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Pennsylvania Online Poker | The Best Sites to Play in PA

Written by Jennifer Newell
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Poker lovers in Pennsylvania have never had trouble finding a good game. The state’s casinos have offered real poker action for years, with busy rooms in places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Poconos. In 2017, Pennsylvania took it a step further by legalizing online poker, giving players a safer and more convenient way to play real money games without stepping into a casino.

Now, instead of planning a trip to the nearest card room, players can log in from home and jump into tournaments, cash games, or sit-n-gos whenever they want. The platforms are licensed, the gameplay is secure, and everything is backed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. In this guide, we’ll show you where to play, what’s legal, and why Pennsylvania has become one of the best places for online poker in the U.S.

Online Poker Legality Snapshot

Online PokerLegal
Land Based PokerAvailable
Legal Gambling Age21
Poker RegulatorPennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Pennsylvania

Yes, you can play online poker for money in Pennsylvania. There are various state-regulated platforms where games run 24/7 with steady traffic. To get started, you’ll need to create an account, verify your identity, and confirm your location using geolocation software. Once that’s done, you can fund your account and start playing.

Top Sites for Online Poker in Pennsylvania

Since online poker is legal in Pennsylvania, you’ve got plenty of places to play. That’s the good news. The tricky part? Figuring out which site actually fits what you’re looking for. Some platforms are big on tournaments, while others are better for casual games, faster payouts, or generous promos. So we did the homework for you by narrowing it down to the top sites and calling out exactly what each one does best, so you can find your perfect fit without wasting time.

  • Ignition Poker - Best For Deposit Bonuses
  • Bovada - Best for Customer Support
  • BetOnline - Best for No Limit Poker

No Operators Found

Comparing Poker Sites in Pennsylvania

You’ll find our top picks for Pennsylvania poker sites compared side by side below. This quick breakdown is here to help you figure out which room fits your style, whether you’re after soft games, bigger prize pools, or tools that give you more control at the tables.

Poker Room  Bonus Offer  Best ForMinimum DepositPlay Now
ACR100% up to $2,000 Best for Innovative Security Features and Player Tools$10Play Now
Black Chip Poker100% up to $2,000Best for Unique Game Formats$10Play Now
Everygame Poker200% up to $1,000Best for Soft Competition$25Play Now

How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in Pennsylvania

Before we recommend any online poker site to Pennsylvania players, we look at a few key factors that directly impact your experience. Here’s what we consider when deciding which platforms are worth your time and money:

  • Availability in Pennsylvania: The site must accept players from Pennsylvania and offer full access to its poker features.
  • Player Traffic and Competition Levels: We check how active the tables are and whether the competition suits casual players, grinders, or both.
  • Poker Bonuses and Promotions: We evaluate the quality, frequency, and fairness of welcome bonuses, freerolls, and ongoing offers.
  • Game Variety and Availability: The platform should support a good mix of formats—cash games, tournaments, sit & gos—with consistent action across all stakes.
  • Payment Methods and Payout Speed: Deposits should be simple, and withdrawals processed quickly using reliable, player-friendly options.
  • Security and Trustworthiness: We look at the site’s reputation, fair play features, and how it handles player disputes or support issues.

Is Online Poker Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, online poker is legal and regulated in Pennsylvania. Legalization came in October 2017 through House Bill 271, a comprehensive gambling expansion bill signed by Governor Tom Wolf. This legislation didn’t just authorize online poker—it also legalized online casinos, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and permitted the development of satellite casinos across the state. Pennsylvania became the fourth U.S. state to legalize online poker, following Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Oversight and enforcement fall under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), which also governs land-based casinos. Online poker operators must partner with a licensed brick-and-mortar casino in the state and complete a multi-stage vetting process. This includes financial audits, background checks, game fairness certifications, and software testing. For example, PokerStars PA operates through a partnership with Mount Airy Casino Resort, while BetMGM Poker is tied to Hollywood Casino at Penn National, and WSOP.com is linked with Harrah’s Philadelphia.

To play legally, users must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Pennsylvania at the time of play. Residency is not required. Licensed platforms use geolocation software to verify player location and apply Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to confirm identity and age before real-money games can be accessed.

In April 2025, Pennsylvania officially joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing online poker operators to share player pools with other MSIGA members, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. This move followed years of independent operation, as Pennsylvania delayed entry due to technical and regulatory alignment concerns. Now, with shared liquidity, players in PA have access to larger tournaments, increased traffic during peak hours, and higher guaranteed prize pools, especially during major online series like WSOP Online and PokerStars’ Championship events.

It’s also worth noting that Pennsylvania has one of the highest tax rates on online poker revenue—16%, steeper than other MSIGA states. While this hasn’t deterred major brands from operating in the state, it does influence how bonuses and promotions are structured, often making them less aggressive than those found on offshore platforms.

Importantly, only sites approved by the PGCB can operate legally in Pennsylvania. Offshore sites may still accept PA players, but they do so without regulation, oversight, or consumer protection. That means no guaranteed fairness, no legal support for disputes, and no assurance that your funds are safe. In contrast, PGCB-licensed platforms are required to maintain secure systems, protect user data, and resolve complaints according to strict regulatory protocols.

Play Online Poker Responsibly in Pennsylvania

Online poker is meant to be a fun and engaging experience, and the state has built-in tools to help players keep it that way.

  • Self-Exclusion Program: Offered by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, this program allows you to voluntarily exclude yourself from all online and retail gambling for 1 year, 5 years, or permanently.
  • Time and Spending Limits: Licensed sites in PA let you set your own deposit, wagering, and session time limits to help you stay on track with your goals.
  • 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline: Run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, this free and confidential 24/7 helpline offers support, information, or someone to talk to, whether for you or someone you care about.
  • ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov: The state’s official site for responsible gambling education, offering tools, quizzes, and tips for making informed choices while playing.

Famous Pennsylvania Poker Players

Pennsylvania has a large poker community, and its casinos have long supported the game with active poker rooms. Many well-known players started in these rooms or playing online on sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt before Black Friday. Some became prominent names in the game, with deep tournament runs and impressive career earnings. Below are the top Pennsylvania players ranked by total live tournament earnings:

  • Jake Schindler $35,449,524
  • Joseph McKeehen $19,522,019
  • Paul Volpe $9,020,503
  • John Hennigan $8,558,521
  • Matt Glantz $7,513,041
  • Daniel Ott $4,735,639
  • Matt Berkey $4,599,738
  • Aaron Mermelstein $3,940,864
  • Russell Thomas $3,920,259
  • Garry Gates $3,381,491

Pennsylvania and Online Poker

With a large player base, regulated platforms, and access to interstate poker pools, Pennsylvania offers one of the most competitive and rewarding online poker scenes in the country. Whether you're looking for softer games, innovative formats, or feature-rich tools to improve your edge, sites available in PA give you real options.

Now that you know what each platform brings to the table, the choice comes down to how you like to play. Tournaments, cash games, fast-fold formats—it’s all here. The next hand is only a few clicks away.

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Jennifer Newell

Jennifer Newell

Editor in Chief
View All Posts By Jennifer Newell

Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.

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