By Jerry Smith
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: March 14, 2024
Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.
| PA Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Poker Games | Poker Tournaments | Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 9 | Yes | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | Not Needed | 3 | Yes | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | Not Needed | 6 | Yes | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | Not Needed | 2 | Yes | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. |
The most important aspect of choosing between Pennsylvania poker sites is confirming they are safe. Players want to know that their private data is properly stored and managed and also want to be sure they are playing on a fair platform. Each of the featured sites holds valid licenses and is regulated by the PGCB.
All selected sites have a vast number of poker variants for players to choose from while also having the necessary liquidity to ensure you can find a game no matter the time of day. PA operators quite rightly rank amongst the best online poker sites in the US.
Poker players have different and (sometimes) changing preferences, so to make your choice easier our experts have divided the best Pennsylvania poker sites by category. For some of you, for example, the available PA poker bonuses may be the most important thing, while others may look for specific games or banking options.
| Best PA Poker Sites | BetMGM |
|---|---|
| Best PA Poker Bonus | WSOP |
| Top Fast Fold Poker Site | Borgata |
| Best Cash Games | WSOP |
| Top Poker Tournaments | BetMGM |
| Most Online Poker Games | BetMGM |
| Best PA Poker App | PartyPoker |
| Best Banking Options | Borgata |
As you can see, you can find plenty of PA poker sites regardless of whether you prefer to play Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, or some modern and rare PVP variants. We’ve also selected the best fast fold poker operator – an innovative form of the popular game in which players are transferred to another table as soon as they decide to fold.
In the process of evaluating the online poker sites in PA, the operator we've included below stood out with its excellent, user-friendly interface, comprehensive game offering, and attractive bonuses. Additionally, the brand is one of the pioneers of the online gambling industry with decades of experience and multiple awards.
If you know anything about online poker, then you'll already know what type of factors you deem important when picking a new site. For those less averse, we'll talk you through the important criteria we use when determining the quality of Pennsylvania poker sites.
The first things we check are legitimacy and safety. We only recommend legal sites on this page and for safety and security reasons, players should only join regulated sites. Engaging in online poker requires you to submit sensitive data and only fully vetted operators can be trusted.
Above you can see our other ranking criteria including game quality, bonus expectations, the quality of the poker app, payment choices, and the robustness of the poker software for playing on desktop. These are all the important factors we used to find the top online poker sites in Pennsylvania.
Checking whether an online poker site is registered in PA is something every player can easily do themselves. Simply head to the footer of any poker website and look for the logo of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Or, you can head to the PGCB's website and find the correct licensing info for that specific poker site.
Luckily, we have done the hard work for you, and we've only ever recommended legal online poker sites for Pennsylvania residents. You can rest assured that you will be paid you winnings, and that none of the poker games are rigged.
All players expect peace of mind when registering with a Pennsylvania poker website. They specifically want to know that their data is safely protected by high-end encrypted networks, meaning any transfers take place privately and securely.
Players can only be guaranteed this by signing up to a licensed operator. The best online poker sites for Pennsylvania players to join must undergo strict regulation and constant monitoring to make sure their system is secure and up to date.
The cost of losing a license is too great for these brands not to comply with the strict data protection regulations laid down by the Gaming Board. Remember, also, that only regulated online poker sites need to have their games tested for fairness to ensure games are neither rigged nor riddled with bots.
When discussing poker games, what we really mean are the poker variants available. The most popular form of legal online poker that Pennsylvania players choose is Texas Hold'em. Almost all players will be familiar with this variant and most games you will find on any poker site will be Texas Hold'em.
Anoter popular and omnipresent game variant at the best Pennsylvania online poker sites is Pot Limit Omaha. It allows for a wider range of gambling opportunities and is considered a deeper-thinking game. Additionally, other games such as Seven Card Stud, Razz, and Badugi can be found at certain sites.
| Online Poker Game | Play At | Payout Rate | Type | Bet Limits | Game Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate X Poker Five Play | BetMGM | 96.62% | RNG | $0.05 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Game Kings Video Poker | WSOP | 96.37% | RNG | $0.50 - $500 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Ultimate Texas Hold'em | PartyPoker | 94.47% | Live | $1 - $500 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| I Luv Suits Poker | Borgata | 98.41% | RNG | $0.10 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Casino Hold`em | PartyPoker | 97.84% | Live | $0.50 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Three Card Poker | Borgata | 99.63% | Live | $1 - $1,000 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Let It Ride | BetMGM | 97.00% | RNG | $0.50 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Mississippi Stud | PartyPoker | 97.86% | RNG | $1 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Fortune Pai Gow Poker | Borgata | 94.47% | RNG | $0.10 - $100 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Ultimate X Poker Triple Play | BetMGM | 96.57% | RNG | $0.03 - $60 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Please note that online poker games are not rigged. This has been an internet myth for many years, but there is virtually no reason poker rooms would decide to fix games in favor of certain players. Furthermore, the legal Pennsylvania poker sites recommended by our experts are tested and independently verified for fairness.
You can split the games of online poker in Pennsylvania into two broad categories - cash games and tournaments. We discuss both below, but the main difference is time. In cash games, players can leave at any time, while in tournaments, a fixed structure means players must compete until typically one winner remains.
While tournaments are popular, cash games are the most played at Pennsylvania poker sites. This is because they are easy to join, easy to leave, and have a wide range of stakes suitable to any type of player.
Typically, a player sits down at an open table and can play until they decide they want to leave. Therefore, they can lose or win as much as is possible depending on the length of the session. On some cash tables gamblers will need to have a certain buy-in amount to play.
| PA Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Cash Games | Cash Poker Tables | Min. Bet | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 6 | N/A | $0.50 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | Not Needed | 6 | N/A | $0.50 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | Not Needed | 3 | N/A | $0.50 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
All selected online poker sites in Pennsylvania offer classic cash games but also give players the opportunity to try the latest form of cash poker - fast fold poker. Each site provides its own version of this interesting version of the popular skill-based game.
In fast fold poker, players receive their hold cards and then, should they fold, are virtually transported to a new table with a new set of hole cards. Players continue to move tables until they decide to play a hand. Players have the option to leave the game at any time.
Tournament play is quite different from cash games. Some of the best online poker sites in Pennsylvania specialize in tournaments, and these are the ones you want to look at if you are interested in playing this way. Essentially, you buy in to a tournament and wait for the game to fill up.
Then, you play until someone wins. Generally, there are tiered prizes depending on your finishing position. Below, we have listed the best sites that provide online poker tournaments. These operators often offer fixed prizes no matter how many people enter and some of them can provide exceptional value.
| Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Tournaments | Highest Prize | Min. Deposit | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | Not Needed | 300+ Tournaments Daily | Up to $150,000 | $10 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
It is not just the big guaranteed MTTs players should look out for. Those with limited time may want to check out Sit and Gos - sometimes referred to as Single Table Tournaments (STT). These are essentially mini tournaments with many played as turbo for players who want to play at speed.
At the best sites offering online poker Pennsylvania players can join there will be SNGs on offer for up to 180 players. These are great introductions to the world of poker tournaments. Start at the lower end of the various stake levels to play against players of similar ability.
Bonuses are the lifeblood of all marketing activities of all gambling sites. They offer players an incentive to join one site over another and examining what is best for you is important for every new player at the best online poker sites in Pennsylvania.
As a rule, the more your initial deposit, the bigger bonus you will have to play with. Some bonuses are based on how much you play while others will offer free tournament tickets depending on the size of your initial payment. We have picked the best online poker bonus offers in Pennsylvania.
| Online PA Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Wagering | Poker Contribution | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 10x | 100% | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | Not Needed | 10.5x | 100% | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | Not Needed | 10x | 100% | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
These offers have been hand-picked by us based on their transparency and ease of use. They have simple terms achievable by the average players. However, we advise you to always read the full T&Cs carefully to avoid any misunderstandings. We give the same advice when talking about the online casino bonuses in PA.
All recommended Pennsylvania poker sites offer ongoing promotions, including freerolls and loyalty schemes. You should also look out for any weekly or monthly special promotions. One tip from us – it’s always worth downloading the app to receive push notifications of the latest deals.
Poker apps have played an important role in increasing the popularity of online poker in Pennsylvania. The ability to play from anywhere has made poker more accessible. We have chosen some of the top apps to play poker on the go and ranked them based on usability, design and functionality and ease of use.
Apps do have limitations compared to online poker on a desktop or laptop. This is because it is not possible to play more than a couple of hands at once - compare that to a desktop set up where players can have double figures tables open at once. Nevertheless, here are the best mobile poker apps in Pennsylvania:
| PA Poker Apps | Rating | Poker Bonus | Mobile Poker Games | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | 3 | Android, iOs | MI, NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | 2 | Android, iOs | NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. |
A major ranking factor when choosing where to play on the go has to be availability. The top-rated PA poker apps are available on all the major operating systems - Android and iOS, while none of them need the absolute latest model to function well. Although undoubtedly, better phones give a better experience.
We believed the design and useability to be important, as well as players being able to access other features such as banking and account details. All top picks rate highly on security features allowing gamblers to use any Pennsylvania poker site securely and privately.
Below, we have selected the most used payment methods at sites offering legal online poker in Pennsylvania. Credit and debit cards are the most popular due to their versatility and security. Digital wallets such as PayPal or Apple Pay have plenty of users, while pre-paid cards, which offer the highest level of privacy, are also widely accepted.
Before choosing any of the available payment methods, you have to consider the corresponding withdrawal and deposit limits. Regarding deposits, the minimum is typically around $10-$20, while the maximum varies more. For PayPal, for example, this could range between $5,000-$10,000, and for Apple Pay it's about $5,000.
Do note that some banking institutions do not allow players to deposit into online gambling accounts. Check with your provider or the poker site before signing up. Some players use an eWallet to circumvent this policy of some banks. We do not recommend depositing with credit cards into Pennsylvania poker sites.
It is advisable for you to only gamble with your money rather than play on credit. That's an important point worth noting when playing at a poker operator, real money PA casino sites, and anywhere else online. Another essential withdrawal tip is finding an alternative cash-out method when depositing via a pre-paid card.
For online poker, Pennsylvania players have a rich choice of poker sites to choose from. Generally, they are all quite similar though some have unique features to differentiate them. As a rule, they cater for low stakes players. In fact, this is how the poker ecosystem develops with players starting low and then perhaps increasing stakes over time.
Some specialize in higher stakes poker as discussed below. These sites offer the chance to play for nosebleed stakes - an option only taken by the most skilled and well-bankrolled players. The best online poker sites in Pennsylvania will offer a healthy mix of both.
Sometimes called micro-stakes poker, low stakes games are available in abundance at Pennsylvania sites. Starting as low as $0.01-0.02, this level is perfect for inexperienced players as the risk is limited, with pot sizes never reaching large amounts.
Low stakes poker is intuitively the next level after playing poker for free for many Pennsylvania players. It's not only cash games that are available for minimum stakes. There are plenty of micro level tournaments and STT available.
| Low Stakes Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Min. Poker Bet | Min. Deposit | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | $0.50 | $10 | NJ, PA, MI, NV | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | $0.50 | $10 | NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | $0.50 | $10 | NJ | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | $0.50 | $10 | MI, NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Even at low stakes, players should always play with care and only risk money they can afford to lose. Online poker, after all, is a form of entertainment not a way to make money. Players should take the time to read up about responsible gaming.
It is also possible to play low stakes fast fold poker games. This hugely popular form of online poker allows players to quickly fold any unpromising hand and be instantly switched to another table. Players should be careful to note their budget on these games as those losing blinds can soon add up.
There was a time back in the day when high stakes poker was akin to a Major League sport, with thousands of viewers (railbirds) watching players duke it out for nosebleed stakes. The demise of sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt after Poker's Black Friday [1] in 2011 put paid to such games until legalization happened.
Slowly, the opportunities for high stakes players from the Keystone State start to increase. All recommended sites for online poker in Pennsylvania provide options for with high blind levels though availability of action will be limited site to site. For now, we encourage you to try the operators below:
| High Stakes Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Max. Poker Bet | Max. Deposit | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | $1,000 | N/A | NJ, PA, MI | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | $500 | N/A | NJ | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | $1,000 | N/A | NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. |
Although some high stakes cash games may be unavailable at times at all but the best online sites in Pennsylvania, there are generally high stakes STTs and MTTs to play. Through a satellite system, there is usually a way for low stakes players to earn the right to enter these tournaments which can pay out huge sums to the winner.
Pennsylvania poker sites can be crudely separated into low stakes and high stakes but it should be remembered that stake levels depend on a player's bankroll. High stakes for one player are low stakes for another meaning the terms can only be loosely applied.
When choosing online poker in Pennsylvania, real money players have a wealth of choice in depositing funds into their accounts. The next thing you have to decide is how much to deposit and we strongly recommend setting up a budget in advance and sticking to it.
If you are a new player, we advise you to start with the minimum and perhaps even join multiple sites to find the right one for you. You should check any bonus conditions before depositing. The headline bonus figure usually applies to the maximum deposit so do note this amount if you wish to receive the full offer.
| PA Real Money Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Cash Out Time | Payment Methods | Real Money Poker Games | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borgata | 100% up to $1,000 + $20 On Sign Up | 1 – 5 days | Visa,Mastercard,Discover,VIP Preferred,Play+,PayPal,PayNearMe,Apple Pay | 11 All Poker Games2 Live Poker11 Mobile Poker | NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&C's apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 On the House | 1 – 5 days | Visa,Mastercard,Discover,VIP Preferred,Play+,PayPal,PayNearMe,Apple Pay | 14 All Poker Games2 Live Poker14 Mobile Poker | NJ, PA, MI | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| PartyPoker | 100% up to $600 +$25 On The House | 1 – 5 days | Visa,Mastercard,PayNearMe,PayPal,Play+,Online Banking | 27 All Poker Games3 Live Poker27 Mobile Poker | NJ | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Playing real money online poker in Pennsylvania does add an extra thrill considering the potential of winning some attractive prizes. Knowing you are risking money adds a small amount of excitement to proceedings but be careful and remember to only stake what you can afford to lose.
Should you land a real money win, make sure you have everything in place so you can withdraw your success. Your Pennsylvania poker site account will need to be verified to ensure a smooth withdrawal. It is best to go through the vetting procedure before depositing any money.
While there are number of excellent stand-alone legal poker sites Pennsylvania residents can join, we recommend you join one of the sites listed on this page. Why? Because you can find decent free money play poker on all of them. You can play for free while getting used to the software.
It is important players get used to any poker software given each site has slightly different features. By using the free money version before playing online poker for real money in Pennsylvania, players can switch smoothly.
| Bonus Code: | No Deposit: | Playthrough: | Validity: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not Needed | $20 Free Bonus | 30x | 60 days |
Before staking any real money, players will sometimes be given access to freeroll tournaments. While these can be competitive affairs, a win will see players have an instant bankroll or access to a satellite tournament. WSOP winner Annette Obrestad [2] famously never deposited into an online poker site before winning a bracelet in 2007.
Occasionally, some of the top Pennsylvania online poker sites will offer a type of bonus called a no deposit bonus which allows players to use the site for free. Players will be offered entrance into freerolls. These types of offers are quite rare but worth pursuing if only to get a chance to use the software in a competitive atmosphere
While land-based poker has been legal for many years in Pennsylvania, online gambling is relatively new. In October 2017, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill that legalized online gambling in PA, including online poker, and the first site opened in November 2019.
It's worth noting that online poker is only legal for gamblers who are physically located within PA borders at the time of play. Additionally, you must be at least 21 years old and follow the rules and regulations set by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
In addition to online poker, Pennsylvania players can also avail themselves of other forms of online gambling. These include online casino gaming, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests.
Currently, only a few online poker sites pool players from different states in the US. This is because online poker is only legal and regulated in a few states, and each state has its own regulatory framework and licensing requirements. This Pennsylvania online poker review found no opportunities for PA players.
However, there are some interstate compacts that allow for shared player pools between states. For example, Delaware and New Jersey poker sites have an arrangement to allow players to compete against one another and potentially increase player pools.
There is, of course, a possibility for more interstate agreements in the future as more states legalize online poker. Indeed, there have been discussions about creating a multi-state online poker network. However, this would require the cooperation of multiple states and the creation of a regulatory framework that all participating states can agree upon.
As per the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue [3], all gambling winnings, including those from online poker, are considered taxable income and must be reported on your federal and state income tax returns. This includes net winnings, as well as any bonuses, tournament prizes, and other awards received from playing online poker in PA.
It's important to keep accurate records of your online poker activities, including your wins and losses, as well as any expenses you may have incurred while playing, such as tournament entry fees and travel expenses. This will help ensure that you can accurately report your income and deductions on your tax returns and avoid any potential issues with the IRS or state tax authorities.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of playing legal online poker Pennsylvania players should be aware of. They vary depending on your personal preferences and circumstances. One of the most obvious are the poker bonuses, while others believe the ability to play on multiple tables is the greatest advantage.
There are arguably less disadvantages even when playing at the top Pennsylvania online poker sites. Possibly the biggest is the lack of social interaction. When playing online, there is a chat feature, but it does not compare to speaking to fellow players in real life.
While most people enjoy playing online poker in Pennsylvania safely, some people can slip into gambling addiction. Being aware of the warning signs [4] may prevent you from slipping into an addiction spiral. The #1 sign is spending more than you can afford to lose while the next most important is chasing losses.
If you develop either of these signs, please stop playing immediately. Players can seek help from several confidential, independent sources. The most important is the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) [5] where you can ask for professional gaming addiction help and advice related to gambling harms.
If you want to stop gambling or limit how much you gamble, you can also:
That’s the end of our look at the best PA poker sites. Hopefully, we've covered all the important aspects of this topic, but if you need more info, then the FAQ section below is an excellent place to start. We answer some of the most common queries from online poker players in Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, we recommend you try the PGCB-licensed sites for online poker in Pennsylvania listed in this article. Which one depends on your preferences and expectations, but we are confident that any operator suggested in this article can provide an excellent experience for players from the state.
With his experience as a casino manager, Jerry is a valuable member of our team. He's a poker enthusiast who prepares detailed guides on the topic and is also an expert in live table games. Jerry is responsible for following the latest US gambling regulations and will update you about upcoming changes.
More about JerryThese poker sites tick all the boxes of our comprehensive rating process, and we could hardly find any faults. If, for example, online blackjack in PA is more your thing, that's completely fine. You can check the rest of the reviews on our website and find something suitable for you.