Discover why Pennsylvania is the premiere spot for online poker
Online gambling is more popular than ever, but the numerous options can make it difficult to decide which one is right for you. Do you prefer sites that offer 24/7 game play or top-notch customer service? Do you favor poker to slot machines, or vice versa? All these aspects have to be taken into consideration in order to ensure the finest possible gambling experience.
Fortunately, those who reside in Pennsylvania needn’t go far. Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2017, and since then, it has remained a premiere destination for those who want to test their gambling skills from the comfort of their homes. Here’s what you need to know about Pennsylvania online poker:
Variety of games
PokerStars was the primary gambling site for several years in Pennsylvania, but there are currently dozens of exciting options to choose from in-state. The Stars Group became the first real-money online operator in the state in November 2019, and was quickly followed by BetMGMPoker in April 2021. The latter is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International. Each of these poker options can be played via desktop or mobile app.
Pennsylvania also offers a number of popular online tournaments and championships. Some of the most notable include the Pennsylvania Championship of Online Poker (PACOOP) and the PokerStars PA Bounty Builder Series. Most of these tournaments are no-limit hold ‘em, with the occasional pot-limit Omaha or pot-limit Omaha hi-lo option.
Easy deposition & withdrawal options
A huge aspect of any online gambling set-up is how painless (or difficult) the banking options are. Thankfully, PokerStars PA offers quick and painless methods when it comes to depositing and withdrawing money. PokerStars PA accepts nearly every deposit option, including Instant eChecks, PayPal, Visa / Mastercard, and basic bank transfer.
Most online poker sites in Pennsylvania allow players to set deposit limits for themselves if they so choose. They also provide no deposit signup bonuses for players who are trying their hand at poker for the first. A signup bonus could amount to anywhere between $10 and $50. Some sites may provide cash, while others will give you a mixture of game credit and tournament tickets.
Loyalty programs
In addition to signup bonuses and deposits, online poker in Pennsylvania comes loaded with various loyalty programs. Most loyalty programs are tiered, with each offering better rewards for higher volumes of play. Some programs offer cash only, while others decide to randomize prizes. If neither option thrills you, select programs have a store built into their site app, which allows you to select and purchase gifts.
If you play your cards right (no pun intended), you may also stumble across limited-time promotions that can provide access to happy hours and mini games.
Game integrity
The legality of online poker can be daunting to newcomers who are unaware of gambling rules. Illegal sites put you at risk for hacks, bots, and malware, as they have no oversight and no concern with regards to their integrity. This is precisely what makes Pennsylvania’s poker options so appealing. Both live and online poker have been made legal, meaning that any attempt to engage with either form of the game is protected under state law.
When you choose to gamble under Pennsylvania rule, the sites are under scrutiny by regulators, who ensure that nothing but straight, honest poker is being played. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is beating your opponent.
