Best offers and bonuses in PA
In the competitive Pennsylvania market, online sportsbooks need to incentivize free agent bettors to choose their platforms. Here are the top welcome offers for PA bettors in 2022:
FanDuel - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: A major player in the DFS space, FanDuel is offering new sports bettors a $1,000 refund (in site credit). If you lose your first bet — up to $1,000 — FanDuel will refund the full amount to your sportsbook account.
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.
Barstool Sportsbook - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: Barstool's "2 for 1 New Player Bonus" is an excellent promo for users new to the Barstool platform. Players can place any bet up to $1,000 and receive the total amount back in bonus cash should their bets lose.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Timeline of sports betting in Pennsylvania
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:
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.
Who can bet on sports in Pennsylvania?
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 age
21 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 betting
Pennsylvania 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 registration
Pennsylvania 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 borders
Online sports betting must take place inside Pennsylvania state lines. Geolocation software in sports betting apps should prevent anyone using the services from placing online sports bets outside of PA.
Retail sportsbooks
There 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 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 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.
Easy online registration
Plenty of retail sportsbooks
Substantial online promotions and bonuses
Poor odds due to high tax rates
Retail experience less enticing due to online sportsbooks
No NFL Draft or esports betting
How to start betting in Pennsylvania
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.
1
Select a sportsbook
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.
2
Register online
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.
3
Claim a bonus
The competition among sportsbooks is fierce, with most offering generous welcome offers to entice new Keystone State bettors. Look out for these types:
- Deposit bonus: Some 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.
4
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.
5
Deposit
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.
6
Start betting
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.
7
Withdraw
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.
Odds explained
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.
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 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:
Yearly breakdown
| 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 |
Monthly handle
| Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
| 2022 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 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 |
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.
Legal sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
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.
Pennsylvania's online and mobile sportsbooks
| 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 |
IGT |
Yes |
Rivers Casino |
| 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 |
| 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 |
IGT |
| BetRivers Sportsbook |
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh |
777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 |
(412) 231-7777 |
IGT |
| 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 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 |
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.
Other types of gambling
Pennsylvania offers traditional casino gambling online, in person at casinos, and at some taverns throughout the state.
Casino
Blackjack, 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.
Poker
Some casinos such as Parx and Rivers offer live poker games. There are multiple websites offering real-money online poker including BetMGM, Borgata, and PokerStars. WSOP.com and others 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 with AMWager, BetAmerica, and Betfair Exchange, TVG/4NJBets, and TwinSpires to bet online. 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.
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 Pennsylvania
Legal 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 states now offer legal sports gambling:
