Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania

BetMGM announced the launch of BetMGM Casino online in Pennsylvania, which will deliver a wide range of online casino games to the Keystone state residents. The casino launch also paves the foundation for the upcoming launch of BetMGM’s sports betting offering within the state, which should be available statewide in the coming weeks, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Online sports betting. Is a relatively new concept in Pennsylvania. Several betting sites have launched, and there’s a bit of an arms race underway. Several betting sites have launched, and there’s a bit of an arms race underway. Dec 24, 2020 To place wagers on the platform, bettors have to be in Pennsylvania. Wind Creek and sportsbook operator Betfred USA Sports said the online platform features the same lineup of sporting events. Pennsylvania online sports betting went live on June 1, 2019 when SugarHouse Casino launched their online sportsbook. Regulations for sports betting and PA online poker were part of a huge gaming expansion package passed in October 2017.

• Online Sports Betting Pa App
• Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania Lottery

With new casinos launching regularly, you can expect most everything available in a brick and mortar casino, and in many instances, even more. Pennsylvania online casinos offer a mix of table games, slot machine games, and bonus offers. Some casinos will offer you a no-deposit bonus when you sign up, while others will have a deposit bonus.

All of the casinos are mobile ready, with dedicated apps and you can choose between free and real money games.

The list of casinos below feature 50+ slot machines, blackjack, roulette and baccarat. There are a few progressive slots on hand in addition to a few games you’ll recognize from your local casino.

Are online casino games legal in PA?

Yes. In October 2017, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the state’s massive gambling expansion bill. The legislation created a wealth of new gaming opportunities in the Keystone State, including:

• Online casinos, both slots, and table games
• Sports betting
• Online poker
• Online lottery
• Keno
• Virtual sports
• Satellite casinos
• Video gambling terminals (VGTs)
• Airport gambling

This lengthy list does not mean that Pennsylvania gambling is now a free-for-all. There is a big difference between regulated and unregulated gambling.

The easiest way to tell whether an online casino is legal in PA is to determine if it is regulated by Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Look for the PGCB seal (pictured above). Or, if you are unsure, you can visit the PGCB website.

Unlike illegal offshore casinos, regulated online casino markets mean customers:

• Know their funds and personal info are safe and secure
• All casino offerings are fair and meet the high standards of PGCB
• Can report any issues or concerns to PGCB for recourse

The PGCB approved ten PA casinos for their interactive gaming licenses and most rolled out their online products in time for Super Bowl 2020.

The only two potential new licensees still in the process are out-of-state applicants BetMGM and Golden Nugget. Both are approved qualified gaming entities. However, neither has been approved for a license as of yet.

Free and Real Money Casino Games

Perhaps the only thing better than being able to play casino games on your laptop or desktop computer, mobile phone and tablet, is being able to play the games for free.

That’s right, the best PA online casinos all offer free-to-play demos of most, if not all of the games they host. These demos give you the unique chance to try before you buy, as you can test out the demo extensively before you put your hard earned money on the line.

This truly is one of the great advantages to playing casino games online in PA. Try walking into a brick and mortar casino and asking if you can demo the roulette or blackjack games inside. It’s not going to happen. PA online casinos are the only ones giving you the chance to play for free and you can do it until you’ve mastered all of a game’s intricacies.

You can even win real money playing for free. Just take advantage of the many bonuses the best PA online casinos offer.

What you’re looking for are the no-deposit bonus offers from PA online casinos. Try Unibet, which gives everyone who registers for a new account using the bonus code UBCASINO10 a free $10 sign-up bonus.

You have to gamble with the money to fulfill the wagering requirement, and you can only do it on certain games. However, any winnings you accrue will be yours to keep. Do that and you’ll have successfully earned real money playing for free at a PA online casino.

Try it at Hollywood Casino too, where you are entitled to a $25 free no-deposit bonus when you sign up through our exclusive link and use the promotion code WELCOME to register.

Hollywood Casino will credit the $25 to your bonus account and that money will not be available for withdrawal right away. However, any money you win using your bonus funds will be automatically transferred to your cash account, which you can then use to continue playing or withdraw. Either way, you’ll have once again earned real money playing casino games for free right here in PA.

Online Casino Apps

PA casino apps essentially turn your mobile phone or tablet into an online casino available 24/7 wherever you are inside Pennsylvania.

You can download most mobile casino apps for iOS and Android devices. They don’t take up too much space. Plus, they give you access to a decent selection of the same casino games you’ll find on PA casino websites and all the account functions you’ll ever need to register and get money on and off the online casino.

All advertised online casino bonuses in PA can also be claimed using these apps.

Click the following links to find reviews of the best PA online casinos on the market with access to the top bonus offers and download links for mobile casino apps in Pennsylvania:

• Caesars Online Casino
• Parx Casino
• BetAmerica Casino
• Wind Creek Casino
• PlayLive! Online Casino

Casino games available at Pennsylvania online casinos

The list of casino games mirrors what you will find at your favorite PA casino. Games available include:

Slot Machines in PA: Online casinos in Pennsylvania offer everything from online versions of classic reel slots to the latest themed video slots based on the best TV shows, movies, and recording artists of all time. There’s penny slots you can spin for as little as a dime and progressive jackpot slots offering you the chance to win life changing money.

The goal of lining up three or more of the highest paying symbols is mostly the same with every slot game. Even with all kinds of wild and scatter symbols, bells, whistles, and bonus games, online slots remain the easiest casino games to play as luck does all the heavy lifting.

Here’s a look at the top ten slots currently available at PA online casinos in alphabetical order:

• Baywatch
• Cleopatra
• Divine Fortune
• Flowers
• Guns N’ Roses Video Slots
• Jackpot Shores
• Jimi Hendrix Online Slot
• Siberian Storm
• Starburst
• Wheel Of Fortune Extreme Triple Spin

Online Roulette in PA: Roulette is among the most popular games in any casino, online or off. It’s played with a small numbered spinning wheel and a ball. Players place bets on a number, range of numbers, red or black, or high or low numbers.

French and European roulette wheels contain 37 numbered pockets with varying red and black colors and a single green zero. American roulette wheels contain 38 numbered pockets with varying red and black colors, a green zero, and a green double zero. The wheel is spun, a small ball is sent spinning in the opposite direction and eventually lands in one of the pockets. Exactly where it lands determines the outcome of the spin and the various bets.

At PA online casinos, which employ both American and European roulette wheels for a variety of different roulette games, this all happens with a graphic interface mimicking the wheel spin. A computerized random number generator actually determines the outcome.

The odds change rather dramatically between American and European roulette wheels. In fact, the house edge on European Roulette is 2.3% compared to 5.26% for American Roulette.

Online Blackjack in PA: Blackjack, or 21, is far and away the most popular table game in any casino, online or off.

You take on the dealer in an attempt to get 21, or as close to it as you can without going over. All face cards are worth ten and aces can be used as one or eleven. Players are dealt two cards and can choose to draw one at a time as long as they are under 21. Go over and you lose your original bet.

The dealer is also dealt two cards with one showing. Once a player hits 21, goes over, or stands, the dealer draws based on a specific set of rules for each blackjack variant. There is just one blackjack variant offered by Pennsylvania online casinos.

If you hit Blackjack, or 21, with your first two cards, there is a bonus. The game is dealt from a shoe of multiple decks.

Blackjack has one of the smallest house edges among table games, which explains part of its popularity.

Blackjack rules mandated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, include:

• Blackjack pays 3:2
• You can double down on any two cards
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• You can Split up to three hands (except aces)
• You can double down after splits
• Late surrender is available, allowing you to give up half the bet when the dealer doesn’t have blackjack

Video Poker in PA: Video Poker can be found among the banks of slot machines at most land-based casinos. There’s often a variety of video poker games at casinos and the same holds true at PA online casinos.

In fact, the video poker games offered at PA online casinos are usually the same ones you’ll find inside brick and mortar casinos. This includes familiar titles like:

• Game King Video Poker
• Bonus Poker
• Double Bonus Poker
• Jacks or Better
• Deuces Wild

In general, video poker is draw poker using a computerized random number generator to determine the value of cards.

Payout rates are relatively high on video poker machines, adding to the game’s popularity. The games also feature simple rules, requiring just a basic understanding of poker hand rankings. Hitting a royal flush remains the ultimate video poker goal as the payouts are often pretty big.

Do not expect games like virtual sports and Keno at your online casinos in PA. These games are the turf of the Pennsylvania Lottery. They are currently available at PA Lottery monitors in bars and taverns and many are now available online at the PA Lottery’s online site, but they will not be debuting on PA online casino sites.

Online Casino Games in PA

Online Craps in PA: Craps is a dice game where players wager on the outcome of each roll in an attempt to repeat the initial roll. It’s one of the most social games in land-based casinos and the online version offers a good way to learn the game. It is not currently available at online casinos in PA.

3 Card Poker: 3 Card Poker is a casino card game. The goal is to make a better poker hand with three cards than the dealer.

You place an ante wager, three cards are dealt, and you can choose to either fold or continue by making a play wager equal to the original ante bet. If the dealer does not have queen-high or better all bets are paid 1-to-1. If the dealer has queen-high or better, you must make a better hand to get paid 1-to-1. A tie is a push.

It is not currently available at PA online casinos.

Online Baccarat in PA: Baccarat is a casino card game that is popular in Asia. A dealer spreads out Two two-card hands; one for the banker and another for the player. You bet on which one will be closer to a value of nine.

Face cards and 10s have a value of zero. Aces are worth one. All other cards have the value printed on the card. If the value of either hand is eight or nine, it is considered a natural and ends the game. If the cards add up to more than 10 points only the second digit is used.

If the value of the player hand is five or less, another card is dealt. The dealer draws again according to a prescribed set of rules for the card that was dealt to the player.

An online version of the game is currently available at a variety of Pennsylvania casinos online.

Pai Gow Poker in PA: Pai Gow Poker is a poker-based card game. You get seven cards in an attempt to make the best five-card and two-card poker hands you can. The five-card hand must be your best. The objective is to beat both the dealer’s five-card and two-card hands. Or, win one to earn a push.

It is not currently available at real money PA casinos.

Ultimate Texas Hold’em in PA: Ultimate Texas Hold’em, or Casino Hold’em, is a casino game based on the popular Texas Hold’em poker game. The difference is that instead of taking on other players, Ultimate Texas Hold’em pits you against the dealer only.

The object is to make a better five-card poker hand than the dealer using your two cards and five community cards.

It is not currently available at PA casinos online.

Live dealer games

Unlike online versions of games like roulette and blackjack that rely on a random number generator and computer graphics, these games play just like you are in a casino.

That is because these games feature a real person as your dealer, dealing real cards, and spinning a real roulette wheel. Cameras in a studio capture the action and players online can even chat and interact with their dealers.

The result is the comfort of playing the game in the comfort of your home or on the go on your phone but with the fun and social interaction of a PA brick and mortar casino.

Progressive jackpot slots

A few Pennsylvania online gambling sites offer progressive slots to attract players as well.

PA online casinos offer some of the more popular progressive slots titles like Divine Fortune, Mercy of the Gods, and Jackpot Shores.

The PA guidelines on minimum returns to the player are some of the lowest in the nation, making for notoriously tight slot machines. On the flip side, progressive slots also have the potential for the biggest payouts.

Online casino bonuses in PA

Online casinos try to win new customers with tempting offers to sign up for accounts on the site. Our site will provide you with information on the best offers and exclusive bonus codes to ensure you always get the best deal.

No deposit bonus: One of the advantages to playing at a PA casino is that you can test out the casino without having to put money on the site. These promotions, called no deposit casino bonuses, will offer small amounts like $10 or $25 in exchange for creating a new account.

Welcome bonus: Deposit bonuses offer bigger monetary offers in exchange for customers depositing on the site. A first deposit bonus typically matches your first deposit at 100% up to a maximum of $200 or $250.

Reload offers: Most PA online casinos offer big welcome bonuses for new players that almost always include first-time deposit match bonuses. Make your first deposit and they’ll match it with a bonus up to a certain amount.

Reload offers are a similar thing PA online casinos do for existing customers who may have already taken advantage of the welcome bonus. Essentially, reload offers are deposit match bonuses you can use for any deposit other than your first one. Make a deposit and they’ll match it with a bonus up to a certain amount.

These reload offers come with wagering requirements attached, so you’re going to have to gamble with your bonus money, but any winnings accrued will be yours to keep. Check with the specific PA online casino making the reload offer for full details and terms and conditions, including wagering requirements.

Free spins bonus: Most PA online casinos offer big welcome bonuses for new players that sometimes include free spins on a specific slot or group of slots. Register for an account and you’ll receive the free spins. Win anything using the spins and it’s yours to keep.

Some PA online casinos may also offer existing customers a free spins bonus for volume play or for making a new deposit. Do what the PA online casino asks and you’ll receive the free spins. Win anything using the spins and it’s yours to keep.

All casino bonuses come with terms and conditions, like a wagering or playthrough requirement. Be sure to check what the bonus entails.

If you want to test the games that a PA real money casino has to offer, you don’t have to reach for your wallet. Most games come with a free-to-play demo mode where customers can try before depositing any money.

PA casino loyalty programs

Just like PA brick and mortar casinos reward loyal players, online casinos have programs where players can earn cash, prizes, and other rewards in exchange for playing on the site.

One example players can already take advantage of is iRush Rewards. The system allows sports bettors on both Rivers and SugarHouse to earn rewards and move up a tiered system that offers bigger rewards to higher-level players.

In fact, many of these online promotional programs will sync up with your brick and mortar account. Here are some of the programs we know will interlink online and brick and mortar:

• Caesars Rewards (Harrah’s Philadelphia)
• Rush Rewards (SugarHouse and Rivers)
• MyxClub (Parx)

How to deposit and cash out at Pennsylvania online casinos

Getting money on and off online gambling sites in PA is relatively straightforward. For some sites, the deposit options may begin relatively limited, but should eventually expand to include:

• Credit cards
• Electronic checks (ACH deposits)
• Cash deposits at the casino
• Online payment processors such as PayPal (currently not available)
• Prepaid debit card
• PayNearMe at 7Eleven, CVS, and other retail establishments

Withdrawal options are generally limited to the method you used to deposit. For some deposit methods, instead, players will need to opt for a check in the mail.

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What does the PA online gambling market look like?

Most everyone is getting involved in the PA online casino and sports betting industries in one way or another. In fact, there are also several outside companies taking part.

Here is a look at all the companies involved in online casinos, who their partners are, and where they are in the process:

Full list of conditionally approved PA online casinos

PGCB conditionally approved the following casinos for online slots and online table games. Some can also offer online poker.

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Mohegan Sun was on a bit slower schedule than its peers, as one of the last casinos to present online casino plans. It announced in 2019 it would work with Kindred for online gaming. The Unibet online casino brand finally went live in Pennsylvania in November, 2019.

Mohegan partners with Pala Interactive for online betting products and does not have an online poker license.

PlaySugarHouse

The first of the online sportsbooks to launch, PlaySugarHouse Pennsylvania has an integrated online casino and sportsbook. The PA online casino uses the proprietary Rush Street Interactive platform.

PlaySugarHouse.com PA is available as an integrated Android app that users can download directly from the site. If you want to access the site on an iPhone, you can do so via your browser, but first, you have to download and enable the third-party GeoGuard app from GeoComply.

BetRivers

BetRivers is the online casino and sportsbook product from Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. While it looks like a near-clone of its sister site, PlaySugarHouse, they are actually two different entities.

Operating under the Rivers Philadelphia license, the casino is integrated with the BetRivers online sportsbook.

With all of Rivers’ online gaming products operating on the Rush Street platform, there is vast opportunity to pool resources when it comes to online gambling marketing and promotions across Pennsylvania.

Hollywood Casino

Hollywood Casino at Penn National is the flagship property of Penn National Gaming. The PA-based casino company is relatively new to the online casino game. Accordingly, it inked a deal with IGT to power its online casino product.

IGT’s PlayDigital platform debuted in the US when HollywoodCasino.com launched in Pennsylvania in 2019. It was the first online casino to go live in Pennsylvania.

The platform features the biggest slot library on the market. Additionally, it offers the popular IGT Game King video poker suite with nine different video poker variants.

On May 1, 2020 DraftKings Casino went live, becoming the second online gaming site under the Hollywood interactive gaming license.

Hollywood Casino also is supposed to launch an online poker site, but given that they are starting from scratch and up against seasoned competitors, we do not expect this project to be a priority for Penn.

After a deal for sports betting with William Hill fell through, Hollywood is now working with Kambi to eventually launch an online sportsbook that will carry the branding of a new partner, Barstool Sports.

Harrah’s and Caesars Online Casino

A product of Caesars Interactive Entertainment (CIE), Caesars Casino was a relative latecomer to Pennsylvania launching in April, 2020. It launched with a limited offering of games but is expected to expand drastically over time.

With Caesars online casino, you can take advantage of one of the best rewards programs in the business, Caesars Rewards. Your online play translates into brick and mortar casino rewards at any Caesars properties across the country.

Valley Forge Casino

Valley Forge Casino was banking on the popularity of the FanDuel brand to bring both its online sportsbook and online casino into prominence within Pennsylvania, and it hasn’t disappointed.

In 2019, Valley Forge launched FanDuel Sportsbook. Since then, it has established itself as one of the top online sportsbooks in the state.

In January 2020, Pennsylvania broke new ground as the first state to offer FanDuel Casino. The online casino is accessible within the FanDuel Sportsbook app. In June 2020, they followed up with a standalone online casino app.

Presque Isle Downs

The Churchill Downs-owned Presque Isle Downs decided early on not to offer poker, but to move forward on an online casino.

The casino inked deals with SBTech and Golden Nugget (for NJ online products). For SBTech, it was the first US partnership on a sports betting platform.

The BetAmerica PA online sportsbook launched in late December 2019 and the casino went live in late January 2020. Rumors emerged in summer 2020 that CDI would be migrating from SBTech to GAN for casino and Kambi for sports betting.

Mount Airy Casino

Mount Airy Casino has a big-time partner for its online gambling offering in The Stars Group (TSG). While TSG is better known for its online poker client, PokerStars, it is also a veteran online casino provider. Both sites launched in early November.

What’s unique is the PokerStars client presents online poker, online casino, and sports betting from FOX Bet in a single place. Users can easily jump from one vertical to another with a united account and shared wallet, without leaving the client or the app.

They have also added a FOX Bet Casino, which is another skin of their PokerStars Casino site.

Wind Creek

The new kid on the block, Wind Creek is probably better known to Pennsylvania gambling enthusiasts by its previous name, Sands Bethlehem.

The Wind Creek rebranding happened in late 2019 after official transfer of ownership in late May. Wind Creek’s owners, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, announced general plans for online gambling.

In January, 2020 news of a partnership between Wind Creek and UK-based Betfred dropped. The Wind Creek online casino, in partnership with provider Pala Interactive, went live in late July 2020. Wind Creek did not opt to purchase a conditional online poker license.

Stadium Casino / Philly Live! project

We know Stadium’s owner, Cordish, plans to get involved in both sports betting and online casino even before the casino opens in early 2021. The group already has a retail sportsbook deal in place with FanDuel.

Their grand opening plans may be delayed due to coronavirus restrictions stalling construction. More news on their plans should be available as the year progresses. Live! does not have an online poker license.

Parx Casino

Parx was the second casino to get an online sportsbook product up and running in the state, joining the SugarHouse PA product.

Parx and its partner GAN launched Parx Online Casino in 2019 with a library of slot titles, video poker, roulette, and baccarat. In January 2020, they announced plans to offer live dealer games online.

The four land-based casinos that will not offer online poker are:

• Presque Isle Downs
• Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia (opening early 2021)
• Wind Creek (formerly Sands Bethlehem)
• Mohegan Sun Pocono

That leaves three casinos sitting out of online gambling. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh initially applied, but rescinded its application. Its sister property, the rebranded Rivers Philadelphia, did get a license and now has two online casino skins: PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers (available through BetRivers sports betting app.)

Lady Luck Nemacolin and The Meadows are not taking part, deferring to their sister properties of Presque Isle and Hollywood Casino respectively.

Other online gambling offers in Pennsylvania

PA online lottery games

As part of the gambling expansion law, the state legalized PA online lottery. Pennsylvania’s iLottery launched in 2017 with a dozen or so online instant games.

These online instant games are like a scratch-off ticket you would buy at the store, but more interactive. Online instants often include bonus games in addition to the scratch-off component, allowing you to multiply your winnings on each ticket.

As part of the rollout, the PA Lottery also introduced a revamped PA Lottery mobile app. You can use the app to play instant games, check winning numbers, and scan your draw tickets to find out if you have a winner.

Since January 2020, PA lottery players can purchase Mega Millions and Powerball tickets online through the iLottery platform. They have since added more draw games to the online options.

PA online poker update

Eventually, there are supposed to be eight different PA online poker sites up and running in the state. As of now, there is one. PokerStars PA launched with great success in November, 2019.

These other online poker operators are expected to get up and running in PA once they are ready and vetted by the PGCB, with WSOP.com and partypoker expected to launch next.

• Harrah’s Philadelphia (WSOP.com)
• MGM (partypoker)
• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
• Parx Casino
• Wind Creek Casino
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia
• Valley Forge Resort Casino

Responsible gaming at PA online gambling sites

Another great asset in a regulated online casino market is the array of responsible gambling tools at a player’s disposal.

In Pennsylvania, there is a separate self-exclusion list managed by PGCB. Players who want to ban themselves from playing on any regulated PA online casino can do so through them. This list is separate from the brick and mortar self-exclusion list.

Additionally, many online sites, both sports betting and casino, offer means of controlling your play with things like:

• Deposit limits
• Betting limits
• Time limitations
• Cooling off periods

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler

If you want other resources to address problem gambling, consider:

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.

Best sportsbook bonuses and offers

Here’s a look at our welcome bonuses offers:

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

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.

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.

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

Online Sports Betting Pa App

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.

Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania Lottery

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