In this guide, you’ll find everything that you need to know about playing at the best online casinos in PA – from the latest bonuses and promotions to the most exciting real money casino games. We’ve also provided a handy list of the top online casinos in Pennsylvania for you to explore.
Furthermore, we’ll take an in-depth look at the regulation and legislation surrounding online gambling in Pennsylvania, as well as provide guidance on depositing and withdrawing funds securely from your chosen casino site. So, if you are ready to start exploring the world of PA internet gambling, be sure to read our complete review of gambling sites and their casino offerings below.
The Best Pennsylvania Casino Sites 2023
Here are the top online casinos in PA where you can enjoy a wide selection of real money slots and table games, safe and sound in the knowledge that they have been independently tested and certified as fair by Turstwave.
Why rely on some arbitrary judge of the ? Our experts use widely recognized and accepted standards to objectively determine which operators rank among the . We assess each operator across a wide range of criteria before awarding a final score out of five. You can use our reviews to compare different operators against one another and make informed decisions about where to play. Below you will find details of all the important factors we consider when scoring online casinos.
Awarding grades in this way allows you to quickly and easily identify the strongest and most trustworthy online operators. Our testing process is also completely independent and impartial. We not not not have our products approved by outside companies, like some , for example. Nonetheless, you can be confident that our recommendations boast the following: Top Casino Sites by Type
There are plenty of options available for those looking to gamble online in Pennsylvania. Aside from the , there are also several standalone casino apps, and many of the state’s land-based casinos also offer their own branded online sites too. In fact, there are currently more than 20 PA sportsbooks, casinos or racing sites with online casino and OCG offerings. When it comes down to it, players in the Keystone State have plenty of choice.
In addition to providing a diverse range of gambling options, the PA iGaming industry is highly competitive too. This means that both new and long-time players are well looked after when it comes to perks, promos, bonuses, loyalty schemes, and rewards. When joining one of the top PA online casinos, for instance, you could benefit from extra funds, free spins, and more. If you want to learn how to get the most bang for your buck, be sure to check out our dedicated page about .
If you are already familiar with the ins and outs of PA online gambling, then why not click on one of the links above to begin playing right away? If you’d like to learn more about what these sites have to offer, then keep reading.
Is Gambling at PA Online Casinos Legal?
Yes. Following the enactment of HB 3265 in October 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to regulate online gambling. The ‘Fantasy Sports Control Act’ was officially signed into law on October 30, 2017, by Governor Tom Wolf. Thanks to this piece of legislation, players can now safely and securely participate in real money gambling games online within a licensed, fair, and legal environment.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all forms of gambling within the state – both land-based and online. If you wish to , for example, the operator must hold a license from the PGCB and its games and random number generator software must be independently verified as fair by a state-approved testing lab, such as GLI. The same rules apply to online casinos. In other words, only licensed PA casino websites are legal and safe to play at. Any alternative is neither legal, nor safe, nor approved by the state of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Casino Laws: What You Should Know
Here is some key information about Pennsylvania’s gambling laws regarding the state’s land-based and online casino industries:
- Year of first regulation: 2004
- Year of online gaming regulation: 2017
- Regulatory body: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
- Legal gambling age: 18 for lottery, horse racing, and 18+ online casinos; 21 for casinos
- Formal complaint contact: email complaints@gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov or call (717) 346-8300
All forms of gambling in Pennsylvania – including daily fantasy sports – fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). It is the job of the PGCB to license and regulate all land-based and online gambling operators, suppliers, and venues. The regulatory body is also responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of the state.
The PGCB operates a clear set of rules and regulations that all licensees must adhere to. The body carries out background checks and evaluations of financial fitness and suitability before issuing licenses. It also ensures that all gambling services are operated fairly and transparently, and that revenues are generated in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Moreover, the PGCB oversees the collection of taxes owed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
During each month, the PGCB publishes detailed reports that outline the performance of the state’s regulated casinos. These monthly summaries include data about slots and gaming tables, tax revenues, and operation expenses. They also highlight any significant events, developments, or changes. Quarterly reports about fantasy sports contests, sports wagering, and iGaming are also published. If you have any questions or concerns about Pennsylvania’s casino laws, and the regulation and legitimacy of the state’s gambling industry, you can get in touch with the PGCB via email at or by calling (717) 346-8300.
How We Rank Pennsylvania Online Casinos
As we mentioned earlier, all of the recommend that US players can trust follow a stringent set of criteria when compiling the lists of the . Of course, our ranking of the best PA online casinos is no different. Here are the factors that we examine in order to produce an accurate comparison between various online gambling sites:
- Reputation – A good reputation takes years to build, but can be ruined in a matter of seconds. For this reason, we only recommend PA online casinos that have proven themselves over many years in business.
- Bonuses – There’s no denying that online casino bonuses can significantly enhance your online gaming experience. Therefore, we seek out the sites offering the biggest, best, and most suitable offers for different types of players.
- Game Variiety – Whether you love hitting the spin button on the latest video slots, enjoying a leisurely game of blackjack, or something else entirely, we seek out online casinos in PA that offer a rich array of games from leading developers.
- Mobile Compatibility – If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to play real money casino games whenever and wherever the mood strikes. That’s why we only recommend that you play at online casino sites with high quality mobile platforms and apps.
- Payment Options – Providing a diverse range of secure, reliable, and convenient banking methods is essential for any reputable internet gambling provider. Therefore, we only recommend online casinos in Pennsylvania that give you flexibility over how you deposit and withdraw funds.
- Customer Support – Issues can arise from time to time, regardless of whether you’re playing at the best online casino in the world or somewhere lower down the pecking order. Therefore, we expect all serious online casino operators to offer reliable, efficient, and effective customer support services.
- Safety and Security – Playing online inevitably involves sending sensitive information over the internet. Therefore, only the safest online casinos in Pennsylvania make it onto our recommended list. Our security checklist includes SSL encryption certificates, licensing accreditation, and independent audits.
Of course, there are other minor factors that influence our overall scores and help us to distinguish between the best PA online casinos. However, the points listed above form the backbone of our assessment methodology. By applying these criteria consistently, objectively, and independently, we feel that we can send our readers in the right direction and point them towards the best possible online casino sites in Pennsylvania.
Advantages of Online Casino Gameplay
Playing at the best Pennsylvania online casinos has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are multiple reasons behind this trend, which we have outlined below:
- Convenience – Play your favorite real money casino games without leaving the comfort of your home or pulling to a safe spot if you’re : gowild and responsibly enjoy yourself!
- Accessibility – All you need to play online casino games is a laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone that supports secure connection. No need to queue at the doors, wait for a seat to free up, or travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
- Variation – Online casino sites feature hundreds, if not thousands, of different games. From classic table games and video poker to innovative video slots with cutting-edge themes, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
- Demo Mode – Many online casino games can be played for free or for real money. This gives you the chance to get to grips with a game before staking any of your own cash.
- Bonuses and Promotions – The offer higher welcome bonuses than their land-based counterparts. Furthermore, you can usually claim a range of ongoing promotions throughout the year. Please note that strict terms and conditions always apply and should always be thoroughly checked.
- Innovation – Online casinos have the freedom and the resources to develop groundbreaking games and features. For example, you can now play various virtual reality casino games using an Oculus Rift headset.
- Security – Reputable online casinos utilize the latest encryption technology to ensure that your personal and payment details are always kept safe and sound. Additionally, all of the are fully licensed and regulated, so you can rest assured that you are treated fairly.
How to Choose a PA Online Casino Site
With any activity, having the right tools helps you achieve success. Choosing the right casino site for you is no exception. We hope that our comprehensive guides will serve as a basis for you to pick the right site based on what you want to achieve. Below we have outlined various aspects that you might find interesting when choosing among the top online casinos in PA:
1. Check for Eligibility
Before getting excited about joining a new online casino site, double-check that you are actually eligible for the welcome bonus being advertised. Most offers are open to all legal residents in the state of Pennsylvania who are aged 21+ and who have not previously registered with the casino site in question. Nevertheless, it is worth checking the small print in case there are certain exclusions that you are not aware of.
It is also worth noting that some casinos accept customers from elsewhere in the US and beyond. If this applies to the website that you have set your heart on, you will need to check that cotton is the designated material for the clothes you plan to wear, and that you are not secretly a time traveler planning to access the site from the future. Assuming you pass both these checks, you can move on to the next stage.
2. Compare Welcome Bonuses and Pick a Favorite
Now is the time to compare the various welcome bonuses offered by the . Take into consideration which type of promotion suits your game play the best. Will it be the one awarding a fixed amount of bonus credits, or perhaps the one offering a percentage match of your initial deposit? Maybe even the one with the lowest wagering requirements or the widest selection of eligible games? Think carefully and choose the offer that appears most attractive and advantageous.
3. Register for Your Chosen Casino Site
Once you have chosen your preferred welcome bonus, you need to register for the online casino site in question. Thankfully, the registration process is quick and simple for all of our recommended sites. Typically, you will have to enter a series of personal details, such as your full name, address, date of birth, social security number (for tax purposes), and email address. You will also be required to select a unique username and password for your account and verify your phone number. This typically involves following a link in a text message. Finally, you will need to agree to the site’s terms and conditions and confirm that you are over the age of 21 and located within the state of Pennsylvania.
4. Make Your First Deposit
After completing the registration process, you will be taken to the cashier page of the casino site. Locate the section relating to your welcome bonus and enter the relevant bonus code. Now you can make your first deposit using any of the supported payment methods. Remember that there is usually a minimum and maximum amount that you can deposit in any single transaction, and that the bonus funds cannot normally be used until they have been released into your account.
5. Start Using Your Bonus
Once your bonus funds have been credited to your account, you are free to start using them to play real money casino games. Always remember to fulfill any wagering requirements and abide by any other terms and conditions associated with the bonus. After all, the aim of signing up for a welcome bonus is to have fun and potentially boost your bankroll. So, do not throw caution to the wind and always stay in control.
Types of Mainstream and Live Games
Have you ever wondered what goes into categorizing Pennsylvania online casino games? Whether at a brick-and-mortar establishment or a virtual one, someone needs to decide where slot machines end and video blackjack begins. Someone also needs to decide what constitutes a mainstream online casino game and what makes a live dealer casino game. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the main types of games you will encounter during your adventures at the best Pennsylvania online casinos.
Mainstream Slots
On the whole, online casino slots are divided into two categories – mainstream and non-mainstream, the latter of which we cover in the next section. Mainstream slots are further subcategorized by the , the casino site itself, or even by the individual games grouping on the site’s interface.
The PGCB uses the following main categories when listing monthly totals of wagers and payouts related to slot machines:
- Class I – These are operated on Indian gaming facilities and restricted to persons who are members of that tribe or who are guests of those members.
- Class II – These are operated by all other gaming subsidiaries and restricted to customers who are at least 21 years old and located within the commonwealth.
- Class III – These are also referred to as “VGTs” (video grossing terminals) and are similar to class II machines. The key difference is that class III slots are found within the private gaming areas of a class III casino, which are accessible to customers who have wagered money on a class III casino game within the last 24 hours.
For the sake of simplicity, we will focus on class II slots in this review. You can find details of each casino’s class III slots on their respective websites.
Which Pennsylvania Online Casinos Have the Best Slots?
When it comes down to it, all online casinos in Pennsylvania offer slots from market-leader. However, some sites offer games from smaller developers too, such as aggregators like Gaming Arts, Agenda Games, and Konami, or boutique providers like Tiger Gaming and Nektan.
Some of the feature slots from all of these developers, as well as from industry giants like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Yggdrasil. BetMGM PA stands out as one of the leading online casinos in Pennsylvania when it comes to slot variety.
You will find hundreds of titles from lots of different developers at BetMGM PA. Unibet PA also impresses thanks to its international perspective and range of exclusive games. This operator’s slot library is not as big as some, but its range of developers is second to none.
Non-Mainstream Games
Non-mainstream casino games are simply those that do not fit into the mainstream category. This definition is fairly loose, so let’s dig a little deeper.
The Pennsylvania iLottery program features hundreds of non-mainstream games that cannot be found at any of the state’s retail locations or online casinos. These games are provided by NeoPollard and a variety of third-party suppliers, including industry stalwarts like Bally, IGT, and Scientific Games. Some of the most popular iLottery games include Gems Odyssey, PowerX Poker, Dragon Winners, and Wild Game Show.
iLottery games are similar to class II slot machines, in that they operate on the principle of a bingo-style draw. However, in place of reels, symbols, paylines, and traditional slot machine symbols, these games feature graphical elements that represent different prizes, along with animations and mini-games.
These games tend to feature plenty of instant wins, plus some exciting jackpots. However, their house edges are somewhat higher than those found at most online casinos, and their odds are not published in advance. This means that you can use strategy to beat some online slots and video poker games into submission, but with iLottery games, you are facing off against luck alone.
Alongside these iLottery games, you will find a handful of other non-conformist casino games at the Pennsylvania iLottery online site, including a few scratch cards and some “instant win” games.
Live Dealer Table Games
Many players prefer to see the actual results produced by physical objects, such as spinning roulette wheels, shuffled decks of cards, or tumbling reels of slot machines. For such players, live dealer table games offer an ideal balance between the convenience of online play and the satisfaction of seeing proper results produced in a properly regulated and monitored environment.
Currently, the following operators offer live dealer casino games in Pennsylvania:
- BetRivers
- Hollywood
- MGM
- SugarHouse
- Wind Creek
Note that you will need to download each operator’s desktop app to play live dealer table games. At present, there is no dedicated live dealer mobile app available for Pennsylvania.
Hollywood Casino Live Dealer Games
Hollywood Casino was Pennsylvania’s first online casino to launch live dealer casino games in September 2019. Initially, the site offered live dealer blackjack only, with one table available between 6:00 am and 2:00 am. However, since adding live dealer roulette, studioplier, and baccarat to its line-up, the site now boasts eight active tables.
The tables are powered by industry-leaders EVolution, and games are streamed from a purpose-built studio in Latvia. Games are presented by native English speakers, and multi-camera HD streams allow players to view the action from a variety of perspectives.
At the time of writing, you need to download Hollywood Casino’s desktop app in order to access its live dealer games. Hopefully, the operator will integrate them directly into its online platform in due course.
BetRivers Live Dealer Casino
BetRivers was the second online casino in PA to launch live dealer table games, doing so in November 2019. Once again, the games are provided by EVolution, and the tables are manned by dealers speaking in immaculous American English.
Initially, BetRivers PA featured just one live dealer blackjack table and one roulette table. Since then, the number of blackjack tables has risen to three, while a further four tables are devoted to early-payment-on-surrender roulette. This variant of rolette sees players write down their bets before the wheel is spun, allowing the dealer to prepare the payouts in advance for greater efficiency. Photos of the payout sheets are even posted on the BetRivers site, giving you an idea of what is involved.
Like Hollywood Casino, BetRivers live dealer tables are open from 6:00 am to 2:00 am. We hope to see these operators increase their investment in live dealer games in the coming months and years, particularly if the demand warrants it.
DraftKings Live Casino
DraftKings became the third online casino in Pennsylvania to introduce live dealer games, doing so in March 2020. Like Hollywood Casino and BetRivers, DraftKings offers blackjack, roulette, auto roulette, baccarat, and Studio Table games. It features a total of nine tables, with games running from 6:00 am to 2:00 am.
The games are streamed from a new, purpose-built studio in Pennsylvania, with deals offered from a customizable set. Games are presented by local dealers who chatter away in accents that will be instantly recognizable to anyone with an existing sportsbetting account at DraftKings.
Just like the sportsbook, the DraftKings Casino PA platform has been updated with a fresh new look to accommodate the new live dealer tables. You will need to download the casino desktop app to access the games.
Additional PA Live Dealer Options
SugarHouse and Wind Creek followed DraftKings’ lead in introducing their own live dealer games in May 2020. Both sites feature identical line-ups of games, with nine tables in total.
An additional two online casinos in Pennsylvania are expected to add live dealer games to their line-ups in the near future. If all goes according to plan, all ten PA iGaming operators will offer live dealer table games by the end of 2020.
Other Popular Games
This category covers various casino games that do not fit neatly into any of the foregoing sections. Among others, it includes pai gow poker, Spanish 21, and keno.
Many of these games can be found at most online casinos in Pennsylvania, although some niches have yet to be filled. As more operators compete to fill all the gaps in the market, the library of PA online casino games is only going to grow.
Software Platform Overview
In this section of our guide, we take a closer look at the software platforms that power the best PA online casinos.
Available Platforms
There are two main types of platforms that you may encounter when playing at PA online casinos: browser-based and downloadable.
- Browser-Based – Also known as instant play or no-download, these platforms enable you to play casino games directly in your browser window. You simply have to click on the icon of the game you desire and wait for it to load. No installation is required, and there is nothing to update.
- Downloadable – These platforms require you to install software from the casino operator onto your PC or Mac in order to access its library of games.
We recommend choosing a browser-based platform, as downloadable platforms tend to be less intuitive and lack the latest games. If you access an online casino on your PC and find that you do not like the feel of its software, you are free to leave and try another site. If you have already downloaded software and find it wanting, you are stuck with it unless you uninstall it and risk missing out on any bonuses or promotions.
Top Casino Software Developers
Whatever Pennsylvania online casino software you opt for, you will find games from a range of leading developers. In this section of our online casino guide, we provide a brief rundown of some of the top names in the industry:
- IGT – IGT, or GTECH as was, is famous for its progressive slot machines, including the record-breaking Mega Moolah. Its product range extends from slot machines and instant win games to poker and sports betting software solutions.
- NetEnt – With more than 200 slots in its portfolio, NetEnt is renowned for innovative titles such as Gun ’n Roses and SteamTower. The company’s live dealer platform is also impressing players and operators alike.
- Playtech – Playtech is celebrated for its Marvel-themed slots, including The Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. It also provides VIP poker software and a range of bingo games.
- Evolution – Evolution is a live casino specialist that powers many of the top real money live dealer platforms in Europe and beyond.
- Scientific Games – As well as supplying land-based casinos around the world with lottery tickets and instant win games, Scientific Games produces iSLOTS – interactive versions of instant win lottery games that can be played for real money online.
- SHFL Entertainment – SHFL provides the iGAMING platform that powers many of America’s leading online casinos and poker rooms. It is especially strong in the domain of table games, offering multiplayer blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
- RealTime Gaming – RealTime Gaming specializes in classics slots, featuring three reels, three rows, and a small selection of symbols on each.
- Rival Gaming – Rival Gaming produced the iSLOTS games for Jurassic Park, as well as a series of exclusive slots for its own site, including Huckleberry Frogs and Rock On.
- Aristocrat – Aristocrat is a giant in the world of land-based slots, with hits including Buffalo, Werewolf, and Geisha Wonders. It is gradually bringing its library of classics to online casino sites.
- Yggdrasil – Yggdrasil produces a range of original online slots, such as Beauty & the Beast, Victorious, and Golden Fish Tank.
- TwinStar – TwinStar crafts unique slots with eye-catching artwork and imaginative features, such as Heroes of Might and Magic, Sumatran Storm, and Tomb of Osiris. Based in Bucharest, Romania, this developer is making a name for itself in Europe and beyond.
Why Some Games Are Excluded from Pennsylvania Online Casino Sites
You may have noticed that some of the biggest names in land-based slot development, such as Konami and Bally, are absent from Pennsylvania’s online libraries of games. The reason for this is that many of the games produced by these companies for retail casinos are protected by the Trade Secret Act, which prevents them from being adapted for online play without major reconstructive surgery.
This situation is changing, however. Aristocrat, for example, was initially only permitted to offer a small selection of its classics slots online in Pennsylvania. However, the company recently had a hit with Buffalo Megaways, a new version of its iconic Buffalo game that features the popular Megaways mechanic created by Blueprint Gaming.
Similarly, High 5 Games–which provides games exclusively for online play– recently saw its Spinfinity game launched at several PA online casinos. Based on the retro cabinet designs of IGT’s Triple Double Diamond and Wheel of Fortune, Spinfinity features classic High 5 graphics and gameplay mechanisms that should be immediately familiar to slot fans.
Payout Times
Next in our online casino guide is a discussion about payout times. When requesting a withdrawal, you need to be prepared to wait a certain period of time for your funds to arrive. The exact length of this period varies depending on the payment method you are using.
The quickest payout timescan be as fast as 24-48 hours, while the slowest can take up to 10 business days. Check out our list below to see how the various options compare:
*Actual timescales may vary depending on proof of identity verification times. +Some online casinos may charge an administration fee of up to $20 for issue cards and £6 for replacement cards.
Mobile App Guide
Are you looking to use your mobile devices to play at the best PA online casinos? In this section, we delve into the current state of mobile technology in Pennsylvania. In order to use an online casino in the state of Pennsylvania, your mobile device will need to run either iOS or Android.
Apple and Google both impose certain restrictions on the types of real-money gambling apps that can be made available for their operating systems. At the time of writing, no real-money online poker apps are offered to Pennsylvania players, so we will focus on the state of the market for casino apps.
iOS Casino Apps
If you want to play real money casino games on an iPhone or iPad, you will need to download dedicated casino apps directly from the Apple App Store. Due to restrictions imposed by Apple, these apps can only offer pre-selected banks of games. Each operator must submit an updated list of games for approval every time it makes changes to its online casino. This strict policy means that Pennsylvania’s IOSS casino apps offer fewer games than their browser-based equivalents, with between 50 and 100 titles typically available.
Despite these restrictions, there is still a great selection of iOS-friendly slots, table games, and live dealer titles available at Pennsylvania’s IOSS casinos. Given that Apple has recently softened its stance on real-money gambling apps, we may soon see more operators jumping aboard the IOSS bandwagon.
Android Casino Apps
Google places even stricter restrictions on real-money gambling apps than Apple does, which may go some way to explaining the larger share of the smartphone market currently held by iOS devices. At the time of writing, the company does not allow real-money gambling apps in the Google Play store for any country.
However, you can still engage in real money gambling on an Android device in Pennsylvania by following these steps:
- Use a Browser-Based Casino – Visit a browser-compatible online casino using the Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera browser.
- Enable Pop-Ups – When accessing an online casino for the first time, your browser will display a warning message about pop-ups. You need to select the option to always allow pop-ons from that site in order to enable the casino’s iconsof games to appear.
- Update Your Account – Once you have enabled pop-ups, log into your online casino account and visit the cashier page to check that your smartphone or tablet is recognized by the site. If so, you will normally be offered the same range of games as you would when using a PC.
- Download Games Directly – If the casino will not allow you to play reasonably smoothly within your browser, you can try downloading individual games directly to your Android device. Simply click on an icon for a particular game on the online casino’s games page, and it should load directly in full-screen mode on your handheld.
Mobile-Friendly Online Casinos
Every online casino in Pennsylvania is accessible on mobile phones and tablets, but not everyone enjoys the same user experience. In this section, we reveal which operators stand out from the crowd in the mobile department.
Each of our recommended mobile-friendly online casinos provides the following benefits:
- Cross-platform compatibility – You can play at these sites using any desktop PC or Mac, as well as any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
- Intuitive browsers – The web pages of these operators are designed to adapt intelligently to the screen size and specification of whatever device you are using. This means you can access the full library of games directly in your browser, often without the need for repeated logs in and logs out.
- Handy menus – Navigation menus are clearly laid out, with quick-links to the most important pages. Search functions enable you to find particular games or pages of information without delay.
- Responsive games – The icons for each game should resize automatically to fit your screen, while retaining all of their functions and the full excitement of their graphics, sounds, and gameplay features.
- Speedy payments – You should be able to deposit and withdraw using whatever device you use to access the online casino.
- Reliable security – You can trust these online casinos to protect your privacy and transactions, regardless of the device or network you are using.
Safe Gambling
Gambling problems are a very real concern, especially where access is easy and anonymous. While there is no definitive proof that online gambling poses a greater risk to problem gamblers than any other form of betting, there are obvious dangers inherent in any pastime that allows you to bet money without leaving a trail of receipts or stopping to speak to your wife/husband/therapist.
Self-Exclusion Tips
To combat these issues, we have compiled a concise list of self-exclusion tips that could make a difference.
Limit Your Betting
The simplest way to manage your spending at an online casino is to set your own internal limits. Before funding your casino account or starting to play, you should:
- Decide how much you can afford to lose
- Set a budget for the session ahead
- Agree a limit on deposits per day/week/month
- Never use another person’s credit card
- Never borrow money to fund your online casino account
- Never cash in a casino bonus, as the wagering requirements may be impossible to meet
If you find it hard to resist the lure of a winning streak or the promise of a big bonus, you should consider the following options:
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion enables you to ban yourself from all of Pennsylvania’s online casinos simultaneously. To do so, you should:
- Request Self-Exclusion – Contact each online casino and request to exclude yourself from gambling activities. Most operators will ask you to specify the duration of your exclusion period (minimum six months). You may also be asked to provide a brief statement explaining your decision and stating that you have considered the risks and consequences of online gambling.
- Close Your Accounts – The online casinos will close your existing accounts and return any credit balances by cheque or other non-electronic methods.
- Quarantine Your Devices – If possible, you should quit gambling altogether and consider restricting access to your PC, smartphone, or tablet by installing parental control filters or placing them in a different room from which your spouse/partner/housemate can access them.
- Restrict Credit – Consider asking your spouse/partner/bank to place a limit on the amount of credit you can access on your joint/individual accounts.
- Seek Help – If you feel you cannot cope, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Various organizations offer support groups for individuals affected by gambling addiction, and confidential helplines staffed by trained counselors. See our section for more information.
Technical Tools
When you sign up for a Pennsylvania online casino, you will receive various account settings that enable you to manage your experience. Timeouts, account closures, and self-exclusion are but some of the ways that you can battle your addiction.
- Account Closure – Although less extreme than self-exclusion, closing your account is an effective way to break the habit of online gambling. Just log into your account and follow the instructions to de-register.
- Timeouts – If you just want to take a breather from online gambling, most operators will allow you to block access to your account for a period of days or weeks. This is known as a timeout.
