Pennsylvania

Last updated: 3/13/2026

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Poker laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific legal questions about hosting poker games.

Home game poker is legal in Pennsylvania under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 5513, which explicitly exempts social gambling from its gambling prohibitions. The state has a well-developed gaming industry with numerous casinos offering poker rooms and authorized online poker since 2017.

Home Games

Explicitly Legal

Pennsylvania law (18 Pa.C.S. Section 5513) explicitly exempts social gambling from its gambling prohibitions. Home poker games are legal when conducted among friends in a private setting.

Conditions

No person other than a player may receive anything of value from the game
No person may conduct the game as a business
All participants must be players on equal terms
No rake or house cut

Age: 18+Confidence: high

Charitable Gaming

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Charitable gaming is regulated under the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act. Qualifying organizations can hold gaming events including poker tournaments with proper licensing.

License: RequiredConfidence: high

Commercial Poker

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Pennsylvania has 16 casinos with many offering poker rooms including Parx Casino, Rivers Casino, and SugarHouse. Online poker was authorized in 2017 via Act 42, with PokerStars PA, BetMGM, and WSOP PA operating.

Confidence: high

Key Statutes

18 Pa.C.S. Section 5513 — Gambling Devices, Gambling, etc.

Defines illegal gambling with explicit social gambling exception for private games

View statute

4 Pa.C.S. Chapter 13A — Interactive Gaming

Authorizes online poker and casino games in Pennsylvania

Act 42 of 2017 — Gaming Expansion

Expanded gaming to include online poker, satellite casinos, and gaming terminals

Recent Changes

2025

Pennsylvania's online poker market continues to grow. Multi-state poker compacts under consideration to share player pools with other regulated states.

Growing online poker ecosystem; no changes to home game or charitable gaming laws