Online Poker Pennsylvania — Is It Legal? Get $5,000+ at PA Poker Sites

From an array of Pennsylvania online poker sites to various live poker rooms scattered across the east side of the state, there’s no scarcity of exciting options for those that want to indulge in poker in the Keystone State. 

If you want to get some skin in the most popular card game, this guide provides a good jumping-off point for hitting the tables. We’ll take a full-scope look at the current legislation and present our top picks for the best Pennsylvania online poker hubs and retail poker venues in the state. Before wrapping up, we’ll give you a few tips and tricks on how to take your game to the next level.

Best Online Poker PA Sites

There are dozens of online poker Pennsylvania sites, but some brands stand head and shoulders above the rest. After a detailed quality assessment of each operator, we’ve hand-picked the very best Pennsylvania online poker platforms with excellent game variety, huge guarantees and promotions, robust traffic, and a wide range of buy-in and stake levels. 

1. BetOnline — Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Site Overall 
2. Bovada — Pennsylvania Online Poker Platform With the Highest Traffic and the Best Choice of MTTs 
3. Everygame — Accommodating Buy-Ins and Great Jackpot Tournaments
4. Ignition — Biggest Welcome Bonus Among Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites 
5. Sportsbetting.ag — Online Poker Platform With Fastest Payouts and Lowest Rake in Pennsylvania

Online Poker Sites PA Reviewed

All of the Pennsylvania poker online sites mentioned above are exceptional in their own right, so we had to put in extra work to determine which ones are the true cream of the crop. After thorough research and comparisons of the best online poker real money Pennsylvania sites, we’ve narrowed the list down to five operators. 

We’ll provide a brief recap of each brand in terms of its main features — game variety, tournament options, table limits, banking, and more.

1. BetOnline — Overall the Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Site

Operating since 2004, BetOnline joined the Pennsylvania online poker scene in 2011. The brand’s bread and butter is its online poker room, although its other gaming products — online sportsbook and casino — are nothing to sneeze at. 

BetOnline uses cutting-edge proprietary poker software developed by Connective Games, offering superb functionality and an excellent mobile design for multi-table play. It creates an impeccable experience on the PA casino app. Players can get in on the action via the browser-based version or the dedicated client, which is the more customizable option. 

In terms of game selection, BetOnline poker leaves nothing to be desired. As one of the most versatile poker rooms in Pennsylvania, BetOnline features a variety of formats, including No-Limit/Pot-Limit/Limit Hold’em and Omaha, as well as niche variants in Stud, Americana, and 32 Card Draw. 

At BetOnline, new and existing customers can enjoy fantastic promotions and exciting tournaments, including Bad Beat Jackpots, Rebuy Frenzy, Progressive Bounties, and the $1 Million Windfall. What’s more, the brand frequently hosts rake races for cash and SNGs and runs $800 freerolls daily. Stake levels for cash games are in the $0.01/$0.02 – $5/$10 range, which is in line with what you’ll find on other Pennsylvania online poker sites. 

You can get money to and from your BetOnline account through various payment methods, including money orders and several cryptocurrencies, not the least of which is bitcoin. 

2. Bovada — Pennsylvania Online Poker Platform With the Highest Traffic and the Best Choice of MTTs

Launched in 2004, Bovada is one of the longest-running gambling sites in Pennsylvania. Its massive success in the Pennsylvania online poker scene is mainly attributed to its completely anonymous tables. Overall, the operator does a great job blocking HUDs, so there’s plenty of fish at the tables — some of which have migrated from the sportsbook and the online casino.

Bovada has recently made a few tweaks to its platform, including updated graphics and the addition of a no-download poker client, which works impeccably on both desktop and mobile devices.  

Alongside Ignition, Bovada belongs to the PaiWangLuo network, the largest offshore online poker network in the U.S. Bovada has garnered an enormous interest in recent years and is currently the highest-ranked Pennsylvania online poker site in terms of traffic.

Most of the action revolves around No-Limit and Fixed-Limit Hold’em tables, where buy-ins start at as little as $0.50. High rollers can find a few $30/60 games at Fixed-Limit Omaha and Hold’em tables.

In addition to a vast array of cash games, both standard and anonymous, Bovada features a deep selection of tournaments, including Knockouts and Turbos, with up to $1 million in guarantees. You’ll also find a great range of Jackpot SNGs, with max prizes going as high as 1,200x the buy-in.

Players can also engage in Zone Poker, Bovada’s version of fast-fold poker.

3. Everygame — Accommodating Buy-Ins and Great Jackpot Tournaments

Everygame is a brand that may not ring a bell with some Pennsylvania poker fans, but they’ll surely recognize its former name — Intertops. One of the veterans in the iGaming space chose to rebrand itself on December 1, 2021, while keeping the same design and layout. That said, this is one of the most technically sound platforms for playing online poker in Pennsylvania.

The poker skin of Everygame will continue operating on the Horizon Network, so you can expect a lot of action at the Hold’Em and Omaha tables, especially during peak hours. The site features a substantial selection of guarantees, including the six-handed Sunday Superstack and WSCOPC Caribbean $200,000 GTD, to name a few. You can also take part in daily freerolls for a chance to win tournament entries for the SnG satellites and potentially the Sunday $10k GTD Sundowner. When it comes to cash games, you can jump in at $0.02/$0.04 tables if you’re on a tight budget, or you go big at the $10/$20 games.

The site accepts a full suite of payment methods, including e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and cards.

4. Ignition — Biggest Welcome Bonus Among Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites

Online since 2016, Ignition is one of the latest additions to the Pennsylvania online poker market. It’s basically a Bovada poker skin, operating on the PaiWangLuo poker network, generating third-most traffic globally, trailing only 888Poker Pennsylvania and PokerStars. 

One key advantage Ignition has over rival poker sites in PA is the anonymous tables, making up for a shark-free environment. The operator doesn’t allow HUDs, player trackers, or similar tools, so you’ll get a fair game in every session. 

Over the years, Ignition has undergone several software upgrades; the current interface looks attractive and smooth. 

From a gaming standpoint, Ignition hits it out of the park. Tournaments are a big focal point with more than $1.5 million in guaranteed prize pools up for grabs every week. For a $50 buy-in, you can compete in $150k weekly GTDs. On a daily basis, you’ll find a few $2k–$10k guarantees with $3–$20 buy-ins. Ignition also hosts Jackpot SNGs with random lottery-style pots that accumulate five-digit sums. When it comes to cash games, Zone Poker at NL Hold’em tables steal the spotlight; blinds range from $0.02/0.25 to $2.50/$5.00.

The site supports the most popular banking providers, including mainstream credit card carriers (Amex/Visa/MasterCard) and Bitcoin. 

5. Sportsbetting.ag — Online Poker Platform With Fastest Payouts and Lowest Rake in Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for the best sites to play online poker in Pennsylvania, you can’t go wrong with Sportsbetting.ag. Conveniently enough, it’s also one of Pennsylvania’s top sports betting sites. 

Much like its sister site BetOnline, Sportsbetting.ag is powered by proprietary software, which delivers a smooth gaming experience across all devices. You can play every MTT, SNG, and cash game while on the go via the dedicated mobile client. 

Sportsbetting.ag has a great selection of tournaments, including freerolls and monthly $150k+ guarantees. The buy-ins for the major weekly events are at a lowly $20, which is great news for casual players. Bad Beat Jackpot is also in the mix, available at real-money Boost Poker cash tables. Betting limits are more suitable for recreational players, ranging from $0.05/$0.10 to $15/30. 

The operator offers the same selection of games as BetOnline, including the starter pack of Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, in addition to a few less mainstream variations.  

Sportsbetting.ag is one of the select few online poker Pennsylvania platforms that support e-wallets. Payments can also be made through checks, bank wire, and various cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is typically the go-to option because it is the fastest and the most flexible, with deposit limits going up to $500,000. 

More on gambling in Pennsylvania…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Pennsylvania in our expert guides below:

• Pennsylvania sports betting
• Pennsylvania real money online casinos
• Pennsylvania online poker
• Pennsylvania online gambling
• Pennsylvania Sports betting apps
• Pennsylvania horse racing

Online Poker Pennsylvania — Top Sites Compared

Below is a comparison table that will show you how our top-rated Pennsylvania online poker rooms stack up against each other in terms of game selection, bonuses, tournament availability, and betting limits. 

Is Online Poker Legal in Pennsylvania?

Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania? It’s been legal since 2017. More specifically, it was authorized in 2017 with HB271 — Pennsylvania online poker bill. This legislation also legalized state-wide DFS, online casinos, and online sports betting. 

To date, seven casinos acquired a poker license from PGCB, so there’s no shortage of legal poker sites in Pennsylvania. Some of the world’s leading brands have entered the market, including 888 Poker Pennsylvania, WSOP Online Poker Pennsylvania, BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania, and Party Poker Pennsylvania. 

You can also access a wide range of legal online poker Pennsylvania rooms that operate offshore. Since PA has no specific laws in place that forbid its residents from joining out-of-state gambling sites, you join any of our recommended online poker Pennsylvania real money rooms with peace of mind. 

Video Poker Pennsylvania

Although video poker shares some similarities with standard poker, it resembles slots more. Most video poker variants are based on the 5-card draw version, so it’s easy to understand and play. And the fact that it’s much more a game of luck than skill makes it particularly popular among rookies. 

What’s more, video poker iterations like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker come with a house edge of less than 2% (among the lowest of all casino games), which only adds to its overall appeal. 

Pennsylvania poker rooms rarely offer video poker. That said, you’ll find these wildly entertaining games at our top Pennsylvania online casinos. Most of the recommended operators will allow you to play in demo mode, which can serve as a precursor to the real money action. 

Casual Poker

The laws for playing poker in Pennsylvania don’t offer a definitive statement on social poker or playing the game casually with friends. The exceptions for charitable gambling don’t apply to poker. 

That being said, hosting a private game of poker in Pennsylvania where no one makes a profit through rake and/or selling beverages doesn’t seem to invite the risk of a criminal charge.

Pennsylvania Poker Laws

With a population of almost 13 million, Pennsylvania has the largest regulated poker market in the US. 

It took two years from when online poker in Pennsylvania was legalized to get the market off the ground. PokerStars was the trailblazer, having launched in November 2019. Heavy hitters like BetMGM, 888 Poker, and WSOP Online Poker followed suit shortly after that. 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was tasked with regulatory oversight of licensed online poker operators. 

Live Poker in Pennsylvania

Land-based poker in Pennsylvania is governed by the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004. Several upscale casinos are located in the Keystone State, and you have to be 21 or older to be allowed entrance. 

Online Poker Guides State by State

Pennsylvania Poker Rooms: Live and in Person

The lion’s share of the retail casinos in Pennsylvania host poker rooms.

At last count, there were ten live poker Pennsylvania rooms featuring a slew of cash games and tournaments. The Philly area is particularly dense, and it’s home to a few heavy-hitter casino brands with elite poker rooms.

Parx Casino

Address: 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020, United States

Parx is marketed as one of the finest poker rooms in Pennsylvania, and judging by its gaming selection, these claims are not far off. In addition to over 3,000 slot machines, the venue features a 48-tables poker room and a 3-table high-limit lounge. In addition to the standard fare of daily cash games and tournaments, Parx runs big buy-in events such as Big Stax, one of the three majors held at the venue. All the main game types are available, most notably No Limit/PL Hold’em and PL Omaha. The room is open 24/7 and boasts various promotions — Bad Beat Jackpot, High Hand Giveaways; you name it.  

Rivers Casino

Address: 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States

Rivers casino features one of the best poker rooms in Pennsylvania, stretching across 8,000 square feet and housing 30 tables. One of the major attractions is the hourly high-hand bonuses. The place is open from 10 a.m – 6 a.m throughout the week. Due to Covid restrictions, Rivers casino poker room doesn’t currently offer tournament play. As for cash games, available versions include 1/3 NL Hold’em and Higher and 1/3 NL Omaha and Higher. 

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028, United States

One of the largest casino chains in the country runs an exquisite poker room within its premises in Grantville. It offers cash games across 17 tables, with players able to take advantage of the high hand promotion. It’s one of Pennsylvania’s most exciting poker rooms for tournament play, boasting both standard and turbo blind options. Only cash Texas Hold’em players are eligible for the Bad Beat Jackpot and other Players’ Pool promotions. 

Wind Creek Casino

Address: 77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States

Located just outside Philly, Wind Creek Casino is one of the top spots for playing live poker in Pennsylvania. It features 24/7 action across 26 tables with weekly tournaments and a daily Bad Beat jackpot. Games start at $1/$2 NL Hold’em, and $4/$8 Limit Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud. Lower stakes games run around the clock, while high-roller tables are only set up upon demand.

Visitors can earn $0.70 – $1.05 in comps, which is the most you’ll get from poker rooms in Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Poker Rooms Reopening

Most poker rooms in Pennsylvania were closed for much of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some brands have permanently shut down their operations, including Harrah’s Philadelphia, which was the home of the WSOP poker room. 

As it stands, the majority of the live poker venues have resumed action, albeit with limited tournament schedules. 

Pennsylvania Online Poker Laws

Governor Tom Wolf signed HB271 into law on October 30, 2017. The all-encompassing bill legalized online casinos, online sportsbooks, DFS, and online poker in Pennsylvania. 

Party Poker Pennsylvania is one of the several high-profile poker brands launched in the Keystone State. To access state-licensed online poker Pennsylvania sites, you must be 21+ and located within state lines; the operators will use geolocation trackers to pinpoint your whereabouts. 

On the other hand, geolocation restrictions don’t apply to offshore poker sites, which are also a legitimate option for playing online poker in Pennsylvania. These brands operate outside the jurisdiction of Pennsylvanian lawmakers and are therefore in a legal gray area. 

Online Poker Pennsylvania

A growing number of users are flocking to Pennsylvania poker sites, and it only makes sense given the number of benefits online platforms have over their land-based counterparts. 

Let’s start with the most apparent one — convenience. As we mentioned earlier, most of the live poker rooms in PA are located in the eastern parts of the state, so getting to them from the west could be a tall order. 

Conversely, there’s no travel time or expenses when visiting online poker sites; you can get in on the action from the comfort of your home, as long as you have a stable internet connection. 

Arguably the most prominent reason players opt for the online variant is promotions and bonuses. Not that you won’t get these at live poker rooms in Pennsylvania; it’s just that these perks pale in comparison with what you’ll get in their virtual counterparts. 

Last but not least, game selection. Whereas brick-and-mortar poker rooms usually offer NL and Limit Hold’em/Omaha only, online platforms also feature quirky variants like 32-card Draw and Americana.

Real Money Online Poker Pennsylvania: Deposit Methods

One of the main performance indicators of an online Pennsylvania poker site is payment method availability. Preferably, your chosen virtual poker room should accept various safe and trusted banking options with flexible limits. 

That said, here’s an overview of the best Pennsylvania online poker sites in terms of deposit options: 

Playing at Online Poker PA Site

Every PA online poker room featured on this page is pretty impressive. Still, it all comes down to your personal preference. 

BetOnline leaves other poker sites in Pennsylvania in the dust regarding game variety. Not only does it offer the starter pack of Hold’em + Omaha, but also a few outside-of-the-box variants in 32-Card Draw and Americana. Additionally, it offers $800 freerolls, and it’s better than most competing sites in this regard. 

Poker Tournaments Pennsylvania

Currently, Pennsylvania poker tournaments are in short supply when it comes to live poker rooms in the state due to Covid restrictions. 

On the other hand, sites like Bovada host an all-inclusive roster of tournaments, including $1 million Turbo GTDs, Jackpot SNGs, and more. An equally impressive selection is found at Sportsbetting.ag; from $1 Million Windfall to a variety of Progressive bounties with low buy-in limits, there’s plenty of action around tournament play. 

Tips for Real Money Online Poker Pennsylvania

Poker is a relatively easy game to learn but tricky to master. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or you want to brush up on some finer points, the following tips may help you improve your win rate at Pennsylvania online poker sites: 

• Get the most out of the bonuses — At the risk of sounding obvious, you should pick a poker site that provides the best bonus value for both new and existing customers. In addition to the size of the intro offer, you should pay attention to the associated T&C, most notably the rollover requirements.
• Manage your bankroll properly — You should always set a budget and stick to it, no matter what. Play with money you can afford to lose only, and if you run into a cold streak, it’s best to take a break and come back another time. 
• Learn the table rules — Before you swing into action, you need to get all of your facts straight regarding game rules, betting options, and other essential details of your chosen table.
• Observe other players at the table — You should always be observant at the poker table and study your opponents’ moves and tendencies. This will allow you to spot patterns and weaknesses you can capitalize on.

How to Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania

Getting started at an online poker room in Pennsylvania is a quick and effortless process. We’ll navigate you through it step-by-step, using our top-rated pick BetOnline as an example. 

Step 1: Visit your Chosen Poker Site

When you load the homepage, click or tap on the green Join button in the upper right corner of the page. This will navigate you to the registration page. 

Step 2: Sign up for an Account

Next up, fill in the required fields. You’ll need to provide some basic details about your identity and whereabouts, like name, address, and birthday. 

Step 3: Make a Deposit

When you complete the registration procedure, open the deposit tab to top up your account. Make sure to deposit $50 or more to qualify for the welcome bonus. 

Step 4: Start Playing

With your account fully loaded and the sign-up bonus activated, you’re all set to hit the tables. Open the Poker section and choose between cash games or tournaments to get started. Good luck! 

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Conclusion – Playing Poker in Pennsylvania

Poker enthusiasts from Pennsylvania are in for a special treat as they can choose between a plethora of options, both land-based and online. 

We’ve scoured the web to find you the best options, and after detailed research, we’ve pinpointed six Pennsylvania poker sites that you should check out. Out of these, BetOnline stands out as the premium choice, based on our stringent criteria. It’s the overall finest poker room in terms of game selection, tournament availability, banking, and bonuses. 

FAQs

Is there online gambling in Pennsylvania?

Yes, all forms of gambling have been legalized, including sports betting, online casino, DFS, and online poker.

Can I legally play poker online?

Yes, both at domestic sites and offshore. You have to be at least 21 to join and play for real money.

Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, online poker became legal in October 2017 when HB271 was turned into law. Several brands are currently licensed to operate in the Keystone State. Additionally, offshore poker sites are accessible to Pennsylvanian players.

Where can you gamble in Pennsylvania?

There are ten poker rooms in Pennsylvania, located within high-end casinos. These include premier brands like Parx, Rivers casino, and Penn National.