Best Online Poker Sites in Pennsylvania

PA online poker players have access to some of the best poker sites in the US, featuring big names like PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, and WSOP.

Pennsylvania online poker site offer players great game choice, tons of tournaments and excellent mobile apps across the board.

Each online poker site in Pennsylvania offers new players great bonuses plus rewards and ongoing promotions.

So, how do you choose which to play on? That’s where we come in.

On this page, we compare welcome bonuses, tell you where to find the best and biggest tournaments, and give honest, in-depth reviews of all three PA online poker apps.

Can I Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania?

Yes you can play safe and regulated online poker in the state of Pennsylvania. We recommend PokerStars PA as the top online poker site to play on. This is due to its healthy cash-game traffic, great spread of games, stakes and tournament series. Plus PokerStars offers a great welcome bonus to new recreational players, where after playing just one cash game hand, $150 in free play tickets will be deposited into your account that can be used at the online poker and casino tables.

The Best Online Poker Sites in Pennsylvania

All licensed PA online poker sites provide a completely safe and legal environment. When it comes down to choosing which site to play on, it boils down to personal preferences.

All online poker sites in Pennsylvania have their own unique qualities. While all of them are similar at a high level (safe, regulated, good banking options), specifics such as the variety of games, types of bonuses and promotions, and range of stakes can vary greatly.

For any player, it is very important to examine and understand these specifics to be able to select the right site for them. Depending on your personal preferences and expectations, one room can be a much better option than the other, even if both options are quality picks.

While it is impossible to know everyone’s particular situation, we tried to come up with our list of top picks based on some of the most important aspects that online poker players tend to pay attention to.

PokerStars PA: Our Top Pick — Great Games, Tournaments and Promotions

PokerStars PA offers cash games, a huge amount of game types, tournaments, and juicy online series, such as USCOOP which sits under the Championship of Online Poker brand and one of the best welcome bonuses in the market for new players.

The welcome package offered by PokerStars is perfect for new players, giving you $150 worth of free play after playing a single cash game hand. It’s a fantastic way to experience the online poker product through spending very little of your own money. Players must opt in for this offer via the challenges tab on the client.

Alternatively PokerStars offers new players a welcome deposit match bonus. They will match 100% of $600 deposited by using code STARS600. Players must choose between with the welcome offers, as they cannot claim both the deposit match bonus and the free play tickets.

The operator’s daily and weekly schedules are the best in the state, offering action for players of all bankrolls and preferences. From your traditional freezeouts, over hugely popular PKOs, to events featuring game types other than Hold’em and PLO, PokerStars PA provides options that every tournament player out there will appreciate.

PokerStars offers state-of-the-art software equally fitting for recreational and serious players, and its mobile app is also world-class.

All together, PokerStars ticks every box, and we rank it high in every category. For that reason, it is our first choice for all player types. While BetMGM’s bonus might be bigger, and WSOP has the brand and prestige of the World Series, you’ll likely find the best action on PokerStars.

Download the PokerStars app and get in on the action or head to our PokerStars PA Review to learn more about our #1 pick for poker in PA »

WSOP PA: Best for MTT Players

WSOP PA stands out is its ability to set up online events awarding real-life WSOP gold bracelets. It gives it a significant advantage over other sites operating in the state and helps attract players in great numbers.

WSOP PA welcomes players with a generous bonus and provides a variety of ongoing promotions for its existing customers. You will have access to frequent reload bonuses and other valuable promotions to keep your bankroll topped up.

WSOP offers the biggest welcome package in the state, giving everyone a chance to start with a match worth up to $1000, plus up to $100 in free play tickets and spins on a prize wheel. The bonus clears quite slowly, so just make sure you have the time to clear the deposit match. But if you can max it out, it is the most generous bonus offered in the state.

WSOP PA is also the most generous when it comes to reload bonus offers. There are usually a few opportunities throughout a year where players can get a 100% match between $500 and $1000 on their next deposit. These reload bonuses offer great added value for existing players who put in a lot of volume on the site, and WSOP is not shy about offering them fairly regularly.

Join WSOP or check out our comprehensive WSOP PA Review to learn more about what makes this operator one of the leading poker brands in North America.

BetMGM Poker PA: Top Choice for Grinders, Sign Up Bonus Clears Quickest

BetMGM Poker PA is a top pick for both serious and recreational players, with great promotions, frequent and generous tournament series, and quality cash game action.

Offering a generous 100% boost of up to $1000 to match the first deposit and up to $100 worth of tournament tickets for new players, BetMGM gives plenty of reasons for players to check it out. The clearance terms on the deposit match are much better than bonuses on other sites, so you’ll unlock the bonus money much faster.

Cash game grinders who prefer softer competition and like to put in solid volume will feel right at home here. A smaller player pool will let you know your opposition pretty well over time, and although the player traffic could be better, you should have no problems finding enough games to keep you busy up to NL200.

On top of this, BetMGM Poker PA always runs leaderboards and similar promotions on a weekly or monthly basis, where you can earn a significant portion of your rake back. Every serious cash game player knows that this has a big impact on their hourly rate, so if you are in this group, we recommend you check out the site and see it for yourself.

Sign up and start playing in minutes or learn more about why this is one of our top operators in the Keystone State in our BetMGM Poker PA Review »

BetRivers Poker PA

BetRivers Poker is live in Pennsylvania!

BetRivers Poker comes complete with Holdem and Omaha games; cash and multi-table tournaments. There’s also BetRivers’ unique SNG Select, which allows players to choose between a 3-handed SNG or a spins-style game called Cub3d, with randomized top prizes.

The welcome offer is also fantastic. BetRivers is offering 100% up to $1000 welcome bonus for new players with code POKER to both new and existing players who make a deposit on the new site.

There’s a desktop client for Mac and Windows, and mobile apps are available for iPhone and Android. Dynamic avatars, HeroIQ built-in HUD, “fair play” auto-seating, randomized screen names are also available.

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

DraftKings Poker’s launched their Electric Poker product in Pennsylvania. You have to access Electric Poker through the Casino lobby, so although you need a casino account to play the game, it is 100% a real money online poker game.

Electric Poker from DraftKings Poker is a jackpot sit-and-go poker game. Three players compete against each other and prizes are randomized when the game starts. They range from 2x to 10,000x multipliers. Buy-in levels of $1, $5, $10 and $25 are available.

You’ll automatically be seated at the table as soon as two other players are ready to join. The format is fast and forces all in’s during Electric Mode after certain blind levels have been reached.

Currently when you sign up to DraftKings Casino you get a welcome bonus of $50 casino credits when you wager $5. At this time those credits cannot be used on Electric Poker tables, but any winnings from those credits can be!

Currently Electric Poker is only available for players in Michigan, New Jersey and PA but that all looks set to change soon, as we know that Electric Poker is also in testing in Connecticut so that state could be coming soon too!

Players who are looking to try out something new should sign up to DraftKings Casino to try out their new Electric Poker game.

Download the app and start playing or check out our DraftKings Poker Review to find out more about this operator »

Borgata Poker PA: The Same as BetMGM Poker

Borgata Poker PA is hosted on the BetMGM Poker US Network, powered by PartyPoker, just like BetMGM itself, so these two operators share their player pools in the state.

Borgata Poker PA offers an identical welcome bonus to BetMGM Poker. Borgata runs on the same BetMGM software platform, so choosing between the two is mostly down to personal preferences.

The room represents a good choice for tournament and cash game players alike. If MTTs are your cup of tea, the weekly schedule offers a fair number of events across all stakes. The operator also features regular series with solid guarantees and frequent overlays, adding a lot of value to the mix.

The cash game action is quite decent at Borgata Poker PA as well. While the highest stakes games may not run regularly, you will find plenty of active tables at low and mid-stakes, running around the clock.

Download the app and start playing or check out our Borgata Poker PA Review to find out more about this operator »

Best Pennsylvania Online Poker Bonuses

Depending on what you are looking for exactly, PA poker sites offer some interesting bonus options for new players.

Signing up for PokerStars PA gives you two options. You can either go for the standard welcome bonus of 100% deposit match up to $600 or get $150 worth of bonus play funds to use (a mix of Spin & Go tickets, casino funds, and bonus spins) after playing a single cash hand. So, newcomers to online poker have a nice option to get them started and provide them with some extra funds to use as they figure things out.

Registering at BetMGM Poker and Borgata Poker gets you a straight-up first deposit bonus of up to $1000, so their offers have a higher maximum than what is offered by PokerStars. Players can also get up to $100 worth of free tournament tickets, depending on the size of their first deposit.

New players that sign up at WSOP PA also get a very attractive welcome package. There is a very generous 100% deposit match up to $1000, meaning those with bigger bankrolls can get the best value for their money here. Players also get up to $100 in extra funds (depending on the deposit size). The only downside of WSOP Pennsylvania is that it does not offer any completely free funds in the form of a no deposit bonus.

Over on DraftKings Casino you get $50 in instant casino credits when you sign up and wager $5. As this is a casino bonus there is no deposit match like we see at other operators. The casino credits cannot be used at the online poker tables, however, winnings on the credits can be. Signing up to DraftKings and taking advantage of the welcome bonus is definitely a cost effective way of trying out Electric Poker.

Comparing online bonuses in Pennsylvania

PA Online Poker Sites: Cash Game Traffic

When it comes to cash game traffic in Pennsylvania, PokerStars PA stands out as the undisputed leader. Despite facing no competition for the initial eighteen months of its operation in the market, upon the arrival of competitors, PokerStars PA effortlessly maintained its dominant position, facing minimal challenge from new entrants.

Presently, PokerStars commands nearly 60% of the market share.

At the start of 2024, PokerStars PA boasted an average of 186 concurrent cash game seats, surpassing the combined traffic of BetMGM PA and WSOP PA. BetMGM PA holds the second position in the market, with an average of 81 cash game seats, constituting a 25% market share, while WSOP PA averaged 61 cash game seats, claiming a 19% market share.

The average of cash game seats at the leading Pennsylvania online poker sites, by month.

Pennsylvania Traffic History

PA Online Poker Tournament Series

With all major poker sites present in Pennsylvania, players in the state do not lack tournament options. Several regular series run every year, alongside numerous smaller events organized by the rooms.

At PokerStars PA, two major series are the Pennsylvania Championship of Online Poker (PACOOP), usually taking place in September, and the PA Spring Championship of Online Poker (PASCOOP), organized in the first half of the year, usually in the period between March and May.

WSOP PA is another great destination for all tournament fans. The operator organizes its signature online bracelet series every year and WSOP Online Circuit events that give players a chance to win prestigious rings.

BetMGM and Borgata Poker PA cannot offer the same level of appeal when it comes to tournaments, but the operator does a fine job of organizing smaller series that usually last between one and two weeks, offering smaller guaranteed prizes, but also offering better winning chances due to smaller fields and somewhat softer competition.

With PokerStars being the only active operator in Pennsylvania until May of 2021, tournament players were limited to what this particular operator had to offer in terms of series and competitions. In addition to these signature events, WSOP organizes other tournament series with big guarantees, such as the Fall Online Championship and the BetMGM Poker States Championships.

Between all the rooms and events, PA poker players have something to keep them busy pretty much all year round. As mentioned, there are also some smaller events that happen on short notice, but there is usually more than enough time to plan ahead.

Online Poker Apps in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents wanting to download and install poker software and mobile apps on their devices will experience no special difficulties. The process is identical to downloading any other software, gambling or otherwise.

Of course, it is important to be in the state when attempting to do this. Even if you were able to gain access to the site and download the software, you will not be able to register for an account unless you are in PA.

Other than this, you should have no problems with this particular aspect.

Simply visit the site you want to play on and find the download link. If you are playing from your computer, you will download the installation file and then run it locally. Once installed, you can use the software to open an account if you already have one.

Mobile users will need to download the appropriate app. If the site offers Android and iOS apps, select the one that fits your device.

Players using iPhones will have no problems as poker apps can be downloaded straight from the App Store. Android users will also find most apps in the Google Play Store. If you’re unable to locate the app in the official app store for your device, go straight to the operator’s website, where you will have no problem finding the app you seek.

Either way, downloading and installing mobile poker apps in PA is not a big challenge as long as you are located within the state lines.

How to Play Online Poker in PA

Licensed poker sites in Pennsylvania make it very easy for new players to sign up and join the action. You will need to follow a few simple steps to create your account, get some funds online, and get started:

1. Pick the PA poker room you like
2. Visit the site and make sure the PGCB licenses it
3. Locate the signup link or button & click on it
4. Fill in the required account and personal details
5. Verify your email address via the link sent to you
6. Login with your newly created account to make a deposit and claim your welcome bonus

Safety and Fairness at PA Online Poker Sites

Regulated online poker sites in Pennsylvania offer everything that unregulated offshore sites do not. Every operator is licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), and if they happen to break any regulator rules, they can suffer consequences.

It is also very important to note that these sites are owned and operated by well-known, established, and reputable companies. All licensed sites must also have a base of operations in the state, making it much easier to resolve any issues that may come up.

You can also rest assured that your sensitive personal information will be kept safe, and all real money transactions are handled with the utmost care. Regulated PA poker sites have to adhere to very strict rules set forth by the regulator, and breaking any of these rules could cost them heavy fines or even their license. With a lot on the line, these operators do things by the book, which cannot be said for any of the offshore sites accepting US players.

It is also worth noting that all sites operating in Pennsylvania are owned by large and well-known companies that care about their reputation and have long-term strategies in place, which is usually a major plus for the players.

PokerStars, for example, is easily the best-known online poker brand in the world. This means they have much more on the line than smaller, unknown sites no one has even heard of. In the event of problems or disputes, they will respect the decision of the regulator and will not go out of their way to try and trick the players.

The same goes for the sites hosted on the BetMGM Poker US Network (PartyPoker, Borgata, and BetMGM). Operated by a large reputable corporation, these sites are very safe and solvent. They should never have problems meeting their obligations toward players.

Of course, WSOP US is one of the strongest brands in poker in general, so players can count on the fact the operator will do things by the book and do everything to uphold their reputation.

You can always find the site’s licensing information somewhere in the footer area of the home page. If you have any reason to believe that the licensing information is incorrect or fabricated, you can cross-reference it with the information on the PGCB site, where you can find the full list of operators licensed by the state regulatory authority.

A Brief History of Online Poker in Pennsylvania

Online gambling in Pennsylvania was first legalized in December of 2017 with the passage of the gambling expansion act (officially, H 271). Like with other regulated states, it took some time before online gambling and poker operators actually opened their doors and started accepting players.

Online poker officially went live in the Keystone State in November of 2019 with the launch of PokerStars PA. This was the first regulated poker site in the state, and poker-playing Pennsylvanians were finally given a legal and regulated site to play on.

Of all the US states that currently have legal online poker (Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey), Pennsylvania is the one with the largest number of residents — nearly 13 million! As such, it represents a very interesting potential market for operators and has the potential for some interesting developments in the future, especially now that the DOJ decided not to appeal the First Circuit Court decision, which reverts the Wire Act interpretation to its previous state, meaning it applies only to sports betting.

Expectations for Shared Liquidity and Interstate Poker in Pennsylvania

When Pennsylvania joins the other regulated states of MSIGA to share online poker liquidity across state lines, it would be a major step forward for regulated online poker in the USA. With a population of almost 13 million, the Keystone State would be a huge boost to any other player pool out there.

The state regulator the PGCB has started the process to join MSIGA, which we hope will become a reality in 2025.

PokerStars is currently the most-established operator in the state. When the time comes, it will probably seek to merge its PA room with its two-state PokerStars US Network comprising PokerStars NJ and PokerStars MI.

If PokerStars were able to do this, the network created through the merger would be one of the largest ones on a global scale. Whether this kind of development is possible in 2023 is anybody’s guess at this point in time, though.

The same goes for WSOP, as the ability to combine its PA player pool with its tri-state WSOP US Network comprised of NJ, NV, & MI poker rooms would create a wealth of new opportunities. Of course, the operator has one big advantage over PokerStars, as it could provide PA players with opportunities to compete for coveted WSOP bracelets from the comforts of their homes.

Sites on the BetMGM US Network — BetMGM Poker PA and Borgata Poker PA — would definitely jump at the opportunity to join pools with other states where they have a presence — primarily Michigan and New Jersey.

On October 31, 2024 BetRivers Poker launched in the Pennsylvania for the very first time. It launched with cash games, MTTs, Sit and Go along with Dynamic Avatars and has the lowest rake of all the poker sites currently operating in the state. Launches in Delaware seems likely as well as other states such as New Jersey and Michigan.

Banking Options

Players in Pennsylvania have access to a solid range of banking options to fund their online poker efforts and withdraw their winnings. Regardless of your option, you can rest assured all transactions are 100% safe and secure, as the operators employ the best and latest security standards when it comes to processing payments.

Sharing your financial details with an online poker site will not endanger you. As per the regulator’s rules, all financial information is handled carefully and only disclosed to the parties that absolutely need access to it to process your payment requests.

The most common options you will find offered by the PA sites include:

• MasterCard
• Visa
• Skrill
• PayPal
• Bank Transfer
• Certain Prepaid Cards
• In-Person at Brick-and-Mortar Partner Venues

Withdrawals are subject to security checks, which usually take a few hours, but in some cases, can take up to 72 hours. Of course, all players need to go through identity verification prior to their very first withdrawal. The process entails sending a scan or a photo of your government-issued ID to ensure your funds are going to the right person.

The security team of the operator checks the ID and compares the information on it with the information provided during the registration to make sure all details match.

Online Poker in Pennsylvania FAQ

Can you play online poker for real money in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can play online poker for real money in PA. Online poker was legalized in Pennsylvania in December of 2017 with the passage of the online gambling bill. Following this development, several operators applied with the PGCB to receive their gaming licenses, allowing them to offer both casino and online poker games.

What online poker sites are legal in Pennsylvania?

Several legal online poker sites are available in Pennsylvania, including popular platforms like PokerStars, BetMGM, DraftKings, BetRivers Poker and WSOP.com. These sites are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PAGB), ensuring a safe and secure environment for players to enjoy real-money poker games within the state.

Do I have to be physically present in PA to play on a legal poker site?

Yes, you must be physically present in Pennsylvania to play online poker in a locally licensed room. You will also have to be in the state to even open an account with a PA online poker operator. If you are not within the state borders, you cannot access the site, log in to your account, or play real money games.

Are PA online poker sites safe?

Yes. Every poker room licensed by the PGCB has been through a serious and thorough verification process designed to ensure it operates in line with state laws, its business is completely trustworthy, and the proper security procedures are in place. High-tech data encryption and storage systems ensure that your financial and personal information is secure.

Are PA online poker rooms rigged?

No. All PA online poker rooms are completely safe and fair and not rigged in any way. As a part of the licensing process, operators’ software is checked and tested by independent auditors, so there is no room for any underhanded tactics. They must continuously prove the fairness and randomness of their sites, or they risk losing their licenses.

Are there any PA mobile poker apps?

Yes. Most operators offer PA mobile poker apps, allowing you to play online poker from your phone or tablet anywhere in Pennsylvania without restrictions. Keep in mind that when playing from your phone, you will likely need to enable location tracking on your device, as this is one of the requirements set by the regulator and the operators alike.

How do I cash out from poker sites in PA?

You can use a variety of convenient methods, such as credit and debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and in-person transactions. All withdrawals are manually checked and verified, but this process usually does not take more than a few hours.

Do I have to pay taxes on online poker winnings in PA?

Yes, all gambling winnings are taxable in Pennsylvania, and this includes online poker. You will need to pay the federal tax as well as the state tax. Since taxation rules and laws are subject to changes, you should consult an accountant or a tax professional to help you with exact details.

Are there online poker welcome bonus codes in Pennsylvania?

Yes! PokerStars, BetMGM and the WSOP all offer welcome promotions for new players. These include code STARS600 for the PokerStars deposit match bonus and code POKERFUSE for new players signing up to BetMGM Poker — which gives a 100% match on deposits up to $1,000.

Can I play on BetRivers Poker in PA?

You absolutely can! PA BetRivers Poker is live and already has a lobby full of cash games, SNGs and MTTs.