Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the most permissive states when it comes to gambling, with most activities legally provided for under current laws. Residents of the Keystone State have many options available along with most forms of online gambling.

Pennsylvania: Which Gambling Activities Are Legal?

The Pennsylvania Criminal Code generally prohibits all forms of gambling unless explicitly stated otherwise. However, many Acts have been passed over the years, making exceptions for numerous licensed gambling operators. As a result, residents can enjoy access to many activities such as casino games, poker, bingo, lottery, sports betting, parimutuel horse race betting and DFS.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees gambling in the state.

Playing in Land-Based and Online Casinos

Casino gambling is legal in Pennsylvania, with 17 casinos and racinos currently offering games. These venues are split into three categories: standalone, resort and satellite (or mini) casinos.

These categories determine the number and type of games which are permitted to be offered. Resort casinos can host 600 gambling machines and 50 tables, while standalones and racinos can offer up to 5,000 machines and 250 table games. Satellite casinos are smaller establishments that can only be run by existing licensed operators.

Online casino gambling is legal in Pennsylvania, with around 20 platforms holding a license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Thanks to permissive laws, residents have plenty of choice when it comes to playing online casino slots, table games and live dealer games. Top sites such as BetMGM Casino, Caesars Casino, Unibet Casino and Borgata Casino all accept players from Pennsylvania.

Poker Gambling

Poker gambling is permitted, with the state's numerous casinos offering games in their well-stocked rooms. Availability varies from venue to venue depending on size, but most larger casinos offer a mix of cash games and regular tournaments.

Playing poker online is legal in Pennsylvania, with many top sites licensed to operate within state borders. Residents can sign up at the most popular online casinos such as PokerStars, Borgata Poker and WSOP.com to enjoy a wide range of games.

Games of Bingo

Only charitable organisations are legally permitted to offer bingo in the state. Though other small-stakes games of chance, such as pull tabs, punchboards and raffles can be offered at taverns, but only under strict conditions.

Online bingo is legal in Pennsylvania, with several operators licensed to offer games, including Borgata Casino, Bally Casino and BetRivers Casino. Players can enjoy plenty more games via other out-of-state bingo casinos online too.

Lotto, Keno and Scratch Cards

Lottery gambling is legal with the Pennsylvania Lottery offering tickets for games such as Powerball, Mega Millions and Cash4Life, plus a range of Pick games. Scratch cards, keno, virtual football and racing games are also offered and regularly streamed on retailer monitors.

The Pennsylvania Lottery site also offers online lottery games for real money via their website.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Social casinos that allow members to enjoy casino games using only play chips are deemed legal as no real money is involved. The general interpretation of the law regarding home-based poker games is that these are legal as long as there is no profit beyond player winnings. The legality of modern forms of gambling, such as loot boxes and skins, is still up for debate though.

Pennsylvania laws do not regard cryptos as legal tender, with none of the state's gambling establishments permitted to accept these as payment. Those looking for casino games to play using Bitcoin and altcoins can find them legally at online crypto casinos.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, and most of the existing land-based casinos are now permitted to offer markets to customers. Parimutuel betting on horse races is also permitted via the state's racinos.

Online sports betting is legal and available to residents via more than ten operators and many licensed online casinos. Parimutuel betting on horse races is also offered online via sites such as Twinspires.

Daily fantasy sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania, with eight operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, offering plenty of options.

Minimum Gambling Age Restrictions

The legal gambling age in Pennsylvania is generally 18 years old, but residents must be at least 21 to play casino games or bet on sports.

Gambling Tax Regulations

Pennsylvania regulations state that all gambling winnings are subject to a state tax of 3.07%. However, this rises to 15.3% if the individual is a professional gambler. A 24% withholding tax is also applied to winnings over $5,000 at the federal level.

History of Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's gambling laws date back to 1820 when gambling on horse racing was made illegal. Parimutuel horse racing betting was legalised in 1967.

The Pennsylvania Lottery was established in 1971, while charities were legally permitted to run bingo games and raffles from 1991.

The Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act was passed in 2004, which allowed for the operation of casinos and racetracks. In 2017, a bill was passed to allow the legal operation of mini-casinos and gambling activities at qualifying truck stops.

Sports betting and online gambling were finally legalised in 2017.

Key Facts

• Casino gambling is legal, with the state home to 17 casinos and racinos.

• Online casino gambling is legal.

• Poker gambling is legal, with most of the casinos offering games.

• Online poker gambling is legal.

• Bingo gambling is legal, but charitable organisations can only run games.

• Online bingo gambling is legal.

• Lottery gambling is legal via the Pennsylvania Lottery.

• Online lottery gambling is legal via the state's online operation, iLottery.

• Sports betting is legal in both online and offline forms.

• Parimutuel betting on horse racing is legal, both online and offline.

• Daily fantasy sports betting is legal.