Discover Pennsylvania's casinos: locations, game selections, amenities, and entertainment. Find detailed information on PA's top gaming destinations.

Pennsylvania's Premier Casino Destinations A Guide for Gaming Fans

For those seeking premier gaming experiences in the Keystone State, the Hollywood Gaming at Penn National Race Course in Grantville presents a compelling option. It features over 2,300 slot machines and 50 table games, including a dedicated 17-table poker room. Another standout is the Parx establishment located in Bensalem, boasting more than 3,200 slots, 188 live table games, and a substantial 48-table poker area, making it one of the largest gaming floors in the region.

In the western part of the state, The Meadows Racetrack & Gaming in Washington offers a different but equally engaging atmosphere. It provides access to approximately 2,500 slot machines and over 65 table games. Visitors can also enjoy live harness racing, creating a unique dual entertainment opportunity. For a metropolitan setting, the Rivers venue in Pittsburgh, situated on the North Shore, offers scenic views alongside its 2,400 slots and more than 100 table games.

Travelers heading towards the Pocono Mountains will find Mount Airy Lodge in Mount Pocono. This resort integrates its gaming floor, featuring 1,700 slots and 70 table games, with luxury accommodations and other amenities like a spa and golf course. This makes it a destination for those looking to combine their gaming pursuits with a resort-style getaway. Each of these locations provides a distinct environment, from racetrack integration to urban excitement and mountain retreats.

Casinos in Pennsylvania: A Player's Practical Guide

For the best odds on slot machines, head to Parx Racing in Bensalem or Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre; both locations consistently report return-to-player (RTP) percentages above 90% for their physical terminals. If table games are your focus, Rivers Philadelphia offers the lowest minimums for blackjack, often starting at $15 per hand on weekdays. The poker room at Wind Creek Bethlehem is the largest in the state, featuring over 30 tables with daily tournaments and a wide range of No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha cash games.

To maximize your visit, immediately sign up for the player's rewards program at your chosen gaming establishment. The mychoice card, valid at Hollywood establishments at Penn National Race Course and The Meadows, provides immediate food and beverage discounts. Mount Airy's Instant Rewards program allows for direct conversion of points to free slot play without needing to visit a kiosk. Valley Forge's loyalty club is particularly beneficial for frequent visitors, offering tiered benefits that include complimentary hotel stays and event tickets based on accumulated points.

Regarding smoking policies, Mount Airy and Mohegan Sun Pocono maintain designated indoor smoking sections on their gaming floors. All other Keystone State gaming venues, including Live! Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are entirely smoke-free indoors. Free non-alcoholic beverage service is standard across all locations, but response times are quickest at smaller venues like Presque Isle Downs. For alcoholic drinks, expect to pay standard bar prices; complimentary alcohol for active players is not a common practice in this state's gaming houses.

Parking is generally free at most establishments, with notable exceptions. In urban centers, self-parking at Rivers Philadelphia can incur a fee, though it is often validated with sufficient play. Valet services at locations like Wind Creek Bethlehem have a standard charge, which may be waived for higher-tier rewards members. For dining, the steakhouse at Rivers Pittsburgh, Martorano's Prime, requires reservations at least a week in advance for weekend seating. In contrast, The Buffet at Hollywood at Penn National offers a high-quality, no-reservation-needed option perfect for a quick meal between sessions.

How to Choose a Casino in Pennsylvania Based on Game Selection and Amenities

Prioritize establishments offering specific game types that match your preference. For instance, if you seek extensive poker options, select a venue with a dedicated, large-scale poker room.

• Rivers Philadelphia: Features a 28-table poker room with regular tournaments and cash games, including No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
• Parx in Bensalem: Operates one of the state's largest poker rooms with over 48 tables, known for its major tournament series like the Parx Big Stax.

If your focus is on slot machines, identify locations based on the quantity and variety of their electronic gaming terminals.

1. Wind Creek Bethlehem: Provides over 3,000 slot machines, including a mix of classic reels, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots.
2. Mohegan Sun Pocono: Offers approximately 1,900 slot machines and video poker terminals from various manufacturers like IGT and Aristocrat.

For table game enthusiasts, the number of tables and the range of stakes are key differentiators. Look for places with diverse offerings beyond standard blackjack and roulette.

• Live! Philadelphia: Boasts over 150 live-action table games, including Craps, Baccarat, Pai Gow, and Three Card Poker, with a wide spectrum of minimum bets.
• Hollywood at The Meadows: Supplies more than 65 table games, notable for its craps tables and variants of blackjack.

Assess on-site amenities that complement your visit. These facilities can significantly influence your experience.

• Dining Options: Mount Airy Lodge in Mount Pocono features multiple restaurants, from Guy Fieri's Mt. Pocono Kitchen to the upscale Bistecca by Il Mulino. Parx in Bensalem includes high-end choices like Parxgrill and casual spots such as Liberty Bell Gastropub.
• Entertainment Venues: Wind Creek Bethlehem hosts concerts and shows at the Wind Creek Event Center. Rivers Pittsburgh's Event Center offers live music and comedy acts.
• Hotel Accommodations: For an integrated stay, choose a resort with an attached hotel.  https://wingame-br-casino.com  provides two hotel towers with direct access to the gaming floor. Mount Airy Lodge offers luxury suites and guest rooms.
• Sports Betting Lounges: If sports wagering is a priority, select a location with a modern sportsbook. The FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Resort has a 1,800-square-foot video wall and numerous betting kiosks. The BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Philadelphia provides club chairs and private booths.

Navigating Pennsylvania's Casino Loyalty Programs for Maximum Rewards

Join the mychoice program from PENN Entertainment for the most versatile rewards across the Keystone State. Your points accumulate at Hollywood-branded gaming establishments in Grantville, York, and Morgantown, plus The Meadows Racetrack & gaming hall. This single card allows you to consolidate play from multiple locations into one account, accelerating your tier progression. Points can be redeemed for free slot play, dining credits at on-site restaurants like The Eatery by Fabio Viviani, or hotel stays. A key strategy is to concentrate your play during bonus multiplier days, often announced to members via email, to earn 2x or 3x tier points for the same level of activity.

Focus on achieving at least the second tier in any given program to see tangible benefits. For example, reaching the Preferred level in the Rush Rewards program at Rivers Philadelphia or Pittsburgh grants you complimentary valet parking and priority access to restaurant reservations. This immediately offsets common expenses associated with a visit. Similarly, the Live! Rewards card at gaming venues in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offers dedicated check-in lines and event pre-sales for its Gold Card members and above, saving valuable time.

Link your land-based loyalty card with its corresponding online gaming platform account. Parx's Xclub members who connect their card to the betPARX online sportsbook and digital gaming site can convert online play into physical comps. This means wagers placed on your phone from anywhere in the state contribute to earning free play, dining credits, and show tickets at the Bensalem location. The conversion rates are specific: track them to understand how your online activity translates to real-world rewards.

Take advantage of non-gaming point accumulation. Many loyalty systems, including Wind Creek Rewards at the Bethlehem property, award points for money spent on hotel rooms, spa treatments, and purchases at The Outlets. Always present your card during these transactions. A weekend trip involving a hotel stay and shopping can significantly boost your tier status without placing a single additional wager, unlocking higher-level perks like access to exclusive player lounges or personalized host services for your next visit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Exclusion from Pennsylvania Gambling Venues

To initiate self-exclusion from all licensed gaming facilities in the state, you must complete the process either online or in person. The online method is the fastest route. Access the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) self-exclusion portal directly. You will need to provide a verifiable email address, a current photograph of yourself (similar to a passport photo), and a digital copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card. The system guides you through the application, requiring personal details and your selection of an exclusion period: one year, five years, or a lifetime ban.

For in-person registration, visit any PGCB office. Locations are available at each racetrack gaming establishment and at the Board’s offices in Harrisburg, Hamburg, and Conshohocken. An appointment is required; schedule one by calling the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling at 717-346-8300. At the appointment, a PGCB staff member will take your photograph and assist with the paperwork. You must bring a valid, non-expired photo identification.

During the registration process, whether online or in person, you will choose the duration of your ban. The one-year and five-year options are not automatically removed. After the selected period expires, you must formally petition the PGCB for removal from the list. The lifetime ban is permanent and cannot be reversed. This self-exclusion covers all state-regulated gaming floors, iGaming websites, video gaming terminals (VGTs), and fantasy sports wagering.

After submitting the application, your name, photograph, and description are distributed to all licensed gaming operators in the commonwealth. These operators are legally mandated to refuse wagers from you and must deny entry to their physical locations. If you are found on the premises of a gaming establishment, any winnings or credits are subject to forfeiture, and you may face trespassing charges. There are separate self-exclusion lists for different types of gaming; ensure you select all applicable options if you wish to restrict access to all forms of state-regulated wagering.