Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
There is a profusion of casinos in Pennsylvania offering all manner of games and entertainment. Even small enterprises offer enjoyment, from Video Gaming Terminals (VGT) at your local truck stops through to lottery retailers and charity gaming.
But the big guys are where you’ll want to be seen for those “hey, look at me, I’m in Pennsylvania” IG snaps. Featured behind you in your Insta reels could be the following land-based aesthetics.
Thoroughbred racing is a big business in Pennsylvania, with the industry pumping upwards of $3 billion into the economy. This is why racinos exist in Pennsylvania; there are currently six in the state. They provide a unique blend of casino entertainment along with live thoroughbred horse racing.
Parx Casino - Located in Bensalem, the Parx Casino venue is home to all the entertainment you’d want. You'll find table games, poker, and slot machines, along with dining experiences. Sports betting is provided on the side, covering everything from live basketball to horse racing. Book a stay and join the Xclub to discover more.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack - Head to Chester to experience Harrah’s Casino and its unique harness racetrack. Giddy up for 110 days of racing all on one track. It’s 100% action, and if that’s not enough, you’ve got over 1,500 slot machines to navigate, should you want to get to the table games of craps and roulette.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course - You know what they say: if you haven’t been to Grantsville, you simply haven’t lived. Why? Well, because of this venue. Not only does it offer a full-blown casino experience with live sports betting, but it also caters to visitors who want alternative fun, like concerts held on its outdoor stage.
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows - If you’re up near North Strabane Township, swing by this venue to take in the experience of live streaming of standardbred harness racing. You can tie your stay in with quality dining at its five restaurants before enjoying table games, the poker room, slots, or its sportsbook area.
Mohegan Pennsylvania - Here at Wilkes-Barre, you can come for the relaxing hotel and spa, and stay for the octane gaming, and that’s if you’re not caught up in the ballroom or comedy club. See, Mohegan is a hive of shows, entertainment, and events. It just so happens to provide a casino with slots and poker, as well as a sportsbook service for its customers.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino - Don’t worry, not even the locals here in Erie know how to pronounce Presque, so you’ll fit right in. Come for the gameplay and perhaps stay for the swathe of entertainment on offer. This is a day-and-night experience, with live music, live tables, and live sports; it’s got everything covered.
Taking you back to the more traditional, classic casinos, I present the Pennsylvania casino resorts that offer refined gambling in lavish settings. Many of these offer sister counterparts for those of you wanting an online casino in PA. Let’s get you settled in.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia - Looking over the Delaware River is the aptly named Rivers Casino. Make a splash with the night’s entertainment located on its premium gaming floor. After the intake of games and slots, you can retreat to sports betting or perhaps take in late events like live music or comedy.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh - Found along the beautiful Ohio River, the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh is home to hundreds of guests staying at the Landing Hotel. Book a stay and while here, enjoy the casino, live entertainment, and incredible dining to get you through each rollercoaster experience.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia - The term ‘stay and play‘ was possibly invented by me, but it perfectly sums up the experience you have when you come to this resort. Book your room to immerse yourself not only in the games and live entertainment, but also in the 2026 World Cup experience, which will be on your doorstep at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Wind Creek Bethlehem - If the architecture at Wind Creek Bethlehem doesn’t win you over instantly, the games, events, fine dining, and spa treatments will; consider yourself warned. It’s the kind of place that turns a quick visit into an all-day (and night) plan.
Valley Forge Casino Resort - If you’re looking for a short getaway in the area of King of Prussia, then might I suggest Valley Forge? This casino resort will have all the necessary conveniences under one roof. Stay, play, and dine; three simple treats perfectly crafted to your wants.

Pennsylvania's offer also includes destinations offering unique package holidays with all the amenities of a main getaway. This is the side of Pennsylvania that you have not seen before, so get there before the influencers do.
Mount Airy Casino Resort - Bring with you words like “wow” and “amazing”, because you’re going to need them in abundance. The exquisite scenery of the Pocono Mountains alone is enough to make you fall for the place. The resort is breathtaking, so bring an oxygen canister just in case. Most casino fans focus on the games for the full experience, but this resort flips the script. The fun you have is almost a bonus compared to the sheer sensory pleasure of being here.
The Casino at Nemacolin - Drive to the area of Laurel Highlands, and you’ll discover this tucked-away boutique casino that radiates comfort. Formally known as the Lady Luck Casino, this resort has seen a fair few changes, even down to the restaurant. In the new surroundings, extravagance oozes through the games room, onto the golf course, and into the spa and wellness centre. It's a pure slice of heaven.
Just passing through? Well, short stops are available if you need a quick break to rest your legs. Here are my top picks for easy-stop casinos.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown - Exit the PA Turnpike on 298 and quickly charge yourself at the Morgantown Hollywood Casino. Grab a bit of entertainment and action from the tables and slots, and take a bite to eat at Tony Luke’s or Bar 76. Once fuelled up, you actually might want to stay.
Hollywood Casino York - The casino is ironically becoming the go-to place for sports fans. The sportsbook on this site saw a 120% increase in revenue in January 2026 alone. So, if you want the perfect short three-hour break, settle in, grab a bite to eat, pick a game, and put those feet up and relax.
Live! Casino Pittsburgh - If you’re in Greensburg and in need of a recharge, you’ll find this Live! Casino at the Westmoreland Mall. Casino. It’s more compact than most of Pennsylvania’s casinos, but that doesn't stop it from being packed with lively games and a hugely appealing sports betting service.
Parx Casino® Shippensburg - I’ve been saving the buzzword ‘State-of-the-Art’ for this moment right here. The Shippensburg site is the wow-factor. It deserves your quick stop off, attracts the curious, and will absolutely captivate before you’ve even placed a bet or spun the reels of a slot.
Here I reveal the magicians behind the magic, the casino operators. Yes, those corporations and companies behind the scenes are working diligently to provide their guests and members with experiences that will last them a lifetime. Their branding alone might come as a surprise; some may even garner more assurance. So, let’s take a look at those giving the Keystone State some of the biggest casino brands in America.
| Casino Operator | Description | Casinos They Operate |
|---|---|---|
| Penn Entertainment | If you're looking for lavish glitz and glam, Penn Entertainment is the orchestrator of such services. Big is better in their eyes, and their gaming service includes a rewards program for members so they feel like number one! | Hollywood Casino (Morgantown, York, Penn National Racecourse, The Meadows) |
| Caesars Entertainment | The name we’ve all heard, Caesars, is without question the biggest brand in land-based casinos. This national powerhouse brings decades of experience and stewardship to the site of Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino, and with it, their Caesars casino rewards and program service. | Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino |
| Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment | The site of Parx Casino is perhaps one of the most exciting spectacles in all of Pennsylvania and is definitely at the forefront of using the very latest technology to stimulate their guests. The Shippensburg casino is a smaller site that is operated under GW Cumberland Op Co. | Parx Casino Shippensburg |
| Rush Street Gaming | Bringing a touch of the modern to Pennsylvania is Rush Street Gaming. This player-focused operator builds their enterprises from the ground up to help support local economies and jobs. On the gaming front, players can also benefit from their rewards program. | Rivers Casino (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) |
| The Cordish Companies | When you walk into the casinos founded by Cordish, be prepared to be hit with vibrant flooring, glam, and luxury, from gaming to dining. They are all about fuelling your evening and nighttime. If you crave the energy, look no further. | Live! Casino (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) |
| Boyd Gaming | Taking on the Valley Forge Casino Resort back in 2018, the acquisition reignited the site with significant upgrades to facilitate highly in-demand business that needed to modernize. Now, with a reliable and structured backbone to the business, players can bask in high entertainment backed by a loyalty rewards scheme. | Valley Forge Casino Resort |
| Churchill Downs Incorporated | Having taken over the business in 2019, this Louisville-based company is the same as the one connected to the Kentucky Derby. Their skills come from blending traditional casino games with sports racing heritage. | Presque Isle Downs & Casino |
Preparation is essential before you take the trip out here to beautiful Pennsylvania. The state law requires you to be 21 and over to be legally allowed to gamble. Pack your ID to show staff when asked to show proof of age.
It is important that you only seek to play for fun. The pursuit of this can be inexpensive, and never allow yourself to go beyond what you can afford. The state provides excellent resources when it comes to responsible gambling through ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov and the PGCB (Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board). Through the PGCB, you can use their self-exclusion program, a voluntary service that excludes you from internet services, VGT venues, fantasy contests, sports betting, and across all of Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos. In addition, you can call the free 1-800-GAMBLER helpline for advice, treatment, and assistance.
This article solely provides information about the services of gambling in Pennsylvania and doesn’t go beyond this to offer any financial, gambling, or legal advice. We encourage all readers to refer to the PGCB website for more information.
Pennsylvania currently has 17 registered land-based casinos, giving you plenty of options for weekend getaways, road trips, and quick gaming stops. The lineup includes major resort-style properties, racetrack casinos (racinos), and smaller venues. Each offers a different blend of slots, tables, dining, and entertainment.
For casino gambling and in-person sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 or older and should bring a valid photo ID. Some other gambling formats have different minimum ages, such as lottery purchases and certain fantasy contests. When in doubt, check the venue’s policy before visiting.
Yes, many Pennsylvania casinos offer on-site sportsbooks, allowing you to place bets while enjoying slots, table games, dining, and entertainment. Sports betting is a popular add-on for visitors who want a full night out. Availability and layouts vary by property, so it’s worth checking each venue’s setup.
Yes. Pennsylvania’s land-based casino scene includes properties with poker rooms, in addition to table games and slots. Larger venues are more likely to offer dedicated poker spaces and a wider range of limits and game types. If poker is your priority, choose a full-scale property over a small stop.
Many Pennsylvania casinos offer club rewards programs, often tied to the operator's brand. These can include point earning on play, dining discounts, promotions, and other perks. If you plan to gamble more than casually or visit multiple times, signing up can add value, especially at larger properties.
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
Read Full Bio