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PennStakes.com: Pennsylvania’s Gambling Experts

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The Legality of Gambling in PA

The first state run lotterys were legalized in 1971. Since then gambling in Pennsylvania has come a long way. In-person gambling at casinos officially began in 2006 with the first brick and morter establishments opening their doors. In 2019, online gambling was made legal. All forms are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). However, every operator must be licensed and approved. There are a few differences between online and in-person gambling. Much of this comes down to the types of wagering available. 

Legal Forms of Online Gambling in PA

There are several forms of legal online gambling in Pennsylvania; these include:

Casinos

This includes slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, etc.), live dealer games and specialty games. These games are offered by multiple licensed operators and vary by site.

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Sports Betting

The Keystone State hosts several sports betting platforms that take wagers on all of your favorite sporting events.

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Poker

• Several online poker rooms operate in Pennsylvania, some even offering shared player pools with other legal states. PokerStars PA is the leading site to take a seat at the virtual green felt. 

Daily Fantasy

• Fans of DFS can access several Fantasy contests via DraftKings or FanDuel PA. Prize pools in the 5 and 6 figures are readily available.

Legal Forms of In-Person Gambling

In-person gambling in Pennsylvania falls into several categories, each with specific regulations and limitations:

State-Run Games

• Pennsylvania Lottery: Offers various instant-win scratch-off tickets, draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, and online ticket sales.
• Horse Racing: Legal at licensed racetracks with betting options like win, place, show, and exotics.

Charitable Gambling

• Small Games of Chance: Non-profit organizations and taverns can conduct limited games like pull-tab tickets, raffles, bingo, and daily/weekly drawings under the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act.
• Bingo: Licensed organizations run bingo games with specific rules and limits on prizes and participation.

Who Can Gamble in Pennsylvania?

• Must be 21+ years old (18+ for lottery and DFS).
• Physically located within Pennsylvania borders while playing online.
• No real-money gambling within physical casinos while using online platforms (except sports betting).
• Non-residents can also participate while physically present in the state.

Quick Facts on How Pennsylvania Gambling Supports the Economy

Gambling winnings are taxable income and are taxed at 3.07%. Casinos and sportsbooks are required to pay taxes to the state of Pennsylvania and in turn this money goes to Property Tax relief funds, Economic Development, Tourism and Host Communities. 

• Economic Impact: $14.86 Billion
• Jobs Supported: 65,000
• Tax Revenue: $3.62 Billion
• Gross Revenue: $5.34 Billion

Licensing and Regulation

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board strictly regulates all types of gambling through in-depth vetting, ongoing compliance checks, different licenses for specific products, controlled license issuance, regular renewals, and responsible gambling measures, all while ensuring operators pay taxes and players remain within state borders.

PA Gambling Operations

State law allows for up to 25 licenses for permanent gaming operations, and each can have a betting platform. Because of that, the state has a wealth of operators, including some of the most well known brands. Some of them include:

A Timeline of All Gambling in Pennsylvania: 2000s - Present:

• 2004: The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act legalizes slots at racetracks and authorizes casino licenses.
• 2006: First casinos open, offering slot machines only.
• 2010: Table games legalized at casinos.
• 2017: House Bill 271 legalizes online casinos, poker, and sports betting (pending federal approval).
• 2019: Online casinos and poker launch after licensing and regulatory processes.
• 2018: Sports betting becomes legal at casinos and select racetracks.
• 2024: Gambling industry continues to evolve, with potential expansions like online sports betting for retail locations and satellite casinos under discussion.

Responsible Gambling in PA

It is part of our mission to be a resource for gambling education and provide support information to Pennsylvania bettors who may have a gambling problem. We provide contacts for support groups such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (1-215-643-4542) and the PGCB helpline (1-800-GAMBLER). You can also ask the PGCB to instruct state-regulated casinos and sportsbooks to exclude you from playing for a period of time.

Safety and Security When Gambling Online

Licensed operators in Pennsylvania aren't just playing by the rules, they're playing it safe. Strict security protocols and responsible gambling practices are mandatory, ensuring a fair and secure environment for all. But for those who need a break, self-exclusion programs offer a way to step back, while resources provided by the PGCB are readily available for anyone struggling with gambling addiction. Remember, responsible gambling is always the winning play.