Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Pennsylvania sports betting is legal and live online, as well as at racetracks, casinos and in-person locations in the state. The online betting market launched in 2019 and now contains more than a dozen PA sports betting apps including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM.
Top Pennsylvania sports betting sites 2023
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What’s happening in PA sports betting right now
- March 10, 2023 — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board informed PA sports betting operators that the term “free bet” is no longer allowed in the state.
- March 10, 2023 — Ahead of Selection Sunday, just two Pennsylvania colleges have a realistic shot of factoring into 2023 March Madness. Penn State and Pittsburgh are both on the bubble to make it into the 64-team bracket.
- March 1, 2023 — Pennsylvania football fans still upset about the Eagles Super Bowl loss can turn the page to a new season with the NFL combine. PA sportsbooks are now offering prop bets on combine events such as the 40-yard dash, bench press and broad jump.
- February 23, 2023 — January started strong for PA with $772.2 million in sports betting handle. That figure was up from December, but down about $20 million from January 2022. Revenue for January was $57.9 million, down from December but up from January 2022.
- February 12, 2023 — The Philadelphia Eagles lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57. After jumping out to an early lead, the Eagles were outscored 24-11 in the second half.
- February 9, 2023 — The Philadelphia Eagles prep to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57 in Arizona. After opening as underdogs for the big game, the Eagles are -1.5 favorites in Super Bowl odds 72 hours before kickoff.
- January 27, 2023 — Pennsylvania Rep. Ed Neilson said in a memo to colleagues that the state should add eSports to the state’s gaming menu. There is currently a facility dedicated to hosting large eSports events being built in Philadelphia.
- January 18, 2023 — PA posted strong December sports betting numbers taking in $754.8 million in handle in the month with revenue hitting $71.6 million. That revenue total was a massive 87.7% increase from December 2021.
Comparing top sports betting apps in PA
There are multiple online sportsbooks to choose from in Pennsylvania, each of which has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, what works best for you and your situation will come down to personal preferences and the games or teams you like to bet on. Here’s a quick look at the best books in several key categories:
- Best sportsbooks for top events: DraftKings, FanDuel. These two books are consistently at the top of the charts for handle in PA. They’re on point for top games and events, with innovative features like DraftKings’ Flash Bet and FanDuel’s same-game parlays.
- Best sportsbooks with biggest overall selection: BetMGM, BetRivers. While all of the top sportsbooks have a good selection of sports to choose from, BetMGM and BetRivers have a deeper bench, including snooker at the former and handball at the latter.
- Most consistently competitive odds: Betway, Unibet. The PA sports betting marketplace is incredibly competitive, so all books need to be on top of their games. Betway and Unibet consistently pay careful attention to the odds and lines from release right to game time and through live betting.
- Top sportsbook for player rewards: BetRivers. BetRivers has the iRush Rewards program, which lets bettors accrue points and climb tiers in straightforward fashion. You can also use the points at Rivers Philadelphia and Rivers Pittsburgh.
- Best sportsbook for football bets: BetMGM. Top books showcase special bets for Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles games, but not all of them roll out the red carpet for gridiron fans. BetMGM is the exception with regular offerings, bet boosts, and promos.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings’ welcome bonus helps bring customers in the door, and many of them stick around once they check out the slick betting platform. Beyond the basics, other solid features include live betting, betting pools, and the prop menu layout. However, regular promo offerings could be better.
- App rating: 4.9 (iOS), 4.8 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Slick platform with a variety of attributes.
- Best feature: Flash Bet
- PA bonus: $1,200
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook has been part of the Pennsylvania sports betting scene for more than two years, but reintroduced an upgraded version of the app in August 2022. The new Caesars features a flashier interface, flexible limits, and a wider range of betting lines. Time will tell if the new engine actually affects the endless lobby scroll in a positive manner.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A new app should provide a flashier and more streamlined experience for Caesars bettors.
- Best feature: Odds boosts
- PA bonus: $1,250
3. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM has been steadily climbing the charts in PA and tends to be one of the top three sportsbooks in terms of betting handle. It has a deep menu of sports to choose from, as well as a good variety of betting options. BetMGM also does a good job with recurring promos, but usability on the website doesn’t quite match the app.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Impressive variety of sports and betting options.
- Best feature: Easy parlays
- PA bonus: $1,000
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
As a familiar local name, BetRivers has a built-in advantage in the Pennsylvania market. That’s not all it has going for it, though, as it also offers one of the best rewards programs for sports bettors that you’ll find. There’s a great selection of sports and bets to choose from, but overall performance on the website and app could use some improvement.
- App rating: 3.8 (iOS), 3.6 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Great selection with a chance to claim rewards.
- Best feature: Rewards program
- PA bonus: $500
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel has regularly topped the revenue charts in PA, and it’s not too hard to see why. Whether you’re on the web or mobile, the user experience is solid, with everything you need a click or swipe away. Newer innovations like same-game parlays have been a hit, but this is another site that could step it up with promos for regular players.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: User-friendly with great features.
- Best feature: Same game parlays
- PA bonus: $1,000
6. Betway Sportsbook
Already a top sportsbook internationally, Betway is quickly gaining momentum in North American markets. The app is easy to use, offers solid odds and great live-betting options. Betway also gives users a cash-out option to withdraw winnings mid-game if they want to cut their losses, and the app even allows live streaming of some events. And while Betway does have many deposit options available, some users complain of low withdrawal limits and sessions that expire too quickly, making the user sign in continuously.
- App rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Solid odds and live betting
- Best feature: Live streaming and cash-out options
- PA bonus: $250
New sports betting apps in Pennsylvania
PointsBet is the newest sportsbook to launch in the state, arriving in February 2022. That brings the total to 14. If and when additional online sportsbooks enter the market, we’ll update this page with the latest information. Here are the most likely sportsbooks to launch next in Pennsylvania:
- Betfred, possibly 2022
- Golden Nugget, 2022
How to get started with best Pennsylvania sportsbook bonuses
To play at a legal online sportsbook in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to sign up for an account. You can do this from inside or outside state lines. However, you must be in Pennsylvania to place a bet. The registration process is generally very simple. Follow the prompts and provide the requested information. As for bonuses, here are five of the best offers to take advantage of:
- DraftKings Promo Code: Get up to $1,200 in bonus bets.
- Caesars Promo Code: Get $1,250 on Caesars + 1,000 Reward Credits and 1,000 Tier Credits.
- BetMGM Bonus Code: Get up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.
- BetRivers Bonus Code: A 2nd chance bet up to $500.
- FanDuel Promo Code: A no-sweat first bet up to $1,000.
Sportsbook promos are great incentives for trying out a new site, but make sure that you understand how they work. Here are some of the most common offers that you’ll come across:
Deposit bonus: The sportsbook will match one of your deposits — generally the first — up to a certain amount in site credits. Bonus funds have a playthrough requirement that you’ll need to meet before you can withdraw them or any winnings from them.
Odds boosts: Sportsbooks will enhance the odds on select bets. Thanks to the boost, a winning bet pays out a larger profit than it would normally. You need to win the bet, though.
First bet offers: For a first bet offer, you will first have to place a wager that meets the sportsbook’s conditions. If you win, then you simply collect the profit from your win. If you lose, however, the site will issue you site credits equivalent to a percentage of your lost bet.
The account sign-up process will take just a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll have access to a legal and safe Pennsylvania online sportsbook.
10 quick facts about Pennsylvania sports betting
- Sports betting received the green light in Pennsylvania in 2017, pending federal law changes.
- The first legal retail sportsbook opened in November 2018.
- Legal online sports betting launched in May 2019.
- Sportsbooks in the state recorded their first month of $100 million in handle in August 2019.
- The state’s record so far is January 2022 at more than $794 million in handle.
- To legally bet on sports in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 or older.
- Betting is available on college sports, including in-state teams. The state does not allow player props on college athletes.
- Betting on high school sports or entertainment-related events is not legal.
- You don’t need to be a resident to sign up or play, but you must be within state lines when placing bets.
- Those with a close affiliation to leagues or teams cannot wager on their own sports.
What to expect at a legal Pennsylvania sports betting site
Pennsylvania sports bettors have legal and safe options for wagering, and they can do so at their convenience. The state itself benefits from increased tax revenues that it wouldn’t see otherwise, as well as via additional jobs in the sports betting industry.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees sports betting in the state. Protections are in place for consumers to ensure fair treatment and safe handling of funds at all legal sportsbooks. Pennsylvania also allows online casino gambling and poker. Many sportsbook apps include an integrated casino or poker app.
Latest PA sports betting news
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Regulator Bans ‘Free Bet’ Promo Marketing
Pennsylvania sports betting regulators are the latest to crack down on marketing bets as risk-free, amid an industry-wide shift. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, on Friday, informed PA sports betting…
Pennsylvania sports betting law and regulations
Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, but the gears on the new industry didn’t start moving until after the US Supreme Court ruling in May 2018 that struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Retail books opened in November 2018, followed by the online launch in May 2019.
Lawmakers in the state battled over tax rates, licensing fees, budget deficits and other elements before settling on HB 271. Sports betting legislation became part of a more comprehensive gambling expansion package that included online casino games, online poker, mini-casinos, tablet gaming and more. It also established one of the higher tax rates in the country for sports betting.
Here are some key points of the 2017 sports betting legislation in PA:
- Applicants must pay a one-time $10 million licensing fee for sports betting.
- Sports betting revenue is subject to a 36% tax rate.
- Online sportsbooks must partner with a land-based casino, each of which is permitted one online skin.
What sportsbooks are legal in PA?
There are 14 legal online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania as of 2023:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetAmerica Sportsbook
- Betfred Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Betway Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Parx Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- SugarHouse Sportsbook
- Unibet Sportsbook
Popular sports to bet on in Pennsylvania
Pro sports have a long history in Pennsylvania. All of the major pro leagues have teams here, but rooting interest is split down the middle in many cases, with teams from the two major cities to choose from.
- NFL: Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers
- NBA: Philadelphia 76ers
- MLB: Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates
- NHL: Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins
Betting on college sports is legal in Pennsylvania, with no restrictions on in-state teams, but player props on college athletes aren’t permitted. Top attractions include Penn State and Pitt for football and Villanova and Temple for basketball.
Other major sports such as soccer, UFC and golf also generate betting interest. Many sportsbooks also offer a roster of smaller sports, including cricket, darts and lacrosse.
The law limits betting to actual sports competitions, but the lines can get blurry around the Super Bowl with props tied to the coin flip and other not-quite-on-field events. Wagering on events like the Oscars, reality television, weather, or elections is not legal.
Pennsylvania sports betting history
Efforts to legalize sports betting in Pennsylvania began gaining momentum in 2015. After plenty of back and forth in the legislature, sports betting officially became legal in the state in 2017 as part of a broader gambling expansion bill.
However, substantive progress didn’t happen until the following year. The first retail sportsbooks opened in November 2018, while the online rollout didn’t happen until the following May.
In comparison to its neighbor, New Jersey, PA took its time starting online betting. However, Pennsylvania has evolved into one of the top markets for legal sports betting in the US. Here are some of the significant milestones along the way:
2017: Gov. Tom Wolf signs HB 271 into law. The comprehensive bill opens the door to legal sports betting pending changes to federal law.
2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down PASPA to put the sports betting legalization question into the hands of individual states. Retail sportsbooks begin opening in PA in November.
2019: Legal online sports betting finally arrives in May 2019. SugarHouse is the first site to launch, with several others following before the year is done.
2020: By March 2020, nearly 90% of all sports bets in the state take place via mobile. The growth of the industry slows in the midst of COVID-19 lockdown measures, but it quickly regains traction after restrictions loosen.
2021: Pennsylvania sets a personal best for betting volume with $776 million in handle in October 2021.
2022: PA kicks off the year with a record in January of $794 million in total bets.
Pennsylvania sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. Retail sports betting made its debut in November 2018, followed by the introduction of online and mobile options beginning in May 2019. Gov. Tom Wolf signed a comprehensive gambling expansion bill in 2017 that included sports betting.
Where can I bet on sports in PA?
The most convenient way to bet in Pennsylvania is online. Legal online sportsbooks use geolocation tracking to verify your location, as you must be in state lines when placing your bet. Retail sportsbooks are at state casinos and racetracks, as well as a few off-track betting locations.
- Harrah’s Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National
- Live! Casino & Hotel
- Mohegan Sun Pocono
- Mount Airy Casino
- Parx Casino
- Presque Isle Downs
- Rivers Philadelphia
- Rivers Pittsburgh
- South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook
- The Meadows Casino and Racetrack
- Valley Forge Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
How old do I have to be to bet on sports in PA?
To bet on sports online or in-person in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 or older. Online sportsbooks will verify your age as part of the registration process.
Can you bet on horse racing in Pennsylvania?
Yes, betting on horse racing is legal. The state is home to several operating racetracks that feature live racing on select days throughout the year:
- The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono
- Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- The Meadows
- Parx Racing
- Presque Isle Downs
You can also bet on approved ADW sites such as PABets powered by TVG.
Are daily fantasy sports contests legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it’s legal to play daily fantasy sports in Pennsylvania. All of the industry’s top names — including DraftKings and FanDuel — are available in the state.
Can you bet on Villanova basketball in Pennsylvania?
Yes, betting on Villanova basketball is legal in Pennsylvania. The state has no prohibitions on wagering on any in-state college teams, in fact. However, you can’t bet on individual college player props.
More resources on Pennsylvania sports betting
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board website, which includes information on licensing, monthly revenue reports and responsible gambling resources.
- Map of PA casinos via the PGCB website.
- 2017-18 sports betting law, signed by Gov. Tom Wolf
- Philadelphia Inquirer sports, coverage of the local, state and national sports scene.
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, coverage of the local, state and national sports scene.