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Pennsylvania has embraced online gambling since its legalization in 2017. Currently, more than 20 licensed operators are active across the state. Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, these platforms follow strict regulations while providing secure and dependable services.
The state’s progressive stance on online gambling has led to speculation that it may soon permit crypto-based gambling. Which brings us to the big question: Will Pennsylvania open its doors to crypto gambling? This guide explores the issue from all sides, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Pennsylvania iGaming: How the online casino market took off
Online casinos were legalized in Pennsylvania through the Expanded Gaming Act of 2017. With that law, the Pennsylvania online casino market became one of the first in the US to welcome the iGaming industry. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board licenses and supervises online operators, and its strict framework provides explicit consumer protections.
Since legalization, Pennsylvania’s iGaming market has grown rapidly, generating a record $6.39 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year. That marked an 8.6% increase from the previous year, driven largely by a 27% rise in iGaming revenue.
Known for its adaptability, Pennsylvania is now benefiting from its decision to expand gambling. Many hope the state will consider integrating crypto-based gambling into its existing regulatory system.
Fast, private, transparent: Why players want crypto online casino options
Players favor crypto gambling for several reasons. One is speed: deposits and withdrawals take minutes instead of days, outpacing many traditional banking methods. While most US banking options already offer fast payouts and near-instant withdrawals, adding cryptocurrency provides more choice.
Crypto transactions also require less personal banking information, which appeals to players who prefer to keep gambling separate from daily finances. As a payment method, cryptocurrency offers speed, privacy and transparency, making it especially attractive to some gamblers.
Crypto in action: How digital currency is changing online casinos
In states without regulated online gambling, players often turn to offshore websites that accept crypto. These sites offer immediate payouts, a wide range of games and large crypto bonuses. Such bonuses have become a game-changer, offering something different from traditional promotions.
Given those perks, it’s no surprise many players are moving to offshore crypto gambling sites. But because these sites are unregulated, they expose players to significant risks.
One solution would be stricter enforcement against illegal platforms. A more practical approach, however, may be to integrate cryptocurrency payment options into licensed sites, giving bettors fewer reasons to turn to offshore operators.
The upside: How crypto could boost Pennsylvania’s online casinos
Allowing crypto payments could help Pennsylvania get ahead of other states with regulated iGaming markets, increasing revenue while keeping players on licensed platforms.
Attracting players would likely be straightforward. Licensed operators could launch crypto-specific promotions and NFT-style rewards. By expanding payment options, Pennsylvania could both safeguard players and boost revenue.
What’s slowing crypto adoption in Pennsylvania iGaming
The volatility of digital assets is one factor slowing crypto adoption. Price swings in Bitcoin and other tokens make them unreliable as stable betting currencies, complicating how players manage wagers or assess winnings.
Regulators also face challenges in preventing money laundering and fraud involving virtual currencies. At the federal level, legal uncertainty remains over how crypto betting should be treated, leaving each state to decide its own path. Banks and compliance teams remain cautious about crypto, making payment partnerships harder for operators to establish.
Regulated crypto in Pennsylvania: A model for safe iGaming
A likely model would use a hybrid system: players deposit cryptocurrency, which is converted to US dollars before play. This reduces the impact of volatility and simplifies wagering rules.
Regulators might also experiment in a “sandbox” overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Licensed operators could test wallets or provably fair gaming mechanics under supervision, balancing innovation with consumer safeguards.
The future of Crypto in Pennsylvania’s online casino market
Pennsylvania already has systems in place to oversee digital currency use. However, lawmakers have so far addressed only licensing for crypto transmitters, not online casinos. Regulators are also monitoring how New Jersey and Michigan online casinos handle crypto gambling.
Still, growing demand at home and competition from abroad could push Pennsylvania to allow crypto in casinos. For now, officials appear to be waiting for clearer federal guidance before making a move.
