Casinos and Gambling in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may not be the first state you think of for gambling, but it is one of the biggest for gamblers. The state welcome land-based casinos, online gambling, and sports betting. It is one of the largest states for gambling in the United States. Only Nevada and New Jersey have more gambling.
We will guide you on everything about gambling and casinos in the state. You will learn what you can and cannot do, where to play, and more. The state houses over 5000 gambling machines and over ten land-based casinos.
Accepts players from: United States
Updated: 02nd November, 2025
Gambling in Pennsylvania
Affiliate Disclosure: By accessing and depositing through our provided links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More
Best Gambling Sites in Pennsylvania
Gambling Laws in Pennsylvania
Gambling became legal in Pennsylvania in the late 1950s. This happened when the state allowed betting on horse racing, and the first track opened. This remained the only legal gambling in the state until the early 2000s. In the early 2000s, a bill was passed that allowed the state’s race tracks to apply for slot machine licences.
As was expected, the slots became hugely popular and earned the state millions of dollars in taxes. Following the success of the slot machines, Pennsylvania went ahead and permitted table games in 2010. Over the next few years, there was a lot of discussion about online gambling and whether to legalize it or not. The discussions would continue until 2017 when online casinos were permitted to operate in the state.
Once the Supreme Court repealed PASPA, Pennsylvania also permitted sports betting. In 2019, new rules were made to grow the gambling industry. This allowed slot machines in more places.
Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania first legalized online casinos back in 2017. However, it took around two years for the first online casino to open in the state. Many of the casinos within the state were permitted to begin online operations.
There are many reasons to sign up and enjoy at one of the casino sites in Pennsylvania. They are more convenient because you can play from home. They also offer great bonuses, better payouts, and bigger game selections. You can enjoy welcome bonuses and more.
Pennsylvania Land-Based Casinos
Until online gambling was legalized in 2017, gamblers needed to head to one of the state’s land-based casinos. There are currently 12 land-based casinos, with a 13th casino expected to open soon. Currently, the largest casino in the state is Parx Casino which houses over 3200 casino games.
Casinos in Pennsylvania are broken up into three different categories. These are Racinos, Resorts, and stand-alone casinos. The 2019 expanded rules allowed for a new type of venue called mini casinos. These are now being built.
The state has six horse race track casinos (racinos), two hotel resorts with casino games and five stand-alone casinos. State legislation in Pennsylvania permits all casinos to offer Table Games and up to 5000 gaming machines. The resort licences are allowed up to 600 gaming machines.
Mini casinos will be allowed to host between 300 and 750 slot machines, and 30 other casino games. Visit this page to lear more about online casinos with fastest payouts.
Racinos in Pennsylvania
When a casino is combined with a horse race track, it is known as a Racino. These are awarded a Category 1 casino license and can have up to 5000 gambling machines. The following Racinos are operating in Pennsylvania:
- Parx Casino
- Hollywood Casino
- The Meadows Racetrack
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Presque Isles Down
- Mohegan Sun Ponoco
Stand Alone Casinos
Stand-alone casinos in Pennsylvania have a Category 2 licence. They can offer the same number of games as Category 1 casinos. One interesting rule for Category 2 is that two casinos must be in Philadelphia. One casino is also required to be in Pittsburgh. These are the state’s Stand-Alone casinos:
- SugarHouse Casino
- Mount Airy Casino
- Wind Creek Bethlehem (Formerly Sands Bethlehem)
- Live! Philadelphia Casino
- Rivers Casino
Hotel Resort Casinos
Finally, we have the Category 3 license that is given to Resorts. This is the smallest type of casino in PA, with up to 600 slot machines. There are currently only two Resort casinos:
- Lady Luck Casino
- Valley Forge Casino
Sports Betting in Pennsylvania
After the Supreme Court ended PASPA, sports betting became legal. Pennsylvania quickly started making laws to allow it. Pennsylvania allowed any establishment that already holds a gambling license for slots to apply for a sports betting certificate.
This means that 11 of the 13 gambling establishments are eligible to apply for the certificate.
PA Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports are completely legal in Pennsylvania and are supervised by the state’s Gaming Control Board. Regulations regarding Daily Fantasy Sports are a little different, though, when compared to other forms of online gambling. DFA operators do not need a local operation. They are taxed 15% on their gross revenue. A five-year licence costs $50,000.
Lotteries in Pennsylvania
The lottery in Pennsylvania is one of the oldest in the USA, with the first lotto ticket being sold in 1972. It is estimated that PA lottery sales have raised $29 billion. In 2025, there are over ten standard lotto games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Wild Ball, and more.
The state now allows online lottery sales. This gives residents access to more than 25 lottery and casino games.
Pennsylvania Casino FAQs
Yes, Pennsylvania is one of the most welcoming states when it comes to gambling. Pretty much all forms of gambling have been legalized in PA
Pennsylvania allows for a wide range of gambling. This includes online casinos, land-based casinos, slot, table games, lottery, bingo, poker, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.
Yes, it is. The state of Pennsylvania legalized online casinos in 2017, with the first online gambling sites beginning operations in 2019.
There should be no reason why offshore online casinos will not accept players from the state of Pennsylvania.
The minimum age to gamble in Pennsylvania is 21.
The state currently has 12 casinos, with a 13th expected to open soon. The state will also soon have several mini casinos opening.
