Nov 05, 2019 A year after Pennsylvania legalized online poker, PokerStars became the first poker site to launch in the Keystone State.But, at this point, as of Monday morning, it’s only a soft launch.
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Pennsylvania was the fourth US state to officially legalize online poker (after New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware) and real-money online poker has arrived, at long last, in 2019.
While online poker in PA didn’t launch on July 15 when many PA online casino sites went live (online poker often occupies a lower tier of priority for operators), PokerStars officially soft launched its PA online poker site on Nov. 4.
See a full review and download the PokerStars PA software (when available) here:
There are seven PA casinos with permits in hand to offer online poker so it’s just a matter of the other operators getting their poker sites and poker apps ready for release. Among the others expected to launch soon are:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
Play online poker in Pennsylvania
Global Poker allows Pennsylvania players to play poker online and win real cash prizes! Global poker offers PayPal deposits and uses a unique online poker sweepstakes model to allow US players to play.
When can I play online poker in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania legalized online poker (along with online casino games, sports betting, lottery and others) in October 2017.
After online gaming and sports betting launched in July 2019, the only remaining gaming option yet to launch was poker. That changed on Nov. 4, 2019.
PokerStars, through its partnership with Mount Airy Casino Resort (see more below), was the first operator to launch in the Keystone State. The site is the largest poker operator in the world with millions of players. PokerStars offers players:
- numerous promotions and bonuses
- great regular tournament series
- a wide range of stakes and tournament buy-ins
- excellent customer service and support
Real money poker sites in Pennsylvania
At present seven of Pennsylvania’s casino interests have moved forward with online poker licenses. They are:
- PokerStars (Mount Airy Casino Resort)
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Parx Casino
- Sands Bethlehem Casino Resort
- SugarHouse Casino
- Valley Forge Casino Resort
All seven have received conditional approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to proceed with interactive gaming. All except one casino (Sands Bethlehem) should open its online poker sites for business by the end of 2019.
Each of the active casinos has partnered with various poker providers to bring online poker to life. Each company’s choice of partner illustrates the prominence of online poker in its plans.
PokerStars Pennsylvania (Mount Airy Casino Resort)
Mount Airy may be the big winner in Pennsylvania. The casino enacted quite the coup by snagging a partnership with PokerStars.
PokerStars has risen from the ashes of the UIGEA to become the market leader of online poker in New Jersey. Its smooth software and recreational player-friendly bent should find similar success in Pennsylvania.
Mount Airy is not a major live poker destination by any means — its nine-table poker room is the second smallest of the casinos which offer poker. So, its decision to pursue the online poker market so strongly comes as a bit of a surprise.
PokerStars PA Bonus Code
PokerStars players in PA will likely receive the same universal bonuses PokerStars players can access in NJ. Those bonuses are:
- Deposit $20 and Get $30
- 100% match bonus up to $600
The first bonus is paid out as:
- $10 in cash within 36 hours
- $10 after 7 days
- 5 Spin & Go tickets worth $10 total
The deposit bonus clears at a rate of $10 per $18.18 in rake paid. Players have four months to clear their full bonus. New players also get:
- Free entry into a $5,000 depositor freeroll
- 1 million in Play-Money chips
PokerStars PA Poker App
As PokerStars users around the world know well, the PokerStars client and poker app are the best of the best. Designed and implemented by poker players for poker players, the PokerStars software is unmatched by its competitors.
The poker client is Pennsylvania is no different. You’ll get all of the premium functionality and customization of the full PokerStars client as you’d find it in New Jersey and around the world.
You’ll also benefit from the slick and efficient PokerStars PA app, which is downloadable for both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android. While the fully downloadable desktop client has all the bells and whistles, the app isn’t far behind. Tournament and cash game lobbies, the cashier, game and player stats and your account details are all easily accessed and managed strictly via the app.
Harrah’s Philadelphia
Harrah’s is an immediate frontrunner for the top spot in the market. The Philadelphia-area casino is part of Caesars Entertainment, which also owns and produces the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
Additionally, Caesars operates online poker sites in both Nevada (WSOP NV) and New Jersey (WSOP NJ). It stands to reason that the brand will make a Pennsylvania appearance as well.
Using a platform fashioned by partner 888Poker, Harrah’s will be the stop for Pennsylvanians who want a chance to play in the Main Event. It is also likely that Harrah’s will merge the Pennsylvania player pool with the shared pool from Nevada and New Jersey.
Valley Forge Casino
Valley Forge is in a unique situation because it has approval for online poker but no strategic partner. However, do not be deceived: Valley Forge’s partner is all but decided already.
There have been interactions between the casino and PartyPoker since at least 2015. Although the situation for PartyPoker in America was rough for a time, the company has emerged as another strong poker option.
Even more importantly, PartyPoker is now the property of GVC. In return, GVC is a strategic partner with MGM Resorts. Resorts, in turn, has an access agreement with Boyd Gaming. Boyd purchased Valley Forge in September 2018.
So, there is a circular quality to the road joining Valley Forge and PartyPoker together. Nevertheless, a deal for Pennsylvania between the two companies seems likely in the next few months.
Hollywood Casino
While not in the same pole position as is Harrah’s, Mount Airy or Valley Forge, Hollywood Casino may be part of the first wave of casinos with online poker. The casino’s parent, Penn National, has a longstanding relationship with software developer IGT.
IGT is not as well-known for its poker products as it is for its slot machine design. However, it is not a neophyte when it comes to the creation of a poker platform. In fact, all of Canada’s state-operated poker sites are powered by IGT software.
The only hesitation about Penn National has been the company’s seeming desire to be first in sports betting. The casino group has won the race to be first-to-market for sports betting in both West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
So, Penn’s attention may be elsewhere right now. Otherwise, everything looks pretty good to go for online poker’s launch at Hollywood Casino.
Parx Casino
On paper, Parx would seem to be leading the charge into the online poker market in Pennsylvania. The casino is the unabashed market leader on the land-based side of things.
Pa Online Poker Bill Update
Even more appealingly, Parx has strategic partnerships with not one, but two software partners. Both GAN and Kambi have signed deals to assist the Bensalem casino’s transition into the virtual sphere.
However, neither GAN or Kambi are particularly experienced or regarded as poker providers. If anything, the two companies have a stronger reputation in other casino gaming and sports betting.
So, it’s a bit unclear if Parx has a big appetite for online poker or not.
SugarHouse Casino
SugarHouse is another casino in a similar situation to the one at Parx. It does have a strategic partner and its approval to offer online poker.
However, its partner has the same lack of experience as Parx’s partners. In fact, its partner is also Kambi, which means that there is no background in online poker to be found.
SugarHouse has also made its priorities and attention clear through its actions and statements. At this point, the Philadelphia-area casino is far more interested in getting its sports betting operation off the ground.
So, SugarHouse and/or its parent company, Rush Street Interactive, may have a way to go before addressing an online poker product.
Sands Bethlehem
Lastly, Sands Bethlehem is the most intriguing entry on the approved list. The casino is both without a strategic partner and without any desire to move forward with any sort of online gaming.
Its owner, Sheldon Adelson, may be the most prominent opponent of online gaming in the US. However, Sands Bethlehem is in the middle of a sales process.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians should become the new owners of Sands Bethlehem in the next six months to a year. Part of its contract with Sands required that Sands acquire permission to offer online poker and gaming.
However, it is safe to say that Sands Bethlehem — or whatever its new name is — will be the last of the seven approved casinos to open an online poker room.
Pennsylvania online poker FAQ
Where can I play online poker in Pennsylvania?
Seven of Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos will offer online poker and at least one—PokerStars (Mount Airy)— launched before the end of 2019.
partypoker (Valley Forge Casino) and 888poker/WSOP (Harrah’s) are expected to be live within 12 months.
Who is allowed to play online poker in Pennsylvania?
Anyone who is older than 21 years of age and inside the state lines will be able to play on any of Pennsylvania’s real money online poker sites. You are also free to travel to New Jersey and play on any of the legal and regulated online poker sites in NJ.
How will poker sites know I’m in Pennsylvania?
As with other states, Pennsylvania will require that all sites use geolocation software to ensure players are logging into the site from instate. Companies like GeoComply specialize in this kind of software and are incredibly accurate for correctly placing players geographically.
Will Pennsylvania network poker with other states?
Probably. The gaming law expansion in 2017 allowed for interstate player pooling with other states that have online poker. So, potentially, Pennsylvania could join a player pool comprised of Nevada and New Jersey players.
Will players from other states be able to play on Pennsylvania sites?
If you are located in a state that is also licensed and regulated to offer online poker, possibly. As for now, Pennsylvania poker is ring-fence, meaning you will only play against other players within the state.
Licensed states with interstate compacts with Pennsylvania could allow players to access the same pool of participants, but the recent Wire Act opinion has placed the multi-state compact in doubt.
If you are in a state that doesn’t offer regulated online poker, you will not be able to play on a PA online poker site unless you travel to Pennsylvania. Using a VPN to mask your real location (and make it appear as if you are in Pennsylvania) will not work and will get your account closed permanently.
Will Pennsylvania also allow online casino games?
Yes. In fact, there will be more online casinos than online poker rooms in Pennsylvania. More of the state’s casino interests applied for and have received a permit to offer online slot play and table games.
The law, H-271, was a massive expansion of Pennsylvania’s gaming opportunities and profile. The law made the following offerings (besides online poker) a possibility in the Keystone State:
- 10 mini-casinos
- A specified number of slots and table games
- Must conform to geographic requirements to avoid competition with existing casinos
- Only five licenses awarded so far, and none more are expected
- Alterations to Category 3 casinos
- Removes membership fee,
- Permits more slots via a one-time fee
- Daily fantasy sports
- Online casino games (table games and slots)
- Online lottery sales
- Sports betting
- Contingent upon PASPA‘s dismissal, which occurred in May 2018
- Sports betting launched in November 2018
- Tablet gaming
- Available in authorized areas at specific airports
- Video gambling terminals
- Similar to slot machines
- Available only at specific truck stops
Latest Pennsylvania online gambling updates
- by Sean ChaffinJanuary 3, 2020
- by StaffNovember 21, 2019
On Oct. 30, 2017, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a gambling expansion package that legalized and regulated online casino games, plus daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
The first three online casinos in Pennsylvania launched on July 15, 2019, and five more are expected before the end of the year. Five online sportsbooks and sports betting apps are also already live with more to come.
Online poker is still to come, although it’s on the near horizon with PokerStars Pennsylvania due to launch imminently.
The new legislation legalizes a diverse range of online gaming activity, including:
- Online casinos in Pennsylvania
- Video gambling terminals (VGTs)
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS)
- Satellite casinos
- Sports betting (dependent on the Supreme Court ruling)
Pennsylvania online casinos
Casinos first became legal in Pennsylvania in 2004. Today, Pennsylvania boasts the sixth largest population in the U.S., and it generates more gaming tax revenue for the state than Nevada.
The gambling industry is heavily taxed in Pennsylvania which means a casino must consider its impact before it enters the online casino market. Even so, most, if not all of the land-based casinos are expected to join the online gaming market.
Pennsylvania online casinos were estimated to earn approximately $154 million in revenue during Year 1. The projection is consistent with New Jersey’s online casino performance.
Evidence suggests the revenue will come from new customers, not necessarily existing ones, as online casinos have a far greater reach.
Pennsylvania Casinos Online Poker
At least seven Pennsylvania online casinos have applied for licenses with partners to provide online poker along with their casino games. They are:
- Mount Airy (PokerStars)
- Harrah’s (888/WSOP)
- Valley Forge (partypoker)
- SugarHouse
- Hollywood Casino
- Parx
- Wind Creek
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Pennsylvania casino partnerships
In anticipation of legalized online gambling, retail casinos several years ago began forging partnerships with software platforms and online casinos operating in New Jersey. As mentioned seven are licensed for online poker so far; here’s a look at a few of the partnerships.
Mount Airy Casino (PokerStars)
Mount Airy Casino surprised many in Pennsylvania when it signed a deal with PokerStars in August 2018. It will launch the first online poker site in Pennsylvania in the Fall of 2019.
Harrah’s
As part of Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s operates as WSOP.com in a partnership with 888. It is the only company currently offering online gambling products in both Nevada and New Jersey.
Valley Forge (partypoker)
Once the most trafficked poker site in the world, partypoker has surged back into international prominence in recent years. Massive online tournament guarantees, drastically improved software and a burgeoning partypoker Live tour have also had a big impact. It’s expected Valley Forge and partypoker will launch their co-branded online poker site in 2020.
Mohegan Sun Pocono
The tribal operator manages the operations of Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. Resorts online casino teamed up with software provider NYX to offer a suite of online casino games. Additionally, PokerStars operates under Resorts’ license in New Jersey. Of note: Scientific Games acquired NYX in January 2018.
Parx
Even though Parx had some reservations about online gaming, they signed a multi-year agreement with software provider GAN back in 2014. Parx is already building a potential customer base with a social casino using GAN’s software.
Rivers and Sugarhouse
Rivers in Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia are both owned by Rush Street Gaming. PlaySugarHouse.com operates under Golden Nugget’s online casino license in New Jersey. There is some speculation that Rush Street is eyeing NYX/Scientific Games for its Pennsylvania online casino.
Pennsylvania online casino FAQ
How old does a player need to be to gamble online in Pennsylvania?
Players must be 21 years of age or older to play online casino games or online poker in Pennsylvania. Fantasy sports enthusiasts must be 18 to participate in daily fantasy sports contests.
Do players need to live in Pennsylvania to play online casino games?
Players do not need to be a resident of Pennsylvania to play online casino games or online poker. However, players must physically be located in the state to participate.
Pa Online Poker News
When will online casino games go live in Pennsylvania?
There is speculation the first online casino will go live toward the end of 2018. The application for online casino licenses is currently underway, and there are no firm dates at this time.
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How will online casinos know if a player is in Pennsylvania?
2 Plus 2 Pa Online Poker News
Regulated online casino sites use geolocation services to determine a player’s location. A player whose location cannot be verified will not be able to access online casino games.
Pa Online Poker Launch Dates
Latest Pennsylvania online gambling updates
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- by Sean ChaffinJanuary 3, 2020
- by StaffNovember 21, 2019