CNBNews

Online gambling in the United States is very popular these days and, frankly, is a huge part of the entertainment culture all over the USA. More and more states have legalized gambling, so you won’t have to pick between Las Vegas and Atlantic City anymore. Philadelphia, the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania, is another interesting destination for those living or visiting on the East Coast.

Philly follows state-level laws governing online gambling, which means that players in the city must comply with specific regulations, whether they’re visiting or living there. Whether slots, poker, or roulette are your jam, you should be aware of the rules and regulations of online gambling in the Cheesesteak City.

When did online gambling become legal in Philadelphia?

Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in 2017 with the passage of the Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion Act. This legislation allowed land-based casinos and new online platforms to operate legally within the state, including Philly.

What types of online casino games are legal in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has many legal gambling categories, so there are more than enough playing options for everyone, from beginners to advanced players. 

One of the most popular categories is sports betting, which became legal in Pennsylvania after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 2018. So, in 2025, players can place wagers on exciting sports, such as football, basketball, and tennis.

Online casinos are popular among Philadelphia's gamblers and players, with plenty of games to choose from. Online casino gaming is also legal in Philly, including traditional games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and slots. You can find these games at all online casinos available in Philly and at land-based casinos.

Licensed online poker rooms are also available to Philadelphia residents and visitors. Poker rooms are typically available at regular online casinos, but they can also be standalone sites for those who prefer to focus on poker and nothing else.

All operators must hold a license from PGCB

All online gambling platforms operating in Pennsylvania must hold a valid license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). The PGCB is the regulatory body that oversees all forms of gambling in the state. This ensures fairness, security, and compliance with state laws. If the casino is not licensed through PGCB, it cannot operate in the state.

To get a license, operators must adhere to strict guidelines and conduct thorough background checks on their management teams. The PGCB also ensures operators maintain responsible gambling measures, protect player data, and use fair gaming practices.

Because the license ensures player safety, there’s no need to play at casinos with no license. Not only is it illegal, it’s risky.

Remember the legal age and geolocation restrictions

The legal age for gambling in Pennsylvania is 21 years old. This applies to both online and land-based gambling activities. Anyone attempting to gamble online in Philadelphia must verify their age with an ID and identity before being allowed to place bets or play casino games, which applies in-person and online.

Platforms also use advanced geolocation technology to ensure that players are physically located within Pennsylvania borders before allowing access to online gambling services. So, no, you cannot use a VPN to trick the system. They’ll know.

Online gambling platforms in Philadelphia must use geolocation technology to confirm that players are within Pennsylvania's state boundaries. This is necessary to ensure that individuals from out-of-state cannot illegally participate in online gambling activities.

If a player attempts to access an online gambling site from outside Pennsylvania, they will be blocked from placing any bets or playing casino games. This also applies to players temporarily outside the state for travel or work.

Do players have to pay taxes off of their winnings?

Like in many other states, Pennsylvania's gambling winnings are also subject to state and federal taxes. If you are lucky enough to snatch a win, you must report it in your tax return: no exceptions, I’m afraid.

Online casino and poker winnings in Pennsylvania are taxed at a rate of 15%. Sports betting winnings are taxed at 36% for operators, but players must report and pay taxes on their winnings accordingly.

At the federal level, gambling winnings are subject to IRS taxes. The IRS requires players to report gambling income on their tax returns, and winnings over a certain amount (which is typically $600) may result in the issuance of a tax form (W-2G). However, we recommend that you check this with the IRS before filing.