Casinos in Pennsylvania

Jane Shaw By Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US Updated: September 13, 2024
Jane Shaw Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Map of Gambling Locations in Pennsylvania

Have you ever wondered how many casinos there are in Pennsylvania and what is their location? Look no further as we have compiled a full PA map locations along with filters that categorize by type so you can find the top locations for wagering in the state.

Our research showed 14 licensed operators on the legal Pennsylvania casinos map. They are a mixture of racinos and traditional wagering venues open for visitors from within and outside the state. Utilize the filter to find the best fit for you!

Pennsylvania Casino Map

The Best Casino in Pennsylvania

It goes without saying, the best operator in this trade, usually, is the one with the biggest selection of slot machines. This observation proves true in the case of the best casinos in Pennsylvania. The all-inclusive gaming areas are counterbalanced by luxury dining venues, live music, and night shows.

It's already very clear we are talking about a casino resort, encompassing different venues and offering a complete package of services. We take this into account because it has become the norm for in-person gambling at the highest level. After careful deliberation we were able to identify the best casino in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Best Casino
Slots
3200
Special Services
  • Horse races
  • Live Music/ Concerts
  • Luxury dining

The Biggest Casinos in Pennsylvania

The biggest venues of this kind, traditionally, belong to the best Pennsylvania casino resorts. Size does matter in the context of sheer surface area saturated with gaming implements. The biggest one of our top candidates is home to 188 table games. It's near impossible to see this big a number of gaming tables at a normal-sized casino.

So if you want to play with the big boys, now you know where to find them. An instant benefit you will notice is that you have everything at a hand's reach or under one roof – to be precise. With the all-in-one concept comes even more functionality, conveniences, and entertainment.

Pennsylvania Biggest Casino

Are There Indian Casinos in Pennsylvania?

Indian casinos are the type built on tribal land or close to an Indian reservation. They are governed by federal law and don't follow the same laws and restrictions as commercial casinos. There are no Indian casinos in Pennsylvania at this moment.

Notwithstanding the absence of Native American casinos in Pennsylvania, two tribes are the owners and operators of gambling establishments in the state. The latter are considered commercial casinos and are under the supervision of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The said gaming facilities are Mohegan Sun Pocono and Wind Creek Bethlehem.

Racinos

Racinos are the types of casinos that have their own racetrack for horse racing, hound racing or even auto racing. Currently, there are four racinos in the state of Pennsylvania. One of the main advantages of this type of facility is that they combine what sports betting fans and casino fans are passionate about.

Ticking these two boxes earns you a lot of respect and popularity in the community that's crazy about gambling in Pennsylvania. Spectacular races, the ringing sound of slot machines paying off – what else could you possibly want? Below is our detailed report on the racinos based in PA where you can gamble.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Pennsylvania?

Cruise ship casinos are the answer for the more adventurous or sea-loving gamblers. The standard procedure is after the ship departs, the gambling action only starts after International Waters are reached (after the 12th mile away from land). This way, the ship is not subject to federal law as it is outside of the territorial waters.

The games onboard a typical cruise ship or riverboat casino are no different than what you can find at some of the best casinos in Pennsylvania. However, presently, there are no cruise ship casinos in Pennsylvania. The nearest state that can offer that is New Jersey. Riverboat casinos are not legal either, certainly not for want of trying.

Full Pennsylvania Casino Directory

A question that would make just about every punter perk ears up, the number of good quality casino facilities in the state is an insight that truly excites the curiosity. If you wonder how many Pennsylvania casinos there are, the answer is 14, give or take.

To not end up in the wrong place, you should ask yourself the questions of how much you want to risk and what kind of games you want to play. While not of the essence, the atmosphere is also something that should be factored in. Here we will compile the locations available to those living in Pennsylvania.

Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Bensalem
Parx Casino and Racing 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, 19020 Casino
All Casinos in Bethlehem
Wind Creek Bethlehem 77 Sands Blvd, Bethlehem, 18015 Commercial
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, 17028 Racinos
Mohegan Sun Pocono 1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Indian Casino
Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa 312 Woodland Rd, Mount Pocono, PA 18344 Commercial
All Casinos in Chester
Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack 777 Harrah's Blvd Chester, Chester, 19013 Racinos
All Casinos in Erie
Presque Isle Downs & Casino 8199 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Racinos
All Casinos in Philadelphia
Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia 900 Packer Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Commercial
Rivers Casino Philadelphia 1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, 19125 Commercial
Valley Forge Casino Resort 1160 1st Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Commercial
All Casinos in Washington
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino 210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA 15301 Racinos
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin 4067 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 Commercial
All Casinos in Pittsburgh
Rivers Casino 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Commercial
Live! Casino Pittsburgh 5256 US-30, Greensburg, PA 15601 Commercial
 

Expected New Casinos

Morgantown is believed to be fast becoming one of the biggest Pennsylvania gambling cities. Everyone with a gambling frame of mind is excited about the opening day of Pennsylvania's first mini-casino, built-in Morgantown. You can find it in Caernarvon Township, nestled between Berks and Lancaster counties. If a good gambling site is thrown into the bargain, this could shape up to be one of the best online casinos in Pennsylvania.

Gambling in Pennsylvania

There is a wide variety of activities that you can participate in for gambling in Pennsylvania. Right now, we will concentrate on casinos and what you can do there, but there is also the ability to visit a sportsbook and bet on sports.

The main activities in a casino when it comes to gambling can be divided into table games, slots and racetrack betting if the facility is present. However, playing for real money is a territory reserved for those aged 21 and above. Eighteen years of age is enough for off-track betting. Below you can see some key facts about Pennsylvania gambling.

Pennsylvania Gambling Topics Gambling Facts for Pennsylvania
Number of Casinos 14
Casino Types Commercial, Racino
Casino Games Offered Slots, Casino Poker, Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments, Roulette, Blackjack, Dice Games, Lottery, Other Games, Sports Betting,
Age 21+ casino games, 18+ horse racing,
Smoking Yes/No*, *In some casinos it is permited in others its restricted
Drinking Yes/No*, *No restrictions (Need to be 21+ years old to be served)
Opening Hours
24/7 , Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
Betting Limit No limits
Taxation of Winnings Yes, for additional details click here

Casino Games in Pennsylvania

Gambling in Pennsylvania has gone full circle to a state where you can find almost every game you are looking for. Usually, the means to do that are the best casinos in Pennsylvania – whether it be virtual or land-based ones. They provide their customers with each hand every tool the trade knows. To test the top games, you can play online at Hollywood Casino in PA.

The number of operational slot machines in Pennsylvania sets them as one of the preferred gambling methods. Every casino in the state has a selection of such. Besides slots, roulette, blackjack, casino poker, and sports betting – which is now casino-based – come to the fore as things to gamble on. You can also legally play at online poker sites in Pennsylvania.

Slot
  • Total Rewards
  • Wheel, Autumn Moon
  • Golden Century
  • Panda Magic
  • Buffalo Grand
  • Lightning Link
  • 25 500+ slot machines
Casino Poker
  • Three Card Poker
  • Four Card Poker
  • Fortune Pai Gow Poker
  • Texas Hold`em
  • Ultimate Texas Hold`em
  • Heads up Hold`em
  • World Series of Poker Circuit
Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
  • Asia Poker
  • Fusion
  • 1100+ table games
  • 229+ poker tables
Roulette
  • American Roulette
  • European Roulette
  • Extra 00 green
Blackjack
  • Any 2 Card Blackjack Spanish 21
  • Players always pay off 3:2
  • Dealers stand on a soft 17
  • House advantage is less than 0.4%
Dice Games
  • Craps
  • Sic Bo
  • 3-4-5x Odds bets on Craps
Lottery Games
  • Treasure 7x7
  • Gorilla Go Wild Reveal
  • Super Gems
  • Robin Hood
  • Rainbow Fortunes
  • Slingo
  • PA lottery supports local older citizens in need
Other Games
  • live dealer electronic roulette
  • Baccarat betting at terminals
  • Big six wheel
  • High Card Flush
  • Sands Casino offers live dealer electronic Baccarat
Sports Betting
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Racing, Soccer
  • Tennis, Rugby
  • Golf
  • Online betting is permited

Gambling Legal Situation in Pennsylvania

When was casino gambling legalized in Pennsylvania?
Act 71 of 2004 legalizes casinos in Pennsylvania and racetracks. Established in the same year was the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, appointed to govern the gambling industry in the state. It's also the body that has the final word when it comes to casino licenses.
What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania?
21+ is the age for all casino gambling. Since there are no tribe-owned venues on the Pennsylvania casinos map, this is a hard-and-fast measure. 18+ is the minimum age for all horse race betting enthusiasts. This applies to all types of off-track betting.
Can you smoke in Pennsylvania casinos?
Smoking has returned to Pennsylvania casinos. However, some of the best casinos in Pennsylvania are still on the fence about the ban on smoking being lifted. Industry leaders Pax still don't allow smoking inside the casino. Smoke-free areas seem to be something very hard to get rid of and likely to stay.
Are there horse racing / off-track betting locations in Pennsylvania?
The state has two off-track betting shops and a large number of horse racing tracks. Some of them are what's called 'racinos' combining a race track with a casino. Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack is a fine example of that. The two off-track betting venues are The Downs at Lehigh Valley and South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook.
Are there dog racing / off-track betting locations in Pennsylvania?
Greyhound racing was banned in Pennsylvania a while back. However, simulcasting remains legal, so there are facilities in the state where you can place in-play bets on dog races. After all, there are 17 functioning dog racetracks in the United States.
Is charitable gaming offered in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's gambling law allows registered charities to run games of chance such as bingo, raffles, daily draws, and pull-tabs. The games you will find at a commercial casino are strictly prohibited in events, the purpose of which is charity.
Are there other legal restrictions in Pennsylvania?
Interestingly enough, there's a specific license for taverns offering pull-tab games, tavern raffles and drawings. Sure enough, it's up to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to grant permission and licenses to potential applicants. Unless you want to open a tavern of your own, this part of the law shouldn't concern you all that much.

Taxation of Winnings

The state of Pennsylvania, like all other states, is subject to federal taxation – 24% of all gambling winnings collected by patrons. After the federal tax, state and local taxes apply. Luckily, in Pennsylvania, there is a flat tax rate of 3.07%, which can go up to 15.3% if the patron is a self-employed professional gambler.

Luckily, as a PA gambler, you are entitled to the right to deduct your losses from the winnings. The rule to remember is that you must itemize your losses in your tax return Schedule A, line 28 of Form 1040. In the table below, we will outline the current gambling taxes in the respective state.

Prize ($) All (any prize) Pennsylvania Gross Income Tax (%)3.07 (15.3% if pro gambler)

Pennsylvania Gambling Laws

We would like to take a minute to talk about the Pennsylvania state gambling laws. We've listed below the most important pieces of legislation that have an impact on the industry. There are many ways to get it wrong and only one to make it right, so be sure to follow the guidelines on what is illegal.

These three rules clearly show how gambling devices are treated in the state and what is considered illegal betting. For instance, it is good to know what makes you stay on the legal side if you want to play at Borgata Online Casino PA or another gaming operator. Please make sure to take a moment and read through the Pennsylvania state gambling law to get yourself familiar with it.

History

The state of Pennsylvania has a gambling history which dates since the early ages of the 19th century. Have a look at the timeline underneath, you will find the most significant gambling facts up to this date.

City skyline of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
View of Pittsburgh and the Monongahela River, Pennsylvania Horse Racing in Pennsylvania has been legal since in 1959
Pennsylvania State Capital building at night
  • 1820 Horse racing wagers were made illegal for the first time in the Pennsylvania state history

  • 1967 Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission allows and oversees pari-mutual wagers and racing events in the whole state

  • 1971 With the acceptance of Act 91 the Pennsylvania State Lottery becomes legal for the first time. The first draw was held the next year and the revenues were targeted towards the elderly

  • 1991 Chapter 901 of PA State Law updated, also known as “Local Options Small Games Of Chance”, allowing charity bingo, raffles and limited pull-tab type games with very strict limits on prizes and the redistribution of the profits for good causes is mandatory

  • 2004 The biggest milestone in Pennsylvania state gambling law. For the first time casinos were licensed for the first time along with updates on the sports betting law

  • 2008 to 2010 Increase the minimum payout approved for charity bingo and raffles, and Senate Bill 711 is passed allowing table games at licensed casinos leading to record breaking revenues from the casinos 3 years later

  • 2017 Sports betting is legalized in all licensed casinos

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

As you may already know, web-based gambling is rapidly picking up the pace, especially in Pennsylvania. What you can expect in the future as law changes for the state is additional regulations and updates to the 2013 bill, and possibly even more licensed operators to join the fray. We don't think the licensing procedure will change all that much.

Pennsylvania Casino Resorts and Trips

If you would like to not only take care of your gambling needs but also make it something like a holiday, then casino resorts are what you are looking for. On the other hand, if you would like to just visit some of the best PA casinos in a short amount of time, then a straightforward trip is a good option. Or you can check out our comprehensive list of casinos in neighboring states.

Casino Resorts

If your decision is to have a relaxing holiday in a resort, we have gathered the top options that you will find in the state. There are some Pennsylvania casino resorts that attract like magnets, gambling-minded people. And, we have to say, gaming is just the icing on the cake.

The resorts we have in mind have clean, lofty rooms, wellness centers, offer additional services, have special deals – more than enough to blow you away! In the table below, you will find the price ranges of all resorts and some of their special offers.

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin (Woodlands Resort)
Number of Rooms323
Price Range ($)210-500
Special Packages"Stay & Play Golf", "Stay more, save more"
Additional ServicesFitness Golf Steam room
Wind Creek Bethlehem
Number of Rooms282
Price Range ($)148-410
Special Packages"Stay&Game", "Kids Quest", "Stay&Play"
Additional ServicesSPA Conference facilities Pools
Valley Forge Casino
Number of Rooms485
Price Range ($)110-220
Special Packages"Bed & Breakfast ", "Pre-Paid rooms discounts"
Additional ServicesGolf SPA Fitness

Casino Trips

In case you would not like to drive yourself to the casinos or just want to see as much as possible, you can book a casino trip, also called 'casino tour', with an agency offering such services. Unfortunately, there are not many agencies that can fulfil such requests. Compensating for that is the fact the agencies that do organize casino trips offer good package deals.

We can't call this a 'Pennsylvania casino tour' because the trips take you to a single premise rather than touring multiple ones. From what we know, there are bonus packages for punters willing to go on one of these trips. While being an undeveloped part of gambling in Pennsylvania, we would recommend giving this a go. Here's what's on offer.

Ben’s Tours  Visit Website
  • One-night bus tour to Lady
  • Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands
  • $20 free slot play
  • $200 worth of match-pay vouchers for tables
KLINE TOURS  Visit Website
  • Hollywood Casino Wednesday
  • Wind Creek Bethlehem
  • $30 coin bonus
  • $5 food voucher and low price of trip
Wolf`s Bus Lines  Visit Website
  • Day Trips
  • Overnight Trips
  • Slot Bonus
  • Food Credit

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many casinos are there in Pennsylvania?

A total of 14 licensed casino facilities can be found on the Pensylvania casinos map. Among those, there are nice-looking resorts able to serve a punter's every need. In that number are not included sportsbooks and racetracks. Neither are included at Native American gambling establishments because there are none.

What games are available in Pennsylvania casinos?

Casino games in Pennsylvania are everything you could ask for as a gambler. They include high-RTP games such as blackjack, roulette, and casino poker. On the flipside are the low-return-rate, but ever-so-popular slot machines, which there are tons of.

Is it possible to bring your children to a Pennsylvania casino?

Yes, but only on the grounds of the racetrack. It is forbidden for children to be in the casino halls. A lot of Pennsylvania casino resorts offer day care services for children with an animator and a program of activities for minors.

Can I bring a gun to a Pennsylvania casino?

The crux of the matter comes down to casino policy. Some Pennsylvania casinos allow concealed weapons to be brought in. There doesn’t seem to be any upcoming changes in the PA casino laws in that respect. It’s advisable that you don’t try to conceal carry if you know security doesn't search guests for weapons.

Can I rent casino equipment in Pennsylvania?

Yes you can rent casino equipment in Pennsylvania if you intend to use it in a licensed venue. Otherwise, your actions may be punishable, pursuant to section 5513 of Pennsylvania gambling laws, talking about the ownership of gambling devices.

Am I allowed to bring pets to any casino in Pennsylvania?

Usually pets are not allowed, but there are a few Pennsylvania casino resorts that are pet-friendly with a pet care facility at your disposal. By and large, it's not a good idea to bring your pet if you haven't been assured it will be taken care of. You can go on a PA casino trip instead.

Can I open my own casino in Pennsylvania?

No matter what type or size of casino you would like to be, you will need to be granted permission by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – Pennsylvania's gambling market regulator. There's a license fee of $1 million paid upfront. That license is valid for five years. Renewals cost $100,000 extra.

Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?

Call the PA Gambling Addiction 24-hour hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Don't hesitate to report someone else's gambling problem at the same phone number. Even new casinos in Pennsylvania are expected to point you in the right direction, should you turn to them with a request for help.

About Pennsylvania

The outline of Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg and Philadelphia
Capital Harrisburg 
Largest Cities Philadelphia 
Size 46,055 sq mi 
Population 12,807,060 
Time Zone Eastern: UTC -5/-4 
Abbreviation PA 

Conclusion

The facts point at a near-flawless legal gambling market at Pennsylvania, open to citizens of the state and from other states too. The two main conditions to being allowed to gamble at the best casinos in Pennsylvania and to take advantage of the best online casino bonuses is to be an adult and to be physically located in the state.

If you meet these two conditions, there's not much stopping you from having the gaming experience of your life. Let's finish on the following note, while having a punt offline is the preferred choice for many, keep in mind that regulation is nevertheless stringent. So, you need to make a commitment to responsible gambling in any case. These are some of the bonus points players in PA get in return.

  • Flexible gambling choices
  • Commodious casino resorts
  • Safe sports betting sites
100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House
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We focus on delivering a high-quality advertising service by featuring only established brands of licensed operators in our reviews. It is important to note that, despite our efforts to keep information up-to-date, we do not cover every operator available on the market.