PA Sports Betting: Best Legal Pennsylvania Betting Sites

Pennsylvania sports betting is a mature market that boasts some of the best sportsbook promotions, with 12 legal Pennsylvania sportsbooks and counting. Sports bettors can access the best PA sportsbook promos and bonuses from these trusted Pennsylvania sports betting sites.
Best PA sports betting sites 2023
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- FanDuel Benefits
- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
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- PointsBet Benefits
- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
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- Caesars Benefits
- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
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- BetRivers Benefits
- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- NFL live streaming
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- DraftKings Benefits
- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
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- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
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- Unibet Benefits
- Awesome welcome bonus
- Consistently good pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
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- Betway Benefits
- Modern betting platform
- 24/7 customer support
- Dedicated loyalty program
- Betway Review
- Online and retail sports betting is live now
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 12 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:
July 26, 2023: Golden Nugget receives approval to launch its online casino in PA.
May 18, 2023: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board releases PA's April sports betting handle. Pennsylvania sportsbooks gathered $572.1 million in wagers for the month.
May 1, 2023: The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Boston Celtics in game one of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals.
April 20, 2023: The Pennsylvania Gaming Board announces that legal PA sportsbooks accepted $723.5 million in total wagers in March.
March 28, 2023: State Rep. Ed Neilson and others introduce House Bill 733 in an effort to legalize esports betting in Pennsylvania.
March 20, 2023: Pennsylvania takes in $599.5 million in bets in February, a 22% drop from the state's January handle.
Feb. 13, 2023: Despite being the betting favorite, the Philadelphia Eagles suffer a 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
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.
Oct. 30, 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.
Is sports betting legal in PA?
Yes, legal sports betting arrived in Pennsylvania when Gov. Tom Wolf signed HB 271 into law on Oct. 30, 2017. The state took its first retail bet in November 2018.
Bettors can now wager online or in person with 12 PA retail sportsbooks.
Best PA sports betting offers and bonuses
In a competitive market, PA's online sportsbooks need to incentivize free-agent bettors to choose their sports betting platforms. Here are the best Pennsylvania sportsbook bonuses for new users in 2023:
Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
Use Caesars promo code COVERSBONUS1000 when you sign-up with Caesars Pennsylvania to secure up to $1,000 in bonus bets. If your first real money wager settles as a loss, Caesars Sportsbook will refund your initial stake, up to $1,000, back in bonus bets. Must place initial wager within 30 days of activating your account to qualify.
FanDuel - Bet $5, get $200
FanDuel is dishing out $200 in bonus bets for new Pennsylvania customers. Deposit $10, make a $5 wager on any market, and FanDuel Sportsbook will credit your account, win or lose, within 72 hours. No FanDuel promo code is required.
DraftKings - Bet $5, get $200 + $150 in bonus bets
New DraftKings Sportsbook PA users receive $200 in bonus bets, once a qualifying $5 deposit and wager is placed. Regardless of the outcome, DraftKings Sportsbook will dish out eight $25 bonus bets. Additionally, new PA bettors can claim one "no sweat token" per eligible NFL gameday, up to three per week. Tokens are worth up to $50, totaling $150, and only issued if qualifying wager is unsuccessful. No need to worry about a DraftKings promo code either.
BetMGM - $1,500 back in bonus bets
Use BetMGM bonus code COVERSBONUS to claim the self-proclaimed "King of Sportsbooks" latest offer. New customers get a first bet offer of up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets. BetMGM PA will refund your stake up to $1,500 in bonus bets if you lose, in equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet. You won't need a BetMGM promo code to claim the offer either.
PointsBet - Bet $50, get an official jersey
New PointsBet PA users can claim a $1,000 in bonus bets, without using a PointsBet promo code. Wager up to $100 for 10 consecutive days and receive an equal stake in bonus bets if the wager loses.
Unibet - $500 second chance bet
First-time customers in PA can claim a $500 second-chance bet with Unibet, without the need of a Unibet promo code. 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 sports betting sites
While Pennsylvania sports bettors have more than a dozen online sportsbooks to choose from, some sports betting platforms stand out as must-haves for both new gamblers and experienced handicappers. Here are our top five PA sports betting options for bettors:
1. FanDuel PA
The operator’s latest welcome bonus is supported by an industry-leading online sports betting app, plenty of bet types and promotions, and some exclusive live-streaming partnerships. Add in its industry-leading same game parlay betting experience and it’s difficult to find a sportsbook option superior to FanDuel PA.
Dive into our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-7 days

2. DraftKings PA
DraftKings provides Pennsylvanians with one of the best online sports betting experiences in the industry, hands down. DraftKings Sportsbook holds its own as our top choice of the best PA sports betting apps in 2023, presenting a polished design and user-friendly interface.
Placing sports bets is simple and smooth via the operator’s site and premier sportsbook app. The numerous sports betting 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 Sportsbook Review to discover more about DraftKings PA.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 + $150 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
3. Caesars Sportsbook PA
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 online sports betting app to claim its huge welcome bonus. An impeccable interface and top-notch customer support make for an exceptional mobile 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: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
- Payout speed: 1-5 days

4. BetRivers PA
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 bonus bets.
The BetRivers sportsbook app, which can be downloaded directly from the site, is also user-friendly and straightforward. Be sure to give the Rush Street Interactive sports betting platform 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 bonus bet
- Payout speed: 1-14 days

5. BetMGM PA
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 the online sportsbook presents competitive odds and tons of bet types and sports to select from. BetMGM PA has plenty of deposit methods and a stunning platform for mobile and online sports betting.
Get the full details on BetMGM PA in our BetMGM Review.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,500 back in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 2-8 days
What sportsbooks are legal in PA?
There are currently 12 legal PA sportsbooks actively taking bets in Pennsylvania.
- FanDuel - Best sportsbook
- DraftKings - Great app
- Caesars - Huge sign-up bonus
- BetRivers - Perfect for newbies
- BetMGM - Best payment options
- SugarHouse - Fun weekly promos
- Betway - Most secure
- Unibet - Solid odds
- PointsBet - Unique bet types
- Barstool - Lots of markets
- Betfred - Daily odds boosts
- betPARX - Modern interface
Legal sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sports bettors may place wagers via retail sportsbooks, online betting sites, and mobile apps.
You can place bets in person at retail 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 | PENN | 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 |
PointsBet |
Yes | PointsBet | Yes | N/A |
SugarHouse | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Rivers Casino |
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 sports betting news
Who can partake in PA sports betting?
Pennsylvania sports betting law allows bettors to register their sportsbook 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
Pennsylvania has 12 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 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 sportsbooks in PA is evidenced by the fact that 95% of bets are placed online. The convenience of mobile and online betting reduces the need or inclination to visit retail sportsbooks.
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.
How to start betting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania online sportsbooks make it easy for you to place your first sports wagers. Legal sports betting via online accounts can be set up anywhere, while in-person bets can be placed at retail sportsbooks within 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 when selecting online sportsbooks.
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 online sports betting apps to get started.
Claim a bonus
The competition among Pennsylvania's legal sports betting sites is fierce, with most sportsbooks offering one of the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses to entice new Keystone State sports 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.
- Second-chance bet: If you place a first-time wager and lose, the stake may be refunded and available for use as site credits or cash.
- Bonus bets: You may qualify for a bonus 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 the Philadelphia Eagles with -150 odds will return $5 plus the original bet. Underdogs have plus odds that offer better returns. For example, a $10 wager on the Philadelphia Phillies with +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 sports 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.
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 |
2023 | $772.3M | $599.5M | $723.5M | $572.1M | $495.5M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $3.16B |
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 major league teams, like Joel Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers, 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 sports 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.
PA sports betting law
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. In 2023, there are 12 betting apps accepting wagers.
Here's a brief look at legal PA sports betting:
- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates all online and retail sports betting in PA.
- You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Pennsylvania.
- There are 12 legal sports betting sites operating in PA.
- Sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 36% in PA. A 0.25% federal excise tax is also applied to total sports betting handles.
- Betting on politics, esports, or amateur athletes under the age of 18 is prohibited.
- College sports betting (in-state included) is allowed in PA.
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 for bettors 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 sites | 12 |
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 |
Last Verified | Oct. 1, 2023 ✅ |
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.
Sports bettors in Massachusetts felt joyous on Jan. 31, 2023, the first date that they could visit a retail sportsbook and place a legal wager. Massachusetts sports betting fully came into effect when online betting sites launched on March 10, 2023.
Legal Kentucky sports betting launched on Sept. 7, 2023, with the arrival of retail wagering. Online sports betting became available to Bluegrass State bettors in Sept. 28, 2023.
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:
PA sports betting history
Legal sports betting arrived in PA six months after the Supreme Court of the United States lifted the nationwide ban on event wagering.
In 2023, Pennsylvanians can also submit their picks at over a dozen online and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
2023: bet365 gains PA market access in January via a partnership with Churchill Downs.
A bill to legalize esports betting, HB 733, is introduced in March.
2022: PointsBet launches its online sportsbook and casino in Pennsylvania, while Chickie's & Pete's Malvern becomes the first restaurant and sports bar to open a race and sportsbook — Parx Race and Sportsbook.
2021: Pennsylvania takes in over $6.5 billion in sports betting handle in the 12 months ending December 2021.
2020: Barstool Sportsbook, Betfred Sports, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook launch mobile betting apps in PA. Pennsylvania more than doubles its 2019 sports betting handle, generating over $3.5 billion in total wagers in 2020.
2019: PlaySugarHouse launches its Pennsylvania online sportsbook. The operator takes PA's first legal online bet in May. BetRivers, FanDuel, FOX Bet, DraftKings, Parx (now betPARX), and Unibet launch online operations later in the year. TwinSpires, now closed in PA, also goes live.
2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) falls as the Supreme Court removes the federal ban on sports betting. In November, Hollywood Casino accepts the first legal wager in Pennsylvania.
2017: Gov. Tom Wolf signs House Bill 271 into law on Oct. 30, legalizing online and retail sports betting in PA.
List of Pennsylvania resources
Visit these helpful PA sports betting online resources to keep tabs on everything sports gambling in Pennsylvania:
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board: Regulating body in Pennsylvania
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania: Help and support for problem gamblers in PA
- House Bill 271: 2017 sports betting bill signed by Gov. Tom Wolf
- PA sports betting rules: What you can bet on in Pennsylvania
- List of PA sports gaming licensees: Legal sportsbook operators in PA
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 12 legal sports betting apps in Pennsylvania: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, BetMGM, SugarHouse, Betway, Unibet, 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.

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.