My Adventures Exploring Online Gambling in Pennsylvania

If you have ever been to Pennsylvania or reside here, as I do, you know it is a state with deep history, lively culture, and a burgeoning gambling world that seems to be thriving more and more each year. From the racing action at our sparkling new casinos to the endless variety of online gambling options accessible from the comfort of your living room, there is a little something for everyone in Pennsylvania who likes to live on the edge. I have partaken in several different forms of gambling throughout my life, both in and outside of Pennsylvania, and that has given me a solid perspective from which to offer up this thrilling account of our state’s vibrant gambling scene.

In October 2017, Pennsylvania introduced its online gambling service, and I became fascinated. My excitement grew as I realized I could experience, from the comfort of my own living room, nearly everything a physical casino has to offer, thanks to well-established partnerships between my home state’s local casinos and several well-known gaming companies. These new online platforms are, in no uncertain terms, the cat’s pajamas.

One of my earliest destinations was working as a dealer in a poker room at PokerStars. Joining a tournament with players from across the state is hard to beat. If you want excitement, strategic challenges, and a wonderful mix of adrenaline and camaraderie, that’s where you should be. The best part, though? You’re always just a click away from the tables.

Then there’s betting on sports. After the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban in 2019, Pennsylvania dove right into it. DraftKings and FanDuel make it stupidly easy to bet on my teams during my preferred season of professional football. There’s an undeniable thrill, watching a game you’ve bet on, when there’s a little something riding on the outcome.

If you are anything like me, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as entering a casino. The casinos’ flashy lights, the sound of spinning wheels, and the cheers from winners all create an unmatched vibe. Pennsylvania has not one, but two forms of terrestrial casinos. We’ve got our six land-based casinos as well as our six racetrack casinos (or “racinos,” as we call them).

The concept of racinos is brilliant. Ponder, if you will, the electrifying experience of wagering on an equine contest, then immediately pulling the lever on a slot machine afterward. To be sure, “Parx Casino” near Philadelphia and “Rivers Casino” in Pittsburgh know how to party. Both gaming establishments bring serious fun and thrilling environments to guests.

In 2018, the state allowed satellite casinos to join the scene. This meant that more accessible gaming options could be offered without overcrowding existing venues. Fun fact: even Las Vegas Sands, a company that’s not known for embracing online gambling, got in on the action. It’s proof of just how popular and innovative Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has become.

Now, let’s have a discussion about something that unites people in the most enjoyable way possible—bingo nights. Since 1981, charitable organizations in Pennsylvania have been running these events, and they are a favorite. I have had so many wonderful evenings at these events hosted by local churches and fire departments.

The stakes aren’t high, but the entertainment and connection are of infinite value. It is hard to think of something more wholesome yet as electric as the moment just before your numbers are called when you are sitting with friends or neighbors, sharing just a few more laughs before the main event.

Now, let’s have a discussion about something that unites people in the most enjoyable way possible—bingo nights. Since 1981, charitable organizations in Pennsylvania have been running these events, and they are a favorite. I have had so many wonderful evenings at these events hosted by local churches and fire departments.

The stakes aren’t high, but the entertainment and connection are of infinite value. It is hard to think of something more wholesome yet as electric as the moment just before your numbers are called when you are sitting with friends or neighbors, sharing just a few more laughs before the main event.

Another Pennsylvania staple is horse racing. With six major tracks offering pari-mutuel betting, it’s a tradition that combines elegance and excitement. I’ve attended races at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National and at Parx Racing, and each time has been a blend of thrilling races, great food, and an atmosphere that invigorates your senses.

Most of these tracks now offer satellite off-track betting (OTB) venues, which makes it even better. So, if you can’t make it to the race itself, you can still join the action from a cozy turf club or a local bar outfitted with betting kiosks.

When I state that online sportsbooks have transformed the game, I truly mean it. Platforms such as BetRivers, Unibet, and William Hill have made it possible for the betting public to enjoy the experience of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event like never before. And whether it’s live, in-game betting or checking the odds on your team’s chances while you’re grabbing a cup of joe, it’s all more accessible than ever.

The NCAA tournament, the NFL playoffs, and even international soccer matches are much more thrilling when watched with a friendly wager on the line. We’ve tried out a number of sports betting apps, and in terms of customer experience, they just can’t be beat. Bonus bets. Free play promotions. These are some of the most enticing features of the apps we examined.

Not every day involves high-stakes gambling. Sometimes, I just want to unwind and play some slots or poker without contemplating actual cash. That’s where social gaming sites—like Zynga, Slotomania, and Double-Down Casino—come in.

These platforms allow you to play your favorite games without spending money. Instead of cash prizes, they compensate you with rewards or virtual coins. Practicing on these platforms is a perfect way to get better at your game. Even if you don’t have the time or desire to invest in playing a game for real, they provide a fantastic way to explore the gaming landscape.

Some platforms owned by casinos, such as PlayMGM, even sweeten the deal by letting you redeem your rewards in their terrestrial establishments. That’s what I call a win-win!

On occasion, there is simply nothing that can compete with a traditional poker night with companions. In Pennsylvania, private poker games are entirely permissible—so long as they are not also private casinos. And as my friends and I gather at one another’s homes, under the non-threatening auspices of a so-called “friendly game,” we do so in the spirit of harmless fun in which poker’s poor man’s James Bond at least somewhat deserves to exist.

Should you wish to elevate your poker abilities, leagues that are free to enter, such as World Tavern Poker, represent an excellent means of doing so. I’ve participated in a handful of games in the environs of my hometown, and I’ve never encountered anything but the utmost brotherhood and competition within those walls.

The art of blending tradition with innovation has truly been mastered by Pennsylvania in its gambling scene. Placing a bet on a horse race, spinning the reels at a casino, or enjoying an online poker hand are all familiar activities in the fun-filled world of Pennsylvania gambling.

What brings me the most joy is the vast selection—there’s something for every mood, from social bingo nights to high-energy sportsbooks. And with technology putting everything from racetracks to casino tables right at my fingertips, the options for entertainment are endless.

If you’re situated in Pennsylvania or intend to travel there, I can’t recommend enough that you immerse yourself in this delightful gaming universe. This is an electrifying scene, and it’s just waiting for you to come and explore it. Whether you choose to hit the tables, roll the dice, or play pretty much any other game that pokes your pleasure centers, you’ll find entertainment aplenty.