PA online poker is arguably the best in the United States. The Keystone State has the distinction of being the most populous state with legalized real money online poker. Whether you’re new to poker or want a few reminders on getting started, this guide has everything you need to know.
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From opening a new account and funding that account to what to expect in the player lobby and more, this article makes a great resource to hit the tables. When you’re done with this guide, you’ll have all the information you need before getting started on your PA online poker journey.
Reviews of Pennsylvania Online Poker Rooms 2024
Let’s take a closer look at the best sites offering online poker in Pennsylvania.
1. CoinPoker – Top Pennsylvania Poker Room for Crypto Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Busy Hold’em and Omaha cash games throughout the day, with a wide range of limits. Hosted the biggest ever online pot at the Omaha tables, involving poker legend Tony G. Five Card Omaha also available.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Great range of tournament formats, including PKOs, SuperStack events and Freebuys. Low entry fees and regular events with large guarantees, such as the Eclipse and Tycoon Sunday Specials.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – CoinPoker cash tables are a little harder to beat than average, but the site is consistently busy – especially at lower stakes.
- Software Quality 10/10 – Easy to use, with a minimalist design, both the desktop and mobile software are highly intuitive.
- Betting Limits and Payments 10/10 – Fast withdrawals thanks to several cryptocurrency payment methods, including BTC, USDT and CHP, a unique token belonging to CoinPoker. No need for identity verification, either.
- Mobile Friendliness 10/10 – The Android mobile app is fairly light with a clean and modern feel.
CoinPoker is the best online poker room for players in Pennsylvania. Offering plenty of active Hold’em and Omaha tables, with stakes to suit all bankrolls, the software is built for poker players, by poker players.
Enjoy super-fast crypto withdrawals, innovative tournament formats and a 33% rakeback deal with one of the top US poker sites. Plus, you get to rail some ridiculously high-stakes cash games.
Pros
- Excellent cash game traffic
- Sleek and intuitive software
- Low rates of rake
- 33% rakeback for all
Cons
- Must use crypto to deposit
- No stud poker games
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
2. Ignition Poker – Best PA Online Poker Site for Hold’em Cash Games
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| PaiWangLuo Poker | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Play Hold’em, Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo from as little as $0.02/$0.05 up to $30/$60.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Perfect for smaller stakes players, with plenty of freerolls and no buy-ins above $300. Regular tournaments with six-figure pools, such as the $200K Guarantee on Sundays. Nice variety, including PKOs and Jackpot SNGs.
- Traffic and Player Base 10/10 – Not many online poker sites in PA are as busy as Ignition, particularly at the low-stakes Omaha and Hold’em cash tables. Games are fairly soft, too.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Graphics aren’t the shiniest, but the intuitive client gets the job done. Can also play in a browser with no need to download or install any software.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – Ignition specializes in cryptocurrency, with 16 different tokens facilitating same-day, fee-free withdrawals. Cards and other traditional methods are offered, but charges apply.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – A simple web app is available for download that won’t consume a lot of space on your device. Also possible to play instantly, without software, from any up-to-date mobile browser.
Ignition may be licensed in Curaçao, but like many offshore poker sites, players from the United States are welcome. Sign up in just a few minutes, thanks to the simple registration process.
You aren’t allowed to use hand trackers or HUD software, and usernames remain anonymous. This helps to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Pros
- Very beatable Hold’em cash games
- Busy network with plenty of traffic
- Software download is optional
- Very fast cryptocurrency payouts
Cons
- No direct rakeback program
- Graphics look pretty basic
- Reward store with bonuses and tickets
- Quick and easy seating at cash game tables
- Easy to use poker hand history
3. ACR Poker – Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Site for Omaha Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – ACR Poker offers more games than most. Along with the usual Omaha and Hold’em tables, expect Seven Stud, Eight Or Better and Five Card Omaha cash games, at a range of limits.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – PA online poker players are welcome to participate in huge events like the Venom. This tournament shattered a world record in April 2024 with its $12.6 million prize pool.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Part of WPN (Winning Poker Network) which ensures high volumes of players throughout the day. Games aren’t the softest, however.
- Software Quality 9/10 – The desktop client looks fairly average, but it’s highly functional. HUD and tracking software is encouraged, too. The Android app looks stylish.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – A low deposit limit of just $10 is suitable for casual players. Lacks some traditional payment options, but deposits and withdrawals via four major crypto tokens are quick and without fees.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – No iOS mobile app at the moment, sadly. However, the Android version is sleek, highly functional and extremely user-friendly.
ACR Poker dates back to 2001, when it was known as Americas Cardroom. Few sites available to PA online poker players can boast such a long-standing reputation for running fair games and paying quickly.
Look out for the many festivals with seven-figure guarantee events, such as the Online Super Series and Vegas Fast Track Series.
Pros
- Frequent tournaments with enormous prizepools
- Trackers and HUDs allowed
- One of the best native Android apps
- Possible to play Seven Card Stud
Cons
- Card withdrawals not supported
- Not easy to contact support
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
4. Black Chip Poker – Leading PA Online Poker Site for HUD Users
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – Great range of classic poker games like Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi-Lo, as well as Hold’em cash tables. Limits to suit everyone.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Good mixture of formats, like Jackpot SNGs, All-In Or Fold and Mystery Bounty events. Freerolls and one cent buy-in events available, with buy-ins rising to $2,650 for the Venom Main Event.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Another Winning Poker Network (WPN) site, the Black Chip Poker tables are usually busy. The standard is a little tougher than other sites, however.
- Software Quality 9/10 – A reliable desktop client that is more about substance than style, supported by a smart-looking Android app. Black Chip Poker players can use HUD software and other tracking tools.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Although credit and debit card withdrawals aren’t allowed, the site offers extremely quick cryptocurrency payouts. A low minimum deposit limit of $10 is also good to see.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – The Android app looks polished and is easy to use. However, the lack of an iOS equivalent costs Black Chip Poker some points.
We always love to see old-school games like Seven Card Stud alongside busy Hold’em and Omaha cash tables. In addition, Black Chip Poker offers one of the best-looking Android poker apps on the market.
While most poker sites in PA are trying to eliminate the use of hand tracking tools and HUD software, Black Chip Poker welcomes them.
Learn more about the site’s software quality and bonuses with our detailed Black Chip Poker review.
Pros
- Extremely quick crypto payouts
- Choose 27% rakeback or Elite Benefits
- Can use your HUD software
- Diverse selection of poker games
Cons
- Hold’em cash games are relatively tough
- No iOS native app
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
5. BetOnline Poker – Best Online PA Poker Site for Soft Cash Tables
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Chico Poker | Panama Gaming Commission | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Some of the softest Hold’em cash tables around. One of few Pennsylvania poker sites that offers play-money games for practice.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Look out for big Sunday Specials, with up to $10 million in guaranteed prizepools every month. However, you’ll also find bankroll-building freerolls.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – High network traffic ensures busy tables. They’re often filled with sports bettors, making for fairly soft games.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Solid but unspectacular software that lacks graphical quality. However, it’s quick and easy to install and there’s even a download-free, browser-based option.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – No site processes cryptocurrency withdrawals as quickly as BetOnline. However, card payouts aren’t allowed and some deposit options carry high fees.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – Play instantly in a browser, or use the extremely light web app. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s surprisingly functional.
BetOnline completes our list of the best PA poker sites. The site began life in 2004 as a sportsbook. As such, it’s home to more part-time players than the average online poker room.
Known for its ultra-fast cryptocurrency payments, you can withdraw via more than a dozen tokens. Expect to receive the funds in under two hours, in most cases.
Pros
- Busy but beatable Hold’em cash tables
- Play without downloading software
- Regular six-figure weekend specials
- Practice with play money games
Cons
- No rakeback program for regulars
- Expensive card deposit fees
- Fast seating with Boost for zero waiting time
- Huge tournaments like Sunday Million and PKO's
- Solid traffic on Chico Poker Network
Green Flags at the Best PA Online Poker Sites
There’s a lot to think about when deciding where to play online poker in PA for real money. The following criteria are the most important factors when choosing a good poker site in Pennsylvania.
Although rake is a necessary evil, minimizing the amount paid has a positive impact on your bottom line. Sites that charge fair fees are a blessing.
There can be no online poker games without opponents. It’s important that your chosen site sees a steady flow of players.
The proportion of strong regulars to amateurs is just as important to consider. Consistently playing against tough opponents is bad for business.
Any site running regular tournaments that promises huge guaranteed prize pools is a winner. The bigger, the better.
The online poker community is a small one. If a site is doing anything untoward, word spreads fast. A positive reputation with real players matters.
Naturally, all of our recommended PA poker rooms online score highly in every one of these areas.
Pennsylvania Poker Sites Ranked by Traffic
| Poker Site | 7 Day avg | Online | Cash | 24 H Peak | Last Week | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PokerStars PA | 100 | 231 | 279 | |||
| WSOP PA | 90 | 225 | 261 | |||
| BetMGM PA | 60 | 68 | 116 |
Pennsylvania Online Poker Games
You’ve already seen the best sites at which to play online poker in Pennsylvania. But what games are available? Let’s find out.
Texas Hold’em
Most players looking to play poker in PA will be interested in Texas Hold’em. This particular game is more popular than any other, especially the No Limit version, dubbed the “Cadillac of Poker”.
The best Hold’em players possess nerves of steel and high-level numeracy, but they’re also masters of deception. If you can’t make a strong hand from your two private cards and the five on board, you’ll need to bluff your way to victory.
It’s also possible to play Fixed and Pot Limit Hold’em at the best PA online poker sites.
Best PA Online Poker Site for Hold’em: Ignition
- Reward store with bonuses and tickets
- Quick and easy seating at cash game tables
- Easy to use poker hand history
Omaha
Pot Limit Omaha is the second-most popular way to play online poker with real money in PA. This game was born out of Hold’em and, for the most part, the rules are the same.
However, each player receives four cards, rather than two, which greatly affects strategy. Tighter hand selection is required, for one.
Omaha can also be played with a Fixed or No Limit structure, while several variants also exist.
Best PA Online Poker Site for Omaha: CoinPoker
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
Stud
It’s fair to say that stud poker isn’t as popular as it used to be. However, many PA poker sites do still offer Seven Card Stud, along with some of its variants.
Unlike Omaha and Hold’em, there are no community cards in stud games. You’ll start with at least one private hole card, before other face-up cards are dealt to each player.
In Seven Stud specifically, you’ll receive a maximum of three hidden cards and four open.
Best PA Online Poker Site for Stud Poker: ACR Poker
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
Other Real Money Games in PA
The above games are the most popular ways to play poker online in PA, but some of them have a number of variants.
Five Card Omaha is increasingly popular, for instance. This is exactly the same as regular Omaha, only players receive an additional hole card. Omaha Hi-Lo splits each pot into two, with half awarded to the best hand worth eight high or less.
Popular stud variants, such as Eight Or Better and Razz, often appear in mixed game tournaments like SHOE and HORSE. The former works much like Omaha Hi-Lo, with two pots up for grabs, while the latter is for low hands only.
Best PA Online Poker Site for Other Games: Black Chip Poker
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
How to Play Online Poker in PA
Pennsylvania is one of the best states you can reside in if you’re a fan of online poker. There are a myriad of sites that you can play on in Pennsylvania, including but not limited to:
- CoinPoker
- ACR Poker
Our number one choice for online poker is, without a doubt, CoinPoker. World-famous poker legend Tony G has helped develop this brilliant cryptocurrency online poker site on their independent network.
The site is home to a number of fantastic tournament and satellite offerings, including around ₮700,000 in total guarantees every single weekend.
Getting setup on CoinPoker is fast and easy. You’ll be able to play PA online poker in no time after completing a few easy steps.
- Visit CoinPoker.
- Create Your Account – All you need to do is to sign up using your username, email address, your address, and your date of birth.
- Download the Software – You’re able to download the CoinPoker software to any device.
- Make Your First Deposit – Currently, there’s a 150% first deposit bonus up to $2,000 to take advantage of.
- Adjust Your Settings – Make sure that you’re all set up with your favorite bet sizings, deck colors, table backgrounds, and more.
- Jump Into the Action – Enjoy the wide selection of cash games and tournaments.
Accepted Payment Methods for Online Poker PA
If you want to play poker online in Pennsylvania, you’re going to need a way to fund your account. The most commonly accepted payment options in the Keystone State are as follows.
- Debit and Credit Cards – Plastic is still the most frequently used banking method when it comes to online poker in PA. Visa and Mastercard dominate, though many sites also accept Discover and American Express cards.
- Cryptocurrency – Blockchain-based options like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether allow poker rooms to pay withdrawals in less than a day, with no fees and fewer intrusive verification processes. No wonder crypto poker sites are growing in popularity.
- Ewallets – Some PA online poker sites accept ewallets like PayPal. These are particularly handy for storing your bankroll separately from the day-to-day funds in your bank account.
- Bank Wires – Although these are much slower than other payment options, the best online poker rooms in PA still tend to offer them. There’s still some demand for bank wires, and a good site should cater to all players.
PA Online Poker Bonuses to Claim
Here’s what’s in store, in terms of poker bonuses, from the leading PA online poker rooms.
All good sites offer some kind of signup incentive. It might involve free tournament entries and access to exclusive new player freerolls, for instance. However, most commonly, there will be a deposit match offer.
This is determined by the size of your initial real money deposit. A 150% bonus on a $100 deposit would, therefore, lead to a reward of $150.
The bonus won’t be paid as a lump sum, even at the very best online poker sites PA has to offer. Instead, it will be released slowly as you play.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: CoinPoker
Although not strictly a poker bonus, a freeroll is a tournament that doesn’t cost anything to enter, but offers real prizes to the winners.
Many Pennsylvania online poker sites run regular freerolls to help players build their bankrolls and sharpen their skills.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: Black Chip Poker
These allow you to enter real money tournaments without the need to pay a buy-in. It’s not the same as a freeroll, as everyone else is paying to enter.
Free tournament tickets might be awarded as part of a welcome pack, but some sites give them to loyal players, too.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: Ignition
When playing online cash games, a small deduction is taken from the pot which goes toward funding the site. This is called “rake”.
However, many sites return a percentage of these deductions to players as a kind of loyalty bonus. This rebate is known as “rakeback”.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: CoinPoker
Some online poker rooms thank players for topping up their accounts with deposit match bonuses or other perks.
The most common type of reload bonus is a deposit match offer, though the percentages are usually smaller than those seen in welcome packages. Expect a figure in the region of 10% to 50%.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: BetOnline
The best sites for real money poker in PA understand how important it is to keep players happy. That’s why they offer a structured loyalty program which rewards the most consistent players.
Loyalty perks could include more favorable rakeback deals, exclusive tournaments access, enhanced customer support, improved deposit limits and free tournament tickets.
Best Online Poker PA Site for Welcome Bonus: ACR Poker
Online Poker Tournaments PA
Tournaments are one of the most popular ways to play online poker. It’s not only possible to enjoy hours of fun from your initial buy-in, but the potential rewards can be huge, too.
See below for a list of notable PA poker online tournaments:
- The Venom Main Event (ACR Poker / Black Chip) – $12.5 million guaranteed
- The Venom Mystery Bounty (ACR Poker / Black Chip) – $8 million guaranteed
- The Venom PLO (ACR Poker / Black Chip) – $2 million guaranteed
- Online Super Series Main Event (ACR Poker / Black Chip) – $1 million guaranteed
- PKO Super Series Main Event (ACR Poker / Black Chip) – $1 million guaranteed
- Golden Spade Poker Open Main Event (Ignition) – $500,000 guaranteed
- Black Diamond Poker Open Main Event (Ignition) – $300,000 guaranteed
- Nemesis Sunday Special (CoinPoker) – $200,000 guaranteed
- Sunday $150,000 Guaranteed (BetOnline) – $150,000 guaranteed
- Falcon Sunday Special (CoinPoker) – $150,000 guaranteed
Are There Pennsylvania Online Poker Real Money Apps?
It’s perfectly possible to play online poker in Pennsylvania using a mobile or tablet app.
If you’ve read our CoinPoker review, you’ll already be aware of how highly we rate that particular app. But many other top-quality options are accessible to anyone wishing to play online poker in PA.
However, not all online operators have native poker apps for iOS and Android devices. But those sites still allow you to play online via a mobile browser.
| Real Money Poker Apps | Android | iOS | Windows | MacOS | Mobile Browser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACR Poker | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Black Chip Poker | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetOnline Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Pennsylvania Live Poker
Live poker is a big draw in Pennsylvania, with a grand total of 11 casinos offering cash games, tournaments, and more.
In fact, Pennsylvania live poker is starting to rival Florida when it comes to the best poker state in the Eastern side of the country.
Where Can I Play Poker Live in Pennsylvania?
Thankfully, no matter where you are in the state, there’s a place for you to play. Here’s a quick look at the 11 poker rooms currently operating across PA:
- Parx Casino (Philadelphia) – Hosts major tournament events throughout the year and is home to a whopping 48-table poker room, making it the largest poker room in the state.
- Live! Casino Philadelphia – Live has quickly become one of the best rooms in Pennsylvania and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With 29 tables, Live hosts a ton of tournaments, including the Pennsylvania State Poker Championship.
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course (Granville) – After a brief closure, poker is back in Granville and recently opened a new poker room. Cash games are offered starting at noon from Wednesday to Sunday.
- Hollywood Casino at The Meadows (Washington) – The Meadows Poker Room features 14 tables with an open view of the live racing action on the track.
- Mohegan Sun (Pocono) – Another poker room that has downsized in recent years, now offering nine tables and hosts $100-125 buy-in tournaments four days a week.
- Mount Airy Casino Resort (Pocono) – The Poker Parlor at the Mount Airy Casino Resort features action on 12 tables and offers $1/$2 and $2/$5 NLHE as well as $2/$4 and $3/$6 Limit Hold’em.
- Wind Creek (Bethlehem) – This property, formerly Sands Bethlehem, was bought by Alabama’s Poarch Band of Creek Indians in 2019. The facility features 20 tables.
- Rivers Casino (Philadelphia) – Formerly the SugarHouse, it was rebranded to align with other Rivers casino properties. The poker room offers 28 tables.
- Rivers Casino (Pittsburgh) – 30 tables of NLHE and PLO action with tournaments offered two nights a week.
- Hollywood Casino Morgantown – Open from 12pm Thursday to Monday and offers NLHE, PLO, and PLO8.
- Live! Casino Pittsburgh – Much smaller than its Philadelphia counterpart, home to 7 tables and small tournaments five nights a week.
History of Online Poker in Pennsylvania
A massive online poker boom kicked off in the US in 2003. That’s when a Tennessee accountant appropriately named Chris Moneymaker earned his way into the WSOP Main Event via an $86 online satellite and went on to win it all.
Poker’s popularity soared, particularly on TV, where cheap poker programming filled with commercials for online poker sites suddenly became a staple of cable network programming.
The US Congress tried to gain some control by stuffing the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the Safe Ports Act in 2006. The legislation ensured US banks would stop processing transactions for the many offshore online poker operators accepting US customers.
A number of those operators left the US market, but others found creative ways around the new laws and online poker still flourished.
Online Poker’s Black Friday
Five years later, on April 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice put a stop to it. The top executives at major online poker operators including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker/Ultimate Bet were all charged with various money laundering and illegal gambling charges. The US-facing domains were seized and the sites immediately stopped accepting US customers The door to online poker in America was suddenly closed.
However, signs it could be opening again began to surface by the end of the year.
In December 2011, the DOJ released a legal opinion that the Federal Wire Act only applies to sports betting. It was supposed to clarify things for states interested in conducting online lottery sales. However, it also paved the way for states to begin to consider licensing and regulating online poker and casino sites.
Over the next two years Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey all passed different forms of online gambling legislation and opened up fenced-in online poker markets.
Nevada and Delaware signed an agreement to share player pools in 2014 and started doing so in early 2015. New Jersey signed on to that same agreement in October 2017. However, Delaware stopped offering online poker altogether at the start of 2024.
Legal and Regulated Online Poker in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania lawmakers started kicking the tires on online gambling legislation back in 2013. Rep. Tina Davis introduced legalization that would legalize online casino games and online poker. It was modeled on online gambling bills passed in New Jersey. However, it was never really more than the start of the conversation.
The year ended with the PA Senate commissioning a study on the issue.
The Senate got what looked like positive results for online gambling from the study in 2014. Online gambling bills were then introduced in both the House and the Senate. By the end of the year, the Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development held an online gambling hearing and Pennsylvania was suddenly seriously considering online gambling.
The legislature appeared more serious about online gambling in 2015, and it ended up in and out of the budget several times during deliberations. It ended up being out.
Every time lawmakers looked close to passing online gambling legislation in 2016, efforts were derailed by the consideration of even more gambling expansions across the state.
Can You Play Online Poker in PA?
Online gambling legislation was passed in October 2017, with the first sites launching in 2019. So, if you’ve ever wondered “is online poker legal in PA?” The answer is “yes”.
Aside from sites licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, it’s also possible to play at offshore poker rooms based in other countries.
Pennsylvania Online Poker Gaming Specifics and Regulations
All real-money online gaming operators within PA must follow strict gaming regulations. This ensures player funds and information are secure. Here are some of the regulations set by Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB):
- Players must be 21 or older.
- Sites must verify identification.
- Players must be inside state lines to play for real money.
- Sites must verify player location using geolocation software.
- Operators must pay a 16 percent online gambling tax on gross revenue.
Pennsylvania Online Poker Laws
The gambling expansion bill signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on October 30, 2017, is officially known as H 271. It ultimately governs online poker in the state.
The new law tasked the PGCB with regulating the industry. The board is also tasked with handing out online poker licenses to qualified applicants.
The board began distributing licenses in August 2018. So far, several companies have received online gaming licenses.
The Online Gambling Budget Balance
Finally, in 2017, faced with a massive budget deficit and few answers on how to erase it, PA lawmakers turned to online gambling.
In May, the Senate passed an online gambling bill. In June, the House fixed a number of issues with it, including tax rates, then added further gambling expansion initiatives including video gaming terminals.
Only this time the gambling expansion initiatives didn’t derail the bill. Lawmakers went into the summer of 2017 still debating the details of what had turned into a comprehensive gambling expansion bill.
When they got back to work in the fall, they worked out all the kinks and a bill, which included a plan to legalize and regulate online poker in PA, was passed.
The bill authorized the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to put together regulations governing online poker in the state. It also asked the board to begin a licensing application process for potential operators.
As a result, Pennsylvania became the fourth state in US history to legalize online poker. Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey were the first three. While the aforementioned three states at one point were grouped together to share a player pool, Delaware has since fallen off the poker map and no longer offers legal online poker.
Becoming a Poker Haven
PA online poker has their own player pool and, since 2021, has offered their own state-specific WSOP online bracelet events. In 2024, WSOP awarded seven bracelets in the state, catering to a combined 1,540 entrants with a combined prize pool of $652,050 with buy-ins ranging from $333 to $600.
Due to their player pool exclusivity, wide range of legal online poker rooms, and several WSOP Circuit ring and bracelet events offered year-round, many players have moved to Pennsylvania to take full advantage. As PA online poker is still relatively fresh, the player pool is still considered to be on the softer side.
Are Poker Winnings Taxable in Pennsylvania?
All cash profits from gambling are subject to state income tax, including poker. The rate is 3.07%.
Poker in Other States
You’ve learned all about online poker in PA, but what’s going on in neighboring states?
It’s perfectly legal to play poker in Delaware and New Jersey, as both were among the first states to legalize online gambling.
The West Virginia online poker scene is also blossoming since its launch in 2019.
However, it’s currently illegal to play in New York, Maryland, and North Carolina. Residents have to make do with offshore poker sites which are licensed outside of the US.
Play PA Online Poker – Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to take away from or guide to the current state of PA online poker:
- Playing online poker for real money in Pennsylvania is legal – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board licenses several major poker sites.
- The regulated online market is in decline – Many players prefer to play at offshore sites, as these sites tend to offer bigger bonuses and a better experience.
- Land-based poker is also permitted – A total of 11 live poker rooms can be found in the Keystone State.
FAQs – Pennsylvania Poker
Is online poker legal in PA?
What is the legal age to play poker in Pennsylvania?
Are PA online poker sites safe?
Can I earn a deposit bonus for playing real-money poker?
References
- https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/221265-market-monitor-pennsylvania-june-2024 (PokerIndustryPro: Market Monitor: Pennsylvania June 2024)
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/pennsylvania-law/pennsylvania-gambling-tax-laws.html(FindLaw: Pennsylvania Gambling Tax Laws)
- https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2017/10/pennsylvania_senate_approves_m.html (PennLive: Pennsylvania Senate approves major expansion of legal gambling)