Pennsylvania Online Gambling December 2024: Sign Up Today

PennStakes.com: Pennsylvania’s Gambling Experts

PennStakes.com is made up of experts in all things gambling, from PA sports betting to PA online casinos, and we're dedicated to empowering you to make smart, informed decisions.

Don't let promotions leave you scratching your head. We break down the fine print, helping you choose the offer that perfectly matches your needs. Our knowledge will keep you ahead of the curve, with the most up-to-date insights.

Rest assured, our recommendations are watertight. Our expert reviewers evaluate and scrutinize every legal site, leaving no stone unturned. 

PA Online Gambling Sites: December 2024

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:

1. Jackpot City Casino

Jackpot City excels in offering a top-tier online casino with a bunch of games, including poker. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance contribute to making it one of the top PA gambling sites to use.

2. bet365 Casino & Sportsbook

bet365, while known for its global presence, has made itself known as one of the top gambling options in Pennsylvania. They combine great sportsbook features with a solid casino and poker platform. It’s perfect for users who want everything in one place with both competitive odds and fun gameplay.

3. Caesars Palace Casino & Sportsbook

Caesars Palace delivers a premium casino and sportsbook gambling option in PA with a top-notch rewards system through Caesars Rewards. The platform’s user interface and betting options make it a favorite among gamblers in the state and across the country.

4. FanDuel Casino & Sportsbook

FanDuel continues to dominate a large market of the Pennsylvania sports betting scene, offering a user-friendly sportsbook and casino with live betting and fun promotions to check out. They continue to be a safe choice in terms of app reliability, promos, odds and more.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino

You may know Fanatics as the leader in selling Eagles and Steelers jerseys, but did you know they had a sportsbook and casino, too? While fairly new to the market, Fanatics stands out for its modern interface and bonuses, making it appealing to new users.

6. BetMGM Casino & Sportsbook

BetMGM is a legend in the gambling space. Their MGM Rewards integration combined with their casino games sportsbook will continue making them a go to option for Pennsylvanians.They're a strong choice for users looking for the full gambling experience backed by a trusted brand.

7. Horseshoe Online Casino

Horseshoe focuses on delivering an exceptional online gambling experience, featuring a strong lineup of slots and table games. It’s perfect for casino enthusiasts that aren't interested in betting on sports, too.

8. DraftKings Casino & Sportsbook

Like FanDuel mentioned above, DraftKings is a sports-first platform with a growing casino section, offering great odds, live betting, and daily fantasy sports integration, making it a versatile option for bettors. 

9. Betway Sportsbook & Casino

Betway a great option for PA online gambling users seeking simplicity and reliability. They're another brand live in the state with trust throughout the world.

10. BetRivers Casino & Sportsbook

BetRivers offers a a great mix of casino games and sports betting, supported by new, consistent promotions and a local feel. It’s particularly appealing for Pennsylvania-based gamblers.

11. Golden Nugget Casino

With a focus solely on casino games, Golden Nugget provides an excellent lineup of slots and table games. If you prioritize casino gambling vs. sports gambling, Golden Nugget is a great option.

12. Borgata Casino

Borgata Casino offerings include a casino platform with an emphasis on slots and live dealer games. Their user-friendly design and trusted brand make it a reliable choice for the more casual players in the state.

13. betParx Casino & Sportsbook

PARX has a strong brand, especially among those of PA online gambling sites. They offer a full gambling suite of casino games, sports betting, and poker, catering to an extremely wide audience throughout the state. While not the highest-rated, it’s a great all-in-one option for Pennsylvania players.

14. ESPN Bet Sportsbook

Currently ESPN BET focuses entirely on sports betting though their partnershp with PENN Gaming could open the door to more in the future. While casino options are missing, the die-hard Pennsylvania sports fans tend to appreciate the ESPN brand experience.

15. Hollywood Casino

Hollywood Casino has a straightforward casino experience with a solid game selections and bonuses. It’s a solid choice for users looking for a casino-only platform.

16. PokerStars

PokerStars is the go-to platform for poker fans, offering the best poker experience alongside a modest casino section. Its poker tournaments and variety make it unmatched for card players looking for a gambling platfrom in Pennsylvania..

17. Unibet Casino & Sportsbook

There's not much exciting about Unibet to be honest. They offer a basic casino and sportsbook app which makes them a decent choice if you're looking for an affordable gambling option.

Understanding PA Online Gambling Laws and Legality

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.

• Best Pennsylvania Online Casinos
• New PA Casinos
• Best PA Casino Bonuses

Sports Betting

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

• Pennsylvania Sports Betting
• PA Sportsbook Promos
• PA Sports Betting Apps

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.

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.