Pennsylvania Casinos - Best Gambling Locations in PA

As per Pennsylvania gambling laws, gambling in any form is illegal unless expressly permitted. The legislation permits certain types of gambling, including the Pennsylvania Lottery, bingo, slot machines, table games, and other modest games of chance.

Most Popular Pennsylvania Casinos Reviewed

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees the state’s sixteen Pennsylvania casinos. Satellite casinos (also known as “mini-casinos”) and racetrack casinos are just two examples of these establishments’ wide variety (aka racinos).

If you happen to live in a region with access to gambling establishments, practical considerations dictate that the closest gambling establishment is your best bet. This is especially the case in PA, where no central Pennsylvania casino district caters to visitors. Most gambling establishments in Pennsylvania cater to players in the state.

The best casino to visit would therefore be the one closest to you, whether you’re in search of a Philadelphia casino or a Pittsburgh casino. Casinos in the Poconos, Bethlehem, Bensalem, Grantville, Morganton, King of Prussia, etc., are the same. Here are some of the best B&M casinos in Pennsylvania. 

#1 Parx Casino

Parx Casino promotes itself as Pennsylvania’s “number one” gambling destination, with cutting-edge gaming, thoroughbred racing, and top-notch live shows, located in Bensalem.  Its resources are sufficient to support such an audacious assertion.

There is also sports betting, with mainstream sports such as football, basketball, and baseball on offer. Lottery games abound for PA bettors, as do specialty games such as electronic roulette, fusion baccarat, and electronic three-card poker. 

There are more than 3,000 slot machines and table games spread across the 150,000-square-foot gaming area. When you factor in the onsite racetrack (both simulcast and live racing) and the casino’s 48 poker tables, you’ve got the largest Pennsylvania casino to date.

Although Parx is one of the largest Pennsylvania land-based casinos, it is not the only reason visitors flock to the city. The guests of this Pennsylvania casino have their pick of a wide variety of exciting activities.

There are seven restaurants to choose from, including Parxgrill, and entertainment at the Xcite Center, where you can dance the night away to celebrate a big win. Parx is open 24/7 and also has regular concerts and comedy nights for those who love their entertainment to be diverse. 

Customer reviews have praised the delicious food and great vibe at places like the Beer Garden and Liberty Grill, with staff that are welcoming and great at their jobs. Players also enjoy the large casino floor and the many slot machines and casino games that are available. 

Whether you’re looking to relax in a lounge, get your groove on, or eat some of the best food in the state, Parx Casino has something for everyone.

#2 Wind Creek Bethlehem

Whether or not gambling is your thing, Wind Creek Bethlehem has everything you need for a fun night out, including plenty of opportunities to win big jackpots.

In 2006, a slot machine license was issued to Wind Creek Bethlehem. There are now more than 3,000 slot machines, 200 table games, electronic table games, and sports betting available in the 139,000-square-foot gaming area. It is one of the best Pennsylvania casinos, with its 20-table poker room, free drinks, and massages at the tables.

Table games that players can choose from include Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Texas Hold’em Bonus. You will also be able to play lottery video poker, which is generally only offered at the best online real money casinos. Popular slot titles like 88 Fortunes and Willy Wonka are available too.

Wind Creek Casino in Pennsylvania has more to offer than just slot machines, table games, and video poker. There are a wide variety of services and entertainment options available at this resort.

During the week, you can find standard hotel rooms for less than $200. Suites for opulent vacations, on the other hand, can cost more than $500 a night. These services are available to hotel guests and visitors.

• A health club and sauna
• Shopping mall with six restaurants, including Chopstick Asian and Carlo’s Bakery
• Entertainment venues such as bars like Vision Bar and a nightclub called The Molten Lounge
• Kids Quest and Cyber Quest
• Stadium Gaming
• Event Center

Customers praised the staff, the good odds in sports betting, and the fun times they had at concerts like Reba McEntire at the intimate event center. Keep in mind, though, that the gambling age by state is usually 21, although if you want to bet on horses, it is 18. 

#3 Mount Airy Casino Resort

Fans of the great outdoors will adore Mount Airy Casino. Located in the foothills of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort provides guests with a delightful blend of gaming, dining, hotel accommodations, and easy access to breathtaking scenery.

The 62,000 square feet of gaming floor at this Pennsylvania casino includes over 70 table games, betting on sports, and 1,800 slot machines. Mount Airy has partnered with PokerStars to launch an online casino. That means you have access to a wide range of real-world and virtual gaming options, similar to those offered at top real-money casino apps online.

There are standard roulette, blackjack, and dice games, as well as casino poker for those not wanting to compete in tournaments for cash. Keep in mind that you have to be 21 years of age or older to bet in cash at Mount Airy, and the casino does not offer lottery games or any specialty games either. 

Mount Airy’s affiliation with PokerStars is yet another reason to visit the poker room. Thanks to the fact that the largest online poker company oversees the room, Mount Airy offers the best cash games and tournaments in the state. In addition, loyalty program participants can enjoy fantastic benefits, such as complimentary hotel stays.

Mount Airy is the best Pennsylvania casino for outdoor enthusiasts because it is situated at the base of Mount Pocono. There are a wide variety of things to do within the resort itself if you don’t feel like venturing out.

• Spa, pool, and fitness center
• Restaurants (including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen)
• Golf course with 18 holes
• Bars and discos, such as Pia’s Lounge and The Glass Bar
• Live concerts
• Theater shows 
• Show entertainment 

Customers who weren’t even interested in the casino have said that the slightly higher hotel prices are worth it for the helpful staff and delicious food. Casino players praised the ambiance in the casino area as well as the game choices. 

#4 Mohegan Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre’s Mohegan, Pennsylvania, provides a wide range of exciting activities. This casino has something for everyone, from exciting gaming and horse racing to delicious fine dining.

After some renovations, this gambling establishment changed its name from Mohegan Sun to Mohegan Pennsylvania. This casino has always had a wide variety of slot machines and table games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and video poker, and that has stayed the same. There are plenty of casino poker games and poker tournaments, but no lottery games. 

This Pennsylvania casino also offers sports betting on all popular sports, including golf and tennis. Mohegan Sun also operates a horse racing track. Throughout the year, harness races take place at the track known as The Downs At Mohegan Sun Pocono. Bets placed away from the track can be placed on races at Meadows Racetrack and other tracks across the country.

If you visit Mohegan during the week, you can get a hotel room for less than $180. Guests have the option to sign up for the casino’s loyalty program and receive exclusive benefits as a result of their stay. The following services are available to the public at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Pennsylvania, whether or not you are a guest there:

• Dining establishments of various upscale and casual styles; from Ben &Jerry’s to Wolfgang Puck Express
• Clubs and bars Sunburst Bar and Breakers
• Sapphire Spa
• Live performances
• Racing Horses
• Live sports 

Both players and customers seem to have a great time at this Pennsylvania casino, with spacious hotel rooms, fine dining options, and an exciting race track. 

#5 Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

Central Pennsylvania gamblers frequent Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, as it’s near Harrisburg, PA. It draws visitors from nearby Hershey Park, Harrisburg, Reading, Gettysburg, and other large cities.

The current casino at Hollywood opened in 2008 on the same property as the Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA. Before the casino was built, it was used for both thoroughbred and furlong horse races. On August 30, 1972, it had its first race. The track is a mile long and has a turf course in the middle. Both the racetrack and the casino let you bet on horses at the same time.

There are both table games and slot machines at the Hollywood Casino. At first, it only had electronic games, but since it opened in 2010, it has also had table games. It has more than 50 tables and more than 2,400 slot machines on its nearly 100,000-square-foot gaming floor. 

Craps, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Three Card Poker, and many more Vegas-style table games can be found at Hollywood Casino. 

Certain rules and regulations will apply to some blackjack and high-limit blackjack tables at this Pennsylvania casino, much like the rules applied at leading live dealer casinos online, so if you’re familiar with these, you should have no issue at the blackjack table. 

The Lucky Ladies side bet is available at most of the blackjack tables in Hollywood. This wager pays out on any 20-value combination but has a high house edge. The gambling establishment features a large number of Shufflemaster Royal Match machines.

When it comes to slot machines, Hollywood Casino in Pennsylvania is a clear frontrunner. All the classics are here, from Wheel of Fortune and Double Double Diamond to Monte Carlo and more. Just off the main entrance is a slots-only high-limit room where players can wager $5 and up on each spin.

The Hollywood Casino houses a poker room with 16 tables that is open around the clock. Here, no-limit Texas Holdem is the main attraction. They have cash games and tournaments every day. Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud, and other games are also available here.

The horse racing facility in Hollywood is called Penn National Race Course. Simulcast wagering is available on the Hollywood racetrack every day of the year, while live races are only held on a few Wednesdays through Saturdays. Both thoroughbred and furlong races are held at the track.

Hollywood does not currently have a hotel on site. There are numerous hotels close by because it is only a short drive from Hershey. Close to Interstate 81, there are a lot of hotels run by national chains, including Days Inn, Holiday Inn, and others. In some cases, Hollywood will work with nearby hotels to comp your rooms if you have a player’s card. Dining and entertainment options include:

• Restaurants like the Final Cut Steakhouse and Epic Buffet
• Bars such as H Lounge and Sky Box Sports Bar
• Penn National Race Course
• Hollywood Memories Museum

Though the options for entertainment and stayovers are not as varied as at the other Pennsylvania casinos, customers from around the area enjoy their night out, having fun with the many casino games available as well as dining options. 

List of All Pennsylvania Casinos

It’s always a good idea to know what the US gambling laws by state are, should you ever find yourself somewhere other than your hometown. However, if you’re around, here is a list of the PA casinos you can visit, complete with addresses and contact details. 

Biggest PA Casinos

The top Pennsylvania casino resorts typically have the largest casinos. For most players, when it comes to the density of gaming machines per unit area, size is important. The largest PA land-based casino has 188 gaming tables. This many gaming tables would be unheard of at a typical casino.

Having everything you need within easy reach, or more precisely, all in the same place, is an immediate advantage. The all-in-one approach adds new levels of utility, comfort, and enjoyment for experienced players and those who just want to try their luck. Always remember, though, to gamble responsibly and stay within your budget. 

Pennsylvania Casinos With The Most Games

Naturally, it makes sense that the biggest Pennsylvania casinos would have the most games, seeing as how they have the most floor space for slots, table games, and poker rooms. If you want to try your luck without leaving the comfort of your home, you could always have a go at some of the best Pennsylvania casino apps as well. 

Casinos in Pennsylvania with Hotels

Perhaps you want a family holiday but still want to have some fun at the racetrack or casino. Perhaps you just want to get away and want to know that your holiday will also include the option of slot games. If so, then a Pennsylvania casino attached to a hotel is your best bet. Depending on whether the casino offers a rewards or VIP program, you may even be able to use your points and get a room on the house. 

 Casino Games in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has come full circle, and now the state has just about every game imaginable. Any legal casino, whether online or off, is usually the best option for this. They give their customers every advantage they can offer. 

You can also play online at the top Pennsylvania no-deposit bonus sites that give you the option to wager without depositing any of your own money. 

Slot machines have become one of Pennsylvania’s most popular gambling options due to the state’s large supply of working machines. They can be found in any of the state’s casinos. Slot machines aren’t the only thing you can bet on in a casino; other popular games include roulette, blackjack, casino poker, dice, and lottery games.

In addition, online poker in PA and the best Pennsylvania online sportsbooks are legal, so you can choose whether you want a day out or the convenience of betting from home. 

Slots

With literally 25,500 slot games available at B&M casinos in Pennsylvania, you would be hard-pressed to find a game you didn’t like. You can try the more traditional slot games or video ones, as well as play with as little as $0.05 or as much as $50 a spin. Some popular titles include: 

• Golden Century
• Lightning Link
• Wheel, Autumn Moon
• Panda Magic
• Buffalo Grand

Casino Poker Games

As one of the states that form part of the World Series of Poker Circuit, the Quaker State takes its poker seriously. You can choose from all the variants, including: 

• Texas Hold ‘Em
• Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em
• Three Card Poker
• Fortune Pai Gow Poker
• Four Card Poker 

Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments

There are over 1100 table games and 220 poker tables at the different PA casinos. Here, you will find games like:

• Fusion
• Asia Poker

Roulette

No Pennsylvania casino would be worth its salt if it didn’t offer one of the oldest table games- roulette. If you didn’t know, two green zero pockets are present in American roulette. This implies that there is an increased possibility that your bets will be void. It offers a payout of 35/1 but also doubles the house edge. It is definitely for players who love to take risks. Your options are:

• American roulette
• European roulette
• French roulette 

Blackjack

With the same degree of fame as Twenty-One. The game has straightforward rules, exciting gameplay, and room for advanced strategy. Some additional details to remember are that dealers stand on a soft 17, players always pay off 3:2, and the house advantage in certain games can be less than 0.4%. At any Pennsylvania casino, you can find:

• Spanish 21
• Down Under Blackjack
• Interlock Blackjack
• Blazing 777 Blackjack Progressive

Dice Games

Dice games are some of the oldest gambling games in the world, and in Pennsylvania casinos, you are not restricted to just one type. Most casinos and resorts will have a few variations on hand, such as:

• Sic Bo
• Craps
• Hazard
• Chuck-A-Luck

Lottery Games

The Pennsylvania Lotto is one of the most successful lotteries in the world, so it is no wonder that almost every casino in PA offers a ton of well-known lottery games. No matter whether you visit a commercial casino, a racino, or even an Indian casino, lottery games abound. The best part is that the lottery helps local seniors in need. Some lotto games you can play are: 

• Slingo
• Gorilla Go Wild Reveal
• Rainbow Fortunes
• Super Gems
• Rainbow Fortunes 
• Robin Hood

Sports Betting

Eight teams from the five main American professional sports leagues are based in Pennsylvania, so offering sports wagering is a given. Online wagering is also legal. There are the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Philadelphia 76ers, to name just a few. So it’s no surprise that you can bet on:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Racing 

Other Games

If none of these options tickle your fancy, you could always try some of the less traditional games:

• Live dealer electronic Baccarat 
• Live dealer electronic Roulette
• Big six wheel
• High card flush 
• Baccarat betting at terminals

Riverboat Casinos in Pennsylvania 

For gamblers who are more daring or enjoy the sea, cruise ships may also provide casinos. The customary practice is that gambling doesn’t begin until the ship enters international waters (after the 12th mile away from land). While it is currently outside of territorial waters, the ship is not subject to federal law.

The games you may play at some of Pennsylvania’s top casinos are the same ones you can play on a conventional cruise ship or riverboat. But Pennsylvania doesn’t currently have any casinos on cruise ships. New Jersey is the state that can provide that. Not for lack of effort, riverboat casinos are also illegal.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Pennsylvania

Casinos owned by Indian tribes or located on tribal lands are called Indian casinos. They operate under federal law and are not subject to the same regulations as traditional casinos. At the present time, Pennsylvania does not have any Indian casinos.

Pennsylvania does not have any Native American casinos; however, two tribes do own and operate casinos within the state. The latter are the casinos you find in Pennsylvania, and they fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as commercial establishments. Mohegan Sun Pocono and Wind Creek Bethlehem are the two casinos in question.

Gambling Taxes in Pennsylvania

You can expect a uniform rate for Pennsylvania’s gambling tax. Pennsylvania has its own income tax rate of 3.07% on top of the federal rate of 24%, which applies to all gambling activities. You should pay the same amount in taxes to both the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the online casino if you win $10,000 total (say, on football betting and $10,000 total on slots).

The 24% is a ballpark figure; depending on your tax bracket, it could be as high as 35%.

So, why bother separating out the various forms of gambling into their own conversations? This is related to IRS Form W-2G.

If your winnings at a Pennsylvania casino, sportsbook, racetrack, etc. exceed certain thresholds, the establishment is required by law to issue you a W-2G and report your winnings to the Internal Revenue Service. We’ll go over each gambling subgenre’s unique requirements here.

You should know when you’re supposed to qualify for a W-2G in case you don’t receive one from your gambling retailer (sportsbook, casino, etc.).

PA Lottery 

The lottery has the same income tax rate as many other states, which is unusual. You must deal with the 24% plus 3.07%. Expect your W-2G if you win more than $600 because you will be subject to taxation on that amount. Lottery non-cash prizes are exempt from PA taxes. They are not, however, free from paying federal taxes.

Casino

You pay taxes at the standard rate of 24% plus 3.07%. If you win at least $1,200 at the slots or $5,000 in a poker tournament (buy-in costs are subtracted from winnings in poker tournaments for tax purposes), you’ll get a form W-2G. Therefore, to qualify for a tournament with a $1,000 buy-in, you would need to win $6,000 in prize money. 

Sports Betting

You pay your 3.07% income tax on top of the federal tax of 24% when you wager on sports in Pennsylvania. For wins of 300 times or more, starting at $600 on $2 bets, you’ll get W-2Gs. Horse racing and pari-mutuel are also subject to this type of sports betting PA tax rate.

Other gambling

Once more, 24% federal plus 3.07% of income. For wins of $1,200 or more in bingo or $1,500 or more in keno, W-2Gs are applicable.

Both federal and Pennsylvania gambling taxes apply to any winnings. Cash winnings are relatively simple to handle, but non-cash prizes must be valued at their “fair market value” in order to be taxed. In order to pay tax on your winnings in PA, these five steps should be your starting point:

1. Ensure that your chosen gambling establishment has your contact information.
2. Get your W-2G form.
3. Go to the IRS site and obtain a 1040 form.
4. Fill out all the Pennsylvania income tax forms correctly. 
5. Make a list of all your deductions. 

FAQs

When did gambling become legal in Pennsylvania?

The legalization of gambling advanced thanks to Act 71, passed by Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2004. Referred to as the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, it established the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board while also allowing casinos and racetracks in the state.

How old do you have to be to gamble in Pennsylvania?

The minimum age to gamble in casinos in Pennsylvania, both physical and virtual, is 21. However, other types of gambling, such as pari-mutuel betting, lottery, bingo, and daily fantasy sports, are still available to those who are 18 in Pennsylvania.

What number of casinos can you find in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania casino map has a total of 14 licensed gambling establishments. There are attractive resorts there that can meet any visitor’s needs. Sportsbooks and racetracks are not included in that number.

What was the first casino that opened in Pennsylvania?

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs was the first casino to open in the state on November 14, 2006. The gambling establishment brought slot machine games to Pennsylvania. 

What was the annual tax return from casinos in Pennsylvania? 

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recorded $5.5 billion in gaming income and $2.3 billion in tax revenue, both records. The previous high for the Keystone State was in 2021–2022, when $5.04 billion in gaming income generated $2.16 billion in tax revenue.

Do Pennsylvania’s casinos allow smoking indoors?

The Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act permits casinos to allow interior smoking, unlike the majority of commercial establishments. By law, casinos may permit smoking on 50% of the gaming floor. Smoking is not permitted inside any other casino area.

Where can gamblers with an addiction get help in Pennsylvania?

Apart from requesting a voluntary self-exclusion from all wagering activities at your casino of choice, you can also dial 1-800-GAMBLER to reach the PA Gambling Addiction 24-hour hotline, google your nearest gambling treatment center, or use the CCGP’s 24-hour chatline to text or chat with someone. 

Are there any new casinos in Pennsylvania that may open?

Morgantown, Pennsylvania, is home to the state’s first mini-casino, and gamblers from all across the state are anticipating opening day with great anticipation. The area, called Caernarvon Township, is situated between Berks and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania.

Is there horse racing or off-track betting in Pennsylvania?

Horse racing fans in Pennsylvania are spoiled for choice, as the state is home to both live and off-track betting facilities (OTBs). The Keystone State has 17 locations where you can bet on horses or watch simulcasts. 

Are there any tax laws in Pennsylvania?

Unless expressly permitted by statute, any and all forms of gambling are illegal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Legal forms of gambling in Pennsylvania include playing the lottery, bingo, slots, table games, and even small games of chance.