Learn all you need to know about online gambling Pennsylvania opportunities
You’ll soon realize that online gambling in the USA is a little different compared to many other countries. While you could happily place sports wagers and head into online casinos if you live in many other places, you can’t automatically do that if you live in America. You need to find out whether your state allows it. Fortunately, as we now know, Pennsylvania does allow it. We’re going to go through the rules and laws on this as we head through this comparison. Don’t worry, though – it’s all easy to understand and we’ll see just how you can take advantage of these changes.
Before we embark on our journey, though, we want to make it clear that this comparison guide is for you. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve bet on sporting events or visited casinos before and have some experience of how to place those wagers. It also doesn’t matter if you’ve only just found out that gambling in Pennsylvania is now legal online, and you want to take full advantage of it. We’ve designed our comparison for everyone in Pennsylvania to read and learn from. We regularly update it too, so you can bet that if there are further changes, you’ll learn about them all right here. This is the best gambling comparison guide that Pennsylvanians can read. Are you ready to come with us as we learn more?
Online gambling Pennsylvania – is it legal?
It is, yes. It has taken many years to reach this stage though. Pennsylvania changed the law to allow lawful gambling back in 2004, but it would be another 13 years before online gambling also became legal. Three other states made it to this stage before Pennsylvania, with New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada achieving that aim at earlier dates. If you want to know more about gambling in NJ, you can read our comparison guide on that too. Just head for the test lab and you’ll find all the knowledge you need right there.
But let’s return to Pennsylvania, as that’s our focus for this comparison. One of the best things about being resident in the state is that you get plenty of access to online gambling activities. Some states only allow one or two types of gambling, but Pennsylvania covers everything. This means you can dig into some sports betting along with casino games and even some online poker. Compare this to Illinois, for example, where you can only enjoy sports betting online. We can certainly say the PA online gambling launch was a tremendous success, and it’s a success you can take full advantage of too. Before we travel deeper into the ether, let’s stop off for a second and cover a few vital pointers you need to know before progressing further on our intergalactic journey.
Can anyone use a Pennsylvania online betting site?
The answer to this one might surprise you. The rules are that you must be within the state borders to bet online. So, if you live in Pennsylvania, you need to be inside the state to use an online sportsbook or casino. However, provided you are old enough to place wagers and you are within state borders, you can still bet in Pennsylvania even if you regularly live in another state. Say, for example, you’re visiting the state on business or vacation. You can register online at a suitable site, place bets, and do everything you would if you lived in that state. Just remember that even with an account at a suitable site, you won’t be able to continue betting once you’ve left the state to return home. It’s wise to check for changes to the law too. While the state is more relaxed than many, things could change.
Can you use any sportsbook or online casino if you live in Pennsylvania?
No, you must use one that’s approved for use and availability within the state. So, for example, an online casino may have received approval to operate within West Virginia but not in Pennsylvania. If that’s the case, it’s no good to you if you live in Pennsylvania. You need to find one that you can use as a resident of that state. Fortunately, you’re in the best place to do this, no matter whether you want to try some sports betting or casino action – or even some poker. The PlayersBest team explores every inch of the universe to bring you the latest information and insight into legalized online wagering in this state (and others, too).
Isn’t it easier to pick an offshore betting site?
It might seem so, and it’s reasonable to say that you’d get access to many more betting sites if you did that. However, offshore sites don’t operate under US law. That means you’re not covered if anything goes wrong. You’re also illegally accessing and betting at those sites, although we haven’t come across any instances where someone has been charged with a crime for doing this. While some offshore sites have a lengthy history of outstanding operation, you still can’t 100% rely on them sticking around. You could scoop a major prize, go to withdraw it, and find you cannot get the money for some reason. If that happened, you wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. That’s not the scenario you want to find yourself in, hence why we believe exploring the best betting sites Pennsylvania with us is the best way to stay safe.
Check out these top betting providers in PA!
1.
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Players from Virginia accepted
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2.
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
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3.
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
20% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
How can we help you stay safe online?
If you’ve explored a few other pages already at PlayersBest, you’ll know we place a lot of emphasis on the topic of safety. We wouldn’t send you out into the gambling universe without first giving you a run through on how to stay safe. It doesn’t matter whether you want to follow and bet on your favorite sports team or try some slots and table games at an online casino. We’ll always support you and make sure you have all the information, facts, and advice you’ll ever need, right at your fingertips as you’re ready to embark on this journey. Here are a few of the major topics we cover in all our reviews, comparisons, and guides. You’ll see just how much info you’re going to get on the topic of gambling in Pennsylvania right here.
You can see that not all online gambling sites allow residents of Pennsylvania to place wagers. We check whether a site is available to use in the state and has the correct and valid license. Many sites make that information clickable too (or you can tap on it if you’re using a mobile touchscreen device). This allows you to make sure the license is still valid for the purposes the regulator granted it for.
Checking site security
Betting sites should be secure and offer a safe online venue for players and bettors to use. Look for the https:// ahead of the address and check for the padlock. There should also be details of other security measures taken by the site, especially for banking. Some sites have specific pages devoted to this topic too. Check the bottom of the site and the relevant menu(s) to find such links.
Checking their track record and reliability
Even though lawmakers have only legalized online gambling Pennsylvania activity in recent years, some sites have already built up a superb track record in the area. Yes, there are some brands you may recognize, but others, like FanDuel, for example, are less familiar yet are building their brand super-fast. We’ll guide you on this topic too, so you can learn way more than you’d imagine light years ahead of going it alone.
Assessing safe depositing methods
You’ll need to verify your identity before you can withdraw, but secure depositing is important too. Read as much as you can about the site before you dive in. You could also think about using further security measures on your computer or device. The site should encrypt your data to keep it safe.
Reviewing the terms and conditions before boarding
When you’re keen to get a chunk of online betting action in Pennsylvania, it’s understandable that you just want to sign up and get on with it. However, we know how important it is to check through the terms and conditions. They’re usually linked at the bottom of any page of the site you’re on. Make sure you do read them. We check through the details in the Ts and Cs while reviewing sportsbooks and casinos for Pennsylvanians, and we let you know the facts and what we find in there.
How we find the best sports gambling in Pennsylvania
Online sports betting in the US isn’t available in all states, but we know we can get involved in Pennsylvania. The best place to begin is to see how many sports a site has in its roster. We check for an A-to-Z list and see whether there is a separate ‘most popular’ area of sports too. We also look for a range of other services, including these:
- Can we try in-play betting?
- Do they offer live streaming?
- Do they cover unusual and lesser-known sports?
- Is there a racebook covering horse racing?
- Can we bet on international sporting events?
Most legal Pennsylvania sports gambling sites do cover such topics. You’ll find reviews of some of the most promising sportsbooks right here at PlayersBest, so you can trust our info and reviewers to steer you safely on your journey ahead.
How we find the best casinos online in Pennsylvania
The best online casino in PA… what do we look for when assessing all the available (and legal) sites we could join? The scope of the site is vital. We want to find a casino with hundreds of available casino games. The slots are usually the biggest of the lot, but baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and video poker should feature as well. Some casinos have a separate live area for poker too, while others stick to the classic video poker titles instead. We also tend to check how many developers are involved. The more there are, the more scope there is to find plenty more games – and a more diverse collection, too.
Even the slots have plenty of scope for unusual and quirky features. We like to see three-reel and five-reel slots, but if we spot some with four or six reels as well, that’s encouraging. We also like to explore slots with bonus rounds, progressive jackpots, free spin opportunities, and assorted ways of finding prizes. For example, you can play slots with these formats:
- Paylines spread across the reels – anything from one line to 100
- Way win slots – these cover all possible winning combinations on the reel set (so, 243 ways across a five-reel, three-row game)
- Megaways – a slot game where the reels can get bigger to accommodate more ways to win
- Cluster pays – these slot games ask players to find clusters of matching icons appearing horizontally, vertically, or both ways, usually with at least four matching symbols to win
Some casinos might also have some live games to play. These usually appear in their own section, although you cannot assume any casino has them. Some offer hundreds of games in other categories and don’t have any live dealers.
Discover the casino cosmos in PA
1.
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Players from Virginia accepted
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Join GOLDEN2000 for 2,000 FREE coins
Players from Virginia accepted
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Players from Virginia accepted
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Players from Virginia accepted
5.
30 Free Sweepstakes Coins
Players from Virginia accepted
Other features worth looking for when you gamble online in this state
We’ve covered plenty of ground already, yet there are lots more areas to explore too. By the time you step onto your chosen gambling planet in Pennsylvania, you’re going to know what to look for and what you need to find to make the best of that site. We’ve placed all the following topics in the same section as they apply to online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker sites in Pennsylvania. So, whenever you encounter a new site that you haven’t seen before – regardless of the services on offer – you can check and see whether they can cover these topics for you as well.
This could be a free bet for the sportsbook or a simple deposit bonus if you’re looking to sign up to the casino. You might also get the chance to pick up a no deposit bonus – the best bonus you can get, and most likely to crop up inside an online casino. It means you get a few dollars to play with, and instead of depositing to get them, you just need to sign up for an account. It does mean you cannot already be a member of the site though, so keep that in mind.
Some sites stop after the welcome deal, but we like to see plenty more promotions and offers for those looking to make further deposits. Sporting promos might include ACCA bets, specials involving certain sports and events, like the Super Bowl or the Grand Slams in tennis. Meanwhile, a common casino deal might involve free spins on a newly released slot game. there can also be deals giving a percentage bonus on a deposit.
What are the wagering requirements like?
The best scenario here is to find no wagering requirements at all. In this case, there is likely to be a limit to anything you withdraw that you won via the no deposit bonus. This is also known as a cap. So, you might get $5 free to play in the casino, and you can only withdraw up to $10 in winnings from playing those few dollars. It’s still a superb deal though, so watch for this if you can get it. The alternative – wagering requirements or limitations – give you a multiplier to check out. The lower the multiplier, the better the deal. If you see wagering requirements of 35x, it means you need to wager your deposit (and sometimes the bonus too) 35 times before you can cash anything out of your account. If you see wagering requirements of 10x, this means you only need to wager 10 times before cashing out. The best sites give you this clear multiplier underneath the main details for the offer, but you should also see them in the bonus terms. Remember, the lower the better on this trip.
What about mobile access?
You might prefer playing on your laptop or desktop computer, but if you’d rather place sports bets or play casino games or poker on your smartphone or tablet, you should see how accessible your chosen site is on those devices. It doesn’t always mean downloading an app – some sites are superb on mobile browsers.
Are they fast to process withdrawals?
Withdrawal times can vary depending on your chosen method. However, look at the cashier or banking page to learn more about how long you might need to wait.
What about limits on depositing and withdrawing?
There is usually a minimum deposit amount in dollars. You’ll often see maximum withdrawal amounts too, with daily limits in place. These can change depending on the banking method chosen.
How to find the best site offering online gambling Pennsylvania action
We’re all different, each plotting our own journey through the intergalactic world of online gambling to find the perfect combination of services we’re looking for. The PA online gambling launch was a massive success, for sure, yet while we’ve been able to bet online for a few years now, many Pennsylvanian residents are still new to the idea of doing this. Even if you were aware of the change of law before you arrived at PlayersBest to read this comparison, how much have you learned since settling in for this insight?
We know that we can easily access all three types of online gambling, as they’re all legal in the state. However, that means you have plenty more choice than some individuals living in other parts of America. So, it’s sensible to think about this – and about what you’re looking for – before you sign up to a site. We’ll guide you on this topic now, so you can cut down the amount of time it takes you to find the site you’ve always wanted to bet at.
Are you looking for sports betting, casino action, poker, or everything?
Some people only want to focus on accessing a sportsbook. Others want nothing to do with a sportsbook, instead zeroing in their coordinates to find their perfect online casino experience. A few might want some online poker action instead – while some are going to want access to two or three of those services. Make sure you think about what you want from gambling in Pennsylvania online, as you’ll then be able to find a website that offers the closest experience.
Look at the scope of each offering
What do we mean by this? If you want casino action, you want to find lots of slot games. You might also want access to table games, card games, some video poker, and maybe some specialty games such as keno or scratch cards. The wider the collection, the more games you’ll be able to switch between to stave off boredom. Since there is a limited selection of sites that are legal in the state, you want to pick one that best suits you.
The same applies if you want a sportsbook. Online sports betting should give you a decent collection of sports, so check your favorites are there. Look at coverage too – do they only cover the top events in each sport, or do they cover less well-known ones as well? Look at the odds, betting types, and whether they offer live or in-play betting. Think about your preferences too – which could vary compared to other bettors.
Trust your instincts
Do you love the site you’ve landed on? Here at PlayersBest, our experienced team of reviewers and travelers are always hard at work reviewing all kinds of USA-approved betting sites, casinos, and poker providers. So, we can give you plenty of details about all the online gambling Pennsylvania opportunities. Yet you still need to decide which site is going to serve you best. It could be something as simple as choosing the sportsbook with a streamlined and easy to use mobile app, rather than the one that doesn’t have an app.
Conversely, you might choose the online casino with games from multiple developers rather than just one or two. Sometimes, the smallest detail can tip you in favor of one gambling site over another. Fortunately, in each case, we can guide you by supplying you with all the details you need to work out what to do in your situation.
Boost up your bets with these top bonuses
1.
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $20
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly – Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Bet $1 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
3.
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
5.
20% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 25x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $5
Other factors you should know before betting in Pennsylvania
If you live in the state and you’re excited to go on this new journey, we have a couple more things to cover before you prepare for launch. Safety features also cover taking a sensible approach, and that’s what we’re going to check on now. Once you’ve read this section of our comparison report, you’ll be ready and set for lift-off.
Always focus on your bankroll
This could be five dollars, $25, or hundreds of dollars. Most sites have a minimum deposit amount, so bear that in mind if your betting bankroll is on the lower side. Don’t go beyond your maximum bankroll; once you’ve gone through it in the casino or at the sportsbook, stop.
Know how your sports or games work
With sports, the greater your understanding, the easier it is to choose a bet and know what you’re betting on. With casino games, understanding the rules can help you work out which games suit you best.
Think about the size of each wager
You could easily spend a $50 bankroll on a single bet, no matter whether you’re into sports betting or casino action. However, if you bet smartly, you can stretch that bankroll way further. Smaller bets would generate smaller prizes if things went your way, sure, but they give you more scope for winning one or more prizes too.
Landing on a safe Pennsylvanian online betting planet
We’ve reached the end of our comprehensive Pennsylvanian comparison guide. We hope you’ve been able to assess the opportunities for gambling in Pennsylvania, so you can work out which legal site is going to be the ideal one for you to use. With our expert knowledge and your residency in this state, you’re in the perfect position to embark on a journey to a shining star in this legalized arena of betting.
