While PA was one of the fastest states to legalize online casinos, they are still slightly new. This means that you won’t find too many PA-licensed online casinos just yet.
That being said, we know that more will come over time as long as everything continues to move as it has been since June of 2019 when Governor Tom Wolf signed “House Bill 758” also known as the “Gaming Aid for Tobacco Region Counties Act.” which allowed for the launch of online casinos in PA.
As of right now, these are the PA state approved casinos online who have received a license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB):
- BetMGM Casino (from the MGM property in Bridgeport, WV)
- BetRivers Casino (from the Rivers Casino & Sports Lounge in Pittsburgh, PA)
Other well-known brands such as Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and others have made their intention known to apply for an online casino license in Pennsylvania. But as of now, only the above two mentioned sites are legal and approved by the PGCB. All others claiming to be legal in PA are not up to code and should be avoided.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. H 768 (the “Gaming Aid for Tobacco Region Counties Act”) was signed on July 19, 2019, by Governor Tom Wolf. This bill officially legalized online casinos in Pennsylvania along with online sports betting and poker.
Online casinos went live in Pennsylvania on July 15, 2019. However, due to the lengthy process of developing software and partnering with existing land-based casinos, it might take some time before all establishments can offer online gaming.
In addition to licensing from the Commonwealth, our recommended PA online casinos are regulated by industry leaders like KYC (Know Your Customer), identity verification, secure socket layer encryption technology, and other measures to ensure fair play and player safety.
Is My Money and Personal Info Safe With Online Casinos?
Not all online casinos are safe. Only play at casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your sensitive information. Additionally, make sure the casino is licensed in the US by their state gaming commission. The ones we recommend on this page are entirely legitimate and safe for players in Pennsylvania.
Can I Play the Casino Games for Free?
Most online casinos will let you play their games for free. However, you may need to sign up for an account first. Playing for free is a great way to learn how the games work without risking any money. It’s always a good idea to try out the demo version before playing for real money.
Advantages of Online Casinos in PA Compared to Land-Based Ones
Many people prefer land-based casinos because of the social aspect and the ability to drink and gamble without worry. However, online casinos have many advantages, especially during the pandemic. Here are some reasons why you might want to give them a try:
Convenience: You can play from the comfort of your own home at any time of day or night.
Bonuses and promotions: Online casinos often offer better bonuses and promotions than land-based casinos. For example, you can get a bigger welcome bonus when you sign up.
Variety of games: There are hundreds of different games you can play, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Plus, you can usually try out the games for free before you play for real money.
Lower minimum bets: Many online casino games have lower minimum bets than their land-based counterparts, making them accessible to players with smaller budgets.
No travel required: You don't have to drive anywhere to gamble, which saves time and money on travel expenses.
Discreet: Online casinos allow you to gamble discreetly from home without attracting attention.
Disadvantages of Online Casinos in PA compared to Land-Based Ones
While online casinos have many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Lack of social interaction: One of the biggest downsides is that you miss out on the social aspect of gambling. There's no one to chat with or share the excitement of a big win.
Potential for distractions: When you're gambling at home, there may be distractions that you wouldn't have in a casino, such as TVs, phones, or family members interrupting you.
Technical requirements: You need a computer or mobile device that meets certain technical requirements to play online. You also need a reliable internet connection.
Regulation: Not all online casinos are regulated, so you need to do your research to make sure you're using a reputable site.
Addiction risks: Gambling can be addictive, and it can be easier to develop a problem if you have easy access to online casinos.
What Type of Games Do Online Casinos Offer?
Every online casino will have a wide range of fun and exciting games for you to choose from. Most sites have partnerships with top game developers like , NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, and Pragmatic Play to provide the best possible experience.
Here’s a look at what types of games you can expect to find at an average online casino in PA:
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Slots: These are the most popular type of casino game. They’re fast-paced and easy to play, plus there are thousands of different titles to choose from. Slots typically have a theme, such as ancient Egypt or superheroes. They also feature bonus rounds, free spins, and other special features.
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Table games: This category includes classics like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Some online casinos offer unique variations of these games that you may not have seen before.
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Live dealer games: These are table games that are streamed live with a real dealer. You can place your bets and interact with the dealer through a chat window. Live dealer games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more.
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Video poker: If you enjoy traditional poker but want a faster-paced game, video poker is worth trying. These games simulate the experience of playing poker against a machine. Some popular titles include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
All games are powered by random number generators (RNGs), which ensure that the outcome of each round is completely random and fair. RTP stands for Return to Player and refers to the percentage of money that is theoretically returned to players over time. An RTP of 95% means that, on average, 95 cents of every dollar wagered will be paid out in winnings. Of course, this is based on millions of bets and doesn’t guarantee any specific outcome.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Play at PA Online Casinos?
You must be at least 21 years old to gamble online in Pennsylvania. The same age restriction applies to both online and land-based casinos. When you sign up, you will be asked to verify your identity and age. So, be prepared to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or another form of identification.
Best Payment Methods At Online Casinos In Pa
When choosing an online casino, you should also pay close attention to the available payment methods. Look for sites that offer a variety of safe and convenient options, such as credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, pre-paid cards and vouchers. We list several of the best banking methods used in the United States below:
Visa/Mastercard: Most online casinos accept Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards. However, the UIGEA act makes it difficult to use credit cards for online gambling transactions. Pre-paid cards and e-wallets are becoming more popular as a result.
Bank Transfers: This method involves transferring money directly from your bank account to the casino. It’s a simple and straightforward process, but it can take a few days for the transaction to go through.
E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller): E-wallets, such as Skrill or Neteller, allow you to quickly and easily transfer money online. Deposits are processed instantly, and withdrawals are also fast.
Cash to Cashier / PayNearMe / PayWithMyCell: PayNearMe allows you to pay your casino bills at 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy & Family Dollar stores across the country. Simply pay with a check or debit card.
Cage Transaction / In-Person Payments: Cage transactions and in-person payments can be done at the associated land-based casino. You can deposit cash or an acceptance check at the cage and the funds will be transferred into your online gaming account immediately or within 48 hours.
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Is Online Gambling Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. H 768 (the “Gaming Aid for Tobacco Region Counties Act”) was signed on July 19, 2019, by Governor Tom Wolf. This bill officially legalized online casinos in Pennsylvania along with online sports betting and poker. Online casinos went live in Pennsylvania on July 15, 2019.
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What online casinos are legal in Pennsylvania?
Currently, there are only two fully licensed and regulated online casinos in PA - BetMGM Casino and BetRivers Casino . Other casinos that say they are legal in PA are not and should be avoided.
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What games can I play at an online casino in PA?
There are plenty of fun games to choose from. Some popular options include blackjack, roulette, slots, and live dealer games. For a full list, please read our guide again.
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Do I need any special equipment to play at an online casino?
To play at an online casino, you will need a computer or mobile device that meets certain requirements. You should also have a reliable internet connection. Most games can be played on Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Android tablets.
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How do I deposit money into my online casino account?
Each online casino may have different payment options available. Common methods include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, pre-paid cards, in-person payments, and vouchers. Check with the specific casino for details.
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Is my personal and financial information safe at an online casino?
Reputable online casinos use sophisticated security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Look for sites that are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and regulated by their state gaming commission. The sites we recommend on this page are entirely legitimate and safe for players in Pennsylvania.
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How can I avoid scam online casinos?
Unfortunately, there are some bad actors out there. To avoid getting scammed, stick to well-known, established online casinos that have a good reputation. Make sure the casino is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and regulated by their state gaming commission. Read reviews from other players to get an idea of their experiences. And trust your gut – if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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What is RTP and why does it matter?
RTP stands for Return to Player and is expressed as a percentage. It indicates how much of the money wagered on a game is theoretically paid out to players over time. For example, an RTP of 95% means that 95 cents of every dollar wagered will be paid out in winnings (on average). A higher RTP is generally better for players, as it means you have a greater chance of winning back your original stake.