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The PA online casino market is now up to ten operators, all attached to a land-based casino. You can keep up with the best online gambling sites in PA here, and get the latest updates on online casino games using our game tracker. PA online gaming is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is working on the online and mobile betting regulations that each of the new online casinos in PA will have to adhere to. By all means, the Pennsylvania gambling industry took a huge leap in late 2017 when the legislature approved the gambling expansion plans.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Click on each tab to read more about the Coronavirus Safety and Guidelines.
Welcome back!
Mount Airy Casino Resort is now open! There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of you, our most valued guests, and our team members, so we would like to take this opportunity to share what has been done to the property for our guests, and what you can expect to see as we welcome you back.
During the 3-month closure, the Mount Airy team was diligently cleaning and sanitizing the entire property with EPA approved cleaning and sanitizing agents and following CDC guidance for workplace cleanliness and safety. To maintain these standards, key team members attended cleanliness, sanitation and safety training classes conducted by Ecolab, a global leader in water, food safety and public health technologies. We want to ensure that you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
The entire casino was cleaned and disinfected frequently, and you will find newly-added hand sanitizing stations throughout the property to ensure that all guests and staff are cleaning their hands as frequently as possible along with disinfecting wipes for slot machines. We also installed plexiglass dividers at all “transactional locations.” Guidelines specific to each activity and area of our property can be found below and were designed in accordance with the CDC and PGCB.
In accordance with PGCB guidelines we will only be accepting 50% of our maximum casino occupancy at one time. Casino occupancy will be tracked using bi-directional trackers located at each entrance to the casino floor. Additionally, security will be in communication with Slot Operations, Table Game Operations and Surveillance in order to ensure compliance.
We thank you for your patience over the last few months. We hope these measures will make you feel comfortable returning to Mount Airy, and assure you that your safety and well-being remain our top priority. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Mount Airy Casino Resort Team
Health and Sanitization Guidelines:
At this time, the Commonwealth is not requiring us to enforce the 14-day quarantine or proof of testing prior to your arrival. However, for your safety, we do have these protocols in place: mask wearing required, proper social distancing, and temperature checks for all guests. We are also following CDC guidance on COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Please visit the PA Department of Health website for COVID-19 Travel Guidelines:
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx
Smoking: Effective July 3, 2020, under guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, smoking is no longer permitted in Pennsylvania casinos. As a result, Mount Airy Casino Resort will offer an outdoor smoking area adjacent to the Self-Park entrance, where social distancing can be accommodated.
Alcoholic Beverages: In response to Pennsylvania Governor Wolf’s recent order, we have temporarily ceased the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages on the casino floor. Alcoholic beverages may only be purchased in conjunction with a full meal while seated in one of our restaurants. Guest are still welcome to enjoy their favorite non-alcoholic beverages with cocktail service on the casino floor.
Face Masks: Guests are required to wear a face mask while on property. Their mask may be lowered in order to eat or drink. Guests will be provided with a complimentary face mask if they do not have one. All Mount Airy Team Members will be required to wear a mask while on working in adherence to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or CDC mandates. All guests wishing to gamble will be requested to briefly lower their masks, if applicable, for age and identification purposes.
Temperature Checks: At the discretion of Mount Airy Casino Resort staff, our security team may conduct non-invasive temperature checks utilizing digital/thermal temperature readers at points of entry (i.e. hotel/bus lobby) on any guests displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Guests displaying a temperature of 100.4 degrees or above will receive a second temperature screening. Guests twice confirmed to have temperature of 100.4 degrees or above or refusing an initial or secondary reading, will not be allowed entry to the property and directed towards appropriate medical care.
Physical Distancing: Guests will be advised to practice physical distancing by standing an appropriate distance from other groups of people not traveling with them while standing in lines, using elevators or moving around the property. Lines and queuing areas for the casino cage and player’s club area will be labeled with social distancing decals spaced 6-feet apart. Restaurant tables, slot machine availability and other physical layouts will be arranged to ensure appropriate distancing. Team Members will be reminded not to touch their faces and to practice appropriate physical distancing whenever possible. All resort outlets will comply with the local or commonwealth or CDC mandated occupancy limits.
Hand Sanitizer/Wipes: Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, and wipes will be placed at key Guest and Team Member entrances and contact areas such as reception areas, hotel/bus lobby, the casino floor, restaurant entrances, meeting and convention spaces, elevator landings, pools, spa/salon and exercise areas.
Restaurants: In response to Governor Wolf’s recent order, all indoor restaurant seating (Montagna Pizza, Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen, and Bistecca by Il Mulino, Lucky 8, and The Market) has been reduced to 50% capacity. While this may mean longer wait times to be seated, rest assured our team will do its best to make your time with us extraordinAIRY. The Buffet at Mount Airy has been reimagined to become The Market at Mount Airy and now features counter/wait service including grab-and-go options.
Slot Operations: Every other slot chair will be removed to allow for physical separation between Guests (approximately 850 of 1,700 slots). Popular banks will have acrylic shields installed between each game (the remaining 150 games). Casino supervisors and managers will ensure that Guests do not congregate around slots. Guests will be encouraged to wipe down slot machines before and after each use and they will be cleaned by slot attendants every two hours.
Table Game Operations: Table Games may have every other chair at a table open. 3 spots available on a Blackjack/Carnival game, 4 spots on a Roulette/Midi-Baccarat game, 6 spots – 3 on each side – on a Dice game. There will be approximately 12 table games with shields. Poker will not open unless the prototype shield is approved by the PGCB. Casino supervisors and managers will ensure that Guests do not congregate in groups. Customers will be placed on a wait list.
Sportsbook: Seats and booths have been reconfigured to allow for appropriate physical distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available to each guest at the counter. Chairs will be sanitized after each guest departs and the Sportsbook will be cleaned in its entirety daily.
HotelCheck-In: Bell carts and luggage storage rooms will be sanitized every two hours or when applicable. Masks are available upon request.
Hotel Guest Elevators: A Mount Airy Team Member will be present to sanitize the button panels at regular intervals. Signage will be posted to explain the current procedures. The greater of four Guests or one party will be permitted per elevator.
Guest Rooms: Industry leading cleaning and sanitizing protocols are used to clean Guest rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items including television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, door and furniture handles, water faucet handles, nightstands, telephones, light switches, temperature control panels, alarm clocks, luggage racks and flooring.
Housekeeping: Stay over service by request only.
Hotel Laundry: All bed linen and laundry will be changed per stay and by request. Linen and Laundry will and continue to be washed at a high temperature and in accordance with CDC guidelines. Dirty linen will be sorted in the Guest room to eliminate excess contact while being transported to the laundry facility.
Retail Spaces: In coordination with our retail partners and tenants, guest occupancy limits will be enforced to allow for appropriate distancing at all owned/leased retail spaces.
Pool: Pool seating will be configured to allow for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of CDC mandated minimum separation between groups of Guests. Pool capacity will be 50% maximum occupancy. Chaise lounge chairs will be sanitized after each use and cabanas will be sanitized each night. Towel desks, entry doors and all other desks and counters will be sanitized at least once every two hours. Day Passes have been temporarily suspended.
Spa & Salon: While certain services and facilities will not be available, the Spa & Salon will function under strict CDC.PA Health guidelines. All team members and guest signage will be displayed, social distancing protocols will be respected as far as possible given the nature of the services provided and appropriate PPE will be utilized at all times. Mount Airy has submitted extensive protocols covering the full range of steps to be taken covering cleaning routines, scheduling services to provide adequate time for cleaning between guests, temperature checks, isolation protocols, and training of team members.
Fitness Center: The fitness center will be available to guests 24/7, and will be cleaned daily with periodic checks throughout the day. Guests will be encouraged to wipe down machines before and after use utilizing provided cleaning materials.
Shuttle Service: Temporarily suspended until further notice.
As part of the nationwide effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Mount Airy Casino Resort will temporarily be closed to the public until further notice, pending approval by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. For the latest updates, please check this site or call (877) 682-4791.
OUR HIGH CLEANING STANDARDS
Mount Airy Casino Resort has always been committed to the highest standards for cleaning, but we will also be cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining our property during closure. You can be assured that your health and safety will continue to be our highest priority.
GIVEAWAYS, OFFERS AND REWARDS
We understand that you may have questions about the regularly scheduled offers, giveaways and rewards. Please know that your Instant Rewards will not expire during this temporary closure. Your balances will be maintained and available once we re-open. In addition:
• Your offers will be valid during the indicated offer periods.
• Gift giveaways scheduled during our temporary closure will be postponed to a later date.
POSTPONED EVENTS
Unfortunately, we have had to postpone a number of our scheduled events. Please check our Entertainment Calendar for updated information on postponed events.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!
Thank you for your patience during this time. The health and safety of our community, guests, and employees is our top concern, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Golf Social distancing rules in place:
PRO SHOP
– Only (2) Two guests allowed in Pro Shop at one time, one person at a time to check-in.
– MUST wear masks when entering/inside the Pro Shop.
– You may call the Pro Shop 570-243-5240 to pay over the phone when you arrive or check in at the shop, one person at a time.
– Must wear a mask in Pro Shop, restrooms and picking up “To-Go” food order.
– Please practice social distancing of 6’-8’ at all times everywhere.
– We are back to shared carts, all carts are sanitized prior to round/single carts are $10 extra.
– All “2” some’s will be paired with other twosome’s.
– Check in 15 minutes prior to tee time.
TEE TIMES
– 10 minute intervals.
– No club rentals until further notice.
– No spectators allowed.
– Pro Shop Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm daily.
– Please book your tee time in advance at www.mountairycasino.com/golf/book-a-tee-time/ or call 570-243-5240 (No walk-in players allowed.)
– Check in 15 minutes before your tee time, no earlier. Please stay in your car, no congregating in parking lot or near clubhouse.
– No spectators, no exceptions. (Must have a valid driver’s license – if not you must walk and “carry bag” – juniors under 16.) Golfers will now share carts (no more single carts), single carts will only be allowed with a doctors excuse explaining reasoning or pay a extra fee of $10 for your own cart.
– After your round, please dispose of personal trash from golf cart and head to your car.
OUTSIDE SERVICE
– All carts will be sanitized between uses.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
– To-Go service only.
– Limited menu.
– Hours for food service: 9:00am – 5:00pm.
– Limited outside seating only – Inside seating/Inside bar is closed.
RESTROOMS
– MUST wear a mask inside the pro shop and restrooms.
– Will be cleaned and sanitized every day.
– Restrooms on the course are closed/clubhouse use only.
– Locker room and showers are closed.
CLUBHOUSE
– No dining room tables.
– Access limited to restroom use only.
– The Lounge area is currently closed.
Poker Social distancing rules in place:
– We will operate at limited capacity.
– Plexiglass dividers will be in placed on each table.
– Games will be played max 7-handed.
– All guests and team members will be required to wear a mask.
– Hand sanitizer will be available at each table.
– Food will not be permitted in The Poker Room.
– Spectators will not be permitted in The Poker Room.
– Chips and cards will be sanitized regularly.
– Chairs and rails will be sanitized when a player leaves the table.
– Table changes are restricted to once every 8 hours.
With several types of online gambling available in Pennsylvania, picking a site can seem overwhelming. If you’re feeling unsure about where to go, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, you will find reviews for the best online casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. We have carefully studied each site to determine what the strong suits are and, conversely, what things they need to improve.
We also discuss some of the challenges Pennsylvania’s online gambling market is facing.
With things changing almost daily, it can be challenging to keep up with online gambling news in the Keystone State. Hopefully, by reading through our information below, you can determine which sites best fit your online betting needs. Most importantly, you must be comfortable with the site and aren’t worried about anything beyond winning.
Best PA online gambling sites for 2020
Our best casino bonuses and offers
Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.
Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here’s a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:
Unibet Casino
Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.
For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.
The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.
Read ourUnibet PA online casino review
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player’s initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.
This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.
All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review
Hollywood Casino
At first glance, Hollywood online casino’s bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It’s absolutely free.
All new players must do is register on the site. There’s no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.
Best of all, there’s only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it’s ready for withdrawals.
Read our Hollywood Casino review
PA online casinos partnership tracker
The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.
| Casino | Online partners | Online Casino launch projection |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood (Penn National) | N/A | Launched July 2019 |
| Parx | GAN | Launched July 2019 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse) |
| PokerStars Casino | 888 / PokerStars | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| Unibet | Kindred | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| FanDuel Casino | IGT / GAN | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Presque Isle Downs | BetAmerica | Launched Jan. 2020 |
| Rivers Philadelphia | Rush Street Interactive / Kambi | Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers) |
| Harrah's | Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars) | Launched April 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | Pala Interactive | Launched July 2020 |
| Live! Casino | GAN | Launched Aug. 2020 |
| Barstool Casino | Penn National | 2020 |
| Hollywood (Penn National) | BetMGM | Launched Dec. 2020 |
| Golden Nugget NJ | NYX | Application pending |
Best sportsbook bonuses and offers
Here’s a look at our welcome bonuses offers:
SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.
New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.
Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There’s only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it’s quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.
Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers’ online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse’s deposit match. In fact, it’s the same.
Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.
Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.
New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.
Read our BetRivers Sportsbook review
FanDuel Sportsbook
To casual fans, FanDuel might seem like a strange addition to the sports betting landscape. However, the daily fantasy sports giant has become quite a force in online sports betting in the past few years.
So, Pennsylvanians can get a taste of what all the fuss is. New accounts at FanDuel online sportsbook will receive a risk-free bet of up to $500.
New FanDuel players don’t need a promo code to activate this deal. They simply must join FanDuel here and make their first wager.
There is a 1x playthrough requirement on the bonus, which means players must make another bet of equal size to release the funds.
Essentially, players are receiving two bets for the price of one. Still, that’s a great deal for most, mainly if one of them happens to win.
As an added bonus, there is also a FanDuel Casino integrated within the PA FanDuel sports betting app.
Read our Fanduel PA Sportsbook review
Full list of sportsbooks and partnerships
| Online sportsbook | Casino | Retail sportsbook launch | Online sportsbook launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlaySugarHouse | Rivers Casino Philadelphia | Dec. 15, 2018 | Launched May 2019 |
| BetRivers | Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | Dec. 15, 2018 | Launched June 2019 |
| Parx | Parx Casino Sportsbook | Jan. 10, 2019 | Launched June 2019 |
| FanDuel | Valley Forge Casino | March 13, 2019 | Launched July 2019 |
| Kambi/Hollywood | Hollywood Casino at Penn National | Nov. 17, 2018 | 2020 (Barstool Sportsbook) |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Philadelphia | Jan. 24, 2019 | Launched March, 20020 |
| BetAmerica | Presque Isle Downs Casino | July 26, 2019 | Launched Dec. 2019 |
| Fox Bet | Mount Airy | Sept. 12, 2019 | Launched Sept. 2019 |
| Unibet | Mohegan Sun Pocono | Sept. 24, 2019 | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| DraftKings | The Meadows | Oct. 7, 2019 | Launched Nov. 2019 |
| N/A | Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed) | March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020) | N/A |
| N/A | South Philadelphia Turf Club | Jan. 17, 2019 | N/A |
| N/A | The Downs at Lehigh Valley | Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook) | N/A |
| Betfred Sportsbook | Wind Creek Casino | 2020 | 2020 |
| Live! Sportsbook | Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021) | 2021 | 2020 |
Many of these online sports betting offerings will eventually be tied to a PA online casino site. For example, Harrah’s will likely roll everything into its single Caesars Online Casino product. PlaySugarHouse offers a shared account between casino and sports betting as well.
The lone exception is if you are an iPhone user. Changes to the Apple app store guidelines make these shared apps difficult, so you might see a sports betting app before you get a real-money online casino app in the lineup. And there is a chance they will remain separate.
What’s legal and illegal for online sports betting?
Few newly legalized activities come without rules and exceptions to their legality. Pennsylvania’s online sports betting is no different.
The good news is that Pennsylvania residents and visitors can wager on any professional, collegiate or international sporting events. The only requirements are:
- Be at least 21 years or older
- Be physically within Pennsylvania state lines
- Wager on an approved, regulated Pennsylvania site
However, the betting must occur on sporting events.
So, non-sports events, such as the Academy Awards or political elections, are not permitted for betting.
Finally, people who are intrinsically involved with a particular sport cannot wager upon it. So, players, officials, coaches, and other sports personnel cannot place bets on their own sports.
Concerning online casinos, most people can play without any restriction. Adults who are at least 21 years old are more than welcome to take part.
However, there is absolutely no online casino play allowed across state lines. The sites use geolocation software to monitor every player’s physical location. You must enable this function on your mobile device or you won’t be allowed to play.
The other exception is people who have placed themselves on the self-exclusion list. There is a separate self-exclusion list in Pennsylvania specifically for online play. Unfortunately, gambling addiction is a real problem, and online casinos are careful not to exacerbate the issue for people who are in recovery.
PA casino apps
With Pennsylvania moving into the online casino space, there are a few points about using these programs that bear mention.
First and foremost, it’s important to know that each casino app will figure out what device you’re using automatically. So, whether you use a laptop or a mobile device, the app will size the casino to fit your screen.
For the most part, every online casino has a browser version that will always work on desktops and some phones.
With that said, many casinos have a dedicated app specific to mobile use. If you are a mobile user, you may find the app to provide a smoother experience.
The mobile apps may also have greater functionality than the browser version. However, the game selection on the app can be smaller because some games don’t translate to mobile.
Finally, no matter which platform you use, you will have to go through some steps for the app to work.
Apple users should be aware all PA casinos or sportsbooks have a native iOS app.
Android users can play on all of the casinos in Pennsylvania but they will need to download the app from the casino website. The Google Play store does not support the distribution of gambling apps.
What online casino games are available in PA casinos?
Online casinos feature many of the same games that one might find in a land-based casino. Here are some of the types of games you may find at your favorite site.
Because of the laws requiring Pennsylvania-specific servers for any game providers to PA online casinos, the selection may not be what you are used to if you’ve ever played on a New Jersey online casino, for example.
Slots
The bread and butter for land-based casinos, slots, are the main focus for most online casinos too. An online slot is technically not a machine, but it functions identically otherwise.
A slot game will usually feature several rotating reels with various symbols drawn on them. The reels stop, and the player wins (or doesn’t) based upon the patterns the reels come to rest.
Many slots also feature bonus games or features that provide extra chances for players to win. Bonuses tend to be mini-games and have a higher chance of success than the slot game at large.
Each online casino in Pennsylvania offers a selection of games. That variety depends mostly on the deals each casino has with the game publishers.
So, the following is a list of the most popular slot developers and their games that are playable at the best PA online casinos:
NetEnt: At this time, all games on SugarHouse Casino are produced by NetEnt Games. NetEnt became an industry leader in the world of online slots by providing players with realistic games that replicated those in a Vegas casino. The list of games below includes the top games you will find at Pennsylvania online casinos.
- Blood Suckers II
- Dead or Alive
- Divine Fortune
- Drive: Multiplier Mayhem
- Gonzo’s Quest
Konami: Konami is a household name in the online casino industry. As of the time of writing, this slot developer is only available at select casinos and with only a handful of Konami slot games. Here is a list of games available at select PA casinos:
- African Diamond
- Ancient Dragon
- China Shores
- Full Moon Diamond
- Solstice Celebration
IGT: IGT is a massive global brand with more than 1,000 styles of slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos and hundreds available online. But there is a limited number of IGT slots in Pennsylvania. This list includes the top games you’ll be able to find online.
- The Big Easy
- Cleopatra
- Crown of Egypt
- King of Atlantis
- Pixies of the Forest
Other game developers entering the Pennsylvania market include Incredible Technologies, Everi Gaming, GAN, H5G, and Slot Symphony.
Video poker
Video poker games are often lumped together with slots. The main difference is that players retain a certain measure of control over the way the game proceeds.
Pa Online Casino Update News
Video poker creates a virtual simulation of a typical five-card draw poker hand. The player receives five cards, can choose to hold as many as they like and then redraws.
The goal is to make a five-card hand that qualifies as a winner. Exactly which rank of hand is required to win varies from game to game.
Table games
Players who prefer a more tactile experience tend to stick to table games. These are games that use a virtual simulation of activities that involve playing cards, dice, balls, or prize wheels.
Blackjack
The most common table game is blackjack. This card game is a competition between the player and the dealer to see whose combination of cards can get closest to 21 in value.
The catch is that the player must act before the dealer and rely on incomplete information to do so. As a result, the casino retains a slight mathematical edge.
However, players can mitigate this edge by using basic strategy. Basic strategy is a widely published set of behaviors designed to play blackjack optimally.
Roulette
The second-most common table game is roulette.
This French version of the game is found in almost any casino with table games. In fact, PlaySugarHouse elected to launch three variants of roulette in its PA online casino before publishing any versions of blackjack.
Basically, roulette involves a randomly released ball falling into a spinning wheel with numbered slots. Players wager based upon which numbers they believe the ball will fall into.
When playing roulette, you will choose between European and American roulette. European roulette features only a single zero on the wheel and boasts better odds for the players. American roulette, on the other hand, features a 0 and a 00, worsening the odds for players.
There are a variety of choices and combinations of numbers that players can choose to bet. Roulette is a staple for casinos due to its pace of play and chance at incredible winnings. A correct bet on a single number will pay 35:1.
Craps
Craps seems to be a bit less likely to appear in PA online casinos. The game itself, which plays with dice rolls, a large tub-like pit, and myriad ways to wager, is likely a challenge for programmers to realize in a virtual setting.
Nonetheless, craps is a dice-based game, which involves players attempting to roll certain numbers on a pair of dice. Players wager based upon the likelihood of various combinations appearing on the dice.
The probability of those combinations often determines the prescribed payout for various wagers on the board. The casinos generate their profit margin by ensuring that the payout odds are worse than the event odds.
Hollywood Casino
For example, a particular number may only have one chance in three of occurring, but a successful wager will only payout 2:1.
Other table games
Several table games are available from time to time at online casinos. These games are less common and, frankly, have a bigger house edge to them.
Nevertheless, they can be a fun option for someone looking for a change of pace. Some other table games include:
- Casino Hold ’em
- Caribbean Stud
- EZ Baccarat
- Let It Ride
- Pai Gow Poker
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
Live dealer games at PA casinos
People often speak about the “next big thing.” For online gambling in the US, live dealer games are that thing.
This style of online casino game has been nothing short of a revolution. It has propelled casinos in New Jersey to great heights. Live dealer games will come to a Pennsylvania online casinos as soon as the operators can get it off the ground.
Essentially, live dealer games are games dealt in real-time and broadcast live across the site. Real dealers run the games in an interactive studio located in or near the actual land-based casino itself. In fact, there are a few games conducted on the casino floor itself.
Players can place their bets, interact with the dealers, or even interact with one another. Some versions of live dealer games have even expanded to allow players to have multiple views of the game in action.
So far, the following games are available in a live dealer setting in New Jersey. Hopefully, they will appear in Pennsylvania soon:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Casino Hold ’em
- Roulette
- Three-card poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ’em
Stay on top of things with your favorite online site. Live dealer games are not something to miss.
More about PA’s legal online gambling industry
Online poker, online casino table games, and slots became legal in Pennsylvania as a part of a comprehensive gambling expansionpackagepassed by state legislators in October 2017.
The PGCB is providing regulatory oversight for the local online gambling industry. Casinos could get all three types of interactive gaming licenses at once for a $10 million licensing fee. The cost was $4 million each individually for slots, table games, and peer-to-peer games like poker.
There is no limit on the number of skins, or alternatively branded online gambling operations, that can operate under each licensee. However, regulations designed by the board stipulate branding for the skins must clearly identify the licensee. Plus, players can only create one account per licensee, not per skin.
Potential PA online casinos
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), there are 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos and two smaller resort casinos operating inside the state. Plus, a 13th casino, Live! Philadelphia, is coming to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area, home of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams.
All of these PA casino operations could have applied for online gambling operator licenses in the state beginning April 16, 2018. The properties had until July 16 to turn in applications for a $10 million comprehensive interactive gaming license. With this license, casinos can offer online poker, online slots, and online table games.
There were nine casinos which applied:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Wind Creek (formerly Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem)
- Rivers Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- Live! Philadelphia Casino (under development)
After applying, Rivers Casino Pittsburg eventually rescinded its application, electing to punt on online gambling. Stadium Casino, now called Live! Philadelphia, did something similar, opting to forgo an online poker license.
Meanwhile, both Presque Isle Downs and Mohegan Sun Pocono applied for a la carte licenses. Presque Isle opted to skip poker. Mohegan surprisingly signed up for all three at a cost of $2 million more than its competitors. However, like Rivers and Live!, it too abandoned its online poker plans.
That left 12 unclaimed interactive licenses. PGCB opened up a process for qualified gambling entities (QGE) from outside of Pennsylvania to claim them.
Only two groups applied. MGM Resorts has preliminary approval for all three categories of license. Golden Nugget Atlantic City can offer table games and slots, but no online poker.
These two major US gaming players will be among the last to launch online casino and sports betting products in PA. They will also be the only sites without a PA land-based casino partner.
Potential PA online poker sites
Pa Online Casino Updates
The first online poker site to go live in the state was PokerStars PA when it fully launched on Nov. 6, 2019. The global poker brand is offered in conjunction with its land-based counterpart Mount Airy Casino Resort.
Today, 10 of 12 Pennsylvania casinos have poker rooms. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Valley Forge Casino Resort are the only casinos in the state that do not have poker rooms.
More than 220 live poker tables are operating across the state with the 10 rooms pulling in an average of $4 million in revenue every month.
Pennsylvania Gambling News
Plans for Live! in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area include opening a poker room when the facility opens its doors in early 2021.
In addition to Mount Airy, six more PA casinos plan to offer an online poker counterpart. Those that will launch an online poker room in Pennsylvania (MGM is applying as an out-of-state entity) include:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Parx Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Resort Casino
- MGM Resorts (QGE – no land-based partner)
PA online gambling site safety
Caesars Pa Online Casino
PGCB will regulate all online gaming sites in the state. This is the same branch of the state government that regulates all land-based PA casinos.
Other important points regarding PA online gambling security
The regulations designed by PGCB will include several security measures specifically designed to:
Pennsylvania Online Casinos
- Ensure player balances are held in a separate account from operating funds
- Force sites to implement a rigorous player verification process
- Prevents minors from gaining access
- Deal with problem gamblers
- Force sites to implement geolocation software making sure all players are within the state
- All deposits and withdrawals are processed securely
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