We live in an age where everything is unpredictable. Still, one thing that is stagnant is that gambling will always be one of the most entertaining and fun activities that people use as a hobby or a great pass time activity. It is reported that PA is one of the three highest-ranked states for gambling, which made people visit Pennsylvania way more often in the last couple of years.
Although online casinos had a massive growth in popularity over the last two years and are one of the most occurring topics in the media, land-based casinos are back and better than ever before. You can find a map of PA casinos mapped out here, at least when it comes to brick and mortar options.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve witnessed many challenges that land-based casinos have overcome, adapted, as well as evolved. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they’ve bounced back as soon as they were allowed to open their luxurious doors to their loyal customers.
Some of the basic things you should know about gambling in PA are:
- There is a total of 12 land-based casinos in PA
- Smoking has returned to PA casinos after one year ban
- As of November 2018, PA has sports betting
Traditional casinos in Pennsylvania had one of the best comebacks in the gambling industry, with two casinos that made more money in May 2021 than all the Pennsylvania casinos combined made in May 2020. Additionally, in the last year alone, two casinos have opened in PA.
Even though it’s true that tons of people across the world have made a switch to the form of gambling online, it’s undeniable that the online gambling industry will never have the atmosphere and hospitality that land-based casinos offer. That’s why traditional casinos are irreplaceable.
#1Harrah’s Philadelphia
Located in Chester, PA, and operated by Caesars Entertainment, this beautiful casino offers more than 100,000 square of gaming space with over 2000 slot and video poker titles along with numerous table games.
Just when you thought that it can not get any bigger and better, in 2019, Harrah’s Philadelphia opened “The Book,” which is located in the far back of the main casino floor. The so-called “book” is a 4300 square foot sportsbook with a full bar, 19 stadium-style seats, 45 big-screen TVs, and a nearby party pit with table games.
Even though Pennsylvania didn’t officially end up in the top 30 most visited places to visit in 2021 in the USA, you best believe that you won’t be disappointed if you eventually book a flight to see what this unique state has to offer.
#2 Mount Airy Casino Resort
Combining an 18-hole golf course, a casino, several live entertainment venues, and a modern lodge-style hotel, Mount Airy Casino Resort comes with more than enough to keep visitors over 21 highly occupied.
With 62,000 square feet of gaming space, over 1800 slot machines, and more than 70 types of table games like craps, blackjack, and roulette, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Mount Airy Casino Resort ended up in the list of must-visit casinos in Pennsylvania.
The spacious indoor-outdoor pool is a highlight. It features a cocktail bar, poolside lounges and transforms into the Get Wet Nightclub on weekends. At the end of the day, if you decide to pay a visit to this state, don’t forget to ensure that you get the best travel insurance out there.
#3 Parx Casino and Racing
Parx Casino and Racing is considered one of the largest casino gaming venues in PA, with a gaming space that exceeds 150,000 square feet, and is one of the very few places where PA citizens can experience gaming round the clock without any restriction.
Parx Casino opened its doors in December of 2009 and has been thriving ever since. The property features 40 table poker rooms, 130 live table games, and over 3000 slot machines. In January of 2019, sports betting was added, and sports enthusiasts from Pennsylvania were static about it.
#4 Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
Owned by Penn National, this grand casino opened its racino back in 2008 and debuted table games in 2010. In addition, the property was the first in the state to open a physical sportsbook in 2018.
The live poker room is one of the most popular spots in this casino. With almost 100,000 square feet of gaming food available and the nightlife that exceeds visitors’ expectations in every possible way, there’s no way you will not find just the right thing that suits you.
However, it can not go unnoticed that this place’s original and main highlight is the horse racing track, which continues to host races all year round. This casino is also considered one of the best in PA, and it’s available in the online version as well.
#5 The Rivers Casino
Located along the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Rivers Casino is one of two properties in the state, operated by Rush Street Gaming. This casino is owned by Holdings Acquisition Co. L.P company that took over a significant interest after the original owner defaulted on loans and payments to contractors.
Rivers along the side of its sister River Philadelphia became the second and third PA sports betting locations back in 2018, making Rivers actually the only option for sports wagers in the western side of the state.
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