Pennsylvania is one of the most comprehensive gambling markets in the US. It’s gambling roots date back well over a century, with the state having an active pari-mutuel wagering sector from the 1930s. That spirit continues to online gambling in the present day, which Pennsylvania has been enthusiastic with adopting. The state now has regulated online sports betting, casino gambling and poker, as well horse racing tracks and 17 land-based casinos.
The entire market is not only of the broadest but also one of the biggest, with the state’s operators generating billions in annual revenue and paying hundreds of millions in taxes. But what are the best options? With so many available, from massive tribal casino resorts to poker rooms to online casinos to gas station “skill games”, it can be confusing which is the best option for you. This article will give an overview of the various gambling sectors in PA and then offer some great options if that’s the kind of entertainment you’re looking for.
The Best Casino in North Pennsylvania
Starting locally, northern Pennsylvania is home to some of the largest and most impressive gambling venues in the state. Of those, the jewel in the crown has got to be Mohegan Pennsylvania. This full scale entertainment resort has a 80,000 square feet casino floor, complete with more than 2000 slot machines and dozens of table games from blackjack to roulette.
It also has an old-school harness racing track, as well as a sportsbook and a poker room. The venue opened as Pocono Downs racetrack in 1965, and Connecticut-based tribal casino operator Mohegan acquired it in 2005.
The resort is completed by a 238 room hotel, a full-service spa and gym, and eating options from fast casual to fine dining. The Mohegan Sun Arena which is a sports and concert venue is around 10 minutes drive from the casino resort complex.
Another highly-rated option in North Pennsylvania include Mount Airy Casino Resort. Wind Creek Bethlehem is slightly more central but is also a well-reviewed casino with full resort features.
Online Options are Available State-wide
Online gambling has expanded quickly since Pennsylvania became one of the first states in the US to legalize online casinos. There are dozens of licensed options in the state today, from major national players to smaller local operators. The market recently generated an all-time high revenue, as the market is increasingly shifting towards digital preferences.
If you’re looking to discover the best online casinos for Pennsylvania residents, Casino.org serves an expert comparison site with all the best options in presented together. Rather than visiting multiple operators individually, players can use the site to review welcome bonuses, payment methods and ongoing promotions side by side. Although the major operators are consistently present, smaller casinos drop in and out of the market and even the big operators update their game selections and bonus offers regularly. Getting all of this info in one place is invaluable for potential customers.
Being legalized for so long, PA has one of the most well-regulated but also comprehensive online casino markets. All sorts of games are available here, from classic blackjack, roulette and casino poker, to flashy live casino game show titles and all the latest and shiniest online slot games from globally respected developers.
Online sports betting is also popular in PA, with fans wagering on the state’s high number of major sports teams from the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers to the NHL’s Flyers and Penguins or the NBA’s 76ers.
The Two Best Casinos in the State
Pennsylvania opened its first modern-land based casino in 2007, at Presque Isle Downs. Parx Racing and Casino soon followed. Harrah’s Philadelphia was the first casino resort style venue.
Today, outside of Mohegan and Wind Creek, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows and Parx Casino are probably the two best rated in the state. Both venues embrace their horse racing history, while carrying that forward into the modern day.
Hollywood Casino at the Meadows is owned by Penn Entertainment. It has 2500 slot machines on its casino floor, 60-plus table games and a dedicated poker room with sweeping views of the harness racing course. The venue recently upgraded its sportsbook and horse race wagering options for those who like to combine different gambling experiences.
Parx Casino and Racing is even bigger, with some 3000 slots and nearly 150 table games. Located just north of Philadelphia, Parx also has a 48-table poker room and live thoroughbred horse racing every week. It also has a entertainment and performance space that seats 1500 players.
PA Gambling Fact: Blackjack rules for casinos are written into the state’s gambling legislation, which not even Nevada has for Las Vegas. So all PA casinos’ dealers stand on soft 17s and all blackjack tables pay 3:2 for the main bet payout.
Poker Rooms and Other Gambling
Online poker is completely legal in PA, but players are restricted to competing against people from the five other states in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Those states are:
New JerseyNevadaDelawareWest VirginiaMichigan
Pennsylvania had legal online poker for many years but there were very limited option as only players from PA were allowed – until it joined the Agreement in 2025.
Since the several more operators have launched online poker rooms in PA so the choice (and competition) has expanded considerably.
In terms of offline poker, Parx is consistently the highest rated poker room, although Rivers Philadelphia has more poker “action” (people playing casually and loosely) compared to some.