Pennsylvania has one of the largest regulated online gambling markets in the US — legal online casino, poker, sports betting and horse racing under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Sweepstakes casinos are treated as illegal by the regulator.
Pennsylvania’s 2017 gaming expansion (Act 42) legalized online casino, online poker and online sports betting, all of which launched in 2019 under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Players must be 21+. Horse racing is legal at 18+. PA joined the multi-state poker network in April 2026. Sweepstakes casinos are deemed illegal by the PGCB, though no statutory ban exists yet.
For sports betting, FanDuel‘s Bet $5, Get $350 is the standout — the bonus is guaranteed (not win-dependent) for just $5 a day across a week, with a low entry and a 7-day expiry on each drop. BetRivers’ 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 is the better fit if you’d rather make one larger first wager with a loss-refund safety net.
For casino, PlayStar‘s 100% match up to $500 + 500 spins carries the highest headline value; FanDuel Casino’s 500 spins + $40 is simpler with lighter terms; BetRivers’ 100% deposit match up to $250 is a solid deposit-match option; Stardust’s 25 spins carry a steep 30x playthrough, so it’s a lower priority.
For the horses, AmWager‘s 100% match up to $50 (code AMWAGER) is the racing pick.
Best for a new customer in Pennsylvania: FanDuel — one account covers both the $350 sports offer and the casino spins, at the lowest barrier to entry. For pure casino value, PlayStar’s $500 match edges ahead.
Over 20 PGCB-licensed online casinos operate, each tethered to one of PA’s 17 land-based casinos. 21+.
PA online poker launched in 2019 and joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in April 2026, sharing player pools with NJ, MI, DE and NV.
PGCB-licensed online sportsbooks. 21+. Sports betting is taxed at 36%.
Pari-mutuel ADW betting is legal at 18+ with deep coverage of PA tracks (Parx, Penn National). AmWager leads on track count and rebates.
Contested. Prediction-market operators are not licensed by the PGCB. They reach PA residents under federal CFTC rules, but their state status is unresolved — treat with caution.
Deemed illegal. The PGCB classifies dual-currency sweepstakes casinos as illegal online gambling and issued 18 cease-and-desist letters in April 2025, all complied with. There is no statutory ban yet, and the PGCB is lobbying the legislature for one.
Some platforms still technically accept PA players, but the environment is actively hostile. Free-play social casinos (no prizes) remain legal.
Pennsylvania is a built-out iGaming leader; the live issue is sweepstakes enforcement.
Yes. Online casino, poker and sports betting were legalized by Act 42 (2017) and launched in 2019. Over 20 PGCB-licensed casinos operate. 21+.
The PGCB classifies them as illegal online gambling and has issued cease-and-desist letters, though no statutory ban exists yet. The status is hostile and unsettled.
Yes. PA online poker launched in 2019 and joined the multi-state player pool (NJ, MI, DE, NV) in April 2026.
Yes, at 18+, through licensed ADW apps including AmWager, TwinSpires, TVG and NYRA Bets.
Online slots are taxed at 54% and table games at 16% (operator GGR); online sports betting at 36%. Player winnings are taxed at PA’s 3.07% income rate.
Compare what's legal in states bordering Pennsylvania.