Slots are a huge part of Pennsylvania gambling.
There are more of them and they generate more revenue than any other casino game in the state. That holds true for both Pennsylvania’s land-based and online casinos, which offer hundreds of slot titles.
From classic reel slot machines to progressive jackpot slots, modern video slots with a range of diverse and lucrative bonus games to your favorite pop-culture-themed slots, the state’s casinos have them all.
Read on and you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about PA slots, including how you can play slots for free, all the types of slot machines in the state, where you can find them and more.
Best online casinos with slots in PA
The stakes will include everything from penny slots to high-limit slots.
Plus, you can expect to find online slots with fixed jackpots and others that offer the chance at some pretty big progressive jackpots that grow with every spin.
There will even be themed PA online slots based on hit music by legendary rockers, blockbuster movies, and some of your favorite TV shows.
The public can&#;t get enough of slots because they&#;re fun and often offer the opportunity to win big. The RTP (return to player) isn&#;t as favorable as blackjack or video poker on most online slots, but the chance to strike it rich by winning a big jackpot is a real draw.
Free slots in Pennsylvania
Perhaps the best thing about the launch of online casinos in the state is that they let you play online slots for free. That’s right, you can play your favorite online slots without risking any of your money.
When it comes to playing slots for free, most PA online casinos offer you two options.
The first is demo mode. Most of the slots you find will offer a demo mode that lets you play for free, allowing you to check out a slot and play through all the normal features including any free spin bonuses and fun bonus games with play money.
At the end of the day, you won’t win any real cash playing slots in demo mode. However, you’ll see all the game has to offer and see if it’s for you.
How to win real money playing slots for free
Your second option for playing online slots for free is to take advantage of the many free bonuses PA online casinos offer and using that bonus money to play slots. This option gives you the opportunity to win real cash playing slots for free.
The no deposit bonuses that online casinos offer are just that. They give you real money to play slots just for signing up for an account. These bonuses are generally $25 or less, and you’ll have to gamble with the cash to meet any wagering requirements before you can withdraw it. However, a no deposit bonus could help you build a bankroll out of thin air.
Though not quite the same as playing for free, many online casinos also offer matched deposit bonuses. These are generally % matches on your first deposit and are much larger than the no deposit bonuses.
Once again, you’ll have to gamble to meet any wagering requirements before you can get your hands on the bonus. However, playing slots remains the best way to do that.
Playing slots for real money
You’ve played the demos to figure out which slots are for you. You’ve run through your no deposit bonus, turning a tidy, but small, profit. Now you’re ready to get serious about online slots and take advantage of a matched deposit bonus.
That means making a deposit, and it starts with deciding on the best banking option for you. Online casinos in Pennsylvania make the entire process easy by offering a range of deposit methods. These include:
- Debit or credit cards
- ACH or bill pay bank transfers
- Third-party payment processors like PayPal
- Cash via PayNearMe or an affiliated licensed casino
The first step is to log in to your account using the name and password you provided when you registered. If you signed up through a link on this website and entered a bonus code or promo code, your first deposit will be eligible for the casino’s matched deposit bonus if it offers one.
The next step is finding the tab labeled “deposit” or “cashier” on the homepage or app. This might be in the “My Account” menu. Then, click on your deposit method of choice and follow the prompts. Confirm the transaction, and the funds should be available almost immediately.
Finally, play your favorite slots to meet the wagering requirements for your matched deposit bonus. After that, the online casino will release the bonus funds and you can use that bonus cash. If you’re lucky enough to win, you can also withdraw those winnings using the same method you used to deposit funds into your account. If that’s not available, you can choose another way or get a check in the mail in about a week.
Mobile slots in PA
If you play on an app, you’ll find that most of your favorite online slots work just fine. There may be a more limited selection of slots than you’ll find using an online casino’s website, but a number of your favorite titles are bound to be there. Some may have even been adapted specifically for mobile use.
To make sure the slots you want to play work well via the app, you can always try them out in demo mode first. Get the app for Android or iPhone and iPad by following our link to the casino site on your mobile device and downloading from there.
Then, play as many slots as you like using the app. You can clear any wagering requirements for both no deposit and matched deposit bonuses at PA online casinos through mobile play.
Progressive slots
Progressive jackpot slots are a big part of playing slots. These games promise you the chance to win large amounts of money, and the jackpots grow with every spin. That’s right, a piece of every dollar you and others put into a progressive slot goes into the jackpot, and it keeps on growing until somebody wins.
Land-based casinos in PA host stand-alone and linked progressives.
Stand-alone progressive slots are single slot machines that offer a progressive jackpot exclusive to that machine. Only money put in that machine goes into the jackpot, which will be won on that machine.
Linked progressives are groups of slot machines that offer a progressive jackpot exclusive to that group of machines. They might be the same game or a group of games, but all the money put into those machines goes into the jackpot, which will be won on one of the machines.
Linked progressives link together slot machines over a defined area or a wider network. The bigger the area or network, the more players there usually are, leading to bigger progressive jackpots.
Online casinos in Pennsylvania host similar stand-alone and linked progressive slots.
Stand-alone progressives are single online slots with a progressive jackpot exclusive to that game. Linked online progressives may include multiple slots at one PA online casino or a connected group of online casinos in the state with a progressive jackpot exclusive to those games.
PA loyalty programs and slots
Many online casinos offer bonuses to draw you in, but they also want to keep you around. That’s why most have loyalty programs designed to reward you for playing regularly. These are always great for slot players because of the high volume most put in.
At land-based casinos you might get a card you can insert into a slot machine to track your play. You’ll collect points and can redeem them for various rewards and comps at the casino. You can get your hands on everything from free food and beverages to free play on your favorite games.
Online casinos make the earning process even easier. Your play is tracked and you earn points automatically.
Most of the time, you can redeem these points for free play on your favorite online games or merchandise in an online store. However, many online casinos will also let you redeem the points at their partner land-based casinos.
Many casinos also run special promotions that can help you earn points faster on certain games or at specific times.
Like most land-based casino loyalty programs, online casino loyalty programs are practically built for slot players. That’s because slot play is one of the best and fastest ways to clear bonuses and earn loyalty points.
Playing Online Slots vs. Brick and Mortar
There really isn&#;t that much of a difference between the slots you&#;ll find at PA casinos and those at PA online casinos. In fact, most of your favorite slots at PA land-based casinos will make the transition to the online casinos.
The games are pretty much the same, but there are many advantages to playing online slots at PA online casinos:
- It takes infinitely less time to log in to PA online casino than it does to get out to PA brick and mortar casino.
- There&#;s a cost saving as you&#;ll spend less on gas, parking, and other associated travel expenses by playing online.
- Changing slots can be done with the click of a button online, so there&#;s no more wandering around the isles of a PA casino looking for one you want to play.
- Payouts are instantaneous at PA online casinos, no matter how big. Therefore, there&#;s no need to validate a ticket or wait for a hand pay.
- PA casinos certainly have a lot of slots to choose from, but PA online casinos have more.
- PA online casinos have online versions of almost all your favorite slots and allow you to play them from the privacy of your own home.
Software & Developers
Here&#;s a look at the top 5 software houses in the business:
Bally Slots
The story of Bally Technologies started over 85 years ago with a wooden pinball game called Ballyhoo. Now it is a division of Scientific Games enterprise based in Las Vegas, Nevada that designs and manufacturers slot machines and other gaming technology.
Bally’s library includes popular slot titles like Quick Hit, Blazing 7s, Wonder Woman, and Michael Jackson.
Konami
Konami is a Japanese entertainment and gaming conglomerate that started out designing classic video games like Frogger. It has since expanded to include a casino gaming business in Paradise, Nevada that designs and manufactures slots.
Popular titles include China Shores, Diamond Point, and Dungeons & Dragons.
IGT Slots
IGT is one of the largest designers and manufacturers of slots in the world. The company claims to be #1 in games and #1 in jackpots with over $6 billion in payouts to date.
Popular IGT network wide-area progressive slots include Megabucks, Wheel of Fortune, and the Blake Shelton video slot. IGT is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
NetEnt Slots
NetEnt is a digitally distributed gaming systems supplier that works with some of the world&#;s most successful online gaming operators.
Its list of award-winning games includes the Guns N&#; Roses video slot, Planet of the Apes, and Jumanji.
High 5 Gaming Slots
High 5 Games is one of the world&#;s leading content creators for the land-based, online, and social gaming markets.
Some of its most popular slot titles include DaVinci Diamonds, Mega Hits Golden Goddess, and Noah&#;s Ark. The company has corporate offices in New York and New Jersey.
High 5 Games is one of the leading software suppliers to several of the New Jersey market&#;s top online casino sites.
Types of Slot Machines in PA
- Classic 3-Reel Slots: Looking for a feeling of nostalgia? Classic 3-Reel Slots offer the real old-school gaming experience you&#;re after. Line up the cherries or the sevens for the classic payday.
- Bonus Video Slots: Bonus Video Slots turn the Classic 3-Reel Slots experience on its head. New technology allows these Bonus Video Slots to combine classic slots with popular themes and additional bonus games that take slot play to the next level
- Free Spins: Many Bonus Video Slots offer a Free Spins feature allowing you to play for free and increase your winnings exponentially. Some even allow you to win more free spins from a free spin.
- Pick ‘Em Bonus: Bonus Video Slots often feature bonus games with big prizes. The Pick ‘Em Bonus is one such game, allowing you to pick from a series of symbols revealing a prize underneath. Some of these prizes even include jackpots.
- Buy a Bonus: Several Bonus Video Slots feature bonus games where the big prizes await. Some even include a Buy a Bonus feature allowing you to buy your way directly into the bonus game.
- Stacked / Cascading Wilds: There are a number of Bonus Video Slots that feature Stacked or Cascading Wilds. This feature essentially spreads wild symbols across the reels increasing your chances of winning exponentially. This often leads to big wins and access to other bonus features as well.
- Bonus Wheels: Bonus Video Slots often feature bonus games with Bonus Wheels. This gives you the chance to spin a wheel for big prizes, which is quite often the path to triggering a progressive jackpot win.
- Themed Slots: Several Bonus Video Slots feature themes based on popular TV shows, films and musicians. These Themed Slots often offer various video content, top quality soundtracks, and some of the bigger progressive jackpots.
Understanding the Paylines
The object of a slot is almost always to line up the same symbols on the reels. The different ways you can do that depends on the number of paylines the slot includes. Plus, several slots allow you access to an increased number of paylines as you increase your bet.
Winning on a slot machine is always about luck, but the more paylines on offer, the more chances you have to win.
While the Classic 3-Reel Slots have pretty straightforward paylines you can see for yourself, Bonus Video Slots often feature hundreds that can be tough to find. However, most offer a chance to see how the paylines line up with the click of a button.
Understanding the RTP
RTP or a game&#;s Return To Player rate is the percentage of how much money a game takes in that it will ultimately pay back to players.
It doesn&#;t mean that RTP is guaranteed for each session. Or, that you&#;ll ever win playing that slot. It simply means that over time, for every $1 put into it, a slot will pay back that certain percentage to someone.
The opposite of RTP is the house edge the casino enjoys on a game.
For example, a slot may have an RTP of 95 percent. That means the house enjoys a five percent edge on that game and the casino will keep five percent of every bet over time.
It also means that 95 cents of every dollar put into a game will be paid back to players. If you lose $ playing that slot, it&#;ll eventually pay back $ dollars of it to players, but that doesn&#;t necessarily include you.
Let&#;s say someone wins a $10, jackpot playing that slot. That means someone, or a group of someones, is going to lose over $10, playing the game to make up for it.
Casinos have the ability to set the RTP on a slot. Players simply need to be on the right side of a game&#;s RTP at the right time to win. Other than that, the real RTP and house edge will be realized over time with the house enjoying the set edge over the long haul.
Pennsylvania Slot Machine Laws
Slot machines are legal at Pennsylvania’s licensed casinos and have been a part of the legal casino gambling scene here since the start. In fact, the state’s initial casino legislation, passed in , allowed racetracks and new stand-alone casinos and resort casinos to run slots only, making them the only legal casino games in town.
Pennsylvania’s first casino slots launched in and helped generate over $1 billion in slot revenue in year one. Of course, these operators were allowed to launch table games in , but to this day, slot machines still dominate gambling floors and gambling revenue reports across the state.
There were close to 25, slot machines in operation at the state’s casinos in
More PA slot machine laws
Gambling laws in the state allow racetracks and casinos to apply for one of four categories of slots license, dictating how many slot machines they can have:
- Category 1 licenses are for racetracks and permit each to host up to 5, slots.
- Category 2 licenses are for stand-alone casinos and permit each to host up to 5, slots.
- Category 3 licenses are for resort casinos and permit each to host up to slots or pay another $ million to add more.
- Category 4 licenses are for mini-casinos and permit each to host up to slots.
Pennsylvania law also tells license holders how loose the slots have to be. All slots in PA must have a return-to-player rate of 85% or more. That means at least 85 cents of every dollar put into a slot must be returned to players as prizes. Online casinos are subject to the same law.
Is it legal to own a slot machine in Pennsylvania?
The law also allows you to buy a classic slot and put it in your home, as long as you are 25 or older, the slot is from or earlier, and it is used for fun only. That means no home slot gambling in PA.
Buying a slot and then letting people gamble on it is against the law, even if it&#;s just your friends playing.
Pennsylvania slot revenue
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported $ billion in gross revenue from these slot machines in , less than one-half of one percent off the $ billion they generated in Thanks to a hefty 54% tax rate on slots, that meant more than $ billion in tax revenue for the state.
In , the state Legislature voted to legalized online gambling, before passing a new gambling expansion package in that was signed into law that year. The state’s casinos started offering online slots in the summer of , and in just the first six months, online slots generated more than $20 million in revenue.
All told, PA’s first online casinos generated $ million in gross revenue in , putting another $ million into state coffers. And the online casino and online slots scene has only grown since then. In fact, PA online casinos are now regularly posting online slot revenue of more than $50 million monthly.
PA Skill Games vs. Slot Machines
Skill Games in PA look a lot like slots. However, the games are variations of Tic-Tac-Toe and other games that require some type of skill to beat them.
You might find them in a gas station, convenience store, or some sort of skill game parlor as opposed to a casino.
The games reportedly involve some kind of actual skill whereas slot machines are based on luck alone. This is why some businesses in PA have been allowed to operate the games without a casino license.
Pennsylvania&#;s casino expansion laws tried to clarify the issue, but it remains unsolved.
Some Pennsylvania courts have ruled in favor of allowing the games and other cases against operators are still pending. For now, it remains a gray area.
Where to play slots in Pennsylvania
Here’s a quick rundown of licensed casinos in Pennsylvania and some of the slot machines you’ll find there:
Harrah’s Philadelphia
Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, PA
Slots: ,square-foot casino featuring 2, slot machines. There’s a high limit slots area and nonsmoking slots area with penny, nickel and quarter games. Titles include Wheel of Fortune and Jackpot Party. Hot new slot titles include AGS Orion, Smokin’ Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel and Wheel of Fortune Cash Link.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National
Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, PA
Slots: Over 2, reel, progressive and video slot machines, plus over new slots. Titles include Double Jackpot — Triple Blazing 7s and Monopoly Wheel — Luxury Diamonds. Hot new slot titles include Dancing Foo, Lightning Cash and Money Rain.
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Racetrack Road, Washington, PA
Slots: One of the largest casino floors on the East Coast with over 2, slot machines. There’s a high limit room offering slots and video poker machines from $1-$ Titles include Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes and Buffalo Gold.
Mohegan Sun Pocono
Pennsylvania , Wilkes-Barre, PA
Slots: Over 1, slots, from 1 cent to $ machines. Titles include Wheel of Fortune, Triple Red Hot 7s, Monopoly and Hot Shot Progressive. Hot new slot titles include Ultra Rush: Sky Fire, Jin Ji Bao Xi — Rising Fortunes and Star Spangled Riches.
Parx Casino
Street Road, Bensalem, PA
Slots: , square feet of gambling with over 3, slots. There’s a high limit slots area dubbed Xclusive with $1 to $ denomination slot machines, premium beverage service and a private cashier. Titles include Wonka, Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune. Plus, over hot new slot titles like Rakin’ Bacon, Mighty Cash and Leprechaun’s Gold.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Perry Highway, Erie, PA
Slots: 1, slots in denominations ranging from $ to $ There’s a high limit room. Titles include Double Diamond, Quick Hits Platinum and Wolf Run.
Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands Bethlehem)
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, PA
Slots: ,square-foot casino featuring 3, slot machines. Slots range in denomination from $ to $ Unique game themes and progressive jackpot machines. Plus, multi-line, multi-coin, interactive bonus screen games. Titles include Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hits and Diamond Jackpot — Triple Blazing 7s.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
Slots: Over 2, slot machines from penny slots to a high limit slots area. Plus, over 1, slots in a nonsmoking area. Titles include Quick Hits Platinum, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune and Double Top Dollar. New slots include Rakin’ Bacon, American Original and The Price is Right Plinko.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Slots: Over 3, slot machines, including old-school classics, hot new favorites, penny machines and high rollers. Titles include Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes and Stinkin’ Rich. New slots include 5 Dragons Gold and Jinse Dao Dragon.
Mount Airy Casino
Woodland Road, Mount Pocono, PA
Slots: Over 1, slots. Titles include penny classics like Wheel of Fortune and Jackpot Party. Cutting-edge games include 88 Fortunes and Buffalo.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA
Slots: Over slot machines. Titles include Triple Double Diamond, Money Rain Deluxe and Cleopatra Gold. Newer slots include Dragon Link — Golden Century and Wonder 4 Spinning Fortunes.
Valley Forge Casino Resort
First Ave., King of Prussia, PA
Slots: of the hottest and most popular slot machines, including new titles. Popular slot titles include Wonder 4, Buffalo Rush, Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold and Quick Hits.
Slot Machine FAQ
Can you win money playing slots online?
Starting July 15, at a variety of licensed PA online casinos you certainly can. Playing for real money on any other casinos site is illegal and you might have a tough time getting paid any money you might win.
Is it legal to play online slot machines?
Pennsylvania&#;s casino expansion laws made it legal for licensed operators to offer online slots to players inside the state. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has set July 15, as the date when the casinos will officially launch and legal online slot play will begin.
Which PA online game has the best payout rate?
The house edge for PA casino blackjack under PGCB rules is only percent. That means the game has a an RTP of percent. In other words, $ of every $ bet on Blackjack at a PA casino will be returned to players. If the same rules apply to online blackjack, it will be the PA online game with the best payout rate.
However, if any PA online casino offers Single-Deck Blackjack, that&#;ll beat it. Single-Deck Blackjack has an RTP of percent, better than any other casino game in the world.
Are the slot machines online in PA fair?
PA online slots are powered by the same system and overseen by the same government organization as the slots in land-based casinos. That means that PA online slots are vetted in much the same way and are just as safe to play.
That organization is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and while they don&#;t remove the house edge on slots, they do ensure it&#;s set at 15 percent or less.
The PGCB also puts the online slots through a rigorous testing process to ensure that everything is fair and above board.
What happens if I win a jackpot?
If you win a jackpot playing slots at an online casino in PA you should see the money in your account immediately.
Go through the quick and easy withdrawal process to get your hands on the actual money, but make sure you set aside some for taxes.
You are on the honor system to report this as income to the IRS. However, your net gambling winnings are taxable at a rate of 25 percent, no matter how and where you won it.
Can I use my players reward card?
This is online casino dependent. However, it appears that most PA online casinos will allow you to earn and redeem points at both their land-based and online casino partners.
