If you’re a fan of gambling, you will be pleased to know that there are many opportunities to gamble online in Pennsylvania legally. This state offers various forms of legal online gambling, including sports betting, poker, daily fantasy sports, lottery ticket sales, and casino games.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all legal online gambling sites within the state. Continue reading to learn about the best online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites available in PA, as well as the latest news regarding online gambling laws and regulations.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Pennsylvania. The state passed legislation in 2017 allowing for both online and in-person gambling. The first Pennsylvania online casinos and sportsbooks launched in 2019.
Pennsylvania Online Gambling Laws
Pennsylvania has specific laws governing online gambling. Here are some key provisions:
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Age: You must be at least 21 years old to participate in any form of online gambling in Pennsylvania.
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Location: You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania, but you must be physically located within the state borders to place bets or play casino games online. Your internet or mobile device’s IP address is used to verify your location.
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License: Only licensed operators are allowed to offer online gambling services in Pennsylvania. The PGCB oversees licensing and regulation.
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Taxation: Online gambling operators are required to pay taxes on revenue generated from players in Pennsylvania. These taxes help fund the state budget and related programs.
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Responsible Gambling: All licensed operators in Pennsylvania are required to promote responsible gambling practices and provide resources for players who may be experiencing problems.
Taxation of Online Gambling Winnings in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, any winnings from gambling activities, whether in-person or online, are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This includes winnings from casino games, sports betting, poker, and the lottery. If your total gambling winnings exceed $1,200 in a year, the casino is required to send you a Form Gaming Protection Act Report of Casino Games (Form SCH-C).
If you are a professional gambler, you may be required to pay self-employment tax. However, you can deduct your losses from your winnings up to the amount of your wins. It is always recommended to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice on how to report your gambling winnings.
How We Rank Online Casinos and Other Gambling Apps
With so many options for gambling apps in PA, it is essential to know how to choose a reputable and safe platform. Our team of experts evaluates each online gaming site based on several critical factors:
Licensing and Regulation
We only recommend online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites that hold a valid license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). This ensures that the operator meets strict standards for fairness, security, and player protection.
Security Measures
To protect your personal and financial information, we look for sites that use advanced encryption technology and implement robust authentication procedures. Additionally, we check if they have a good track record regarding data breaches and other security incidents.
Fair Gameplay and Payout Rates
Legitimate online gambling sites should provide unbiased game results. We ensure that the platforms have third-party certifications verifying their Random Number Generator (RNG) systems and publish monthly payout reports audited by independent testing agencies like eCOGRA.
Bonuses and Promotions
While bonuses and promotions can enhance your gaming experience, we emphasize transparency in terms and conditions. A low wagering requirement, a long expiration date, and clear restrictions make these offers more beneficial for players.
Mobile Compatibility
Since many Pennsylvanians prefer to bet on the go, we recommend gambling apps that work smoothly on iOS and Android devices. Native apps with fast load times and a wide range of games receive higher scores than web apps.
Payment Options
We consider the variety of deposit and withdrawal methods available on each platform, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and vouchers. Faster transaction speed, lower fee, and wider acceptance complete this criterion.
Customer Support
Good customer support channels include live chat, phone, and email. Fast response time and a comprehensive FAQ section are valuable additions.
Reputation
We assess user feedback across multiple online reviews, forums, and social media channels. While some complaints are inevitable, a history of resolving issues professionally and promptly leaves a positive impression.
By considering these factors, we rank the top online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites in Pennsylvania, enabling you to choose a safe and enjoyable platform for your gambling needs.
Checklist: Choosing a Safe & Legit PA Real Money Gambling Site
Here is a quick checklist summarizing the crucial points to ensure that you select a secure and trustworthy real money gambling site in Pennsylvania:
Make sure the online gambling site or app is:
- Licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
- Utilizes SSL encryption to safeguard your private info
- Known for its commitment to responsible gambling
- Audited by independent firms to guarantee fair gaming outcomes
- Offers transparent bonus conditions and high-quality customer service
- Compatible with major mobile platforms
- Provides trusted payment methods for deposits and withdrawals
The Best Online Gambling Sites in Pennsylvania
To save you time, our team of experts has thoroughly reviewed and ranked the top online gambling sites in Pennsylvania across different categories: casinos, sportsbooks, and poker. For each type of gambling, we have selected three recommendations based on our evaluation criteria. Feel free to click on the direct links to read in-depth reviews or visit the gambling site directly.
Rank Gambling Site Why We Like it Visit Site
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1×2 Network (Best for PA Sports Betting)
Most Markets and Live In-Play Betting
More than 1,000 markets and fast interface Visit Site -
bet365 (Top PA Sportsbook Overall)
Great Odds, Many Bonuses, and Live Streaming
High odds, cash out feature, and live streaming
Visit Site
- DraftKings (Best for Features and Promos)
Easy to Use Interface and Intuitive Design
Daily Fantasy Sports and easy parlay bets
Visit Site
- BetOnline Poker (Top Recommended PA Online Poker Room)
Best Welcome Bonus and Traffic
Weekly tournaments and anonymous tables
Visit Site
- Global Poker (Best Sweepstakes Model PA Online Poker Site)
Unique Sweepstakes Model and Fun Games
Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins welcome package
Visit Site
- PokerStars PA (Editor's Choice for Top Graphics and Software)
Biggest Online Poker Provider
Beginner tables and fast-fold tables
Visit Site
- Bovada Casino (High-Rated Online Casino for PA Players)
Best All-around PA Online Casino
Attractive bonuses and Bitcoin promotion
Visit Site
- Wild Casino (Top-Rated PA Gambling Site for Slots)
25 Live Pac-Man Tables
Well-rounded selection of banking methods
Visit Site
- BetUS (New Online Casino for Pennsylvania Residents)
Fast Payout Methods and Crypto Bonuses
Exclusive casino bonuses and VIP manager
Visit Site
Keep in mind that while we believe these platforms are reliable choices, it’s always important to gamble responsibly and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding online gambling. As such, we cannot condone any actions that could lead to violating the law. Please seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive gambling behavior.
Types of Legal Gambling in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers various types of legal online gambling. Let’s take a closer look at each option:
Online Casinos
PA online casinos allow you to play a wide variety of games from the comfort of your home. These include slot machines, table games, video poker, and live dealer games streamed in real time. To play, you need to sign up at a licensed online casino, such as those listed above, and make a deposit. You’ll then be eligible for bonus credits and free spins.
Some popular slots titles in Pennsylvania are Divine Fortune, Buffalo King, and Wheel of Fortune. Table game enthusiasts can enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and Casino Hold’em. Live dealer games bring an authentic casino atmosphere to your screen, with real dealers shuffling cards and spinning roulette wheels.
One of the most significant benefits of online casinos is the opportunity to earn Cash Back Offers, also known as Stake Back. These offers give you a percentage of your net losses back as bonus money, which can increase your chances of winning big. To claim this offer, simply enroll during the promotion period and meet the eligibility requirements.
It’s worth noting that state and federal taxes apply to casino winnings over a certain threshold. However, losses cannot offset your taxes; you can only claim them to reduce your taxable income. It’s essential to keep accurate records of your wins and losses for tax purposes.
Sports Betting
With online sports betting in Pennsylvania, you can place wagers on various sporting events from around the world. Popular sports to bet on include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL,soccer, golf, tennis, and more. Common bet types include moneylines, point spreads, over/unders, parlays, futures, props, and teasers. Several online sportsbooks in PA offer boosted odds, same-game parlays, and live betting with updated odds as the game progresses.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is another form of online sports betting permitted in Pennsylvania. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel allow you to create your own team within a budget and compete against others in real sports contests. Skill plays a significant role in determining your success.
of the Best Online Casinos UK PlayersPoker
Online poker rooms in Pennsylvania provide different variants, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and Draw. You can participate in cash games, tournaments, and sit & go events. Real money games allow you to win satellite entries to prominent poker events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
International poker tournaments like the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) and Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT) have satellites available. However, you cannot currently participate in these international tournaments themselves, as players can only play against others located within the state.
Global Poker stands out as a sweepstakes poker site in Pennsylvania, offering a unique “Gold Coins” and “Sweeps Coins” system. While Golden Acorn Casino is not a poker room, it’s worth mentioning for its generous perks and promotions for slots and table games.
Online Lottery & Bingo in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania iLottery allows you to purchase lottery tickets online for draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash4Life, as well as instant games similar to scratch-offs. You can set up auto-purchase for your favorite draws and check your ticket status easily. The Pennsylvania Online Lottery also offers attractive jackpots and second-chance promos.
As for online bingo, only land-based casinos operating under the Expanded New Jersey Internet Gaming Pilot Program can offer it. For instance, Caesars, Harrah’s, and Bushkill Group’s Mount Airy Casino Resort provide online bingo and chat rooms for players.
Registering and Verifying Your ID
Before you can start playing at an online gambling site in Pennsylvania, you’ll typically need to complete the following steps:
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Select a licensed PA online gambling site
Ensure the platform holds a valid license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). -
Click the ‘Join Now’ or ‘Register’ button
This usually begins the registration process. -
Provide your personal details
Enter information such as your full name, residential address, email address, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). You may also be asked to supply your mobile phone number. -
Create your account
Choose a unique username and a strong, secure password. Read and accept the terms of service and privacy policy. You might need to check a box confirming you are at least 21 years old and located within Pennsylvania. -
Verify your identity
bonus codes for wild casino
Online gambling sites in Pennsylvania use Identity Now, a facial recognition software, to verify your identity. You will be asked to upload or capture photos of your government-issued ID and face for comparison. This step helps prevent fraud and ensures account security. -
Complete payment authorization
You might need to provide additional information for payment authorization before making your first deposit. This could involve submitting documents such as a bank statement or credit card statement with the last four digits matching what you entered during registration.
Once registered and verified, you can begin enjoying the gambling activities offered on the site. Remember, one account per person and household is generally required, and multiple accounts may result in account closure and forfeiture of winnings.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Convenience and security are vital when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds from your online gambling account in Pennsylvania. Most regulated gambling websites support popular payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. Here’s an overview of common banking options:
Best Online Casino Real Money Apps to Win in 2023-2024Credit/Debit Cards
Major credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted. Instant deposits occur, but withdrawals might require an alternate method since federal laws limit charges to credit cards.
E-Wallets
Electronic wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal enable swift deposits and often offer instant cashouts. Real-money gambling accounts can be funded quickly without exposing sensitive card information.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards, such as the Play+ card, permit fixed deposits and function like a debit card. They are accessible after verification and can avoid sharing main bank accounts’ information.
Bank Transfers / ACH
Direct bank transfers or ACH (Automated Clearing House) can handle sizable deposits and withdrawals. However, deposits typically take longer to reflect, and withdrawals might necessitate registration of online banking information.
Cryptocurrency
Select gambling sites now accept popular cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. Deposits are swift and confidential, yet you need to use a trustworthy digital wallet and be aware of price volatility.
Each method has advantages and limitations regarding fees, processing times, and transaction limits. It’s advisable to review the gambling site’s cashier page for specific details and choose a choice that aligns with your preferences.
Using a PA Gambling App When on Vacation
One of the biggest advantages of using a PA gambling app is that you can continue using it when you’re on vacation outside the state. Each gambling app clearly states the geolocation requirements on its homepage. If the PA sports betting app, , or poker app you want to access is licensed by the State of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), you can use it anywhere within New Jersey.
Similarly, if a gambling app is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, you can utilize it by traveling to any of the following states: Delaware, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Marylebone, Virginia, and New Jersey. Having this flexibility allows you to enjoy your trip while continuing to play your favorite games. However, make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations for each jurisdiction.
How to Improve Your Odds of Winning
While gambling is largely a game of chance, there are strategies you can employ to potentially improve your chances of winning:
Do Your Research
Whether it’s studying teams’ performances before placing a sports bet or learning the basic strategy for blackjack, being informed can give you an edge.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. Never chase your losses or gamble more than you intended.
Take Advantage of Bonuses
Online gambling sites often offer welcome bonuses and promotions. Read the terms carefully and choose incentives that align with your playing style.
Play Within Your Limits
Identify your skill level and choose games accordingly. Avoid games that make false claims of big wins or promise to turn you into an expert.
Know When to Quit
Establish limits for time and money, and stop if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Remember, there are no guaranteed techniques to ensure victory in gambling. Always prioritize responsible gaming practices and view it as entertainment rather than a way to earn money consistently.
Gambling Responsibly
Gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment, and it’s essential to approach it responsibly. Here are some tips to help you stay in control:
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Budget your money – Decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. Don’t chase your losses or gamble with rent money.
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Set time limits – Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to pass the time. Set a timer or alarm to remind you to take a break.
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Don’t gamble under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and can lead to risky decisions. Stay sober when gambling.
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Take breaks – Step away from the game or table every once in a while. Do something else and clear your head.
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Know when to quit – If you’re having a bad day or losing more than you’re willing to, call it quits and try again another day.
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Seek help if needed – If you find yourself struggling with compulsive gambling, reach out to organizations providing support and treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
If you, or someone you know, has a problem with gambling, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board provides a list of resources for help, including the Pennsylvania Gametime Program and the National Council on Problem Gambling. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential assistance and information. Always remember to play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of Pennsylvania online gambling.
Upcoming Developments & Potential Changes
The online gambling landscape in Pennsylvania is continually evolving. Here are some potential developments to watch out for:
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Expansion to more venues
There are ongoing discussions to allow airports, stadiums, and ferries to offer online gambling services. This would broaden the availability of licensed operators and provide customers with more options. -
Mobile Betting at Venues
Visitors to casinos may soon be able to use their smartphones to place bets within the premises. This would complement the existing in-person gambling experiences. -
Increased Competition
With 13 casinos already holding an interactive gaming license and more applications in the pipeline, the competition among online gambling platforms is expected to grow. This could lead to enhanced promotions, better game selections, and improved overall quality. -
Sports Betting Adjustments
The Gaming Control Board continues to evaluate and refine sports betting regulations. Possible modifications may affect tax rates, advertising restrictions, or the types of wagers permitted.
Stay tuned for updates and adjust your strategies accordingly to maximize your gambling experience in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, poker, and the lottery, is legal in Pennsylvania. However, you must be at least 21 years old and physically present within the state to participate.
Which is the best Pennsylvania online gambling site?
The ideal Pennsylvania online gambling site depends on your preferences. We recommend 1xSlots for sports betting, BetOnline for casinos, and Global Poker for poker and bingo. Please refer to our list of top picks for a comprehensive selection.
Can I play at online casinos in Pennsylvania?
Absolutely! Pennsylvania residents aged 21 years and above can enjoy a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealers, through licensed online casinos like Wild Casino and Bovada Casino.
Is sports betting available online in Pennsylvania?
Yes, since 2019, residents of Pennsylvania can engage in online sports betting through legitimate platforms affiliated with physical casinos. Some well-known names in this category are BetUS and 1×2 Network.
Can I play online poker in Pennsylvania?
You can play poker online in Pennsylvania at licensed platforms like Wild Casino and BetOnline. Choose from various games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha in formats such as cash games, tournaments, and sit & go. Try sites like BetOnline for poker, or Global Poker for a sweepstakes model.
What payment methods are acceptable on PA online gambling sites?
Popular payment options on PA online gambling sites include major credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Each has its advantages and limitations concerning safety, convenience, and transaction speeds.
How can I improve my chances of winning at online casinos or sports betting in Pennsylvania?
While online gambling predominantly relies on luck, you can enhance your gaming knowledge and strategy to potentially increase your odds of winning. Conduct research, manage your funds prudently, benefit from bonuses appropriately, and practice self-control by setting limits on time and money.
How can I register and verify my identity on a PA online gambling site?
When registering on a Pennsylvania gambling website, you generally need to provide personal details, create an account, and validate your identity using Identity Now or similar software. Subsequently, you might undergo further verification for payment authorization before initiating deposits.
Are my winnings from Pennsylvania online gambling sites taxed?
Winnings from gambling activities carried out at licensed establishments in Pennsylvania are exempt from state income tax until December 31, 2023. However, you should still keep records of your wins and losses for federal tax purposes, as the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose reporting requirements for cumulative gains exceeding a specific threshold. It's wise to consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.
What happens if I attempt to use a Pennsylvania online gambling site from outside the state?
Most reputable online gambling sites use geolocation tracking technology. If you try to access your preferred PA gambling app, such as a , or poker app from outside the state, you may encounter a geo-block. Nonetheless, if it is licensed by the State of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE), you can utilize it within New Jersey. Alternatively, if it is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, you can enjoy it while visiting any of these states: Delaware, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Marylebone, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Can I play the same games on Pennsylvania online gambling sites as I would at land-based casinos?
Yes, you can find a wide assortment of games commonly found in brick-and-mortar casinos on their online counterparts. These include slot machines, classic table games, and various types of poker and sports betting opportunities. For example, you can enjoy titles like Divine Fortune, Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, and sports betting on popular events.
