Online Casinos in Pennsylvania: Laws, Licensing and Rules Explained
Pennsylvania launched legal online casinos in 2019 and quickly became one of the largest regulated markets in the US by revenue — despite taxing operators at a rate no other state comes close to.
Written and fact-checked by the Gamblingcore editorial team. We keep this content independent of any single operator’s marketing claims — see our disclosure policy for how the site is funded.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) licenses and regulates every legal online casino, retail casino, and video gaming terminal operation in the state, along with fantasy contests. As in New Jersey, online casino brands operate under licenses tied to the state’s existing land-based casinos rather than as standalone entities.
Legal Age Requirements
You must be at least 21 to gamble online in Pennsylvania — this applies uniformly to online casino gaming and online sports betting, unlike some states that set a lower minimum for sports betting specifically.
Tax Rate: The Highest in the US
Pennsylvania taxes online slot revenue at 54% of gross gaming revenue — by a wide margin the highest online slot tax rate of any US state — while online table games are taxed at a comparatively modest 16%. This split rate is unusual: most states apply a single tax rate across all online casino verticals.
The practical effect for players is indirect but real: a market with a 54% tax on slots tends to see thinner slot promotions and bonus terms than a lower-tax state like New Jersey, since operators have far less margin to work with after tax.
Self-Exclusion in Pennsylvania
The PGCB’s self-exclusion program covers casinos, online gaming (iGaming), video gaming terminals and fantasy contests. You can enroll online or in person, and choose a ban of:
- One year
- Five years
- Lifetime
The exact list of products covered can depend on which duration you pick. Once you’re on the list, every PGCB-licensed operator is legally required to block you from registering or playing — across all of those product categories, not just the one where you first ran into trouble.
What Games Are Available
Pennsylvania’s online casinos offer online slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and other table games, plus a strong live dealer segment. Pennsylvania also legalized online poker in the same 2019 legislation that authorized online casinos, though the state’s poker liquidity has generally been smaller than New Jersey’s.
How Pennsylvania Compares to New Jersey and Michigan
| Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2019 | 2013 | 2021 |
| Regulator | PGCB | DGE | MGCB |
| Tax rate | 54% (slots) / 16% (tables) | 19.75% | 20–28% (tiered) |
| Legal age | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Self-exclusion options | 1yr / 5yr / lifetime | 1yr / 5yr | 1yr / 2yr / 3yr / 5yr |
See our full write-ups on online casinos in New Jersey and online casinos in Michigan, or the broader US state-by-state guide.
How to Verify a Pennsylvania License
- Check the operator’s footer for its PGCB license number and its affiliated land-based casino.
- Cross-check against the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board list of licensed interactive gaming operators.
- Confirm the site restricts play to Pennsylvania through geolocation — a genuine PGCB-licensed site will not let you play from outside the state.
Where to Get Help
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 — call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). You can also enroll in Pennsylvania's self-exclusion program directly through the PGCB.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Pennsylvania's online slot tax so much higher than other states?
- It's a policy choice set in the state's original 2017 gaming expansion law. At 54% of gross gaming revenue, it remains the highest online slot tax rate in the US.
- Can I self-exclude for life in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, the PGCB's self-exclusion program offers a lifetime option alongside one-year and five-year terms.
- Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, it was legalized alongside online casino gaming in 2017 and launched in 2019, though player liquidity is generally smaller than in New Jersey.
Need help? UK: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 · US: 1-800-MY-RESET · More support options →