Slots are a huge part of Pennsylvania gambling.
There are more of them and they generate more revenue than any other casino game in the state. That holds true for both Pennsylvania’s land-based and online casinos, which offer hundreds of slot titles.
From classic reel slot machines to progressive jackpot slots, modern video slots with a range of diverse and lucrative bonus games to your favorite pop-culture-themed slots, the state’s casinos have them all.
Read on and you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about PA slots, including how you can play slots for free, all the types of slot machines in the state, where you can find them and more.
By playing any such slot machines for just a few spins, it was then possible to work out whether the slot machines was about to pay-out, and players would be able to work out when to click onto the spin button at just the right time that a random number would be selected that had a winning combination attached to it.
Best online casinos with slots in PA
The stakes will include everything from penny slots to high-limit slots.
Plus, you can expect to find online slots with fixed jackpots and others that offer the chance at some pretty big progressive jackpots that grow with every spin.
There will even be themed PA online slots based on hit music by legendary rockers, blockbuster movies, and some of your favorite TV shows.
The public can’t get enough of slots because they’re fun and often offer the opportunity to win big. The RTP (return to player) isn’t as favorable as blackjack or video poker on most online slots, but the chance to strike it rich by winning a big jackpot is a real draw.
Free slots in Pennsylvania
Perhaps the best thing about the launch of online casinos in the state is that they let you play online slots for free. That’s right, you can play your favorite online slots without risking any of your money.
When it comes to playing slots for free, most PA online casinos offer you two options.
The first is demo mode. Most of the slots you find will offer a demo mode that lets you play for free, allowing you to check out a slot and play through all the normal features including any free spin bonuses and fun bonus games with play money.
At the end of the day, you won’t win any real cash playing slots in demo mode. However, you’ll see all the game has to offer and see if it’s for you.
How to win real money playing slots for free
Your second option for playing online slots for free is to take advantage of the many free bonuses PA online casinos offer and using that bonus money to play slots. This option gives you the opportunity to win real cash playing slots for free.
The no deposit bonuses that online casinos offer are just that. They give you real money to play slots just for signing up for an account. These bonuses are generally $25 or less, and you’ll have to gamble with the cash to meet any wagering requirements before you can withdraw it. However, a no deposit bonus could help you build a bankroll out of thin air.
Though not quite the same as playing for free, many online casinos also offer matched deposit bonuses. These are generally 100% matches on your first deposit and are much larger than the no deposit bonuses.
Once again, you’ll have to gamble to meet any wagering requirements before you can get your hands on the bonus. However, playing slots remains the best way to do that.
Playing slots for real money
You’ve played the demos to figure out which slots are for you. You’ve run through your no deposit bonus, turning a tidy, but small, profit. Now you’re ready to get serious about online slots and take advantage of a matched deposit bonus.
That means making a deposit, and it starts with deciding on the best banking option for you. Online casinos in Pennsylvania make the entire process easy by offering a range of deposit methods. These include:
- Debit or credit cards
- ACH or bill pay bank transfers
- Third-party payment processors like PayPal
- Cash via PayNearMe or an affiliated licensed casino
The first step is to log in to your account using the name and password you provided when you registered. If you signed up through a link on this website and entered a bonus code or promo code, your first deposit will be eligible for the casino’s matched deposit bonus if it offers one.
The next step is finding the tab labeled “deposit” or “cashier” on the homepage or app. This might be in the “My Account” menu. Then, click on your deposit method of choice and follow the prompts. Confirm the transaction, and the funds should be available almost immediately.
Finally, play your favorite slots to meet the wagering requirements for your matched deposit bonus. After that, the online casino will release the bonus funds and you can use that bonus cash. If you’re lucky enough to win, you can also withdraw those winnings using the same method you used to deposit funds into your account. If that’s not available, you can choose another way or get a check in the mail in about a week.
Mobile slots in PA
If you play on an app, you’ll find that most of your favorite online slots work just fine. There may be a more limited selection of slots than you’ll find using an online casino’s website, but a number of your favorite titles are bound to be there. Some may have even been adapted specifically for mobile use.
To make sure the slots you want to play work well via the app, you can always try them out in demo mode first. Get the app for Android or iPhone and iPad by following our link to the casino site on your mobile device and downloading from there.
Then, play as many slots as you like using the app. You can clear any wagering requirements for both no deposit and matched deposit bonuses at PA online casinos through mobile play.
Progressive slots
Progressive jackpot slots are a big part of playing slots. These games promise you the chance to win large amounts of money, and the jackpots grow with every spin. That’s right, a piece of every dollar you and others put into a progressive slot goes into the jackpot, and it keeps on growing until somebody wins.
Land-based casinos in PA host stand-alone and linked progressives.
Stand-alone progressive slots are single slot machines that offer a progressive jackpot exclusive to that machine. Only money put in that machine goes into the jackpot, which will be won on that machine.
Linked progressives are groups of slot machines that offer a progressive jackpot exclusive to that group of machines. They might be the same game or a group of games, but all the money put into those machines goes into the jackpot, which will be won on one of the machines.
Linked progressives link together slot machines over a defined area or a wider network. The bigger the area or network, the more players there usually are, leading to bigger progressive jackpots.
Online casinos in Pennsylvania host similar stand-alone and linked progressive slots.
Stand-alone progressives are single online slots with a progressive jackpot exclusive to that game. Linked online progressives may include multiple slots at one PA online casino or a connected group of online casinos in the state with a progressive jackpot exclusive to those games.
PA loyalty programs and slots
Many online casinos offer bonuses to draw you in, but they also want to keep you around. That’s why most have loyalty programs designed to reward you for playing regularly. These are always great for slot players because of the high volume most put in.
At land-based casinos you might get a card you can insert into a slot machine to track your play. You’ll collect points and can redeem them for various rewards and comps at the casino. You can get your hands on everything from free food and beverages to free play on your favorite games.
Online casinos make the earning process even easier. Your play is tracked and you earn points automatically.
Most of the time, you can redeem these points for free play on your favorite online games or merchandise in an online store. However, many online casinos will also let you redeem the points at their partner land-based casinos.
Many casinos also run special promotions that can help you earn points faster on certain games or at specific times.
Like most land-based casino loyalty programs, online casino loyalty programs are practically built for slot players. That’s because slot play is one of the best and fastest ways to clear bonuses and earn loyalty points.
Playing Online Slots vs. Brick and Mortar
There really isn’t that much of a difference between the slots you’ll find at PA casinos and those at PA online casinos. In fact, most of your favorite slots at PA land-based casinos will make the transition to the online casinos.
The games are pretty much the same, but there are many advantages to playing online slots at PA online casinos:
- It takes infinitely less time to log in to PA online casino than it does to get out to PA brick and mortar casino.
- There’s a cost saving as you’ll spend less on gas, parking, and other associated travel expenses by playing online.
- Changing slots can be done with the click of a button online, so there’s no more wandering around the isles of a PA casino looking for one you want to play.
- Payouts are instantaneous at PA online casinos, no matter how big. Therefore, there’s no need to validate a ticket or wait for a hand pay.
- PA casinos certainly have a lot of slots to choose from, but PA online casinos have more.
- PA online casinos have online versions of almost all your favorite slots and allow you to play them from the privacy of your own home.
Software & Developers
Here’s a look at the top 5 software houses in the business:
Bally Slots
The story of Bally Technologies started over 85 years ago with a wooden pinball game called Ballyhoo. Now it is a division of Scientific Games enterprise based in Las Vegas, Nevada that designs and manufacturers slot machines and other gaming technology.
Bally’s library includes popular slot titles like Quick Hit, Blazing 7s, Wonder Woman, and Michael Jackson.
Konami
Konami is a Japanese entertainment and gaming conglomerate that started out designing classic video games like Frogger. It has since expanded to include a casino gaming business in Paradise, Nevada that designs and manufactures slots.
Popular titles include China Shores, Diamond Point, and Dungeons & Dragons.
IGT Slots
IGT is one of the largest designers and manufacturers of slots in the world. The company claims to be #1 in games and #1 in jackpots with over $6 billion in payouts to date.
Popular IGT network wide-area progressive slots include Megabucks, Wheel of Fortune, and the Blake Shelton video slot. IGT is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
NetEnt Slots
NetEnt is a digitally distributed gaming systems supplier that works with some of the world’s most successful online gaming operators.
Its list of award-winning games includes the Guns N’ Roses video slot, Planet of the Apes, and Jumanji.
High 5 Gaming Slots
High 5 Games is one of the world’s leading content creators for the land-based, online, and social gaming markets.
Some of its most popular slot titles include DaVinci Diamonds, Mega Hits Golden Goddess, and Noah’s Ark. The company has corporate offices in New York and New Jersey.
High 5 Games is one of the leading software suppliers to several of the New Jersey market’s top online casino sites.
Types of Slot Machines in PA
- Classic 3-Reel Slots: Looking for a feeling of nostalgia? Classic 3-Reel Slots offer the real old-school gaming experience you’re after. Line up the cherries or the sevens for the classic payday.
- Bonus Video Slots: Bonus Video Slots turn the Classic 3-Reel Slots experience on its head. New technology allows these Bonus Video Slots to combine classic slots with popular themes and additional bonus games that take slot play to the next level
- Free Spins: Many Bonus Video Slots offer a Free Spins feature allowing you to play for free and increase your winnings exponentially. Some even allow you to win more free spins from a free spin.
- Pick ‘Em Bonus: Bonus Video Slots often feature bonus games with big prizes. The Pick ‘Em Bonus is one such game, allowing you to pick from a series of symbols revealing a prize underneath. Some of these prizes even include jackpots.
- Buy a Bonus: Several Bonus Video Slots feature bonus games where the big prizes await. Some even include a Buy a Bonus feature allowing you to buy your way directly into the bonus game.
- Stacked / Cascading Wilds: There are a number of Bonus Video Slots that feature Stacked or Cascading Wilds. This feature essentially spreads wild symbols across the reels increasing your chances of winning exponentially. This often leads to big wins and access to other bonus features as well.
- Bonus Wheels: Bonus Video Slots often feature bonus games with Bonus Wheels. This gives you the chance to spin a wheel for big prizes, which is quite often the path to triggering a progressive jackpot win.
- Themed Slots: Several Bonus Video Slots feature themes based on popular TV shows, films and musicians. These Themed Slots often offer various video content, top quality soundtracks, and some of the bigger progressive jackpots.
Understanding the Paylines
The object of a slot is almost always to line up the same symbols on the reels. The different ways you can do that depends on the number of paylines the slot includes. Plus, several slots allow you access to an increased number of paylines as you increase your bet.
Winning on a slot machine is always about luck, but the more paylines on offer, the more chances you have to win.
While the Classic 3-Reel Slots have pretty straightforward paylines you can see for yourself, Bonus Video Slots often feature hundreds that can be tough to find. However, most offer a chance to see how the paylines line up with the click of a button.
Understanding the RTP
RTP or a game’s Return To Player rate is the percentage of how much money a game takes in that it will ultimately pay back to players.
It doesn’t mean that RTP is guaranteed for each session. Or, that you’ll ever win playing that slot. It simply means that over time, for every $1 put into it, a slot will pay back that certain percentage to someone.
The opposite of RTP is the house edge the casino enjoys on a game.
For example, a slot may have an RTP of 95 percent. That means the house enjoys a five percent edge on that game and the casino will keep five percent of every bet over time.
It also means that 95 cents of every dollar put into a game will be paid back to players. If you lose $300 playing that slot, it’ll eventually pay back $285 dollars of it to players, but that doesn’t necessarily include you.
Let’s say someone wins a $10,000 jackpot playing that slot. That means someone, or a group of someones, is going to lose over $10,500 playing the game to make up for it.
Casinos have the ability to set the RTP on a slot. Players simply need to be on the right side of a game’s RTP at the right time to win. Other than that, the real RTP and house edge will be realized over time with the house enjoying the set edge over the long haul.
Pennsylvania Slot Machine Laws
Slot machines are legal at Pennsylvania’s licensed casinos and have been a part of the legal casino gambling scene here since the start. In fact, the state’s initial casino legislation, passed in 2004, allowed racetracks and new stand-alone casinos and resort casinos to run slots only, making them the only legal casino games in town.
Pennsylvania’s first casino slots launched in 2006 and helped generate over $1 billion in slot revenue in year one. Of course, these operators were allowed to launch table games in 2010, but to this day, slot machines still dominate gambling floors and gambling revenue reports across the state.
There were close to 25,000 slot machines in operation at the state’s casinos in 2019.
More PA slot machine laws
Gambling laws in the state allow racetracks and casinos to apply for one of four categories of slots license, dictating how many slot machines they can have:
- Category 1 licenses are for racetracks and permit each to host up to 5,000 slots.
- Category 2 licenses are for stand-alone casinos and permit each to host up to 5,000 slots.
- Category 3 licenses are for resort casinos and permit each to host up to 600 slots or pay another $2.5 million to add 250 more.
- Category 4 licenses are for mini-casinos and permit each to host up to 750 slots.
Pennsylvania law also tells license holders how loose the slots have to be. All slots in PA must have a return-to-player rate of 85% or more. That means at least 85 cents of every dollar put into a slot must be returned to players as prizes. Online casinos are subject to the same law.
Is it legal to own a slot machine in Pennsylvania?
The law also allows you to buy a classic slot and put it in your home, as long as you are 25 or older, the slot is from 1941 or earlier, and it is used for fun only. That means no home slot gambling in PA.
Buying a slot and then letting people gamble on it is against the law, even if it’s just your friends playing.
Pennsylvania slot revenue
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported $2.36 billion in gross revenue from these slot machines in 2019, less than one-half of one percent off the $2.369 billion they generated in 2018. Thanks to a hefty 54% tax rate on slots, that meant more than $1.2 billion in tax revenue for the state.
In 2017, the state Legislature voted to legalized online gambling, before passing a new gambling expansion package in 2018 that was signed into law that year. The state’s casinos started offering online slots in the summer of 2019, and in just the first six months, online slots generated more than $20 million in revenue.
All told, PA’s first online casinos generated $33.5 million in gross revenue in 2019, putting another $13.3 million into state coffers. And the online casino and online slots scene has only grown since then. In fact, PA online casinos are now regularly posting online slot revenue of more than $50 million monthly.
PA Skill Games vs. Slot Machines
Skill Games in PA look a lot like slots. However, the games are variations of Tic-Tac-Toe and other games that require some type of skill to beat them.
You might find them in a gas station, convenience store, or some sort of skill game parlor as opposed to a casino.
The games reportedly involve some kind of actual skill whereas slot machines are based on luck alone. This is why some businesses in PA have been allowed to operate the games without a casino license.
Pennsylvania’s 2017 casino expansion laws tried to clarify the issue, but it remains unsolved.
Some Pennsylvania courts have ruled in favor of allowing the games and other cases against operators are still pending. For now, it remains a gray area.
Where to play slots in Pennsylvania
Here’s a quick rundown of licensed casinos in Pennsylvania and some of the slot machines you’ll find there:
Harrah’s Philadelphia
777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, PA 19013
Slots: 100,000-square-foot casino featuring 2,000 slot machines. There’s a high limit slots area and nonsmoking slots area with penny, nickel and quarter games. Titles include Wheel of Fortune and Jackpot Party. Hot new slot titles include AGS Orion, Smokin’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, PA 17028
Slots: Over 2,000 reel, progressive and video slot machines, plus over 200 new slots. Titles include Double Jackpot — Triple Blazing 7s and Monopoly Wheel — Luxury Diamonds. Hot new slot titles include Dancing Foo, Lightning Cash and Money Rain.
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino
210 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301
Slots: One of the largest casino floors on the East Coast with over 2,500 slot machines. There’s a high limit room offering slots and video poker machines from $1-$100. Titles include Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes and Buffalo Gold.
Mohegan Sun Pocono
1280 Pennsylvania 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Slots: Over 1,900 slots, from 1 cent to $100 machines. Titles include Wheel of Fortune, Triple Red Hot 7s, Monopoly and Hot Shot Progressive. Hot new slot titles include Ultra Rush: Sky Fire, Jin Ji Bao Xi — Rising Fortunes and Star Spangled Riches.
Parx Casino
2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
Slots: 150,000 square feet of gambling with over 3,330 slots. There’s a high limit slots area dubbed Xclusive with $1 to $100 denomination slot machines, premium beverage service and a private cashier. Titles include Wonka, Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune. Plus, over 150 hot new slot titles like Rakin’ Bacon, Mighty Cash and Leprechaun’s Gold.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
8199 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509
Slots: 1,500 slots in denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100. There’s a high limit room. How to get free chips on pop slots. Titles include Double Diamond, Quick Hits Platinum and Wolf Run.
Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands Bethlehem)
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18015
Slots: 183,000-square-foot casino featuring 3,000 slot machines. Slots range in denomination from $0.01 to $100. Unique game themes and progressive jackpot machines. Plus, multi-line, multi-coin, interactive bonus screen games. Titles include Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hits and Diamond Jackpot — Triple Blazing 7s.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
777 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Slots: Over 2,600 slot machines from penny slots to a high limit slots area. Plus, over 1,000 slots in a nonsmoking area. Titles include Quick Hits Platinum, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune and Double Top Dollar. New slots include Rakin’ Bacon, American Original and The Price is Right Plinko.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Slots: Over 3,000 slot machines, including old-school classics, hot new favorites, penny machines and high rollers. Titles include Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes and Stinkin’ Rich. New slots include 5 Dragons Gold and Jinse Dao Dragon.
Mount Airy Casino
312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono, PA 18344
Slots: Over 1,800 slots. Titles include penny classics like Wheel of Fortune and Jackpot Party. Cutting-edge games include 88 Fortunes and Buffalo.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
Slots: Over 300 slot machines. Titles include Triple Double Diamond, Money Rain Deluxe and Cleopatra Gold. Newer slots include Dragon Link — Golden Century and Wonder 4 Spinning Fortunes.
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Slots: 850 of the hottest and most popular slot machines, including 250 new titles. Popular slot titles include Wonder 4, Buffalo Rush, Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold and Quick Hits.
Slot Machine FAQ
Can you win money playing slots online?
Starting July 15, 2019 at a variety of licensed PA online casinos you certainly can. Playing for real money on any other casinos site is illegal and you might have a tough time getting paid any money you might win.
Is it legal to play online slot machines?
Pennsylvania’s 2017 casino expansion laws made it legal for licensed operators to offer online slots to players inside the state. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has set July 15, 2019 as the date when the casinos will officially launch and legal online slot play will begin.
Which PA online game has the best payout rate?
The house edge for PA casino blackjack under PGCB rules is only .40 percent. That means the game has a an RTP of 96.6 percent. In other words, $96.60 of every $100 bet on Blackjack at a PA casino will be returned to players. If the same rules apply to online blackjack, it will be the PA online game with the best payout rate.
However, if any PA online casino offers Single-Deck Blackjack, that’ll beat it. Single-Deck Blackjack has an RTP of 99.83 percent, better than any other casino game in the world.
Are the slot machines online in PA fair?
PA online slots are powered by the same system and overseen by the same government organization as the slots in land-based casinos. That means that PA online slots are vetted in much the same way and are just as safe to play.
That organization is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and while they don’t remove the house edge on slots, they do ensure it’s set at 15 percent or less.
The PGCB also puts the online slots through a rigorous testing process to ensure that everything is fair and above board.
What happens if I win a jackpot?
If you win a jackpot playing slots at an online casino in PA you should see the money in your account immediately.
Go through the quick and easy withdrawal process to get your hands on the actual money, but make sure you set aside some for taxes.
You are on the honor system to report this as income to the IRS. However, your net gambling winnings are taxable at a rate of 25 percent, no matter how and where you won it.
Can I use my players reward card?
This is online casino dependent. However, it appears that most PA online casinos will allow you to earn and redeem points at both their land-based and online casino partners.
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
Pa Lottery Slot Machines
Pa Lottery Slot Machines Online
is a relatively new concept in Pennsylvania. Several betting sites have launched, and there’s a bit of an arms race underway.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.
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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
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
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