In this guide, we’re going to review the best PA online casinos to play at right now. We’ll also explain how we rated and reviewed each one of our recommended sites so that you can choose the right one for your tastes and preferences.
To start with, all of the PA internet casinos on this page are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board(PGCB). This means they are 100% safe, secure, and legal. Furthermore, only the following four casinos are currently allowed to offer online casino games in the state of Pennsylvania:
- Hollywood Casino (powered by )
- Mount Airy Casino Resort (protected by Ignition ASF)
- Oakland Cathay Inn (authenticated by Comodo PSE)
- Valley Forge Casino Resort (secured by ALLETESS)
In addition to these four casinos, the following casinos have been granted an , but they have yet to go live:
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino
- The Meadows Racing & Gaming Commons
- Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs
- Stadium Casino LLC
- Wind Creek Bahama
- Phillip S. Wolfgang I
All you need to do to start playing casino games online from Pennsylvania is follow these simple steps.
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Start by choosing a safe and reputable PA online casino from our list. All of our picks are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
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Click on the link to visit the online casino website. From here, you will need to open an account if you don’t already have one. This usually involves entering some personal details such as your name, address, and date of birth.
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Once your account has been verified, log in and navigate to the cashier. Choose a suitable deposit method and make your first real money deposit. Many casinos receive their first tranche of funds into an operator’s account within minutes of making a deposit. So, you shouldn’t have to wait long before you can start playing games online for real money.
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Finally, claim your welcome bonus to release a batch of free spins or casino credits. You can then use these complimentary credits to play slots, video poker, or other casino games without breaking your bankroll.
Top Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Rank ratings for all online casinos are based on a set criteria (which you’ll read about shortly). Although you may have your own preferences when it comes to table games poker online reddit paytsa feelessay com, slots, and casino software, our ratings give you a good starting point. Our process for reviewing casino sites is very thorough to ensure we are only recommending legit online casinos in PA. Firstly, we check the site’s safety and security credentials. Only sites with a valid license from the PGCB make it through to the next round. Next, we assess the breadth and quality of games that you can play at each casino site. This includes everything from blackjack and roulette to progressive jackpot slots and live dealer games. We also look at the strength of the software and whether you can download apps or play instantly in your web browser. Other factors include payment options, customer support options, and bonuses/promotions.
So, which is the top online casino in PA? Well, all of the sites listed below are strong operators. If you like multi-channel gaming options, we recommend heading to . If you prefer a simplified loyalty scheme, would be a better choice.
For those of you interested in getting stuck into a wide array of live dealer casino games, head to . Any of these operators would be a solid choice.
miami seminole casinoHow to Tell if an Internet Casino in PA is Legit
The first thing to note about online casinos in Pennsylvania is that they are legal. Betting laws in the United States are the responsibility of the states. When President P.G. Rickards essayedge co. Udemy Las Vegas, Hawaii approached Congress in 2011 to try and ban all forms of online gambling, the law known as were rejected. Since then, several states have decided to draw up their own regulations regarding online wagering. Pennsylvania was one of the first to do so and the following rules apply:
- All must be physically located in the state of Pennsylvania and pay a $10 million licensing fee.
- Each licensee can power two internet gambling platforms and pay a $4 million per platform.
- Anyone aged 21+ and inside Pennsylvania can register an online casino account and wager real money.
- You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to play online casino games.
- State legislation does not prohibit VPN users from playing casino games online.
- You can only play at PA online casinos if DGE regulators have performed a background check on the venue and issued a license. At the moment, there are only nine , although others are going through the licensing process.
- Online casinos in PA have to contribute 54% of their revenues to the Commonwealth.
- Of that revenue, $10 million per year is ringfenced for gambling addiction programs and services.
- Winnings from online casino games are subject to federal income tax.
As you can see, online casinos in Pennsylvania are subject to strict regulation. Any operator found to be operating illegally in the state will have their license suspended or revoked. As such, any site listed on this page is 100% safe, secure, and legitimate.
PGCB Regulation of PA Casino Apps
If you want to play casino games online from Pennsylvania, you can either play on a desktop device or a mobile device. While our recommendations all have desktop sites, not all of them have dedicated mobile apps.
Although you can play casino games at via an app, this is powered by the Mount Airy Casino Resort, which has a license from the PGCB. However, many operators simply rely on mobile responsive technology. This means their websites can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Best PayPal Casinos US: Top Sites with PayPal Casino Payments 2023When it comes to , the regulator places strict requirements on licensees. These include:
- Ensuring the operator has the necessary licenses and authorizations to operate legally under US and Pennsylvanian laws.
- Performing criminal and suitability checks on executives, shareholders, and directors.
- Checking the financial solvency of the business and ensuring player funds are segregated.
- Testing casino games and RNG software to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Regularly checking technical security to prevent fraud, money laundering, and collusion.
- Making sure the operator has the necessary measures in place to identify and help problem gamblers.
Available Payment Methods at PA Casino Sites
One of the key factors to consider when choosing where to play internet casino games is banking options. Fortunately, all of our recommended online casinos accept a variety of payment methods.
Credit/Debit Cards – All major Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted at online casinos in PA, and vendors often accept PayPal, Neteller, and other ewallets.
E-Wallets – You can use popular e-wallets such as , Skrill, and to deposit and withdraw at PA internet casinos.
Bank Transfers / Wire Transfers – You can transfer money directly from your bank account to your online casino account. Withdrawals will also be sent back to your main banking account.
Pre-paid Cards – You can buy prepaid cards such as Paysafecard in person at retail outlets and use the 16-digit pin to deposit online.
Cash – You won’t be able to deposit cash directly into your online casino account. However, you can use a cash-to-card facility at the casino bar or at the cage inside a land-based casino.
Live Dealer Games at Pennsylvania Casinos Online
Although most of the games you will find at Pennsylvania’s brick-and-mortar casinos are not available online, that is not the case with live dealer games. Live dealer casino games bridge the gap between online and offline gambling nicely. Just like you would at a land-based casino in PA, you get to enjoy games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, and Casino Texas Shootout against real dealers.
A webcam stream transports the action from the studio or casino floor direct to your PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet. You can then bet, chat, and interact with other players just like you would in an offline environment, albeit from the comfort of your home or while out and about.
Currently, only offers live dealer casino games in Pennsylvania. Their studios are powered by , and you can access dozens of tables offering blackjack, American Roulette, and Auto Roulette. Depending on the game you choose, the tables will have varying limits. You can pay no more than $3,000 at a time, and most games have a cap of $2,500.
Is it Safe to Play at PA Live Dealer Casinos?
Yes, live dealer games are 100% safe and secure. Not only are the games provided by an industry leader, but the dealers and croupiers are verified and authenticated by a range of technical security measures, including SSL encryption and identity checks.
Top-Rated Online Casinos Where You Can Win Big in India 2023Every shuffle, deal, spin, and payout you receive is governed by random number generators (RNGs). These are pieces of code that ensure every result is arbitrary and cannot be predicted or manipulated. Additionally, live casino game shows like dealers shuffling, cutting, and dealing cards are all done in real time to ensure the results are always fair and transparent.
Bonuses and Promos Offered Exclusively Online
Most people are attracted to online casinos in Pennsylvania because of the bonuses and promotions. No matter which site you join, you will always receive a welcome package. Now now london ontario weather, these offers typically contain a combination of free spins, bonus cash, and special deals.
Welcome bonuses tend to be bigger than any subsequent offers, and you should always read the terms and conditions before you claim an agreement. Factors to consider include:
- Wagering Requirements – Also known as rollover requirements, playthrough demands, or turnover needs, wagering conditions determine how many times you have to gamble your bonus before you can withdraw your winnings. Most casino bonuses will have a 10x, 20x, 30x, or 40x playthrough rate.
- Expiry Dates – Bonuses will only be valid for a certain period of time. If you do not meet the wagering needs within the stipulated timeframe, your bonus funds and any winnings made from them will be void. Expiry periods can be anything from a few days to several months.
- Game Weightings – Different games contribute differently towards completing wagering requirements. The best weighting is 100%, but some casinos will only contribute 5%, 10% or 20% for every dollar wagered on a game.
- Minimum Deposit – To trigger a welcome bonus, you normally have to fund your casino account by at least $10, $20, $30, or $50. Sometimes the first deposit only triggers the bonus, and subsequent deposits require larger sums of money.
- Payment Method Restrictions – Some bonus offers will not be valid if you deposit with certain payment methods. Credit and debit cards are usually accepted, but ewallets such as Neteller, WebMoney, and Skrill are often excluded.
Are There Any No Deposit Casino Bonuses in PA?
In a word, no. It is very rare for online casinos in the United States to offer no deposit bonuses. In fact, we are not aware of any top-rated US casino that gives players freebonuses without needing to make a deposit.
Although it would be nice to get some freebies with no strings attached, no deposit bonuses often come with very high wagering requirements. It is not uncommon to see offers where you have to gamble 50x, 60x, or 70x your bonus before you can cash out. Even if you do manage to fulfil the playthrough demands, the likelihood of convering a small amount of free cash into a worthwhile win is slim.
That does not mean you should reject a deposit bonus. Provided you choose a reasonable offer with decent wagering requirements, you can claim large amounts of bonus cash while enjoying a wide array of slots and casino games. What’s more, you will typically get additional perks such as free spins, monthly cashback, and entry to VIP schemes when you make a deposit.
Slots and Jackpots
When it came to choosing our best online casinos in Pennsylvania, the quality and quantity of slots was a pivotal factor. Video slots dominate the lobby at most PA online casinos, and you can enjoy classic 3-reelers, immersive 5-reels, and even progressive jackpot slots with huge prize pools.
Video slots dominate the lobby at most PA online casinos, and you can enjoy classic 3-reelers, immersive 5-reels, and even progressive jackpot slots with huge prize pools.
Across all of our recommended PA internet casino reviews, there are more than 600 slot machines to enjoy. Some of the most popular games include 88 Fortunes, Blood Suckers II, Mercy of the Gods, Buffalo Grand, and Wheel of Fortune. You will also find classic titles such as Cleopatra, Quick Hitch, and Wolf Run alongside modern hits like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Elephant Stampede, and Buffalo Rising Megaways.
When it comes down to it, the best online casino in Pennsylvania for is . This site has almost 400 games in its slots section alone, and it features plenty of big brand names. Games are supplied by leading developers like IGT, NetEnt, Bally, and Red Tiger, and you can search for games by vendor if you have a preferred developer in mind.
BetMGM and Caesars are also strong choices. The MGM Casino app has more than 150 real money slots, as well as plenty of demo mode games you can play for free. Its hot drop jackpots also offer hourly, daily, and mega prizes that must pay out.
If you prefer to play progressive jackpot slots, Hollywood Casino is the best option. As well as having the largest selection of big money jackpot slots in PA, this site is also powered by Industry-leading , so you know all the games are 100% secure and fair.
Finally, Oakland Cathay Inn has struck a deal with Authentic Gaming to become the first online casino in Pennsylvania to offer live-dealer-style live-streamed table games. Players can sit at three different Asian-themed live roulette tables and two live blackjack tables and enjoy an immersive real-casing experience from the comfort of their homes.
Desktop and Mobile Game Selection
You should not notice much of a difference in the quality and quantity of games when you switch from a desktop machine to a mobile device. All reliable PA casino sites are built with HTML5 technology, which ensures they are fully responsive across all devices. That means you can enjoy a similar experience whether you are using a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone or tablet.
It’s worth noting that some casinos will ask you to download native apps from the and Google Play stores, while others will invite you to play instantly in your web browser. BetMGM, for example, has very simple graphics but fast load times. Its app is slick, and you do not need much storage space to download it onto your phone. On the face of it, the selection of games seems good, but when you dig deeper, you’ll see the truth. There are only around 50 slots and half a dozen table games.
By contrast, the Caesars Casino app looks fantastic. It contains detailed categories, subcategories, and game previews, and there are plenty of mini-games and special features. Again, the app does not take up too much room on your mobile device, and it contains around 100 slots and classic casino games.
If you prefer a simpler app with more games, Hollywood Casino could be ideal. Although the graphics are fairly rudimentary, and it lacks search box functionality, it contains hundreds of themed slot machines, video poker games, and table games.
In terms of instant play, our number one pick is DraftKings. It contains nine sections, including Home, Sports, Daily Fantasy, Casino, Promo, and Menubutton. When you click on the Casino button, you will be taken to a lobby containing scores of slots, video poker games, scratchcards, casual games, and table games powered by Automatic, IGT, Network, ShuffleMaster, and Slingo.
Overall, if you prefer to play on the move, we think you’ll struggle to beat DraftKings. If you prefer to play on a desktop device, BetMGM’s larger screenshots and categorization make it an attractive option.
House Edge, Return to Player, and Payout Rates
Online casinos in Pennsylvania must publish payout rates on their websites. Auditors will test RNG software to ensure games are fair, and operators will then publish an average payout rate for the previous month or year.
At the time of writing, the were as follows:
- 84.44% – PlaySunny
- 83.25% – BetRivers
- 81.41% – DraftKings
- 79.21% – Stars
- 78.31% – Hollywood
- 77.52% – Mount Airy
- 76.76% – Parx
- 75.81% – Oscar
- 75.11% – Greenwood
- 74.82% –Presque Isle
These figures represent millions of games and thousands of hours. Basically, for every $100 wagered at these casinos, $74-$84 will be paid back to players in winnings.
It is important to remember that payout rates will vary depending on the types of games you play. Table games generally have higher payouts rates than slots, and video poker games often feature loops that enable smart players to win massive amounts of money. By contrast, progressive jackpot slots have huge top wins, but the odds of hitting the jackpot are extremely low, so payout rates can be quite low.
Another concept you need to understand is the house edge. This is the opposite of the payout rate. It represents the theoretical advantage a casino has on a particular game. For example, if the house edge of a blackjack game is 1%, the payout rate will be 99%.
The house edge varies from game to game, and it is up to you to decide whether to play games with a low house edge or high house edge. As a general rule, you should stick to games with low house edges, such as blackjack (1%), baccarat (1%), and French Roulette (1%-2%). Games to avoid include American Roulette (5.26%) craps (15%), and Caribbean Stud (50%).
Piece Series - Gaming and Casino Law #2: Online Casino and Sports Betting in MassachusettsSlots can have incredibly varied house edges. Some games have very loose slots with a house edge of 2%-3%, whereas others can have a house edge of 25%-30%. Unfortunately, you will not know the house edge of a slot unless you study its paytable and lookup. Luckily, many Pennsylvania casino sites allow you to preview games, demo games, or read game info pages before you play for real money.
What is a Good Return to Player (RTP) Rate for PA Online Casino Games?
Any return to player rate above 95% can be considered very good. The average PA online casino payout rate is over 97%, which means you will lose less money, and you will get more value for money than if you played at a land-based casino in PA or another online casino in another state, such as Michigan or New Jersey.
Of course, variance plays a huge role in determining your fate. You may come across a slot with a 2% RTP that awards a $10,000 jackpot. If you have a big bankroll and can afford to gamble £1,000 per spin for weeks or months, there is a chance you will hit the jackpot and make a healthy profit.
Conversely, a table game with a 1% RTP will inevitably grind you down over time. If you have a small bankroll and bet £100 on that game for an hour, it is highly unlikely you will win £1,000; in fact, you are far more likely to leave with under £80 in your account.
Can you improve your chances of winning by finding loans casino review games with high RTPs? Possibly. But you should also think about your own abilities. If you enjoy playing a game with a 99% RTP for 10 hours straight but it drains your account, is it really a good game for you? Maybe you would be better served finding a game with a lower payout rate but a smaller betting limit that allows you to stretch your bankroll further.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer for what constitutes a good RTP. It is a case of finding games you enjoy, balancing your skill level with the house edge, and allocating a budget that allows you to play for as long as possible.
Why Are Some Games Excluded from Bonus Offers?
If you claim a bonus and struggle to clear it, the first thing you should do is check the game weightings. Some games will not contribute toward clearing your playthrough requirements at all, and others will only count as 5%, 10%, or 20% of your total bet.
Best Michigan No Deposit Bonus Codes [2023] + Free Chips!Casino bonuses are designed to encourage you to try new games, so you will often find the playwright for slot games is 100%, meaning $1 of wagers on slots equals $1 of bonus turnover. In contrast, table games like blackjack, baccarat, and casino poker may only be 20%, 10%, or even 5%, which means you need to be quick to clear the bonus on these games.
That does not mean you should not play table games. It simply means you should allocate a larger chunk of your banking budget to slots in relation to table games. Of course, if you prefer table games, you should select a bonus with lower wagering requirements, as this will make it easier to complete the playthrough ratios across all games.
Safety and Security of the Best PA Online Casinos
Safety and security are paramount when you are handing over your hard-earned money to an online operator. All of our recommended casinos are 100% safe and trustworthy. They are licensed by the PGCB and authenticated by leading security software providers, so you know all the games are 100% fair.
Our recommended casinos are encrypted with SSL certificates from DigiCert and GlobalSign, so all the personal and payment data you enter on the site is protected. Plus, you will need to verify your own identity when you join the casino to stop unauthorized people using your account.
Is Gambling Online from Pennsylvania Legal and Safe? House Bill 271 was signed into law on October 30, 2017, by Governor Tom Wolf. The bill authorizes the iGambling industry in Pennsylvania, and anyone aged 21+ with a social security number can register for an online casino account and gamble with real money.
The PGCB oversees the sector, and license holders must adhere to strict technical security protocols. You will need to prove your identity, and games are tested to ensure they are fair. Plus, all reputable sites are protected by SSL encryption, and they publish their payout rates, so you know roughly how much each game pays out.
How to Avoid Scams and Illicit Operators? The easiest way to avoid scams is to only play at licensed and regulated online casinos in Pennsylvania. All the sites you’ll find on this page are legal and above board. They are certified by the PGCB, and they display the casino certificate number on their websites.
If you are considering joining an online casino outside of Pennsylvania, check the domain extension. If it ends in .com, it may offer services to US players, but it is not regulated, and there is no guarantee your money will be safe. If the site end in .co or .ag, it is definitely best to swerve it.
Many illicit operators lure customers in with generous bonuses, but the reality is they will never let you withdraw your winnings. They may request large amounts of personal and payment information to “verify” your account. Alternatively, they may suspend your account and request an internal investigation after you clear the wagering requirements. In both cases, there is a strong chance you will never see your money or your winnings again.
Safest Online Poker Sites Ranked - PokerListingsHow to Protect Yourself from Addiction when Using Online Casinos? We take responsibility for our actions, and no one can force you to gamble online if you have problems with addiction. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself, such as setting deposit limits, allowing yourself time outs, and self-excluding.
All responsible online casinos in Pennsylvania allow you to control your spending to some extent. When you fund your casino account, you may be asked if you want to set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit. If you speak to the support team, they may be able to reduce your spending allowance. Time outs range from a couple of days to several weeks, and self-exclusion can last for six months or five years.
If you develop a problem with gambling, please seek help from one of these treatment organizations:
- Gambler’s Anonymous
- 800-GAMBLER
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gambling Therapy
- 1-800-522-4700
Reputation of the Top Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Reputations take years to build but can be destroyed in seconds. A data breach, cheating scandal, or failure to pay out winners can decimate years of hard work and dedication in an instant. Across this page, you will find details of thebest online casinos in Pennsylvania, and they all have spotless reputations.
Firstly, they are licensed and strictly regulated by the PGCB. This offers a basic level of protection for customers, and it proves these casinos are dedicated to providing fair games and treating customers fairly. Secondly, our top PA casino sites all have excellent online reputations. They have established brands, and many of them are associated with respected land-based casinos in Pennsylvania.
Thirdly, our researchers read countless across the web to gauge the views of customers. Granted, not everyone will have had a positive experience; however, if dozens, hundreds, or thousands of customers regularly highlight the same issues, it is probably time to switch casinos. Across the board, our top PA sites have overwhelmingly positive reviews, and most negative comments focus on bonus issues.
What Constitutes a Bad Repute for a PA Casino Site? Bonus bugs, technical glitches, and human errors can cause problems with bonuses, but if the entire system is flawed, that is a cause for concern. If large numbers of customers consistently report problems claiming bonuses, fulfilling wagering requirements, or withdrawing bonus funds, that reflects badly on the operator.
Best PayPal Casinos in the USA for 2023 [listed]Data breaches, cheating scandals, and irresponsible marketing practices can also tarnish a reputation. If you suspect a site is not secure, or it is associated with rogue affiliates, porn sites, or other unsavory entities, steer clear.
Across this page, you will only find details of , and they all have first-class reputations. If you come across any issues, you should contact the casino support team. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact the PGCB.
Customer Support Options
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is vital for online casinos in Pennsylvania. If players have questions or queries, they should receive prompt, polite, accurate responses. Our top PA casino sites all have comprehensive FAQ sections filled with game guides, info pages, and answers to common questions. If you cannot find the solution you are looking for, you can contact the casino by one of the following methods:
- Live Chat: This is the fastest and most convenient way to get in touch. Agents are normally online 24/7.
- Email: Send an email and wait for a reply. This tends to be slower than other methods, but it allows you to explain your situation in detail.
- Phone: Call the casino directly. This option is not available at all casinos, and you may have to wait on hold for a short while.
The best casinos provide multiple contact options, and agents should be available 24/7. When you get in touch, casino reps should greet you politely and try to understand your issue. Do not be rude to them, or they will find it difficult to help you. Instead, remain calm, and provide as much detail as possible, including order numbers, screen shots, and relevant dates and times.
Our Final Advice for Choosing the Right PA Online Casino
As you can see, there are many different factors to consider when choosing the right online casino in Pennsylvania. You should focus on the welcome offer, as this will give you extra value for money when you sign up and make a first deposit.
But you should not join a site solely on the basis of its bonus scheme. You should evaluate the range of slots and other games and check the wagering requirements. Do not forget to assess the limitations and restrictions of any bonus you claim, especially the playthrough ratio and game weightings.
It is worth comparing several casinos to find the right offer for you. If you want lots of slot spins with low wagering requirements, our recommends CA. If you prefer a smaller bonus with lower restrictions, BetMGM could be a better fit. DraftKings offers the widest selection of online casino games in PA, while Caesars has a simplistic lobby and easy-to-navigate category subpages.
Footnote:
- Speech of Governor Tom Wolf after signing of gaming expansion legislation is courtesy of:
- Wikipedia's "Lottery" publication is used under the Creative Commons license.
Nicholas Cooke has been at the forefront of the online gambling industry for decades. He has worked as an editor and writer for some of the world's biggest websites. Nicholas is a widely recognized authority on all forms of sports and casino games.