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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.
Play-through rates vary widely depending on the casino, with some requiring as little as 1x and others demanding as much as 20x or more. Needless to say, the lower the wager requirement, the better. Eligible games: In terms of clearing casino bonuses, not all games are created equal.
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 100% 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. Casino supermarche senegal royal.
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 $300 playing that slot, it'll eventually pay back $285 dollars of it to players, but that doesn't necessarily include you.
Let's say someone wins a $10,000 jackpot playing that slot. That means someone, or a group of someones, is going to lose over $10,500 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 2004, 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 2006 and helped generate over $1 billion in slot revenue in year one. Of course, these operators were allowed to launch table games in 2010, but to this day, slot machines still dominate gambling floors and gambling revenue reports across the state.
There were close to 25,000 slot machines in operation at the state's casinos in 2019.
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 5,000 slots.
- Category 2 licenses are for stand-alone casinos and permit each to host up to 5,000 slots.
- Category 3 licenses are for resort casinos and permit each to host up to 600 slots or pay another $2.5 million to add 250 more.
- Category 4 licenses are for mini-casinos and permit each to host up to 750 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 1941 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 $2.36 billion in gross revenue from these slot machines in 2019, less than one-half of one percent off the $2.369 billion they generated in 2018. Thanks to a hefty 54% tax rate on slots, that meant more than $1.2 billion in tax revenue for the state.
In 2017, the state Legislature voted to legalized online gambling, before passing a new gambling expansion package in 2018 that was signed into law that year. The state's casinos started offering online slots in the summer of 2019, and in just the first six months, online slots generated more than $20 million in revenue.
All told, PA's first online casinos generated $33.5 million in gross revenue in 2019, putting another $13.3 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 2017 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
777 Harrah's Blvd., Chester, PA 19013
Slots: 100,000-square-foot casino featuring 2,000 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
777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, PA 17028
Slots: Over 2,000 reel, progressive and video slot machines, plus over 200 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
210 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301
Slots: One of the largest casino floors on the East Coast with over 2,500 slot machines. There's a high limit room offering slots and video poker machines from $1-$100. Titles include Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes and Buffalo Gold.
Mohegan Sun Pocono
1280 Pennsylvania 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Slots: Over 1,900 slots, from 1 cent to $100 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
2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
Slots: 150,000 square feet of gambling with over 3,330 slots. There's a high limit slots area dubbed Xclusive with $1 to $100 denomination slot machines, premium beverage service and a private cashier. Titles include Wonka, Lightning Link and Wheel of Fortune. Plus, over 150 hot new slot titles like Rakin' Bacon, Mighty Cash and Leprechaun's Gold.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
8199 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509
Slots: 1,500 slots in denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100. 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 18015
Slots: 183,000-square-foot casino featuring 3,000 slot machines. Slots range in denomination from $0.01 to $100. 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
777 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Slots: Over 2,600 slot machines from penny slots to a high limit slots area. Plus, over 1,000 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
1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Slots: Over 3,000 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
312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono, PA 18344
Slots: Over 1,800 slots. Titles include penny classics like Wheel of Fortune and Jackpot Party. Cutting-edge games include 88 Fortunes and Buffalo.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
Slots: Over 300 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
1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Slots: 850 of the hottest and most popular slot machines, including 250 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, 2019 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 2017 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, 2019 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 .40 percent. That means the game has a an RTP of 96.6 percent. In other words, $96.60 of every $100 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 99.83 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.
Pennsylvania is home to several online casinos, which means that Pennsylvania is home to online casino bonuses. For players new to PA's online gaming sites, numerous great opportunities are available. Notably, each online casino that is active in the state right now offers a deposit match of some sort. Some will even reward new players with free money.
Here's a rundown on all things related to casino bonuses in the Keystone State.
Best online casino bonuses in Pennsylvania
Many of our bonuses are exclusive to PAOnlineCasino.com; they aren't available anywhere else.
However, customers should read the fine print on any promotional offer. Almost all the PA online casino bonuses listed comes with some terms and conditions, and it can take some play before it's possible to withdraw the extra funds.
How do no-deposit casino bonuses work?
A no-deposit casino bonus is one of online gambling's sweetest things. It's free money the site gives to players.
The way to receive these bonuses is simple. Potential players must register for an account on the site. That's it.
The money will be waiting in the new account.
Terms and conditions for no-deposit bonuses
Like most bonuses; however, there are a few strings attached. To redeem a no-deposit bonus in PA fully, players must satisfy a few conditions. They are:
- New accounts only: Free money will only appear in the accounts of new registrants.
- Playthrough: To withdraw the free money, the casino may require players to wager through a multiple of the bonus amount. This multiple can range from 1x, meaning a player must only wager the amount of the bonus itself, to higher standards like 20x the bonus amount.
- Validation: The site may require a confirmation on a new player's email before redeeming the bonus.
- Opt-in: Players may be required to visit the bonus section of the chosen site. Once there, they must tell the casino that they are electing to take part in the promotion, which is usually by clicking a button.
- Time limits: If the site requires players to redeem their free money, they may only have a certain amount of time after registering to do so. Alternatively, there may also be a limit to how long players can attempt to satisfy the playthrough requirement. In either case, funds not released by the deadline are forfeit and will return to the site.
- Eligible games: Not all games are created equal for online casinos in Pennsylvania. For reasons such as a better partnership deal or a larger profit share, an online casino may require that free money be played on designated games.
There is little reason to ignore or spurn a no-deposit online casino bonus in Pennsylvania.
Even if they are simply a ploy to get a player to try certain games, it's still a good idea to take advantage.
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How do deposit bonuses and match bonuses work?
While some online casinos may not offer no-deposit bonuses, deposit or match bonuses are nearly ubiquitous on every site.
In a match bonus, the player elects to deposit money onto the online casino. In return, the casino pledges to match a certain percentage of that deposit with funds of its own.
The percentage of each bonus can vary wildly. Some bonuses are only good for a 10% addition, while others will match the deposit, dollar-for-dollar.
Each bonus offer will also specify a maximum amount of bonus money that the site will pay out. So, it may take a bit of arithmetic to figure out how to maximize one's bonus.
For example Casino player development strategies. , let's say that an online casino has a deposit bonus offer where it will match 25% of the deposit of up to $500. In other words, that $500 represents the site's maximum contribution at a 25% level.
So, to receive the maximum amount of money, a player would need to deposit $2,000 into his or her wallet onsite.
However, as in all things, there are a few catches.
Terms and conditions for the welcome bonus offers
- Promotional code: Whether the player is new to the site or not, many deposit matches have a promo code associated with them. A player must enter these codes into a box that will appear on the site's deposit page. Make sure to check promo codes for spelling and punctuation. The success of receiving one's bonus money depends on the accurate submission of the deposit code on the form.
- Playthrough: As with no-deposit bonuses, most deposit bonuses have a playthrough requirement. Unlike their counterparts, however, playthrough requirements tend to be far more onerous to satisfy for match bonus offers. A player may be required to wager through tens of multiples of his or her bonus amount to redeem it. Depending on the game they favor, it's not uncommon for players to encounter wagering requirements that exceed 100x.
- Validation: A player may need to validate his or her bank account prior to the site allowing a deposit. This process usually requires proof of identity, and the site may make a small representative deposit into an account to ascertain whether the player's method of funding is aboveboard.
- Opt-in: Even if there isn't a promo code available for the promotion, players may still need to opt-in. Once they are logged in, they are ready to deposit.
- Time limits: One of the toughest parts about deposit bonuses are the time limits. Even the most tedious of playthrough rates would be doable, given enough time. Unfortunately, Play PA sites are not going to allow a bonus to stay open-ended forever while the player satisfies the requirement. So, each bonus will come with a time limit. After it expires, any remaining bonus money will be forfeited back to the site.
Is it worth it to opt into a match bonus?
By this point, it may seem as though match bonuses are not worth the hassle.
After all, a large playthrough requirement and a short timeframe can mean that full redemption of the bonus is going to take some focused play on the customer's part.
The short answer to whether or not a bonus is worth pursuing: it depends. There are so many variables at work that each bonus deserves its research.
Playthrough requirement math
First and foremost, consider the playthrough multiple. Casinos will often use a selection of multiples for each bonus, which is based upon the type of game that the customer wants to play.
It's essential to look at what sort of return a player can expect while playing that type of game. For instance, a typical online slot machine will pay back 95% of the money wagered into it.
So, a player can expect to lose $5 for every $100 he or she wagers. Well, on the flip side, a 20x playthrough multiple means that the player will gain $5 for every $100 he or she wagers.
By that rationale, a 20x playthrough on slots is a breakeven proposition. Any bonuses that are 20x and below for slot play are, therefore, a worthwhile endeavor.
It's possible, then, to calculate the breakeven multiple for most games.
Video poker games, for instance, returns 96% of wagers. So, the prospect of a $4 loss means that video poker bonuses are optimal when they are 25x or below.
Some table games, like blackjack, return more than 99% of wagers to players, provided that the player uses optimal strategy. So, a large playthrough requirement might not be out of order for games that are nearly even odds.
Bonus plus deposit playthrough requirements
There is one other thing to watch for in the fine print of these bonuses.
Casino Free Play Usa
Specifically, you should look for whether the playthrough requirement is on the bonus amount alone, or if it is on the bonus and the deposit amount.
It's a rather sneaky ploy, but some online casinos will attach the multiple to both the bonus funds and the deposited amount. So, it's a way to double the playthrough requirement multiple without advertising it.
Which games are eligible to clear a bonus?
However, the closer a player gets to even odds, the less likely the game in question will count toward the bonus. So, players who only bets table games a certain way might find themselves shut out of using that game to redeem their bonus.
For instance, take the color bet on roulette. A bet on black or red carries a near 50/50 chance, the only source of the house advantage is the green zero space or spaces.
So, it's common that a bonus might not allow those kinds of even money wagers to count toward the playthrough requirement. Players can still bet on other parts of the roulette wheel, but those kinds of bets are considered to be an exploit of the bonus.
Theoretical losses help determine which casino games are better for clearing bonuses
Theoretical losses refer to the average amount of money that you'll lose based on the house edge. Given that every PA online casino game has a built-in house edge, understanding theoretical losses is essential for bankroll management purposes.
This is also helpful when deciding if you want to use slots or table games to unlock a welcome bonus. The example below compares theoretical losses between earning a bonus through slots and table games:
- You deposit $200 under a 100% match offer ($200 bonus)
- Wagering requirements on slots are 20x the bonus
- 20 x 200 = $4,000 must be wagered to earn your bonus
- You play a slot with 95% payback (5% house edge)
- 4,000 x 0.05 = $200 theoretical loss
- Wagering requirements on blackjack are 100x the bonus
- 100 x 200 = $20,000 must be wagered
- You play a blackjack game with a 1% house edge
- 20,000 x 0.01 = $200 theoretical loss
You can see from this example that higher wagering requirements don't always equate to more losses. But table games and video poker can be less advantageous when wagering requirements are more than 100x.
We suggest running the math and comparing slots to other games before pursuing your bonus.
Time restrictions
Still, even with all of these requirements, it might seem as though a bonus is always worth pursuing. Even though it will take a while, the bonus will eventually release.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Most online casinos place a time limit on their bonuses.
Usually, players will only have about a week to complete the playthrough requirement to realize the value of the bonus fully. After that time, the bonus expires.
When considering whether to opt into a bonus, players need to be realistic about the volume of their usual or future play. If a player must wager $2,000 to clear the bonus and he or she bet in 50 cent increments, that means that he or she must bet 4,000 times to hit the mark.
As to how long that takes, it varies from player to player. If a player can spend every hour of the day playing, then it might be possible.
However, most of us have jobs and other responsibilities. So, a seven-day slot-a-thon isn't feasible.
Bonus release interval
It's important to note that redeeming a bonus is usually not an all-or-nothing proposition.
Otherwise, players would grind for their bonus amount and then forfeit everything if they came up a bit short on the playthrough requirement.
Instead, online casinos will often drip the bonus funds out of the account at a prescribed rate. So, the total amount of bonus may be, say, $100, but the site will pay it out to the customer in $5 increments.
However, these increments don't have to be present or regular, either. Each bonus or each casino is going to have a policy for how it doles out the bonus money.
How do loyalty or comp point schemes work?
Another form of bonus in the online casino world is the loyalty program.
These programs or their perks are sometimes called 'comps,' which is short for complimentary. The term is a fancy way of describing anything that the casinos give away for free.
Loyalty programs are usually a point system that rewards players for their activity. Players earn points based upon the game and dollars they're betting onsite.
Obviously, the higher the bet amount, the more points the player earns. Games that carry a lower rate of return to the customer will also yield more points per play than others.
These points are redeemable for a whole range of perks, prizes and benefits. Patrons can exchange points for free meals, event tickets, or hotel stays at its land-based counterparts.
Loyalty programs tend to separate customers into different strata according to the number of points they earn. Players can get certain levels of attention or benefit, like preferential placement in line or exclusive events as they progress.
The player's tier acts as an easy way for casino personnel to identify the revenue potential of their customers.
Like most things in a casino, comps are designed to promote more gambling from their patrons. True to form, some gamblers will identify the achievement of these perks as a primary objective of their play.
Nevertheless, most of them are free to join. A person who plans to play on a particular site may as well register for the program, since they will gain a benefit from the activity they planned to do, anyway.
Good vs. bad online wagering requirements
We reiterate that it's wise to compare bonus terms and conditions between Pennsylvania online casinos. After all, you want to have the best chance of earning free money. But what constitutes good wagering requirements?
The standard for Pennsylvania match bonuses is 20x the bonus (or 10x bonus + deposit) on slots. This means that you can theoretically break even when earning your bonus through slots offering 95% payback. Playing games above this payout percentage gives you a strong chance to earn profits.
Finding wagering requirements between 10x and 15x is even better. A bonus with such requirements means that you can turn a profit when playing slots with 95% payback. And you'll potentially earn a large profit on games that pay above this mark.
Anything higher than 20x playthrough is a bad deal in comparison to the market average. You should reconsider playing at a casino with 25x or 30x turnover, given that other PA gaming sites probably will offer better deals.
The standard for table games and video poker is 100x turnover. Such requirements are comparable to a slot with 95% payback regarding theoretical wins/losses.
Blackjack, craps, and roulette can sometimes offer even lower requirements worth around 50x. This is an incredible deal that gives you the chance to earn a nice profit.
Now, 200x playthrough requirements are on the opposite end of the spectrum in that you're highly likely to lose money in the process of clearing the bonus. Such steep multipliers are common for Blackjack at some casinos.
Regulated online bonuses vs. US offshore casino bonuses
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The high value of casino bonuses in regulated US markets can be seen when comparing them to the offshore casino bonuses offered to most Americans. An offshore internet casino is characterized by operating in unregulated markets. These sites are usually located in Caribbean countries with lax standards on internet gaming.
Offshore casinos typically impose 40x wagering requirements on a 100% match deposit bonus. This ensures that they make a theoretical profit off the average player.
Here's a comparison between a regulated and an offshore casino deposit bonus:
- You deposit $300 at an offshore site with a 100% match bonus
- Wagering requirements are 40x the bonus
- 300 x 40 = $12,000 must be wagered
- You play slots with 95% payback.
- 12,000 x 0.05 = $600 theoretical loss
- 600 loss – 300 bonus = $300 net loss
- You deposit $300 at a PA internet casino with a 100% match bonus
- Wagering requirements are 20x the bonus
- 300 x 20 = $6,000 must be wagered
- You play slots with 95% payback.
- 6,000 x 0.05 = $300 theoretical loss
- 300 loss – 300 bonus = break even
Favorable wagering requirements are a major reason why Pennsylvania residents are lucky to be dealing with licensed casinos, rather than offshore sites.
PA online casino market snapshot
At present, three online casinos are up and running in the state of Pennsylvania. All three launched within a three-day period in July.
The three online casinos are available for bets in the Keystone State around the clock. They are:
Five more sites are expected to go live by the end of 2019. So, the following casinos should be available sometime in the next few months:
Of course, things can change, but it's clear that the PA online casino market is only in its early stages. For bonus seekers, that's a good thing because more competition means more casinos that are trying to impress with bonuses.
So, sit tight, and keep your eyes peeled. There should be a ton of free money floating around Pennsylvania soon.
Final thoughts
Players need to weigh all of these factors before they opt into a casino's bonus offer.
It is entirely possible that the bonus is a good deal. In fact, many of them are since the casino wants to attract more business.
However, players must take a look in the mirror at the type of player they are. A casual player will have a more difficult time taking advantage of a deposit bonus than a serious one will.
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Long story short, players should take each deposit bonus and read through its material before deciding. Otherwise, they may set themselves up for some frustration down the road.
