Last Updated May 11, 2022, 04:18 PM ET
Pennsylvania sports bettors can register, make deposits, and confirm their bets from anywhere in the Keystone State. Competition between U.S. betting sites is fierce, allowing bettors to claim lucrative welcome bonuses of up to $1,000.
Since accepting its first legal wager in 2018, Pennsylvania has become one of the largest and most profitable legal sports betting markets in the country. With the addition of PointsBet, PA is now home to 13 online sportsbooks and a host of retail alternatives.
Covers has provided industry-leading sports betting expertise to Americans since 1995. See our list of the top online sportsbooks in PA above.
FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Pennsylvania due to its industry-best welcome bonus, slick mobile app, and consistently competitive odds.
PA sports bettors new to FanDuel can make their first wager, up to $1,000, risk-free. If the bet registers as a loss, FanDuel PA will refund the total amount in the form of site credit. This offer gives new users an incentive to take a shot at a more significant payday with their initial wagers.
FanDuel's top-tier mobile app has been a go-to option for PA bettors since it launched in the summer of 2019. The app's intuitive layout, responsiveness, and stability make it easy for users to navigate. The FanDuel app includes all of the sportsbook's top features, making it one of Pennsylvania's best sports betting apps in 2022.
FanDuel's competitive odds round out the sportsbook's resume in PA. It's rare to find a betting app with such a wide array of perks, let alone one that features reasonable odds across the board. FanDuel PA checks both boxes in the Keystone State. Check out our FanDuel review for more on the FanDuel Sportsbook.
In a competitive Pennsylvania market, online sportsbooks need to incentivize free agent bettors to choose their platforms. Here are the best Pennsylvania sportsbook bonuses for new users in 2022:
FanDuel - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: A major player in the DFS space, FanDuel is presently offering new sports bettors a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. Should you sign up with the sportsbook, make a bet, and lose, you will receive the amount back as site credit within 72 hours of your wager settling.
Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,100 in First Bet Insurance: Should you happen to lose your initial wager with Caesars in PA, you will have that amount (up to $1,100) refunded to your account within 48 hours as a single-use free bet. Get it now by using promo code 'COVERSCZR.'
BetMGM - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: BetMGM matches the FanDuel welcome bonus with a $1,000 risk-free bet of its own. If your first bet of $1,000 or less comes up short, BetMGM will return the full amount in the form of free bets.
PointsBet - $500 Risk-Free Bet: PointsBet PA offers new users a $500 risk-free bet on their initial wagers. If you don't win your first bet, the full amount, up to $500, will be returned in site credit.
Unibet - $500 Risk-Free Bet: First-time customers in PA can claim a $500 risk-free bet with Unibet. It's worth noting that the bonus money provided should you lose your first bet must be wagered 1x on any sports market or 20x via casino at odds -300 or higher to convert it to withdrawable cash.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
$1,000 risk-free bet
No code required
FanDuel has been providing Pennsylvanians with one of the state’s best legal online sports betting experiences since the summer of 2019. It all starts with the operator’s pristine welcome bonus, a malleable $1,000 risk-free bet, and is supported by an industry-leading mobile platform, plenty of bet types and promotions, and some exclusive live-streaming partnerships. It’s difficult to find an option superior to FanDuel PA, making the sportsbook well worth checking out.
Dive into our FanDuel Review for more information.
$500 risk-free bet up
No code required
From Australia to Pennsylvania, PointsBet’s sports betting experience is formidable across the board. What stands out most is the unique features the operator offers, such as “Karma Kommittee” – which offers refunds if particular situations happen to torpedo your bet – regularly boosted parlays, and its trademark Points Betting option, which gives users the chance to win or lose more based on the accuracy of their wagers.
Learn more via our extensive PointsBet Review.
Deposit match up to $1,000
No code required
As in most states where it’s legal, DraftKings provides Pennsylvanians with one of the best online sports betting experiences in the industry, hands down. Placing bets is simple and smooth via the operator’s site and premier mobile app, and the numerous sports markets, bonuses and promotions, and zippy payout system keep DraftKings PA firmly locked into the list of the state’s top-five sportsbooks.
Read our DraftKings Review to discover more about DraftKings PA.
$1,000 risk-free bet
No code required
Arguably the most famous brand name in sports betting and beyond, BetMGM has taken advantage of its reputation and generated a sportsbook that PA bettors would be wise to peruse. Users will find that some of the best odds on the market are presented by the operator and that those are supported by tons of bet types and sports to select from. Additionally, BetMGM PA has plenty of bonuses and promos, myriad deposit methods, and a stunning online and mobile platform.
Get the full details on BetMGM PA in our BetMGM Review.
$250 deposit match
250MATCH
While it lacks the same notoriety as some more prominent brand names, BetRivers delivers a sports betting experience that Pennsylvanians shouldn’t hesitate to investigate. More than anything else, BetRivers specializes in satisfying its active customers, doing so by way of its iRush rewards program, and providing regularly boosted odds and free bets. The BetRivers mobile platform, which can be downloaded directly from the site, is also user-friendly and straightforward, such that it can hold its own against other top-tier options.
Refer to our BetRivers Review for more expert analysis.
Gambling entities operating within the state make it easy for you to start betting on sports. Legal online sports betting accounts can be set up anywhere, while in-person bets can be placed at casinos and tracks throughout Pennsylvania.
Choosing which Pennsylvania sports betting site to register with is not unlike the comparison shopping you do for online purchases. It’s important to research and narrow down the options. The proximity of the retail sportsbook to your home is likely the deciding factor, but they may not have the best odds.
Submitting personal information including your legal name, date of birth, and address is standard registration practice. Tap the sign-up or corresponding button to get started.
The competition among sportsbooks is fierce, with most offering generous welcome offers to entice new Keystone State bettors. Look out for these types:
PA sports betting revolves around traditional bets like the point spread, Over/Under (totals), and moneylines. Player and team props come into play, too. Live betting wagering platforms have captivated sports gambling thanks in large part to their high-quality interface and lightning-quick load speeds.
Funding your newly created account via the sportsbook’s cashier or dedicated banking section is a required step. The most credible operators usually redirect you here automatically after the initial sign-up process. Simply choose your preferred deposit option from the available list.
As a new player, you should review each of the Pennsylvania betting sites to find the best legal online sports betting options that align with your needs and bankroll.
Leveraging multiple online sportsbooks is a strategy to help you shop for better lines and odds. Sports gamblers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can choose from multiple retail sportsbooks, which offer different odds and in-person experiences.
This is one of the most important non-gambling functions for legal online sports betting. If and when you win a bet, you should be able to easily withdraw those funds. Not all sportsbooks have the same withdrawal policies.
The default type of odds leveraged by U.S. sportsbooks is known as American odds. Let's look at a practical example for context:
Favorites are identified by a minus (-) sign, while the underdog is assigned a plus (+) value. Since the favorite is the team expected to win, you will have to wager more to win less money. For example, a $10 wager on -150 odds will return $5 plus the original bet. Underdogs have plus odds that offer better returns. For example, a $10 wager on +150 odds will return $15 plus the original bet.
Some betting sites offer fractional or decimal odds, too. Decimal point odds and fractional odds are different ways to present similar odds and might be easier for some bettors to understand. Use our odds converter to toggle between each classification.
In October 2017, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf put his signature on an extensive gambling expansion bill that set the table for legalized sports gambling. The bill later came into effect after SCOTUS upended the federal ban on single-game betting in May 2018.
This timeline highlights milestones in Pennsylvania’s sports gambling history:
Feb. 9, 2022: Chickie's & Pete's Malvern becomes the first establishment in the U.S. to open a race and sportsbook (Parx) in a restaurant and sports bar.
Feb. 7, 2022: PointsBet takes its first bet in PA, kicking off a three-day soft launch in the state. The sportsbook expects to be fully operational before Super Bowl 56.
Jan. 20, 2022: PoinstBet will soon offer online sports betting and casino products in Pennsylvania, following the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's decision to award sports wagering and interactive gaming operator licenses.
Jan. 11, 2022: A decision on PointsBet's license to operate in PA is expected next week during Penn National Gaming's hearing with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. PointsBet would be tethered to Penn National's Hollywood Casino York.
Dec. 21, 2021: Sportsbooks took in approximately $761.6 million in bets in November, while Pennsylvania saw sports betting revenues climb to $84.9 million.
Nov. 17, 2021: Pennsylvania registered its highest sports betting handle to date, $776.3 million for the month of October, eclipsing the previous high from January 2021.
Nov. 10, 2021: Betway enters into a partnership with the Philadelphia Flyers, including on-ice branding during the team’s home games.
October 2021: Pennsylvania sees its sports betting handle for September hit nearly $580 million largely due to NFL wagers.
Sept. 22, 2021: MaximBet secures market access in Pennsylvania through a deal with Caesars Entertainment.
May 2019: SugarHouse becomes the first betting site to go live in Pennsylvania.
November 2018: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course accepts the first legal sports wager.
May 2018: PASPA is struck down by the Supreme Court, meaning sports betting can be legalized at the state level.
October 2017: Gov. Tom Wolf signs bill H 271 into law, which officially makes sports betting legal in PA.
December 2015: Rep. Rob Matzie led a bill that urged the US Congress to lift the federal ban on sports betting.
October 2015: Rep. Rick Kotik introduced a bill that aimed to repeal Pennsylvania's ban on sports betting.
Pennsylvania sports betting may take place in person or online. Local betting sites accept wagers from your desktop or mobile apps. Wagers may also be placed in person at sportsbooks located within casinos and racetracks.
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barstool  | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Penn |
| Betfred Sports | Yes | Playtech | Yes | Wind Creek Bethlem |
| BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | Yes | Hollywood Casino |
| BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Rivers Casino |
| Betway | Yes | Betway | Yes | Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | Caesars | Yes | Harrah's Philadelphia |
| DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | Yes | The Meadows |
| FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | Yes | Valley Forge Casino |
| FOXBet | Yes | TSG | Yes | Mount Airy Casino |
| Parx | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Parx Casino |
| PointsBet | Yes | PointsBet | No | N/A |
| TwinSpires | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Presque Isle Downs |
| Unibet | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Mohegan Sun Pocono |
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
| The Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028 | (717) 469-2211 | Kambi |
| Wind Creek Bethlehem's Sportsbook | Wind Creek Casino | 77 Wind Creek Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18015 | (484) 777-7777 | Playtech |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Rivers Casino Philadelphia | 1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125 | (877) 477-3715 | Kambi |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Rivers Casino Pittsburgh | 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | (412) 231-7777 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook at The Meadows | The Meadows Racetrack & Casino | 210 Racetrack Rd, Washington, PA 15301 | (724) 503-1200 | Kambi |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Valley Forge Casino | 1160 1st Ave, King of Prussia, PA 19406 | (610) 354-8118 | Flutter |
| Mount Airy Sports Book | Mount Airy Casino | 312 Woodland Rd, Mt Pocono, PA 18344 | 877) 682-4791 | IGT |
| Parx Race & Sportsbook | Chickie's & Pete's Malvern | 10 Liberty Boulevard Suite 190 Malvern, PA 19355 | (484) 327-3700 | Kambi |
| Parx Sportsbook | Parx Casino | 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 | (888) 588-7279 | Kambi |
| South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook | South Philly Turf Club | 700 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | (215) 551-8270 | Kambi |
| TwinSpires Sportsbook | Presque Isle Downs & Casino | 8199 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA 16509 | (866) 374-3386 | SBTech |
| Unibet Sportsbook | Mohegan Sun Pocono | 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 | (570) 831-2100 | Kambi |
| Unibet Sportsbook | Lehigh Valley Race & Sportsbook | 1780 Airport Rd., Allentown, PA 18109 | (610) 266-6559 | Kambi |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Casino | 777 Harrah's Blvd., Chester, PA, 19013 | (800) 480-8020 | Caesars |
Pennsylvania serves as a model for how it regulates registration for online sports betting: Players can register their accounts without having to visit a casino. This is a significant benefit for those getting started with sports gambling, especially those who prefer to wager at home or at a local bar instead of a brick-and-mortar casino.
We’ve outlined the pertinent details that you need to know about:
Legal age21 is the legal age in Pennsylvania for online sports gambling via a computer or mobile device. Land-based casino gambling carries the same age requirement as sports gambling or any other form of gaming.
Mobile bettingPennsylvania permits legal online sports betting via a mobile device as well as in-person at its retail sportsbooks. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board governs all gambling in the state including retail and online sports betting.
Remote registrationPennsylvania betting sites offer remote registration from anywhere within its borders. This allows players to open and fund a legal online sports betting account without having to visit a casino or racetrack in person. This is a comfort not offered in every state with legal sports gambling.
Within state bordersOnline sports betting must take place inside Pennsylvania state lines. Geolocation software in mobile sports betting apps should prevent anyone using the services from placing online sports bets outside of PA.
Retail sportsbooksThere are 13 retail sportsbooks located inside casinos and racetracks throughout the state. Sports bets can be placed with a ticket writer or via a kiosk at all locations. There’s even a sports betting lounge for BetRivers customers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
Taxable winningsThe federal government deems money made from sports betting as income and is taxed at a 24% rate for winnings greater than $600. Winnings can be offset by losses which should reduce personal tax burdens. Pennsylvania also has a flat-rate personal income tax of 3.07% for all taxable income — including gambling and lottery winnings. The state and its counties collect tax revenue from all sports betting activities at 34% and 2%, respectively.
The state’s demand for online sports betting is evidenced by the fact that 95% of bets are placed online. The convenience of mobile and online wagering reduces the need or inclination to visit retail outlets.
The high tax rate in PA for sportsbooks means some lines and odds are less favorable than other states. Some sportsbooks will add a little extra juice to a line to make up for the high tax rate.
Poor odds due to high tax ratesRetail experience less enticing due to online sportsbooksNo NFL Draft or esports bettingPennsylvania’s sports gambling handle has increased from millions to multi-billions in the wake of legalization. These figures continue to climb as more fans gravitate towards sports gambling. This means sportsbooks are generating more revenue — and so does the state — from taxes on sports betting.
This table illustrates how much money Pennsylvania pulls in from sports betting every year:
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2022 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | $6.75B | $505.5M | 7.8% | $122.5M |
| 2020 | $3.5B | $269M | 7.5% | $81M |
| 2019 | $1.5B | $111M | 7.5% | $30M |
| 2018 | $17M | $2.5M | 14% | $905K |
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | $793.7M | $597M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $1.39B |
| 2021 | $615M | $509M | $560M | $479M | $447M | $420M | $304M | $348.5M | $525.8M | $776.3M | $761.6M | $750.4M | $6.75B |
| 2020 | $348M | $329M | $131M | $46M | $77M | $89M | $165M | $365M | $463M | $526M | $492M | $548M | $3.5B |
| 2019 | $32M | $31M | $44M | $37M | $36M | $46M | $59M | $109M | $194M | $241M | $316M | $342M | $1.5B |
| 2018 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $1.4M | $16M | $17.4M |
Pennsylvania sportsbooks can offer odds on traditional sports played on the field. They are not allowed to post odds for off-field sports-related events like the NFL Draft. Additionally, you cannot place a wager on major awards ceremonies like the Academy Awards.
Pennsylvania sports bettors have used Illegal bookies for years. There are differences between legal and illegal sports gambling. The new legal online sports betting sites, apps, and retail sportsbooks are helping to make sports fans feel more comfortable betting than ever before.
Political betting is not allowed at any Pennsylvania sportsbook. In fact, this kind of betting isn’t offered anywhere in the United States.
The popularity of esports has not yet translated to legal betting markets. It is not legal to bet on at any Pennsylvania sports betting site or retail sportsbook.
PA sports betting permits wagering on all college sports that a given sportsbook chooses to promote. College football and basketball are by far the most popular college sports to bet on.
These collegiate teams garner the most attention: Penn State Nittany Lions, Pitt Panthers, and Villanova Wildcats.
It’s tempting to always back your local team, but that strategy can quickly backfire and ruin your bankroll. We recommend that you do some preliminary research before laying down action on the hometown. Our how to bet guides are a handy resource for beginner and casual bettors.
Pennsylvania offers traditional casino gambling online, in person at casinos, and at some taverns throughout the state.
CasinoBlackjack, roulette, video poker, slot machines, and other games can be played online or in person at the state’s various casinos. The brick-and-mortar casino blackjack rules are among the best in the US. Gambling odds and rules for casino games may differ online and offline.
PokerSome casinos such as Parx and Rivers offer live poker games. There are multiple websites offering real-money online poker including BetMGM, Borgata, PokerStars, and WSOP.com. More should be launching soon in PA.
Horse racingThere are six horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania. Parx, Penn National Race Course, and Presque Isle Downs are thoroughbred tracks. The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Harrah’s Philadelphia, and Meadows are all harness racetracks. There are multiple apps and websites to bet the races without visiting the track.
Hollywood Races — run by Penn National Gaming — offers pari-mutuel horse race betting. There are a number of off-track betting (OTB) outlets located throughout the state if you do not wish to visit a racetrack.
Fans of horse racing can wager online with the best horse racing betting sites. These include AMWager, BetAmerica, Betfair Exchange, TVG, and TwinSpires. BetMGM will soon offer an app just for horse racing bettors.
Daily fantasy sportsPennsylvania offers a variety of daily fantasy sports (DFS) websites and apps. DraftKings, FanDuel, Monkey Knife Fight, Yahoo, and SuperDraft are among the available DFS gambling options in PA. DraftKings and FanDuel have the most active players and offer larger DFS prize pools than the others.
Casino gambling is not new to Pennsylvania. The state has had plenty of time to come up with programs to address players who get too caught up in gambling. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has a website dedicated to responsible gaming.
The state is a member of the National Council Of Problem Gambling. Like all states with legal gambling, anyone with a problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Visit Council on Compulsive Gambling of PennsylvaniaThe state-by-state sports betting legislation enabled by SCOTUS has already produced several other legal markets in addition to Pennsylvania. These states now offer legal sports gambling:
Yes, PA sports betting is legal for anyone 21 or older. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates all gambling activity in the state.
Pennsylvania sports betting can take place online with a computer or mobile app and in person at a retail sportsbook inside a casino or racetrack.
No, but you must be inside state lines to bet with a Pennsylvania betting site.
Yes, you can bet on professional and college teams that are based in Pennsylvania.
The state collected $81 million in tax revenue from sports betting in 2020.
Pennsylvania has the highest tax rate for sports betting in the U.S. at 36%. Additionally, all sportsbook operators pay a $10 million license fee to operate in the state.
The most popular gameday bets in PA are the point spread, Over/Under (totals), moneylines, player and team props.
You may place a sports bet online with a computer or mobile app. Those who prefer to place a wager in person can do so at a casino or race track.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
The state’s first legal wager was placed at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in mid-November 2018.
Yes. Barstool Sports launched its first-ever online sportsbook in Pennsylvania on Sept. 15, 2020. Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino is home to the Barstool Sportsbook.
Yes, legal sports betting is available in Pennsylvania and at Parx Casino.
Michael Duchesne is a senior commercial content editor at Covers, who has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not supporting Covers' broad array of betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
Established in 1995,
