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If you are 21 years or older and inside Pennsylvania state lines, you can now enjoy online slots, table games, and video poker from your desktop computer or mobile devices.
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This page contains all the information you need to start playing at online casinos in PA.
Below is a guide to the games you can play for free and for realmoney at PA online casinos. After that, you'll find information on apps, bonuses, safety, and geolocationtechnology.
Regulated casinos also include protection for problem gamblers, which we cover at the end of this page.
Best online casinos in Pennsylvania 2021
Real money and free online casino games in Pennsylvania
You can play most games at PA casinos online for fun. Playing games in demomode, or with play-money chips, allows you to find the titles you like before you gamble.
The only category of games that are notavailable for free play is live dealer table games. You can watch them, though you will not be able to wager on them – at least yet.
The current offerings on real money online casinos in PA are growing, and fast. Casino sites regularly add new games as they are approved by the PA Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
We offer an overview of how diverse these casino game categories are. Keep in mind that the most prominent New Jersey online casinos offer more than 600 titles.
Play PA online casino games for real money
The number of Pennsylvania online casinos is now in double-digits. All of the PA casino apps are available 24/7 and offer online slots, video poker, and table games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Use this table to compare the real money casinos in PA.
Rank | PA Casinos | Bonus Offer | Progressive | Slots | Play Now! |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | BetMGM Casino | $25 Free + 100% up to $1,000 | Divine Fortune + Mercy of the Gods | 80+ | Play Now! |
2. | Caesars Casino | 100% up to $500 | N/A | 36+ | Play Now! |
3. | FanDuel Casino | $200 Risk-Free | N/A | 25+ | Play Now! |
4. | Unibet Casino | $10 Free + 100% up to $500 | Jackpot Shores + Divine Fortune | 75+ | Play Now! |
5. | Fox Bet Casino | 100% up to $1500 | N/A | 12+ | Play Now! |
6. | DraftKings Casino | $45 Free + 100% up to $1500 | N/A | 25+ | Play now! |
7. | BetRivers Casino | 100% up to $250 | Divine Fortune | 50+ | Play Now! |
8. | Sugarhouse Casino | 100% up to $250 | Divine Fortune | 70+ | Play Now! |
9. | Hollywood Casino | $10 Free + 100% up to $502 | Divine Fortune | 80+ | Play Now! |
10. | PokerStars Casino | 100% up to $1500 | N/A | 25+ | Play Now! |
PA online slots
Slots are the biggest category of games for any online casino. You can expect to see over 200 games listed on some sites and you'll need some way to sort the list of slot titles.
Firstly, casinos will feature their most popular games. You can use filters to search by, e.g., the number of reels, game developer, progressive jackpots, and so on.
If you enjoy live casino slots, then you will be able to play a lot of these online. You can search by name, or browse the listings for IGT, Bally, or another live slot studio.
Many online casinos feature classic games, e.g., Wheel of Fortune, Cleopatra, and WolfRun. You can also find traditional three-reel slots. Online slot studios like IGT created these.
When you browse the tiled graphics for slots to enjoy, you'll see progressivejackpots listed underneath many of them. These pools can get massive, up to $1 million or more.
Table games at PA online casinos
Tablegames are a broad category, although it mostly covers all the casino games played on the greenfelt.
While most are card-based, dice and roulette wheels also fall under table games. Live dealer games are in this category; however, we will cover them separately.
This list is for the software-based versions:
- Blackjack: There are a lot of variations of basic blackjack rules. These include games with side bets, multi-hand games and entertaining variants like Blackjack Switch, Free Bet Blackjack, and Spanish 21.
- Roulette: You can bet your favorite numbers or try complex betting systems with online roulette. Where available, choose the European roulette wheel because the single zero reduces the house edge.
- Casino poker games: A lot of card-based table games use poker-hand rankings. Online casinos have Caribbean Stud, three-card poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'em, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, and Casino Hold 'em.
- Baccarat: Two of the three bets you can place in baccarat have a very low house edge. As long as you avoid the 'tie' bet, this favorite among high rollers can be entertaining.
- Craps: With two betting phases and the chance to go on a hot streak as long as no 7s are rolled, craps is a lively live casino game. This appears at some online casinos, which gives you a chance to learn the complex bets.
Live dealer casinos in Pennsylvania
In other states, live dealer table games have become the go-to for many players and soon, they'll be available in PA. With these, you'll bet online although the action will be dealt in real-time from studios in PA live casinos. Bets will settle automatically.
Games available include blackjack (where you play on a seven-handed table), roulette, three-card poker, Casino Hold 'em, and baccarat.
Keep in mind, you need to act before the timer runs down in these games. Otherwise, your hand will be folded (or you'll stand), depending on the game.
You can chat via text with the dealers and other players while you play. The added social element, plus the ability to watch the cards being dealt, make these increasingly popular games.
Video poker and novelty games
PA casinos allow you to play video poker games online. These include bonus poker and multi-hand variations, as well as traditional titles.
Pennsylvania online casino apps
There are pros and cons to online casino apps compared to mobile-friendly websites.
With apps, you often find only a limited number of game titles, along with account and cashier functionality. Compared to the hundreds of games you can play on your browser, this is a significant drawback.
On the positive side, having the graphics stored on your phone helps the games initialize faster. If you have ever had to wait for a bonus game to load on your mobile device after you hit it on a slot, you know how frustrating this can be.
Are the online casinos in Pennsylvania safe?
All online casinos in PA are licensed and under the jurisdiction of the PennsylvaniaGaming Control Board (PGCB).
Players are protected by know your customer (KYC) guidelines and responsible gaming laws. The games are tested for integrity and fairness. A complaint and dispute process is available if necessary.
When it comes to Pennsylvania online casinos, you really can't get any safer.
The PGCB stated early in the licensing process that they have a deliberate, slow approach. This includes testing periods for new apps and websites. With the licenses for online casinos in Pennsylvania held by local live casinos and racetrack casinos, you'll have trusted brand names behind each of the apps.
A major concern for players new to casino games is the fairness of the spins or deals. At regulated casinos, games are regularly audited and the expected return-to-player (RTP) percentages are published. While each game has a small edge in favor of the house, you can be sure that you are getting a fair shot at winning and it's in line with the published figures.
Casino bonus offers in Pennsylvania
With a lot of real money online casinos opening in PA in quick succession, you can be sure they will be competing to attract new players.
This means 2021 is a perfect time to take advantage of their marketing budgets. Casino bonuses take four primary forms, and not every casino will offer them all. If not, the bonuses they do offer will need to be generous.
Here are the main types of casino bonuses:
- No-deposit welcome bonus: A popular way to attract new players is to offer free play for registering. This bonus is usually a small amount (between $10 and $25). You'll need to wager it a number of times before you can withdraw it. These offers can start your casino bankroll, if you get lucky. If not, then you'll have a chance to check out the real-money slot titles without any personal risk.
- Matched deposit bonuses: This is the most common form of a casino welcome bonus in PA. Your first deposit will be matched 100%, usually up to around $300, though sometimes much higher. You then get 30 to 60 days to meet the specified playthrough (wagering) requirements.
- Loyalty/comp point schemes: Some casinos will tie their online comp point schemes together with their live casino. Others have separate schemes, with complex tier systems unlocking progressively bigger bonuses. For high rollers, these loyalty schemes often have a VIP level, too.
- One-off promotions: How active a casino is with promos can make a big difference to your bankroll over time. These vary widely, and include double points deals, reload bonuses, promos linked to new games and free chips for sharing on social media.
While nothing is stopping you from taking up several casino bonuses, keep in mind that these are restricted to one per household for each casino. Many players have been tempted to sign up their entire family for a free-play offer only to find their accounts to be closed down quickly.
Licensed and legal PA casinos vs. offshore casinos
For many years, the only way to play online casino games in Pennsylvania was to risk your money at offshore casinos. While there were some limited legal options with sweepstakescasinos, the new legal PA internet casinos effectively remove the need to take this risk.
Offshore casinos are usually based in the Caribbean or Central America and their legal status is uncertain. While their host nation licenses them, they are not recognized or licensed by any US authority and our banks are legally obliged to block payments to them.
A greater concern is the lack of oversight and controls. Many offshore casinos have disappeared over the years, and many players have faced significant issues getting their winnings paid. If you have a dispute with an offshore casino, there is no industry body or organization to help you.
With PA casinos under the watchfuleye of the PGCB, they are licensed to accept conventional payment methods and thoroughly tested. There is no longer any reason to risk playing at an offshore site.
Geolocation and PA casinos
You will be able to access the PA online casinos fromanywhere. However, playing games for real money and making deposits can only be made within PA state lines.
Pennsylvania casinos will not allow real-money play if there is any doubt about your location. In New Jersey, this led to a lot of 'falsenegatives.' Players who were on mobile devices near state borders were sometimes flagged as being outside of the state.
Fortunately, those initial problems were ironed out and geolocation technology is more reliable.
If you are using a VPN or proxyserver, you might still experience issues. Mobile users on 4G and close to the state border who experience problems can download additionalgeolocationsoftware Vera tv series review. in some cases.
Wi-Fi data is difficult to fake, and if you are not using a VPN, desktop players are unlikely to experience geolocation issues.
PA casinos eligible to offer online gambling in Pennsylvania
PA Online Casino | Launch Date |
---|---|
Sugarhouse Online Casino PA | July 17, 2019 |
Hollywood Casino | July 15, 2019 |
Parx Casino PA | July 15, 2019 |
PokerStars Casino | Nov. 4, 2019 |
Unibet via Mohegan Sun Pocono | Nov. 12, 2019 |
FanDuel Casino via Valley Forge | Jan. 24, 2020 |
BetAmerica (Presque Isle Downs) | Jan. 28, 2020 |
BetRivers (Rivers Philadelphia) | Jan. 30, 2020 |
Caesars Online Casino (Harrah's Philadelphia) | April 23, 2020 |
DraftKings Casino (Hollywood) | May 1, 2020 |
Wind Creek Casino | July 24, 2020 |
PlayLive! (Live! Casino & Hotel) | Aug. 14, 2020 |
BetMGM (Hollywood) | Dec. 1, 2020 |
Golden Nugget NJ | TBD |
In total, there are 12 licensed casinos that can legally offer online casino games, including slots and blackjack.
- Harrah's Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino
- Meadows Casino
- Mohegan Sun Pocono
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
- Parx Casino
- Presque Isle Downs
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
- Wind Creek Casino Resort (formerly Sands Bethlehem)
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
In the first month of 2020, FanDuel Casino, BetAmerica, and BetRivers Casino launched just before the Super Bowl. The long-awaited Caesars Online Casino in partnership with Harrah's Philadelphia followed in April.
Rivers Philadelphia (Formerly SugarHouse Casino) was the first brick-and-mortar casino to offer two different online casino skins under its casino license: PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers. The latter is integrated with the Rivers Pittsburgh online sportsbook that carries the same BetRivers name. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh did not obtain an online casino license.
On May 1, 2020, DraftKings Online Casino went live, becoming the second interactive gaming site under the Hollywood Casino license. Meadows, DraftKings' land-based partner for online sports betting, does not hold an online casino license. But both Meadows and Hollywood are owned by Penn National Gaming, which has a market-access deal with DraftKings.
FanDuel and DraftKings originally launched online casinos that were integrated with their sportsbooks. Now, both have stand-alone online casino apps live in PA.
In late July 2020, Wind Creek Bethlehem dove into the online betting scene, launching the Wind Creek online casino through a partnership with Pala Interactive.
Live Pennsylvania casinos
There are currently 12 licensed gambling properties in the state of Pennsylvania, with another casino in the works in Philadelphia's Stadium Park.
According to PGCB, this includes 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos and two smaller resort casinos. The former two are Category 1 and 2 casinos, while the latter falls into Category 3. These gaming establishments employ approximately 18,000 people and generate close to $1.4 billion in tax revenue annually.
Mini-casinos: The next phase of Pennsylvania casino development
As part of its gambling expansion law passed in October 2017, the state had the ability to issue up to tenCategory 4 licenses. These licenses allow for mini-casinos with 300-750 slots. A supplemental license costing $2.5 million allows these satellite casino properties to offer up to 30 table games as well.
The process for the issuance of mini-casino licensing involves a series of auctions. The preliminary auctions began in January 2018 and were limited only to the licensed Category 1 and 2 casinos. The first license went to Penn National, who spent $50.1 million to secure a location 50 miles south of its existing Hollywood Casino. During the first round of auctions, PGCB awarded five licenses.
The PGCB ran a second round of auctions on Sept. 3, 2019 but there were no bidders this time around. As a result, the five remaining licenses will go unclaimed. In all, $114 million in license fees were raised.
Pennsylvania problem gambling support
A system for self-exclusion for problemgamblers is available at live casinos in Pennsylvania.
This program involves filling out some forms, providing a photo ID, and voluntarily requesting one-year, five-year or lifetime exclusion.
A list of excluded people is distributed to all live casinos. Then it is the casinos' responsibility is to prevent those people from entering gaming areas.
Removal from this list (for the shorter periods) does not happen automatically. After the period expires, individuals must request their removal personally.
Online gambling prevents new challenges when it comes to the management of problem gambling. For the majority to enjoy safe gambling online, support systems need to be in place for players who experience issues.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Commission manages this support program.
Here is what legal Pennsylvania online casinos must provide:
- A prominentlink to their responsible gambling information page.
- Tools for time-out, self-exclusion and betting limits.
- A list of questions to assess whether you or someone you know has a gambling problem.
- Links to support organizations and therapists.
Support programs in the state include:
Overview of Pennsylvania's casino industry
The Pennsylvania casino industry is relatively young. Casinos only became legal in 2004. Yet, in the dozen or so years in existence, the industry quickly became a powerhouse. Now it is the second-largest commercial casino industry in the country judging by gross revenue, trailing only Nevada.
Thanks to steep tax rates, Pennsylvania casinos actually generate more tax revenue for the state than Nevada does. That number has gotten even bigger thanks to the gambling expansion law passed in the fall of 2017.
Here is a look at the history of the Pennsylvania casino industry, starting with the latest news and moving back towards the casino industry's more humble beginnings:
The year began on a high, but that soon changed as the spread of COVID-19 led to the shuttering of all retail casinos and racetracks in PA by mid-March. That meant furloughs for casino employees and falling casino stock prices.
Online sportsbooks were also hit hard, with most sports sidelined for a lengthy period of time.
On a positive note, three more online casinos joined the market before the Super Bowl. The FanDuel online casino made quite a splash, surging to highest handle and revenue earner after its first full month in February.
The long-awaited Caesars sportsbook went live on March 10 in partnership with Harrah's Philadelphia, bringing the state's online sports betting apps to a total of nine. The Caesars online casino followed on April 23, making it nine internet casinos too. An online poker room under the WSOP.com name is expected to follow.
On May 1, DraftKings added an online casino product to its established online sportbook. Its online casino product is under the Hollywood Casino license, while the DraftKings sportsbook partners with Penn's other PA property, The Meadows. Both FanDuel and DraftKings later debuted standalone online casino apps in June and July, respectively.
Wind Creek launched its first online product with an online casino in late July, and Live! Casino brought PlayLive! online casino to PA in mid-August. Live! was the only casino to launch iGaming ahead of retail openings, which are to follow in 2021.
Online wagering sparked and sportsbooks blossomed.
With sportsbooks, there were just three operations at the beginning of the year, and all were retail. By the end of the year, the Keystone State had 12 retail sportsbooks.
But eight online sportsbooks were also running by year's end, with around 84% of all sports wagering done online. Taken together, sports betting took in more than a billion bucks in 2019.
Five online casino sites went live, the first ones launching in July, though a new Wire Act opinion likely slowed that market segment at the start.
And at long last, an online poker site finally launched. On Nov. 4, FOX Bet was joined by PokerStars Casino and PokerStars PA, making poker a reality in the Keystone State.
In October 2019, SugarHouse changed its name to Rivers Casino Philadelphia, but not before launching the first PA online sportsbook in May. PlaySugarHouse sportsbook and online casino still retain the SugarHouse name.
After a summer of bickering, the state legislature drafted a new version of the gambling expansion package, which both the House and Senate passed. Gov. Tom Wolf signed it into law on Monday, Oct. 30, 2018. The new law allows for a wide range of new gambling ventures, including:
- Online casinos
- Video gambling terminals (VGTs)
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS)
- Satellite casinos
- Sports betting
It also offered a new class of license eliminating the amenity fee in place at Valley Forge and Lady Luck Nemacolin. Valley Forge paid the fee immediately after the bill became law.
New licensing fees brought in more than $311 million for the state.
The PA Lottery launched several new games and created the online platform iLottery.
A US Supreme Court ruling allowed sports wagering to begin and nine of 12 properties immediately applied for licenses.
Total gambling revenue topped $3.4 billion.
Legislation which would legalize and regulate online gambling in Pennsylvania, and offer online gaming licenses to the state's 12 casino properties first, was passed by the Senate. In June 2017 it was amended and passed by the House, sending it back to the Senate.
The law was approved at the end of October.
The law ushered in sportsbook wagering and video game terminals at truck stops, and a new category of 'mini-casinos' was created. As part of the expansion, horse racing money from casino slot revenue was encumbered in a trust fund. The slot money was originally set aside as part of the deal which led to the 2004 approval of casinos.
Casinos set a revenue record of $3.227 billion.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin opened in July 2013.
Valley Forge Casino Resort opened its doors in March 2012 becoming the first Category 3 licensed casino in Pennsylvania.
After several ownership changes and failed financing plans with no construction to date, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board voted to revoke the Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia gaming license in December 2010.
SugarHouse Casino opened its first phase in Philadelphia in September 2010.
Pennsylvania passed a law in January 2010, authorizing table game operations at the state's licensed racino, casino, and resort casino properties. The law also clarified the size and scope of gaming and other operations at the state's three different categories of gaming licensees, including:
- Allowing up to 250 table games and 5,000 slot machines at Category 1 racino facilities
- Allowing 250 table games and 5,000 slot machines at Category 2 stand-alone casinos. These properties were also authorized to operate amenities including restaurants, spas, and entertainment options, but not hotels.
- Allowing up to 600 slot machines and 50 table games at Category 3 resort casinos. These gaming facilities can include attached hotels.
Parx Casino standalone gaming facility opened its doors in December .
Rivers Casino opened in Pittsburgh, PA's Chateau neighborhood along the Ohio River in September.
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem opened on the Bethlehem Works development site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in May 2009. Table games were added in July 2010. The property officially changed ownership to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in June 2019. The casino is now known as Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Hollywood Casino opened at Penn National racetrack in February 2008.
Mount Airy Casino Resort officially opened in the Poconos in November 2007, becoming the first Pennsylvania casino with lodging.
The Meadows Casino began as a temporary casino adjacent to the racetrack in Washington County, PA in June 2007. The permanent casino opened in 2009.
Presque Isle Downs casino and horse racing track near Erie, Pennsylvania opened in February 2007.
A slots parlor began operation at Harrah's Philadelphia racetrack on the Chester waterfront. Table games went live at the property in 2010.
Parx Casino opened as a temporary gaming facility at the former Philadelphia Park racetrack in December 2006.
Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia is granted one of five stand-alone casino licenses for a soon-to-be-built property located along the Delaware River in South Philadelphia. The project fell apart, resulting in PGCB revoking the license in 2010.
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs became the state's first slot parlor after opening its doors in November 2006 at a harness track near Wilkes-Barre.
State lawmakers made a number of amendments to horse track security bill authorizing both the use of 61,000 slot machines at racetracks and other new casino locations across Pennsylvania. Lawmakers rushed the bill through the House and Senate over the Fourth of July weekend, then quickly became law before any real opposition to casino gambling had a chance to oppose it.
The bill ultimately authorized the issue of three separate categories of slot machine licenses. These included:
- Category 1 for existing racetracks.
- Category 2 for designated tourist areas, including two in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh.
- Category 3 for resorts.
Former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell runs for Pennsylvania Governor. He wins on a campaign that includes support for the idea of allowing slot machines at racetracks in an effort to lower property taxes.
Under Then-Governor Tom Ridge the State Legislature came close to legalizing riverboat casinos. The state's anti-gambling movement began to grow and Gov. Ridge said he would veto any gambling bill not approved by referendum. Eventually the entire idea was scrapped.
A statewide survey found 48 percent of Pennsylvania residents supported legalized riverboat gambling and just 38 percent were opposed. However, Then-Governor Robert P. Casey claimed to be opposed to gambling and threatened to veto any gambling legislation passed in the state.
First developed under Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode, and championed by mayoral successor Ed Rendell, a proposal to allow riverboat gambling in Philadelphia made it to the state legislature. The claim was it would create $25 million in new revenue for the city and 11,500 new jobs. However, the House of Representatives voted against it in November by a margin of 118-81.
Resorts Casino Hotel opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey, becoming the first legal casino in Atlantic City. Resorts and the rest of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is within 60 miles of Philadelphia. It quickly become evident that Pennsylvania residents are some of the budding Atlantic City casino industry's best customers.
Online Casino Magyar
Legal online casinos offer a real-money gambling experience combined with the convenience of mobile gaming. Many of the games seen on the floor of a land-based casino can be found at legal online casinos in the US.
New Jerseystands as the undisputed US leader in online casino gaming. Players in the Garden State enjoy access to some of the world's best mobile casinos. The platforms include Golden Nugget Casino, DraftKings Casino, Caesars Online Casino, and many others.
Delaware, West Virginia,Pennsylvania andMichiganjoin New Jersey as states offering legal mobile casinos. Michigan is the latest state to launch online casinos, doing so on Jan. 22, 2021. Learn more in our Michigan Online Gambling Guide.
List Of States With Legal Online Casinos
State | Status | Year Launched |
---|---|---|
Delaware | Live | 2013 |
New Jersey | Live | 2013 |
Pennsylvania | Live | 2017 |
West Virginia | Live | 2020 |
Michigan | Live | 2021 |
Not in one of the above states? You can play at Sweepstakes Online Casinos for real cash prizes.
You can also view our complete online casino guides toNew Jersey Online Casinos andPennsylvania Online Casinosfor more information.
The Best Online Casino Sites In The US
DraftKings Casino
DraftKings' continued expansion into the US legal gambling industry includes the DraftKings Casino platform. DraftKings Casino debuted in New Jersey in December 2018, marking the company's first foray into online casino gaming.
True to the brand, DraftKings Casino offers unique sports-themed versions of blackjack and roulette among its selection of games.
New players at DraftKings Casino can unlock a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,500 plus $10 in free credit. The bonus requires a 10x playthrough.
DraftKings Casino operates in New Jersey as a licensed partner of Resorts Digital Gaming. A Pennsylvania platform launched in May 2020, partnered with Hollywood Casino. They launched in West Virginia with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Michigan, DraftKings Casino operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Casino and Resort.
Check out our complete DraftKings Casino Review for more details and the latest promo offers.
FanDuel Casino
Mirroring the efforts of DraftKings, FanDuel's US legal gambling offerings include an online casino platform. FanDuel Casino first launched in Pennsylvania in January 2020.
FanDuel Casino operates in Pennsylvania in partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort. Immediately upon its debut, FanDuel Casino established itself as one of Pennsylvania's most popular online casinos. FanDuel also launched in Michigan in January 2021.
Table games at FanDuel Casino include blackjack and multiple versions of roulette. These games represent some of the platform's most popular game choices.
New players are eligible for a $200 risk-free day upon registration.
FanDuel Casino also operates in New Jersey but does so under the name of Betfair Casino. They will be launching in West Virginia sometime soon.
BetMGM Casino
Formerly known as playMGM, the new and improved BetMGM platform debuted as a project from Roar Digital. Roar Digital operates as a joint company between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings.
BetMGM online casino debuted in New Jersey in September 2019. The platform operates under the license of Borgata Hotel Casino, an MGM-owned retail property in Atlantic City.
Since then, BetMGM launched in Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia and Michigan.
BetMGM Casino has one of the best reputations when it comes to its selection and variety of online slots and table games. In NJ, BetMGM, along with other casino skins under the Borgata license, hosts the biggest progressive slot jackpot among US online casinos. Known as 'The Big One,' the jackpot links to a network of slots with jackpots that can reach over the $3 million mark.
Sign-up bonuses at BetMGM include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.
BetRivers Casino
BetRivers might not have the same brand recognition as other online casinos, but they are quickly expanding across the US. The BetRivers Sportsbook app is live in seven states already. They are often one of the first apps to launch in states legalizing sports betting.
BetRivers Casino launched in Michigan in January 2021. BetRivers is live in Pennsylvania in partnership with SugarHouse Casino. BetRivers Casino operates in New Jersey under the SugarHouse brand.
Unibet Casino
The Unibet brand established itself as a powerhouse in the international online gambling industry before moving into the US market. Unibet Casino launched in New Jersey in June 2019, as a license partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Unibet launched a second online casino for Pennsylvania players in November 2019. Unibet Casino operates under the license of Mohegan Sun Pocono for the Pennsylvania platform.
The game selection at Unibet Casino includes progressiveslots, videopoker, and table games. Games like Micro Stakes Blackjack offer action for even the most conservative of bankrolls.
New players at Unibet Casino can unlock a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500, as well as a $10 sign-up bonus.
Caesars Online Casino
Caesars Atlantic City stands as one of the most iconic properties on the East Coast. Caesars Online Casino offers an online gaming experience that lives up to the Caesars name.
Caesars Online Casino launched in New Jersey in 2013, operating under the Caesars Interactive license. The online platform offers one of the most robust slot selections available at any legal US online casino.
New players at Caesars Casino can take advantage of a $25 free sign-up bonus, as well as a 100% deposit match bonus up to $300.
A Pennsylvania version of Caesars Online Casino launched in April 2020, under the Harrah's Philadelphia interactive gaming license. In Pennsylvania, Ceasars offers a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500.
PokerStars Casino
Poker players know the PokerStars brand as the world's biggest online poker site.
PokerStars' US operations include hybrid online casino and poker sites in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PokerStars Casino operates as a license partner of Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, and Resorts Digital in New Jersey. In January 2021, Stars Casino by PokerStars also launched in Michigan.
The PokerStars Casino side of these platforms offers table games, video poker, and popular progressive jackpot slots like Divine Fortune.
Bonus offers for new players at PokerStars Casino include a $30 free play bonus on deposits of $20 or more.
Golden Nugget Casino
Golden Nugget's online casino platform stands as the gold standard in the US mobile casino market. Golden Nugget Atlantic City launched the site in New Jersey in 2013.
The Golden Nugget mobile platform has stood as one of the most popular online casinos in the US for most of its existence.
Golden Nugget online casino offers an unparalleled game menu. The platform presents New Jersey players with more slots, video poker, and overall game options of any US legal online casino.
Sign-up offers at Golden Nugget online casino include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, and a $20 no-deposit bonus.
Golden Nugget online casino debuted a Michigan platform in January 2021. The brand will eventually expand into Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well.
Tropicana Online Casino
One of the first online casinos to launch in New Jersey, Tropicana Online Casino debuted in the Garden State in November 2013. The platform is licensed to its parent property, Tropicana Atlantic City.
Games available at Tropicana Online Casino include many of the same selections enjoyed by players at Tropicana Atlantic City.
Tropicana Online Casino offers a unique 'community jackpot' promotion. Anyone playing on the site at the time the jackpot hits could be eligible for a share of the prize.
Bonus offers at Tropicana Online Casino include a $25 sign-up bonus and a $100 rebate on losses for new players.
What Kind Of Bonuses Are Generally Available At Legal Online Casinos?
Risk-Free Day And Loss Rebate Bonuses
Several legal online casinos offer new players the chance at a rebate on losses for a short period after sign-up.
FanDuel Casino, for instance, presents new players with a $200 risk-free day offer. After making an initial deposit, players unlock a rebate on up to $200 in losses incurred during the first 24 hours playing on the site.
For example, a player signing up for an account at FanDuel Casino can deposit $200, and wager the $200 at the casino. If the player's account is at $0 after a 24-hour period, FanDeul Casino will award a rebate of up to $200.
The rebate only applies to net losses on the first deposit. If a player deposits $200 and has a $150 balance after 24 hours, the rebate is $50. If the player's balance is higher than $200 after the 24-hour period, no rebate applies.
Deposit Match Bonuses
At many online casinos, a player's first deposit makes them eligible for bonus money matching a certain percentage of the deposit. These deposit match percentages can equal anywhere from 20% to 100% of the first deposit.
BetMGM offers a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $1,000. Using this offer, new players can make an initial deposit and earn 100% of the deposit in bonus money, up to $1,000.
Most deposit match bonuses require a certain amount of playthrough, or money wagered, to unlock the bonus. Playthrough requirements generally range from 20x to 30x the initial deposit amount.
No-Deposit Bonuses
Some online casino platforms award free betting credits just for registering for a new account.
Golden Nugget Casino is one platform offering such a bonus. New players start with $10 in free bets just for signing up with the site.
Types Of Games Available At Online Casinos In The US
Slots And Video Poker
Much like their land-based counterparts, virtually all online casinos present a game selection menu dominated byslots.
Many of the same slots enjoyed on the floor of retail casinos can be found at legal online casinos. These include five-reel multiway win slots and classic three-reel slots.
New Jersey online casinoslike Golden Nugget Casino, Mohegan Sun Online Casino, and SugarHouse Casino offer hundreds of different slot variants. The library of slots at legal online casinos expands regularly.
Many different versions of video poker can be played at legal online casinos as well.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots offer some of the biggest potential payouts found at legal online casinos. These grand prizes can sometimes reach into seven-figure totals.
The Big One
The Big One network of slots offers the biggest progressive jackpot found at legal online casinos in the US. This series of slots, found at Borgata, BetMGM, and PartyCasino in New Jersey, all link to a progressive jackpot that sometimes goes over $3 million.
Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune finds a home at many legal online casinos in the US and offers a grand jackpot that can reach above six figures.
Resorts Casino, Mohegan Sun, Caesars Casino Online, and many other platforms host the Divine Fortune progressive slot.
Table Games
Players looking for table games can find plenty of action at legal online casino sites. Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and Three Card Poker represent just some of the table games available on mobile casino platforms.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games offer the best of mobile gaming, combined with the live casino experience. These games allow online players to interact with a real-life dealer though live stream.
Human dealers oversee live dealer games from a physical table at a secure studio location. Live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other casino games can be found at many mobile casinos.
Sweepstakes Casino Sites
Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Michigan enjoy access to state-regulated online casinos.
In other US states, sweepstakes casino platforms present the best opportunity for players to enjoy the online casino experience. Sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints legally operate in virtually every US state except Washington.
See our comprehensiveGuide To Sweepstakes Casinos In The US.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Platforms like Chumba Casino operate legally as sweepstakes sites. Sweepstakes games at Chumba Casino offer prizes in the form of 'Sweeps Coins,' which can be redeemed for cash prizes.
This business model allows the games at Chumba Casino to legally operate as mini-sweepstakes games. Direct real-money deposits aren't permitted at sweepstakes casino sites. But players can acquire and purchase Sweeps Coins in various other ways.
Chumba Casino operates play money games, using 'Gold Coins' as currency, in addition to the Sweeps Coins Games.
Gold Coins packages are available for purchase and with some Gold Coins packages Chumba Casino awards an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift. The Sweeps Coins can then be used in the sweepstakes casino games, and later redeemed for cash prizes.
Sweeps Coins can also be obtained for free, through mail-in and social media offers.
Sweepstakes casinos operate legally in 49 US states and Washington DC. Only Washington state outlaws sweepstakes casinos.
How Can I Gamble Online In The US?
iOS Mobile Devices
Nearly all legal US online casinos can be downloaded as mobile apps for iOS devices. These apps optimize the playing experience for the iOS device. They also offer the convenience of playing from anywhere within the borders of a legal online casino state.
Owners of an iOS device can find mobile casino apps at the App Store. Players located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states with legal online casinos can find all of these free apps available in those states.
Android Devices
Most legal online casinos are available as Android apps as well. Like their iOS counterparts, Android apps are free to download and present a gaming experience optimized for mobile devices.
Android apps can only be downloaded directly from an online casino website, as the Google Play store doesn't allow for the download of real-money casino apps.
The Online Casino Ecosystem
Desktop
The simplest way to access and play at a legal online casino is directly through a desktop browser. Playing on a desktop device doesn't offer quite the same mobility as iOS or Android apps. But it allows players to enjoy full access to online casinos with no download required
Registering For An Account At A Legal Online Casino
On mobile devices and desktop browsers, new players can sign up at an online casino through a quick process.
At DraftKings Casino, for example, new players can click on the 'Sign Up' button to start the registration process. A menu then appears where players can choose a username and provide a valid email address.
The next step requires documentation of first and last name, date of birth, residential address, and last four digits of a social security number.
After submitting this information, DraftKings Casino sends a mobile verification link through text message or email. Once that link is verified, players must download geolocation software that allows DraftKings Casino to verify that the player is within the borders of a state in which it legally operates.
Online Casinos With The Best Payouts
With personal details and geolocation verified, new players can then navigate to the cashier, deposit funds, and begin playing.
What Deposit And Cashout Options Are Available At Legal Online Casinos?
ACH/eCheck
Virtually all legal online gambling sites accept ACH/eCheck as a method for both deposits and withdrawals.
When used for deposits, this method drafts an electronic check (eCheck) from a player's bank account, and pushes the check through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH). This clearing process happens instantaneously. If approved, the funds immediately become available for play at the online casino.
ACH/eCheck deposits are occasionally stopped by the issuing bank. They go through successfully around 80 percent of the time.
Debit/Credit Cards
Like ACH/eCheck, most online casinos accept debit and credit cards as a deposit method. This method can't be used for withdrawals, however.
Debit and credit card deposits come with one of the highest rejection rates among all deposit options, but when successful immediately make funds available for play. Credit card deposits can sometimes carry cash advance fees from the issuing bank.
PayPal
Many mobile casino platforms accept PayPal as a method for both deposits and withdrawals. The deposit process takes a few extra steps compared to other methods. But PayPal deposits offer a nearly 100% acceptance rate.
Players with a valid US PayPal account can use this method at numerous legal online gambling sites.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are issued directly by an online casino, and function as a gift card that allows funds to be loaded on a player's balance.
With this method, players can load a prepaid card with funds using ACH/eCheck, debit card, PayPal, and various other ways.
Casino Cage Deposit
Deposits and withdrawals can also be made directly at the casino cage of a retail property that operates an online casino.
At Golden Nugget Casino, for example, deposits and withdrawals for the online casino could be made by visiting the land-based Golden Nugget Atlantic City property.
The History Of Online Casinos In The US
US laws allow states to offer legal online casino gambling on an individual basis. Delaware became the first state to legalize online casinos in 2012, followed by New Jersey in 2013.
Online casinos debuted in both states in November 2013. Since then, New Jersey's online casino industry developed into a robust market, with more than 20 different platforms available.
Pennsylvania became the next state to legalize online casinos, doing so in October 2017. Mobile casino platforms started to launch in the state in July 2019. West Virginia followed suit, legalizing online casinos in 2019.
The first online casino launched in West Virginia in the summer of 2020. Michigan became the latest state to debut online casinos in January 2021.
Legal online casinos operate under the license of retail casinos. Gaming regulation agencies like thePennsylvania Gaming Control Board(PGCB) and theNew Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement(DGE) oversee online casinos in their respective states. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Lottery Commission regulates all iGaming.
Players located within state borders in each legal online casino jurisdiction can access mobile casinos in those states.
Michigan was the latest state to join the US mobile casino market. Michigan passed online gambling legislation in December 2019 and the first online casino apps launched on January 22, 2021.
Legal Online Gambling Sites Versus Illegal Online Gambling Sites
State-regulated online casinos are owned by land-based properties, using licensing agreements with technology partners.
These partnerships allow for trusted gaming brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betfair to operate legal online casinos in collaboration with legal retail casinos. Golden Nugget Atlantic City, for instance, operates Golden Nugget Casino, Betfair/FanDuel Casino, SugarHouse Online Casino, and BetAmerica in New Jersey.
This legal union of retail and online casinos ensures that players can enjoy secure legal online gambling. Playing at a state-regulated online casino offers the same level of safety as playing at a legal retail casino.
Other retail casino operators behind online platforms include Caesars Entertainment, Parx Casino, Resorts Digital Gaming, and Borgata.
These brands stand as some of the biggest and most trusted names in the legal gambling industry. They each operate online casinos with a keen interest in player safety. Players at legal online casinos can count on prompt payouts, fair games, and security of personal information.
Why Avoid Illegal Gambling Sites
Government agencies like the PGCB and DGE assure that state casino industries operate with transparency, accountability, and security of player funds and personal information. Depositing money at a legal online casino site offers players the security of knowing those funds can be withdrawn safely at any time.
Offshore or illegal gambling sites do not operate with this same obligation to player safety. These platforms aren't regulated by any US governing body.
Depositing money on these sites can be a risky proposition, as illegal gambling sites have no obligation to allow for the withdrawal of funds.
Legal Online Casinos FAQ
Yes. Federal law allows states to individually determine their stances on legal online gambling.
New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania each allow for legal mobile casinos. Michigan will eventually join the list of US states with legal online casinos in 2021.
State regulatory agencies oversee all state-regulated, legal online casino platforms.
No. Only New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan currently offer legal online casinos.
Apart fromsweepstakes siteslike Chumba Casino, any platforms offering online gambling outside of these five states operate illegally.
The legal minimum age for playing at an online casino is 21 in all states with legal mobile casinos. This age matches the minimum age for gambling at a retail casino in these states.
Yes. Nearly all legal online casinos are available as apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.
iOS users can find online casino apps in the App Store, while Android users can download the apps directly from an online casino's website.
Players using mobile devices must be located within the borders of the state offering a legal gambling site when playing.
Deposit options at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, PayPal, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, and casino cage deposit.
Other ways to deposit include PayNearMe, wire transfer, and eWallets like Neteller and Skrill.
Yes. Legal online casinos are owned by retail casino brands like Golden Nugget Atlantic City and Caesars Entertainment. Player funds at legal online casinos are just as safe as they are when playing at a legal retail casino.
Secure withdrawal methods at legal online casinos include ACH/eCheck, prepaid cards, PayPal, eWallets, casino cage withdrawal and check by mail.
Some of these methods, like eWallet withdrawals, can involve fees.
Yes. Legal mobile casinos use high-level encryption to ensure the security of customers' personal and financial information.
Extra security measures, like two-step verification, can be added at player request.
Retail casino companies operate legal online casinos in collaboration with licensed technology partners.
Unibet Casino in New Jersey, for example, operates as a licensed partner of Hard Rock Atlantic City. New Jersey law permits retail casinos to operate multiple online platforms.
Yes. Many legal online casinos offer live dealer versions of blackjack, roulette, and other table games.
Live dealer games feature a human dealer overseeing the game at a physical table. The dealer and the table are located in a secure studio.