Governor Tom Wolf signed HB 271 into law on Oct. 30, 2017.
The first retail bet in the state was accepted in November 2018, and today, sports bettors can place wagers either in person or online at 11 Pennsylvania sportsbooks.
Since legalizing sports betting, Pennsylvania has seen explosive growth, with record-breaking handles, expanding online platforms, and a flood of new operators entering the market.
Pennsylvania sports betting revenue
Pennsylvania sports betting began in November 2018 with retail betting, and online betting began in May 2019. The Keystone State generated $8.42 billion in total sports betting handle in 2024.
Pennsylvania neared $1 billion in wagers in October.
Below is an outline of Pennsylvania's sports betting figures over the years:
Pennsylvania annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7,933,595,792 | $763,988,698 | 9.9% |
| 2024 | $8,421,417,829 | $778,420,570 | 9.2% |
| 2023 | $7,682,694,849 | $686,856,678 | 8.9% |
| 2022 | $7,251,428,759 | $597,364,960 | 8.20% |
Pennsylvania 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $873,149,857 | $84,272,113 | 9.7% |
| Feb | $756,926,216 | $33,961,978 | 4.5% |
| Mar | $842,856,961 | $49,189,301 | 5.8% |
| Apr | $711,569,216 | $61,783,963 | 8.7% |
| May | $655,358,227 | $76,064,442 | 11.6% |
| June | $483,637,356 | $66,812,213 | 13.8% |
| July | $412,477,356 | $52,177,461 | 12.6% |
| Aug | $515,446,826 | $66,533,586 | 12.9% |
| Sept | $810,071,139 | $66,393,209 | 8.2% |
| Oct | $925,966,234 | $87,288,620 | 9.4% |
| Nov | $946,136,404 | $119,511,812 | 12.6% |
Pennsylvania 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $858,152,502.70 | $97,681,399 | 11.4% |
| Feb | $661,740,812.31 | $50,425,678 | 7.6% |
| Mar | $800,718,331.69 | $63,715,603 | 8.0% |
| Apr | $646,061,065.35 | $59,050,707 | 9.1% |
| May | $591,912,626.60 | $61,680,935 | 10.4% |
| June | $464,534,792.32 | $43,998,076 | 9.3% |
| July | $414,673,803.85 | $52,727,377 | 12.7% |
| Aug | $485,289,137.18 | $45,435,752 | 9.4% |
| Sept | $811,283,984.65 | $95,815,549 | 11.8% |
| Oct | $858,148,994 | $58,132,462 | 6.8% |
| Nov | $935,530,169.71 | $103,268,287 | 11.0% |
| Dec | $893,371,608.75 | $47,488,741 | 5.3% |
Pennsylvania 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $772,289,648.45 | $57,982,068.70 | 7.50% |
| Feb | $599,529,428.66 | $62,214,502.08 | 10.40% |
| Mar | $723,545,806.25 | $66,465,773.82 | 9.20% |
| Apr | $572,152,803.00 | $51,786,463.57 | 6.47% |
| May | $495,585,359.86 | $57,533,744.44 | 11.6% |
| June | $373,171,414.55 | $33,866,725.04 | 9.1% |
| July | $338,450,263.46 | $39,406,353.30 | 11.6% |
| Aug | $393,007,298.20 | $30,614,565.03 | 7.8% |
| Sept | $726,259,711.80 | $66,109,573.75 | 9.1% |
| Oct | $829,002,595.44 | $73,631,197.21 | 8.9% |
| Nov | $934,130,151.55 | $49,147,979.21 | 5.3% |
| Dec | $925,570,368.39 | $98,097,732.35 | 10.6% |
Pennsylvania 2022 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $793,722,787.00 | $53,403,655.00 | 6.70% |
| Feb | $597,064,048.98 | $22,160,552.94 | 3.70% |
| Mar | $714,976,578.00 | $48,512,264.00 | 6.80% |
| Apr | $572,817,740.94 | $49,083,331.03 | 8.60% |
| May | $493,350,519.00 | $47,828,553.00 | 9.70% |
| Jun | $393,494,222.00 | $22,889,554.00 | 5.80% |
| Jul | $336,507,932.41 | $33,226,517.32 | 9.90% |
| Aug | $363,046,971.98 | $42,185,144.88 | 11.60% |
| Sep | $645,242,680.81 | $75,319,093.28 | 11.70% |
| Oct | $797,124,732.44 | $61,519,576.03 | 7.70% |
| Nov | $789,230,672.27 | $69,997,948.78 | 8.90% |
| Dec | $754,849,873.23 | $71,238,770.37 | 9.40% |
Pennsylvania sports betting at a glance
- Launch date: November 2018
- Regulator: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $41,098,645,915
- Lifetime revenue: $3,514,975,472
- Last updated: December 24, 2025
Note: Pennsylvania reports sports betting revenue on a monthly basis. Figures below reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About sports betting revenue in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, with retail wagering launching in late 2018 and online and mobile sportsbooks following in 2019 under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The state’s market is anchored by its existing casino infrastructure, with both commercial casinos and online sportsbook platforms playing central roles. While retail sportsbooks remain active across the state, Pennsylvania’s sports betting activity is driven primarily by online and mobile wagering.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board publishes monthly sports wagering reports detailing statewide handle, gross gaming revenue, and tax collections. These reports serve as the primary reference point for evaluating Pennsylvania’s sports betting market.
Because Pennsylvania blends a mature casino base with a long-running mobile market, its sports betting figures are best interpreted as representative of a stabilized, mid-to-large-scale market rather than as an emerging or launch-phase jurisdiction.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
Best Pennsylvania teams to bet on
The Philadelphia Eagles, are looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions, and it's appealing to wager on Jalen Hurts and the home town favorite, but it's important to measured in your approach. We recommend consulting our how to bet guides to develop a concrete strategy, for betting on futures like the Super Bowl odds below:
Don't forget that college sports betting legalized, so you can always lock in a wager with your favorite college teams, including Penn State University, Temple University, Villanova University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania sporting events
Watch out for upcoming events in PA that offer a plethora of betting opportunities:
🏈 College Football & Basketball
- Penn State Nittany Lions Football: College football Saturdays in Happy Valley, especially rivalry games, are among the most bet-on events in the state.
- Villanova Basketball & March Madness: Pennsylvania’s powerhouse programs, including Villanova, Temple, and Penn State, create great betting opportunities during the NCAA Tournament.
🏇 Horse Racing
- Preakness Stakes Prep Races at Parx Racing: Pennsylvania horse racing is year-round, but events like the Pennsylvania Derby in September are highlights for bettors.
⛳ Golf
- U.S. Open (rotating): Pennsylvania has hosted more U.S. Opens than almost any other state, with Oakmont Country Club (near Pittsburgh) and Merion Golf Club (near Philadelphia) being iconic venues. Oakmont just hosted the event a few months ago.
PA sports betting law
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. In 2026, there are 11 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 11 legal sports betting sites operating in PA.
- Sports betting revenue in Pennsylvania is taxed at a rate of 36%. 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.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related sports betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Sports betting revenue tracker FAQ
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
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