If you're in Philadelphia and looking for the best casino experience, you've got options—both on the strip and online. Whether you prefer the buzz of a physical floor or the convenience of playing from home, Philly caters to all kinds of players. Let's break down what makes a top casino here, from game variety to bonuses, so you can find your perfect fit.
Physical Casinos in Philadelphia
Philadelphia boasts two major physical casinos: Rivers Casino Philadelphia on the Delaware River waterfront and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in the stadium district. Rivers Casino features over 1,600 slots, 106 table games including blackjack and roulette, and a 28-table poker room. Live! Casino offers a similar range with about 2,100 slots and 149 table games, plus a high-limit salon. Both have sportsbooks, but Rivers has the edge with more poker action, while Live! is tied to the Cordish Companies and often draws crowds for events.
Games and Atmosphere at Rivers Casino
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse gaming floor. You'll find popular slot titles like Buffalo Gold and Wheel of Fortune, along with daily poker tournaments. The casino's partnership with BetRivers means seamless integration with their online app, allowing you to earn rewards across platforms. For table game enthusiasts, minimum bets typically start at $15 on weekdays, but can rise to $25 on weekends.
Top Online Casinos for PA Players
Since Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in 2019, Philly residents can access licensed online casinos from anywhere in the state. Brands like BetMGM Casino, DraftKings Casino, and FanDuel Casino lead the pack. BetMGM Casino, for instance, offers a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 with a 15x wagering requirement on slots. DraftKings Casino frequently runs promotions like "$50 in casino credits for a $5 deposit" for new users. These sites are regulated by the PA Gaming Control Board, ensuring fair play and security.
Bonuses and Wagering Requirements
When comparing online casinos, bonuses vary widely. FanDuel Casino often provides a "$1,000 risk-free first day" offer, where losses are refunded as site credit. Caesars Palace Online Casino might give you 2,500 reward credits plus 2,500 tier credits on sign-up. Always check the fine print: wagering requirements like 35x on deposit and bonus amounts are common, but some games like blackjack contribute less to meeting them. For example, at Borgata Online Casino, slots count 100% toward wagering, while table games only 10%.
What Makes a Casino the Best for You?
The best casino in Philly depends on your priorities. If you're after sheer game variety, online casinos like BetRivers Casino boast over 500 slot titles and live dealer games from providers like NetEnt. For payment ease, most PA online casinos accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and bank transfers; some, like Hard Rock Bet Casino, also support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Physical casinos score high on social experience, but online options offer higher RTPs (Return to Player) on slots—often around 96% compared to 92% on average at physical machines.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Philadelphia, PA?
Yes, online gambling is fully legal and regulated in Pennsylvania since 2019. You must be 21 or older and physically located within state lines to play on licensed sites like BetMGM Casino or DraftKings Casino.
What's the best casino for slots in Philly?
For physical slots, Rivers Casino Philadelphia has a wider selection with over 1,600 machines. Online, DraftKings Casino offers hundreds of high-RTP slots like Divine Fortune, often with better payout rates around 96.5%.
Can I use PayPal at PA online casinos?
Absolutely. Most major PA online casinos, including FanDuel Casino and Caesars Palace Online Casino, support PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, with transactions usually processing within 24 hours.
Are there any no-deposit bonuses for Philly players?
Yes, but they're rare. Some casinos like Borgata Online Casino occasionally offer no-deposit bonuses, such as $20 free play for new sign-ups, though they come with high wagering requirements like 30x.
Which casino has the best poker room in Philadelphia?
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is renowned for its 28-table poker room, hosting daily tournaments with buy-ins as low as $100. Online, BetMGM Casino's poker platform connects you to a larger player pool across multiple states.