PA Online Casinos - Best Real Money Casinos In Pennsylvania

Since online casinos in PA launched in 2017, we’ve seen more and more sites offering creative great bonus codes that give you more bang for your buck. This includes promos like bonus money, free spins, giveaways, and more.

When you’re playing a game like Divine Fortune at a PA online casino, it helps to be armed with more chances to win than you would get at a land-based casino. With our PA online casino bonus codes, you can sign up and quickly have bonus money or free spins delivered to your account to use right away.

Take a look at how bonus codes at PA online casinos work and see how you can use it to your benefit when you sign up through BonusSeeker!

What Are PA Online Casino Bonus Codes?

A PA casino bonus code is a series of numbers or letters that you enter when signing up for an account. Usually, you will be prompted during signup or when you are about to make a deposit.. The bonus code unlocks special casino offers, such as a no-deposit match or 100% deposit match. You can think of this bonus code like your typical coupon.

You merely need to copy the bonus code and paste it into your casino account’s required field. Casinos use these bonus codes to attract new clients or to retain existing clients. The promise of boosting one’s bankroll at no extra cost is very attractive to most gamblers.

Please note, if you do not have a bonus code, that’s okay. By clicking on one of our links you activate the welcome offer, giving you the best deal available.

Pennsylvania Promo Codes Vs. Bonus Codes

Promo codes and bonus codes mean the same thing. Some casinos choose to call them bonus codes, while others prefer promo codes. They both will unlock the specific casino’s welcome offers, such as those we mentioned above.

Other names for bonus codes may include promotional codes, signup codes, and coupon codes.

Are Casino Bonuses Worth It?

Yes, PA casino bonuses are worth it. Some of the perks of casino bonuses include:

• Potentially increasing your bankroll
• Play with no-deposit offers.
• Exploring different casino games.
• Get rewarded simply for depositing money in your account or signing up for the casino.
• Potential relief if you happen to lose

How Do You Get Free Money At PA Online Casinos?

Online casino bonuses typically work in one of two ways. The first is a no deposit bonus, where you don’t have to deposit any money upfront. You can play with the site credit just like real cash and keep your winnings as long as you meet the site’s terms and conditions.

Alternatively, some sites offer free spins along with or in place of site credits. Free spins let you play a certain number of slot games for free. Again, you should be able to withdraw your winnings as long as you’ve met the terms and conditions.

Free Play

The difference between free play and free money involves playing for real money. Many online casinos offer demo games, where you can play for free to learn the game or see if you like it. But when you are playing in demo mode or free play, you cannot win (or lose) any money.

Casino Signup Bonuses

You’ll want to make the most of any signup bonuses that come your way.

PA online casinos offer several types of welcome bonuses to entice you. Some of the most popular bonuses include:

PA Online Casino No Deposit Bonus

As the name of this bonus implies, you don’t have to fund your casino account to enjoy this promotion. You simply complete the casino signup process. You should have the option to opt-in to the no deposit bonus when you complete your registration.

The casino funds your account with the site credit. Usually, you can use the bonus at your discretion to play your favorite games. Finally, you’ll be able to withdraw the winnings once you meet the site’s requirements.

Otherwise, you’ll need to fund your casino account to continue playing after you exhaust the bonus amount.

Casino Free Spins

Many PA casinos offer free spins for their slot games. For example, you may get ten free spins on selected video slots when you sign up. Typically, free spins play on the smallest coin size and the maximum number of pay lines. Free spins offer an excellent opportunity to test out popular video slots without putting your own money down.

You get to keep your winnings on the free spins if you meet the casino’s requirements. Casino’s terms and conditions have been a recurring theme so far in this post, and we have dedicated an entire section to wagering requirements.

How To Claim A PA Online Casino Bonus

Once you decide on the casino that’s right for you, it’s time to register so you can claim your bonus and start playing.

Here is how you would claim your PA online casino bonus:

• First, click the link for the site of your choice. You will be directed to the registration page.
• Fill out all your personal information.
• If you have a promo code, you may enter it when prompted. But remember, you may not need one. Even if prompted, but do not have a bonus code, it likely means the offer was activated by simply clicking on one of our links.
• After going through all terms of service, agree to everything and press ‘submit’ or ‘enter’.
• A confirmation email will be sent. Once confirmed, sign into the casino account and start playing! The registration process is now complete and your welcome bonus will be triggered.

How Do PA Online Casino Bonuses Work?

How a Pennsylvania online casino bonus works depends on the type of bonus and the site’s terms and conditions. In general, welcome bonuses are given to players at the time of signup and in order to actually turn that bonus money into real money, certain terms and conditions must be met, such as wagering requirements.

What Are Wagering Requirements?

So far, we’ve talked a lot about meeting specific casino terms and conditions to be eligible to withdraw your bonus and any winnings from the bonus. These terms and conditions are called wagering requirements or playthrough requirements.

A wagering requirement is the amount of money that you must bet before you are eligible to withdraw cash. The wagering requirement is usually a multiple of the bonus amount.

Let’s say your favorite casino offers a $50 no-deposit bonus with a 5x wagering requirement. In this case, you’d have to wager five times the bonus amount to withdraw your winnings. The math looks something like this:

$50 (casino bonus) x 5 (wagering requirement) = $250

Something else to consider is that some casinos attach the wagering requirements to your deposit AND bonus. The math, in this case, looks a little different:

[$50 (deposit) + $50 (casino bonus)] x 5 (wagering requirement) = $500

Be sure to thoroughly read the wagering requirements terms and conditions to know exactly what you’re getting into.

What Is Game Contribution Percentage?

Related to the wagering requirement, a game contribution percentage refers to how much a specific game contributes towards unlocking your bonus.

Typically, slots have a 100% game contribution percentage. This means every dollar you spend at the online slot contributes towards unlocking your bonus.

Let’s continue with our previous example of 5x wagering requirements. If you bet $50 on slots, the same amount ($50) goes towards meeting your wagering requirements target.

Some games have a lower contribution percentage. For example, most table games come with a 25% contribution percentage. In this case, only 25% of every dollar you wager goes towards unlocking your bonus. If you still bet $50 this time, that means only $12.50 counts towards the wagering requirement (25-percent of your $50 bet).

What Games Can I Play With My Free Bonus Money?

Some casino bonuses are only good for specific games. For instance, a free-spin bonus almost always applies only to particular slot titles. The game restriction may also cover certain types of games. Some welcome bonuses only apply to slots (you can play any slot you wish), but you can’t use the bonus to play table or card games.

When Do The Bonuses Expire?

Finally, PA casino bonuses typically have an expiration date. You may have a specific number of days during which you can claim your bonus. You may not claim your bonus after this period has expired.

Additionally, most casinos also impose a time limit on meeting your wagering requirements. You may get a few days to a few weeks to satisfy your wagering requirements or forfeit the bonus amount.

How Do Welcome Offers Work?

When you sign up with an online casino, they’ll usually offer some type of welcome bonus or signup offer. Signup offers and welcome bonuses allow you to play the games offered at the online casino with their funds. Some bonuses will require you to deposit up-front while other bonuses won’t even require a single cent from you.

To obtain your signup offer, you’ll need to first find a registered, online casino in Pennsylvania. Most of these online casinos will offer some type of signup offer. Once you have successfully completed your registration, the signup offer will be fulfilled and placed within your account.

PA Online Casino Welcome Offers

Pennsylvania online casino bonus codes may be offered to you as a signup incentive, including no-deposit and first-deposit promotions.

First Deposit Offer

When you make your first deposit with an online casino, that online casino will match your first deposit to a certain percentage and amount. The most common match percentage is 100%. An example would be an online casino offering a 100% match offer up to $650. You can deposit up to $650 and the online casino will match your amount, but if you deposit more than $650, the online casino will only match $650.

No Deposit Offer

No deposit offers do not require you to deposit anything upfront. Rather, no-deposit offers allow you to experience the different games that an online casino has without spending a single cent!

Some online casinos will offer free spins or free play while others will deposit funds into your account that you can use to play their games. Learn more about no deposit bonuses.

How To Sign Up For An Online Casino In Pennsylvania

The steps to signing up for a new online casino in Pennsylvania are pretty simple. First, you have to meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must provide some type of valid identification, including your social security number.
• You are not banned or excluded from any legal and approved casino

If you meet these requirements, then the following steps are how you can sign up to an online casino in Pennsylvania:

• Click on one of our links to activate the promotion. Then, you’ll be automatically sent to the online casino that you chose.
• Choose an appropriate username and password.
• Fill out all information needed such as legal name, email and home address, date of birth, and any other information asked by the casino.
• If you are ready to deposit, you will also need your social security number and credit card. Your information will not be used for anything other than playing at the casino because all of the online casinos provided are legal and regulated in the United States.
• The last step is to create security questions and answers to safeguard your account. You will also need to confirm your account via text message or email.

Once you have finished all these steps, you’re ready to start playing!

How To Deposit At An Online Casino In PA

The deposit process at an online casino in Pennsylvania is relatively simple:

• Log into your online casino account
• Find the link or button that says “Deposit Now”
• Choose your preferred deposit method
• If you choose to pay with a card, you’ll need to add your card and provide all the relevant information needed.
• Choose the amount you wish to deposit
• Follow any more instructions provided by the online casino
• Deposit funds

How To Withdraw From An PA Online Casino

For the safety of both the players and the casino, there are usually fewer withdrawal options than there are deposit options. However, some casinos might offer the same withdrawal option as a deposit option and the withdrawal process is also fairly simple:

• Log into your online casino account
• Find the button that says “Deposit”, “Wallet”, “Banking”, or “Cashier”. If your online casino does not provide any of these options, try going to your name on the Home Screen to access withdrawal options.
• Once you gain access to the wallet page, find and click on the “Withdraw” button
• Pick the withdrawal method that you’re most comfortable with. We’ll go more into detail on this later.
• Choose the amount you want to withdraw.
• Follow any more instructions required by the online casino
• Withdraw funds.

Pennsylvania Online Casino Payment Options

While you may be used to the limited varieties when you cash out as a Pennsylvania casino like Mount Airy Casino or Mohegan Sun casino, online casinos in PA usually offer many different types of safe and reputable payment options. Many of these payment options don’t have any types of fees associated with them, but payment methods like credit cards, Skrill, or prepaid cards can have fees.

On top of that, most online casinos have a minimum deposit requirement, ranging anywhere from as low as $5 to as high as $30. When you’re trying to participate in a PA casino bonus at BetMGM, Unibet, Caesars, or otherwise, you need to know what the minimum deposit requirement is so you can satisfy the steps necessary to get the best bang for your buck.

Not all payment options are created equal, so be sure to check out the fastest payment options for PA online casinos when signing up.

Credit Cards

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• Discover

Some credit cards, like American Express, charge a fee since withdrawing from your online casino account could be seen as a cash withdrawal. There are also some credit cards that might not allow the payment to go through, so make sure to read the terms and conditions or contact your issuing bank before using it. For the credit cards that you can withdraw with, the process times are almost instant.

The cards you can use depend on the PA online casino you are a member of. While FanDuel Casino PA only allows you to use Visa or Mastercard to deposit, DraftKings Casino in Pennsylvania gives you the option to use all four major credit card brands.

Debit Cards

• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express

Like credit cards, debit card process times are almost instantaneous. However, it’s less likely that there will be a processing fee since withdrawing money isn’t really seen as a cash advance.

Play Plus

Play Plus is a specific online card that can be acquired and used at a wide variety of online casinos in Pennsylvania. Play Plus cards are essentially prepaid debit cards that can be funded online. You can then later use them to make instant deposits at licensed casinos.

This makes it safer, more secure, and more convenient to deposit and withdraw money from online casinos while also separating personal and recreational finances. It is pretty common for Play Plus cards to have a minimum deposit amount and a maximum withdrawal amount for card users.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are like Play Plus cards in the fact that they can be preloaded with money and also have minimum and maximum withdrawal limits. This is great for those who don’t want to use their debit or credit card at an online casino since prepaid cards normally don’t require you to enter any sensitive information in order to make a deposit for one of their prepaid cards.

PayPal

PayPal is arguably the most trusted e-wallet today and because of its reputation, PayPal is taken in almost all online casinos. PayPal provides you with a quick, safe, and secure payment method for both deposits and withdrawals.

However, in order to make a deposit to an online casino via PayPal, you’ll need to have a verified bank account linked to PayPal. Furthermore, there is a $10 minimum for all PayPal transactions while withdrawals might take a little bit longer.

Skrill

Skrill is a great e-wallet alternative to PayPal and offers many different ways to deposit and withdraw money from PA online casinos. Skrill also does not have a fee attached to it if you are transferring money from a bank account.

PayNearMe

PayNearMe is another prepaid card option that allows for people to deposit using cash at a local store within Pennsylvania. You can add cash to many different online casino accounts by visiting any of the following vendors:

• 7-Eleven
• CVS Pharmacy
• Family Dollar
• Dollar General

Since most people live within driving distance of one of these stores, it’s easy for those who want to deposit using cash in PA, as long as you check to make sure the store is participating. There are no fees attached with PayNearMe, but PayNearMe does require you to pay in cash in order to fund your account and you can only make deposits at this time.

In order to make a payment with PayNearMe, select the PayNearMe option, and generate a code that will be sent to your email or phone. You can then go to any participating PayNearMe institutions and deposit money via this code.

ACH

ACH/e-check is one of the most direct forms of depositing and withdrawing funds. This payment method will automatically transfer funds to and from your banking account to your online casino account.

You’ll need a bank account to participate in this mode of payment and deposit limits are usually present, specific to your bank’s policies.

Check

Checks are usually the slowest form of payment, but it is one of the most reliable options on this list so some still use it. While you cannot deposit via a check, you can have your funds withdrawn by check and sent to your home address.

The biggest downside is that this process can take anywhere from 3-5 days to a couple of weeks to finish.

Cash At The Casino Cage

This payment method depends largely on the partnership between the land-based casino and the online casino. However, the deposit and withdrawal process does not have any minimums or maximums and transactions are almost instantaneous.

As long as you have access to the land-based casino that the online casino is partnered with, you can make deposits there and have the money in your account within seconds or you can withdraw your funds there and have your cash-in-hand.

Can I Gamble Online In Pennsylvania?

Yes, it’s completely legal to gamble online in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the 2017 expansion package that was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania now offers many modes of online gambling, including but not limited to lotteries, casinos, sports betting, slots, and poker.

Therefore, as long as you are within state lines and are at an authorized PA gambling site, you can bet online and win real money!

Where Can I Gamble In PA?

You can gamble anywhere online as long as you are within Pennsylvania’s state lines. Some physical locations you can gamble at are:

• Presque Isle Downs
• Rivers Philadelphia
• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Meadows
• Hollywood Casino
• Valley Forge
• Parx
• Mount Airy

PA Online Casinos

Online casinos in Pennsylvania as of December 2024:

1. BetMGM
2. Unibet
3. Caesars
4. DraftKings
5. FanDuel
6. Stars Casino
7. BetRivers
8. FOX Bet
9. Sugarhouse
10. Hollywood Casino
11. Borgata

Do You Have To Live In Pennsylvania To Bet Online?

No, you don’t have to live in Pennsylvania to bet online, but it certainly helps. The only rules are that you have to be over the age of 21, within state lines, and are not on a blacklist or self-exclusion list. These regulations are applied to both online and in-person bets.

Are PA Online Casinos Legit?

Yes, most PA online casinos are partnered with some type of real, licensed in-person casino. This means that they have to adhere to state laws and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Can I Win Real Money At A Pennsylvania Casino?

Yes, games offered at an online casino in Pennsylvania give you a very good chance at winning real money. Online casinos are connected to either your bank account or some type of e-Wallet so you can deposit your winnings into real cash!

Why Play At An Online Casino Vs. A Land-Based Casino?

PA online casinos offer some features unique only to the online world. Most of them will offer a welcome bonus which gives you free funds so that you can check out the different games that online casinos have to offer.

There are also VIP rewards where the more you play, the more features you begin to unlock. There are also faster deposit and withdrawal times and you can play on the go. Overall, they are easier and more convenient to play at than a land-based casino while also offering a wide variety of bonus features that land-based casinos don’t have.

The Pennsylvania online casino scene is wildly competitive, which often works to the player’s advantage. PA casino welcome bonuses are almost guaranteed at any site we recommend.

These bonuses are almost like free money that you can use to play your favorite games. If you’re wondering how casino bonuses work and how you can get your hands on these freebies, read on to find out.

What Is The Best Online Casino In PA?

While we can tell you all the best places to play online slots in Pennsylvania, table games, live dealer and more, it’s up to you to decide which are the best for you. Some of the best online casinos in Pennsylvania include:

• Caesars Casino PA
• Unibet PA Online Casino
• BetMGM Online Casino PA

Online Casino Apps

Yes, Pennsylvania online casinos offer an IOS and Android app for you to use. The apps are usually free and after being downloaded, you can use them anywhere where there is a stable internet connection. Keep in mind, you’ll also need to be within state lines to play for real money.

Read more about PA casino apps and the benefits of playing on your phone or tablet.

No Download PA Casinos

If for some reason you don’t want to download an app to play on an online casino, you can now play your favorite games without it. Many casinos allow you to play on your phone’s browser, made possible by HTML5 software.

There may be some limitations to playing on a phone browser, but most of the time, it looks similar to what you would see on an app. Most of the time, the casino experience looks best when you’re on your desktop or laptop.

PA Online Casino Games

To give you multiple ways to win real money, PA online casinos offer a multitude of different games that you can play. Possibly the most popular option right now is slots, which makes up a majority of the game library. Then, there are different table games like blackjack and roulette along with the occasional virtual game like bingo or scratch-offs.

Slots

Slots have always been the most popular option for both you and the casinos, taking up the majority of the casino floor and game library. But there’s a reason slots are so popular. There are mini-games that switch up the flow of the gameplay and you can hit huge jackpots at any time, especially the progressive jackpots which build up the longer you play.

Selections from top game studios like NetEnt and IGT allow you to enjoy the most exciting and entertaining slots, and that may be enough for some. But with names like Divine Fortune giving you a chance to win a progressive jackpot in the six figure range, it’s no wonder why PA online slots are vastly enjoyed throughout the state.

Here are some of the most popular slot options in Pennsylvania:

• Divine Fortune
• Wheel of Fortune
• Monopoly
• 88 Fortunes
• Narcos
• Mercy of the Gods
• Wolf Run

How Is A PA Online Slot Different From Slot Machines Played At The Casino?

PA online slot machines share some features with land-based slot machines. For one, both online and land-based slot machines have gone mostly digital and both online and land-based slot machines offer the same popular game titles.

However, where PA online slots differ is the convenience and safety one might feel when playing at home rather than at a noisy casino with onlookers watching. You don’t have to share a slot and you don’t need to spend money to travel to the casino since you can play from the comfort of your home.

Table Games

Table games are another popular form of gameplay at online casinos in Pennsylvania. These are games of chance such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Originally, these games have been reserved for an in-person casino atmosphere, but they can now be played virtually. And thanks to Live Dealer games available in Pennsylvania, you can replicate the feel of playing at an actual casino in your home or on a PA casino app with a real dealer controlling the action. 

Blackjack

Blackjack, also called 21, is a card game where the player’s goal is to be dealt enough cards to equal, or get as close to, 21 without going over. The dealer’s goal is the same and the person whose cards are closest to 21 wins. Players throughout the state of Pennsylvania play Blackjack thanks to its ease of learning, chance to implement key winning strategies, and speed of gameplay. Click here to learn more about How To Play Blackjack.

Roulette

In Roulette, a ball is dropped onto a spinning wheel that has numbered spots. The player’s goal is to guess which number the ball has landed on once the wheel stops spinning. The more online casinos in Pennsylvania become more popular, the more you’re able to play your favorite version of roulette. The options include:

• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• French Roulette

Click here to learn more about these variations and How To Play Roulette.

Craps

In Craps, the player throws dice into a game pit. If the dice add up to 7 or 11, the player wins. However, if the dice add up to 2, 3, or 12, the player loses. Any other number will trigger a new part of the game. Now, the player must avoid hitting a 7 while trying to hit the previous number. Other numbers can also trigger payouts.

While you won’t find Craps at online casinos in Pennsylvania currently, DraftKings Casino is working on a product called DK Craps, which will be the first PA online casino craps product offered.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a simple card game with two-or-three card hands. The player who has the highest reminder when their cards’ face-value is divided by ten wins the game.

Hold’em (Table Game Version)

The table game version of Hold’em is only you versus the dealer and does not take place with other players. Your two cards are dealt along with the dealer’s two cards. Then, five “flop” cards are dealt. The player has to beat the dealer’s hand in order to win.

Video Poker

Video poker is exactly what it sounds like: poker played on the screen of your device. You make your bet and are dealt your first five cards. From here, you can pick the cards you want to keep and continue.

You’re then dealt new cards and the game continues on like any normal poker game. For those who play at land-based casinos in PA, these are games that are pretty much an exact replica of what you would enjoy in person.

Here are a few version of video poker that you can find in an online casino’s game library:

• Game King Video Poker
• Mississippi Stud
• Deuces Wild Elite
• Destiny poker
• DJ Wild
• Jacks or Better
• Jester Poker
• Deuces Wild
• Bonus Poker
• Regal Poker

Bingo

Bingo is a classic gambling game, but with online bingo, you have many different features and add-ons that give the game some more flair. You get a FREE SPACE and the way to win is by matching all your numbers in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line.

However, with online casinos, there are twists like jackpots and extra balls that help you win more real money.

Pennsylvania online bingo has slight variations in gameplay compared to the standard, with 90 Ball Bingo being one of the more popular versions.

Live Dealer

Live Dealer games are games that are run by real dealers in real-time. Rather than playing against a machine with an algorithm set to it, you are actually interacting with a real human being.

Live Dealer games work by using all traditional equipment for games like roulette, blackjack, and craps. And while you play, you can communicate with the dealer via a chatroom in which they can respond back to your comments.

This all occurs virtually via a live stream at a traditional casino game. Live Dealer are the latest games to be added to the PA casino portfolio.

What Are The Minimum And Maximum Bets at PA Online Casinos?

Each game at every PA online casino has its own range of different stakes. Just as it would be at a land-based casino, players have the option to control their stake amount on every individual bet.

For example, if you’re playing roulette at Unibet, their minimum even money bet is 0.10 cents while the maximum is $2000. Lower stakes usually mean that you have a higher chance to win within your budget, but higher stakes are usually more thrilling and can be extremely rewarding.

Best VIP Rewards At PA Online Casinos

Yes. You can earn VIP rewards from a PA online casino. Just like land-based casinos, online casinos use a point-tier system where the more points you earn, the better VIP rewards you earn.

The different rewards offered by PA online casinos are related to their land-based casino in some way. However, some of these online casinos have expanded to have their own unique loyalty system.

Here are some of the VIP rewards available from participating PA online casinos:

• DraftKings: Tier-Based Daily Rewards
• FanDuel Casino: Tier-Based Bonus Bets, Loyalty Store, and Merchandise
• UniBet: Bonus Bets and invitation-based exclusive awards such as access to their own team on the UniBet customer service department and trips to sporting events across the globe.
• PokerStars Casino: Chests containing cash prizes, tickets, free play, and much more.
• FOX Bet Casino: Chests containing cash prizes, birthday bonuses, increased deposit limits, and dedicated VIP hosts.
• Hollywood Online Casino: myChoice loyalty program which offers tier-based cashback rewards, free play, and free slots.
• SugarHouse: Loyalty store, free play, cashback, and discounts.
• Parx Online Casino: Credits that can be used for cashback, free slots and free play, sweepstakes entries, discounts, and much more.

The Legal History Behind Online Gambling In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has long been embedded in the world of betting and gambling. Horse racing was the first type of gambling that was legalized in Pennsylvania, thanks to the Race Horse Reform Industry Act of 1959.

Following the Race Horse Reform Industry Act of 1959, the PA state lottery was created in 1971 with the establishment of Act 91. While this was a general success, there were several unsuccessful pushes for the expansion of gambling until 2004.

Pennsylvania casinos first became legal in 2004 thanks to the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act that allowed for 14 total slot parlors across the state. Many of these slot parlors were located at horse racetracks, the primary form of betting at the time.

In 2010, Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill allowing already-existing Pennsylvania casinos to add table games. With this addition, yearly gross gaming revenue continued to soar.

But it wasn’t until in 2013 when State Senator Tina Davis took interest in online gambling that online casinos started to take off. In 2015, Representative John Payne hosted hearings on the countless possibilities that came with iGaming.

Finally, on October 30th, 2017, Governor Tom Payne signed Bill 271 into law which amended the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The Bill legalized online gambling, internet lotteries, fantasy sports, and many other gambling-related subjects.

This has led to 12 land-based casinos licensed to offer online gambling in Pennsylvania and in March 2020 alone, online games generated more than $24 million in gross revenue.

PA Authorized Online Casinos Vs. Illegal Online Casinos

There are plenty of authorized online casinos in Pennsylvania that you can choose from. But likewise, there are also plenty of illegal online casinos that you can choose from. With the number of restrictions placed on licensed casinos, you might be tempted to try your luck at an illegal online casino. However, you should consider the pros of using an authorized online casino and the cons of using an illegal casino.

PA Authorized Online Casinos

• Authorized casinos are regulated by the PGCB and required to protect your personal information.
• PA authorized online casinos are monitored closely by the PGCB to ensure fairness of play.
• Available wallets for online casinos are safe and secure forms of payment that won’t be taken advantage of.
• All information about games, legal matters, and return-on-investment is provided and made available.

Illegal Online Casinos

• Illegal online casinos are independent and not regulated by any governing body.
• Illegal online casinos can easily scam you without any legal repercussions.
• There is no requirement for illegal online casinos to protect your personal or financial information, meaning that they can sell it to anyone who wants it.
• There is little-to-no available information about the games or the ROI percentages and these illegal online casinos are not required to follow any rules made by the game.

Who Can Get An PA Authorized Casino License?

The process to get a PA authorized casino license is quite extensive. You’ll need to work closely with the PGCB in order to acquire a license. This usually requires a land-based entity through which your online casino can run; this is why online casinos partner with a land-based casino.

The initial fee for an interactive gaming operator license is $1 million dollars and the fee for and the fee for an interactive gaming certificate is $4 million per category of interactive gaming.

On top of the initial fees required to obtain the license and open a casino, there are also renewal fees that are due every five years. For interactive gaming certificates, there is a $250,000 renewal fee and for interactive gaming licenses, there is a $100,000 renewal fee.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is a government agency tasked with the role of overseeing slot machines and casino gambling in the state. They are responsible with everything from determining who is eligible for a casino license to ensuring fair play across all authorized casinos within Pennsylvania.

Most importantly, the PGCB ensures that all authorized casinos within Pennsylvania are independent of other external influences, such as organized crime. Their routine tests on slot machines, regulatory oversight, and strict policy ensure that each player has the same chance to win as the other players around them. Regulated PA gambling sites will have this symbol located somewhere on their site:

Responsible Gaming In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania online casinos will try their best to ensure that you are gaming responsibly. Pennsylvania online casinos have a variety of measures in place to make sure that you are playing safely, but some of this responsibility also lies on you. Here are some ways to gamble responsibly.

• Information on Responsible Gaming: Casinos usually have a portion of their website dedicated to explaining how to play responsibly at a casino. These portions typically have links to resources that help with gambling addiction.
• Gaming Limits: One of the most helpful tools that Pennsylvania online casinos have is allowing you to set gaming limits so you don’t have to worry about spending too much time or money on their platform. Methods like deposit and spending limits ensure that you aren’t depositing too much money each week or likewise, spending too much each week. Another way you can limit yourself is by setting a time limit where you only play a certain number of hours each day, week, or month.
• Self-Exclusion: If you find yourself playing too much at a certain game or casino, you have the option to completely exclude themselves from that game or casino. This allows a level of outside control for those who feel like they might not be able to control their playing time.

PA Online Casino Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gambling Illegal In PA?

No, gambling is not illegal in Pennsylvania as long as you are above the age requirement and you are gambling at a licensed, authorized casino.

How Old Do I Need To Be To Gamble In PA?

You must be at least 21 years old or older in order to gamble in Pennsylvania.

Are PA Online Casinos Safe?

Authorized PA online casinos are safe because they are legally required by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to protect your personal and financial information. Authorized PA online casinos also utilize the same technology that protects your bank account to protect your wallet and finances.

Can I Win Real Money At PA Online Casinos?

Yes. You can win real money at PA online casinos as long as they are licensed by the PGCB. They work the same as land-based casinos. You bet real money and you win real money which you can then withdraw with plenty of different secure wallet options.

How Many Casinos Are In PA?

There are currently 12 licensed casinos in Pennsylvania that are allowed to offer online games such as blackjack, slots, and roulette.

When Did Gambling Become Legal In PA?

Online gambling became legal in Pennsylvania on October 30, 2017 when Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a bill that legalized online casinos.

Can I Play Casino Games On My PC or Mac?

As long as there is a desktop option for the online casino (which there almost always is), you can play casino games on your PC or Mac.

Which PA Online Casinos Accept PayPal?

Here are the following PA online casinos that accept PayPal:

• Unibet
• SugarHouse
• DraftKings
• BetRivers
• FOX Bet
• FanDuel
• BetAmerica
• PokerStars
• Caesars Online Casino

How Do PA Online Casinos Know My Location?

These sites use geolocation to determine where you are playing from. The casino triangulates the IP address of the device you are using and your WiFi signal or cell phone location. That way, they can see if you’re playing within state lines. If not, you will be forced to close the app or exit the website.

Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?

Yes. All gambling winnings, whether they are from a legitimate or illegal source, are subject to Pennsylvania tax laws.

Who Regulates Online PA Casinos?

Online PA casinos, as well as any other gambling entity located within Pennsylvania, are controlled and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

What Are The Most Trusted PA Online Casinos?

If a Pennsylvania online casino is regulated and authorized by the PGCB, it is a trusted online casino in the state.

If you would like to know more about problem gambling or think you may need to speak with someone, you can find great Pennsylvania resources about Self-Exclusion You can also contact the helpline; 1-800-GAMBLER.

References

1. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 8, 2020, from https://www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
2. US Department of Justice (January 24, 2020). Retrieved Feb. 6, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
3. American Gaming Association (n.d.). Retrieved Feb. 5, 2020, from https://www.americangaming.org/
4. International Association of Gaming Regulators (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2020, from https://www.iagr.org/