Pennsylvania became the seventh U.S. state to legalize sports betting in 2017. The shift to legalization was precipitated by a ruling from the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS).
The state is climbing the ranks as one of the largest legal sports betting markets in the United States. In Pennsylvania, you can legally access 11 online sports betting sites in addition to 13 retail sportsbooks found within PA’s casinos and racetracks.
We have created a state betting guide that serves as your go-to resource for the latest Pennsylvania sports betting news. Keep reading to learn more about the state’s best sportsbooks, bonuses, and promotions.
Population: 13 million
Legal age for sports betting: 21
Online sports betting: Yes
Retail sportsbooks: Yes
Sports betting revenue: $269 million
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Yes, anyone 21 years of age and older can register with a PA sports betting site but wagers must take place inside state lines. Keep up-to-date with the latest in U.S sports betting legislation.
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 age21 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 bettingPennsylvania 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 registrationPennsylvania 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 bordersOnline sports betting must take place inside of Pennsylvania state lines. Geolocation software in sports betting apps should prevent anyone using the services from placing online sports bets outside of PA.
Retail sportsbooksThere 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 winningsThe 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.
Our team tests and rates each betting site to ensure you're playing at a safe and legit online sportsbook. We have identified several sportsbooks that offer the best features, bonuses, and the most comprehensive list of sports and bet types available to Pennsylvania residents.
The official sportsbook from Barstool Sports, a leading digital sports, entertainment, and media platform, is licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The app and its features, including daily odds boosts, custom offers, and promotions, are targeted toward a young adult demographic. Stoolies can engage with the “Betting with Barstool” feature, which highlights bets created by popular Barstool personalities.
BetRivers' online sportsbook boasts a bettor-friendly interface and a $250 deposit match for newly registered accounts. The operator is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and offers a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh serves as its retail sports betting and casino partner.
DraftKings, the name synonymous with Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), is one of the leading online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. As a newly registered player, you get a risk-free bet of up to $500 and qualify for a 20% bonus on your next deposit. The operator has made its mobile app available for free download via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The competition among sportsbooks is fierce, with most offering generous welcome offers to entice new Keystone State bettors. Look out for these types:
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.
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.
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.
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 explainedThe 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.
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 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:
|
Year |
Total handle |
Revenue |
Hold percentage |
Tax revenue |
|
2018 |
$17M |
$2.5M |
14% |
$905K |
|
2019 |
$1.5B |
$111M |
7.5% |
$30M |
|
2020 |
$3.5B |
$269M |
7.5% |
$81M |
|
Month |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
|
January |
$615M |
$348M |
$32M |
N/A |
|
February |
$509M |
$329M |
$31M |
N/A |
|
March |
$560M |
$131M |
$44M |
N/A |
|
April |
$479M |
$46M |
$37M |
N/A |
|
May |
$447M |
$77M |
$36M |
N/A |
|
June |
$420M |
$89M |
$46M |
N/A |
|
July |
$304M |
$165M |
$59M |
N/A |
|
August |
$348.5M |
$365M |
$109M |
N/A |
|
September |
- |
$463M |
$194M |
N/A |
|
October |
- |
$526M |
$241M |
N/A |
|
November |
- |
$492M |
$316M |
$1.4M |
|
December |
- |
$548M |
$342M |
$16M |
|
Total |
$3.6B |
$3.5B |
$1.5B |
$17.4M |
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.
PoliticsPolitical betting is not allowed at any Pennsylvania sportsbook. In fact, this kind of betting isn’t offered anywhere in the United States.
EsportsThe 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.
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.
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.
|
Online sportsbook operator |
Mobile app |
Odds provider |
Online casino |
Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Penn |
|
|
Yes |
Playtech |
Yes |
Wind Creek Bethlem |
|
|
Yes |
BetMGM |
Yes |
Hollywood Casino |
|
|
Yes |
IGT |
Yes |
Rivers Casino |
|
|
Yes |
SBTech |
Yes |
The Meadows |
|
|
Yes |
Flutter |
Yes |
Valley Forge Casino |
|
|
Yes |
TSG |
Yes |
Mount Airy Casino |
|
|
Parx |
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Parx Casino |
|
No |
Kambi |
Yes |
Presque Isle Downs |
|
|
Yes |
Kambi |
Yes |
Mohegan Sun Pocono |
|
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 |
|
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 Casino |
2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 |
(888) 588-7279 |
Kambi |
|
|
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 |
| Harrah's Casino | 777 Harrah's Blvd., Chester, PA, 19013 | (800) 480-8020 | William Hill |
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.
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:
Pennsylvania offers traditional casino gambling online, in person at casinos, and at some taverns throughout the state.
CasinoBlackjack, 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 from online and offline.
PokerSome 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 racingThere 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 SportsPennsylvania 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.
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.
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: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Yes, PA sports betting is legal for anyone 21 or older.
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.
No, but you must be inside state lines to bet with a Pennsylvania betting site.
Yes, you can bet on professional and college teams that are based in Pennsylvania.
The state collected $81 million in tax revenue from sports betting in 2020.
Pennsylvania has the highest tax rate for sports betting in the U.S. at 36%. Additionally, all sportsbook operators pay a $10 million license fee to operate in the state.
The most popular gameday bets in PA are the point spread, Over/Under (totals), moneylines, player and team props.
You may place a sports bet online with a computer or mobile app. Those who prefer to place a wager in person can do so at a casino or race track.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
The state’s first legal wager was placed at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in mid-November 2018.
Yes. Barstool Sports launched its first-ever online sportsbook in Pennsylvania on Sept. 15, 2020. Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino is home to the Barstool Sportsbook.
Yes, legal sports betting is available in Pennsylvania and at Parx Casino.
