Is it legal to gamble in PA?

Online Poker Legalization

Following the steps of New Jersey, Online poker was also licensed in Pennsylvania by Governor Tom Wolf on October 30, 2017^[7]. The Pennsylvania control board immediately started accepting license applications from different operators.

It was expected that the market would be fully operational by the summer of 2018. But the operation was delayed due to excessive complexity in the interpretation of The wire Act. According to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board executive director Kevin O'Toole, the delay is the Department of Justice's reversal of its stand on the Wire Act.

PA Online Casinos. Most of the license holders have formed technology partnerships already. Big international brands and equivalents gave some clues as to what players could expect with Pennsylvania online gambling sites. The first casino to go online was Sugarhouse, followed by Parx, BetRivers and Hollywood Casino. Hollywood Casino PA online gambling supports more than 100 slot games within its portfolio, all of which are powered by some of the most renowned software developers in the world, including IGT and NetEnt. The online gambling site also has a selection of table games for players to enjoy, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

As a result, kickstarting online poker in Pennsylvania being on an intrastate basis implies more cost on infrastructure, specifically the iGaming server, and less tax revenue and prize than anticipated.

Hollywood Casino Online. 2,075 likes 15 talking about this. Now welcoming Pennsylvania players! Hollywood Casino Online is the best online casino in Pennsylvania. Gambling Problem? Eventually, there are supposed to be eight different PA online poker sites up and running in the state. As of now, there are three. PokerStars PA launched with great success in November, 2019. BetMGM (Hollywood Casino Grantville) and Borgata Poker (Rivers Philadelphia) apps finally followed on.

After a long delay, Pennsylvanians, on November 4, 2019, got their wish. PokerStars was launched, and it only took a few minutes for hundreds of Poker enthusiasts in the State to satisfy their craving for iPoker.

Inspired by that, BetMGM Poker and Borgata Poker joined the party in April 2021. On July 12, 2021, WSOP.com upped the number to 4. Now, residents of Pennsylvania can enjoy a variety of Poker and tournaments.

Online Casinos Legalization

Online casinos in Pennsylvania was always a grey area since the internet was not considered in the State's criminal code. Residents of the Keystone State have Rep. John Payne laid the foundation for online gambling Pennsylvania. He later introduced the HB 649 bill.^[4]

His drive, which saw the House Gaming Oversight Committee sit almost 54 times, was even more commendable considering his preceding chairman opposed online gambling in PA. The sequel is the passing of HB 271 and the eventual legalization of online gambling in Pennsylvania.

Though many consider the entry fee into the Pennsylvania gambling markets steep, $1 million for Interactive Gaming Operator and over 4 million for Interactive Gaming Certificate Holder^[8], a ready and expansive market makes it a worthy investment for online casino operators.

For those just exploring the online casinos here in the State, it is natural to start your gambling adventure by searching for the best PA online gambling sites. You don't need to.

Pennsylvania currently has nine regulated online casinos, and all of them provide premium quality gambling services. Personal preference may decide which one you pitch your tent with eventually. Each PA online casino features an extensive collection of quality casino games, including online slots, live dealers, and table games such as Baccarat, Blackjack, American Roulette, Sic Bo, Three Card Poker, and so on.

Online Sports Betting Legalization

By the foresight of Rep. Rob Matzie and Rep. Nick Kotik, the State of the Commonwealth was well prepared to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in 2018.^[9]

Though not surprising as gambling was long-standing leisure in the State, the two were ahead of the curve when they proposed the bill. It, however, ushered in additional revenue generation for the state and regulated entertainment for the residents.

An operator that wants to launch a sportsbook must partner or affiliate with a land-based casino operating in the State, among other requirements^[10]. This part of the law is essential to keep Pennsylvanians away from offshore sites as they cannot be vetted under gambling laws in PA.

All sportsbook sites operating in the state feature expensive sports markets. If a sport has a significant following, the chances are good that you can stake on Total Line, Money Line, Head-to-Head, Parlay, and so on. There are nine licensed online sportsbooks that will likely fit your betting needs. All offers event betting in NBA, NASCAR, MLB, NFL, MMA, Soccer, Golf, NHL, CFB, Tennis, etc. Betting on eSports is, however, not legal.

Unlike New Jersey, where it is not allowed, betting on college sports is entirely legal in Pennsylvania. That's understandable considering the long-standing history of college athletics and home to colleges such as Villanova University and Penn State University.

Generally, the NCAA's position on the legalization of wagering on intercollegiate athletics is disapproving. That stand dates back to 1990 when NCAA executive Richard Hilliard considered it offensive during a PASPA discussion. Though states are still not open to wagering on Collegiate sports, few college football props on College Football Playoff and even College Football Playoff National Championship game are available in Pennsylvanian sportsbooks.

Horse Betting Legality

Horse racing betting regulation can be traced back to 1959 when the Race Horse Industry Reform Act was passed. Three horse racing tracks were licensed. One, Meadows Racetrack and Casino, was eventually opened in 1963. However, the history of horse betting went as far back as the 1700s, though it was considered illegal.

Following the advancement of technology, interest in horse racing is reviving in Pennsylvania via mediums like phone wagering, OTB, and simulcasting. Subsequently, Gov. John Baldacci put his signature on the racing regulatory bill. He created a five-member board, including Bangor lawyer Jean Deighan, former Saco legislator Peter Danton, small businessman Mike Peters of Dixfield, retired state police officer Larry Hall of Dedham, and broadcaster George McHale of Orrington.

The purpose of the 2004 bill was to situate slot machines at licensed race tracks and the board to give the green light to qualified operators and oversee their operations. Racinos have since reignited the interest of Pennsylvanians in horse racing, with a good number all over the State.

Fast forward to 2017. The legislators passed the Advance Deposit Wagering Bill^[11] shortly after that gambling expansion bill. It gives residents the freedom to bet on horse racing anywhere in the Commonwealth. TVG Networks and TwinSpires.com are the go-to operators in this vertical.

The horse racing industry is dear to Pennsylvania. That can be seen in how much support the sometimes industry enjoyed against other betting verticals. For instance, The Race Horse Development specified a specific portion of revenue, about 10%, from slot machines toward uplifting the industry. Of the $238 million generated from the state’s casinos in 2019^[12], a part went to taking care of the employees, their families, and pension benefits, while the rest was to facilitate races.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Pennsylvania

DFS has been one of the games of choice among Pennsylvanians before the 2017 expansion bill signed by Governor Tom Wolf. Companies like FanDuel and DraftKings were required, as they should, to operate within the legality of online gambling in PA and have a business located in the State. For the Fantasy players, the bill didn't change much.

However, oversight seemed needed in that industry, and revenue, of course, generated. Consequently, 15% is tasked on adjusted revenue and $50,000 for a five-year license and $10,000 when it's time for renewal.

Like other states, DraftKings and FanDuel have the first two names in the Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy sports market. The 8 other licensed operators are holding their own. They are Fastpick, Boom Fantasy, FantasyDraft, DRAFT, Fantasy Football Players Championship, Sports Hub, Yahoo Fantasy, and Monkey Knife Fight.

Collectively, the operators generated a staggering $202,893,037 and $20,868,176 in Fantasy Contest Fees Fantasy Contest Revenue respectively. And Fantasy State Tax worth over $3 million was derived^[13].

Online Lottery In PA

The first lottery in the State was conducted in 1972 after the general assembly established the Pennsylvania Lottery. Like all the gambling laws in the commonwealth state, the goal was to generate funds for public use - in this case, 27% went to caring for the elderly and the underprivileged^[14]. And about $30 billion has since been generated for this purpose.

Not long after the momentous gambling expansion by the Pennsylvania Senate and approval by the Governor, a Pennsylvania Online Lottery was floated and overseen by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Gaming Oversight Committee.

PAiLottery.com continued and stepped up the State's tradition of using the proceeds for those more in need. Going by 80% growth in revenues and an average of $3 million generated daily, there would be more proceeds to care for the senior citizens of the state.

Pennsylvania’s casinos provide the latest gaming machines and tables, plus possible access to on-site racing venues for additional betting. Many casinos are also entertainment hubs that offer access to concert and show venues and a wealth of exquisite dining options.

Try your luck at one of the 14 Pennsylvania casinos below, where you’ll be sure to pocket many fond memories, if not loads of winnings.

Know before you go: We recommend contacting your destination before your visit for their latest rules and regulations. Find up-to-date COVID-19 traveler resources on the visitPA website.

1. HARRAH’S PHILADELPHIA

Chester

Catch live harness-racing action at Harrah’s Philadelphia or watch races that are broadcasted live daily from major tracks in their indoor waging area. Meanwhile, the casino features more than 2,000 slots, video poker machines and a variety of table games.

2. HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT PENN NATIONAL RACE COURSE

Grantville

Hollywood is the theme at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, the only gaming and racing facility in central Pennsylvania. Try your luck at more than 2,300 slot machines and more than 50 table games or snag a box seat at the track where live races take place on select days at 6pm. If you can’t catch a live race, keep an eye out for one of the casino’s many simulcast races.

3. LADY LUCK CASINO NEMACOLIN

Farmington

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a small casino situated at the lovely Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which offers shuttles to and from the casino 24/7. Featuring nearly 600 slot machines, 29 table games, including roulette, craps and blackjack, Lady Luck is an understated hideaway for slots lovers.

4. THE MEADOWS RACETRACK & CASINO

Washington

The Meadows supplies year-round harness racing and more than 2,500 slot machines, more than 65 table games and a variety of entertainment options, including a 24-lane bowling alley and live entertainment at the H Lounge, a venue that hosts local and national performing artists. Whether you’re in the mood for food hall dining, trackside eats, or surf and turf from an award-winning steakhouse, The Meadows has a variety of dining options to satisfy your palate.

5. MOHEGAN SUN POCONO

Wilkes-Barre

A massive renovation effort dramatically transformed Pocono Downs Racetrack into not only Pennsylvania's first casino, but the one of the area's leading entertainment complexes. With 82,000 square feet of gaming space holding 1,900 slot machines, 50 table games and a 218-room, 20-suite hotel, Mohegan Sun Pocono offers countless opportunities for gaming fun. The unique architecture of the hotel and entertainment center is inspired by the landscape, flora, wildlife, natural resources, and personality of the Susquehanna River Valley.

6. MOUNT AIRY CASINO RESORT

Mount Pocono

Mount Airy Casino has a wide variety of attractions, including an 18-hole championship golf course with 6,500 yards of manicured greens, a luxurious spa and salon, and an impressive 51,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor pool space. Gamers love the 1,800 slot machines and more than 70 table games. Try the buffet for the great sampling of gourmet dishes, including carving, salad, seafood, and dessert stations.

7. PARX CASINO AND RACING

Bensalem

Parx Casino and Parx East, adjacent properties located less than 30 away from Philadelphia’s Center City, feature more than 3,000 slot machines, more than 100 live gaming tables, plus live and simulcast racing action. Sports lovers should spend time at Jax, a sports bar featuring more than 20 video poker games, and Chickie’s & Pete’s, an interactive sports bar and crab house.

8. PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS & CASINO

Erie

More than 1,500 slot machines light up this casino and racetrack. Presque Isle Downs & Casino offers a shuttle that runs 24/7 to the Baymont Hotel across the street, so visitors can stay and play. Don’t miss live music on Friday evenings at Churchill’s Bourbon and Brew.

9. RIVERS CASINO

Pittsburgh

Rivers Casino offers more than 2,500 slot machines, more than 100 table games, and a 30-table poker room on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The casino has a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from including Martorano’s Prime, featuring pastas, steaks, and salads, and Mian, offering authentic Asian cuisine.

10. WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM

Bethlehem

Wind Creek Bethlehem, formerly Sands Bethlehem, is located on the former site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant. It is home to more than 3,000 slot machines, 150 table games and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Shop at The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem or dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, including Steelworks Buffet & Grill and Emeril’s Chop House.

Hollywood Casino Pa Online Gambling

11. RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia

Located on the site of a vacant sugar refinery on the Delaware River, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, formerly Sugar House Casino, has just less than 1,900 slot machines and 103 table games. Dine indoor or outdoor at Jack’s Bar & Grill, where American dishes pair nicely with views of the Delaware River.

12. VALLEY FORGE CASINO RESORT

King of Prussia

Valley Forge Casino Resort has more than 850 slot machines, 50 live gaming tables, and 485 guestrooms and suites. Plan to spend the night at the resort, where visitors can also hang out at an outdoor garden pool with views of Valley Forge National Historical Park and chow down at different fine dining and casual restaurants.

Hollywood Casino Harrisburg Pennsylvania

13. LIVE! CASINO HOTEL PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia

Located in Philadelphia’s stadium district, Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia offers best-in-class dining and entertainment, world-class gaming, and hotel accommodations. With approximately 2,200 slot machines, more than 150 live action table games, and a poker room, the casino offers a variety of games to accommodate every level of play. Stay at the hotel with more than 200 rooms, 30 suites, and an event center, or choose from a selection of restaurants with cuisine inspired from locations around the world. Don’t miss the live entertainment at the casino’s Center Bar, happening on select nights throughout the year.

Hollywood Casino Pa Online Gambling Sites

14. LIVE! CASINO PITTSBURGH

Greensburg

With approximately 750 slot machines, more than 30 live action table games, Live! Casino Pittsburgh provides a spectacular experience for visitors. Located at Westmoreland Mall, the location offers gaming, dining, and live entertainment events. Visitors can dine and drink at the Casino’s different bars and lounges, each with different dishes and themes. Loving the experience? Live! Casino Pittsburgh has 7,000 square feet of adaptable event space for your next celebration.

Hollywood Casino Pa Online Sports Betting

To learn about more casinos in Pennsylvania, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.