Online Poker in Pennsylvania

PokerStars PA

PokerStars USA was the first to launch in November 2019. Lawmakers codified legal online poker in 2017, but it took longer than expected for the PGCB to issue licenses and approve sites for real-money poker. PokerStars PA launched and remained – for some reason – the only online poker site open under the new Pennsylvania law until April 2021 when BetMGM launched its two sites. WSOP launched its poker site on the 888poker platform in July 2021.

All of the sites offer various promotions for new players and those reloading their accounts. They have a variety of cash games, SNGs, and online poker tournaments, including major series with sizeable tournament guarantees. The most popular of all the series is the World Series of Poker on the WSOP site, which offers online bracelets and WSOP Circuit rings via official tournaments several times per year.

Players in the Keystone State can also feel comfortable on Global Poker. Sweepstakes online poker is legal in most states across America.

After Black Friday, PokerStars was eager to set things right with the US government, pay its penalties for operating in the United States after the UIGEA became law in 2006, and reenter the US market. Its first reentry into America came in New Jersey in 2016.

When the Pennsylvania market opened for licensing applications, PokerStars was the first in the door with its application and approval. It quickly set up PokerStars PA through its Mount Airy Casino partner and launched in the first week of November 2019. More than 500 players logged on, excited to see the signature PokerStars red spade on their computer and mobile screens.

Very quickly, the size of the PokerStars PA market overtook the PokerStars NJ player pool.

The next month, the site ran its first Pennsylvania Championship of Online Poker (PACOOP). With 50 events and $1 million in guarantees, players couldn’t get enough, quickly prompting PokerStars to raise the guarantees to $1.6 million for that series. The second iteration of that series in the fall of 2020 paid out more than $2 million.

There are now several series each year:

• PACOOP (PokerStars PA Championship of Online Poker) in September
• PASCOOP (PokerStars PA Spring Championship of Online Poker) in March/April
• Summer Stacks in June
• Fall Fest in November

In 2023, PokerStars teamed up with Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia to host a live Summer Series in August and September. They set it up for three weekends featuring three major events: a $550 buy-in with $200K GTD, $1,100 buy-in with $300K GTD, and $2,200 buy-in with $500K GTD. Online satellites awarded numerous prize packages on PokerStars PA, as well as on the PokerStars sites in New Jersey and Michigan.

Players find much of the online poker they seek on PokerStars, especially in the poker tournament realm. The site offers a variety of daily and weekly tournaments, including freezeouts, turbos, bounty builders, and high roller events. Additionally, PokerStars PA provides Spin & Go 3-max hyper-turbo SNGs with randomly drawn prize pools ranging from 2x to 2000x the buy-in, giving players the chance to win up to $50K.

Of course, there are cash games as well. A wide range of limits welcome all players, and poker variations include Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and Badugi, among others. The site offers tutorials to teach the basics, making it accessible for newcomers.

PokerStars remains the dominant site in Pennsylvania for online poker traffic, typically averaging 150 to 250 cash game players at one time. When running an online poker tournament series, those numbers can easily double. On any given day, PokerStars PA has double or triple the number of players compared to the other sites.

WSOP PA

WSOP PA website, in partnership with Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino, was the last of the three operators to launch its Pennsylvania online poker product. It did so in July 2021 and immediately drew players from the other sites by offering WSOP gold bracelets on the site.

In celebration of its launch, the WSOP welcomed players with the opportunity to win gold bracelets online, as players had been doing for years from Nevada and New Jersey. The 2021 year was unique, as the World Series had skipped its live poker series altogether in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it was organizing a live WSOP in Las Vegas in the fall months of 2021 with vaccination and coronavirus-led precautions. Players were craving a return to poker, but the offering of bracelets online in Pennsylvania for the first time in history was an excellent diversion.

The eight bracelet events that comprised the first WSOP PA online series did well, with substantial prize pools and numerous entries. In 2022, the WSOP offered online bracelets during the summer as the Las Vegas live series took place. Pennsylvania players found six events on the schedule, each of which saw lower prize pools than the year before but still managed to deliver six new bracelet winners.

The 2023 WSOP included a WSOP PA series with seven bracelet events. The numbers were solid, showing more than 1,500 entries and $684,090 awarded to the players, along with seven gold bracelets delivered.

WSOP Pennsylvania offers World Series of Poker Circuit series several times each year, with some listed as Super Circuit and others simply as WSOPC Online events. Each event awards a gold Circuit ring and qualifies players for points that can award seats to the annual Tournament of Champions, a million-dollar freeroll and bracelet event.

The WSOP also offers other tournaments on its regular schedule, including dailies and nightlies with guarantees and a Sunday Majors tournament lineup. There is a wide variety of cash games and SNGs hosted on demand, and BLAST Sit & Go tournaments are four-handed, super-turbo events with the chance to win 2x to 10,000x the buy-in.

WSOP.com

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Borgata PA & BetMGM PA

Borgata Poker, under the wings of GVC Holdings and Roar Digital, has been live in New Jersey since 2018 and already has a solid base of US players there. It was only a matter of time before it expanded into other legal betting states. Borgata Online Casino went live in Pennsylvania in February 2021, and Borgata Poker PA followed suit shortly thereafter in April. Parent company Roar took the old PlayMGM app offline following the deal between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings before re-launching BetMGM Casino PA in the Keystone State. Eventually, it expanded with BetMGM Poker PA, too, in April 2021. Both BetMGM and Borgata are powered by the partypoker US network.

The BetMGM and Borgata poker brands share player pools in Pennsylvania because they are both on the same partypoker platform. The largest series available on BetMGM and Borgata Online is the BetMGM Poker Pennsylvania Online Championships. The first iteration of the series ran in September 2022 with 26 events and $500K in prize pool guarantees. BetMGM recruited Darren Elias, who is now a brand ambassador, as well as Matt Berkey and Andrew Neeme to promote the series across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan. Berkey represented in his home state of Pennsylvania.

That tied in with the BetMGM Poker Championship, an annual summer live tournament at ARIA in Las Vegas. The event debuted in 2022 with a $1 million guarantee for the $3,500 buy-in. It brought in 343 entries – some who qualified on the BetMGM and Borgata sites in Pennsylvania – for a prize pool that totaled $1,097,600.

They brought the tournament back, and the 2023 BetMGM Poker Championship at ARIA offered a $2 million guarantee. The turnout for the $3,500 buy-in event surpassed expectations by a sizeable amount, as the 1,026 entries created a prize pool that soared past the guarantee to land at $3,283,200.

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BetMGM and Borgata also introduced a new online series this year – the BetMGM Winter Poker Championships – that runs in January.

Regular tournaments for players on the sites include Daily C-Note, a nightly tournament with a $100 buy-in and an $8K guaranteed prize pool; Monster Monday, a low $55 buy-in tournament with at least a $3K prize pool; and Wednesday Storm, a weekly 6-max tournament with a $100 buy-in and a guarantee. Other events include Nightly Stars, Thursday PKO, Friday Special, Saturday PKO, Sunday Starter, and Sunday Main Event, each offering varying buy-ins and guaranteed prize pools.

In addition to tournaments, players can rack up points for MGM Rewards (formerly M Life), which are honored by all MGM Resorts properties. As players earn points through poker, casino games, and sports betting, they can redeem these points for bonuses, comps, hotel discounts, and special prizes. Players also gain access to benefits tied to Borgata Casino in Atlantic City as well as other MGM Resorts’ casino-resorts nationwide, like MGM Grand, Bellagio, and ARIA in Las Vegas, MGM Grand Detroit, and MGM in Maryland and Mississippi.

BetMGM PA and Borgata PA apps can easily be downloaded on iOS and Android from the Apple Store or Google Play, or through the sites themselves. However, all offerings are also available on desktop, where no downloading a poker client is necessary.

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BetRivers

BetRivers Poker has started in Pennsylvania, allowing residents to play online poker for real money. The platform was developed with poker professional Phil Galfond and is based on the former Run It Once Poker site. Supported by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and its Rivers Casino locations, BetRivers Poker includes features like dynamic avatars, Cub3d Sit & Go tournaments, and the HeroIQ HUD to improve the gaming experience. Galfond focuses on making the platform easy to use, and with RSI’s help, BetRivers Poker plans to grow in Pennsylvania and may expand to nearby states as Pennsylvania considers joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a newer entrant in Pennsylvania’s sweepstakes poker scene but is quickly gaining traction. With innovative features like progressive jackpots and knockout tournaments, Clubs Poker provides a fun gaming experience.

Clubs Poker

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GlobalPoker

GlobalPoker is the largest sweepstakes poker operator in the United States, including Pennsylvania. By offering a mix of free and paid Gold Coins, players can enjoy a variety of cash games and tournaments.

clubWPT

clubWPT offers a unique subscription-based model, granting players access to daily tournaments for a monthly fee. This approach mirrors the experience of Pennsylvania’s private cardrooms, focusing exclusively on tournaments with real money prizes and access to World Poker Tour events.

Harrah’s Philadelphia

Ever found yourself wandering through Chester and stumbled upon Harrah’s Philadelphia? You’re in for a treat. Their poker room is spacious enough to make you feel right at home, featuring a mix of cash games and thrilling tournaments. Thanks to their partnership with the WSOP, players get access to some pretty high-profile events and a constant stream of fellow poker enthusiasts. I remember attending a WSOP satellite tournament there—it was buzzing with energy and excitement. Sometimes, though, the crowds can get a bit overwhelming, but that’s all part of the exhilarating experience.

Mount Airy Casino Resort

Nestled in the picturesque Mount Pocono, Mount Airy Casino Resort is more than just a gaming spot; it’s a getaway. Their poker room is well-equipped, catering to both cash game aficionados and tournament lovers. Imagine playing your favorite hands with a stunning mountain backdrop—sounds dreamy, right? It’s a popular spot for those looking to mix a bit of relaxation with their gaming. One time, I stayed overnight, and waking up to that serene view was the perfect way to unwind after a long night at the tables. Occasionally, the Wi-Fi acts up, making it a bit tricky to stay connected, but the overall vibe more than makes up for it.

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

If you’re heading to Pittsburgh, Rivers Casino is the place to be—it’s dubbed the “hottest gaming destination” in the Burgh for a reason. Their 30-table poker room is open from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m., accommodating early birds and night owls alike. Whether you’re into high-stakes games or prefer to play it safe with lower limits, Rivers has something for everyone. I’ve seen some intense battles unfold there, with players really going all-in. Just watch out for the occasional technical glitches with the sound system; it can throw you off your game a bit.

Wind Creek Bethlehem

Last but not least, Wind Creek Bethlehem is a standout with its 20-table poker room that’s always buzzing with daily cash games and tournaments. The modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to spot for local poker enthusiasts. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow players, adding a friendly touch to the competitive spirit. Sometimes, though, the lighting can be a bit harsh, making it less comfortable during those long sessions. But overall, it’s a favorite for a reason—players keep coming back for the great vibes and top-notch gaming experience.

Jake Schindler

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Jake Schindler has swiftly risen to prominence in the poker world. Now residing in Hollywood, Florida, Schindler boasts impressive live earnings exceeding $36 million. He secured his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet in 2012 and added a WSOP Circuit ring to his collection shortly after. Schindler’s most notable achievement came in 2022 when he won the $50,000 High Roller event at the WSOP, taking home over $1.3 million. Known for his aggressive playing style, Schindler has amassed 46 WSOP cashes, contributing over $4.5 million to his earnings. Despite his successes, his career faced challenges in 2022 when he was accused of collusion and the use of real-time assistance tools, leading to his suspension from the PokerGO Tour.

Joseph McKeehen

Joseph McKeehen, hailing from North Wales, Pennsylvania, is a celebrated name in the poker community. With total live earnings surpassing $20 million, McKeehen has earned three WSOP bracelets and four WSOP Circuit rings, contributing over $11.6 million to his WSOP earnings alone. His most significant accomplishment came in 2015 when he won the WSOP Main Event, securing nearly $7.7 million.

Paul Volpe

Paul Volpe, born in Philadelphia and residing in West Chester, Pennsylvania, has established himself as a prominent player in both online and live poker. With total live earnings of nearly $10 million, Volpe has secured three WSOP bracelets and amassed 85 WSOP cashes, totaling over $4.7 million. Starting his online career under the nickname “paulgees81,” Volpe quickly made a name for himself by winning significant titles, including MiniFTOPs and SCOOP events.

John Hennigan

John Hennigan, also known as “Johnny World,” is a distinguished professional poker player from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With seven WSOP bracelets and a World Poker Tour (WPT) title, Hennigan has accumulated live earnings nearing $9.7 million. His poker career is marked by significant milestones, including his first bracelet win in 2002 and multiple subsequent victories in prestigious events such as the WSOP Players Championship. Hennigan’s aggressive and unpredictable playing style has earned him the nickname “Johnny World,” reflecting his willingness to take risks and make bold plays. Inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2018, Hennigan continues to compete at the highest levels.