What qualities do the top online casinos feature?
Best Online Gambling Casinos
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The best online casino sites excel in a variety of areas. They're especially adept at including the following elements:
Large game selection
Top-tier Internet casinos feature a large game variety. Some of the most popular gambling sites offer hundreds of games.
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They also use software from a variety of providers. When casinos feature multiple providers, they present different looks in terms of graphics and game styles.
Licensing & reputation
Every quality casino should be licensed in at least one online gambling jurisdiction, but based on where you play from, the ideal licenses change.
Preferably, they'll hold licensing locally, or with blue-chip jurisdictions, such as New Jersey Division for Gaming Enforcement for New Jersey online casinos, the UK Gambling Commission for UK operators or the Danish Gambling Authority for Danish gambling sites.
Casino websites that obtain approval from elite jurisdictions are more likely to be reputable. They've proven themselves to top licensing bodies and can be trusted to serve you with integrity.
User-friendly website
A gaming site should never leave you struggling to navigate through different sections of their website. Instead, they should provide a user-friendly experience that facilitates finding relevant sections.
Some casinos try impressing you with fancy graphics and several promotional banners. Unfortunately, this added clutter may make it more difficult for you to navigate these gaming sites.
Fair bonus policies
Most internet casinos offer bonuses. However, each site can differ from the next regarding their terms and conditions.
The top sites feature clear T&Cs that give you realistic chances to earn bonuses. In contrast, nefarious operators instate ambiguous terms and near-impossible requirements.
Mobile compatibility
A solid online casino must be compatible with major mobile operating systems. Furthermore, they should give you a way to use their sites through Android and iOS devices.
Odds are, you play casino games through your smartphone or tablet more than on a computer. That said, you need a way to enjoy casino games on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Fast payouts
No quality casino makes you wait on payouts. The best operators ensure that you're paid in a timely manner.
Insolvent gaming sites, in contrast, may force you to wait weeks or even months on withdrawals. Such operations are usually struggling financially and holding onto your money to stay afloat.
Support for multiple languages & currencies
Online gaming is an international affair that features players from all over the globe. Quality casinos should recognize this and provide support for multiple languages and currencies.
English is the most-common language available at Internet casinos. However, the best operators go beyond English and offer additional languages that cover their target demographics.
The same theme holds true for currencies. Top-tier gaming providers accept and allow wagers in multiple currencies.
Plenty of banking options
You may prefer certain banking options and/or only be able to use specific deposit/withdrawal methods. In this case, you want a casino that provides many options, including the one you prefer.
Here are some banking methods that are commonly available at internet casino sites:
- ACH (e-check)
- Credit and debit cards (e.g. Visa & Mastercard)
- Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin & Ethereum)
- E-wallet (e.g. Neteller & Skrill)
- Prepaid card
- Wire transfer
Friendly customer support
The best online casinos are synonymous with quality customer service. They feature support departments that are friendly, knowledgeable, and sufficiently staffed to limit the length of time customers spend waiting for assistance.
You'll benefit from this courtesy and knowledge if you experience an issue or have a question. In these cases, you can look forward to dealing with a professional support staff.
Why joining a top online casino is crucial
You shouldn't be lured by a big bonus or huge progressive jackpot alone. Instead, you should carefully choose a quality online casino for the following reasons:
Deposit safety
Most gaming operators are committed to their customers. Unfortunately, as with every business, a few bad apples exist in the industry.
Your chances of losing your deposit increase when dealing with rogue operators. The worst casinos will delay payments or not even pay at all.
Luckily, you needn't worry about these issues with elite gaming sites. Top casinos make every effort to expedite your cashouts.
Timely payouts
The amount of waiting time involved varies based on the cashout method used. If you withdraw via bank wire, for example, you'll be waiting longer on your funds than with Neteller or Skrill.
However, reputable casinos do their best to process cashouts in a timely fashion for each payment method. Below, you can see common waiting times on each withdrawal option:
- ACH (e-check) - 1-24 hours
- Bitcoin - 1-72 hours
- Check - 7-14 days
- E-wallet - 1-48 hours
- Wire transfer - 3-7 days
Fair gaming
Most casinos offer fair-and-random games. Nevertheless, you should still seek sites that can assure you of fair gaming.
The best casino sites put their games through third-party testing. This testing ensures that a casino's random number generators are working properly.
Many operators that receive third-party verification put their certification at the bottom of the website. For example, a casino may place an iTech Labs seal of approval on their site.
Legitimate bonus opportunities
Unscrupulous operators often advertise gaudy bonus offers to lure players. Their deals contain unfair terms that make it impossible to release a bonus.
On the other hand, quality gaming sites feature legitimate bonuses with reasonable terms and conditions. You may not win every time with these bonuses, but at least you'll have a chance.
Different types of games available at top casinos
An extensive game selection is a hallmark of the best online casinos. Below, you can see the different categories of games available at choice gaming sites:
Slots
Online slots dominate the game selection at many casino sites. They've proven highly popular among gamblers thanks to their diverse array of offerings.
Slots draw the attention of gamblers through exceptional graphics, several bonus features, notable formats (e.g. Megaways), and/or unique themes. They can also offer huge progressive jackpots.
Aladdin's Lamp (GTECH), Aztec's Millions (RTG), Mega Fortune (NetEnt), and Mega Moolah (Microgaming) are examples of progressive jackpots. These games feature multimillion-dollar jackpots on a regular basis.
Blackjack
Any site with a large game selection is bound to feature several blackjack variations. After all, blackjack is one of the world's most popular table games.
Many players gravitate to single-deck blackjack with player-friendly rules. Such games can feature over 99.5% RTP.
Other popular blackjack variants include Atlantic City rules, Blackjack Surrender, Blackjack Switch, Pontoon, Spanish 21, and Vegas Strip rules.
Roulette
Many internet casinos offer a combination of American, European, and French roulette. The latter is particularly desirable because it features 98.65% RTP.
You can also find other interesting online roulette games, like double ball, mini, multi-wheel, and pinball roulette.
Other table games
Some casinos offer plenty of table games beyond just blackjack and roulette variations. Below, you can see various casino games found throughout the industry:
- Baccarat
- Caribbean stud
- Casino hold'em
- Craps
- Pai gow poker
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas hold'em
- Sic bo
Baccarat rivals blackjack in terms of popularity. It offers a low 1.06% house edge when you bet on the banker's hand winning.
Caribbean stud is an entertaining poker variation that usually offers a progressive jackpot. You can play for this jackpot, which is occasionally worth six figures, by placing a $1 side bet.
Pai gow poker sees you play two hands—'front' and 'back'—against the dealer. It also requires a great deal of strategy.
Video poker
Video poker features an interesting combination of simple rules, complex strategy, and big payouts. Assuming you master the strategy, you can achieve high RTP with this game.
Othello online book. You need to pick certain video poker variations to chase the best RTP. Microgaming's All Aces (99.92% RTP) and RTG's Aces and Eights (99.78%) offer especially high payback.
Scratch cards
Much like lottery instant-win tickets, online casinos offer scratch cards. You scratch off virtual cards to match up symbols and win prizes.
Scratch cards feature much-higher RTP than the lottery tickets offered in land-based convenience stores. You can often look forward to between 94% and 97% payback with these games.
Live-dealer gaming
Live casino games are quite unique compared to standard online casino games. They feature real dealers operating out of brick-and-mortar studios or casinos.
This setup helps you feel like you're actually sitting in a land-based gambling venue. In reality, you're enjoying the convenience of playing through a smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac.
At a minimum, most live casinos offer baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Others provide more games, including Casino hold'em, Pai gow poker, Three-card poker, Sic bo, and/or Ultimate Texas hold'em.
Bonuses at the best casinos
You'll enjoy access to a variety of bonuses at upper-echelon gaming sites. Top casinos feature some or all of the following offers:
Deposit bonus
A deposit bonus is available after you complete a casino deposit. Sometimes, you may need to enter a bonus code during the process.
Welcome deposit bonuses (available to new players) are typically the biggest offers at online casinos. In some cases, welcome deals can be worth thousands of dollars.
Casinos also feature reload deposit bonuses. The reload aspect refers to how such deals are available to existing customers
No-deposit bonus
You don't need to make a deposit to qualify for a no-deposit deal. Instead, these bonuses become available after you complete registration. Sometimes these bonuses are automatic and in some cases, you might need no deposit bonus codes to activate the promotion
Casinos allow players to withdraw whatever remains from the bonus, plus potential winnings, after satisfying terms and conditions. No-deposit bonuses essentially give you a chance at free money.
Free spins
Free spins provide the opportunity to win through slots without betting anything. You get to keep winnings from free spins after meeting terms and conditions.
Some of these deals are part of deposit bonuses. Other offers don't require deposits and only call on you to enter a bonus code.
Live casino bet
You can get a free bet at some live-dealer casinos. For example, you might receive a $25 free baccarat wager.
If you win your free wager, you keep the winnings.
Can you win at the top casinos?
Nothing is guaranteed in any kind of gambling. However, you stand a better chance of winning at the best online casinos by paying attention to the following aspects:
High RTP
High return-to-player gives you a stronger chance of winning money in the long run. On the other hand, low RTP reduces your odds of winning.
You can find payout percentages for many casino games by looking at their help screens. Most developers list RTP within the help section.
If you don't see the payback listed, you can perform an Internet search. For example, you could search 'Jack Hammer 2 RTP' and find that it offers 97.1% payback.
Understand volatility
In casino gaming, volatility refers to the fluctuation of short-term results. It offers an indication of how often you'll win in the immediate future.
High volatility suggests a game offers large prizes but low win frequency. Low volatility indicates a game with low payouts and high win frequency.
Some games with high RTP are also really volatile. In these cases, you could lose plenty of money in the short run due to infrequent payouts.
You should consider games' volatility if you're dealing with a small bankroll. Slots, for instance, are highly volatile and can deplete your money more quickly than other games.
Study strategy
Blackjack, Pai gow poker, and video poker are among the most-strategic games. They require you to use extensive strategy to reduce the house edge.
You can still win with these games by relying on luck. However, your chances of earning money improve greatly when you study the strategy involved.
Collect bonuses
Bonuses alone won't help you beat online gaming. However, they will at least pad your winnings or reduce losses.
You should consider both a bonus' size and terms and conditions. T&Cs are particularly important with regard to unlocking bonus funds.
You can also join a casino's newsletter and check their promotions section regularly to find new deals. Using these methods, you'll stay updated on a gaming site's offers and cash in on their bonuses.
Best Online Casino FAQs
How do I know if an online casino is secure?First, you should visit the website of the casino you're considering. Next, you need to check the address bar of your internet browser.
When using Chrome or Safari, you should see a padlock next to a casino's URL. This padlock indicates that the website is encrypted and secure.
No padlock indicates that the operator's website is not secure. You want to avoid such casinos because you risk your data being stolen by a hacker.
Licensing alone doesn't guarantee that a casino is legitimate. However, it increases the chances that you're dealing with a reputable operator.
Casinos must undergo a licensing process before they're approved by a gambling jurisdiction. They only receive a license if they pass the application process and can cover relevant fees.
Of course, not all licensing jurisdictions are equal. Some licensing bodies are more heralded than others.
Some of the most respected online gaming jurisdictions include:
Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC)
Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)
France's French Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL)
Italy's Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS)
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Many software developers list RTP within games' help screens. Therefore, you should visit a game's information section to look for the payout percentage.
If you don't find the RTP, you can run an Internet search. In most cases, you should find the payback statistics on one or more websites.
A fair bonus deal features clear terms and conditions, low playthrough, and few game restrictions. It also provides you with an adequate number of days within which to both claim the bonus and satisfy the playthrough.
You should always check the T&Cs behind any bonus offer to ensure that a deal is fair. You can also compare bonuses from one casino to the next and see which is the most favorable.
Yes, gaming sites let you try their games for free. Of course, many require that you register for an account beforehand.
Upon finishing registration and being approved, you can enjoy free casino games. However, most casinos require you to place real bets to enjoy any live-dealer gaming because their costs for these games is higher.
Almost every online casino is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Therefore, you can gamble online through your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Again, you must register for an account before playing free games on your mobile device. You can also place a deposit and enjoy real-money gambling through your smartphone or tablet.
Other resources for online gamblers
- Get help for yourself or someone you know at The National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Visiting us from the UK? Visit Fruity Slots for UK online casinos, slot reviews and live streams.
- Playing from India? See the guide for the best online casino in India here.
With several types of online gambling available in Pennsylvania, picking a site can seem overwhelming. If you're feeling unsure about where to go, you've come to the right place.
Below, you will find reviews for the best online casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. We have carefully studied each site to determine what the strong suits are and, conversely, what things they need to improve.
We also discuss some of the challenges Pennsylvania's online gambling market is facing.
With things changing almost daily, it can be challenging to keep up with online gambling news in the Keystone State. Hopefully, by reading through our information below, you can determine which sites best fit your online betting needs. Most importantly, you must be comfortable with the site and aren't worried about anything beyond winning.
Best PA online gambling sites for 2021
Our best casino bonuses and offers
Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.
Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here's a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:
Unibet Casino
Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.
For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.
The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.
Read ourUnibet PA online casino review
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player's initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.
This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.
All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review
Hollywood Casino
At first glance, Hollywood online casino's bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It's absolutely free.
All new players must do is register on the site. There's no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.
Best of all, there's only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it's ready for withdrawals.
Read our Hollywood Casino review
PA online casinos partnership tracker
The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.
| Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
| Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
| PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
| Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
| Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
| Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
| Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
Best sportsbook bonuses and offers
Here's a look at our welcome bonuses offers:
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SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.
New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.
Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There's only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it's quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers' online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse's deposit match. In fact, it's the same.
Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.
Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.
New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.
Read our BetRivers Sportsbook review
FanDuel Sportsbook
To casual fans, FanDuel might seem like a strange addition to the sports betting landscape. However, the daily fantasy sports giant has become quite a force in online sports betting in the past few years.
So, Pennsylvanians can get a taste of what all the fuss is. New accounts at FanDuel online sportsbook will receive a risk-free bet of up to $500.
New FanDuel players don't need a promo code to activate this deal. They simply must join FanDuel here and make their first wager.
There is a 1x playthrough requirement on the bonus, which means players must make another bet of equal size to release the funds.
Essentially, players are receiving two bets for the price of one. Still, that's a great deal for most, mainly if one of them happens to win.
As an added bonus, there is also a FanDuel Casino integrated within the PA FanDuel sports betting app.
Read our Fanduel PA Sportsbook review
Full list of sportsbooks and partnerships
| Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook | Online sportsbook launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | PlaySugarHouse | Launched May 2019 |
| Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | BetRivers | Launched June 2019 |
| Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Parx | Launched June 2019 |
| Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | FanDuel | Launched July 2019 |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | Barstool | Launched Sept. 2020 |
| Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Caesars | Launched March 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | BetAmerica | Launched Dec. 2019 |
| Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Fox Bet | Launched Sept. 2019 |
| Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Unibet | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | DraftKings | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed) | March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020) | N/A | N/A |
| South Philadelphia Turf Club | Jan. 17, 2019 | N/A | N/A |
| The Downs at Lehigh Valley | Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook) | N/A | N/A |
| Wind Creek Casino | Nov. 18, 2020 | Betfred | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 (FanDuel Sportsbook) | N/A | N/A |
| Hollywood Casino Morgantown (2021) | 2021 (BetMGM Sportsbook) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
Many of these online sports betting offerings will eventually be tied to a PA online casino site. For example, Harrah's will likely roll everything into its single Caesars Online Casino product. PlaySugarHouse offers a shared account between casino and sports betting as well.
The lone exception is if you are an iPhone user. Changes to the Apple app store guidelines make these shared apps difficult, so you might see a sports betting app before you get a real-money online casino app in the lineup. And there is a chance they will remain separate.
What's legal and illegal for online sports betting?
Few newly legalized activities come without rules and exceptions to their legality. Pennsylvania's online sports betting is no different.
Best Online Gambling Casino Nj
The good news is that Pennsylvania residents and visitors can wager on any professional, collegiate or international sporting events. The only requirements are:
- Be at least 21 years or older
- Be physically within Pennsylvania state lines
- Wager on an approved, regulated Pennsylvania site
However, the betting must occur on sporting events.
Top-tier Internet casinos feature a large game variety. Some of the most popular gambling sites offer hundreds of games.
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They also use software from a variety of providers. When casinos feature multiple providers, they present different looks in terms of graphics and game styles.
Licensing & reputation
Every quality casino should be licensed in at least one online gambling jurisdiction, but based on where you play from, the ideal licenses change.
Preferably, they'll hold licensing locally, or with blue-chip jurisdictions, such as New Jersey Division for Gaming Enforcement for New Jersey online casinos, the UK Gambling Commission for UK operators or the Danish Gambling Authority for Danish gambling sites.
Casino websites that obtain approval from elite jurisdictions are more likely to be reputable. They've proven themselves to top licensing bodies and can be trusted to serve you with integrity.
User-friendly website
A gaming site should never leave you struggling to navigate through different sections of their website. Instead, they should provide a user-friendly experience that facilitates finding relevant sections.
Some casinos try impressing you with fancy graphics and several promotional banners. Unfortunately, this added clutter may make it more difficult for you to navigate these gaming sites.
Fair bonus policies
Most internet casinos offer bonuses. However, each site can differ from the next regarding their terms and conditions.
The top sites feature clear T&Cs that give you realistic chances to earn bonuses. In contrast, nefarious operators instate ambiguous terms and near-impossible requirements.
Mobile compatibility
A solid online casino must be compatible with major mobile operating systems. Furthermore, they should give you a way to use their sites through Android and iOS devices.
Odds are, you play casino games through your smartphone or tablet more than on a computer. That said, you need a way to enjoy casino games on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Fast payouts
No quality casino makes you wait on payouts. The best operators ensure that you're paid in a timely manner.
Insolvent gaming sites, in contrast, may force you to wait weeks or even months on withdrawals. Such operations are usually struggling financially and holding onto your money to stay afloat.
Support for multiple languages & currencies
Online gaming is an international affair that features players from all over the globe. Quality casinos should recognize this and provide support for multiple languages and currencies.
English is the most-common language available at Internet casinos. However, the best operators go beyond English and offer additional languages that cover their target demographics.
The same theme holds true for currencies. Top-tier gaming providers accept and allow wagers in multiple currencies.
Plenty of banking options
You may prefer certain banking options and/or only be able to use specific deposit/withdrawal methods. In this case, you want a casino that provides many options, including the one you prefer.
Here are some banking methods that are commonly available at internet casino sites:
- ACH (e-check)
- Credit and debit cards (e.g. Visa & Mastercard)
- Cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin & Ethereum)
- E-wallet (e.g. Neteller & Skrill)
- Prepaid card
- Wire transfer
Friendly customer support
The best online casinos are synonymous with quality customer service. They feature support departments that are friendly, knowledgeable, and sufficiently staffed to limit the length of time customers spend waiting for assistance.
You'll benefit from this courtesy and knowledge if you experience an issue or have a question. In these cases, you can look forward to dealing with a professional support staff.
Why joining a top online casino is crucial
You shouldn't be lured by a big bonus or huge progressive jackpot alone. Instead, you should carefully choose a quality online casino for the following reasons:
Deposit safety
Most gaming operators are committed to their customers. Unfortunately, as with every business, a few bad apples exist in the industry.
Your chances of losing your deposit increase when dealing with rogue operators. The worst casinos will delay payments or not even pay at all.
Luckily, you needn't worry about these issues with elite gaming sites. Top casinos make every effort to expedite your cashouts.
Timely payouts
The amount of waiting time involved varies based on the cashout method used. If you withdraw via bank wire, for example, you'll be waiting longer on your funds than with Neteller or Skrill.
However, reputable casinos do their best to process cashouts in a timely fashion for each payment method. Below, you can see common waiting times on each withdrawal option:
- ACH (e-check) - 1-24 hours
- Bitcoin - 1-72 hours
- Check - 7-14 days
- E-wallet - 1-48 hours
- Wire transfer - 3-7 days
Fair gaming
Most casinos offer fair-and-random games. Nevertheless, you should still seek sites that can assure you of fair gaming.
The best casino sites put their games through third-party testing. This testing ensures that a casino's random number generators are working properly.
Many operators that receive third-party verification put their certification at the bottom of the website. For example, a casino may place an iTech Labs seal of approval on their site.
Legitimate bonus opportunities
Unscrupulous operators often advertise gaudy bonus offers to lure players. Their deals contain unfair terms that make it impossible to release a bonus.
On the other hand, quality gaming sites feature legitimate bonuses with reasonable terms and conditions. You may not win every time with these bonuses, but at least you'll have a chance.
Different types of games available at top casinos
An extensive game selection is a hallmark of the best online casinos. Below, you can see the different categories of games available at choice gaming sites:
Slots
Online slots dominate the game selection at many casino sites. They've proven highly popular among gamblers thanks to their diverse array of offerings.
Slots draw the attention of gamblers through exceptional graphics, several bonus features, notable formats (e.g. Megaways), and/or unique themes. They can also offer huge progressive jackpots.
Aladdin's Lamp (GTECH), Aztec's Millions (RTG), Mega Fortune (NetEnt), and Mega Moolah (Microgaming) are examples of progressive jackpots. These games feature multimillion-dollar jackpots on a regular basis.
Blackjack
Any site with a large game selection is bound to feature several blackjack variations. After all, blackjack is one of the world's most popular table games.
Many players gravitate to single-deck blackjack with player-friendly rules. Such games can feature over 99.5% RTP.
Other popular blackjack variants include Atlantic City rules, Blackjack Surrender, Blackjack Switch, Pontoon, Spanish 21, and Vegas Strip rules.
Roulette
Many internet casinos offer a combination of American, European, and French roulette. The latter is particularly desirable because it features 98.65% RTP.
You can also find other interesting online roulette games, like double ball, mini, multi-wheel, and pinball roulette.
Other table games
Some casinos offer plenty of table games beyond just blackjack and roulette variations. Below, you can see various casino games found throughout the industry:
- Baccarat
- Caribbean stud
- Casino hold'em
- Craps
- Pai gow poker
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas hold'em
- Sic bo
Baccarat rivals blackjack in terms of popularity. It offers a low 1.06% house edge when you bet on the banker's hand winning.
Caribbean stud is an entertaining poker variation that usually offers a progressive jackpot. You can play for this jackpot, which is occasionally worth six figures, by placing a $1 side bet.
Pai gow poker sees you play two hands—'front' and 'back'—against the dealer. It also requires a great deal of strategy.
Video poker
Video poker features an interesting combination of simple rules, complex strategy, and big payouts. Assuming you master the strategy, you can achieve high RTP with this game.
Othello online book. You need to pick certain video poker variations to chase the best RTP. Microgaming's All Aces (99.92% RTP) and RTG's Aces and Eights (99.78%) offer especially high payback.
Scratch cards
Much like lottery instant-win tickets, online casinos offer scratch cards. You scratch off virtual cards to match up symbols and win prizes.
Scratch cards feature much-higher RTP than the lottery tickets offered in land-based convenience stores. You can often look forward to between 94% and 97% payback with these games.
Live-dealer gaming
Live casino games are quite unique compared to standard online casino games. They feature real dealers operating out of brick-and-mortar studios or casinos.
This setup helps you feel like you're actually sitting in a land-based gambling venue. In reality, you're enjoying the convenience of playing through a smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac.
At a minimum, most live casinos offer baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Others provide more games, including Casino hold'em, Pai gow poker, Three-card poker, Sic bo, and/or Ultimate Texas hold'em.
Bonuses at the best casinos
You'll enjoy access to a variety of bonuses at upper-echelon gaming sites. Top casinos feature some or all of the following offers:
Deposit bonus
A deposit bonus is available after you complete a casino deposit. Sometimes, you may need to enter a bonus code during the process.
Welcome deposit bonuses (available to new players) are typically the biggest offers at online casinos. In some cases, welcome deals can be worth thousands of dollars.
Casinos also feature reload deposit bonuses. The reload aspect refers to how such deals are available to existing customers
No-deposit bonus
You don't need to make a deposit to qualify for a no-deposit deal. Instead, these bonuses become available after you complete registration. Sometimes these bonuses are automatic and in some cases, you might need no deposit bonus codes to activate the promotion
Casinos allow players to withdraw whatever remains from the bonus, plus potential winnings, after satisfying terms and conditions. No-deposit bonuses essentially give you a chance at free money.
Free spins
Free spins provide the opportunity to win through slots without betting anything. You get to keep winnings from free spins after meeting terms and conditions.
Some of these deals are part of deposit bonuses. Other offers don't require deposits and only call on you to enter a bonus code.
Live casino bet
You can get a free bet at some live-dealer casinos. For example, you might receive a $25 free baccarat wager.
If you win your free wager, you keep the winnings.
Can you win at the top casinos?
Nothing is guaranteed in any kind of gambling. However, you stand a better chance of winning at the best online casinos by paying attention to the following aspects:
High RTP
High return-to-player gives you a stronger chance of winning money in the long run. On the other hand, low RTP reduces your odds of winning.
You can find payout percentages for many casino games by looking at their help screens. Most developers list RTP within the help section.
If you don't see the payback listed, you can perform an Internet search. For example, you could search 'Jack Hammer 2 RTP' and find that it offers 97.1% payback.
Understand volatility
In casino gaming, volatility refers to the fluctuation of short-term results. It offers an indication of how often you'll win in the immediate future.
High volatility suggests a game offers large prizes but low win frequency. Low volatility indicates a game with low payouts and high win frequency.
Some games with high RTP are also really volatile. In these cases, you could lose plenty of money in the short run due to infrequent payouts.
You should consider games' volatility if you're dealing with a small bankroll. Slots, for instance, are highly volatile and can deplete your money more quickly than other games.
Study strategy
Blackjack, Pai gow poker, and video poker are among the most-strategic games. They require you to use extensive strategy to reduce the house edge.
You can still win with these games by relying on luck. However, your chances of earning money improve greatly when you study the strategy involved.
Collect bonuses
Bonuses alone won't help you beat online gaming. However, they will at least pad your winnings or reduce losses.
You should consider both a bonus' size and terms and conditions. T&Cs are particularly important with regard to unlocking bonus funds.
You can also join a casino's newsletter and check their promotions section regularly to find new deals. Using these methods, you'll stay updated on a gaming site's offers and cash in on their bonuses.
Best Online Casino FAQs
How do I know if an online casino is secure?First, you should visit the website of the casino you're considering. Next, you need to check the address bar of your internet browser.
When using Chrome or Safari, you should see a padlock next to a casino's URL. This padlock indicates that the website is encrypted and secure.
No padlock indicates that the operator's website is not secure. You want to avoid such casinos because you risk your data being stolen by a hacker.
Licensing alone doesn't guarantee that a casino is legitimate. However, it increases the chances that you're dealing with a reputable operator.
Casinos must undergo a licensing process before they're approved by a gambling jurisdiction. They only receive a license if they pass the application process and can cover relevant fees.
Of course, not all licensing jurisdictions are equal. Some licensing bodies are more heralded than others.
Some of the most respected online gaming jurisdictions include:
Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC)
Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)
France's French Autorité de Régulation des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL)
Italy's Autonomous Administration of the State Monopolies (AAMS)
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE)
UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
Many software developers list RTP within games' help screens. Therefore, you should visit a game's information section to look for the payout percentage.
If you don't find the RTP, you can run an Internet search. In most cases, you should find the payback statistics on one or more websites.
A fair bonus deal features clear terms and conditions, low playthrough, and few game restrictions. It also provides you with an adequate number of days within which to both claim the bonus and satisfy the playthrough.
You should always check the T&Cs behind any bonus offer to ensure that a deal is fair. You can also compare bonuses from one casino to the next and see which is the most favorable.
Yes, gaming sites let you try their games for free. Of course, many require that you register for an account beforehand.
Upon finishing registration and being approved, you can enjoy free casino games. However, most casinos require you to place real bets to enjoy any live-dealer gaming because their costs for these games is higher.
Almost every online casino is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Therefore, you can gamble online through your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Again, you must register for an account before playing free games on your mobile device. You can also place a deposit and enjoy real-money gambling through your smartphone or tablet.
Other resources for online gamblers
- Get help for yourself or someone you know at The National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Visiting us from the UK? Visit Fruity Slots for UK online casinos, slot reviews and live streams.
- Playing from India? See the guide for the best online casino in India here.
With several types of online gambling available in Pennsylvania, picking a site can seem overwhelming. If you're feeling unsure about where to go, you've come to the right place.
Below, you will find reviews for the best online casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. We have carefully studied each site to determine what the strong suits are and, conversely, what things they need to improve.
We also discuss some of the challenges Pennsylvania's online gambling market is facing.
With things changing almost daily, it can be challenging to keep up with online gambling news in the Keystone State. Hopefully, by reading through our information below, you can determine which sites best fit your online betting needs. Most importantly, you must be comfortable with the site and aren't worried about anything beyond winning.
Best PA online gambling sites for 2021
Our best casino bonuses and offers
Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.
Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here's a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:
Unibet Casino
Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.
For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.
The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.
Read ourUnibet PA online casino review
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player's initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.
This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.
All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review
Hollywood Casino
At first glance, Hollywood online casino's bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It's absolutely free.
All new players must do is register on the site. There's no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.
Best of all, there's only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it's ready for withdrawals.
Read our Hollywood Casino review
PA online casinos partnership tracker
The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.
| Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
| Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
| PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
| Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
| Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
| Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
| Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
Best sportsbook bonuses and offers
Here's a look at our welcome bonuses offers:
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SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.
New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.
Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There's only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it's quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers' online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse's deposit match. In fact, it's the same.
Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.
Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.
New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.
Read our BetRivers Sportsbook review
FanDuel Sportsbook
To casual fans, FanDuel might seem like a strange addition to the sports betting landscape. However, the daily fantasy sports giant has become quite a force in online sports betting in the past few years.
So, Pennsylvanians can get a taste of what all the fuss is. New accounts at FanDuel online sportsbook will receive a risk-free bet of up to $500.
New FanDuel players don't need a promo code to activate this deal. They simply must join FanDuel here and make their first wager.
There is a 1x playthrough requirement on the bonus, which means players must make another bet of equal size to release the funds.
Essentially, players are receiving two bets for the price of one. Still, that's a great deal for most, mainly if one of them happens to win.
As an added bonus, there is also a FanDuel Casino integrated within the PA FanDuel sports betting app.
Read our Fanduel PA Sportsbook review
Full list of sportsbooks and partnerships
| Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook | Online sportsbook launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | PlaySugarHouse | Launched May 2019 |
| Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | BetRivers | Launched June 2019 |
| Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Parx | Launched June 2019 |
| Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | FanDuel | Launched July 2019 |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | Barstool | Launched Sept. 2020 |
| Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Caesars | Launched March 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | BetAmerica | Launched Dec. 2019 |
| Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Fox Bet | Launched Sept. 2019 |
| Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Unibet | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | DraftKings | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed) | March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020) | N/A | N/A |
| South Philadelphia Turf Club | Jan. 17, 2019 | N/A | N/A |
| The Downs at Lehigh Valley | Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook) | N/A | N/A |
| Wind Creek Casino | Nov. 18, 2020 | Betfred | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 (FanDuel Sportsbook) | N/A | N/A |
| Hollywood Casino Morgantown (2021) | 2021 (BetMGM Sportsbook) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
Many of these online sports betting offerings will eventually be tied to a PA online casino site. For example, Harrah's will likely roll everything into its single Caesars Online Casino product. PlaySugarHouse offers a shared account between casino and sports betting as well.
The lone exception is if you are an iPhone user. Changes to the Apple app store guidelines make these shared apps difficult, so you might see a sports betting app before you get a real-money online casino app in the lineup. And there is a chance they will remain separate.
What's legal and illegal for online sports betting?
Few newly legalized activities come without rules and exceptions to their legality. Pennsylvania's online sports betting is no different.
Best Online Gambling Casino Nj
The good news is that Pennsylvania residents and visitors can wager on any professional, collegiate or international sporting events. The only requirements are:
- Be at least 21 years or older
- Be physically within Pennsylvania state lines
- Wager on an approved, regulated Pennsylvania site
However, the betting must occur on sporting events.
So, non-sports events, such as the Academy Awards or political elections, are not permitted for betting.
Finally, people who are intrinsically involved with a particular sport cannot wager upon it. So, players, officials, coaches, and other sports personnel cannot place bets on their own sports.
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Concerning online casinos, most people can play without any restriction. Adults who are at least 21 years old are more than welcome to take part.
However, there is absolutely no online casino play allowed across state lines. The sites use geolocation software to monitor every player's physical location. You must enable this function on your mobile device or you won't be allowed to play.
The other exception is people who have placed themselves on the self-exclusion list. There is a separate self-exclusion list in Pennsylvania specifically for online play. Unfortunately, gambling addiction is a real problem, and online casinos are careful not to exacerbate the issue for people who are in recovery.
PA casino apps
With Pennsylvania moving into the online casino space, there are a few points about using these programs that bear mention.
First and foremost, it's important to know that each casino app will figure out what device you're using automatically. So, whether you use a laptop or a mobile device, the app will size the casino to fit your screen.
For the most part, every online casino has a browser version that will always work on desktops and some phones.
With that said, many casinos have a dedicated app specific to mobile use. If you are a mobile user, you may find the app to provide a smoother experience.
The mobile apps may also have greater functionality than the browser version. However, the game selection on the app can be smaller because some games don't translate to mobile.
Finally, no matter which platform you use, you will have to go through some steps for the app to work.
Apple users should be aware all PA casinos or sportsbooks have a native iOS app.
Android users can play on all of the casinos in Pennsylvania but they will need to download the app from the casino website. The Google Play store does not support the distribution of gambling apps.
What online casino games are available in PA casinos?
Online casinos feature many of the same games that one might find in a land-based casino. Here are some of the types of games you may find at your favorite site.
Because of the laws requiring Pennsylvania-specific servers for any game providers to PA online casinos, the selection may not be what you are used to if you've ever played on a New Jersey online casino, for example.
Slots
The bread and butter for land-based casinos, slots, are the main focus for most online casinos too. An online slot is technically not a machine, but it functions identically otherwise.
A slot game will usually feature several rotating reels with various symbols drawn on them. The reels stop, and the player wins (or doesn't) based upon the patterns the reels come to rest.
Many slots also feature bonus games or features that provide extra chances for players to win. Bonuses tend to be mini-games and have a higher chance of success than the slot game at large.
Each online casino in Pennsylvania offers a selection of games. That variety depends mostly on the deals each casino has with the game publishers.
So, the following is a list of the most popular slot developers and their games that are playable at the best PA online casinos:
NetEnt: At this time, all games on SugarHouse Casino are produced by NetEnt Games. NetEnt became an industry leader in the world of online slots by providing players with realistic games that replicated those in a Vegas casino. The list of games below includes the top games you will find at Pennsylvania online casinos.
- Blood Suckers II
- Dead or Alive
- Divine Fortune
- Drive: Multiplier Mayhem
- Gonzo's Quest
Konami: Konami is a household name in the online casino industry. As of the time of writing, this slot developer is only available at select casinos and with only a handful of Konami slot games. Here is a list of games available at select PA casinos:
- African Diamond
- Ancient Dragon
- China Shores
- Full Moon Diamond
- Solstice Celebration
IGT: IGT is a massive global brand with more than 1,000 styles of slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos and hundreds available online. But there is a limited number of IGT slots in Pennsylvania. This list includes the top games you'll be able to find online.
- The Big Easy
- Cleopatra
- Crown of Egypt
- King of Atlantis
- Pixies of the Forest
Other game developers entering the Pennsylvania market include Incredible Technologies, Everi Gaming, GAN, H5G, and Slot Symphony.
Video poker
Video poker games are often lumped together with slots. The main difference is that players retain a certain measure of control over the way the game proceeds.
Video poker creates a virtual simulation of a typical five-card draw poker hand. The player receives five cards, can choose to hold as many as they like and then redraws.
The goal is to make a five-card hand that qualifies as a winner. Exactly which rank of hand is required to win varies from game to game.
Table games
Players who prefer a more tactile experience tend to stick to table games. These are games that use a virtual simulation of activities that involve playing cards, dice, balls, or prize wheels.
Blackjack
The most common table game is blackjack. This card game is a competition between the player and the dealer to see whose combination of cards can get closest to 21 in value.
The catch is that the player must act before the dealer and rely on incomplete information to do so. As a result, the casino retains a slight mathematical edge.
However, players can mitigate this edge by using basic strategy. Basic strategy is a widely published set of behaviors designed to play blackjack optimally.
Roulette
The second-most common table game is roulette.
This French version of the game is found in almost any casino with table games. In fact, PlaySugarHouse elected to launch three variants of roulette in its PA online casino before publishing any versions of blackjack.
Basically, roulette involves a randomly released ball falling into a spinning wheel with numbered slots. Players wager based upon which numbers they believe the ball will fall into.
When playing roulette, you will choose between European and American roulette. European roulette features only a single zero on the wheel and boasts better odds for the players. American roulette, on the other hand, features a 0 and a 00, worsening the odds for players.
There are a variety of choices and combinations of numbers that players can choose to bet. Roulette is a staple for casinos due to its pace of play and chance at incredible winnings. A correct bet on a single number will pay 35:1.
Craps
Craps seems to be a bit less likely to appear in PA online casinos. The game itself, which plays with dice rolls, a large tub-like pit, and myriad ways to wager, is likely a challenge for programmers to realize in a virtual setting.
Nonetheless, craps is a dice-based game, which involves players attempting to roll certain numbers on a pair of dice. Players wager based upon the likelihood of various combinations appearing on the dice.
The probability of those combinations often determines the prescribed payout for various wagers on the board. The casinos generate their profit margin by ensuring that the payout odds are worse than the event odds.
For example, a particular number may only have one chance in three of occurring, but a successful wager will only payout 2:1.
Other table games
Several table games are available from time to time at online casinos. These games are less common and, frankly, have a bigger house edge to them.
Nevertheless, they can be a fun option for someone looking for a change of pace. Some other table games include:
- Casino Hold 'em
- Caribbean Stud
- EZ Baccarat
- Let It Ride
- Pai Gow Poker
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold 'em
Live dealer games at PA casinos
People often speak about the 'next big thing.' For online gambling in the US, live dealer games are that thing.
This style of online casino game has been nothing short of a revolution. It has propelled casinos in New Jersey to great heights. Live dealer games will come to a Pennsylvania online casinos as soon as the operators can get it off the ground.
Essentially, live dealer games are games dealt in real-time and broadcast live across the site. Real dealers run the games in an interactive studio located in or near the actual land-based casino itself. In fact, there are a few games conducted on the casino floor itself.
Players can place their bets, interact with the dealers, or even interact with one another. Some versions of live dealer games have even expanded to allow players to have multiple views of the game in action.
So far, the following games are available in a live dealer setting in New Jersey. Hopefully, they will appear in Pennsylvania soon:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Casino Hold 'em
- Roulette
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold 'em
Stay on top of things with your favorite online site. Live dealer games are not something to miss.
More about PA's legal online gambling industry
Online poker, online casino table games, and slots became legal in Pennsylvania as a part of a comprehensive gambling expansionpackagepassed by state legislators in October 2017.
The PGCB is providing regulatory oversight for the local online gambling industry. Casinos could get all three types of interactive gaming licenses at once for a $10 million licensing fee. The cost was $4 million each individually for slots, table games, and peer-to-peer games like poker.
There is no limit on the number of skins, or alternatively branded online gambling operations, that can operate under each licensee. However, regulations designed by the board stipulate branding for the skins must clearly identify the licensee. Plus, players can only create one account per licensee, not per skin.
Potential PA online casinos
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), there are 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos and two smaller resort casinos operating inside the state. Plus, a 13th casino, Live! Philadelphia, is coming to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area, home of Philadelphia's professional sports teams.
All of these PA casino operations could have applied for online gambling operator licenses in the state beginning April 16, 2018. The properties had until July 16 to turn in applications for a $10 million comprehensive interactive gaming license. With this license, casinos can offer online poker, online slots, and online table games.
There were nine casinos which applied:
- Harrah's Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Wind Creek (formerly Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem)
- Rivers Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- Live! Philadelphia Casino (under development)
After applying, Rivers Casino Pittsburg eventually rescinded its application, electing to punt on online gambling. Stadium Casino, now called Live! Philadelphia, did something similar, opting to forgo an online poker license.
Meanwhile, both Presque Isle Downs and Mohegan Sun Pocono applied for a la carte licenses. Presque Isle opted to skip poker. Mohegan surprisingly signed up for all three at a cost of $2 million more than its competitors. However, like Rivers and Live!, it too abandoned its online poker plans.
That left 12 unclaimed interactive licenses. PGCB opened up a process for qualified gambling entities (QGE) from outside of Pennsylvania to claim them.
Only two groups applied. MGM Resorts has preliminary approval for all three categories of license. Golden Nugget Atlantic City can offer table games and slots, but no online poker.
These two major US gaming players will be among the last to launch online casino and sports betting products in PA. They will also be the only sites without a PA land-based casino partner.
Potential PA online poker sites
The first online poker site to go live in the state was PokerStars PA when it fully launched on Nov. 6, 2019. The global poker brand is offered in conjunction with its land-based counterpart Mount Airy Casino Resort.
Today, 10 of 12 Pennsylvania casinos have poker rooms. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Valley Forge Casino Resort are the only casinos in the state that do not have poker rooms.
More than 220 live poker tables are operating across the state with the 10 rooms pulling in an average of $4 million in revenue every month.
Plans for Live! in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area include opening a poker room when the facility opens its doors in early 2021.
In addition to Mount Airy, six more PA casinos plan to offer an online poker counterpart. Those that will launch an online poker room in Pennsylvania (MGM is applying as an out-of-state entity) include:
- Harrah's Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Parx Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- MGM Resorts (QGE – no land-based partner)
PA online gambling site safety
PGCB will regulate all online gaming sites in the state. This is the same branch of the state government that regulates all land-based PA casinos.
Other important points regarding PA online gambling security
The regulations designed by PGCB will include several security measures specifically designed to:
- Ensure player balances are held in a separate account from operating funds
- Force sites to implement a rigorous player verification process
- Prevents minors from gaining access
- Deal with problem gamblers
- Force sites to implement geolocation software making sure all players are within the state
- All deposits and withdrawals are processed securely
