Pa Casinos That Pay Real Money
Real gambling apps: advantages and drawbacks. Some advantages to playing on mobile casinos are convenience, ease of use, and in some cases better bonuses or deals.Gambling apps for real money. When you sign up to the casino, your account will be credited with ‘Bonus Cash', which allows you to play on the casino's games for free. This ‘Bonus Cash' only holds value at the casino, which means that you cannot claim a bonus and withdraw it as real money. However, you can use no deposit bonus cash to win real money. Choose from the best online Casinos. This means that one deposit, and your money is available on both platforms. FOX Bet is linked to PokerStars Casino and their online poker site. Reasons to choose PayPal as your online gambling banking method. There are many reasons gamblers prefer using PayPal to deposit and withdraw their money from online casinos and sportsbooks.
- Casinos That Pay Real Cash
- Pa Casinos That Pay Real Money 2019
- Real Money Casinos
- Casinos In Pa That Pay Real Money
- Free Casino For Real Money
- This collection of games that pay real money gives you a complete overview of the best titles (and variants) available online.
- Free games that pay real cash prizes are fun - but you should never forget that gambling isn't a way to get rich quick. Also, always check the terms and conditions of a casino before you start to play and not only when you want to cash out your winnings.
- Pick a scratch-off to play quick games for real money or go to the blackjack table to challenge the dealers. The choice is yours!
Playing games online is not what it used to be — that's for sure.
I still remember the days I'd load a cassette (!) in the cassette player of my Philips MSX (yes, I am THAT old) and wait for minutes for a game to load. Eventually.
That frantic wait has now been replaced by the Fortnite, the Call of Duty and the Super Mario Kart that load in a snap and throw you in the middle of epic and fantastic adventure within seconds.
In 2020, games are everywhere.
We play on our mobile phones, on our desktops, on our gaming consoles, on our smart TVs…and sometimes even on our watches.
The gaming industry keeps growing one boom after the other, and the quality of the games we play is nothing like the games used to be.
And this isn't true only for the Pong or Tetris that rocked our childhood evenings on an Atari or a Nintendo Game Boy. The same also applies to online games for money.
The games where you can win real money in 2020 are nothing like those where you'd try to score some cash a decade ago.
The graphics are better and the gameplays are more sophisticated.
This list of games that pay money gives you direct access to some of the best titles to play online in 2020. All the sites we suggest offer a bonus on registration to all the players who want to play games for real money online.
Whether you're into games like online blackjack or you prefer to try your luck on slots, this list has something for you.
Best Online Games that Pay Real Money in 2020
Choosing the best casino games to play for real money is not easy.
With so many new Slots and new online casinos popping up all the time, it takes time and sweat to find the best games that pay real money online.
Unless you have a trustworthy source *cough* like CasinoSmash *cough* to help you.
| Rank | Game | Type | RTP | More info | Play Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackpot Slots | Slot Machine | N/A | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 2 | Blood Suckers | Slot Machine | 97.6% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 3 | Turn Your Fortune | Slot Machine | 96.24% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 4 | Live Blackjack | Card Game | 99.46% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 5 | European Roulette | Table Game | 97.3% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 6 | Casino Hold'em | Card Game | 99.18% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 7 | Mad Max: Fury Road | Scratch Off | 95.48% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 8 | Luxor Scratch | Scratch Off | 92.3% | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 9 | Monopoly Live | Game Show | up to 96.23 | More info | PLAY GAME |
| 10 | CS:GO | e-Sports | N/A | More info | PLAY GAME |
Casino Slots That Pay Real Money
Jackpot Slots
This is a slippery slope, I know. Of all the online casino games that pay real money, jackpot games aren't the one with the best odds — by a mile.
Playing jackpot slots is expensive and risky. The RTP of these games is below average, and since you always need to bet the maximum to hit the jackpot…these can become the most expensive online games that pay real cash. Easily.
Sites like 888casino and partycasino run daily jackpots where you can get decent winning odds. All the info are right on their sites, so don’t forget to look at volatility and RTP of each game before you play.
I am not a fan of progressive games because I cannot afford them. But if you are looking for online games that pay real money and you are OK with playing two spins instead of 100 — these might be up your alley.
Remember to play responsibly.
Blood Suckers
Table and card games tend to be everyone's first choice when looking for games that pay real cash to play online.
Why? Because they offer better RTP and so more chances to win. Or fewer to lose, you decide what's most appropriate here.
However, some online slots can also rival the best card games for real money available for online play.
The Blood Suckers video slot is one of those. Featuring an RTP of 98%, this game gives you a higher return than many of the table games offered by most online casinos.
Blood Suckers (a five-reel game by NetEnt) includes special features like free spins which are granted to you once you land three Vampire Brides as well as bonus round, where you get to slay vampires in a spooky tomb and are granted cash in the process.
Turn Your Fortune
Spin the reels and turn your fortune with this great NetEnt slot machine game!
The Turn Your Fortune slot launched in 2019. Since then, this real money game online has proven to be a massive hit for the Malta-based gaming company.
Turn Your Fortune features five reels, four rows, and 40 fixed paylines. And it wouldn't be a NetEnt slot if it didn't have top-quality graphics, beautiful animations, and bonus features that pay well — of course.
Take the Fortune Respins feature, for example.
Not only you get a free respin after a win, but the winning symbols also increase the multiplier meter on the left of the screen.
Each time it fills up, you move to another Fortune Wins level — getting the opportunity to trigger multipliers for up to x200.
* The Return to the Player (RTP) is the percentage of how much wagered money on the game theoretically goes back to the players.
If a slot has an RTP of 96 per cent and players spent €1,000 playing it, €960 will go back to the players in winnings while the House will keep the remaining €40.
Casino Table Games That Pay Real Money
Live Blackjack
Of all the games that pay real money, live casino blackjack is probably the most exciting and the one where your skills can help you with your winning chances.
Join players from anywhere in the world in an endless battle against a live blackjack dealer. Super HD cameras and incredible locations make live blackjack the king of all online games that pay real cash.
If you want to discover why everyone says live dealer games are great (and you should), this is the best site to play live blackjack games that payout real cash prizes.
European Roulette
It doesn't matter if you in it because you are a high-roller or you just want to play for fun. There's nothing like a game of roulette for real money.
You can learn how to play online roulette in minutes and you only need to use this roulette strategy to master the game like an expert.
The difference between American and European Roulette is all about your winning chances.
In short, you have more chances to play casino games and win money if you play European roulette.
Casino Hold'Em
Casino hold'em is easy to learn, fast to play, and it gives you better odds than most other casino games online.
No need to work on your bluffing skills, though. In this casino poker game, you always play against the dealer, not with other players.
In a game of casino hold 'em there three types of bets: the mandatory Ante bet, the Call bet and side a bet called AA.
- You make Ante bet if you want to play,
- Call bet if you think your hand is good enough to win,
- AA bet if you feel like a pair of Aces (or better) combo will appear among your cards and the flop (first three community cards).
Tip: Never waste your money on AA bets. These real money wagers decrease the return to the player percentage to 93.74 per cent.
Casino Scratch Cards That Pay Real Money
Mad Max Scratch Cards
There's something almost wrong in calling Mad Max: Fury Road a 'scratch card' — because this game offers a lot more.
Licensed by Warner Bros this online game that pays real money features a random progressive jackpot and a scatter symbol that triggers 10 free games with real money prizes.
The player's percentage of theoretical expected return is 95.48%, which is one of the highest in its category of online casino games.
If you are up for the top prizes, keep in mind that the progressive jackpot needs to be north of $750 to trigger.
Luxor Scratch
With tickets starting at 0.10, Luxor Scratch is one of the cheapest free online games that pay cash that you can play online.
For it to be free, however, you need to use the welcome bonus at 888casino first.
Egypt-themed music and graphics make this a delightful game — too bad for the piss-poor 92.30% RTP!
Casinos That Pay Real Cash
Other Casino Games That Pay Real Money
Monopoly Live!
Did you know NetEnt found a way to turn everyone's favourite board game into one of the best games that pay real money in 2020?
Bringing together the best of game-shows like the DreamCatcher and all the elements that made Monopoly famous, Monopoly Live is an exciting adventure to discover.
This is for sure one of the most immersive casino games that pay out real money available online in 2020 and is also one of the most fun games to play. The gameplay brings together elements of the classic wheel of fortune games and Monopoly — and that's fun already.
But wait until you see what the talented presenters chosen by NetEnt can do to entertain you! If you want to give Monopoly Live a go, this is where you need to register to access the game.
CS:GO (or e-Sports Betting in General)
Ladies and gentlemen…e-Sports are finally included in the list of the best games that give you real money in prizes!
Pioneered by Betway the world of real money e-sports and e-sports betting is a thriving new dimension of real money gaming online — one that most of you have yet to discover, I am sure.
Watch people play (you need to register toped the live stream) and place your bets on popular games like CS:GO, DOTA 2, League of Legends, and more!
Disclaimer: Gambling is a game of chance and there's no sure-fire formula that guarantee winnings. You can improve your winning chances by using the right in-game strategies but there is no way to predict when a machine or a Casino game is going to pay. Also, this page contains affiliate links. If you click through and play, we might earn a commission. That’s what allow us to keep CasinoSmash free and bring you the best online Casino bonuses!
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 2021
Our best casino bonuses and offers
Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.
Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here’s a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:
Unibet Casino
Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.
For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.
The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.
Read ourUnibet PA online casino review
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player’s initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.
This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.
All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review
Hollywood Casino
At first glance, Hollywood online casino’s bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It’s absolutely free.
All new players must do is register on the site. There’s no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.
Best of all, there’s only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it’s ready for withdrawals.
Read our Hollywood Casino review
PA online casinos partnership tracker
The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.
| Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
| Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
| PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
| Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
| Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
| Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
| Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
Best sportsbook bonuses and offers
Here’s a look at our welcome bonuses offers:
SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.
New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.
Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There’s only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it’s quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers’ online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse’s deposit match. In fact, it’s the same.
Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.
Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.
New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.
Pa Casinos That Pay Real Money 2019
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
| Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook | Online sportsbook launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | PlaySugarHouse | Launched May 2019 |
| Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | BetRivers | Launched June 2019 |
| Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Parx | Launched June 2019 |
| Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | FanDuel | Launched July 2019 |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | Barstool | Launched Sept. 2020 |
| Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Caesars | Launched March 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | BetAmerica | Launched Dec. 2019 |
| Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Fox Bet | Launched Sept. 2019 |
| Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Unibet | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | DraftKings | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| 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 | N/A |
| Wind Creek Casino | Nov. 18, 2020 | Betfred | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 (FanDuel Sportsbook) | N/A | N/A |
| Hollywood Casino Morgantown (2021) | 2021 (BetMGM Sportsbook) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 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
Real Money Casinos
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.
Casinos In Pa That Pay Real Money
Other important points regarding PA online gambling security
The regulations designed by PGCB will include several security measures specifically designed to:
Free Casino For Real Money
- 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