Pennsylvania Online Poker:

Pennsylvania’s regulated online poker market launched in November 2019 and has since grown into one of the most established US online poker jurisdictions. Licensed and overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the state is home to several major poker operators offering a wide range of cash games, tournaments, and mobile play.

Today, Pennsylvania online poker sites such as PokerStars Pennsylvania, BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania, and WSOP Online Pennsylvania give players real choice, with each platform offering different software, player traffic levels, tournament schedules, and overall playing experience. Thanks to participation in interstate poker agreements, some sites also share player pools with other states, creating larger games and higher‑value tournaments than ring‑fenced markets.

This guide explains how online poker works in Pennsylvania and what separates each legal site, from game selection and liquidity to mobile apps and regulatory protections. Whether you’re new to online poker or deciding where to play long‑term, this page breaks down Pennsylvania’s legal poker landscape and helps you choose the right site for your style of play.

Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Sites — What to Know Before You Choose

Pennsylvania is one of the strongest and most competitive regulated online poker markets in the US, giving players more meaningful choice than in many other states. While all licensed Pennsylvania poker sites meet the same regulatory standards, they differ in important ways that can affect where you choose to play.

One of the biggest factors is player traffic and liquidity. Some Pennsylvania poker rooms operate on shared interstate networks, allowing players to compete against opponents from other states, which generally leads to larger tournaments and more consistent cash game action. Others operate within Pennsylvania only, which can still offer a solid experience but with a more localized player pool.

Software quality and game selection also vary by site. Differences in mobile apps, table layouts, tournament schedules, and available cash game stakes can make one platform better suited to your playing style than another. When comparing Pennsylvania online poker sites, it’s worth looking beyond welcome offers and focusing on long‑term value, including traffic levels, usability, and the types of games you plan to play most often.

Is Online Poker Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, online poker is fully legal in Pennsylvania. The state legalized online poker as part of a broader gaming expansion, with the first regulated poker sites launching in November 2019 under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Only poker sites licensed by the PGCB are permitted to offer real‑money online poker in Pennsylvania. These operators must meet strict requirements related to player protection, game integrity, geolocation, and responsible gambling. Players must be physically located within Pennsylvania to access real‑money games.

Pennsylvania also participates in interstate online poker agreements, allowing certain licensed sites to share player pools with other states. This shared liquidity helps support larger tournaments and more consistent cash game traffic than ring‑fenced markets.

Pennsylvania Online Poker Bonuses & Promotions

Pennsylvania online poker sites offer a range of welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, though poker bonuses work differently than those found at online casinos or sportsbooks. Rather than instant rewards, most poker bonuses are designed to be earned gradually through real‑money play, such as paying rake in cash games or tournament entry fees.

Deposit‑match bonuses are the most common offer in Pennsylvania. These typically match a player’s initial deposit up to a set amount and release in stages as play continues. Some sites also offer tournament tickets or limited free‑play options, which can be useful for new players looking to explore a platform before committing a larger bankroll.

Bonus structures and clearance rates vary significantly between operators. Faster‑clearing bonuses tend to appeal to high‑volume players, while slower‑release offers may provide more total value over time for those who play regularly. Because terms and promotions change frequently, players should focus less on headline bonus amounts and more on long‑term factors such as player traffic, game availability, and overall site experience.

For a detailed breakdown of current Pennsylvania poker bonuses, including clearance requirements and comparisons between operators, see our dedicated guide to PA online poker welcome bonuses.

How to Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania (Getting Started)

Playing online poker in Pennsylvania is straightforward, as long as you choose a state‑licensed site. All regulated Pennsylvania poker rooms follow the same basic requirements for account creation, verification, and real‑money play.

To get started, select a licensed Pennsylvania online poker site and create an account. You’ll need to provide personal details to verify your identity and confirm you meet the state’s minimum age requirement. This verification process is mandatory and helps ensure a safe and regulated playing environment.

Once your account is approved, you can make a deposit using one of the available payment methods and access real‑money cash games or tournaments. Players must be physically located within Pennsylvania to play, as licensed sites use geolocation technology to confirm eligibility. After that, you can play on desktop or mobile, depending on the platform.

Pennsylvania Online Poker Apps & Software

All licensed Pennsylvania online poker sites offer mobile access, allowing players to compete in real‑money cash games and tournaments on smartphones and tablets. Mobile play is available either through dedicated apps or mobile‑optimized browser platforms, depending on the operator.

Most major Pennsylvania poker rooms provide native apps for iOS and Android, which can be downloaded directly from the operator’s website or app store. These apps generally mirror the desktop experience, offering the same games, account features, and cashier options, with interfaces designed for smaller screens.

When choosing a Pennsylvania online poker app, players should consider factors such as app stability, ease of navigation, support for multi‑table play, and how smoothly the software performs during longer sessions. As with desktop play, users must be physically located within Pennsylvania to access real‑money games.

Pennsylvania Online Poker Banking & Payment Methods

Pennsylvania online poker sites support a range of secure and regulated payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals. Because all licensed operators are overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, banking transactions are subject to strict security, verification, and responsible gambling standards.

Most Pennsylvania poker rooms accept common deposit options such as debit and credit cards, online banking transfers, and digital wallets including PayPal. Some sites also offer additional methods depending on the operator and platform. Availability can vary, so it’s worth checking supported payment options before creating an account.

Withdrawals are typically processed using the same method used to fund the account, where possible. Processing times differ by payment type, with digital wallets and online banking methods generally offering faster payouts than traditional card transactions. As with all real‑money play, players must complete identity verification before withdrawals can be approved.

Pennsylvania Online Poker Site Profiles

Below are detailed profiles of each licensed online poker site currently operating in Pennsylvania. These overviews focus on real‑world play, including game selection, player traffic, software quality, mobile experience, and shared liquidity.

It’s worth noting that most Pennsylvania poker sites now operate on combined interstate player pools, while PokerStars Pennsylvania continues to run on a Pennsylvania‑only network.

BetRivers Poker Pennsylvania: Our #1 Pick for Online Poker in PA

BetRivers Poker is our top overall choice for online poker in Pennsylvania because it consistently takes a player‑first approach. Rather than prioritizing flashy features or short‑term promotions, BetRivers focuses on fairness, usability, and long‑term value for regular players. The site is operated by Rush Street Interactive and licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, delivering a fully regulated and transparent real‑money poker environment.

A core part of that player‑first philosophy is pricing. BetRivers Poker actively touts having the lowest rake in the United States, a claim that speaks directly to grinders and value‑conscious players who care about how much they pay to play over time. Lower rake means more money stays on the tables and in players’ pockets, especially for those putting in volume.

From a gameplay perspective, BetRivers Poker Pennsylvania keeps things simple and efficient. Cash games and tournaments run consistently throughout the day, and the site participates in shared interstate player pools, helping ensure fuller tables and steadier action than ring‑fenced platforms. The focus is on reliable traffic and smooth game flow rather than constant format changes.

Built with a clear player‑first approach, the BetRivers Poker platform pairs reliable, modern software with features designed to promote fairness and usability. Players benefit from tools such as dynamic avatars, the HeroIQ built‑in HUD, fair‑play auto‑seating, and randomized screen names, all of which help create a secure and balanced playing field. The sleek interface runs smoothly on Mac and Windows desktop clients, as well as dedicated mobile apps for iPhone and Android, delivering a consistent experience across devices.

WSOP Online Pennsylvania: Play for WSOP Bracelets and Interstate Action

WSOP Online is the most distinctive online poker option in Pennsylvania, built around access to the official World Series of Poker ecosystem. It operates on a shared interstate network that combines players from Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey, creating one of the largest regulated online poker player pools in the United States. For players who value large tournaments, deep fields, and consistent traffic, this shared liquidity is a major draw.

What truly sets WSOP Online apart is its direct connection to live WSOP events. It is the only poker site in Pennsylvania to host official online bracelet events and run sanctioned satellites to the WSOP Main Event and other prestigious tournaments. For players who dream of parlaying online success into a seat at the world’s most famous live poker series, WSOP Online offers opportunities no other platform can match.

WSOP Online also offers a sizable welcome package and regular ongoing promotions, including reload bonuses aimed at higher‑volume players. While bonuses tend to clear more slowly than on some competitors, they are structured to reward sustained play and are best suited to players who plan to put in meaningful volume over time.

Overall, WSOP Online Pennsylvania is the natural choice for tournament‑focused players who want access to the largest shared player pools and a direct path to WSOP bracelets and live events. Its appeal lies less in simplicity or low‑friction play, and more in scale, prestige, and the unique competitive opportunities that only the WSOP brand can provide.

BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania: Best for Grinders and High‑Volume Play

BetMGM Poker is a strong option for Pennsylvania players who put in consistent volume and value efficiency over flash. Backed by the BetMGM brand and licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the site combines a reliable poker platform with features that appeal to regular cash‑game players and tournament grinders.

One of BetMGM Poker’s biggest advantages is its approach to rewards and promotions. The welcome bonus is widely regarded as the quickest‑clearing deposit match in Pennsylvania, making it particularly attractive to players who plan to play regularly rather than chase headline offers. Ongoing promotions, including leaderboards and reload bonuses, further reward volume and help offset rake over time.

From a gameplay perspective, BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania offers steady cash‑game action across a range of stakes and a consistent tournament schedule. The site participates in shared interstate player pools, combining players from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. This shared liquidity helps support fuller tables and larger tournaments than purely ring‑fenced platforms, while still maintaining a manageable competitive environment that many grinders prefer.

Overall, BetMGM Poker is best suited to players who care about fast bonus clearance, predictable traffic, and promotions that reward sustained play. If you’re looking for a poker room where volume and consistency are prioritized, BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania is a natural fit.

PokerStars Pennsylvania: Standalone PA Player Pool and Strong Local Tournaments

PokerStars Pennsylvania was the first online poker site to launch in the state and remains one of the most established platforms available to local players. The site offers a wide range of cash games and tournaments, with a particular focus on daily MTTs and major branded series such as SCOOP and seasonal festival events.

PokerStars is known for its polished software, strong mobile apps, and extensive customization options. While the site operates primarily within Pennsylvania’s player pool, its depth of games and tournament variety make it a popular choice for both casual players and experienced grinders.

PokerStars Pennsylvania operates on a standalone, Pennsylvania‑only player pool, making it the only major online poker site in the state not currently connected to a wider interstate network. While this means smaller overall fields compared to shared‑liquidity platforms, PokerStars compensates with a strong local tournament schedule, polished software, and consistent daily action tailored specifically to Pennsylvania players.

DraftKings Electric Poker: Best for Players Wanting to Try Something New

DraftKings Electric Poker offers a very different take on online poker in Pennsylvania. While it is accessed through the DraftKings Casino lobby and requires a casino account, Electric Poker is a genuine real‑money, player‑versus‑player poker game rather than a house‑banked casino product.

Electric Poker uses a jackpot sit‑and‑go format designed for speed and simplicity. Each game seats three players, with prize pools randomly assigned at the start and ranging from modest multipliers to very large jackpots. Buy‑ins are available at $1, $5, $10, and $25, making it accessible to casual players as well as those looking for higher‑variance action.

Games start automatically once enough players are seated, and the structure is intentionally fast‑paced. After a set number of blind levels, Electric Mode is activated, forcing all players all‑in each hand until a winner is decided. This creates quick resolutions and removes much of the slower, strategic pacing found in traditional cash games and tournaments.

DraftKings Casino typically offers a welcome bonus for new players, though casino credits cannot be used directly to enter Electric Poker games. Any winnings generated from those credits, however, can be used to play Electric Poker. The format is best viewed as a complement to traditional online poker rather than a replacement, appealing most to players who want short sessions, high variance, and something outside the standard poker room experience.

Electric Poker is currently available to players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan, with further expansion expected as the product continues to develop. For players curious to try a fast, lottery‑style poker format within a regulated environment, DraftKings Electric Poker provides a unique alternative to conventional online poker sites.

Borgata Poker Pennsylvania: BetMGM Network Alternative

Borgata Poker Pennsylvania operates on the same BetMGM Poker US Network, powered by PartyPoker, and shares its player pool with BetMGM Poker across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. From a gameplay perspective, this means Borgata Poker offers the same liquidity, tournament schedules, and overall poker ecosystem as BetMGM, with access to the same shared interstate action.

The software, welcome bonus, and core promotions are identical to those offered on BetMGM Poker, as both rooms run on the same underlying platform. As a result, choosing between Borgata Poker and BetMGM Poker largely comes down to brand preference rather than meaningful functional differences.

In practice, Borgata Poker Pennsylvania provides solid options for both tournament and cash‑game players. The tournament schedule includes regular daily and weekly events across a range of buy‑ins, along with larger series that benefit from shared liquidity. Cash games are most active at low and mid‑stakes, where players will generally find consistent action throughout the day.

Borgata Poker is best viewed as an alternative entry point into the BetMGM poker network rather than a distinct standalone poker room. For players who prefer the Borgata brand or want access to the BetMGM network through a different front‑end, it delivers the same games, traffic, and overall experience.

Pennsylvania Online Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Is online poker legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Online poker is fully legal in Pennsylvania and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Only state‑licensed operators are permitted to offer real‑money online poker.

How old do you have to be to play online poker in Pennsylvania?

Players must be at least 21 years old to play real‑money online poker in Pennsylvania.

Do Pennsylvania online poker sites share player pools with other states?

Some do. Certain Pennsylvania poker sites participate in shared interstate player pools with other regulated states, while others operate on a Pennsylvania‑only network.

Do I need to be physically located in Pennsylvania to play?

Yes. Players must be physically located within Pennsylvania to access real‑money online poker. Licensed sites use geolocation technology to confirm player location.

Are Pennsylvania online poker sites safe?

Yes. Licensed Pennsylvania poker sites must meet strict standards for security, fairness, and player protection, including identity verification, secure payment processing, and responsible gambling tools.

Can I play Pennsylvania online poker on my phone?

Yes. All licensed Pennsylvania online poker sites support mobile play, either through dedicated apps or mobile‑optimized software on smartphones and tablets.