Legal gambling in the state of Pennsylvania is still fresh, yet it dominates the market – grossing annual tax revenue only out-matched by Nevada. PA goes toe to toe with it’s NJ neighbors, the well-established Atlantic City powerhouses who currently have a stranglehold on the online market. But it only gets more exciting from here, with PA only recently legalizing online gambling.
As you could imagine, there has been a lot going on in the Keystone State as it looks towards a bright future in the market. This PA legal gambling review will help you sort through a lot of the things you can do through its casinos, sports betting, online casinos, online slots, online poker, online bonuses, promos, FAQ’s, and more.
PA State Gambling History
It was first in 2004 when the state of Pennsylvania saw the process of statewide legalized gambling begin to roll in the right direction when the states Racecourse Development and Gaming Act was passed. A major win for the state of PA, but unfortunately the act limited gambling licenses to racecourses strictly. It wasn’t until 2010 when the process began to pick up steam and business was good for all the Keystone State.
Since then, much has been happening in the state of PA through the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. We saw both the federal sports ban lifted by the supreme court and the passing of bill of HB 271, allowing for the legalization of online casino gambling.
After licensing was in order, the first sportsbook went live in PA in 2018, and online casinos have been going up since July of 2019.
Latest Update – 11/4/2019 – Online poker is becoming a real thing in PA. PokerStars will be joining the ranks of PA online poker.
PA State Gambling Current Laws
If you wish to place bets in the state of PA there are a few requirements that must be met. First, you must be 21 or over to bet on sports or play at online casinos. Those 18 and over are allowed to bet on horses and play the state lottery. You must be located within the state limits to bet at PA venues as well.
Currently, in the state of PA you can wager on horse races, the state lottery, and physical casinos. As of 2018, you can bet on sports both online and in-person, and the newest addition to PA gambling is online casinos, which were made legal in July of 2019.
It’s important to note that while sports betting is 100% legal in PA, betting on non-sports related events remains illegal. This is in comparison to other states where players can bet on things like major league drafts and award shows.
PA Physical Casinos
The state of Pennsylvania is home to 12 brick and mortar casinos, with Stadium Park in the works. What’s impressive is that in the state of PA these casino’s bring in up to $1.4 billion in annual tax revenue. physical-based casinos in PA include:
- Hollywood Casino
- SugarHouse Casino
- Parx Casino
- Mount Airy Casino
- Harrah’s Casino Philadelphia
- Meadows Casino
- Mohegan Sun
- Presque Isle Downs
- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
- Rivers Casino
- Valley Forge Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
PA Online Casinos and Mobile Apps
Online casinos were made legal in July 2019 and PA land-based properties have wasted no time getting involved. So far 3 physical casinos in PA have launched online, with many more set for as soon as the end of 2019.
Currently, the three main online casinos are:
- SugarHouse Online Casino
- Hollywood Casino
- Parx Online Casino
PA Online Slots
At PA’s new online casinos you can already choose from well over 200 slots to play. From the classics to progressive slots: Wheel of Fortune, Cleopatra, Dead or Alive and Divine Fortune; where jackpots are quite impressive and made by leading game developers like IGT and NetEnt.
PA Online Video Poker
PA casinos offer players a variety of slots: bonuses, multi-hand, and traditional games are available to players online.
PA Online Table Games
Players in PA can hit the virtual tables at online casinos and choose from:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Poker
- Craps
Live Dealer versions of these games are available at PA online casinos as well.
PA Online Sportsbooks, Sports Betting, and Mobile Apps
Right now there are 5 online sportsbooks and apps which have gone live. Much like online casinos in PA, more PA sportsbooks are set to launch by the end of 2019.
Right now in the state of PA you can place your straight bets, parlays, live bets, futures, teasers, and more at:
- SugarHouse Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetRivers Online Sportsbook
- Parx Casino Sportsbook
- Fox Bet
- DraftKings Sportsbook
Promo Codes and Bonus Codes in PA
The tone in PA has been set for a competitive market, with online casinos barely getting their start. Players in PA can expect to see a wealth of sign-on and first-deposit bonuses at PA online casinos.
PA Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What are the age requirements for legal gambling in the state of Pennsylvania?
It is 18 and over to play the lottery in the state of PA, to enter racecourses, and to bet on horses.
In the state of PA the age limit for physical casinos, online casinos, and sports betting is 21 and over.
What can I bet on legally in the state of PA?
The following are legal in the state of PA, both online and off: Sports betting, casino games, state lottery, and race track betting. See the DK vs. FD battle heat up.
How can I use my money to place legal online bets and withdrawal funds in the state of PA?
It will differ from venue to venue, that is why it’s important to check with each before placing a bet. But typically most online locations accept major credits, PayPal, Netteller, PayNearMe, e-checks, prepaid cards, online bank transfers, or cash at the casino cage at the casino’s physical locations.
Do PA’s online casinos have promo codes that I can use?
Yes, there are plenty of promos and bonus codes at PA online casinos right now. New players can sign up to receive no-deposit and first-deposit bonuses.
If I’m a PA resident can I bet online while outside of the state?
No, all players must be located within the state of PA to bet at PA’s online venues. Geotracking technology will confirm your location.
Anyone can place bets inside of the state of PA, as long as they’re of legal age, regardless of their residency.
Can you play DFS in the state of PA?
Of course, you can. DFS has been in the state since the beginning.
Are online casinos PA opened for business?
You better believe it. Now is the time to open an account at many of the different online PA casinos and sportsbooks.
To Sum up – Pennsylvania online casinos want you to be happy with their setups. It will take some time to work out the kinks but be ready for some really exciting gambling in PA.
