Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy Sports Sites

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has issued licenses to more than a dozen fantasy sports sites, giving players no shortage of options. Each daily fantasy site listed below holds a DFS license and is in good standing with the PGCB.

BettingUSA only recommends licensed fantasy sports sites, but readers can confirm any operator’s license at the PGCB website.

Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy Sports Laws

Pennsylvania legalized fantasy sports in 2017 as a part of a large gaming expansion package that also authorized sports betting, online gambling, and online poker.

Major daily fantasy sports sites had already been operating in Pennsylvania for years when Governor Wolf signed HB 271 into law, creating Act 42 of 2017. However, the new law granted Pennsylvania fantasy sports sites official legal status and established a licensing process for operators.

Act 42 of 2017 grants the PGCB regulatory powers over daily fantasy sports in the Commonwealth, outlines the basic rules governing DFS, and directs the PGCB to issue additional regulations as needed.

Per the law, Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports sites must register with the PGCB and pay a $50,000 initial licensing fee. Licenses are valid for five years, after which operators can renew them for a $10,000 renewal fee. Additionally, licensed DFS operators pay a 15% state tax on adjusted revenues.

Licensed Pennsylvania DFS sites must also ensure all customers are 18 or older and adhere to consumer protection regulations.

Today, two laws govern daily fantasy sports in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania DFS Act 42: 4 PA Cons Stat §§ 301-342
• Additional Pennsylvania DFS Regulations: 58 PA Code §§ 1201a.1-1209a.5

Pennsylvania DFS Licensing Process

When applying for Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports licenses, prospective DFS operators must provide the following:

• Names, business addresses, job titles, fingerprints, and photos of all principles and key employees
• Any information and documentation requested by the PGCB to verify the operator’s “financial stability, integrity, and responsibility”
• Any other information the PGCB requests

After the PGCB accepts the Pennsylvania DFS application, it will:

• Investigate the PA DFS applicant
• Conduct a tax clearance review
• Request a criminal history background check from the State Police or FBI
• Request any other information it requires from other agencies or individuals
• Require operators to submit copies of their internal controls and procedures related to accounting, compliance with PA law, identity verification, and record retention

Pennsylvania DFS Responsible Gambling Rules

A significant portion of Pennsylvania fantasy sports law deals with responsible gambling. Once licensed, daily fantasy sports apps in Pennsylvania must:

• Provide methods for customers to set limits on deposits, entry fees, and number of contests entered
• Provide ways for customers to self-exclude from all PA DFS contests
• Prohibit minors and anyone who has self-excluded from entering paid contests
• Not offer contests on collegiate or high school events
• Display a responsible gambling message and helpline number (1-800-GAMBLER) on their apps and websites
• Provide a responsible gambling page with information and links to resources for help

Regulations for Fair Fantasy Sports Games and Integrity

Licensed Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports sites must promote a level playing field and dissuade conflicts of interest by:

• Establishing procedures to detect and prevent the use of scripts
• Offering beginners-only contests, open only to players who have entered 50 or fewer contests and have won fewer than three prizes worth $1,000 each
• Not allowing employees and principals (and any relatives in the same household) of operators to participate in fantasy contests
• Protecting confidential information that could impact fantasy sports contests until the information becomes publicly available

Pennsylvania DFS Consumer Protection Rules

Regulations designed to protect Pennsylvania DFS customers require licensed daily fantasy sports sites in the Keystone state to:

• Verify each customer’s identity, age, and location
• Implement measures to protect customers’ personal and financial information
• Establish procedures to receive and respond to customer complaints
• Retain records of all customer complaints and how they responded to those complaints
• Keep records of customers’ deposits, withdrawals, winnings, and entries for five years

Advertising Rules for PA DFS Operators

All Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports advertisements must include a responsible gambling statement and a gambling helpline number. In addition, PA DFS law prohibits operators from:

• Advertising to self-excluded customers
• Targeting minors or students in advertisements
• Disseminating ads that contain false or misleading information
• Portraying students, schools, colleges, or minors playing sports in ads
• Issuing advertisements that represent endorsements by minors, college athletes, or colleges
• All ads must include a responsible gambling statement and problem gambling helpline number

Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy Sports