Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Online Casino Games | Legal — licensed and regulated |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — retail and mobile |
| Online Poker | Legal — MSIGA shared player pool |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal |
| State Lottery | Yes — includes iLottery (online games) |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 for casino, iGaming, and sports betting · 18 for lottery |
| Regulatory Body | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
| Last Legal Update | 2025 — Pennsylvania joined MSIGA interstate poker compact |
Legal Overview
Pennsylvania is one of the most fully developed legal online gambling markets in the United States. The state legalized land-based casino gambling in 2004, expanded to online casino games, online poker, and sports betting through the Gaming Expansion Act of 2017, and joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2025. As of 2026, Pennsylvania residents can access a complete suite of licensed, state-regulated online gambling options.
In 2025, Pennsylvania set a combined gaming revenue record of $6,796,211,719 — the fifth consecutive year of growth. iGaming (online casino) revenue alone reached approximately $3.46 billion, representing a 27% year-over-year increase. Pennsylvania is now one of the three largest iGaming markets in the country alongside New Jersey and Michigan.
What’s Legal in Pennsylvania
- Online casino games (iGaming): Fully legal. Governor Tom Wolf signed the Gaming Expansion Act (Act 42 of 2017) on October 30, 2017. The regulated iGaming market launched in July 2019. More than 20 licensed platforms currently operating, all affiliated with a licensed PA land-based casino. Minimum age: 21.
- Online poker: Legal as part of the same 2017 expansion. Market launched November 2019. Pennsylvania joined MSIGA in 2025 — the sixth state to join — enabling shared player pools with Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Minimum age: 21.
- Online sports betting: Legal. First retail wager accepted November 15, 2018. Mobile betting launched May 2019. Minimum age: 21.
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Legal and regulated by the PGCB. Minimum age: 21.
- State Lottery / iLottery: Pennsylvania Lottery has operated since 1972. iLottery launched 2018 — online instant-win games, draw game ticket purchases, and Keno. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal in Pennsylvania
There is no category of mainstream gambling that Pennsylvania has not legalized. Pennsylvania does not have tribal casinos — the state’s gaming market is entirely state-regulated through the PGCB licensing framework.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Act 71 (Race Horse Development and Gaming Act) | Established PGCB; authorized slots at racetracks and stand-alone casinos |
| 2010 | Act 1 (Table games expansion) | Added table games to existing casinos |
| 2017 | Act 42 (Gaming Expansion Act, HB 271) | Legalized iGaming, online poker, sports betting, satellite casinos, DFS, VGTs |
| Nov 15, 2018 | First retail sportsbook | Hollywood Casino at Penn National accepts first legal sports wager |
| July 2019 | iGaming market launches | Online casino games go live across licensed platforms |
| November 2019 | Online poker launches | PokerStars PA among the first licensed platforms |
| 2025 | Pennsylvania joins MSIGA | Shared poker player pools with DE, MI, NV, NJ, WV |
Regulatory Structure
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) | Casino, iGaming, poker, sports betting, VGTs, fantasy sports | gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov |
| PGCB Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling | Responsible gambling, self-exclusion | responsibleplay.pa.gov |
| Pennsylvania Lottery | State lottery (including iLottery) | palottery.pa.gov |
Licensed PA Online Casino Platforms
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Pennsylvania has one of the deepest regulated iGaming markets in the US. Major licensed platforms include BetMGM Casino PA, DraftKings Casino PA, FanDuel Casino PA, Caesars Casino PA, PokerStars PA, BetRivers / SugarHouse PA, Unibet PA, Hollywood Casino PA Online, BetParx Casino PA, and 888 Casino PA, among others. All are licensed by the PGCB and affiliated with a Pennsylvania brick-and-mortar casino.
Offshore Online Casinos for Pennsylvania Players
Pennsylvania does not employ ISP-level blocking of offshore gambling sites. The following offshore operators accept Pennsylvania players. Note: these platforms are not licensed by the PGCB and offer none of the consumer protections available through regulated PA platforms.
| Operator | PA Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition Casino | Yes | Poker + casino; not PGCB-licensed |
| Cafe Casino | Yes | Casino focus; same ownership group as Ignition |
| Slots.LV | Yes | Slots-heavy library |
| Bovada | Yes | Casino, sports, poker; large US player base |
| Wild Casino | Yes | Crypto-friendly; broad game library |
Because Pennsylvania has a fully regulated iGaming market, we recommend PGCB-licensed operators for most players. Licensed PA operators provide consumer protections, verified game fairness, and statewide self-exclusion enrollment.
Sports Betting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s sports betting market is one of the largest in the US. Mobile betting launched in May 2019 and has grown steadily. PA imposes a 36% tax on gross sports gaming revenue — one of the highest rates in the country.
Major licensed sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, ESPN Bet / Barstool, Fanatics Sportsbook, and others.
Pennsylvania Lottery
The Pennsylvania Lottery has operated since 1972. Proceeds fund senior programs including property tax relief and prescription assistance for Pennsylvanians 65 and older. iLottery (launched 2018) offers online instant-win games, draw game ticket purchases, and Keno. Minimum age: 18. Website: palottery.pa.gov.
Land-Based Casinos in Pennsylvania
- Category 1 — Racinos: Parx Casino (Bensalem), Hollywood Casino at Penn National, Mohegan Pennsylvania (Wilkes-Barre), and others.
- Category 2 — Stand-Alone Casinos: Live! Casino Philadelphia, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Valley Forge Casino Resort, and others.
- Category 3 — Resort Casino: Mount Airy Casino Resort.
- Category 4 — Satellite (Mini) Casinos: Stadium Casino (Philadelphia), Nittany Mall Casino (State College), and others.
Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PA Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | 24/7 |
| PA Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-522-4700 | Business hours |
| PGCB Responsible Play | responsibleplay.pa.gov | — |
Self-Exclusion Program
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) |
| Enrollment | Online at responsibleplay.pa.gov · In person at any licensed PA casino · Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Coverage | All PGCB-licensed land-based casinos, online casino platforms, sportsbooks, and poker rooms |
| Duration Options | 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime (lifetime is irrevocable) |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG National Helpline | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM | ncpgambling.org/chat | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania has one of the most comprehensive legal online gambling frameworks in the US. Online casino games, online poker, and sports betting are all legal and regulated by the PGCB. The iGaming market launched in 2019 and generated approximately $3.46 billion in revenue in 2025.
What online casinos are legal in Pennsylvania?
More than 20 PGCB-licensed online casino platforms operate in Pennsylvania. Major brands include BetMGM, DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, Caesars Casino, PokerStars PA, BetRivers, Unibet, Hollywood Casino PA, and BetParx.
Can I play offshore casino sites in Pennsylvania?
Offshore casino sites are not licensed by the PGCB, but Pennsylvania does not block access to them. Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, Slots.LV, Bovada, and Wild Casino all accept PA players. Because Pennsylvania has a fully regulated iGaming market, most players are better served by licensed PA operators that offer consumer protections and state self-exclusion access.
Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania legalized online poker in 2017, with the market launching in November 2019. In 2025, Pennsylvania joined the MSIGA interstate poker compact, enabling shared player pools with Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania?
The minimum age is 21 for casino gaming, iGaming, and sports betting. The minimum age for lottery play (including iLottery) is 18.
How do I self-exclude in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program is administered by the PGCB. Enroll online at responsibleplay.pa.gov, in person at any licensed casino, or by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Exclusion covers all PGCB-licensed platforms — both land-based and online.
Who regulates online gambling in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all licensed gambling, including iGaming, online poker, and sports betting. Website: gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.
