No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. See T&C. 18+
Pennsylvania Sweepstakes Casinos (2026): The Top Platforms + Legal Status
Pennsylvania is one of the few states that has legalized iGaming and sports betting, making it one of the largest gambling markets in the US. While the state still has some sweepstakes casinos, many operators have exited as regulators began cracking down on the industry.
Below, I’ll share an overview of Pennsylvania’s thriving gambling market. I’ll also cover the state of the sweepstakes industry and the top Pennsylvania sweepstakes casinos.
- 1Top ChoiceCrown Coins
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- 3
No Purchase Necessary. Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to create accounts and/or participate in the games.
PA Gambling in 60 Seconds
Before I dive into details, below is a quick overview of Pennsylvania’s gambling markets.
- Pennsylvania legalized online casino games in 2017
- There are 18 legal in-person casinos located around the state
- The first retail sportsbooks opened in 2018
- Online sports betting launched in 2019
- Sweepstakes casinos operate in a legal grey area
- PA legalized real-money DFS in 2017
- Lawmakers are considering a bill to ban dual-currency sweeps platforms
Pennsylvania’s Gambling Laws: Legal iGaming and the Sweepstakes Crackdown
Pennsylvania is home to one of the most expansive legal gambling markets in the US.
The expansion began in 2004, when the state legalized slot machines to help struggling racetracks launch “racinos.” Six years later, the state expanded its offerings to include table games, massively expanding the offering. Today, Pennsylvania has 18 in-person casinos.
Things changed again in 2017 when the state passed the Expanded Gaming Act, which legalized iGaming. This included online casinos, as well as the lottery and online poker games. It also paved the way for online sports betting shortly before the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA. Retail sportsbooks launched in 2018, with online platforms going live the following year.
While the state has been willing to expand its gambling laws, that effort has not included Pennsylvania sweepstakes casinos. Instead, in 2025, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board sent 18 cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes platforms using dual-currency. It accused them of offering an illegal form of gambling and threatened legal action. This led those operators to exit the market, along with others who feared being targeted by the regulator.
The Pennsylvania House is considering HB 2801, which would ban sweepstakes casinos statewide. However, several platforms continue to operate in the state in a legal grey area.
What’s Legal and What’s Not in Pennsylvania
|
Gambling Type |
Status |
Notes |
|
Sports Betting - Online |
Legal |
The Expanded Gaming Act legalized online sports betting in 2017. However, the market didn’t launch until 2019. |
|
Sports Betting - In-person |
Legal |
The first legal in-person wager was placed at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in November 2018. |
|
Casinos - Online |
Legal |
Online casinos were also legalized by the Expanded Gaming Act in 2017, but the market didn’t launch until 2019 |
|
Casinos - In-person |
Legal |
The state legalized slot machines to help support its horse racing industry, and added table games six years later. The state has 18 casinos. |
|
Sweepstakes Casinos |
Contested |
While the state doesn’t have a formal ban on sweepstakes casinos, regulators view them as offering an illegal form of gambling. |
|
Social Casinos |
Legal |
Social casinos using single-currency systems remain available in Pennsylvania and have not faced the same scrutiny from the PGCB as sweeps casinos. |
|
Daily Fantasy Sports |
Legal |
Pennsylvania has licensed and regulated DFS operators since October 2017. |
|
Online Poker |
Legal |
Online poker is legal, and Pennsylvania is part of the Multi-State Internet Agreement, allowing PA players to compete against players from five other states. |
|
Online Horse Racing |
Legal |
Horse race betting has been legal in person since 1959, but online betting became legal in 2017. |
|
Charitable Gambling |
Legal |
Charitable gambling is legal for registered non-profits in the state. The Expanded Gambling Act allows it to be conducted online. |
|
State Lottery |
Legal |
The 1971 Lottery Act paved the way for the Pennsylvania Lottery, which remains legal today. |
|
Prediction Markets |
Contested |
Pennsylvania is one of several states currently fighting to ban or regulate sports prediction markets. The proposed House Bill 2711 would ban them. However, platforms continue to operate as the legal battle plays out. |
Michael SavioWhile sports prediction markets remain available in Pennsylvania, they are not part of its regulated gambling market. These platforms are currently regulated at the federal level under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. As a result, the PGCB cannot assist customers if an issue arises with a prediction platform. However, the state’s problem gambling resources are still available and trained to help.
Top Pennsylvania Sweepstakes Casinos
Many sweepstakes casinos have exited Pennsylvania in the past year, but several popular platforms have chosen to stay. Below are my top three sweepstakes casinos still operating in the state.
Crown Coins Casino
Crown Coins Casino’s side menu is a big reason it's on my list of the top PA sweepstakes casinos. The menu has 26 categories, including one that showed me the most popular games in my state. This makes it easier to browse titles and helps me find several new games each time I visit.
Another benefit to using this platform is the exclusive titles it offers, such as Crown Coins Slam Dunk. It also offers some unique seasonal games, including Crown Sports, which allowed bettors to wager GC on the 2026 World Cup. With new and exclusive offerings like these, Crown Coins was one of the first Pennsylvania platforms to stand out to me.
As much as I liked Crown Coins Casino, I didn’t love the variety offered in the slot-heavy catalog. There are only seven solo-play table games available, limiting my options when I get tired of slot games.
Unfortunately, Android players won’t have access to Crown Coin Casino's mobile app, which is limited to iOS devices. However, the performance of the web-based platform helps make up for this.
Crown Coins Key Highlights:
- Best for: Players looking for exclusive games
- Redemption minimum: 50 SC for gift cards and cash prizes
- Redemption methods: IBT, ACH, Skrill, Gift Card
- Mobile App: Yes (iOS only)
- Helpful side menu
- Exclusive titles
- Unique seasonal offerings
- Limited table games
- No dedicated Android app
Mega Bonanza Casino
Mega Bonaza’s social casino is small, but I had an excellent time playing several different titles. While I wish it had more table games, it offers blackjack and Sic Bo games. However, its game-show-themed titles were my favorite. That includes Spin-A-Win, which offers simple but engaging gameplay.
Mega Bonanza also offered me several ways to keep earning GC and other bonuses. The Loyalty Lounge is the platform’s VIP program, and the bar to reach the first level (bronze) is much lower than at other casinos I tested. In addition, the site offers 65 SC in referral bonuses, just 10 SC short of the minimum redemption for cash prizes.
Speaking of minimum redemption levels, the 75 SC required for Mega Bonanza is one of the platform's biggest issues. However, setting the gift card minimum at 10 SC means redemptions remain possible for average players.
As much as I enjoyed this platform, its customer service was far below what I found at other sweeps casinos. I had a question about the platform's iOS app, but I could only reach an agent via email. I got a response the next day saying the mobile web app was the only one available. However, I later confirmed the iOS app exists, so their response was incorrect.
Mega Bonanza Key Highlights:
- Best for: Table games
- Redemption minimum: 10 SC for gift cards, 75 SC for cash prizes
- Redemption methods: Bank transfer, Visa & Mastercard debit cards, Trustly
- Mobile App: Yes (iOS)
- Social casino
- Loyalty lounge
- 65 SC referral bonus
- High cash prize requirements
- Poor customer service
WOW Vegas Casino
One big way that WOW Vegas stood out to me was the preview box that pops up once I select a game. The box tells me the volatility, max multipliers, min/max bets, and an image from actual gameplay. This helped me understand what I was getting into before I even opened the game, which many sweepstakes casinos don't offer.
Another way WOW Vegas stands out is its WOW Picks section. This offers players a social sportsbook, where they can bet on major sports events using GC. As a sports betting fan myself, I found this a valuable addition that gave me another way to earn coins.
The last feature I wanted to highlight is the “Quick Buy” section on the home page. This offers several options for purchase bonuses, ranging from 250K GC + 5 SC (currently $2.49) all the way to $10 million GC + 200 SC ($199.99). The ability to monitor these deals without visiting the shop or rewards section makes it easier to claim the ones that fit me best.
I found a couple of “cons” while using this sweepstakes casino. The first is the lack of categories in the side menu, making it harder to navigate WOW Vegas’s large game catalog.
The other is the VIP Star System, which sets high requirements to move up. Players start at the bronze level but need to collect 400 stars to move up to silver. The platform awards stars for every 50 SC played, making it nearly impossible for casual and free-to-play players to get above the Bronze level.
WOW Vegas Key Highlights:
- Best for: Customer service
- Redemption minimum: 25 SC for gift cards, 100 SC for cash prizes
- Redemption methods: Skrill, Trustly, PrizeOut, MassPay
- Mobile App: No
- Game overviews
- WOW Picks
- “Quick Buy” bonuses
- Limited categories
- High requirements for Star System
Popular Casino Games With Pennsylvania Players
Most of the PA sweepstakes casinos I tested were heavy on slot games, but most have some variety for players. Below are some of the most popular games that can be found on these platforms.
Arcade Games
These games offer a nice change of pace from traditional casino games. The rules are simple but differ from the other games offered by sweepstakes platforms, so read them carefully before you begin.
My favorite arcade game was Coinsweeper from Crown Coins Casino, which somewhat resembles Minesweeper. Players simply pick the grid size I want and the number of “bombs” hidden in it. Once that’s done, players click squares and win every time they land on a piggy bank. However, the game ends, and winnings are erased if players select a square with a “bomb.”
Live Games
Live games are more popular with Pennsylvania sweepstakes casinos than I had expected. These games use a live dealer, who runs the game through a live webcam. Most live sections feature table games, along with some game show-style options.
WOW Vegas offers an impressive collection of live games, including a version of craps! This is my favorite game to play in a social setting, as players mostly function as a team. While the Bubble Craps game is far simpler than the tables on Las Vegas casino floors, it didn’t affect my overall experience.
Slots
The sweepstakes industry offers no shortage of slot games, which make up the vast majority of game catalogs. I recommend using the categories in the top or side menu to find slot titles, since searching the entire catalog is overwhelming. Fortunately, most top platforms offer many different categories to help players find slots that fit their needs.
Mega Bonanza is my go-to slot game when playing Pennsylvania sweepstakes casinos, thanks to its Megaways and cascading jackpot features. These games are often found at real-money PA casinos, but Mega Bonanza lets me enjoy the same gameplay for free.
Table Games
Most sweepstakes casinos I have tested offer some form of table games, but their collections are very limited. This is because operators focus on slot games, which tend to be the most popular with sweeps players. Versions of blackjack are typically available, but don’t assume a platform has more than that.
WOW Vegas doesn’t make it easy to find table games, but their selection is impressive. Most titles are in the “Live Casino” section, but solo games are also buried in the catalog. I recommend using the search feature to locate table games you want to play.
Bonuses and Promotions Available From PA Sweepstakes Casinos
While sweepstakes platforms offer coin packs for purchase, they also offer easy ways to earn GC for free. These come in the form of bonuses that players can claim to keep their accounts funded without spending any real money. Below are some of the most common bonuses offered by Pennsylvania sweepstakes casinos.
No Deposit Bonuses
These bonuses are available for free and are commonly found in welcome and daily log-in bonuses. This helps keep your GC count high so you can keep playing without buying coin packs. If your sweeps platform offers a “No Deposit Bonus” but requires a purchase or payment information, it is a red flag that the casino may not be trustworthy.
Purchase Bonuses
Unlike no deposit bonuses, these require players to make a purchase in the shop. They typically offer discounts and multipliers, letting you claim coins for less money. As a result, these bonuses can be very valuable for players seeking to earn redemptions.
WOW Vegas has a section on its home page specifically for its purchase bonuses. They have a wide variety of options to fit your budget, making it an excellent choice for players planning to spend money on packs.
Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses can be extremely valuable for sweeps players. To claim these, existing players must use a custom link or promo code to sign up new players. This can lead to significant rewards that help earn redemptions, but they aren’t always easy to claim.
Mega Bonanza makes its referral bonus well worth a player’s time, offering 65 SC. This can greatly speed up your ability to earn redemptions. While it does require the new player to purchase GC, the payout is worth the small cost for players already planning to spend their own money.
Daily Log-in Bonus
After a player claims their welcome bonus, daily log-in bonuses provide a free source of GC to help keep their account funded. Platforms require players to simply sign in to claim the bonus, without needing to actually play any games.
Some platforms offer a flat bonus, while others offer progressive bonuses that grow each day you claim them. Crown Coins Casino offers a seven-day progressive daily log-in bonus, which has let me keep enough GC in my account to play without buying packs.
Mail-In Bonuses
As a part of their ‘No Purchase Necessary’ policy, almost all sweepstakes casinos have mail-in bonuses or alternative method of entry promos (AMOE promos). These promos allow you to earn free GC and SC just by a mailing a letter.
Mega Bonanza Casino, for example, will give you 4 free SC per letter. Just keep in mind that this bonus and other mail-in offers usually have very strict requirements for the letter format and contents. Check the terms and conditions and read them carefully before sending out your letter.
Michael SavioBonuses can be an easy way to keep your GC count high, but it's important not to chase them. One reason some states have cracked down on sweepstakes platforms is purchase bonuses, which lead some struggling bettors to spend money they don’t have. Before you spend time and effort claiming bonuses, make sure you have a firm budget in place and clearly understand each platform's terms & conditions.
Payment Methods For Pennsylvania Sweepstakes Platforms
If you’re a Pennsylvania sweepstakes player who’s interested in purchasing coin packs, you’ll need to choose one of the platform’s accepted payment methods. Below is a table showing the most common payment and redemption methods for platforms in the state.
|
Method |
Purchase Speed |
Redemption Speed |
Notes |
|
Credit Cards |
Instant |
N/A |
Credit cards are only available for making purchases |
|
Debit Cards |
Instant |
1-5 Business Days |
Redemption times can vary greatly between platforms |
|
Mastercard & Visa Gift Cards |
Instant |
24 hours (Virtual card) Up to 3 days (Physical card) | Some sweeps casinos accept gift cards for deposits as well as a form of redemption, but they cannot add funds to an existing one |
|
Bank Transfers |
Instant |
3-10 Business Days |
Slowest among all redemption options, and availability for deposits is rare among sweeps platforms |
|
E-Wallets |
Instant |
Instant-3 Business Days |
Some e-wallet operators add fees for redemptions |
Pennsylvania’s In-Person Casinos
Pennsylvania doesn’t offer tribal gaming, but is home to 18 in-person casinos. Below is a list of the casinos currently operating in the state.
|
Casino |
Location |
Operator |
Key Offerings |
Website |
|
Presque Isle Downs & Casino |
Erie, PA |
Churchill Downs |
| |
|
Rivers Casino |
Pittsburgh, PA |
Rush Street |
| |
|
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows |
Washington, PA |
Penn Entertainment |
| |
|
Live! Casino Pittsburgh |
Greensburg, PA |
Stadium Casino RE |
| |
|
The Casino at Nemacolin |
Farmington, PA |
Woodlands Fayette, LLC |
| |
|
Happy Valley Casino |
State College, PA |
Saratoga Casino Holdings, LLC |
| |
|
Parx Casino Shippensburg |
Shippensburg, PA |
Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment |
| |
|
Hollywood Casino York |
York, PA |
Penn Entertainment |
| |
|
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course |
Grantville, PA |
Penn Entertainment |
| |
|
Hollywood Casino Morgantown |
Morgantown, PA |
Penn Entertainment |
| |
|
Harrah’s Philadelphia |
Chester, PA |
Caesars Entertainment |
| |
|
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia |
Philadelphia, PA |
Stadium Casino RE |
| |
|
Rivers Casino Philadelphia |
Philadelphia, PA |
Rush Street |
| |
|
Parx Casino Bensalem |
Bensalem, PA |
Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment |
| |
|
Mount Airy Casino Resort |
Mt. Pocono, PA |
Mount Airy#1, LLC |
| |
|
Wind Creek Bethlehem |
Bethlehem, PA |
Wind Creek Hospitality |
| |
|
Valley Forge Casino Resort |
King of Prussia |
Boyd Gaming |
| |
|
Mohegan Pennsylvania |
Wilkes-Barre, PA |
Mohegan |
|
Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania
Just because sweepstakes platforms don’t accept real-money wagers doesn’t mean that problem gambling isn’t a risk. If you or a loved one are struggling with any form of gambling, you can find help from the resources below.
|
Organization |
Website |
Phone Number |
|
National Problem Gambling Helpline |
1-800-697-3738 (1-800-MY-RESET) | |
|
Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania |
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | |
|
Gam Talk |
Online only | |
|
Gam-Anon |
1-844-475-4213 | |
|
Gamblers Anonymous Pennsylvania |
1-855-222-5542 |
Michael SavioResponsible gambling tools cover all forms of gambling, including those outside of regulated state markets. This not only includes sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets, but also offshore casinos and sportsbooks that operate illegally in the state. The above resources will not share your information with law enforcement or the state. Problem gambling can be devastating, but reaching out for help can make all the difference.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in PA?
Yes! The state legalized iGaming in 2017, and the first mobile platforms launched in 2019.
Is online sports betting legal?
Yes! Online sports betting was legalized in 2017 after the Expanded Gaming Act passed. The first platforms went live in 2019.
Does Pennsylvania offer tribal gaming?
No, but two tribes operate in-person casinos in the state. This doesn’t qualify as “tribal gambling,” since they are part of the state’s commercial market.
What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania?
Players must be 18 to play DFS, but must be at least 21 to play at real-money casinos and sportsbooks. Most sweeps platforms set their minimum age at 18.
Are sweepstakes platforms still legal in the state?
Yes! The state sent out cease-and-desist letters to 18 operators in 2025, accusing them of violating PA gambling laws. However, no law specifically bans sweeps platforms, allowing the few remaining to continue operating.
How could HB 2801 affect sweeps casinos?
This bill would place a firm ban on dual-currency sweepstakes platforms. The goal is to protect the state’s iGaming market and ensure bettors aren’t “misled” about free-to-play gaming.
Does Pennsylvania tax sweepstakes casino redemptions?
Yes, the state’s tax laws require residents to pay taxes on cash, noncash, and “mixed” prizes. This covers the redemptions from sweepstakes platforms.
How long do redemptions typically take?
Redemption speeds often depend on the prize and the redemption method. They typically process within 48 hours, but some take several days.
Do PA sweepstakes platforms offer dedicated mobile apps?
Some sweeps platforms offer dedicated mobile apps, but they aren’t common in the industry. Instead, many operators focus on optimizing their web-based platform to ensure it works seamlessly on mobile devices.
Playing Outside Pennsylvania?
Sweeps access can change the moment you cross the state line. Mega Bonanza, for example, isn’t available in five of Pennsylvania’s six neighbors: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia. Pick a state below for its local guide, or check the state-by-state sweepstakes legality map for every current ban and restriction.
Michael is an avid sports fan and a veteran bettor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He learned the trade from his grandfather in Las Vegas as a kid. As an adult, Michael started picking games for a small sports betting site and has built it into a career. His experience allows him to provide tips and information to help other bettors improve their game. Michael cheers for all Wisconsin pro teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils (his alma mater), and the Ottawa Senators. He specializes in baseball betting but has extensive experience in football, basketball, and hockey. When he isn’t pouring over stats, he’s spending time with his two young children or hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
