When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Do you know what the best Pennsylvania online poker sites are? We do. After countless hours of testing, conversations with players, and some critical thinking, we’ve managed to rank the leading offshore poker rooms in PA.
This guide provides a complete overview of our results, as well as some inside tips on how to get thousands of dollars in bonuses when you play online. So, if you’re eager to know the secrets of Pennsylvania’s online poker industry, scroll down now.
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| Best Crypto Poker Site |
CoinPoker |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000 |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000
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CoinPoker
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Play Now
Copied
TECHO
Copy
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Ignition |
100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus |
100% Poker Bonus + 100% Casino Combo Bonus
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Ignition
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Americas Card Room |
New Player Bonus Up To $2,000 |
New Player Bonus Up To $2,000
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Americas Card Room
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Black Chip Poker |
100% up to $2,000 |
100% up to $2,000
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Black Chip Poker
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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BetOnline |
100% Bonus up to $1,000 |
100% Bonus up to $1,000
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BetOnline
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Bovada |
100% Bonus up to $500 |
100% Bonus up to $500
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Bovada
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NO CODE REQUIRED
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Ya Poker |
100% up to $2,000 |
100% up to $2,000
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Ya Poker
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- Show Full Guide
List of the Top Six Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites
What are the best offshore poker sites available? We are going to take a look at the best that Pennsylvania has to offer. Based on our research, extensive tests, and feedback from players, these are the six best poker sites PA has available to online poker players:
- BetOnline Poker – $1,000 welcome bonus + multi-million-dollar MTTs
- Bovada – $500 first deposit match + massive MTT guarantees
- Ignition Poker – $3,000 deposit bonus + innovative crypto offers
- Everygame Poker – 200% first deposit match + 36% rakeback
- SportsBetting.ag Poker – $100K leaderboards + packed MTT schedule
- Juicy Stakes – $4,000 weekly challenges + dozens of daily freerolls
Comparing the Best Online Poker Sites in Pennsylvania
In this article we are going to look at the best online poker sites out there. Pennsylvania has a lot of different options, but which are the best ones? That’s a tricky question to answer, but we’ve spent countless hours testing each one. After much deliberation, we’re confident in our conclusions. So, if you want to see how the best poker sites in PA stack up, take a look at the table below.
| Poker Site | Best For | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code |
| BetOnline Poker | All-round value and service | 100% up to $1,000 | Join now and use code POKER1000 |
| Bovada | MTT guarantees | 100% match up to $500 | Join now and use code PWB500 |
| Ignition Poker | Crypto payments and promos | 150% up to $3,000 | Join now and get up to $3,000 in bonus cash |
| Everygame Poker | Bonuses and promos | 200% up to $1,000 | Join now and use code 1000EGP |
| Sportsbetting.ag Poker | Serious Players | 100% up to $1,000 | Join now and use code NEWSB |
| Juicy Stakes Poker | Rakeback and VIP rewards | 200% up to $1,000 | Join now and use code 1000JUICY |
Reviews of the Best Pennsylvania Poker Sites
How do you find the best poker sites in Pennsylvania? You could spend hours tapping buttons and sampling what each site has to offer. Alternatively, you can listen to our experts. We’ve been reviewing poker sites for more than a decade and, after putting each platform through its paces, we’ve concluded that following are among the finest on offer to play poker online in PA:
1. BetOnline Poker – Best Overall Product
- Payout time: 24 hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm)
- Established: 2001
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
- Restricted states: NJ
Our Verdict (Rating 9.5/10)
With experience comes quality and there aren’t many teams with more time in the gambling industry than the one at BetOnline HQ. The poker site itself has been offering a well-rounded product since 2001 but its founding figures have been in the business since the early 90s. You can’t buy this sort of experience and it’s the reason other offshore poker rooms struggle to compete with BetOnline. Although some sites excel in specific areas, few are strong across the board, meaning Betoline can offer the best online poker in PA.
BetOnline is. New customers are welcomed with a $1,000 first deposit match and the extras continue to flow from there. Reload bonuses, tournament leaderboards, and a bad beat jackpot that regularly hits $1 million are all in play. BetOnline also pours its vast resources into tournaments, the best of them being a $3 million guaranteed series.
If we’re being critical, we’d like to see BetOnline offer rakeback. Other offshore operators give you up to 36% of your rake back, so BetOnline is lagging in this department.
Where it’s not lagging, however, is software. The instant-play and downloadable platforms perform flawlessly on all devices, including mobiles. As well as being easy to use, the platform has some neat features, including poker strategy guides and the option to straddle in cash games. Finally, with low, mid, and high stakes tables for Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw, and Mixed Games, we’re confident you’ll find some action whatever your preferences.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 100% up to $1,000 | POKER1000 | $50 rake to release $5 in bonus cash | $50 |
Pros:
- $1,000 first deposit match
- Tournament leaderboard challenges
- Covers all popular poker variants
- Cash game straddles and all-in insurance
Cons:
- Bonus wagering requirements could be better
- Doesn’t offer rakeback
2. Bovada – Best for Tournament Guarantees
- Payout time: 24 hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
- Restricted states: NJ, NY, NV, MD, DE
Our Verdict (Rating 9.2/ 10)
Bovada emerged from the now defunct Bodog in 2011. Fully licensed by Curacao eGaming, it’s become one of the largest offshore poker networks in the world. Players in Pennsylvania can create their first (and only) account at Bovada using our link and get a first deposit match worth up to $500 when they use the code PWB500. That bonus is released in $5 increments each time you rake $10. For clarity, this equates to a rakeback rate of 50%, which is well above the industry average when you’re talking about real money online poker in Pennsylvania.
In terms of gaming options, Bovada raises the stakes when it comes to MTTs. Specifically, it has bigger guarantees on a weekly and monthly basis than all of its rivals. On Mondays alone there is $1 million in guaranteed prize money to play for. Even when you remove Mondays from the equation, Bovada still offers another $1 million in guaranteed prize money every week.
Cash game players haven’t been forgotten. Even though it can be tough finding high stakes games, the micro, low, and mid-stakes tables are always buzzing. Zone Poker is always popular because you get moved to a new table/hand each time you fold. The anonymous tables are also a nice touch, as is the quick seat function.
The one major downside to Bovada is its payment system. Credit and debit card payments incur a transaction fee of up to 15.9%. That, in our opinion, is excessive. The good news is that you can make fee-free crypto deposits and withdrawals. So, when you take this into account, Bovada stands out as a top Pennsylvania online poker operator.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 7/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 100% up to $500 | PWB500 | $5 of bonus released per $15 raked | $20 |
Pros:
- $500 deposit match welcome bonus
- Low bonus wagering requirements
- Instant crypto payments
- Play for $2 million in MTT prize money every week
Cons:
- No phone support service
- High fees for credit/debit card deposits
3. Ignition Poker- Best for Cryptocurrency Poker
- Payout time: Instant to 24 hours
- Established: 2016
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
- Restricted states: NJ, NY, NV, MD
Our Verdict (Rating 8.8/10)
If we’re forced to choose one reason why Ignition is among the best poker sites in PA, we have to highlight its welcome bonus. While most offshore sites give you between $500 and $1,000, Ignition goes three steps better. Specifically, it gives you up to $3,000. Now, up to $1,500 of this bonus cash is for casino gaming. However, the fact remains you can get up to $3,000 as a new customer. What’s more, the poker bonus is released in $1 increments each time you rake $15, which is a decent return rate.
Cash games tables cover all of the main poker variants, while tournaments are Hold’em and Omaha. The instant-play software performs well on all devices but, if you want the best overall experience, we suggest downloading the desktop app as it gives you access to some useful poker strategy articles.
Finally, if you enjoy tournaments, Ignition guarantees at least $2 million in prize money every week. All of these features are wrapped up in a platform that’s capable of processing crypto deposits and withdrawals.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 150% up to $3,000 (poker and casino bonus) | N/A | $1 of your bonus released per $1 raked | $20 |
Pros:
- $3,000 welcome bonus
- Weekly loyalty rewards
- Crypto payments
- Freerolls and $2 million in MTT prizes every week
Cons:
- Support is limited
- Limits on how much you can withdraw each week
4. Everygame Poker – Best for Promo Offers
- Payout time: 48 hours
- Established: 1996
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: St Kitts and Nevis
- Restricted states: NJ, NY, WA, MD, LA, MO, KY
Our Verdict (Rating 8.5/10)
Everygame is another industry veteran. It started out life as Intertops and quickly became one of the biggest poker sites in Europe and North America. Following a shift in momentum, Intertops transformed into Everygame. The revamped platform has been living up to its moniker by offering every game to every player since 2021. New customers can start their Everygame journey with a 200% deposit bonus worth up to $1,000. We love this offer because it gives novices a better bankroll boost than a standard deposit match.
Another reason we’ve given Everygame the promo award is the fact you can get up to 36% rakeback. That means you can get more than a third of the rake you pay credited back to your account on a daily basis. Again, this is perfect for novice players who need a bankroll boost and serious grinders looking for the best playing conditions.
As we’ve said, every popular poker variant is available. That means you can play Hold’em, Omaha, Draw, Stud, and Mixed Games for small or high stakes. Mid-stakes cash games don’t always get a lot of traffic, but you’ll find just enough low stakes games to keep you entertained. For the best action, we recommend tournaments. Sunday is the best day to play because there are plenty of guarantees.
Everygame really does have something for everyone, and, overall, it’s a solid product. The only major issue we have is the fact withdrawals are capped at $2,500 and you can only make one request per week.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
- Desktop Experience: 9/10
- Mobile Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 7/10
- Customer Support: 7/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 200% up to $1,000 | 1000EGP | Rake $12 in MTTs to release $5 of your bonus | $25 |
Pros:
- 200% first deposit bonus up to $1,000
- 36% rakeback
- Plenty of MTT action on Sundays
- Fiat and crypto payment options
Cons:
- Limited to one withdrawal per week
- The support service could be better
5. Sportsbetting.ag Poker – Best for Mobile Poker
- Payout time: 24 hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm)
- Established: 2011
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: Antigua
- Restricted states: NJ
Our Verdict (Rating 8.3/10)
Simplicity might not grab people’s attention but it’s the best way to create a slick mobile poker site. Indeed, what Sportsbetting.ag lacks in looks and styling, it makes up for with speed and efficiency. Some people won’t like the refined design, but we argue that it makes this poker platform perfect for mobile gaming.
If you’re in agreement, our registration link gets you a first deposit match worth up to $1,000 when you use the Sportsbetting.ag promo code NEWSB. That deal is flanked by a steady stream of reloaded bonuses, loyalty rewards, and leaderboard promotions for existing customers. You can access these offers via your desktop or mobile but, as we’ve said, we think the software is more suited to iOS and Android devices.
Whatever medium you choose, Sportsbetting.ag has Hold’em, Omaha, Draw, and Stud cash games. It also has a solid selection of Hold’em MTTs, with a few Omaha tournaments sprinkled in for good measure. It’s also nice to see modern poker variants creeping into the mix, most notably with Six Plus Hold’em.
Sportsbetting.ag is an offshore Pennsylvania poker site that prides itself on speed and efficiency. Indeed, you only have to look at the tables to see that no frills gaming is the standard. Of course, we know some of you prefer ornate gaming lobbies and engaging table animations. However, if you want to play more hands per hour and focus solely on the cards you’re dealt, Sportsbetting.ag is ideal.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 7/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 100% first deposit match up to $1,000
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 100% up to $1,000 | NEWSB | $5 released per $50 raked | $50 |
Pros:
- 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000
- Offers every popular variant, including Six Plus Hold’em
- Cash games offer straddles and all-in insurance
- Onsite poker strategy tips
Cons:
- No eWallet payment options
- Some people might not like the styling
6. Juicy Stakes Poker – Best for Loyalty Rewards
- Payout time: Up to 48 hours
- Established: 2009
- License: Curacao eGaming
- Headquarters: Curacao
- Restricted states: NJ, NY, WA, MD, LA, MO, KY
Our Verdict (Rating 8/10)
Anyone who plays poker online consistently should be rewarded for their efforts. There are tons of attractive options out there, so sticking with one or two sites shouldn’t go unnoticed. At Juicy Stakes, loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed. Once you’ve claimed the 200% first deposit, a steady stream of ongoing offers flow your way.
The no deposit bonuses and happy hour promotions caught our eye, but the thing that really stands out is the loyalty program. Every cent you pay in rake earns you points that can be spent in the VIP store on bonuses, tournament tickets, and gifts. Points also contribute to your VIP status which determines how much rakeback you receive. Everyone gets a decent chunk of change back, but the most consistent players receive 36% rakeback.
The final way Juicy Stakes gives you more for less is through its satellite system. As well as low-cost ways to qualify for online MTTs, this operator runs satellites for live events, such as the Caribbean Poker Tour. When you combine this passion for promotions with a well-stocked cash game lobby frequented by 300 active players at peak times, you’ve got the ideal conditions for serious grinders.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile Experience: 7/10
- Registration Process: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 7/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 100% first deposit match up to $1,000
| Offer | Description | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit |
| Poker sign-up offer | 200% up to $1,000 | 1000JUICY | $5 released per $50 raked | $25 |
Pros:
- 200% first deposit bonus worth up to $1,000
- You can get up to 36% rakeback
- Loyalty rewards and a VIP store
- Cash games and MTT buy-ins start at $0.02
Cons:
- Lack of players in mid-stakes games
- Not available in seven US states
Pennsylvania Poker Legislation Timeline
- 2017: Pennsylvania made online poker legal in 2017. House Bill 271 made its way through several votes before being signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf.
- 2019: The first licensed Pennsylvania online poker room launched in 2019, making it the fourth US state to have locally regulated sites.
- 2023: Monthly gross revenue for all locally licensed PA online poker sites combined averages just over $2 million.
Pennsylvania poker online is a thing. Not only that, it’s a legal thing. However, as you can see, the local regulated gaming scene is still relatively new. What’s more, the number of locally licensed poker sites is limited. All of the sites combined only generate $2 million worth of revenue so, in this regard, they’re not major entities.
Therefore, when it comes to online poker for real money in Pennsylvania, you should consider all of your options. Those options are locally licensed sites and offshore poker rooms that are licensed internationally. Platforms such as BetOnline and Bovada are fully regulated, safe, legal, and accessible in Pennsylvania. The fact these poker sites are accessible internationally means they have large playerpools.
Add to this the fact they’ve been active for more than a decade, and offshore PA online poker rooms are a great alternative. In fact, when you compare like-for-like, offshore sites typically have bigger bonuses and more games. So, when it comes to playing poker in Pennsylvania, the best move is to consider all of your options.
More on Poker
- Master the basics of how to play poker
- Learn winning poker strategy
- Improve your game with a poker cheat sheet
- Find out about poker’s top tournament festival with our WSOP guide
- Calculate your outs with our guide to casino poker odds
Is Online Poker in PA Legal?
Yes, you can legally play online poker for real money in Pennsylvania. State officials ratified House Bill 271 in 2017. This made online poker and casino gaming legal in Pennsylvania. Specifically, House Bill 271 put in place a system through which operators can apply to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) for an online gambling license. Operators who comply with local regulations and receive a license are afforded the right to offer poker games in Pennsylvania.
In practice, what the 2017 legal changes did was introduce a two-tiered system. Offshore operators, which have been operating legally on an international scale since the early 2000s, have always been available in Pennsylvania. So, when state regulations were passed, it simply meant that offshore poker sites were joined by locally licensed sites. Today, this means you’ve got a choice between local and international PA poker sites.
Local vs. International
Both are great options, but one thing to note is that local means local. You’ll only be competing against players in Pennsylvania if you use a poker room licensed by the PGCB. The Keystone State has 12 million residents, but only a small percentage of those play online poker. That means the average site licensed by the PGCB has a small playerpool. Offshore sites are available in multiple countries.
As such, the number of potential players is many times greater. With larger playerpools comes more action, bigger bonuses, and a greater amount of choice. The bottom line is that Pennsylvania poker online sites are legal, but the ones you choose can affect your overall experience.
In our view, some of the best games and promotions are available at offshore poker rooms.
Pennsylvania Poker Laws
Pennsylvania’s online poker laws are there to ensure you’re protected at all times. In line with this desire, operators are required to comply with these standards:
- Operators must be licensed by a legit regulator
- The minimum age to player poker in Pennsylvania in 21
- Profits are subject to tax (this may not apply if you use offshore sites)
- All payment options must be safe and reputable
- Games and software must be certified as fair and secure
How to Sign Up to a Pennsylvania Poker Site
Pick a Penn Poker Site
Choose a PA offshore poker site. Our top pick is BetOnline.
Click to Register
Follow our secure link to open the BetOnline registration page.Open the Registration Form
Tap “Join” on the homepage to start the registration process.
Enter Your Details
Enter these personal details: name, email, password, country, zip code, phone number, and date of birth.Verify Your Account
Hit “create account” and go to your inbox. Click the verification link to complete the registration process.
Log In and Play
Use the instant-play software or download the desktop/mobile app. Log into your account, make a deposit, and play.
PA Online Poker Bonuses
Playing online poker in Pennsylvania will be entertaining and, at times, unpredictable. Even the best moves don’t yield the right results, which is why you should claim as many bonus offers as possible. Doing this can help offset negative variance and keep your bankroll moving in the ideal direction. Some of the main offers to look out for at PA online poker sites are:
Welcome Bonuses
You’ll always get something extra when you join a new online poker site. Welcome bonuses can include everything from cashback and free credits to tournament tickets.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Any promotion that gives you a reward of equal value to the amount you deposit is called a match bonus e.g. if you deposit $500, you’ll receive a $500 bonus.
No Deposit Bonuses
Any reward you get without adding funds to your account is known as a no deposit bonus. These offers can be sign-up bonuses, loyalty rewards, and rakeback.
Freeroll Bonuses
The best offshore Pennsylvania online poker sites will give you tickets for freerolls. These MTTs don’t have an entry fee but registration is often restricted to people with tickets, so they’re a great way to win cash prizes without having to beat thousands of players.
Loyalty Bonuses
Play online poker for real money in Pennsylvania and you’ll earn points for every dollar you pay in rake. These points can be used to improve your VIP status and unlock special bonuses, including rakeback.
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
send someone to your favorite Pennsylvania online poker rooms and you’ll both get a bonus.
Pennsylvania Poker Apps
Poker is a game you need to focus on. Reading players and calculating pot odds are crucial moves you can only get right if you concentrate. That’s why you need a slick platform if you’re going to play poker on your mobile. The majority of top-rated PA poker operators have iOS and Android apps. However, even if you need to use a mobile site, the layout should be simple and the controls clear.
Basically, you don’t want to use a mobile poker site or app that makes it difficult to follow the action or make moves. This is one of the reasons we recommend Sportsbetting.ag and Juicy Stakes. These offshore poker operators have streamlined software. Their tables don’t contain any unnecessary features or imagery, so it’s extremely easy to ante up on the move and not make silly mistakes.
Pros & Cons of Pennsylvania Poker Apps over Desktop
As we’ve said, playing poker via a mobile device can be tricky due to the fact you’ve got a smaller screen to focus on. We’ve also said you can alleviate a lot of these issues by using streamlined poker software that isn’t unnecessarily flashy. Assuming you can do this, there are plenty of reasons to game on the go.
There are also some drawbacks to playing on a mobile that you don’t get when you ante up via your computer. The lists below should give you an idea of how PA mobile poker apps compare to their desktop counterparts.
Pros:
- You can play whenever and wherever you want
- It’s easy to jump into a juicy game
- Touch controls give you a greater sense of engagement
- You’ve got more opportunities to claim bonuses
Cons:
- It’s tricky to play multiple games at once
- Cards and icons are smaller so you could miss things
Payment Methods in Pennsylvania
You can’t play real-money cash games or Pennsylvania poker tournaments without making deposits. You may get lucky in a freeroll, win some money, and parlay that into a sizable bankroll. However, in most cases, you’ll want to credit your account with some money. Indeed, if you want the biggest welcome bonuses, you’ll need to make a deposit.
When it comes to online poker in Pennsylvania, our recommended offshore operators not only offer safe deposit methods but secure ways to withdraw your winnings.
- Visa and MasterCard: making deposits and withdrawals using a credit/debit card is no different from purchasing something from an online store. The average cashout time for debit card withdrawals is between three and five days.
- Wire Transfer: PA online poker sites allow you to send money directly from and to your bank account using wire transfers. This payment option is typically used for large transactions.
- Cryptocurrencies: the quickest and most secure way to make deposits and withdrawals is crypto. Tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are not only borderless (i.e. not tied to one country), they’re anonymous. As well as being safe, crypto withdrawals can be completed within a few hours.
Types of Poker Games available at Pennsylvania Poker Sites
Can you play online poker tournaments in Pennsylvania? Yes. Can you ante up in cash games? Also, yes. The leading poker sites cover all of the most popular formats and variants. This means you can play free games with demo chips, micro stakes cash games, and high stakes tournaments.
In general, cash game stakes start at $0.01/$0.02 and go as high as $50/$100+. You can enter tournaments for less than a dollar or play for six-figure guarantees in $100+ events. Put simply, there are options galore online and, what’s better, these games are available in a variety of variants, including…
Texas Hold’em
Everyone who plays poker has probably tried their hand at Texas Hold’em. It’s the most popular variant and the one used for all the top tournaments, including the WSOP Main Event. A round of Hold’em begins with each player getting two cards.
A betting round ensues and three community cards get dealt (everyone can use these cards). Two more betting rounds follow, taking the total number of community cards to five. If two or more players are left in the hand after the fifth community card, a showdown takes place. The player with the best five-card hand wins.
Pro tip: for a soft introduction to Texas Hold’em, the small stakes cash games on Everygame.
Omaha
Omaha is similar to Hold’em in the sense you have your own cards (hole cards) and community cards. However, unlike Hold’em, you get four hole cards instead of two. What’s more, you must use two of your cards in conjunction with three community cards.
These two rules mean there are a lot more hand combinations in Omaha. Then, when you make it Pot Limit (i.e. you can only bet/raise the size of the pot), it creates an action-packed game where hands can swing dramatically on the turn of a card.
Pro tip: dive into the volatile world of PLO cash games at Bovada.
Stud
Seven Card Stud is a classic poker variant that’s been popular in America for over 100 years. This isn’t a community card game, which means you need to make the best five-card hand from the seven cards you’re dealt. These cards are dealt over a series of betting rounds. Four cards are dealt face-up and three cards are dealt face-down. This means you can see some of your opponent’s cards.
Therefore, you make decisions in Stud based on your cards, those you can see, and people’s betting patterns.
Pro tip: Join BetOnline to try a mix of high and low stakes Seven Card Stud games.
Draw
Draw Poker, rather unsurprisingly, requires you to draw cards. Everyone at the table places an ante bet to start things off. After that, all active players receive five cards that only they can see. Players who don’t like their hand can fold at this point. Anyone who wants to stay in must match the last bet. If a player stays in the hand, they can swap as many cards as they like and draw new ones.
The final stage of the game sees all remaining players reveal their cards. The winner is the person with the best five-card hand.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the soft Draw Poker games at SportsBetting.ag.
Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Pennsylvania
Profits from gambling are liable for tax in Pennsylvania. This applies if you play live poker in Pennsylvania or you use a locally licensed site. In addition to federal tax, poker winnings are subject to 3.07% tax. Losses are deductible, but you can’t have a negative balance i.e. you can only deduct losses up to the amount you’ve won through playing online poker in PA for real money.
The tax rules apply to all online forms of gambling in the Keystone State. Locally licensed operators are required to report your betting activity to the IRS. Therefore, you’ll always be liable for tax when you play live poker in Pennsylvania or grind online.
The one exception to this rule is offshore gaming. Poker sites regulated outside of the US but available in Pennsylvania aren’t required to report their financial dealings to the IRS. This means offshore poker sites in Pennsylvania won’t report your wins/losses to the tax authority.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
Pennsylvania’s two-tier poker system means you’ve got plenty of options. That’s great, but we’re in the business of educating people. We know your time is precious, so you probably don’t want to waste it trawling through dozens of sites to find the right ones.
Because of this, we’re going to put our flag in the ground and say offshore sites are better than locally licensed Pennsylvania online poker rooms. It’s your decision as to whether or not you agree but, in the interests of transparency, here’s how we compare regulated vs. offshore poker sites.
| Offshore Poker Sites | Regulated Poker Sites |
| Your wins/loss aren’t reported to the IRS for tax purposes | Your wins/loss are reported to the IRS for tax purposes |
| More players so you’ll have more soft targets to compete against | Smaller playerpools means less action |
| Larger playerpools mean there’s more money in the system for MTT guarantees and promotions | Promotions aren’t typically as lucrative |
| You don’t have a local point of contact | Regulated operators have a local presence |
| Offshore servers could cause connectivity issues (although this is rare) | Locally licensed Pennsylvania poker sites have land-based partners |
Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Pennsylvania
A lot of Pennsylvania poker room reviews we’ve read only focus on what you can get if you make deposits and ante up in games. These reviews ignore the fact you actually have to win to make a profit. Winning in poker isn’t easy and we can’t give you a foolproof strategy in this guide. What we can do, however, is do better than other Pennsylvania poker room reviews and give you five tips on how to be a better player:
Never play higher than your bankroll allows. As a general rule, you should have at least 100 buy-ins for the game you’re playing.
Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Pennsylvania
Can you play live poker in Pennsylvania? Yes. There were 10 Pennsylvania casino poker rooms at the time of writing this guide, including Rivers Philadelphia and Parx. Each room has its selling points and there’s a lot to be said for the live poker experience. In reality, you can play live and online poker. However, if you’re trying to decide which setting will suit you best, here are some reasons to play live and some reasons to play online:
Reason to play live poker in Pennsylvania
- You get to see your opponents and make reads
- The best Pennsylvania poker rooms have table service
- You can earn live comps when you play
- The players are, in general, weaker in live games
- Casinos tend to offer bad beat jackpots
Reason to play online poker in Pennsylvania
- You can play more hands per hour
- Poker sites offer freerolls and small stakes games
- You get bonuses and rakeback
- Games are available 24/7 and you can play multiple tables at once
- There are more games to choose from
Live Poker in Pennsylvania - Casinos With Poker Rooms
There are 10 places to play cash games and poker tournaments in Pennsylvania:
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Wind Creek Casino
- Mohegan Sun Pocono
- Hollywood Casino
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- The Meadows Racetrack
- Live! Philadelphia
- Presque Isle Downs
We don’t have the scope to shine a spotlight on all 10 poker rooms in Pennsylvania, but we can talk about the two biggest…
Parx Casino
- Address: 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
- Opening hours: 24/7
Parx Casino has the number one live poker room in Pennsylvania. A 48-table poker room was added in 2018 as part of a $50 million expansion project. Today, that poker room hosts Hold’em and Omaha cash games up to $10/$10, as well as high limit mixed games. Parx also has an active tournament schedule, with regular festivals, such as the Big Stax Series. Other amenities, such as table service and massages, come as standard. Parx Casino also has an exclusive VIP room where highrollers can play.
Wind Creek Casino
- Address: 77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015
- Opening hours: 24/7
Wind Creek Casino PA has the second highest-grossing poker room in the state. It used to have space for 37 tables but, in recent years, the capacity has been reduced to 26. That’s still a lot of tables and the reason you’ll always find a cash game or tournament.
Most cash games are $1/$2 and $2/$5, but you can find $5/$10+ games running on weekends. Tournaments run daily, and the poker room offers a variety of extras, including TVs, table service, and massages.
How Pennsylvania Poker Compares to its Neighboring States
Pennsylvania has a thriving poker scene. Having 10 live venues certainly helps, as does the fact you players have access to locally regulated sites and offshore poker platforms. A
lthough New Jersey has a bigger poker economy in terms of player activity and revenue, Pennsylvania has the edge over online poker in Nevada and Michigan poker. Beyond that, it has many more options than states such as California and Florida due to the fact players have access to more than 20 live and online poker rooms.
Sweepstakes Poker Online
Live, locally regulated, and offshore poker sites are the go-to options for most players in Pennsylvania. However, there is a fourth option: sweepstakes poker sites. Sweepstakes gaming sites, such as WOW Vegas, Stake.us, and Chumba, offer free games. Instead of betting money, you wager a virtual currency known as Gold Coins. These coins don’t have any value, which means you can’t win cash prizes. This is also the reason sweepstakes poker sites are legal in virtually all US states.
Even though you can’t win cash prizes from the bets you make, it is possible to get a return on your investment. How? Sweeps Coins. These coins are, essentially, tickets for a sweepstakes draw. If you collect enough Sweeps Coins by playing poker, you can redeem them for a prize. That prize could be a gift voucher, cash, or something else.
The point here is that sweepstakes sites are legal because they offer free games. You don’t have to purchase coins. But, thanks to the fact you can win Sweeps Coins, it’s possible to turn your play into prizes.
Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania
Bankroll management and learning to control your emotions are two skills every poker player should learn. Master these and you’ll not only have better results but avoid the potentially perilous pitfalls of problem gambling. Our recommended Pennsylvania online poker sites provide a variety of resources to help you stay in control, including these responsible gambling tools:
- Personalized deposit limits
- Limits on the stakes you can play for
- Problem gambling FAQs and advice
- Timeouts and self-exclusion options
In addition to those resources, you can contact the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Gamblers Anonymous.
The Best Pennsylvania Poker Site for October 2024 - BetOnline
What’s the best online poker site in Pennsylvania? Based on our research and tests, BetOnline PA comes out top. Why? Because it offers the best overall package. Some operators offer bigger welcome bonuses, while others have slightly better software in certain regards. However, when it comes to providing a high-quality service to low and high stakes players, BetOnline comes out top in our review of the best online poker sites for real money.
| Our rating/verdict: | 9/10 |
| Accessible via: | iOS, Android, Desktop |
| Poker Games | 6+ |
| Welcome Offer: | 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 |
| Top Pros: | ✔️ Cash games and MTTs starting at $1, straddles, bad beat jackpot, $1 million in tournament guarantees |
| Cons: | ❌ Bonus playthrough could be lower, no rakeback |
How We Test and Review Poker Websites
150+ Gambling Platforms Reviewed
1,100+ Games Software Tested
200+ Monthly Hours of Research
375+ Promotions Verified
Playing online poker is becoming more popular by the day and you need to choose a reputable site that best matches your needs.
We here at Techopedia have an in-house review process that’s analyzed by our poker experts that covers each and every aspect of the most popular online poker sites in the world.
In particular we look at:
- Rakeback and other bonuses
- Game selection
- Player pool size
- Reputation and safety
- Payment methods
To find out more, take a look at our detailed guide on how we test gambling platforms and poker sites featured on Techopedia.
FAQs
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Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.
Resources
Here are some resources that might be helpful if you want to play online poker in Pennsylvania:
