Home to one of the country’s biggest poker stars, Jake Schindler, the Pennsylvania has tolerant gambling laws and high-quality online casinos available to residents. Despite the Keystone State legalizing online poker in 2017, the top offshore poker rooms continue to grow by the thousands as PA players opt for the finest poker packages.
We have taken the time to assess thousands of online casinos and compile a list of the best options for poker fans. Our findings, along with some interesting tips for getting started as an online player and finding the best bonus rewards have all been documented below. You can also check out our guide to online poker for real money for more information.
- All
Top Rated134 Codes claimed
100% deposit match up to $3,000
11/09/23100% deposit match up to $3,000
- Huge Range of Sports Markets
- Live In-Game Betting
- $1,000 Welcome Bonus
Use bonus code9.6
Claim BonusCopiedBETCASINO
CopyLearn More00100% deposit match up to $3,000 for new players. This is spread over your first three deposits, $1,000 maximum awarded with each deposit. Minimum of $25 for each deposit. Wagering requirements: 30x.
100% deposit match up to $3,000
30/08/22100% deposit match up to $3,000
- HD Quality Live Streaming
- Accepts Major Cryptocurrencies
- Top Parlay Builder
Use bonus code9.3
Claim BonusCopiedCAWELCOME100
CopyLearn More00100% deposit match up to $3,000 with your first deposit. Promo code CAWELCOME100 must be used to claim. Wagering requirements : 30x (live betting and craps do not qualify for rollover requirements). Maximum wager of 50% of your deposit in one bet.
600% up to $6000 Deposit Bonus
30/08/23600% up to $6000 Deposit Bonus
- Massive Progressive Jackpots
- Rapid Pay Outs - 48 Hour Withdrawal Processing
- Play from as Little as $0.10
Use bonus code4.5
Claim BonusCopiedHUGEWINS
CopyLearn More00Bonus valid only in casino red with bonus codes: INSIDERS1and INSIDERS2. Minimum deposit of $20 USD applies. General terms and conditions apply.
100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000
15/11/22100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000
- Top All-In-One Gambling Site
- Many Betting Options & Promotions
- All US Customers Accepted
Use bonus code8
Claim BonusCopiedNEWSB
CopyLearn More00This bonus is only available on your first deposit. Bonus Funds will be released in stages of $5 each. Every time you earn $50 in rake $5 of your bonus amount will be released, until all your bonus funds are released.
Up To $3,000 Bonus
24/01/22Up To $3,000 Bonus
- Top Blackjack Online Casino
- Poker Tournaments with Huge Payouts
- High Roller Casino
4
NO CODE REQUIREDClaim BonusLearn More0025x wagering requirement, requirement must be met within 30 days. No promo code applies. Up to %150 deposit match for new players ($1500 casino & $1500 poker)List of the Best PA Online Poker Sites
- BetOnline – The Flagship Poker Room for PA Poker Enthusiasts
- Bovada – Grab A Seat at World-Class Poker Tournaments
- Everygame – Win International Trips to The Biggest Poker Destinations
- Sportsbetting.ag – Large Guaranteed Prize Pools Every Sunday
- Ignition – Play Anonymously for Adventurous Gameplay
The Latest Pennsylvania Poker News
Under the direct supervision of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Horse Development and Gaming Act was approved almost 2 decades ago. This would mark the debut of legalized, electronic gaming devices at standalone casinos, racetracks, and less significant casino resorts. By 2010, table games such as blackjack and poker were legally permitted.
The most notable development in PA online poker laws took place in 2017 when a gaming expansion bill outlined the authorization of online gaming platforms under the circumstances that commercial casinos apply for separate online sports betting and internet gambling licenses. There have not been any further revisions to the state’s gambling legislature and we don’t foresee there being any for the foreseeable future, but we will be sure to update this report if anything changes.
Reviews of the Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites
With gambling restrictions having eased up just under 5 years ago, Pennsylvania online poker players turned to online poker rooms with decades in the industry. Things haven’t changed much since the authorization of local online gambling, as thousands of players continue to register at the best offshore online casinos every day. Below is a breakdown of the top PA virtual poker rooms’ best and worst qualities to help you weigh up the best option for you.
1. BetOnline – The Flagship Poker Room for PA Online Poker Enthusiasts
- Website: betonline.ag
- Payout time: 48 hours – 10 days
- Established: 2001
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: Panama
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
Our overall rating for this poker room, as seen in our BetOnline review, comes as no surprise to us. Over the years, we have continued to assess the quality of this high-rated popular casino. Not only does BetOnline continue to satisfy with its colorful poker lobby, but it also continues to prove its commitment to its players by ensuring that the frequency of large jackpots and exciting tournaments stays consistent.
Although this casino does not offer a downloadable poker app, we are pleased with the standard of their web-based app. The user interface is aesthetically pleasing on both desktop and mobile devices. Arguably one of the most important aspects to consider is the bonus rollover requirements, which we found to be pretty fair.
Poker Game Variety at BetOnline: 4.7/5
BetOnline’s most popular variation of poker is No Limit Texas Hold’em, while other variations such as Pot Limit Omaha trail closely behind. To keep things interesting, BetOnline hosts tournaments around the clock, each equipped with various stake tables to suit most types of players. Some of the most popular tournaments hosted at BetOnline include Windfall Sit ‘n Go’s and Tourney Money Builders and Progressive Bounties in which you’ll earn a cash bounty for every competitor you knockout.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
The wide selection of over 20 payment options at BetOnline concretes the conscious effort they put into providing a safe, efficient platform for those looking to participate in online poker for real money in Pennsylvania. Not only can you access almost all of the most popular gateways like Cryptocurrencies, but you’ll be awarded generously for doing so. Rewards for Crypto transactions come in the form of reload bonuses which can be claimed every single time you transact, making BetOnline one of the best Crypto poker sites.
Customer Support: 4.5/5
Should you have any questions, you’ll be able to contact the BetOnline support team in three different ways at any time of the day. Support is reached via the live chat box located on-screen, email or telephone. Upon assessment, we found that the live chat box delivered the fasted response time. We also found the option to request a transcript of the conversation we had via the live chat box useful, especially if you’re requesting information you plan on accessing again in the future.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.3/5
The is no room for constructive criticism when it comes to the bonuses at BetOnline. The two most exciting bonuses at this casino are the reload bonus packages that offer you the opportunity to claim free bonus funds every single time you make a deposit. Most casinos limit such bonuses to the first three or 5 deposits but not BetOnline. As for promotions, there are frequent events such as the all-new Boost Bad Beat jackpot, combining the infamous Boost Poker and Bad Beat Poker for fast-paced, exciting gameplay.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $50 ✅ Casino Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1000 INSIDERS 30x $25 ✅ 1st Time Crypto Bonus 100% up to $1000 INSIDERS 14x $20 ✅ Lifetime Reload Bonus 25% up to $250 INSIDERS 6x $50 ✅ Crypto Reload Bonus 35% up to $350 INSIDERS 8x $20 ✅ Bitcoin Boost 10% with no limit INSIDERS 10x N/A ✅ Pros:
- Wide selection of tournaments
- Crypto players claim exclusive bonus rewards
- Lifetime reload bonuses
- Round-the-clock customer service
- Million-dollar Sit ‘n Go tables
Cons:
- Traditional payment incur high charges
- Payouts are processed on weekdays
2. Bovada – Grab A Seat at World-Class Poker Tournaments
- Website: bovada.lv
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
Our Verdict: 4.4/5
Apart from the confusing customer support system and higher rollover requirements for selected bonuses, we were more than satisfied enough to rank Bovada as one of the top contenders for players looking to play online poker for real money in Pennsylvania. Although live dealer games don’t contribute to your rewards accrual, the rewards program itself is pretty fair and their concept of exchanging rewards points for cash is interesting.
These cash rewards can be used to purchase tournament tickets, instead of having to use your own money. Further concreting our opinion that Bovada, one of the best Bitcoin gambling sites, is also one of the best online poker casinos in PA. Players transacting with Bitcoin, or any other supported Cryptocurrency, are entered into a more exclusive program where they’ll receive more points per wagered dollar than those transacting with any other method.
Poker Game Variety at Bovada: 4.7/5
Bovada is equipped with a selection of gaming formats, making it a great pick for card players whether they enjoy the fast-paced virtual poker experience or prefer to slow things down to a more live-casino-like pace. In addition to poker formats with the sole purpose of adjusting the game pace, Bovada boasts a variety of tournaments with large, guaranteed prize pools. Teeming with their excellent variety of poker games is the option to spice things up with anonymous play.
Payment Options: 4.3/5
We found Bovada’s concept of player transfers rather interesting, and maybe even more surprising than that is that the rest of the industry hasn’t caught on to the concept yet. Player transfers simply allow players to transfer funds from their bankrolls directly into the bankroll of a fellow Bovada friend. Although we were slightly disappointed to find that e-wallets are not supported on Bovada’s cashier page, there was a sufficient number of popular methods to choose from.
Customer Support: 4.0/5
The support structure at Bovada was slightly confusing to us at first as we struggled to find any sort of contact details. Eventually, we found the option to chat live with an agent in the FAQ section. Apart from the apparent renovation, their user interface may need, we were fairly satisfied with the support response via live chat. Bovada does disclose that opting for the email option may result in a 48-hour response time, but we were fortunate enough to receive all email responses within 12 hours.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5
One of the unique things about Bovada’s bonus offering was that a minimum deposit isn’t required before you can claim most of their bonuses. In addition, those looking to maximize the bonus offer may opt to transact using Bitcoin and receive more frequent, exclusive bonuses such as reload bonuses. Crypto players are also entered into an exclusive rewards program, a higher-grade version of the regular Bovada rewards program, where they’ll earn more rewards points for every dollar they wager. Check out our Bovada review for more information.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Welcome Bonus 100% up to $500 INSIDERS N/A N/A ✅ Bitcoin Casino Welcome Bonus 125% up to $3,750 INSIDERS 25x N/A ✅ Refer A Friend 200% up to $250 per friend + $75 if they use Crypto N/A 30x Rewards Points per poker dollar $20 ✅ Casino Welcome Bonus 100% up to $3,000 INSIDERS 25x N/A ✅ Bitcoin Sports Welcome Bonus 75% up to $750 INSIDERS 30x N/A ✅ Sports Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250 INSIDERS 30x N/A ✅ Pros:
- Crypto players claim bigger and better rewards
- Bonuses aren’t subject to min. deposit terms
- High and low-stake tables in every tournament
- Large weekly prize pools guaranteed
- Multiple tournaments running daily
Cons:
- Bonus funds are released incrementally
- Support via email may take up to 48 hours
3. Everygame – Win International Trips to The Biggest Poker Destinations
- Website: everygame.eu
- Payout time: 48 hours – 15 business days
- Established: 1996
- License: Curacao e-Gaming Authority
- Headquarters: Antigua
Our Verdict: 4.3/5
Apart from a few shortfalls like the low withdrawal limit and rakeback terms and conditions, the quality of Everygame’s poker offering is nothing short of a fantastic option for players wanting to venture into the virtual world of online poker for real money in Pennsylvania. From WSOPC opportunities to bubble protection benefits which allow you to reclaim your lost wagers and tournament entry fee every time you finish as the bubble, the poker program at this top Curacao casino is impressive and fun.
If you would prefer to transact using your debit or credit card, you may want to consider the Everygame poker program as you’ll pay zero fees on all your deposits, which simply isn’t the case at most online poker rooms. That being said, Crypto players will find the Everygame poker program almost equally satisfactory thanks to the low Crypto transaction fees, and fast processing time.
Poker Game Variety at Everygame: 4.2/5
The Everygame tournaments are accessible all day, in all the most popular poker variations such as the Superstack poker format and Omaha Hi/Lo. There are plenty of themed tournaments with buy-ins starting from as little as 2c and ranging up to $999. The faster-paced Sit and Go style games come in various formats such as Heads Up or Satellite. Owing to high foot traffic, tables are available around the clock. It’s safe to say the variety at Everygame is in no way deficient.
Payment Options: 4.5/5
The most common Cryptocurrencies and traditional payment methods are supported at Everygame. We did find it strange that Everygame places a $1,000 limit on Credit/Debit card deposits, but we were pretty surprised to see that no fees are charged on such payments making Everygame one of the best credit card casinos in the USA. Crypto transactions outlined a minimum deposit of $100 which we find a bit heavy in comparison to the much lower limits we’ve seen at other online casinos.
Customer Support: 4.2/5
Everygame has different support email addresses for different types of queries. For example, one email address for poker queries and a separate email address for payment queries. We do, however, recommend using the live chat box located on-screen if you’re hoping for a quicker response time. The email option wasn’t too delayed but accessing support without leaving your current tab is a pretty handy feature.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.4/5
Players collect Frequent Player Rewards for the time they spend playing, these are then converted into Gold Chips which can be exchanged for rewards such as No Deposit bonuses! An important tip for all Everygame players is to check your emails regularly as reload bonus offers are personalized and sent directly to your email address once they are rolled out. As you progress through the rewards levels, you’ll receive higher value bonuses but bear in mind that claiming rakeback will slow your rewards progress down.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Welcome Bonus 200% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $25 ✅ Welcome Bonus 125% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $20 ✅ Rookie Raise Welcome Package 125% up to $5,555 INSIDERS 30x $20 ✅ Pros:
- Unique prizes like international poker trips
- Frequent no deposit bonuses
- Buy-ins start from as little as 2c
- Join WSOPC tournaments from your mobile
- No fees for debit & credit card transactions
Cons:
- Rakeback slows your loyalty level progress
- Withdrawals via bank wire are delayed
4. SportsBetting.ag – Large Guaranteed Prize Pools Every Sunday
- Website: Sportsbetting.ag
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours
- Established: 2003
- License: Panama Gambling Control Board
- Headquarters: Panama
Our Verdict: 4.3/5
From fantastic customer service to ensuring that it’s equipped for every type of player with both high and low stake tables available around the clock. The Sportsbetting.ag poker software was particularly enjoyable using a desktop, but we found the user interface via mobile could use a bit of a renovation as it appears dated, and loading time seems slightly delayed.
This casino doesn’t host a vast selection of tournaments like the other casinos on our list but it certainly goes above and beyond to ensure that players are kept captivated with large jackpots, unique gaming formats such as the Bad Beat Jackpot, and themed poker variations.
Poker Game Variety at Sportsbetting.ag: 4.0/5
Players looking for a faster-paced gaming format will enjoy the $1 Million Windfall Jackpot Sit & Go in which players stand a chance to win up to 100,000x of their buy-in amount. Buy-ins for this type of game format range from as little as $3 to $30. For a slower, steadier game speed, the Bad Beat jackpot casino games have a good and frequently updated payout record. This site doesn’t offer a large variety of tournaments, but we were adequately satisfied with the smooth SNG gameplay and weekly jackpots.
Payment Options: 4.1/5
There is a large variety of payment methods to choose from at Sportsbetting.ag. Those looking for supported e-wallet transaction methods will need to look elsewhere. The minimum deposit requirement is fairly normal but anyone looking to transact using wire transfers or a cashier’s check is subject to a minimum $1,000 deposit every time. Those using Cryptocurrencies will be rewarded for doing so and also be subjected to much shorter transaction waiting periods.
Customer Support: 4.6/5
There are three ways to contact support should you have any queries – telephone, email, and live chat. Naturally, we observed the fastest response time using the live chat box, but we were particularly impressed with the attitude and charisma of the telephone support team both times we called. We couldn’t find much fault with their support system, other than the fact that we had to wait a few hours before receiving an email response which isn’t a big deal if you consider the response time using the other two methods.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.4/5
Sporting a variety of welcome bonuses, you’ll kickstart your online gaming hobby the right way. You can access the welcome bonus the first time you make a deposit and have access to other more exciting rewards for transacting with Crypto for the first time or an additional boost each time you deposit using Sportsbetting’s preferred Crypto method, Bitcoin. As for reload bonuses, players receive additional funds every single time they transact for the lifetime of their Sportsbetting.ag subscription.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? First Deposit Bonus 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $50 ✅ Welcome Bonus 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 10x $55 ✅ Crypto 1st Time Bonus 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 14x $20 ✅ Casino Welcome Bonus 100% up to $3,000 INSIDERS 40x $25 ✅ Refer A Friend 200% up to $200 + $44 in tournament credit N/A N/A N/A ✅ Reload Bonus 25% up to $250 INSIDERS 6x $50 ✅ Crypto Reload Bonus 35% up to $350 INSIDERS 8x $20 ✅ Pros:
- Fantastic game variations for SNG players
- Claim reload bonuses every time you deposit
- Impressive rewards for Crypto transactors
- Three different customer support platforms
- Win 100,000x of your original buy-in
Cons:
- The user interface could use some work
- A limited number of tournaments
5. Ignition – Play Anonymously for Adventurous Gameplay
- Website: ignition.eu
- Payout time: 24 – 48 hours
- Established: 2016
- License: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
Our Verdict: 4.1/5
As mentioned in our Ignition review, one of our favorite parts about this poker room is the rewards program in which players earn Ignition points the more they wager. These points are exchanged for tickets to huge tournaments that low-stake players may not have been able to afford otherwise. This, along with the option to transact using almost any of the popular payment methods on the market scores this casino some major points for inclusivity.
Some other key elements of the Ignition offering include the large welcome bonus and weekly freerolls exclusive to players that have reached the second tier in the Ignition Miles program. This is another Crypto-promoting site, so players receive better bonuses for simply transacting using a Cryptocurrency. Some of these awards include weekly reload bonuses as large as the welcome bonus and much faster, free transactions.
Poker Game Variety at Ignition: 4.4/5
In terms of providing a fair space for players of various budgets, Ignition is equipped with endless tables with buy-ins ranging from as little as 2c up to $999. Players also have the option to play anonymously at this top anonymous online casino which ultimately levels out the playing field as you’re free from being recognized by your account alias. There are plenty of tournaments running at the same time, mostly played in the all-time favorite variant, No Limit Hold’em but the Ignition Pot Limit Omaha player pools seem to be growing fast too.
Payment Options: 4.2/5
As is the case with most of the top Pennsylvania online poker rooms, Crypto is promoted throughout the whole site. Players that choose to transact with Crypto at this fast payout online casino receive exclusive rewards such as the weekly reload bonus which impressively comes as big as the welcome bonus. Players opting not to transact using Crypto will be happy to hear that the minimum deposit requirements and service fees charged for most traditional methods such as credit or debit cards are reasonable.
Customer Support: 3.9/5
Although their response time lacks urgency sometimes, we weren’t entirely disappointed by their service. If you can get over the slightly delayed responses, the support team is quite pleasant and knowledgeable. Support can be accessed via live chat, email, or the Ignition community forum in which other Ignition players may choose to answer your questions. Ignition does inform players that email responses may take up to 48 hours, so we weren’t entirely shocked when it took a few hours to receive any formal response.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.0/5
This poker room runs large promotional events weekly, as players stand a chance to win their share of at least $5,000,000 every single week. All Texas Hold’em games are subject to exclusive bonuses depending on the value of your hand, whether you win or not. Players collect Ignition Miles for wagering real money, these miles can be used to purchase tournament tickets with five, sometimes six-figure guaranteed prize pools.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus 150% up to $1,500 INSIDERS 25x $20 ✅ Weekly Boost 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 35x N/A ✅ Tell A Friend 200% up to $100 + $25 for every friend that uses Crypto N/A 15x $20 ✅ Pros:
- Crypto players receive weekly freeroll tickets
- Weekly guaranteed prize pool of $5,000,000
- Take part in first-class tournaments
- Buy tournament tickets using loyalty points
- Weekly freerolls for chrome-level players
- Lead
Cons:
- Customer support response time is delayed
More on gambling in Pennsylvania…
Learn about all types of online gambling in Pennsylvania in our expert guides below:
- Pennsylvania Sports Betting
- Pennsylvania Real Money Online Casinos
- Pennsylvania Online Gambling
- Pennsylvania Casino Promos
- Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos
- Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps
PA Online Poker FAQs
What is the best online poker site for beginners in Pennsylvania?
What is the most legit online poker site for Pennsylvania?
Can I legally play poker online in Pennsylvania?
Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?
Comparing PA Poker Sites
In an attempt to save you some research time, we have compiled a short outline of some considerations to bear in mind before you start investing real money.
Poker Room Poker Bonus Promo Code Casino Poker Freerolls Qualifiers Guarantees BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 18+ ✅ ✅ ❌ Bovada 100% up to $500 INSIDERS 7+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Everygame 200% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 22+ ✅ ✅ ❌ Sportsbetting.ag 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 15+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Ignition 150% up to $1,500 INSIDERS 7+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Is Online Poker Legal in Pennsylvania?
Recent legislation amendments, particularly the wide-ranging gaming expansion bill of 2017, outlined the authorization of electronic gaming devices and table games. This bill also authorized the operation of and public participation in online gaming under the condition that local commercial casinos applied for a separate gaming license. This marked the first year of legal online poker, casino gambling, and sports betting in PA history.
Before the debut of this notable progression in gambling history, the local gambling legislation in the US did not prevent the online realm of gambling from booming the way one might expect. For decades, the online industry has grown rapidly year after year, with local markets such as the Keystone State players who turned to offshore casinos for a chance to win their favorite games of online poker for real money in Pennsylvania.
There is no record of any online players being legally penalized or prosecuted for participation in online gambling at an offshore casino, before or after the legalization of online gambling in the state. Thousands of PA players continue to compete in world-class poker tournaments at their past favorite offshore casinos for a chance to win their share of large prize pools that go unmatched by the smaller prize pools offered at locally based online casinos.
Pennsylvania Poker Laws
Playing poker in the state of Pennsylvania is legal whether you opt for the buzzing atmosphere of a live casino or a higher-paying online poker experience. There are currently
- Legalization of live casinos: The Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, otherwise known as Act 71, this historic progress in gambling legislature was enrolled in 2004, outlining the enrollment of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the legalization of live casinos.
- Legalization of live poker: Poker, along with other table games such as blackjack and roulette were legalized in 2010.
- Legalization of online poker: A wide-ranging expansion bill is introduced and outlines limits of 750 electronic gaming devices and 40 table games were placed on each legal mini-casino or satellite, of which a maximum of 10 could operate in the state. Online poker, as well as other forms of online gambling, are legalized under the condition that legally operating local live casinos apply for separate licenses to operate an online platform.
Previous Online Poker Bills in Pennsylvania
The history of gambling in Pennsylvania goes way back, with a handful of bills being introduced unsuccessfully before the turn of the millennium. Below is an outline of the basic history of gambling in PA, starting from the very beginning.
March 1971: The state lottery was established in an attempt to promote tax relief to the elderly generation in the form of all property taxes paid in 1971 and moving forward. This relief applied to all homeowners over the age of 65. Legislators also hoped that the enrollment of the state lottery would aid in reducing local participation in illegal gambling practices.
1980 – 1990: Countless pushes were made toward the legalization of live casinos, with the first notable attempt taking place in the Pocono Mountains Resort area. Residents responded negatively to a multitude of polls as concerns of corruption and criminal activity in other states with less stringent gambling laws made the news.
1993 – 1994: PA saw a notable push for gambling in the form of riverboats, as protestors became more convinced of the financial gain PA would see when gambling became legal. Concerns of crime and corruption would ultimately shut down the movement for half a decade.
1999: The first bill to be approved by the house occurred in 1999. This bill was supposed to allow a voter referendum to make the final call on whether certain gambling practices would be legalized, namely riverboats, video poker, and racetracks. However, the voter referendum was never scheduled and ultimately ended the same way all previous attempts to legalize gambling in PA did.
2004: The first successful attempt to legalize gambling is made as Act 71 is enrolled, allowing the establishment of casinos and racetracks.
2010: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board signs off on an amendment to Act 71, authorizing table games at live casinos.
2017: Internet gambling is legalized.
Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Pennsylvania
Gambling tax revenue is mostly distributed to property owners paying school taxes in an attempt to alleviate tax-inflicted financial shock. Smaller portions of the overall revenue are allocated to local law enforcement grants and responsible gambling programs that provide people with gambling addictions a safe place to rehabilitate. A 54% tax rate is paid on all electronic gaming device revenue while a 16% tax rate is paid on all table game-generated revenue, this goes for all online and live casino operators.
In addition to federal taxes outlined by the IRS, an income tax rate of 3.07% is due by all players as a Pennsylvania state gambling tax. Players are expected to report all of their live and online winnings to the IRS using a PA-40 Schedule (PDF) form. The great news is that players opting to play online poker for real at offshore casinos, do not need to report or pay any taxes on their winnings.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
With state-based online poker rooms having been legalized over half a decade ago, you might be wondering why offshore poker casinos are so widely populated by Pennsylvania residents. Although the basic operations of online casinos are mostly the same despite their geolocation, there are a few notable differences between gambling at a regulated casino compared to gambling at an offshore casino which is regulated by a gambling control board in a different country, and here is the breakdown.
- Location: A regulated casino is a gambling operator that operates under the direct supervision of a local regulatory body, whereas an offshore casino may or may not be regulated. The top offshore casinos, such as the ones we recommend on our site, however, have all been licensed by a regulatory body based in the same country they operate in, such as the Panama Gaming Commission which overlooks Panama-based casinos like BetOnline. This particular difference does not affect your gaming experience in any way.
- Legal jurisdictions: Regulated online gambling operators are limited to the number of locations they are authorized to operate in as a result of their responsibility to obey the state and US federal laws. The opposite is true for offshore casinos as they operate under the laws of their country and are not as strictly limited to the number of locations they may operate in. However, some still choose to gamble at regulated casinos because they may look to local authorities for backup if need be.
- Accessibility: Geolocation technologies have been implemented to deny players illegal access to certain regulated and offshore casinos. This ultimately results in much less foot traffic at regulated casinos due to the number of people that are permitted to gamble there. All of the top-ranking offshore casinos on our site are accessible by US players in almost every state.
Ring-fencing refers to a limit that is placed on the player pool of a particular online gambling market. In this case, we are looking at the ring-fenced status of Pennsylvania’s online poker market. Online poker has been authorized in the state of PA under ring-fenced circumstances. Unlike other legally operating online poker markets in the US, gambling legislators decided that the PA player pool would exclusively be shared amongst players in the state of Pennsylvania only.
We do foresee a possible amendment to this clause in the future, considering Michigan’s recent legislature in which they entered the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Should Pennsylvania follow Michigan’s lead and join the MSIGA, the state will share liquidity will all regulated casinos in the states of Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
How to Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania
Reserving your very own seat at some of the world’s most prestigious poker tables is as simple as taking a few minutes to register at the top poker room available to PA online poker players.
Step 1: Visit the BetOnline Homepage
Using the web browser on your preferred device, open your web browser and visit the BetOnline poker room. Once you’re on the BetOnline homepage, click the green ‘Join’ button which you can find at the top of your screen.
Step 2: Set Up Your Poker Account
You will now be prompted to provide some of your basic information, such as your date of birth and mobile number. Be sure to fill in all of your info accurately to avoid any administrative delays when you attempt to withdraw from your account for the first time. Remember that double-checking the information you provide is a great tip for signing up at any Pennsylvania online casino as you will be required to verify your information later on.
Step 3: Claim Your First Deposit Bonus
Before you can start playing, you’ll need to make your first deposit and claim your first casino bonus. Open the BetOnline Banking page, assess the pros and cons of each available deposit method, select the one that suits your needs, and enter the amount you wish to deposit. Before you complete your deposit, you’ll need to enter the welcome bonus promo code, and this is important because you may not claim a welcome bonus after you have finalized your first deposit.
Step 4: Wager and Win Real Money
Now that you’ve got some money in your bankroll, you can take your pick from BetOnline’s wide selection of tournaments and SNGs, all offering a wide variety of table buy-ins to suit every type of budget.
Types of Poker Games Available at Pennsylvania Poker Sites
There are plenty of poker variations, with the three main categories being stud poker, community card poker, and draw poker. Here is a short description of some of the most popular poker variations on the internet.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is currently ranked as the world’s most popular poker variation, with the world’s most prestigious tournaments being played mostly in the No Limit Texas Hold’em format. This game is a great example of a community card poker game. It is believed that the game was first played in the state of Texas in the early 1900s, but it was first commercialized around 1967 in the country’s major gambling hub, Las Vegas.
Pot Limit Omaha
The second most common poker game is called Pot Limit Omaha and involves the dealing of four cards to each player, instead of two which is the case in Texas Hold’em. Players must use two of their hole cards at the player showdown. This game can be played in three formats, namely limit, no limit, and pot limit, and is another common example of a community card game. This game has been gaining in popularity ever since the 70s.
Five-card Stud
This is the oldest variation of a stud poker game. This particular variation is played in the Limit format which means that there is a limit placed on the amount you can bet per street. The goal of a 5-card stud game is to win by having the highest hand at the end, much like most poker games, with the difference being that not all of your cards are kept a secret until the showdown, up-cards are placed and revealed to other participants beforehand.
Poker Site Bonuses Available for Pennsylvania Players
One of the major benefits of playing online is the large scale of bonuses you receive regularly. The rewards programs at online poker rooms typically trump the rewards you’ll receive at live casinos because online platforms simply have a much larger bankroll due to the high foot traffic on the site at all times. Each bonus generally has a different wagering requirement so check the T&Cs before claiming one. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common types of Pennsylvania online poker bonuses and who can expect to receive them.
Match Deposit bonuses
As long as you remember to enter the welcome bonus code before finalizing your first deposit, you along with everyone else that joins an online casino will receive a match deposit bonus, with the most common one being the welcome bonus. An example of how a match deposit bonus would be a ‘100% match deposit up to $1,000.’ This means that you’ll be rewarded with bonus funds, calculated as a percentage of your deposit up to a maximum amount. Using the example provided, you’d receive $1,000 as bonus funds for making a $1,000 deposit.
No Deposit Bonuses
This type of bonus doesn’t come around as often but it’s usually awarded in the form of free spins or free bonus funds for poker players. These bonuses are generally rewarded to players for earning a certain amount of loyalty points or reaching a new level in a loyalty program. These rewards essentially increase your winning potential for free, but they do come with more stringent wagering requirements.
Freeroll Tickets
If you’re a fan of tournament play, we recommend you find a casino that regularly awards its poker players with this type of bonus. Freeroll tickets essentially give you a free pass to high-stake tournaments so that you don’t need to pay the high buy-in. Many casinos offer this type of bonus to Crypto players as a way of promoting the payment method.
Poker site Poker bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Expiration date BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $50 ✅ 30 days Bovada 100% up to $500 INSIDERS N/A $20 ✅ 30 days Everygame 200% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $25 ✅ 90 days SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS N/A $50 ✅ 30 days Ignition 150% up to $1,500 INSIDERS N/A $20 ✅ 30 days Making Deposits & Withdrawals at Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites
Protection over your private information should be the number one priority for both you and the casino you decide to commit to. For this reason, we have only listed legitimate casinos that offer reputable, secure payment methods so you can rest assured that your private information is completely safe and hidden from the unsolicited eyes of third parties. Below are a few of the most common types of payment methods at online poker casinos.
Crypto at Poker Sites
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are a type of digital currency that is used as a medium of exchange. This payment method is generally promoted by most online poker rooms and teemed with the best bonuses. Some of the most exciting benefits of Crypto include the fast transaction processing time and low fees. A cryptocurrency is easy to set up, so taking the time to set one up is almost always worth it if you consider the value of the bonuses offered to Crypto players vs. the bonuses offered to players transacting with more traditional payment methods.
Traditional Payment Methods
Mastercard/Visa debit and credit cards are examples of traditional payment methods. Other forms of this payment method include check by courier, direct wire transfer, and AMEX. This type of payment method is generally associated with higher transaction fees but if you’re intending on transacting using any of these gateways, casinos that promote this type of payment such as the Everygame poker room could be a good option for you. This is because there are no fees on such payments which is not usual for the online gaming domain.
eWallets at Poker Sites
Although this payment method is not yet supported at any of the highest-ranking offshore poker rooms in Pennsylvania, we don’t foresee this being the case for the long haul. This type of payment method is secured with modern SSL encryption software, making it a highly sought-after payment method for those transacting online often. Casinos that do support this method generally charge lower fees for these payments.
Deposit Options Available at the Best Pennsylvania Poker Sites
Here is a breakdown of which deposit methods you’ll find at the top PA online poker sites.
Poker site Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal BetOnline ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Bovada ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌ Everygame ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌ SportsBetting.ag ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Ignition ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌ Withdrawal Options Available at the Best PA Poker Sites
Sometimes withdrawals are not supported using the same methods available for deposits. Here is some insight into the withdrawal methods you’ll find at the best Pennsylvania poker sites.
Poker site Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal BetOnline ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ Bovada ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ Everygame ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ Sportsbetting.ag ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ Ignition ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ Playing on Pennsylvania Online Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
What sets these top mobile casinos apart from the rest is that their apps are not offered in the form of downloadable software. Instead, you’ll be able to access their top fully optimized poker rooms via their web-based app using your web browser. These apps are all optimized to provide players with the full gaming experience on both Android and Apple devices. This means that you’ll have access to all the same bonus offers, loyalty rewards, and promotions.
This is the case whether you play on your desktop or take your gaming experience on the go using your preferred mobile device. You’ll also have access to the same tournaments and SNG tables with various buy-ins. The only exception to your full gaming experience is that you might not be able to compete in tournaments using multi-table tournament mode. That being said, the mobile version of these web-based apps runs smoothly which means your in-game experience won’t be affected by the device you choose to play on.
Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Pennsylvania
Here are a few tips to consider before you get set up as a PA online poker player at one of the top casinos available in the US.
- Make use of the bonus codes on offer: One of the biggest mistakes you can make playing online poker in Pennsylvania is forgetting to enter the promo codes provided on the Promotions page. Be sure to check the Promotions page often, especially before you make any type of deposit, as you’ll need to provide this code before finalizing your deposit to ensure you don’t miss out on the additional bonus funds you could have used to increase your winning potential.
- Personalize your gaming limitations: Most of the top online poker rooms offer players the option to set up personal limits. By taking the time to set up gaming limits whether or not you think you need it, you’ll ensure you’re setting yourself up for healthy gaming habits. Such limits include limits on the amount of time you spend gaming, the amount of money you can deposit at one time, the number of times you are allowed to deposit in a set period, and the maximum amount you are allowed to wager.
- Double–check your registration information: There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with administration delays, especially when you are ready to withdraw for the first time. Before your first withdrawal, you’ll need to verify your identity via email or sms. Naturally, if the information you provided was inaccurate, you will not be able to verify your account – leading to time delays while you rectify your account with customer support. By simply checking the information you provide upon registration, this can be avoided.
- Don’t settle for less than the best: Although the search for the best-suited online poker room may be tedious, the great part is that the choice is yours. Picking the best online casino comes at no cost to you, so there is no good reason to settle for anything less than the best, especially when the best casinos offer a range of buy-ins to suit every type of budget.
- Consider making use of promoted payment methods: Online casinos generally promote a certain payment method by offering exclusive bonuses to players that opt to transact using that particular method. More often than not, a casino will promote Crypto payments by offering reload bonuses and exclusive rewards programs for such members. These rewards are generally pretty valuable so we recommend taking the time to set up a promoted payment method if you want to maximize your rewards benefits.
Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Pennsylvania
On top of the significantly larger poker bonuses that you’ll receive when you opt to play online poker for real money in Pennsylvania, there are a few less obvious advantages ranging from the increased ability to track your opponents’ hands using cheat sheets to the increased ability to try out different strategies without being caught when you opt to play anonymously. Here is a more defined list of the difference between playing online and playing at a live casino.
- Tournaments: The number of tournaments online far outweighs the number of tournaments at a brick-and-mortar casino. This is simply because a live casino has a limited number of tables and cannot house more than a set amount of people, whereas the size of an online tournament is generally limitless. Of course, the more people participating in a tournament, the higher the prize pool will be.
- Game selections: Live casinos are limited as to how many variations they can offer due to the size of their poker room and the type of players that come in regularly. Because online casinos have a wide variety of players, they generally make a point to provide a wide selection of games to meet the wants of their large target market.
- Pacing: One of the most obvious differences between a live and online casino is the time it takes to finish a single game. Not only is a single game faster online, but it’s also possible to play multiple tables at once which is completely impossible at a live casino. The option to play multiple tables at once increases your potential of winning in the amount of time you have to play.
- Flexibility: Of course, taking your gaming experience on the go allows you to be more flexible by limiting the amount of time you have to spend traveling so that you can spend time doing what you actually want to do from the comfort of your home, on your way to work or while you wait for a do.
Live Poker in Pennsylvania – Casinos With Poker Rooms
If you’re out to find the best live poker room in Pennsylvania, here are a few to check out.
Mohegan Pennsylvania
- Address: 280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
- Opening hours: 12 AM – 3 AM
This casino updates its tournament schedule monthly. Players look forward to weekly tournaments hosted at their Hold’em and Bounty tables. There are also weekly promotions such as their high-hand jackpots that take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Parx Casino
- Address: Parx Casino, 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, United States
- Opening hours: 24/7
This poker room boasts over 16K google reviews, with a median rating of 4,1 stars. Players enjoy their pick between 48 action-packed tables, while exclusive members enjoy a 3-table VIP high-limit poker enclave. There is also a selection of 124 other live table games to be enjoyed at Parx Casino.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
- Address: 900 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States
- Opening hours: 24/7
Also sporting an impressive 4,1-star google rating, this poker room operates 24/7 and hosts multiple tournaments throughout the week. This poker room also boasts modern features like charging ports next to every seat. Those looking to spend the night will enjoy a 3-star experience.
Famous Pennsylvania Poker Players
Do you wonder if you have what it takes to become a professional poker player? Take inspiration from some of the top pros in the industry, born and raised in Pennsylvania.
- Jake Schindler: With a total live earnings record of over $35,000,000, Jake claims his spot at number 13 on the All-Time List, and number 9 on the US All-Time Money list. His biggest win totaled $3,2M when he won playing the $250K 2022 Super High Roller Bowl in Europe.
- Joseph McKeehan: Although his total winnings total just over half of Jake’s lifetime winnings, Joseph’s biggest live cash is double the size of Jake’s as he won over $7,600,000 playing Limit Hold’em when he won the WSOP main event in 2015.
The Best Online Poker Site in Pennsylvania
The US still has a lot to catch up to do in terms of gambling regulations in the state. Fortunately, Pennsylvania residents are authorized to participate in both live and online poker. For decades, Pennsylvania players turned to offshore casinos – playing in some of the world’s most prestigious poker qualifiers. Having decades of experience, these top offshore poker rooms in Pennsylvania continue to receive thousands of PA registrations daily, and for good reason.
After a thorough assessment, we confidently recommend that our readers visit the BetOnline poker room for the best selection of poker variations, poker bonuses, and large daily jackpots. Those looking to take their gaming experience on the go can look forward to all the same benefits as well as some exclusive mobile bonuses.
Shannon Hundermark
Shannon Hundermark
Popular Pages
