Pennsylvania PGCB Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
This is the gambling regulator of the US state of Pennsylvania. It launched online casinos in July 2019, and despite a steep 54% tax rate on online slots, online casino revenue topped $2.7 billion in 2025.
| English | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
|---|---|
| Classification | Licenses & Regulation |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Location | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Online legalization | October 2017 |
| Online casino launch | July 15, 2019 |
| Online slot tax rate | 54% |
| Online table game tax rate | 16% |
| 2025 total revenue | $6.7962 billion (record high for the 5th straight year) |
| 2025 online casino | $2.7756 billion (up 27.2%) |
| 2025 tax revenue | $2.9812 billion |
Overview
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is the gambling regulator of the US state of Pennsylvania. It was created in 2004 along with the state law legalizing slot machines, and is headquartered in the state capital, Harrisburg. It oversees land-based casinos, slot machines, table games, sports betting, video gaming terminals, fantasy sports, and online casinos.
Pennsylvania legalized online casinos through a major gambling expansion law in October 2017, and its first online casino opened on July 15, 2019. Along with New Jersey and Michigan, it is now one of the three largest online casino markets in the US.
History
Taxes
Pennsylvania’s biggest distinguishing feature is its high tax rate.
| Products | Tax rate (by revenue) |
|---|---|
| Online slots | 54% |
| Online table games | 16% |
| Online poker | 16% |
The 54% online slot tax rate is the same as for land-based casino slots, and is among the highest in the US. Operators sometimes respond by setting slot RTP slightly lower than in other states or by cutting back on bonuses. Even so, the market has grown significantly, and in 2025 the taxes Pennsylvania collected from gambling (including slot machine license operating fees) reached an all-time high of $2.9812 billion.
2025 market size
| Field | Revenue | Year over year |
|---|---|---|
| Online casinos | $2.7756 billion | +27.2% |
| Land-based slot machines | $2.4321 billion | -0.6% |
| Table games | $925.4 million | -1.3% |
| Sports betting | $602.5 million | +18.0% |
| Video gaming terminals | $41.5 million | -0.1% |
| Fantasy sports | $19.2 million | +2.7% |
| Total | $6.7962 billion | +10.7% |
In 2025, online casino revenue surpassed land-based slot machine revenue for the first time. Land-based slots and table games declined, while online casinos alone grew by more than 27%, driving overall growth.
Operating structure
Only existing casino license holders in Pennsylvania can operate online casinos. Major online brands come in by partnering with these casinos. Players can only access the sites while in the state and must be 21 or older. Slot providers and platform companies also need a supplier license from the PGCB.
Rating
Pennsylvania is often cited as an example that “online casinos can succeed even with high taxes.” When other states set their tax rates, they often compare Pennsylvania’s 54% with Michigan‘s 20-28%.
Location
The PGCB is headquartered in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania.