Pennsylvania Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Pennsylvania. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Pennsylvania is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALPennsylvania legalized online casino gambling and online poker in 2017 under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulations (Title 58 Pa. Code Chapter 417a). Licensed operators may offer online casino games and poker to residents 21 and older, with strict regulatory oversight.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal for authorized operators.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires a state license.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation can result in fines and criminal penalties under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1103.
Minimum Age
21 years old.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Pennsylvania has not yet been verified. In February 2026, the PGCB placed 22 individuals on its exclusion list.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Pennsylvania as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. No significant changes to the market that launched in 2019.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Pennsylvania launched retail sports betting in November 2018 and mobile in May 2019 under Act 42 of 2017. Online/mobile and retail available. Major market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to authorize online sports betting.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos and racetracks. Operator tax rate: 36% of gross revenue (one of the highest).
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5513. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+