PA Sports Betting: Best Legal Pennsylvania Betting Sites
Pennsylvania sports betting is a mature market that boasts some of the best sportsbook promotions, with 14 legal Pennsylvania sportsbooks and counting. Unlock the best promo codes and bonuses in PA from these trusted Pennsylvania sports betting sites.
Best PA sports betting sites 2023
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.1/5- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.2/5- Frequent special offers and promotions
- Proprietary online sportsbook software
- Fast withdrawals
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5- Awesome welcome bonus
- Consistently good pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- Online and retail sports betting is live now
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 14 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Pennsylvania sports betting updates
In October 2017, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf put his signature on an extensive gambling expansion bill that set the table for legal Pennsylvania sports betting. 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:
Jan. 9, 2023: bet365 announces it has secured Pennsylvania market access through a deal with Churchill Downs. At the time of this update, bet365 is available in three — New Jersey, Colorado, and Ohio — states.
Oct. 23, 2022: The Philadelphia Phillies punch their ticket to the World Series, courtesy of Bryce Harper's go-ahead two-run home run.
Oct. 18, 2022: Pennsylvania sports betting action sees a spike in September, with the state taking in $645.2 million in wagers as opposed to August's $363 million.
Oct. 14, 2022: Greenwood Gaming extends its partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, making betPARX and Parx Casino official partners of the franchise.
Oct. 7, 2022: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) bans DraftKings Reignmakers, a daily fantasy contest that replaces traditional entrance fees with NFTs.
Aug. 17, 2022: Betting at Pennsylvania's sportsbooks continued to slide in July. Sports betting operators took $336.5 million in bets, nearly $60 million less than the previous month.
Aug. 8, 2022: European operator Novibet secures an online sportsbook and iCasino market access deal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, expecting to launch in 2023.
June 22, 2022: Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin opts to divest his stake in the parent company of numerous pro sports franchises, including the Philadelphia 76ers, with Fanatics soon to launch its sports betting operation.
April 13, 2022: PointsBet debuts its online casino product in PA. The iGaming platform is also available in Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
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 PA 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: PA sportsbooks take in approximately $761.6 million in bets in November, while Pennsylvania saw sports betting revenues climb to $84.9 million.
Nov. 17, 2021: Pennsylvania registers 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 PA sports betting site to go live.
November 2018: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course accepts the first legal sports wager in Pennsylvania.
May 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (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, officially legalizing PA sports betting.
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 the ban on Pennsylvania sports betting.
Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Pennsylvania
DraftKings Sportsbook leads the charge amongst the best PA sports betting sites due to its extraordinary app, 24/7 live support, and ease of use for new bettors.
New DraftKings bettors can take advantage of a high-value Pennsylvania sports betting bonus, a bet $5, get $200 offer. In addition, DraftKings also offers daily promotions and consistent odds boosts.
DraftKings Sportsbook holds its own as our top choice of the best sports betting apps in 2023, presenting a polished design and user-friendly interface. Additionally, all new account activations and cash deposits incorporate the DraftKings' Dynasty Rewards program enrollment.
Bettors gain access to vast market coverage, live betting, and all the popular bet types with up-to-the-minute odds. Discover more of the operator’s key features in our unbiased DraftKings Sportsbook review.
Best offers and bonuses in PA
In a competitive market, online PA sportsbooks need to incentivize free-agent bettors to choose their platforms. Here are the best Pennsylvania sportsbook bonuses for new users in 2023:
Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: Use promo code COVERSBONUSFULL when you sign-up with Caesars Pennsylvania to secure up to $1,250 on Caesars. If the initial wager misses the mark, Caesars will reimburse your account with bet credits. First-time users also get 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits.
FanDuel - $3,000 no sweat first bet: For new customers in PA, FanDuel has put forth a chance to nab up to $3,000 in bonus bets. If you lose your first wager, FanDuel will return the entire amount in the form of bonus bets within 72 hours. This offer expires on Feb. 12, 2023.
BetMGM - $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets: No BetMGM promo code is needed to claim the self-proclaimed "King of Sportsbooks" latest offer. New customers get a first bet offer of up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. BetMGM PA will refund your entire stake, up to $1,000, in bonus bets if you lose.
PointsBet - Up to $500 in Free Bets: New PoinstBet PA users can use promo code 5X100RC to claim up to $500 in free bets. Lose your first bet of the day during any of your first five days of betting with PointsBet, and the sportsbooks will return your stake in full, up to $100.
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.
Top five PA betting sites
While Pennsylvania sports bettors have more than a dozen online sportsbooks to choose from, some betting platforms stand out as must-haves for both new gamblers and experienced handicappers. Here are our top five PA sports betting sites:
1. DraftKings PA
Bet $5, get $200 in free bets
No code required
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. The numerous sports markets, bonuses and promotions, fantasy sports, 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.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in free bets
- Payout speed: 1-3 days
2. FanDuel PA
$3,000 No Sweat First Bet
No code required
The operator’s latest welcome bonus 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 Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
3. Caesars Sportsbook PA
Up to $1,250 on Caesars
Code: COVERSBONUSFULL
An official sports betting partner of the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers, Caesars Sportsbook PA recently revitalized its online product in the state, meaning Pennsylvanians can now access its excellent mobile betting app to claim its huge welcome bonus. An impeccable interface and top-notch customer support make for an exceptional app experience.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on the best sportsbook in Pennsylvania.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
4. BetRivers PA
Up to a $500 free bet
Code: SPORTS
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 by using 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. Be sure to give the Rush Street Interactive property a chance.
Refer to our BetRivers Review for more expert analysis.
- App store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 3.8 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to a $500 free bet
- Payout speed: 1-14 days
5. BetMGM PA
$1,000 back in bonus bets
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. BetMGM PA has plenty of deposit methods and a stunning platform for mobile and online betting.
Get the full details on BetMGM PA in our BetMGM Review.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 back in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 2-8 days
What sportsbooks are legal in PA?
There are currently 14 legal PA sportsbooks actively taking bets in Pennsylvania.
- DraftKings - Best sportsbook
- FanDuel - Great app
- Caesars - Huge sign-up bonus
- BetRivers - Perfect for newbies
- BetMGM - Best payment options
- SugarHouse - Fun weekly promos
- FOX Bet - Fast payouts
- Betway - Most secure
- Unibet - Solid odds
- TwinSpires - User-friendly
- PointsBet - Unique bet types
- Barstool - Lots of markets
- Betfred - Daily odds boosts
- betPARX - Modern interface
Legal sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sports betting may occur via retail sportsbooks, online betting sites, and mobile apps.
You can place wagers in person at sportsbooks located within casinos and racetracks, such as Hollywood Casino, Mohegan Sun Pocono, BetRivers Sportsbook, and Penn National.
PA's online sportsbooks accept your picks from anywhere in the state.
Pennsylvania sports betting sites
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barstool  |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Penn |
| Betfred Sports |
Yes | OpenBet | Yes | Wind Creek Bethlem |
| BetMGM |
Yes | BetMGM | Yes | Hollywood Casino |
| betPARX |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Parx 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 |
| PointsBet |
Yes | PointsBet | Yes | N/A |
| SugarHouse | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Rivers Casino |
| TwinSpires |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Presque Isle Downs |
| Unibet |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Mohegan Sun Pocono |
Land-based PA sportsbooks
| 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 |
Latest Pennsylvania betting news
Who can bet on sports in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania sports betting law allows bettors to register their accounts without having to visit a casino.
We’ve outlined the pertinent details that you need to know about:
Legal age
PA sportsbooks will only accept online wagers from adults 21 and older. Land-based casino gambling carries the same age requirement.
Mobile betting
Pennsylvania permits legal online sports betting via mobile devices as well as in-person at its retail sportsbooks. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board governs all gambling in the state.
Remote registration
Pennsylvania sports betting sites offer remote registration from anywhere within its borders. New sports bettors can open and fund legal PA sports betting accounts without having to visit a casino or racetrack in person.
Within state borders
Online sports betting must take place inside Pennsylvania state lines. Geolocation software in mobile sports betting apps prevents anyone not located in PA from placing a bet with a legal sportsbook.
Retail sportsbooks
There are 13 retail Pennsylvania 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 winnings
The 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 pros and cons of PA sports betting
The demand for online PA sportsbooks 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 for Pennsylvania sportsbooks means some lines and odds are less favorable than in other states. Some bookies will add a little extra juice to a line to make up for the high tax rate for online betting.
Poor odds due to high tax ratesRetail experience less enticing due to online sportsbooksNo NFL Draft or esports bettingHow to start betting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sportsbooks make it easy for you to place your first online sports wagers. Legal online sports betting accounts can be set up anywhere, while in-person bets can be placed at casinos and tracks throughout the Keystone State.
Select a sportsbook
Choosing which Pennsylvania sports betting site to register with is not unlike the comparison shopping you do for online purchases. Consider sign-up bonuses, payout speed, banking options, and the quality of odds available.
Register online
Submitting personal information, including your legal name, date of birth, and address, is standard registration practice when creating new PA sports betting accounts. Tap the sign-up or corresponding button on your chosen sites or apps to get started.
Claim a bonus
The competition among Pennsylvania sports betting sites is fierce, with most sportsbooks offering one of the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses to entice new Keystone State bettors. Look out for the following:
- Deposit bonus: Some PA sportsbooks will match your initial deposit up to a certain percentage or as a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Risk-free bet: If you place a first-time wager and lose, the stake may be refunded and available for use as site credits or cash.
- Free bets: You may qualify for a free bet by making a cash deposit or placing a qualifying bet on a specific betting market or event. They carry restrictions, so read the fine print.
Choose your bet
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.
Deposit
You can fund your newly created account via the sportsbook’s cashier or dedicated banking section. The most credible Pennsylvania betting sites usually redirect you here automatically after the initial sign-up process. Simply choose from the best sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods to get started.
Start betting
As a new player, you should review each of the Pennsylvania betting sites to find the best legal online sportsbooks that align with your needs and bankroll.
Leveraging multiple PA sportsbooks is a strategy to help you shop for better lines and odds. Sports gamblers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can also choose from several retail sportsbooks, which offer different odds and in-person experiences.
Withdraw
This is one of the most important non-gambling functions for legal online sports betting in PA. If and when you win a bet, you should be able to easily withdraw those funds. Not all Pennsylvania sportsbooks have the same withdrawal policies, so be sure to read the terms and conditions associated with your preferred payment type.
Odds explained
The default type of odds leveraged by PA sports betting sites 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.
What you can't bet on in Pennsylvania
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.
Politics
Political betting is not allowed at any Pennsylvania sportsbook. In fact, this kind of betting isn’t offered anywhere in the United States.
esports
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.
What about college sports?
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.
PA sports betting handle
Pennsylvania’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 toward sports gambling. This means sportsbooks are generating more revenue — and so does the state — from taxes on sports betting.
Pennsylvania sports betting action picked up in August 2022, and the state saw another boost in September with the NFL regular season underway.
This table illustrates how much money Pennsylvania pulls in from sports betting every year:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $7.25B | $597.3M | 8.2% | $144.4M |
| 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 |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | $793.7M | $597M | $714.9M | $572.8M | $493.3M | $393.5M | $336.5 | $363M | $645.2M | $797.1M | $789.2M | $754.8M | $7.25B |
| 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 |
Home team advantage: Pennsylvania sports
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.
With college sports betting legalized, don't forget that you can make a parlay bet on your favorite college teams, including Penn State University, Temple University, Villanova University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Other types of gambling
Pennsylvania offers traditional casino gambling at PA online casinos, in person at land-based casinos, and at some taverns throughout the state.
Casino
Blackjack, roulette, video poker, slot machines, and other games can be played at real money online casinos 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.
Poker
Some 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 racing
There 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 sports
Pennsylvania 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.
Quick facts: Pennsylvania sports betting
Pennsylvania has been a major player since the early days of legal sports betting in the U.S. They remain one of the few states where you can play online poker as well.
Our Pennsylvania quick facts table below has all the brass tax:
| Launch date | November 2018 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | Up to 24 |
| Number of betting sites | 14 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 12.9 million |
| Total handle (2021) | $6.75 billion |
| Tax rate | 36% |
| State regulator | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
Responsible gaming in Pennsylvania
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 PennsylvaniaLegal U.S. sports betting markets
The state-by-state sports betting legislation enabled by SCOTUS has already produced several other legal markets in addition to Pennsylvania. These U.S. jurisdictions have now legalized sports gambling:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
On Nov. 23, 2022, seven Maryland betting sites came online and began to accept legal sports wagers.
Retail and online sportsbooks made their Ohio sports betting debut on Jan. 1, 2023.
Massachusetts is moving closer to an online sports betting launch date. Sports bettors in Massachusetts can visit a retail sportsbook as early as January 2023 and remain hopeful that legal Massachusetts sports betting sites will follow suit in March.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are still numerous states looking to legalize and we're constantly tracking states that allow sports betting.
The following regions may potentially offer online sportsbooks and legal sports gambling in the near future:
Pennsylvania sports betting conclusion
There has been an absolute explosion in Pennsylvania sports betting, fueled primarily by online sportsbooks. Bettors can enjoy all the excitement of college sports, poker, and online casino sites in the Keystone State.
One key drawback of Pennsylvania sportsbooks is the high tax rates which often lead to less favorable odds compared to other states. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania betting sites continue to see steady growth, and we expect more to launch in the near future.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Pennsylvania
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Pennsylvania sports betting FAQ
Yes, PA sports betting is legal for anyone 21 or older. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates all gambling activity in the state.
Yes, online sports betting sites have been operating legally in Pennsylvania since May 2019.
There are now 14 legal sports betting apps in Pennsylvania: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, BetMGM, SugarHouse, FOX Bet, Betway, Unibet, TwinSpires, PointsBet, Barstool, Betfred, and betPARX.
Download a legal betting app to get started with sports betting in PA. After signing up, claiming a bonus, and making a deposit, you'll be ready to find your chosen bet, add it to your bet slip, and confirm your wager.
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.
You must be 21 or older to place a legal sports bet in Pennsylvania.
No, but you must be inside state lines to bet with a Pennsylvania betting site.
Yes, you can bet on Penn State, Villanova, Temple, the University of Pittsburgh, and more.
The most popular gameday bets in PA are the point spread, Over/Under (totals), moneylines, and player and team props.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the biggest sports betting cities in Pennsylvania.
The state’s first legal wager was placed at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in mid-November 2018.
Yes. Barstool Sportsbook launched its first-ever online sportsbook in Pennsylvania on Sept. 15, 2020. Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino is home to the Barstool Sportsbook.
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Mike has been researching and reviewing products for more than a decade. The former travel and entertainment publisher is all in on sports betting. When he's not sweating picks or supporting Covers' betting experts in making smarter sports bettors, you can find him by the BBQ, perfecting his cross-hatch marks.
