Best Pennsylvania Online Casino Sites 2024
Online casinos are fully legal in Pennsylvania, offering players a variety of trusted options to enjoy. This guide aims to simplify your search by highlighting top legal casino sites in the state, ensuring you understand the key regulations for safe play. By focusing on well-regulated sites, you can confidently engage in a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.
Let’s dive into the specifics to help you make informed decisions as you explore Pennsylvania’s online casino offerings.
Best Pennsylvania Online Casinos in 2024
Pennsylvania boasts over 20 licensed online casino operators in the state. Here are some of our favorites:
Brief Overview of PA Online Casinos
| Are Online Casinos Legal in PA? | Yes, since 2019 |
| State Regulator | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
| Legal Age | 21+ |
| Number of Licensed Online Casinos | 22 |
| Retail Casinos | ✅ |
| Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started with the Best PA Online Casinos
Let’s say you’ve picked your casino, now what? Well, you’ve got to sign up and start playing! If you’re new to the game and have questions, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to get you started.
Step 1: Registration Process
The first step to enjoying the thrills of online gambling is registering with a licensed online casino. The process typically involves providing personal details, creating a username and password, and verifying your identity to comply with legal online gambling requirements.
Top Tip: Do your research first! Make sure the casino is licensed and not on a blacklist. The cornerstone of a trustworthy online casino is its licensing and regulatory status. Verify that the casino is licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), guaranteeing it meets strict standards for fairness and security.
Step 2: Depositing Funds
Once registered, the next step is to deposit funds into your casino account. Pennsylvania online casinos offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, which means there’s a convenient choice for everyone.
Banks and credit card processors will support activities in Pennsylvania, since they are legal on the state and federal level.
Top Tip: Remember, some casinos may require you to use the same method for withdrawal that you used to deposit funds.
Step 3: Starting to Play
With your account set up and funded, you’re ready to dive into the action. Whether your preference lies in slots, table games, or live dealer experiences, Pennsylvania online casinos cater to all tastes and preferences. Simply choose your game, set your bet, and start playing.
Top Tip: You aren’t bound to just one casino. If a casino doesn’t offer a game you want to play or another has better odds for certain games, sign up to play there as well! Think of it like this: you could always walk out of one casino and go to another during a night of gambling if you were playing in person. It stands to chance that even the best online casino in Pennsylvania won’t tick every single box. Remember, variety is the spice of life!
Pennsylvania’s Journey to Online Casino Legalization
The state of Pennsylvania began working toward legal online casino gambling began in 2017, with the passage of a comprehensive gambling expansion bill.
This legislation paved the way for online casinos, poker, and sports betting, positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in the regulated online gambling industry in the United States.
However, the full story is a little longer than that.
- 2004: Pennsylvania Legislature passes the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, legalizing land-based casinos and marking the beginning of regulated gambling in the state.
- 2017, October 26: A landmark moment occurs as Governor Tom Wolf signs a comprehensive gambling expansion bill, HB 271, into law. This act legalizes online casino games, poker, sports betting, setting the stage for a digital gambling revolution in Pennsylvania.
- 2018, July 15: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) begins accepting applications for online gambling licenses, opening the door for operators to enter the online market.
- 2019, July: The first online casinos go live in Pennsylvania, heralding a new era for gambling enthusiasts in the state. This launch includes online slots, table games, and eventually poker.
- 2020: Amid global challenges, online gambling in Pennsylvania sees a significant uptick in activity, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and the crucial role of digital platforms in sustaining the gambling industry.
- 2021, December: The PGCB reports record revenues from online gambling, highlighting its growing importance to the state’s economy and its increasing acceptance among Pennsylvanians.
Today, Pennsylvania boasts a robust online gambling market, with numerous licensed operators offering a wide range of games. The PGCB continues to oversee the industry, ensuring compliance with current laws and adapting regulations as necessary to protect players and maintain the integrity of the games.
Best Online Casino Games to Play in Pennsylvania
The online casino scene in Pennsylvania is thriving, with a diverse range of casino games capturing the attention and wallets of players across the state.
Pennsylvania’s online casino scene is bustling with a wide array of gaming options that appeal to players across the state.
Online Slots
As the primary revenue driver, online slots generate 74.2% of the state’s total online casino revenue. With thousands of titles available, players can explore a variety of themes and features. A standout example is the Buffalo Slot, known for its popularity in both retail and online platforms, offering engaging gameplay that’s captured a loyal audience in Pennsylvania.
Blackjack
Known for its simple rules and strategic depth, online blackjack remains a staple in Pennsylvania’s online casinos. It attracts both seasoned players and newcomers with its engaging mix of chance and skill, making it a favored table game across the state’s platforms.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casino games, with their immersive environments and real-time interaction, have become increasingly popular among players seeking a more authentic casino experience from home. These games blend the excitement of live casino experiences with the convenience of online play.
Other Types of Legal Gambling Activity Available in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania is well-known for its vibrant casino scene, the state also offers a wide range of other legal gambling activities beyond the traditional casino floor.
Here’s an overview of the legal gambling activities available in Pennsylvania, beyond casinos:
Pennsylvania Lottery
The Pennsylvania Lottery is a longstanding institution in the state, since 1971, offering a wide range of lottery games including draw games, scratch-offs, and fast play games.
It serves as a significant source of funding for various state programs, particularly those benefiting older Pennsylvanians.
Bingo
Legalized bingo games offer a social and entertaining way for Pennsylvanians to engage in gaming.
These games are often hosted by charitable organizations, serving to raise funds for various community causes and non-profits.
Sports Betting
Sports betting online through licensed outlets has been approved. To bet go through a licensed betting site on an online sports betting platform like FanDuel.
Most PA online casinos offer sports betting through their PA casino apps.
Small Games of Chance
Under the Pennsylvania Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, certain organizations and clubs are authorized to conduct small games of chance.
This includes:
- Pull-tab Games: A form of lottery ticket where players pull open a tab to reveal whether they have won based on the symbols or numbers underneath.
- Punchboards: Similar to pull-tabs, where players purchase a chance to punch out a perforated paper slot on the board to reveal a prize.
- Raffles: Including traditional raffles, raffle auctions, and special permit raffles, where tickets are sold for a chance to win prizes.
- Daily and Weekly Drawings: Games where winners are drawn from tickets sold within a day or week.
- 50-50 Drawings: A popular fundraiser where the total revenue from ticket sales is split evenly between the winner and the organizing entity.
- Race Night Games: Video or electronic representations of horse or dog races where players bet on the outcome, available from licensed distributors.
- Pools: Betting pools, typically centered around sporting events, where players contribute to a collective pot with payouts based on outcomes.
The Future of Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Players can expect an expanded selection of games, including those utilizing virtual and augmented reality technologies, to offer more immersive and interactive experiences.
Technological advancements, such as the adoption of blockchain for secure and transparent transactions and the use of artificial intelligence to customize gaming experiences and rewards, are going to make things even better too.
AI will be able to act as our own personal concierge, able to help us with everything from making deposits to selecting games.
Pennsylvania already boasts quite a few selections of online casinos, but who knows, perhaps we’ll even see new online casino sites joining the mix shortly.
Ready to Play Online Casino Games in Pennsylvania?
This guide has provided valuable insights into Pennsylvania’s online casino landscape, including the best sites and legal framework. With this knowledge, you’re prepared to choose a casino that matches your preferences. As you explore online gambling in Pennsylvania, consider how the state’s approach might impact national trends.
If you’re curious about online casino regulations in other states, there’s even more to discover.