Online Gambling in Pennsylvania: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online poker is legal and regulated in Pennsylvania. The state joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2023, allowing licensed operators to share player pools with other member states such as New Jersey and Michigan. This shared liquidity has led to larger tournaments, bigger prize pools, and more consistent traffic for cash games.

Cash games, sit-and-go's, and multi-table tournaments are available around the clock. Players must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Pennsylvania state lines to participate. All online poker platforms are licensed and overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), which enforces stringent rules to ensure fair play and prevent collusion.

The Pennsylvania Lottery is a state-run enterprise that provides funds for programs benefiting older residents. It offers a variety of games, including national draws like Powerball and Mega Millions, state-specific draws, and instant-win scratch-offs. Players must be 18 years or older to participate. While tickets can be purchased at numerous retail locations, the PA iLottery platform also allows players to buy tickets and play select games online after registering and verifying their age. All lottery winnings are subject to both state and federal income taxes.

In Pennsylvania, bingo is legal, but it is primarily permitted for licensed charitable, religious, and fraternal organizations. These groups must apply for a license from the county treasurer to host events, and all proceeds must be used for charitable purposes. While there is no minimum age to play bingo, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does not regulate traditional bingo, but online bingo is available through licensed casino websites.

Charitable gaming is legally sanctioned for qualified nonprofit organizations under the Pennsylvania Local Option Small Games of Chance Act. Authorized games include raffles, pull-tabs, and daily drawings. These organizations must be in existence for at least one year before they can apply for a license, and the law sets limits on prize values and the amount of revenue that can be retained for operational costs. The purpose of these games is to raise funds for charitable, civic, or public interest programs, and they are overseen by a combination of the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and local law enforcement.

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal and regulated in Pennsylvania, with the state having established a clear legal framework in 2017. DFS is regulated as a game of skill by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, unlike traditional gambling forms. Operators must obtain a license from the PGCB to offer contests to players in the state. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. While major national platforms operate in the state, they are required to adhere to Pennsylvania's consumer protection laws and are taxed at a rate of 15% on their adjusted gross revenues.

Pennsylvania law allows for private, social gambling under specific, non-commercial conditions. As long as no one takes a “rake” or profits from the game as a host, and the outcome is not determined solely by chance, activities like a friendly poker game at home are permitted. These activities are not subject to government regulation. Public venues, however, are prohibited from hosting such games without a valid license. Online social casinos that use virtual currencies and do not involve real money transactions are also widely accessible and are not subject to the same regulatory oversight as real-money gambling.

Pennsylvania has a flourishing land-based casino industry with numerous properties located across the state. These venues offer a full range of gaming, including thousands of slot machines, a wide selection of table games, poker rooms, and retail sportsbooks. All casinos are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which enforces strict rules on everything from age verification to game fairness. Entry to these facilities is restricted to individuals 21 years of age and older. Many of these physical casinos also serve as the land-based partners for the state’s online gambling platforms.