PA Online Gambling: Laws, Historical Insights and Sites
Pennsylvania has a long history with gambling legislation, with online gambling being legalized in 2017 through Act 42. Since then, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has created a comprehensive framework to regulate casino games, poker, and even sports betting. That ensures the integrity and fairness of online gaming activities.
Our team of experts has prepared this guide to help you understand the state’s legislation and what games are available. We will also review its history and provide details on other state gambling laws. Read on to learn more about PA’s online gambling laws.
- Online gambling is legal in Pennsylvania and includes online casinos, poker, sports betting, and lotteries, legalized under PA Act 42 in 2017
- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversees all online gambling activities
- As of 2018, operators can apply for an online gambling license without partnering with a land-based casino.
- Gambling winnings are taxed at 3.07%, with revenues supporting state funds and public services
- Responsible Gaming
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
How is Online Gambling Regulated in Pennsylvania?
Online gambling is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). This regulatory body verifies that all forms of online gambling within the state are conducted fairly and safely. Below are the key points regarding the regulation of online gambling in Pennsylvania:
- Legality and Scope: Online gambling is legal and includes various forms, such as online casinos, online poker, sports betting, and online lotteries. The legalization came into effect following the passage of the gambling expansion bill (PA Act 42) in 2017.
- Regulatory Oversight: The PGCB oversees all online gambling activities in the state, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting consumers. That includes monitoring online casinos, sports betting platforms, and the iLottery.
- Licensing Requirements: Pennsylvania used to only allow operators with a land-based casino license to apply for online gambling ones. However, since 2018, the PGCB occasionally holds petitions, allowing operators to gain a license without partnering with a land-based casino.
- Consumer Protections: The PGCB has implemented several measures to protect consumers. These include self-exclusion programs and the requirement for operators to identify and address problem gambling behaviors. Players can also contact the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA.
- Taxation: Gambling winnings in Pennsylvania are subject to a state tax rate of 3.07%. The revenue generated from online gambling activities contributes significantly to state funds, supporting various public services and reducing school property taxes.
- Preventing Illegal Activities: By regulating online gambling, the state minimizes risks associated with money laundering and unlicensed gambling sites. All transactions go through the banking system, making it easier to track and confirm legality.
What Are the Types of Online Gambling in Pennsylvania?
Online gambling in the state encompasses several forms, including online casinos, online poker, sports betting, online lotteries, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and parimutuel betting. All of them are legal under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). That means they strictly follow regulations, such as the legal gambling age being 21 years, mandatory geolocation within state borders, comprehensive consumer protection measures, and a state tax on winnings of 3.07%.
While they all follow the same regulations, each game type caters to different preferences. For example, slots have wider bet limits, while low rollers prefer blackjack. That is why you should always be familiar with the key differences of online gambling types in Pennsylvania.
- Online casinos offer a variety of games like slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Online poker focuses on different poker formats and tournaments.
- Sports betting includes various betting options on a wide range of sports, often with live betting.
- Online lotteries involve instant win games and traditional draw games.
- DFS allows players to draft virtual teams based on real-life sports performances.
- Parimutuel betting involves horse racing with pooled wagers and payouts distributed among winners.
Given the diverse range of online gambling options available in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to understand the regulatory framework that ensures these activities are conducted legally and safely. That leads us to the crucial question: Who regulates online gambling in the state?
Who Regulates Online Gambling in Pennsylvania?
| Formed | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Pennsylvania |
| Headquarters | 303 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Commonwealth Tower, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17101 |
| Agency Executives | Denise Smyler, Chair Kevin F. O’Toole, Executive Director |
| Website | https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov |
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is the regulatory body for online gambling in the state. It was founded in 2004 to oversee the state’s gaming operations and is responsible for the licensing, regulation, and oversight of all online gambling activities within the state. It verifies that all gaming activities are conducted fairly, responsibly, and free from criminal influence.
The board comprises ten people, such as the board’s Chair, Denise Smyler, the State Treasurer, and the Secretary of Revenue. Meanwhile, the executive staff is led by Kevin O’Toole. The PGCB’s primary focus is maintaining the integrity of Pennsylvania’s gaming industry through strict compliance, operational guidelines, and enforcing legal standards for online gambling.
How Are Online Casinos in Pennsylvania Regulated?
Online casinos are governed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, an authority instituted in 2004 to supervise the state’s gaming sector. They were first legalized on October 30, 2017, when PA Act 42 was signed into law. Since then, more than nine online casinos have opened while even more operators are applying for licenses.
The board’s principal responsibilities include preserving the integrity of the gaming industry through stringent compliance measures, implementing robust operational protocols, and enforcing statutory standards. Aside from online gambling, it also governs land-based casinos, which also include mini-casinos and satellite locations of larger companies.
What Are the Types of Casinos in Pennsylvania?
| Casino Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | Licensed entities offering casino games online | FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings |
| Resort Casinos | Part of larger resort complexes with extensive amenities | Valley Forge, Mount Airy |
| Racetrack Casinos (Racinos) | Combine horse racing tracks with casino gaming | Parx, Hollywood Penn National |
| Standalone Casinos | Traditional casinos not part of a resort or racetrack | Rivers Pittsburgh, Live! Philadelphia |
| Mini-Casinos | Smaller casinos with limited gaming options | Hollywood Morgantown, Live! Pittsburgh |
Is Gambling Online Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, gambling online is legal in Pennsylvania, encompassing a variety of gambling formats such as poker, slots, sports betting, and fantasy sports, although eSports betting is illegal. This legal status allows residents and visitors within the state to engage in online gambling activities through regulated platforms, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment.
While online gambling only became legal on October 26, 2017, it managed to generate decent revenue in a few months, and it is still increasing. New operators frequently launch in the state as the industry continues to expand.
What Are the Online Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania?
Act 42, established on October 26, 2017 and signed into law on October 30 of the same year by Tom Wolf, set a comprehensive framework for regulating, licensing, and operating online gambling. They include conditions for operators to become Qualified Gaming Entities, and outline the application process and the $50,000 fee for application. The legislation also imposes tax rates on online gambling revenue, such as 54% on online slots and 36% on sports betting.
The state’s gambling laws cover various regulatory aspects, such as the minimum gambling age, the legal game types, which include slots and table games, and distinct regulations for online casinos. While there are similarities with other states, there are also many differences in particular laws. That is why you should always be familiar with each state’s laws before you start playing.
What Is the Pennsylvania Online Gambling Age?
The legal gambling age in the state is 21 for land-based and online casinos, as well as sports betting and horse racing. However, 18-year-olds can participate in the lottery and play bingo games if an adult accompanies them.
What Game Types Are Authorized in Pennsylvania?
Act 42 authorizes various game types for online casinos, which include slots, table games such as blackjack and roulette, all types of poker and sports betting. However, eSports betting remains illegal in the state. Nevertheless, you can find a decent selection, including progressive jackpot slots.
Do Gambling Laws Differ for Land-Based vs. Online Casinos?
While land-based and online casinos in the state have some similarities in their regulation, such as the legal age of 21 years or the different license categories, there are many differences. For example, land-based slots have a tax revenue of 48%-54%, while online slots are taxed at just 54%. While land-based casinos have to follow regulations on their location and physical operations, online casinos use geolocation technologies, so only players in Pennsylvania can play the games.
Pennsylvania’s Laws Compared to Other States
What are the main differences and commonalities of online gambling regulation across other States? The gambling age is similar to most states at 21 years old, although states such as New York allow you to bet on horse racing if you’re 18 years old. Unlike Nevada, lotteries are legal in the state, although eSports betting is still illegal.
What is the History of Gambling in Pennsylvania?
The history of gambling in Pennsylvania began with the establishment of the state lottery in 1971, designed to provide tax relief to the elderly and curb illegal gambling. Over the decades, attempts to expand gambling faced opposition due to concerns over societal impact. Attitudes shifted, leading to the legalization of casinos and racetracks in 2004 with Act 71 and the creation of the PGCB.
The acceptance of gambling continued to grow, culminating in Act 42 in 2017 that further expanded gambling options, including online platforms. This also made Pennsylvania the fourth state to legalize online gambling. Since then, gaming rooms have also opened in convenience stores and truck stops, with Act 42 also legalizing airport casinos.
How Many Legal Casinos Are in Pennsylvania Today?
These days, the state has a great variety of legal gambling establishments, both land-based and online. There are several categories of casinos, including resort casinos like The Casino at Nemacolin, racinos such as Harrah’s Philadelphia, stand-alone establishments like Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, and mini-casinos like Hollywood Casino Morgantown. You can also find online platforms such as Caesars Palace Online Casino and BetRivers Casino.
What are the Best Online Casino Sites in Pennsylvania?
With the legalization of online gambling in 2017 and the fact that platforms can directly apply for licenses, the state formed a competitive online casino market. As a result, you can find many of the best-rated online casino sites, such as Caesars Palace Online Casino, BetMGM, and Betway. They are all licensed by the PGCB, have strong encryption technology, and work with responsible gambling organizations.
Is There Still Illegal Gambling in Pennsylvania?
Despite the comprehensive regulatory framework for legal gambling, there are still illegal gambling activities in Pennsylvania, such as unlicensed betting operations and unauthorized gaming machines. When gambling online, you should always look for the PGCB’s seal in the footer, which will also have a link to their website. Legitimate sites are also checked by independent auditing authorities, such as eCOGRA, and they work with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.
Online Gambling in Pennslyvania is Regulated
Following a long history of attempts to legalize gambling, Act 42 represents a significant development in the state’s industry. Since 2017, many platforms have applied for and received online gambling licenses, with recent developments allowing them to apply without partnering with land-based casinos. The PGCB ensures licensed casinos follow regulations and have adequate responsible gambling tools. We hope the state’s industry will continue to expand and that eSports betting will be available.