Pennsylvania Online Poker
Online poker in PA is in high demand. The state of Pennsylvania successfully passed legislation introducing domestic online poker in 2017, but the market has yet to reach its full capacity and the state has thus stalled its domestic online launch.
In the meanwhile, residents can find legally viable online poker action through licensed and regulated offshore websites.
This guide to Pennsylvania online poker sites will inform potential players of how poker works in an online setting and what to look for when choosing a reputable poker room.
Pennsylvania Legal Framework Surrounding Online Poker
Pennsylvania gambling laws permit both the use of domestic and licensed offshore poker sites. In 2017, the state passed sweeping reform which expanded PA's gambling offers to include online applications. However, the state has yet to launch either of its poker, casino, or sportsbook interactive online gambling offers.
Licensed offshore online poker sites are permitted in Pennsylvania because they are not federally prohibited and the state lacks any statutes which prohibit licensed and regulated offshore gambling sites.
For those PA residents still concerned: to date, no PA resident has been arrested or prosecuted for using these types of licensed offshore gambling sites. However, state laws prohibit unlicensed state-based online and brick and mortar gambling operations.
The Best Place To Play Online Poker In Pennsylvania
Searching for a properly licensed and regulated online poker operator can be a tiresome process. Which is why our team of online gambling specialists pinpointed the top licensed offshore poker brands accepting Pennsylvania residents. These licensed offshore poker sites feature legal poker games with top-notch features that rival brick-and-mortar casino poker games.
| Site Name | Bonus | Rating | Type | USA | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $500 |  | Poker | Visit Site Full Review |
|
 | $1,000 | | Poker | Visit Site |
Other Pennsylvania Gambling Pages
Featured Items For Pennsylvania Residents In Offshore Poker Sites
Our team looks out for certain conditions when searching for reputable licensed offshore poker brands. The most important aspects are whether or not the site has licensing and regulation from a respected international jurisdiction.
Aside from that, the other components work to create a more robust poker gameplay experience. These items are:
- Varied game selection
- Premium features like multiple tables and hands, anon tables, note keeping, etc
- Customizable settings
- Tournament capabilities
- Security backing on data and account
- Customer service options
- Bonus promotions
- US friendly banking methods
How Does The Poker Software Work?
Most licensed offshore poker brands feature downloadable software which is built exclusively for online poker play. The downloadable software does not take up much space in terms of storage on your computer.
The software installs a poker room shortcut right on the player's desktop which helps send them straight to the action. The software helps support the licensed offshore online poker room's robust features and create an immersive environment for players to enjoy.
How Was Poker Legalized In Pennsylvania?
In 2010, the state allowed for Senate Bill 711 to pass and become law. This bill allowed for Class 3 table games to be featured in the state’s licensed brick-and-mortar casino establishments. With poker and other table games legalized, Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue grew exponentially.
Later on, in 2017, the state permitted the legalization of interactive games which included online poker games licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. However, the state has yet to launch their domestically licensed state-supported online poker offers.
Best Hands In Poker
Knowing how the different poker hands rank will help players gain an understanding of what to go for in games.
We’ve compiled a list of poker hands from best to worst, that way you will know what they are when you come across them.
- Royal Flush (Ace-King-Queen-Jack-Ten, all of the same suit)
- Straight Flush (5 consecutive cards of the same suit)
- 4 Of A Kind (4 cards of the same rank)
- Full House (3 cards of the same rank plus 2 cards both of another rank)
- Flush (5 cards of the same suit)
- Three Of A Kind (3 cards of the same rank)
- 2 Pair (2 cards of the same rank, plus 2 cards both of another rank)
- Pair (2 cards of the same rank)
- High Card (any 5 cards that don’t fall into the above categories)
Do Online Poker Sites Host Tournaments For PA Players?
We are unsure if PA domestically licensed online poker sites will have tournament capabilities but we can confirm the available tournament capabilities found on licensed offshore online poker rooms for PA players. Different tournaments are offered on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Each tournament offered through a licensed offshore poker room has its own buy-in, number of players, game type, etc. Prizes include cash winnings and in some cases, seats at large brick-and-mortar poker tournaments.
Pennsylvania Online Poker FAQs
When Is Domestic Online Poker Supposed To Launch?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is still in the process of accepting license applicants. When the bill originally passed, a “2018 launch” was projected.
There are still a few months left in 2018 to get the ball rolling but as of the time of this writing PA has yet to launch their domestic offers.
In the meantime, licensed offshore online poker rooms are readily available and provide hefty features like promotions with free chips, Welcome Bonuses, multiple banking options, tournaments, progressives, multiple variations, and in some cases, table and skin personalization.
How Do I Adjust Game Settings?
If you’ve downloaded the poker software, you can tweak your game settings for items such as game selection, number of seats, buy-in levels, etc. The area to change these settings can normally be found on either right or left side of the screen in some cases compressed within a menu option box.
Changing the settings helps tailor the interface for exactly what game types the player desires.
How Do I Fund My Online Poker Account?
The funding of an online poker account requires the use of alternative banking methods due to banking regulations which prevent banks from processing gambling related transactions. Despite Pennsylvania legalizing online poker gambling, their banks must also abide by the same banking regulations which are governed by the UIGEA.
However, Pennsylvania has yet to launch their offerings meaning they have yet to deal with this aspect but taking note form states like Nevada and New Jersey, PA will likely ask patrons to deposit cash at physical venues since credit and debit cards transactions to the venue are normally declined by banks.
In the same note, licensed offshore online poker rooms and other gambling entities must also bypass the UIGEA but since these operators have dealt with this issue longer they are more likely to offer multiple alternative banking options. These methods found usually entail depositing online poker funds through a preloaded gift card, Money Order, Money Gram, or cryptocurrency.
Can I Play From My Smartphone In Pennsylvania?
PA has yet to launch their domestic online poker offerings, however, licensed offshore online poker rooms offer mobile gaming capabilities - no downloading needed. Players utilizing iPhone, Android, Windows or Blackberry device, including tablets, can play poker from these sites URL directly using a mobile browser.
Responsive design technology is employed immediately once the site has loaded on a mobiel browser. This technology ensures proper functionality on different screen size dimensions and can seamlessly be used across screens.
In addition to mobile poker, account holders can also play PA online casino games, and participate in PA online sports betting.