Pa Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting is legal in PA. Pennsylvania passed a bill regulating both sports betting and online casinos. A number of casinos now offer retail sports betting, with online betting apps launching on May 31, 2019. $250 Deposit Bonus now Place your bets at SugarHouse Online Casino & Sportsbook in Pennsylvania! Online slots, blackjack, live sports betting & more!

If you live in Pennsylvania, you know your state is packed with some of the greatest sports teams on the planet—the Eagles, Steelers, 76ers, Pirates, Phillies, Flyers… The list keeps going, and it’s impressive. Anywhere you have an impressive collection of teams and sports fans, you’re going to have people who love to place bets on sports. To help you get into the real money betting right now, we’ve compiled a list of the best Pennsylvania sports betting sites currently offering service to PA residents and guests.

How We Evaluate PA Sports Betting Sites

We don’t expect you to just take our word for these being the best Pennsylvania sports betting sites. To explain why, here are a few of the more significant reasons these are the top betting options available to PA residents.

• The recommended list is regularly updated to reflect the most current top options.
• No online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania can buy or barter their way to a better review or higher recommendation.
• Our recommendations come from professional sports bettors and those with real industry experience.
• All of these PA sports betting sites have passed our rigorous tests for quality, safety, and trustworthiness.
• We won’t recommend any sports betting sites in Pennsylvania that don’t have a track record of taking care of customers the right way.
• These options have some of the biggest and best bonuses available to the Pennsylvania online betting market.

Are Sports Betting Sites in Pennsylvania Legal?

Yes! While most of the rest of the United States continues to operate in gray areas, PA is one of the few states with its act together. In November of 2018, the state rolled out fully-regulated online sportsbooks for residents and those visiting the Keystone State. These regulations laid out every aspect of how sports betting would be controlled and operated within the state.

Fast forward to 2021, and the market is now filled with top-quality Pennsylvania sports betting sites. The first year in the books brought in over $1.1 billion in wagers, $75 million in revenue for the gaming companies, and an impressive $26 million in state tax revenue. This led to about a $60 million boost in the state’s overall gambling revenue. In other words, it’s been a win-win-win for everyone involved, as promised.

What are you legally allowed to bet on? Great question. PA residents can use Pennsylvania betting sites to wager on professional sports, collegiate sports, and international sports. There are no limitations across the realm of traditional sports. Currently, though, you won’t be able to bet on the following:

• Esports
• Politics
• Entertainment
• Sports personnel (Coaches, referees, etc.)

Those interested in betting on horse racing can do so, but those rules and regulations are covered under separate legislation than sports betting in PA.

Keep in mind that all winnings made while betting online in Pennsylvania are subject to taxes. This has always been the case, but it does become much more trackable and enforceable when using state-regulated online sportsbooks.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Pennsylvania?

When it comes to which sports are offered for real money online betting action, the list is pretty endless. Expect to be able to bet on the four major sports (basketball, baseball, football, and hockey), as well as all of the smaller sports around the country and the globe. Currently, the top sports to place bets on in Pennsylvania are:

Best Pennsylvania Sports Teams to Place Bets on

While you can bet on any team in any of these sports, we did make sure to check that these Pennsylvania sports betting sites offered action on the most popular professional PA teams. You’re in luck if you’re looking for action on:

• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
• Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Philadelphia Union (MLS)
• Drexel Dragons (College)
• Bucknell Bison (College)
• La Salle Explorers (College)
• Penn State Nittany Lions (College)
• Temple Owls (College)
• Villanova Wildcats (College)
• Saint Joseph’s Hawks (College)
• Pittsburgh Panthers (College)

Banking Options Offered at PA Betting Sites

Thanks to advancements in state regulation, moving money around while betting online in Pennsylvania is now easier than ever. Without having to jump through the gray areas created in other states, banks and online processors can focus on security and ease of use. Currently, you’ll find a mix of the following banking options at the sites we’ve recommended:

• Checks by courier

Most of these options will work for deposits and withdrawals, though there may be some limitations. Before you make any deposit into an online sportsbook, make sure you fully understand the banking options you’re planning on using. Sometimes, a withdrawal option only becomes available if you’ve used it at least once in the past to make a deposit. This protects PA sports betting sites from accidentally sending money to the wrong person.

How Long Do Payouts From Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites Take?

Again, thanks to advancements in regulations, cashouts and withdrawals from these betting sites will be some of the fastest available in the US. Expect money to show up in your account after it’s processed by the withdrawal department in between a few hours or a few days. The only exception to this is checks by courier, which can sometimes take anywhere from five to 10 business days after approval to show up at your doorstep.

Are PA Online Betting Sites Safe?

One of the most common questions we get outside of the legality of these online sportsbooks is whether they are safe to use or not. The answer is yes, as long as you meet two conditions. First, you have to ensure you only bet with safe Pennsylvania sports betting sites.

The second part of this equation is making sure you’re following safe sports betting practices. You can be playing at the safest PA betting sites, but if you’re not doing your part, it will all be for nothing. Here are a few quick tips to keep you safe:

• Use a long and difficult password for your account
• Never log into your account or app from a shared computer or device
• Stick to the Pennsylvania betting sites we’ve already vetted
• Never bet when you’re intoxicated or emotional

Start Sports Betting Online With Real Money

Getting into the real money sports betting action in Pennsylvania is only moments away! Choose one of the top Pennsylvania sports betting sites we’ve recommended at the top of this page and create your free account. Make a deposit, and you should be ready to make your first online bet in a matter of minutes.

Pennsylvania sports bettors have plenty of options to make that wager on the next Steelers or Eagles game.

Our guide to online sports betting in Pennsylvania shares everything you need to start. From sports to available bets, from creating an account to your first deposit.

At PA sportsbooks, you’ll find plenty of generous promotions, new player bonuses, risk-free bets, and other incentives to get in the game.

Best online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

Overview of sports betting apps, bonuses, and promotions in PA

When it comes to sports betting in Pennsylvania, there are numerous options. The market is highly competitive, and that benefits players. That goes for new players looking to make some free bets or earn some extra cash with new sign-up bonus offers.

These bets are suitable for players who are testing multiple platforms. Here’s a look at some of the properties online, their live or online partners, and what bettors can expect when signing up:

FanDuel Sporstsbook app

Along with being one of the most popular DFS sites, this operator has also become a popular online sportsbook. In PA, FanDuel is partnered with Valley Forge (and Live! Philadelphia) for sports betting.

Those accustomed to FanDuel’s DFS or New Jersey online experience will be pleased with its PA sports betting app, as it is the same thing. That includes some additional odds boosts and other promotions. Those new to the book earn one free $500 risk-free bet. It’s a can’t-lose proposition.

DRAFTKINGS Sportsbook app

The Meadows quickly gained approval, opened its retail casino at the beginning of October 2019, and launched its DraftKings Sportsbook app on Nov. 4 2019, making it the sixth PA mobile sportsbook.

DraftKings offers new users a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000 (subject to some play-through requirements). You can also get a free $25 just for signing up. The site will give you five free $5 bets.

Unibet sportsbook app

A trusted brand in Europe and New Jersey is now live in Pennsylvania thanks to Mohegan Sun Pocono. Unibet Sportsbook brings PA players similar offerings to those found in the UK, with even more promotions.

At Unibet get $20 free just for signing up. When you deposit, you can get a risk-free bet of up to $250.

betmgm sportsbook app

One of the biggest brands in US gambling, BetMGM has made its way to Pennsylvania with both an online casino and online sportsbook now available. The BetMGM Sportsbook app, available for iOS and Android, has a healthy menu of betting markets as well as an Easy Parlay Builder.

BetMGM launched sports betting under the Hollywood Casino Morgantown license, which was approved by the PGCB days before the app debuted in PA. Penn National’s Morgantown mini-casino plans to open in 2021. BetMGM also has a partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making cross-promotions between the two common.

New BetMGM PA users can get a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500 using our bonus code PLAYBONUS. The sportsbook as well as the BetMGM online casino are linked to the world-class M Life Rewards program.

BetRivers sportsbook app

BetRivers is another well-known casino brand and bettors will also enjoy the online sports betting platform. Like SugarHouse, BetRivers Casino is owned by Rush Street Gaming and powered by Kambi, so bettors will find a similar experience with this casino and sportsbook. The BetRivers app operates under the Rivers Pittsburgh sports betting license.

New players will enjoy the $250 welcome bonus. Use the code MATCH250 and earn up to a 100% deposit bonus.

CAESARS ONLINE SPORTSBOOK

Caesars just launched in March 2020, and their platform is now integrated with its online casino. Partnered with Harrah’s Philadelphia, players can earn Caesars Rewards tier credits through online play, and switch back and forth between your favorite online casino games and sports betting.

New users in PA can get a 100% deposit bonus up to $500 by signing up to the Caesars Casino & Sportsbook through our exclusive links.

Parx sportsbook app

Another popular PA casino, this online book offers new bettors plenty of options and is powered by Kambi. Check out the trending matchups and make a wager.

New bettors can earn up to $250 as part of the 100% first deposit match bonus.

Parx Pa Online Sports Betting

BetAmerica sportsbook app

BetAmerica launched in Pennsylvania in December 2019 through Presque Isle Downs, which is operated by Churchill Downs. The app is a little low-tech compared to the other options in Pennsylvania. Churchill Downs is expanding the brand into other states though, so there is potential for improvements as it grows.

New users can get a free $25 bet as well as a 100% deposit match up to $100.

PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook App

SugarHouse, now Rivers Philadelphia, is a well-known casino in PA and offers a proven brand. Bettors can download the PlaySugarHouse Casino app for Android and easily navigate to the online sportsbook while iPhone users can use a third-party app, GeoGuard, to access the browser version of the sportsbook on their devices. The online book is powered by Kambi.

Take advantage of a 100% deposit-match bonus of up to $250. Use the promo code 250MATCH.

History of online sports betting in Pennsylvania

The first legal sportsbook opened in November 2018 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA.

That was just the start, as PA bettors can now enjoy numerous live sports betting at multiple locations around the state. Five months after Hollywood’s launch, the virtual betting windows also opened. SugarHouse Sportsbook subsequently went live online, making it the first sports betting app on the market.

By the start of football season, there were five different online betting sites up and running. Then, DraftKings joined the fray in November 2019 and the operator launches continued coming through 2020.

Caesars Online Sportsbook went live on March 10, 2020 and Penn National’s Barstool Sportsbook app was the tenth online sportsbook operator to launch, doing so in Sept. 2020. Wind Creek opened a new retail Betfred Sportsbook in November.

In Dec. 2020, Penn National added another partner with BetMGM Sportsbook launching under their Hollywood Casino Morgantown (mini-casino) license.

More online sportsbooks plan to launch

The popular PA sports betting market is still not done growing.

Live! Philadelphia plans to open in 2021 with a retail FanDuel Sportsbook. Wind Creek also plans to follow their retail opening with a Betfred online sportsbook.

Here is where each sportsbook’s progress stands:

Mobile apps and online betting

Using a laptop or mobile device makes betting convenient.

You can wager anytime, anywhere. After some struggles in gaining access to the Apple App Store, bettors have found more luck since those issues were resolved in PA.

Most operators now offer an app to make the experience even smoother.

For apps that have the approval to be in the Apple App Store, downloading is easy. Downloading on an Android device is also simple.

Advantages and disadvantages of mobile sports betting

Hitting the retail sportsbook makes for a fun way to enjoy an NBA or NHL playoff game. Or maybe you and some friends head to the book for a day of NFL games.

The mobile and online experience can add excitement to a game from the comfort of your home. Numerous advantages to wagering online make it so popular, including:

• • Plenty of conveniences: Bettors don’t have to venture out to a brick and mortar sportsbook and wait in line to place a bet. Those in the sportsbook may even find it easier to use a mobile app to bet while watching their bets play out on TV.
  • Safe and secure: Betting in a legalized US sports betting market offers the comfort and security that a player’s account is safe. That may not be the case with an illegal offshore site or the “guy in the neighborhood” bookie.
  • 24/7 betting: Bettors can wager on an app at any time of day. Mobile wagering is perfect for placing those Sunday NFL bets throughout the week. The opportunity to make a wager is always available.
  • Ease of use: Using an online platform is quite simple. Bettors can quickly scroll through all matchups and lines for almost any given sport or league. Contrast that with trying to find a matchup up at a live sportsbook, searching for the game you’re looking for in small font above the betting windows. In other words, betting on a mobile app is clear, simple, and as easy as tapping a team and an amount to wager.
  • No barriers to entry: Making a bet in a sportsbook can be intimidating for someone learning the system and maybe not familiar with the jargon. However, using an app or online site makes learning more about betting much easier. Using smaller bet increments also allows players to learn more before moving to higher stakes.

Signing up and depositing funds

Those ready to place an NFL parlay or Super Bowl futures bet only have to sign up and get started. You can use the links below to visit one of the online sportsbooks.

You must provide your name, address, email, and other details to get started. Also, you need to provide a username and password. Yes, it’s that easy to create your account.

Then you can make that first deposit to start earning the first-deposit bonus, welcome bonus or a risk-free bet. Most sportsbooks offer many ways to deposit.

Some of the more common options include:

• Bank (wire) transfers
• Credit or debit cards
• E-checks (ACH transfers)
• E-wallets
• Neteller
• PayNearMe (cash payments at numerous retail outlets, including 7-Eleven and CVS)
• PayPal
• Prepaid cards

Beyond those options, you can also deposit cash at the partner casino’s cashier cage.

One thing to remember: Bettors don’t have to physically be in Pennsylvania to create an account or make a deposit.

Those in a border state may way to create an account for a short drive over to do some sports betting. Maybe you’re headed to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh for business or a big NFL game. Plan ahead; create that account so you can bet on the game.

It’s an easy process and only takes a few minutes. Also, withdrawals are accessible with several options, even including cash withdrawal at a casino.

What bets can I make online?

Sports bettors can find just about any wager online one might find in a sportsbook in Las Vegas. Online betting platforms offer wagering on all major leagues and matchups, with no closing times.

Here are some of the types of bets you will find:

• Straight
• Totals (over/under total points)
• Futures
• Moneyline
• Parlays and teasers
• Prop
• Live, in-game

Most popular sports to bet on in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sports fans have plenty of home teams in all the major sports as well as college teams. Online sportsbooks make for betting on the local team an easy proposition. The state’s professional and college teams include:

• NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles
• MLB: Philadelphia Phillies
• NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers
• NBA: Philadelphia 76ers
• MLS: Philadelphia Union
• College sports: Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Villanova, University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League), La Salle, Bucknell, Temple, Lehigh, and others.

Which PA team gets the most betting action?

The NFL season is the most popular season for sports betting.

That goes for most of the sports landscape, and the Steelers and Eagles should bring plenty of action. Plenty of bettors started making NFL Week 1 and futures wagers as soon as live and online sportsbook opened for business.

As America’s most popular league, the NFL remains top dog when it comes to betting revenue and handle. The league schedule allows for a week of study and analysis for bettors, then peaking with plenty of action on Sunday.

Along with NFL action, college football should also make for some popular teams for some of the state’s bettors. The Penn State Nittany Lions are regularly among the top teams in the Big Ten conference.

Basketball and baseball are also popular betting seasons, and the state has plenty of teams to follow. March Madness is also popular, and PA has several teams that are regularly a part of the action, including 2018 champion Villanova.

The future of sports betting in PA

The outlook for sports wagering in the Keystone State looks excellent.

As of March 2021, there are many sportsbook options, including online and mobile platforms. With nice revenue numbers during the first few months, football season showed significant market gains in the state.

Retail sportsbooks

Those looking for a day at the sportsbook for some games and betting action are in luck in Pennsylvania. That’s because there are currently a dozen legal sportsbooks in the state. Those are:

• Hollywood Casino
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
• Parx Casino
• South Philadelphia Turf Club
• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino
• BetAmerica Sportsbook at Presque Isle Downs
• The Meadows
• Mount Airy
• Mohegan Sun Pocono (Unibet Sportsbook)
• The Downs at Lehigh Valley (Unibet Sportsbook)

Where can you bet on sports?

What’s legal and illegal to bet on in PA

Sports betting has taken center stage in Pennsylvania since it was legalized in October 2017 and went live in 2018. However, there were a couple of forms of sports betting that were already legal.

Daily fantasy sports

Sports fans have been able to legally take part in daily fantasy sports (DFS) within the state of Pennsylvania since 2018. DFS remains a popular form of entertainment, especially during football season. The minimum age to take part is 18 years.

Overview of DFS options

PA legislators officially legalized and regulated DFS in May 2018. The state’s licensed operators are:

• Boom Fantasy
• DRAFT
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• FantasyDraft
• Fantasy Football Players Championship
• FastPick
• Sports Hub
• Scout Fantasy Sports
• Yahoo Fantasy

Horse racing

Horse racing is the oldest legalized form of gambling in the state. First legalized in 1959, several tracks remain open to bettors. Those include:

• Harrah’s Philadelphia: Harness
• Penn National Race Course: Thoroughbred
• The Meadows Racetrack: Harness
• Mohegan Sun Pocono: Harness
• Parx Casino and Racing: Thoroughbred
• Presque Isle Downs: Thoroughbred

Off-track betting options

There are also several off-track betting (OTB) or off-track wagering (OTW) facilities within the state for making wagers away from the tracks. Bettors must be at least 21 years or older to bet on horses. OTB options include:

• The Downs at East Stroudsburg
• The Downs at Lehigh Valley
• South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook
• The Meadows Racetrack Harmar
• Oaks Race & Sportsbook – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
• Penn National OTW Lancaster – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
• Penn National OTW York – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

PABets (TVG) and FanDuel Racing offer legal mobile and online horse betting. Both sites subsequently provide excellent first-deposit bonuses for those looking to make some bets on the Triple Crown or other races. That includes:

• PABets: Earn a 50% deposit match of up to $250 with our exclusive code LSRTVG.
• FanDuel Racing: Using the same code above, new FanDuel Racing users in PA can get a $10 bonus just for signing up, and a risk-free bet up to $200.

FAQ about PA sports betting

Eleven of Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos and racinos applied for sports betting operator licenses. All retail and most online sportsbooks planned for PA are now up and running, with loads of betting options including pre-game and in-game for all major sports and many lesser-known sports.

PGCB regulations dictate that online sports betting is only allowed from inside the state. Bettors’ locations are verified through IP address confirmation and geolocation before bets are accepted.

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, it is. Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in October 2017 when the federal law against sports betting changed.

That change came when the Supreme Court ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional in May of 2018.

Do I have to live in PA to bet online?

No. Players need to be in the state when placing bets online, but they do not need to reside in PA in order to have an account on a betting app.

The apps can figure out whether or not you are in the state by using geolocation technology that will pinpoint your location before you are allowed to bet.

Who oversees sports gambling?

PGCB has regulatory jurisdiction over sports betting in PA. It is responsible for setting up regulations to govern sports gambling, issuing licenses to sports betting operators, and overseeing all sports betting operations and activity.

Who can apply for a Sports Wagering Certificate?

The new sports betting law in the state only allows slot machine license holders to apply for Sports Wagering Certificates. These Sports Wagering Certificate allow holders to open up a sportsbook and take bets.

There are currently 11 casinos that applied for a sports betting license. However, the application process is an open one, which means there is no deadline for casinos to apply for the license.

How much money will sports gambling generate?

It’s impossible to say how large the market will eventually be for legal sports betting in PA. There will certainly be significant competition from neighboring states.

Pa Online Sports Betting Apps

Additionally, the 36% tax in PA could limit the size of the market. Competitors paying fewer taxes could offer more value to PA gamblers, drawing them outside the state and hurting the local market substantially.

In May 2018, the US Supreme Courtstruck down the law that made sports betting illegal pretty much everywhere outside of Nevada. It also upheld a 2014 New Jersey law aimed at allowing sports betting in casinos and racetracks by a vote of 6-3, opening the door to legal and regulated sports betting all across the country.

Pennsylvania lawmakers passed sports betting legislation as part of a comprehensive gambling expansion plan approved in October 2017.

History of sports betting law in PA

In 2015. Rep. Rick Kotik introduced legislation aimed at legalizing sports betting at PA casinos. Kotik saw the popularity of illegal sports betting in PA and touted the need to regulate and tax it.

Rep. Rob Matzie co-sponsored the bill and put together a resolution in December 2015 asking Congress to repeal the federal ban on sports betting. A move that would ultimately allow states to make their own decisions on sports betting.

The PA House passed the resolution in January 2016, but the bill really went no further.

In January 2017 Matzie introduced new sports betting legislation to the House. It was a follow-up to Kotik‘s original 2015 bill, but it went even further.

This bill changed the constitutional language involved and directed the PGCB to create regulations including rules and procedures for sports betting in PA.

The bill asked for a $5 million licensing fee from PA casinos and racinos interested in building sportsbooks. It also called for an 18% tax on sports betting revenue.

The bill got approval from the House Gaming Oversight Committee in April but never went to vote in either branch of the PA legislature.

PA gambling expansion

Soon, PA began considering several different gambling expansion initiatives. This included PA online gambling, video gaming terminals, and PA online lotterysales.

Lawmakers started putting together comprehensive gambling expansion legislation for PA adding in all these measures.

It went back and forth between the House and Senate several times, with a reworking of Matzie’s sports betting legislation added to the sixth version of the bill.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Revenue

The legislature ultimately passed the seventh version and Gov. Tom Wolf signed it into law on Oct. 30, 2017. It still included sports betting legislation pending a change in federal law.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

That meant sports betting was officially legal in Pennsylvania, pending a change in federal law that came on May 14, 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional.