Pennsylvania is an incredible state that combines mountainous landscapes with booming cities of industry and manufacturing. It’s got some pretty great casinos too. 

Known for its historical importance in American independence, the Liberty Bell, the Philly Cheesesteak, and home of Hershey chocolate, Pennsylvania has many attributes.

Pennsylvania only actually has 17 casinos. That means it doesn’t have the widest choice of places to gamble, but it certainly has some of the best.  

It also has an abundance of online casinos and sports betting sites which means that Pennsylvania gambling revenue is second highest in the US, behind only Nevada. 

So let’s take a look at the top casinos in Pennsylvania and what they have to offer. 

Parx Casino offers a Vegas-style casino just 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia centre.  When I say Vegas-style, I mean in size, style and amenities, although it doesn’t offer a hotel, which is probably it’s only negative.

The casino is 150,000 square feet, which is comparable to the two biggest Las Vegas casinos – Bellagio and Aria.  Gaming wise you will find an impressive 3,300 slot machines, 180 live table games, bar-top gaming, a high-limit lounge and a large 48-table poker room too.

Parx Casino has a big presence from outside, with three huge neon signs plus a 34-foot tall bronzed figure of a horse head, which, to be honest, is hard to miss. 

Inside, the casino is beautifully decorated with large chandelier lighting that bathes it in a gold glow and luxury finishing. 

Parx casino is completely smoke-free but there is a smoking patio for those who need it.

As well as the casino, Parx East is a racecourse providing weekly thoroughbred racing (hence the horse head) and, of course, you can place sports bets too.

Entertainment-wise, the Xcite Center is Parx Casino’s largest venue accommodating up to 1,500 guests. You can find a range of events on at this state-of-the-art entertainment centre including music, comedy, celebrity shows, boxing and MMA.

360 Nightclub is the place to be if you want a party and they have regular live music and DJ sets on too. If you prefer a quieter drinking environment, Xlounge is the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails while Jax offers bar-top video poker, both overlooking the casino. 

Sports fans should make a beeline for the uber modern Chickie's & Pete's Sports Bar where you can experience a truly unique way to view sports. 

The PLAY² Interactive Sport Bar offers 18 amusement pod entertainment centres (apecs), stacked 2 high, where you can choose to watch a game of your choice, or play interactive games such as golf, bowling or even Super Mario. Better still, the apecs are networked, so you can compete against other pods. It really has to be seen to appreciate it.

Food and drink is available to enjoy at Chickie's & Pete's and other casual eats at Parx Casino include Foodies and BurgerVana. 

If you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant experience, then you too have options at Parx Casino. Parxgrill, Liberty Bell Gastropub, and Bambu all offer incredible cuisine in luxurious surroundings. Plus the Liberty Bell Beer Garden has a pretty cool all-season patio to enjoy signature dishes and cocktails.

For more information, read our full Parx Casino review.

Wind Creek Casino, formerly Sands Casino Resort, is around 60 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from New York City. Its location means it is a busy little casino.

Situated on the site of the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, Wind Creek Casino pays homage to its heritage in a number of ways. The most notable is the casino sign which utilizes the old crane bridge from Bethlehem Steel for its entrance and makes a huge impact on arrival.

The casino is 139,000 square feet, and offers around 3,000 slots, 150 live table games, a high limit lounge, and a 20-table poker room. There’s also a sportsbook to place sports bets and a giant live dealer stadium gaming arena which is hugely impressive.

The casino has high ceilings with visible steel structures above, but it’s complemented with funky feature lighting that look like rail tracks and droplets from above. The casino environment is bright, lively, and a fun place to be. It has both smoking and non-smoking gaming areas.

For those who want to stay, you’ll be pleased to know that Wind Creek Casino has a AAA Four-Diamond hotel on site with over 550 rooms in two towers.

Rooms range from Deluxe Rooms and Grand King Rooms to a range of suites offering bigger and more luxurious spaces  All rooms are decorated to a high standard, but the North Tower is the most modern and upscale having just opened in 2023.

Speaking of the North Tower, it also has a 14,000-square-foot spa on the tower’s top floor offering things like a cryotherapy room, relaxation pools, and infrared saunas. Plus, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bethlehem from the tranquil lounge space while you’re getting pampered.

Better still, if you want to keep the kids entertained while you spa, Kids Quest offers hourly child-care and entertainment for children ages 30 months through 12 years. 

Other onsite activities include an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre, plus Wind Creek Outlets with some top retailers, as well as activities such as axe throwing and gold simulation.

Regular live music can be found at both the Wild Creek Event Center and the Molten Lounge, while Coil Bar and Mixx at Wild Creek offer a more relaxed cocktail lounge vibe on the casino floor.

When it comes to dining, Wild Creek Casino has a good mix of restaurants and quick bites options. Steelworks Buffet and Grill is a popular choice, but there’s also Chopstick, Urban Table, Chop House at Wind Creek and The Market.  

And, if you’re eating on the go, you can try Croissanterie, Carlo’s Bakery or Signature Cakes and Pies. 

Mohegan Casino is operated by the Mohegan Tribe and is situated in Northern Pennsylvania close to Scranton – the town made famous by US comedy series, The Office. 

The location means it is right in the centre of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre cultural and economic centre, which is highly populated, but it is also accessible easily from New York and Philadelphia too. In other words, it gets really busy!

The casino is 75,000 square feet with 1,600 slots, 60 table games, a high-limit lounge, sportsbook, bar-top gaming, and a poker room. It also has live harness racing on the racetrack almost daily.

Inside, the casino has a dome-like appearance with casino games laid out in a big circular shape with an outer walkway around the outside and the elevated Sunburst bar in the middle. It has low ceilings, patterned carpets and featured lighting, and offers both smoking and non-smoking areas. 

An on-site hotel is available with 238 guest rooms, and although the hotel doesn’t look particularly upscale from the outside, the rooms are really well decorated and have a luxurious feel. There is also a spa, salon and fitness centre for hotel guests, but you must be 21 or over to stay there.

Mohegan Casino Pennsylvania has an awesome selection of entertainment and events. Its summer Party on the Patio is a series of free outdoor concerts, plus the Keystone Grand Ballroom hosts big music acts on a regular basis.

There’s also regular live music on at Hive Taphouse, Breakers, Embers Terrace, Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar, and Molly O'Sheas. It really is a paradise for live music lovers. Plus, comedy lovers can enjoy Wise Crackers Comedy Club at the weekend.

Most of the bars above all offer a food menu too, while other dining options include Ruth's Chris Steak House, Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar, Tony Luke's, Pearl Sushi Bar plus Johnny Rockets. 

With a total complex spanning 1.3 million square feet, and a stunning waterfront location, Rivers Casino belongs on our top casinos list for many reasons.

Formerly, SugarHouse Casino, Rivers Casino is located in the Fishtown neighbourhood of Philadelphia right along the Delaware River. 

Its casino floor is 45,000 square feet with 1,500 slots, 72 live table games, a poker room, electronic table games, a high limit lounge, and the incredible BetRivers Sportsbook. There are both smoking and non-smoking gaming areas. 

Rivers Casino doesn’t provide accommodation on site, but the luxurious Riversuites at The Battery Philadelphia is just a short stroll or free shuttle ride from the casino. It offers 62 apartment-style suites in a historic riverfront landmark.

When it comes to dining at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, there’s a handful of options to choose from. Martorano’s Prime is an Italian-American Steakhouse by celebrity cook Steve Martorano, there’s also Martorano’s Sicilian Slice for quick-bite pizza.

For dining with a view, try Jack’s Bar and Grill, plus Mian and Flipt offer different cuisines. Or to eat on the go, there’s Dunkin Donuts, and Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. 

An on-site Event Center hosts events and music concerts, and live music and DJ sets can be found in Martorano’s Prime restaurant most weekends. You can watch live music or become the entertainment yourself by belting it out on karaoke at Jack’s Bar and Grill. 

For more information, read our full Rivers Casino review.

Mount Airy Casino Resort is nestled among the trees and lakes of the Pocono Mountains. The best part about that is that although it feels remote and tranquil, it is only two hours away from Philadelphia and New York. 

The resort is stunning from the outside, being both behind a lake and in front of a mountainous landscape. It has an almost castle-like presence, while inside it is modern and spacious.

The casino floor is 62,000 square feet with 1,700 slots, 70 live tables, a poker room, and a sportsbook. It has that lively buzz that all casinos have, but due to its location, it doesn’t really get boisterous or loud, so it does offer a more chilled experience.

The Pocono Boutique hotel is Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort and is adult-only, so only guests 21 years and over can stay. The rooms are of an exceptionally high quality and take inspiration from the mountains and landscape in terms of decoration and colour.

Hotel amenities include a 51,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor pool with an underwater passageway between them, a 16,000-square-foot full-service spa, and a 24-hour fitness centre. There’s also an 18-hole championship golf course and multiple scenic on-site hiking trails.

Mount Airy Casino Resort has a varied range of dining options which include The Buffet. It’s open every day offering all-you-can-eat favourites. 

Other dining options include Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen, Bistecca by IL Mulino Pizzeria Montagna, and Café Matto. For lovers of Asian cuisine in a modern setting, there is Lucky 8 Noodle + Sushi Bar.

The Mount Airy Event Center hosts headline acts from the world of music, comedy and magic shows, check out the full event calendar on the website. You can also find live music every weekend at the Glass Bar. 

Alternatively, Pia’s Lounge offers a more sophisticated wine bar and the Pool Bar is a relaxing place to unwind too.

For more information, read our full Mount Airy Casino Resort review.

Situated just 40 minutes’ drive from Pittsburgh, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows is conveniently located just off Interstate 79 and offers not only a casino but a racetrack too.

The casino floor is 131,000 square feet and has an impressive 2,500 slots, over 100 table games, a sportsbook, a 14-table poker room and a high limit lounge too. The casino is 100% smoke-free and can get extremely busy on weekends. 

If you want to make a night of it, then there is an on-site hotel - Hyatt Place Hollywood Casino & Racetrack Pittsburgh South. The casino and hotel are connected by internal walkway. However, it can be a bit of a walk between them. 

The hotel has 155 rooms and offers an indoor pool and a 24-hour gym, as well as the Parlay Lounge with an outdoor patio and fire pit hosting live music acts. 

Entertainment wise, the main focus is the racetrack which hosts live harness racing several days a week.

Other entertainment includes live music and comedy at the H Lounge, Meadows Lanes bowling alley with 24 lanes plus the Sportsbook where you can watch all the biggest games.

The Pub at Meadows Lanes offers craft beers and an extensive food menu overlooking the bowling alley. Meanwhile, The Pub at Trackside offers food and great views of the racetrack. 

Finally, Embers lounge is a seasonal outdoor lounge offering views over the racetrack while Bistecca is an award-winning Italian American Steakhouse with spectacular views of both the racetrack and casino floor.

For more information, read our full Hollywood Casino at the Meadows review.

Harrah's Philadelphia is part of the Caesars Entertainment brand of casino resorts and is located on the Chester, Pennsylvania waterfront. It is nestled on what was once the Sun Shipbuilding campus and is only six miles from Philadelphia International Airport. 

Featuring trademark casino signage, the outside of Harrah’s Philadelphia is decked in bright pink neon, while the inside is as modern as you would expect from a Caesars resort.

The casino floor is 86,000 square feet and offers 1,500 slots, 86 table games, a poker room, bar-top gaming, and a Caesars Sportsbook. 

There is no on-site accommodation at Harrah’s Philadelphia. However, there are plenty of local hotels between the casino and the airport and some offer shuttle buses back and forth.

Harness Racing is one of the biggest draws of the casino and there’s around 130 race days in a calendar year for you to enjoy. Harrah’s Backyard is a trackside open air patio and is the perfect place to sit back and admire views over the racetrack and Delaware River while sampling craft beers and cocktails.

Other nightlife options include The Copper Mug, where you can watch sports and simulcast racing and C Bar, which provides play bar-top games right in the centre of the casino.

Meanwhile, O’Sheas is a hive of activity bringing a Las Vegas party pub vibe. You can grab a drink, play pub games, try your luck at some table games, play darts, and enjoy live music in this one-shop-stop for high-energy fun.  

Food options include Philly Tap and Tavern which is a trendy gastropub offering classic pub fare and craft beers. Mein Noodles, The Market and Market Express are also other dining options. 

The Block is Harrah’s Philadelphia’s live music venue and it hosts regular events such as Summer Music Sessions with live music and a Sunday Boozy Brunch & Beats Buffet.