Legal casino gambling age in US-PA: 21
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Online Casinos for players from Pennsylvania in 2024
Introduction
Section 5513 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code forbids all gambling unless specified otherwise. But throughout the years, several Bills have been passed. Are these new Acts in favor of online casinos, though?
On this page, we’ll look at the legal side of things when it comes to online casinos in Pennsylvania. If they’re legal, which authority monitors them? And, by the way, which casino games are legal for Pennsylvanians? We’ll also look at the responsible gambling measures of this Keystone State. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?
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The Legality of Online Gambling in Pennsylvania
The legality of online casinos in the US varies from state to state Gambling was prohibited in PA before the state passed a legislation permitting casinos solely offering slots in 2004. Fast forward to 2010, the gambling laws were changed to incorporate table games.
A new gambling expansion law that went into effect in 2017 permitted online casinos. That was on October 26th, to be precise. The legislature passed the oddly named Truck Stop and Satellite Casino Bill. This bill legalized online casinos in the state for the first time, in addition to permitting truck stops to have slot machines.
The first online casinos in Pennsylvania opened in 2019. Since then, 20+ online gambling sites have been launched in the state. The tax man has had a fruitful run since then, imposing a 54% tax on online slot earnings, which is among the highest internet gambling taxes in the country.
Over to the big question…
…. Is online gambling legal in Pennsylvania? Yes, online gambling is legal in the state.
With the advancement in technology, all internet casinos in Pennsylvania are mobile-friendly. Most of the features and games available for PC players are also on mobile. Some PA online casinos have Android and iOS mobile apps while others stick to mobile web versions.
According to an LCB forum post, Bitcoin gambling has its controversies, but several players are still gravitating towards it. The larger category of internet gambling, which is permitted in Pennsylvania, includes cryptos. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does, however, require licenses for online gaming operations. Currently, there are no laws that particularly address the use of Bitcoin and other digital coins for gambling.
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Who Regulates Online Casinos in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), established in 2004, oversees all the state's physical and online casinos. After slot machines were deployed in land-based casinos, the PGCB regulated them. It licenses and regulates all forms of gambling in the state. The only exception is the Pennsylvania Lottery, which is under the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
Remarkably, PGCB also served as the impetus for Pennsylvania's self-exclusion program. This was the nation's first of its kind, introduced in 2020.
Licensed Vs Unlicensed Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Every Pennsylvanian-licensed online casino has complied with the PGCB's stringent guidelines. This ensures responsible gambling and game fairness. It also guarantees player privacy and security, and financial transparency. And if a gambling company fails to follow established rules, a regulatory action will be taken. The licensing details for every PA online casino are available at the foot of the respective website and mobile application.
Nonetheless, Pennsylvanians have access to online casinos that lack state licensing. While foreign gaming authorities fully license some of these sites, others are not licensed at all. As a result, they don't follow Pennsylvania's gaming laws and don't provide the security and protection that the PGCB demands. Approach them with caution.
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Legal Online Casinos Games in Pennsylvania
Online Pennsylvania casinos offer plenty of games under different categories. Here are the top game classifications you’ll encounter:
- Poker: Online poker is one of the most enjoyed casino games in the US. The passage of the Gambling Extension Act in 2017 permitted online poker in Pennsylvania.
- Bingo: Under the Pennsylvania Bingo Law of 1981, "Associations" may host bingo games to generate money for charitable causes and other community purposes. Bingo draws can be held twice a week for a year by any Association with a standard license.
- Blackjack: Casinos are required by the Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (PGCB) to provide fair regulations for blackjack games. This entails generous splitting or doubling rules, paying 3:2 for blackjack, and the dealer standing on a soft 17.
- Slots: As mentioned, Governor Tom Wolf signed the H271 Bill in October 2017. This established the procedure for operators to get an online casino license. It allowed casino operators in specific categories to apply for one online slot license for $4 million.
Other games available include roulette and live games (Evolution games are available in PA, launched on August 16, 2024). Besides casino games, other legal forms of online gambling include online sports betting, lottery, and horse race betting.
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Depositing and Withdrawing when in PA
Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.
Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania
Excessive gambling is a hot topic even in our online forums. That’s why PA internet casinos must follow stringent safer gambling guidelines as directed by the PGCB. Licensed casinos must provide resources and support for gambling control. In case of uncontrolled gambling habits, you can set deposit limits or activate self-exclusion.
Reputable Pennsylvania online casinos often give information and contact options for assistance in case of problem gambling. While some organizations are national in scope, others are Pennsylvania-specific.
The non-profit Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania is linked to the National Council on Problem Gambling. It offers a free, round-the-clock helpline for anyone seeking assistance with a gambling issue. Call 1-800-426-2537.
National Problem Gambling: This group has a nationwide helpline for assistance in times of need. They will also give you a list of local support organizations. Their contact number is 1-800-522-4700.
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Over to You
Pennsylvania is now a major player in the online gaming industry. This is thanks to significant revisions to the state's online gambling laws in recent years. Keystone State was the fourth in the US to authorize online casino games by adopting a progressive stance toward internet gambling. Currently, there are 20+ active online casinos in the state. We’re yet to see an even bigger gambling market, with more licensed online casinos on board in the coming years.
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