Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Pennsylvania sports betting is now legal and regulated, with a growing and robust industry that first launched in 2018 and expanded online in 2019.
With a variety of companies operating platforms for legal sports betting in PA, bettors continue to benefit from competition to acquire customers in the form of introductory promo offers. Read on for more information about the PA sports betting market:

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
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Legal sports betting in Pennsylvania
Legal, licensed and regulated
Pennsylvania legalized sports betting as part of a comprehensive gaming expansion in 2017. That law contained an activation clause which was recently met.
The US Supreme Court struck down the federal ban known as PASPA, clearing the way for state-based legislation. Prior to the ruling, Nevada held what amounted to a legal monopoly on single-game wagering in the US.
States are now permitted to set their own laws, and PA is poised to take full advantage of the opportunity to offer sports betting.
The law permits wagering on both professional and collegiate events. Bets can be placed in person, online, or on a mobile device. Bettors must be at least 21 years old.
License applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of $10 million for sports betting. Once granted, the licensee’s revenue is taxed at a rate of 36 percent.
PA sports betting falls under the regulation of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The PGCB is responsible for licensing, and the rigorous testing for online sportsbooks before they go live. Compliance and responsible gambling enforcement are also handled by the PGCB.
What is legal to bet on in PA?
You can now bet on all pro sports, college games, and international sporting events. The only legal requirements are that you are over 21, inside state lines, and not on a self-exclusion list; this applies to both live and online bets. There is no requirement to be a permanent resident of Pennsylvania.
There are some restrictions for betting:
- Bets can only be taken on sports, not on things like the NFL draft, elections, and the Oscars.
- No bets on esports.
- Personnel involved in sports leagues (officials, coaches, etc.) can’t bet on their own sports
Horse racing is also available, though these are licensed separately. There are three legal online horse betting sites available in PA – along with actual racetracks and OTB facilities.

Best PA sports betting apps in 2021
Mobile PA sports betting launched in May 2019, with SugarHouse Sportsbook first to test its product and go fully live. By 2021, there were more than 10 PA sports betting apps on the market.
The launch was not without its hiccups. For the first two months, it was not possible to access a PA online sportsbook from any iOS device (iPhones and iPads). Some operators now do offer iOS functionality, but it is still a stumbling block for some. It’s always possible to bet from an Android device or desktop/laptop computer.
Below is a list of the top sports betting apps for iOS and Android.

Bonuses
First deposit receives up to $50 free bet, plus up to $1,000 in deposit bonuses
Features
Unique betting carousel, wide variety of markets including niche leagues
DraftKings Sportsbook App
The leading brand in daily fantasy sports is rapidly expanding into sports betting, and that includes PA. Using the sports betting license of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, DraftKings entered PA at the tail end of 2019 and is competing for the top spot in market share with FanDuel.

Bonuses
Get $40 free, plus up to $500 risk-free bet
Features
Offers in-play betting on major leagues, golf, soccer and tennis
Unibet Sportsbook App
A heavyweight in online gambling in Europe, Unibet is quickly getting serious about its aspirations in the US. Partnered with Mohegan Sun Pocono, the Unibet brand is not as well-known around the country or in Pennsylvania, but that could change in a hurry with a marketing push.

Bonuses
Get up to $500 risk-free bet with deposit
Features
Offers early cash-out and excellent live betting features
Fox Bet Sportsbook App
BetStars became Fox Bet after being acquired by media giant Flutter in 2019, creating one of the more interesting tie-ups between an iGaming company and a media operation. Flutter plans to operate both the FanDuel and Fox Bet brands for the foreseeable future.

Bonuses
Offering up to $1,000 risk-free bet for new players
Features
Built in live streaming for NHL, NHL, NBA and MLB
FanDuel Sportsbook App
FanDuel Sportsbook PA operates through the license of Valley Forge Casino Resort. The early market leader in New Jersey brings the same app with it to Pennsylvania, with geolocation technology used to determine where the bettor is located. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet up to $1,000 for new signups. FanDuel Sportsbook owns top market share in PA.

Bonuses
Get up to $600 risk-free bet with a new account
Features
MGM provides regular odds boosts and wide range of betting markets
BetMGM Sportsbook App
BetMGM Sportsbook PA operates through the license of Hollywood Casino Morgantown, which is expected to open a mini-casino in 2021. The sports betting app offers a variety of markets and regular promotions, including odds boosts. BetMGM is offering up to $600 risk-free bet for new signups.
This brand is associated with the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh; it is also run by Rush Street Interactive and Kambi. You’ll get a matched bonus up to $250 based on your first deposit at the site. BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites, looking very similar and offering the same bonus deals.
It took far longer than expected but gaming heavyweight Caesars launched its sportsbook app in Pennsylvania in March 2020. Caesars starts behind its rivals but carries a brand name that could help to close the gap quickly in an online-heavy market.
Barstool Sports, the controversial online sports media company, is expected to launch in PA in late summer 2020. Penn National Gaming bought a large stake in Barstool and will roll out the brand throughout its large footprint as a regional casino operator.
This brand leveraged its New Jersey experience to get a head start on the competition. SugarHouse’s sportsbook has a social feel, with contests, progress bars for bonuses, and lists of recent winners. You can bet on a huge range of sports on their platform. This was created by Rush Street Interactive and Kambi.
Parx — the biggest casino in PA in terms of revenue — has partnered with international giants GAN and Kambi for sports betting. You’ll get a $10 free bet to wager with and check out the site for signing up.