Casino-style gambling in Pennsylvania is available at the local racetracks and dedicated gaming establishments. Racetracks are allowed to offer pari-mutuel horse race wagering, but you should keep in mind that this option is also available at licensed off-track facilities. Charitable gambling is perfectly legal and the state has its own lottery. Internet gambling isn’t regulated, but the state regulations make it illegal for the local authorities to prosecute people who play on offshore iGaming sites.
Online Gambling in Pennsylvania
The legal status of offshore gambling sites in Pennsylvania is very ambiguous and determining it might prove to be a challenge even for the most seasoned lawyers, but unless you’re interested in studying the law for reasons that aren’t related to online gambling activities, we wouldn’t really recommend worrying about it. As mentioned above, the Pennsylvania code makes it impossible for the local authorities to harass or prosecute individual players who participate in any unlicensed gambling activities. This means that if you’re a Pennsylvania resident or you’re simply visiting The Keystone State, you’re essentially free to play on any iGaming site that accepts US-based players.
Casinos & Sportsbooks Accepting Players From Pennsylvania
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Casino Games
Notable land-based gambling casinos in Pennsylvania include Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Township, just to name a few. In addition, a new casino in Philadelphia is very likely to open its doors for the first time in 2016. Other than that, Pennsylvania residents are free to access online casino sites operated by offshore companies. Those casinos may lack the ambience of a real land-based gambling establishment, but there’s simply no denying the fact that the games and bonuses offered by the sites recommended here are absolutely top-notch.
Sports Betting
Pennsylvania has four important horse racing venues, which include The Meadows, Presque Isle Downs, Parx Casino and Racing and the Penn National Race Course. Players are free to engage in pari-mutuel betting right on the spot or via the off-track facilities. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania isn’t allowed to offer sportsbook-style wagers, so players who’d like to bet on their favorite American sports have to stick to Pennsylvania-friendly offshore sports betting services, which have been listed here for your convenience.
Poker
Pennsylvania is one of the East Coast poker hubs and the local high stakes games tend to get ridiculously tough, but in the end most of the local poker enthusiasts stick almost exclusively to major offshore networks due to the fact that it allows everyone involved to play more hands, assume a more strategy-oriented, analytic approach and become a part of a massive player pool composed of players from all over the country. If you’d like to start playing on those networks, all you have to do is follow one of the links provided below.
Online Gambling FAQ
Where can I find regulations that pertain to gambling in Pennsylvania?
Everything you need to know is contained within Section 5512 of Pennsylvania Statutes.
What forms of gambling are legal and regulated within the borders of Pennsylvania?
Poker, casino games, pari-mutuel betting, charitable gambling and state controlled lottery.
What is the legal status of online gambling in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania regulations prevent the local authorities from prosecuting offshore site customers.
Do offshore gambling sites accept Pennsylvania residents?
Yes, all offshore gambling will gladly accept a new customer from Pennsylvania.
How can I deposit to an offshore gambling site from Pennsylvania?
The best – and sometimes only – way of making a deposit to an offshore site is to use your credit or debit card.
How can I withdraw my money from an offshore iGaming site if I live in Pennsylvania?
You have to choose between bank wire transfer and check. Once you’re done, you’ll have to wait for your operator to process the request, which usually doesn’t take longer than a couple of days.
Is Pennsylvania planning to regulate online gambling in the future?
Pennsylvania is currently working on introducing iGaming-friendly regulations.
Gambling History – Interesting Facts
1. Pennsylvania created its lottery in 1971 with the purpose of generating funds for older residents of the state.
2. In 2004, Pennsylvania introduced the Racehorse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which enabled casino gaming across the state.
Pennsylvania Gambling Resources
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/public/cons_index.cfm
American Gambling Association – Pennsylvania:
http://www.americangaming.org/industry-resources/state-information/pennsylvania
Council on Compulsive Gambling in Pennsylvania – Resources:
List of Casinos in Pennsylvania:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_casinos_in_Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Hearing Cools Off Online Gambling Expectations – Bluff Magazine:
http://www.bluff.com/news/pennsylvania-hearing-cools-off-online-gambling-expectations-54041/