Online Gambling in Mercer County, PA
Set in Western Pennsylvania, Mercer county has a population density of 164.5 persons per square mile and is roughly 683 square miles in size. The county is home to approximately 111,000 people, according to 2021 Census Estimates.
Mercer County's median household income is $51,000, which is slightly lower than the state average. In addition, more than 13.5% of the population lives in poverty which is higher than the national average.
Mercer County Gaming Behavior
A report released by the Pennsylvania gaming control board shows that there were 1,472,352 registered online gaming accounts in Mercer County and other parts of Pennsylvania. The report also indicates that gambling frequently occurs in higher-density regions within the state. Activities are milder within Mercer county, which has a population density of 164.5 which is significantly lower than the state average of 290.6 persons per square mile.
Popular Gaming
Some of the most well-liked games in Mercer county include sports betting (47.7%), table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and craps (40.6%), fantasy sports betting (29.0%), slot machines (28.8%), iLottery (20.7%), poker (16.4%), and other types of internet gambling (9.8%).
What is the Legal Age for Gambling in Mercer County?
In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, 21 is the minimum age to gamble. This holds true for all types of gambling, including those found in casinos, online sportsbooks, and other venues.
The body in charge of policing gambling in the state, including Mercer County, is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The Board establishes the laws and rules that apply to all types of gambling in the state and enacts stringent restrictions to guarantee that all gambling activities are carried out fairly and responsibly.
Pennsylvania has different punishments for underage gambling ranging from a small fine to community service. In addition, state laws enforce the forfeiture of gains or losses made by any underaged persons within Pennsylvania.
Legally permitted gambling venues, including casinos and online sportsbooks, must confirm the identity and age of their patrons to ensure they are at least 21 years old. It's also against the law to enter a casino or online sportsbook while underage or present a false identity.
Responsible Gambling in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Services in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, offers support and treatment to people with gambling addiction (DDAP). In order to help those who are battling with problem gambling, the DDAP runs a 24-hour confidential hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER. The helpline can also help people contact local support networks and treatment centers.
It also maintains a self-exclusion program, (overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board) which enables people to voluntarily refrain from participating in gambling activities at Pennsylvania casinos and online sports betting sites.
Residents can sign up online or inquire in person at the PGCB office located at:
PA Gaming Control Board
303 Walnut Street
Commonwealth Tower, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 346-8300
Main Fax: (717) 346-8350
In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, there are numerous gambling treatment centers that have received state approval. In Mercer County, you can visit the community counseling center located at:
Community Counseling Center of Mercer County
2201 E State Street
Hermitage, PA 16148
(724) 981-7141
The Mercer County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (724) 662-6135 if anyone has any suspicions about fraud or unlawful gaming in the county. The sheriff's office enforces municipal and state gaming regulations, including investigating complaints and bringing cases against violators.
Crime in Mercer County
Crime rates in Mercer county have steadily plummeted over the years. It is a relatively safe city with zero reported larceny, burglaries, and property crimes as of 2020. However, if you feel or suspect a crime has taken place or is ongoing, you can reach the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at (724) 662-6135
Is Online Gambling Legal in Mercer County, Pennsylvania?
Online gambling is legal in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The first online casinos and sportsbooks opened in Pennsylvania in 2019 after the state legalized internet gambling in 2017.
The state regulatory organization in charge of keeping an eye on internet gambling in the entire state, including Mercer County, is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The Board establishes the laws governing online gambling, grants licenses to online casinos and sportsbooks, and keeps an eye on their operations to ensure they abide by local rules.
The 2017 gambling expansion bill, which permitted online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting in the state, is the key piece of legislation that permits online gambling in Pennsylvania. The law also permitted the growth of video gambling terminals in truck stops and other areas and the construction of up to 10 satellite casinos in the state.
In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, the legal age for all types of gambling, including online gambling, is 21, which also applies to all other forms of gambling in the state.
When Was Online Gambling in Mercer County Legalized?
In 2017, Pennsylvania's Mercer County and the entirety of Pennsylvania legalized online gambling. In October 2017, the Pennsylvania Legislature approved a significant bill to expand gambling, and Governor Tom Wolf later signed it into law. Online gambling, including online casinos, poker, and sports betting, was made lawful by the new law.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Mercer County, Pennsylvania?
Yes, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, allows legal online sports betting. As part of the same gambling expansion measure that authorized internet casinos, online poker, and daily fantasy sports, Pennsylvania approved online sports betting in 2017.
Pennsylvania presently offers a number of online sportsbooks, including well-known names like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Barstool Sportsbook, among others. These sportsbooks can offer services online and are licensed and governed by the Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board.
Can I play Daily Fantasy Sports Contests in Mercer County, Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) competitions are legal to enter within Mercer.
The most well-known DFS companies in Pennsylvania include DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy Sports, and FantasyDraft, among others. These companies can provide DFS competitions to players in the state since they are licensed and governed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
