Top Online Gambling Casinos
- Top Online Gambling Casinos Gambling
- Top Online Gambling Casinos Real Money
- Top Online Gambling Casinos Poker
Legal online casinos offer a real-money gambling experience combined with the convenience of mobile gaming. Many of the games seen on the floor of a land-based casino can be found at legal online casinos in the US.
New Jerseystands as the undisputed US leader in online casino gaming. Players in the Garden State enjoy access to some of the world’s best mobile casinos. The platforms include Golden Nugget Casino, DraftKings Casino, Caesars Online Casino, and many others.
- Michigan will soon join the US mobile casino market. Michigan passed online gambling legislation in December 2019 and is in the process of finalizing regulations. Legal Online Gambling Sites Versus Illegal Online Gambling Sites. State-regulated online casinos are owned by land-based properties, using licensing agreements with technology partners.
- Best Casinos for Australia & New Zealand – Australia banned online gambling a couple of years back, leading to the exodus of several top-rated casinos, software providers, and online payment companies from the Australian market.
Delaware, West Virginia, andPennsylvaniajoin New Jersey as US states offering legal online casinos.Michiganhas legislation in place to eventually operate mobile casinos in 2021. Some Michigan online casinos are already announcing pre-launch registration offers. Learn more in our Michigan Online Gambling Guide.
List Of States With Legal Online Casinos
The residents of the following American states can legally play online casino games at the best US online casinos. New Jersey – New Jersey legalized online gambling in 2013, enabling its land-based casinos to apply for online gambling licenses and offer online casinos and online poker rooms. As a result, Atlantic City casinos such as Caesars. DraftKings Casino offers perhaps the most comprehensive online gambling experience. Now available as a standalone app on both iOS and Android, the DraftKings online casino offers a ton of slots, table games and live dealer games. 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.
| State | Status | Year Launched |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Live | 2013 |
| New Jersey | Live | 2013 |
| Pennsylvania | Live | 2017 |
| West Virginia | Live | 2020 |
| Michigan | Launch pending | Expected 2021 |
Not in one of the above states? You can play at Sweepstakes Online Casinos for real cash prizes.
You can also view our complete online casino guides toNew Jersey Online Casinos andPennsylvania Online Casinosfor more information.
The Best Online Casino Sites In The US
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings’ continued expansion into the US legal gambling industry includes the DraftKings Casino platform. DraftKings Casino debuted in New Jersey in December 2018, marking the company’s first foray into online casino gaming.
True to the brand, DraftKings Casino offers unique sports-themed versions of blackjack and roulette among its selection of games.
New players at DraftKings Casino can unlock a 20% deposit match bonus up to $500.
DraftKings Casino operates in New Jersey as a licensed partner of Resorts Digital Gaming. A Pennsylvania platform launched in May 2020, partnered with Hollywood Casino. They launched in West Virginia with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
In Michigan, they will partner with Bay Mills Casino and Resort. DraftKings Michigan already announced a pre-launch bonus offer where new players can claim up to $200 by registering now.
Check out our complete DraftKings Casino Review for more details and the latest promo offers.
FanDuel Casino
Mirroring the efforts of DraftKings, FanDuel’s US legal gambling offerings include an online casino platform. FanDuel Casino launched in Pennsylvania in January 2020.
FanDuel Casino operates in Pennsylvania in partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort. Immediately upon its debut, FanDuel Casino established itself as one of Pennsylvania’s most popular online casinos.
Table games at FanDuel Casino include blackjack and multiple versions of roulette. These games represent some of the platform’s most popular game choices.
New players are eligible for a $200 risk-free day upon registration.
FanDuel Casino also operates in New Jersey but does so under the name of Betfair Casino. They will be launching in both West Virginia and Michigan in 2021. We anticipate Michigan will be the next to launch. FanDuel Michigan is already offering new players $100 in free bets for registering now.
BetMGM
Formerly known as playMGM, the new and improved BetMGM platform debuted as a project from Roar Digital. Roar Digital operates as a joint company between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings.
BetMGM online casino debuted in New Jersey in September 2019. The platform operates under the license of Borgata Hotel Casino, an MGM-owned retail property in Atlantic City.
Since then, BetMGM launched in Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia. The app is scheduled to launch in Michigan in early 2021. We anticipate BetMGM will be one of the first online casino apps to launch in Michigan. They’ve already announced a pre-launch bonus in Michigan for up to $200 in free bets.
BetMGM Casino has one of the best reputations when it comes to its selection and variety of online slots and table games. In NJ, BetMGM, along with other casino skins under the Borgata license, hosts the biggest progressive slot jackpot among US online casinos. Known as “The Big One,” the jackpot links to a network of slots with jackpots that can reach over the $3 million mark.
Sign-up bonuses at BetMGM include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.
BetRivers Casino
BetRivers might not have the same brand recognition as other online casinos, but they are quickly expanding across the US. The BetRivers Sportsbook app is live in a half dozen states already. They are often one of the first apps to launch in states legalizing sports betting.
We anticipated the BetRivers Casino app will be one of the first to launch in Michigan in early 2021. They already announced pre-launch bonus offers for players in Michigan who can claim $50 in free bets.
BetRivers is live in Pennsylvania in partnership with SugarHouse Casino. BetRivers Casino operates in New Jersey under the SugarHouse brand.
Unibet Casino
The Unibet brand established itself as a powerhouse in the international online gambling industry before moving into the US market. Unibet Casino launched in New Jersey in June 2019, as a license partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Unibet launched a second online casino for Pennsylvania players in November 2019. Unibet Casino operates under the license of Mohegan Sun Pocono for the Pennsylvania platform.
The game selection at Unibet Casino includes progressiveslots, videopoker, and table games. Games like Micro Stakes Blackjack offer action for even the most conservative of bankrolls.
New players at Unibet Casino can unlock a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500, as well as a $10 sign-up bonus.
Caesars Online Casino
Caesars Atlantic City stands as one of the most iconic properties on the East Coast. Caesars Online Casino offers an online gaming experience that lives up to the Caesars name.
Caesars Online Casino launched in New Jersey in 2013, operating under the Caesars Interactive license. The online platform offers one of the most robust slot selections available at any legal US online casino.
New players at Caesars Casino can take advantage of a $25 free sign-up bonus, as well as a 100% deposit match bonus up to $300.
A Pennsylvania version of Caesars Online Casino launched in April 2020, under the Harrah’s Philadelphia interactive gaming license.
PokerStars Casino
Poker players know the PokerStars brand as the world’s biggest online poker site.
PokerStars’ US operations include hybrid online casino and poker sites in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PokerStars Casino operates as a license partner of Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, and Resorts Digital in New Jersey.
The PokerStars Casino side of these platforms offers table games, video poker, and popular progressive jackpot slots like Divine Fortune.
Bonus offers for new players at PokerStars Casino include a $30 free play bonus on deposits of $20 or more.
Golden Nugget Casino
Golden Nugget’s online casino platform stands as the gold standard in the US mobile casino market. Golden Nugget Atlantic City launched the site in New Jersey in 2013.
The Golden Nugget mobile platform has stood as one of the most popular online casinos in the US for most of its existence.
Golden Nugget online casino offers an unparalleled game menu. The platform presents New Jersey players with more slots, video poker, and overall game options of any US legal online casino.
Sign-up offers at Golden Nugget online casino include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, and a $20 no-deposit bonus.
A second Golden Nugget online casino platform will eventually operate in Pennsylvania. Golden Nugget’s Pennsylvania launch is pending.
Tropicana Online Casino
One of the first online casinos to launch in New Jersey, Tropicana Online Casino debuted in the Garden State in November 2013. The platform is licensed to its parent property, Tropicana Atlantic City.
Games available at Tropicana Online Casino include many of the same selections enjoyed by players at Tropicana Atlantic City.
Tropicana Online Casino offers a unique “community jackpot” promotion. Anyone playing on the site at the time the jackpot hits could be eligible for a share of the prize.
Bonus offers at Tropicana Online Casino include a $25 sign-up bonus and a $100 rebate on losses for new players.
What Kind Of Bonuses Are Generally Available At Legal Online Casinos?
Risk-Free Day And Loss Rebate Bonuses
Several legal online casinos offer new players the chance at a rebate on losses for a short period after sign-up.
DraftKings Casino, for instance, presents new players with a $200 risk-free day offer. After making an initial deposit, players unlock a rebate on up to $200 in losses incurred during the first 24 hours playing on the site.
For example, a player signing up for an account at DraftKings Casino can deposit $200, and wager the $200 at the casino. If the player’s account is at $0 after a 24-hour period, DraftKings Casino will award a rebate of up to $200.
The rebate only applies to net losses on the first deposit. If a player deposits $200 and has a $150 balance after 24 hours, the rebate is $50. If the player’s balance is higher than $200 after the 24-hour period, no rebate applies.
Deposit Match Bonuses
At many online casinos, a player’s first deposit makes them eligible for bonus money matching a certain percentage of the deposit. These deposit match percentages can equal anywhere from 20% to 100% of the first deposit.
BetMGM offers a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $1,000. Using this offer, new players can make an initial deposit and earn 100% of the deposit in bonus money, up to $1,000.
Most deposit match bonuses require a certain amount of playthrough, or money wagered, to unlock the bonus. Playthrough requirements generally range from 20x to 30x the initial deposit amount.
No-Deposit Bonuses
Some online casino platforms award free betting credits just for registering for a new account.
Golden Nugget Casino is one platform offering such a bonus. New players start with $10 in free bets just for signing up with the site.
Types Of Games Available At Online Casinos In The US
Slots And Video Poker
Much like their land-based counterparts, virtually all online casinos present a game selection menu dominated byslots.
Many of the same slots enjoyed on the floor of retail casinos can be found at legal online casinos. These include five-reel multiway win slots and classic three-reel slots.
New Jersey online casinoslike Golden Nugget Casino, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, and SugarHouse Casino offer hundreds of different slot variants. The library of slots at legal online casinos expands regularly.
Many different versions of video poker can be played at legal online casinos as well.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots offer some of the biggest potential payouts found at legal online casinos. These grand prizes can sometimes reach into seven-figure totals.
The Big One
The Big One network of slots offers the biggest progressive jackpot found at legal online casinos in the US. This series of slots, found at Borgata, BetMGM, and PartyCasino in New Jersey, all link to a progressive jackpot which sometimes goes over $3 million.
Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune finds a home at many legal online casinos in the US, and offers a grand jackpot that can reach above six figures.
Resorts Casino, Mohegan Sun, Caesars Casino Online, and many other platforms host the Divine Fortune progressive slot.
Table Games
Players looking for table games can find plenty of action at legal online casino sites. Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Three Card Poker represent just some of the table games available on mobile casino platforms.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games offer the best of mobile gaming, combined with the live casino experience. These games allow online players to interact with a real-life dealer though live stream.
Human dealers oversee live dealer games from a physical table at a secure studio location. Live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other casino games can be found at many mobile casinos.
Sweepstakes Casino Sites
Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware enjoy access to state-regulated online casinos.Michiganwill soon join the list of US states offering legal mobile casinos.
In other US states, sweepstakes casino platforms present the best opportunity for players to enjoy the online casino experience. Sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints legally operate in virtually every US state except Washington.
See our comprehensiveGuide To Sweepstakes Casinos In The US.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Platforms like Chumba Casino operate legally as sweepstakes sites. Sweepstakes games at Chumba Casino offer prizes in the form of “Sweeps Coins,” which can be redeemed for cash prizes.
This business model allows the games at Chumba Casino to legally operate as mini-sweepstakes games. Direct real-money deposits aren’t permitted at sweepstakes casino sites. But players can acquire and purchase Sweeps Coins in various other ways.
Chumba Casino operates play money games, using “Gold Coins” as currency, in addition to the Sweeps Coins Games.
Gold Coins packages are available for purchase and with some Gold Coins packages Chumba Casino awards an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift. The Sweeps Coins can then be used in the sweepstakes casino games, and later redeemed for cash prizes.
Sweeps Coins can also be obtained for free, through mail-in and social media offers.
Sweepstakes casinos operate legally in 49 US states and Washington DC. Only Washington state outlaws sweepstakes casinos.
How Can I Gamble Online In The US?
iOS Mobile Devices
Nearly all legal US online casinos can be downloaded as mobile apps for iOS devices. These apps optimize the playing experience for the iOS device. They also offer the convenience of playing from anywhere within the borders of a legal online casino state.
Owners of an iOS device can find mobile casino apps at the App Store. Players located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states with legal online casinos can find all of these free apps available in those states.
Android Devices
Most legal online casinos are available as Android apps as well. Like their iOS counterparts, Android apps are free to download and present a gaming experience optimized for mobile devices.
Android apps can only be downloaded directly from an online casino website, as the Google Play store doesn’t allow for the download of real-money casino apps.
Desktop
The simplest way to access and play at a legal online casino is directly through a desktop browser. Playing on a desktop device doesn’t offer quite the same mobility as iOS or Android apps. But it allows players to enjoy full access to online casinos with no download required
Registering For An Account At A Legal Online Casino
On mobile devices and desktop browsers, new players can sign up at an online casino through a quick process.
At DraftKings Casino, for example, new players can click on the “Sign Up” button to start the registration process. A menu then appears where players can choose a username and provide a valid email address.
The next step requires documentation of first and last name, date of birth, residential address, and last four digits of a social security number.
After submitting this information, DraftKings Casino sends a mobile verification link through text message or email. Once that link is verified, players must download geolocation software that allows DraftKings Casino to verify that the player is within the borders of a state in which it legally operates.
With personal details and geolocation verified, new players can then navigate to the cashier, deposit funds, and begin playing.
What Deposit And Cashout Options Are Available At Legal Online Casinos?
ACH/eCheck
Virtually all legal online gambling sites accept ACH/eCheck as a method for both deposits and withdrawals.
When used for deposits, this method drafts an electronic check (eCheck) from a player’s bank account, and pushes the check through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH). This clearing process happens instantaneously. If approved, the funds immediately become available for play at the online casino.
ACH/eCheck deposits are occasionally stopped by the issuing bank. They go through successfully around 80 percent of the time.
Debit/Credit Cards
Like ACH/eCheck, most online casinos accept debit and credit cards as a deposit method. This method can’t be used for withdrawals, however.
Debit and credit card deposits come with one of the highest rejection rates among all deposit options, but when successful immediately make funds available for play. Credit card deposits can sometimes carry cash advance fees from the issuing bank.
PayPal
Many mobile casino platforms accept PayPal as a method for both deposits and withdrawals. The deposit process takes a few extra steps compared to other methods. But PayPal deposits offer a nearly 100% acceptance rate.
Players with a valid US PayPal account can use this method at numerous legal online gambling sites.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are issued directly by an online casino, and function as a gift card that allows funds to be loaded on a player’s balance.
With this method, players can load a prepaid card with funds using ACH/eCheck, debit card, PayPal, and various other ways.
Casino Cage Deposit
Deposits and withdrawals can also be made directly at the casino cage of a retail property that operates an online casino.
At Golden Nugget Casino, for example, deposits and withdrawals for the online casino could be made by visiting the land-based Golden Nugget Atlantic City property.
The History Of Online Casinos In The US
US laws allow states to offer legal online casino gambling on an individual basis. Delaware became the first state to legalize online casinos in 2012, followed by New Jersey in 2013.
Online casinos debuted in both states in November 2013. Since then, New Jersey’s online casino industry developed into a robust market, with more than 20 different platforms available.
Pennsylvania became the next state to legalize online casinos, doing so in October 2017. Mobile casino platforms started to launch in the state in July 2019. West Virginia followed suit, legalizing online casinos in 2019. The first online casino launched in West Virginia in the summer of 2020.
Legal online casinos operate under the license of retail casinos. Gaming regulation agencies like thePennsylvania Gaming Control Board(PGCB) and theNew Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement(DGE) oversee online casinos in their respective states. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all iGaming.
Players located within state borders in each legal online casino jurisdiction can access mobile casinos in those states.
Michigan will soon join the US mobile casino market. Michigan passed online gambling legislation in December 2019 and is in the process of finalizing regulations.
Legal Online Gambling Sites Versus Illegal Online Gambling Sites
State-regulated online casinos are owned by land-based properties, using licensing agreements with technology partners.
These partnerships allow for trusted gaming brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betfair to operate legal online casinos in collaboration with legal retail casinos. Golden Nugget Atlantic City, for instance, operates Golden Nugget Casino, Betfair/FanDuel Casino, SugarHouse Online Casino, and BetAmerica in New Jersey.
This legal union of retail and online casinos ensures that players can enjoy secure legal online gambling. Playing at a state-regulated online casino offers the same level of safety as playing at a legal retail casino.
Other retail casino operators behind online platforms include Caesars Entertainment, Parx Casino, Resorts Digital Gaming, and Borgata.
These brands stand as some of the biggest and most trusted names in the legal gambling industry. They each operate online casinos with a keen interest in player safety. Players at legal online casinos can count on prompt payouts, fair games, and security of personal information.
Why Avoid Illegal Gambling Sites
Government agencies like the PGCB and DGE assure that state casino industries operate with transparency, accountability, and security of player funds and personal information. Depositing money at a legal online casino site offers players the security of knowing those funds can be withdrawn safely at any time.
Offshore or illegal gambling sites do not operate with this same obligation to player safety. These platforms aren’t regulated by any US governing body.
Depositing money on these sites can be a risky proposition, as illegal gambling sites have no obligation to allow for the withdrawal of funds.
Legal Online Casinos FAQ
Yes. Federal law allows states to individually determine their stances on legal online gambling.
New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania each allow for legal mobile casinos. Michigan will eventually join the list of US states with legal online casinos in 2021.
State regulatory agencies oversee all state-regulated, legal online casino platforms.
No. Only New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania currently offer legal online casinos. Michigan passed legislation to eventually launch legal online casinos.
Apart fromsweepstakes siteslike Chumba Casino, any platforms offering online gambling outside of these five states operate illegally.
The legal minimum age for playing at an online casino is 21 in all states with legal mobile casinos. This age matches the minimum age for gambling at a retail casino in these states.
Yes. Nearly all legal online casinos are available as apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.
iOS users can find online casino apps in the App Store, while Android users can download the apps directly from an online casino’s website.
Players using mobile devices must be located within the borders of the state offering a legal gambling site when playing.
Deposit options at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and casino cage deposit.
Other ways to deposit include PayNearMe, wire transfer, and eWallets like Neteller and Skrill.
Yes. Legal online casinos are owned by retail casino brands like Golden Nugget Atlantic City and Caesars Entertainment. Player funds at legal online casinos are just as safe as they are when playing at a legal retail casino.
Secure withdrawal methods at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, prepaid cards, PayPal, eWallets, casino cage withdrawal and check by mail.
Some of these methods, like eWallet withdrawals, can involve fees.
Yes. Legal mobile casinos use high-level encryption to ensure the security of customers’ personal and financial information.
Extra security measures, like two-step verification, can be added at player request.
Retail casino companies operate legal online casinos in collaboration with licensed technology partners.
Unibet Casino in New Jersey, for example, operates as a licensed partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City. New Jersey law permits retail casinos to operate multiple online platforms.
Yes. Many legal online casinos offer live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, and other table games.
Live dealer games feature a human dealer overseeing the game at a physical table. The dealer and the table are located in a secure studio.
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 2020
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.
| Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
| Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
| PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
| Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
| Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
| Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
| Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
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
| Online sportsbook | Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlaySugarHouse | Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | Launched May 2019 |
| BetRivers | Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | Launched June 2019 |
| Parx | Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Launched June 2019 |
| FanDuel | Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | Launched July 2019 |
| Kambi/Hollywood | Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | 2020 (Barstool Sportsbook) |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Launched March, 20020 |
| BetAmerica | Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | Launched Dec. 2019 |
| Fox Bet | Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Launched Sept. 2019 |
| Unibet | Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| DraftKings | The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| N/A | Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed) | March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020) | N/A |
| N/A | South Philadelphia Turf Club | Jan. 17, 2019 | N/A |
| N/A | The Downs at Lehigh Valley | Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook) | N/A |
| Betfred Sportsbook | Wind Creek Casino | 2020 | 2020 |
| Live! Sportsbook | Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 | 2020 |
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
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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
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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.
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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
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.
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