500 guarantee.
Pennsylvania Poker Tour
Although the pandemic brought live poker tours to a halt in 2020, it did at least give operators a chance to innovate. One such example is the Pennsylvania Poker Tour, which was launched in August 2020 by Hollywood Poker Council. This virtual tour featured 12 monthly stops and offered an added money prize pool of $12,000 for each Main Event.
Best Local Casinos in West Virginia (+the Top Casino Near Me)To qualify, players had to live in Pennsylvania or be visiting the state when they played. Monthly leg ends were determined by the best four finishes out of Hollywood Casino - Penn National, Parx Casino, Rivers Casino - Pittsburgh, The Meadows Casino Racebook & Poker Room, Presque Isle Downs & Casino, and Lady Luck Niagara. Hollywood Casino was the overall presenter and the winner received a $1,000 prize plus a $5,000 package to the Hollywood Casino Poker Open in July 2021.
This innovative approach proved popular among players and organizers alike. Therefore, the Hollywood Poker Council decided to continue the Pennsylvania Poker Tour in 2021. The structure remains the same, but the venues have changed. Hollywood Casino is still involved, but it has been joined by BetRivers Pittsburgh (previously known as Rivers Casino - Pittsburgh), The Meadows Casino Racebook & Poker Room, and Seneca Niagra Resort & Casino (previously Lady Luck Niagra). Theadded money prize pool for each Main Event remains at $12,000, the overall champion receives a $1,000 prize and a $5,000 package to the Hollywood Casino Poker Open, and qualification will be based on the best scores from four venues.
The Pennsylvania Poker Tour shows there is life in the old dog yet. Even though live venues were impacted by COVID-19, an innovative approach enabled the tour to thrive. This bodes well for the future of the circuit and could encourage other operators to think outside the box.
Public Poker Figures and Homegrown Pros
In terms of public figures, Pennsylvania has produced a variety of stars over the years. However, none of them are actively playing online in the state. The reason being that the first poker boom occurred more than a decade ago and the likes of ...Have since moved onto other things.
No Deposit Signup Bonuses (2023) - Best Online Casino Free Signup OffersThat’s not to say there isn’t raw talent emerging from the Keystone State. On the contrary, there are dozens of promising youngsters working their way up the stakes. However, they prefer to stay under the radar. This trend is unlikely to change anytime soon. Even if Justin Bonomo, Daniel Negreanu, or another high-profile pro came from outside of Pennsylvania, fans at live poker events are generally more interested in having pros at the tables rather than outside the venue doing meet and greets.
The Future of Pennsylvania Online Poker
The Pennsylvania online poker scene is in a good place right now. Yes, there are limitations regarding MTTs, but there are also compensating factors. The fact Pennsylvania is part of a closed loop system means anyone can create an account and play as long as they are aged 21+ and located within the state. Additionally, PokerStars entered the PA market with a liquidity sharing agreement in place. This instantly made it a far more appealing proposition than its rival.
Moving forward, it’s hard to see PokerStars losing its dominance. Despite this, MSGOC will continue to offer its unique brand of poker via XLV Poker. The potential arrival of 888poker can’t be discounted. This well-established brand is owned by Caesars Interactive - the online arm of Caesars Entertainment. Caesars owns the Harrah’s Philadelphia 900-room hotel and casino, so it has the land-based requisites to secure an interactive license in Pennsylvania.
A big stumbling block for new entrants is the cost of setting up shop. In addition to paying an initial license fee ($4m as of 2021), companies must offer a healthy sign-up bonus to players. Added together, these costs could total $8m+. This might seem like a lot of money, but PokerStars used liquidity sharing agreement to quickly establish themselves as the market leader in PA. Hence, any new site will need a similar edge if they want to challenge PokerStars.
Offering a generous welcome bonus is the perfect way to entice players, particularly if PokerStars decides to drop its new member deal. Of course, this only works if PokerStars doesn’t improve its bonuses and promotions to remain competitive. Ultimately predicting what will happen in Pennsylvania’s online poker sector is impossible. What we do know is that the industry will remain dynamic and lucrative for operators and players alike.
