Pennsylvania Sports Betting

Pennsylvania sports betting is legal and regulated, with over a dozen online betting apps currently operational. An even greater number of retail sportsbooks at casinos and race tracks have also opened throughout the Keystone State.

Despite a contentious tax rate and a hard cap on the number of sports betting apps allowed, Pennsylvania has grown into one of the most prosperous online sports betting markets in the U.S., rivaling neighboring New Jersey.

Pennsylvania sports betting law permits customers 21 or older to bet online from anywhere within state lines via licensed online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps.

Bettors may also visit retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos, race tracks, and off-track betting facilities (OTBs) to place wagers in person.

Legal Pennsylvania Betting Sites

DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSA Get Bonus
Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000 Get Bonus
TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus
AmWager$150 Deposit BonusAmWager Promo Code: BUSA150Get Bonus
DRF Bets$200 Deposit BonusDRFBets Promo Code: STAKESGet Bonus
Underdog Fantasy$100 Deposit BonusUnderdog Fantasy Promo Code: BETUSAGet Bonus
Boom Fantasy$100 First Entry RefundBoom Fantasy Promo Code: BUSAGet Bonus
OwnersBox$500 Deposit BonusOwnersBox Referral Code: BUSAGet Bonus
FanDuel DFS$100 Deposit BonusFanDuel Fantasy Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus

21+ and present in PA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Apps

The first Pennsylvania sports betting apps launched in May 2019, and more have followed suit since.

Early on, there was speculation that the $10 million licensing fee and 36% tax rate would dissuade operators from entering the Pennsylvania sports betting market. However, most casinos have applied for licenses, and bettors now have access to a variety of online sports betting sites in Pennsylvania.

Bettors can verify the licensing status of all Pennsylvania online sportsbooks at the PGCB website here.

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUSGet Bonus
  • Launched: December 2020
  • Partner: Hollywood Casino Morgantown
  • Expert Review: BetMGM Pennsylvania

BetMGM Pennsylvania has established itself as a highly-regarded Pennsylvania online sportsbook with a large sports betting catalog, extensive in-play betting options, live streaming sports video, and frequent promotions. Integration with the MGM Rewards loyalty program and a solid new player bonus make it a top reccomendation for bettors in Pennsylvania.

Note: BetMGM Pennsylvania app may feel overwhelming to new users. Also, some may argue that BetMGM Sportsbook pushes parlay generators and same-game parlays too aggressively to casual bettors.

BetMGM PA also offers all new players a welcome bonus.

Use the BetMGM Pennsylvania bonus code BUSABONUS when registering to claim this offer.

DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook Pennsylvania launched sports betting in the Keystone State in October 2019 through a partnership with the Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

With a recognizable brand name, the DraftKings Pennsylvania app quickly established itself as one of the state’s most popular online sportsbooks based on betting handle.

DraftKings Pennsylvania appeal lies in the number of bets offered, low in-play betting juice, and a top tier sports betting loyalty program: Dynasty Rewards.

A DraftKings Pennsylvania promo code is NOT required to take advantage of the latest welcome bonus.

FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus

FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania is partnered with Valley Forge Casino, where it launched a retail sportsbook in March 2019, followed by online sports betting that July. Bettors in Pennsylvania can also visit the FanDuel Lounge (membership only) at Lincoln Financial Field for a sportsbook-like experience that offers everything except betting kiosks and tellers.

FanDuel Lounge guests can place wagers through the FanDuel Pennsylvania app.

FanDuel Sportsbook operates as the most successful online sportsbook in Pennsylvania by betting volume. A busy in-play betting calendar, a valuable welcome bonus, frequent high-value odds boosts, and a trusted name combine to make the FanDuel PA app a popular choice among bettors.

FanDuel Sportsbook also boasts the strongest Same Game Parlay format, which has quickly become a fan favorite.

However, FanDuel PA is not without its faults. Recurring promotions are offered less frequently, and FanDuel Sportsbook teaser pricing is weak. FanDuel lacks a VIP rewards program that almost every competing operator offers, making that a big miss for loyal bettors.

The latest FanDuel Sportsbook bonus is one of the best first bet promotions offered by Pennsylvania betting sites.

A FanDuel Pennsylvania promo code is NOT required to take advantage of the current signup offer.

BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSAGet Bonus

BetRivers Pennsylvania launched in June 2019 as the state’s first online sportsbook and operates on a license held by Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

Rush Street Interactive operates BetRivers and is the online gaming division of Rush Street Gaming (operator of several Pennsylvania casinos). Naturally, BetRivers PA is the Pennsylvania betting site that most closely fits the phrase “locally owned and operated.”

The BetRivers Sportsbook Pennsylvania app provides integrated live streaming for an immersive online betting experience. BetRivers also offers a vast array of betting markets and formats, along with access to a stellar multi-tiered BetRivers loyalty program: iRush Rewards.

BetRivers Pennsylvania promotions aren’t very creative, but there are regular opportunities for bettors to earn profit boosts, which are highly valuable offers.

BetRivers Pennsylvania bonus offer for new players comes without any wagering requirements.

Second chance bets are not withdrawable, but bettors can withdraw their winnings.

Use the BetRivers Pennsylvania bonus code BUSA when registering an account to claim this can’t-miss bonus.

Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000Get Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania partnered with Harrah’s Philadelphia to launnch its online betting app in March 2020.

The Caesars PA sports betting app offers expansive market depth, comprehensive league coverage, and better promotions than most online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. Bettors can use the app for a full menu of pre-game wagers, in-play betting events, custom parlays, and a long list of props.

Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania also offers customers the advantage of linking their PA online betting accounts to Caesars Rewards accounts to earn rewards whether betting online or in-person at any Caesars property.

New depositing customers who register with the Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania promo code BUSA1000 receive the latest welcome bonus.

  • Launched: November 2019 (Closing in 2024)
  • Partner: Mohegan Pennsylvania
  • Expert Review: Unibet Pennsylvania

Unibet Sportsbook Pennsylvania partnered with Mohegan and launched in November 2019. Unibet Sportsbook debuted in Pennsylvania with a polished product that includes a quality interface and a wide selection of wagers.

Unibet Pennsylvania also offers a vast array of bonus bets and promotions, especially during major events like the Super Bowl. Unibet Sportsbook also offers a popular parlay booster, which awards a profit boost up to 50%, and its Happy Hour and Daily Boosts.

In our opinion, Unibet PA promos make up for its slightly below-average betting lines.

New customers do not need a Unibet Pennsylvania promo code to claim the latest signup offer.

More PA Sports Betting Apps

View State

Betway Sportsbook PA is partnered with Live! Casino Philadelphia to offer online sports betting. Live! has the distinct advantage of being located in Philadelphia’s stadium district, home to Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and Xfinity Live!.

Betway Pennsylvania offers a large catalog of sports betting markets and promos, including a variety of profit boosts.

  • Launched: November 14th, 2023
  • Partner: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
  • Expert Review: ESPN Bet Pennsylvania

ESPN Bet in Pennsylvania is partnered with Hollywood Casino to offer online sports betting.

Parx Casino launched its BetParx Pennsylvania sports betting app in June 2019 as one of the Keystone states early entrants. The BetParx PA app is noteworthy for providing many wagering options on a full calendar of leagues, games, and events.

However, BetParx Pennsylvania app lacks in a few key areas: BetParx PA doesn’t offer as many withdrawal options as other sports betting apps, and the software can act tediously slow.

BetParx Pennsylvania offers $125 in bonus bets to new depositing customers who register and win their first cash wager (minimum bet of $10 to qualify).

Overall, this is a fairly pedestrian offer, especially from the biggest name in PA retail gambling, but it’s still worth a look. It’s worth noting that most bonus bet offers are triggered by losing wagers, whereas the BetParx bonus in Pennsylvania awards winners.

A BetParx Pennsylvania promo code is not needed to claim the current offer.

Wind Creek Bethlehem offers an online sportsbook powered by Betfred. The Wind Creek app and website are self-branded, but readers can see BettingUSA’s Betfred review for a detailed overview of how the sportsbook functions. In short, the Wind Creek PA Sportsbook app covers the basics but lacks advanced features and market depth.

Unfortunately, the Wind Creek Sportsbook app in Pennsylvania does not have a dedicated sports betting welcome bonus offer.

Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promo Codes

The following chart outlines the best PA sports betting bonuses and welcome offers. If any bonus requires a promo code, readers will see it listed below. Otherwise, bettors in Pennsylvania can simply follow the links below to sign up, download the mobile app, and claim their bonuses.

Online SportsbookPromo CodeWelcome Bonus
DraftKings Pennsylvania Promo CodeNot NeededNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000
BetRivers Pennsylvania Bonus CodeBUSASecond Chance Bet up to $500
Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania Promo CodeBUSA1000$1000 Bonus Bet
BetMGM Pennsylvania Bonus CodeBUSABONUSBet $5, Get $150
FanDuel Pennsylvania Promo CodeNot NeededBet $5, Get $150
Betway Pennsylvania Promo CodeN/ABet $25, Get $150 If It Wins

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Bonuses

Pennsylvania sports betting bonuses offer incentives for prospective customers to sign up for accounts and make deposits.

Some welcome promotions allow customers to place their first bet and receive a refund if it loses. Others issue wagering credits to customers who make their first deposit. Yet another type offers new customers a bonus bet or “second chance bet” match equal to the size of their first wager. In short, the PA online sports betting market is rife with high-value bonuses, promotions, and special offers.

In all cases, the general idea is to give new customers a good reason to sign up and bet online for real money.

Pennsylvania Regulations on Bonuses and Promotions

58 PA Code § 1409.1 requires operators to comply with the same rules that govern online casinos regarding bonuses, promotions, and advertisements.

Among other requirements, licensed PA betting apps must maintain records of all promotions so the Gaming Control Board can audit them for “compliance with the terms and conditions of current and previous offers.”

As a result, Pennsylvania sports betting bonuses tend to be straightforward and easy to understand. The rules do not guarantee every promotion is a great deal, but they do ensure fairness. One of the nice things about legal online sports betting PA residents should remember is that operators that launch misleading promotions risk losing their licenses.

In addition, PA regulations require the terms and conditions associated with promotions to clearly describe what the promotion offers, who is eligible to participate, what actions customers must complete to participate, any restrictions on the withdrawal of funds, and more.

How to Bet Online in Pennsylvania

Sports betting is relatively new to Pennsylvania, so operators have gone out of their way to ease new bettors into the process of registering and funding an account, finding the right wager, and placing a bet.

Here’s how the general process unfolds.

Two major elements of sports betting success are line shopping and claiming as many bonuses as possible. For these reasons, you will want to sign-up for multiple PA sportsbooks. But you have to start somewhere.

Most Pennsylvania online sportsbooks allow you to browse the betting lines before registering. Try to find a starter book that has the best lines for the bets you want to place.

Welcome bonuses should also factor into your decision. Bettors with limited bankrolls are best off registering at online sportsbooks with small but easy to clear deposit bonuses, like BetRivers. Those with bigger budgets may prefer books that offer new customers bonus bets worth $1,000 or more. FanDuel Sportsbook is a solid example.

Bettors can download apps directly through each sportsbook’s mobile website and via the iOS and Google Play stores, which readers can visit via the links on this page. Desktop users can skip the download process entirely because all Pennsylvania online sportsbooks offer browser-based desktop platforms.

Registering for a PA sportsbook is similar to signing up for an eCommerce site. Each sportsbook asks for specific information from all new users:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Username and password
  • Mobile phone number
  • Promo code (optional)

State law requires PA mobile sportsbooks to collect the last four digits of every new user’s social security number. This is mandated by the Federal Government for taxation purposes, but also used as a means of identity verification and fraud protection. For the privacy-minded, know that licensed PA betting sites secure all customers’ SSNs and other sensitive information with bank-level encryption and never sell it to third parties.

Some sportsbooks also ask for the answers to two security questions for password recovery purposes or to verify users’ identities before providing customer support. It sounds complicated, but the best Pennsylvania sportsbooks have streamlined the registration process so well that bettors can fully register within a few minutes.

All Pennsylvania sportsbook customers must be at least 21 years old and not on any Pennsylvania gaming exclusion lists to register a sports betting account.

Once verified, bettors may deposit funds on their accounts. Pennsylvania online sports betting apps offer a vast array of depositing methods, ranging from online banking to PayPal and cash transactions.

If the sportsbook awards a first deposit match, you may see the bonus funds in your bonus balance immediately after depositing. Bonus bets, second chance bets, and first wager match promotions require bettors to first place a cash wager.

It’s worth noting that you can register and fund Pennsylvania online sports betting sites from anywhere in the U.S. You don’t even have to hold residence in the Keystone State. The only thing you can’t do from outside the confines of Pennsylvania is place real-money wagers.

PA online sportsbooks provide multiple ways to find bets. Bettors can sort by market, view current in-play events, and often by bet type. The beauty is that most sportsbooks are laid out similarly, with only subtle differences.

To select a primary bet, like a spread, total or moneyline, navigate to the desired game and simply click or tap on the wager. To see the full betting menu, click into the game. There, you will find alternative lines, player and game props, derivatives like halftime spreads, futures, house specials and more.

Selecting wagers adds them to the Bet Slip, which is usually located on the right hand side of the screen on desktop or as a pop-up on the bottom of the screen on mobile. Bettors can add multiple wagers to the Bet Slip to place those wagers individually or combine them into parlays and round robins. The teaser option should also be available for football and basketball wagers.

BetRivers Pennsylvania bet slip screenshot

Once satisfied, enter the wager amount and place the bet. You have successfully completed the process of placing a wager. Now it’s time to be patient and hope for a favorable outcome.

Depositing at Pennsylvania Sportsbooks

PA online sportsbooks do an admirable job in the cashiering department, offering bettors a wealth of betting deposit options, including:

  • Credit/Debit cards: MasterCard and Visa are typically allowed, but some issuing banks may decline gaming transactions – in that case, bettors should try a different deposit method
  • ACH (eCheck): Bettors supply their checking account info and route the payment directly to the sportsbook
  • Online banking transfers: Log in directly to a banking portal and transfer funds from a connected checking account
  • Branded prepaid cards: Most casinos use Play+ for prepaid cards transactions. Bettors don’t need a physical card to conduct gaming transactions, but will still receive one in the mail. The card can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash and make purchases wherever Discover is accepted.
  • PayPal: The popular third-party wallet has effectively replaced Skrill and Neteller as the go-to eWallet for online betting in Pennsylvania
  • PayNearMe: Load accounts with cash, payable at local retail shops like 7-Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, and more
  • Cash at the casino/racetrack cage: Bettors can load their PA mobile sports betting accounts at land-based facilities, but only if they’re affiliated with the sportsbook

Other less popular deposit methods approved by the PGCB include personal checks, money orders, wire transfers, and cashier’s checks.

Eligible withdrawal methods include Play+, PayPal, ACH, online transfers, paper checks, and cash at the cage. Typically, bettors must use a cashiering method for a deposit before using the same method for a withdrawal.

When bettors request their first withdrawal, the sportsbook may ask for additional documentation, such as a scanned copy of a bank statement and/or a government issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. This should be a one-time deal.

Pennsylvania Sportsbook Locations

Pennsylvania law permits casinos and race tracks to operate retail sportsbooks. Licensed race tracks may also construct sportsbooks at licensed off-track betting locations (OTBs).

Pennsylvania Land-Based Sportsbooks

SportsbookBrandLocation
Caesars SportsbookCaesarsHarrah's Philadelphia, Chester
Unibet SportsbookUnibetMohegan Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre
Unibet SportsbookUnibetDowns at Lehigh Valley, Allentown
The SportsbookParxParx Casino, Bensalem
South Philadelphia Race & SportsbookParxSouth Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook, Philadelphia
BetRivers SportsbookBetRiversRivers Casino Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Sports Book Mount AiryMount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono
Barstool Sportsbook and BarBarstool Hollywood Casino York, York
Sportsbook at Hollywood CasinoPenn NationalHollywood Casino at Penn National, Grantville
Twinspires SportsbookTwinspiresPresque Isle Downs & Casino, Erie
BetRivers SportsbookBetRiversRivers Casino Philadelphia, Philadelphia
FanDuel SportsbookFanDuelValley Forge Casino Resort, King of Prussia
The Sportsbook at the MeadowsDraftKingsHollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington
The Sportsbook at Wind CreekBetfredWind Creek Bethlehem, Bethlehem
FanDuel SportsbookFanDuelLive! Casino Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Barstool SportsbookBarstoolHollywood Casino Morgantown, Morgantown
FanDuel SportsbookFanDuelLive! Casino Pittsburgh, Greensburg
Parx Race & SportsbookParxChickie's & Pete's, Malvern

For more details on each individual retail sportsbook, see below:

Harrah’s Philadelphia Sportsbook began taking wagers in January 2019 following the construction of a 4,300 square feet sportsbook featuring 19 lounge seats, more than 40 flat-screen TVs, six teller windows, and 16 self-serve betting kiosks.

Unibet Sportsbook at Mohegan Pennsylvania offers two tellers, six self-serve kiosks, and a 28-foot HD video wall all inside a little over 1,100 square feet of space. The video wall can be converted to two extra-large screens or play up to 16 games at a time while a ticker above provides scrolling scoring information.

The sportsbook also features a bar and seating for about 40 customers. The sports betting terminals accept cash and tickets but not credit cards.

Mohegan Pennsylvania opened a sportsbook at its Lehigh Valley OTB in March 2020 in partnership with Unibet. The sports lounge features HD TVs, comfortable seating, self-serve betting terminals, and a full bar for guests.

The sportsbook at Parx Casino opened in a temporary location in January 2019 as construction continued on a permanent location. The permanent sportsbook debuted later that year in an improved 7,400-square-foot location. Guests will find nearly 200 seats, VIP seating areas, six live teller windows, 18 betting kiosks, a 156-foot video wall, and a full food/drink menu.

Located across the street from Citizens Bank Park and just a short walk from Lincoln Financial Field and Wells Fargo Center, the sportsbook at the South Philly Turf Club is ideally situated for sports fans on game day.

The South Philly Turf Club underwent about a million dollars’ worth of renovations before launching sports wagering and now accepts bets through a bank of staffed betting windows plus nine self-serve kiosks.

BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh opened in a temporary location in December 2018 but has since moved to its permanent location. Guests can find BetRivers Sportsbook in the center of the casino where Levels used to be.

The 5,500-square-foot sportsbook features to large video walls, two dozen 86” HD TVs, and supports in-play betting. Guests can place wagers a six live teller windows or at any of the facility’s 33 self-serve betting kiosks.

The Sports Book at Mount Airy Casino opened in September 2019. The sportsbook features 40 HD TVs, comfortable lounge seating, and a 12-table poker room. Guests can place wagers at three staffed teller windows, four kiosks inside the sportsbook, or at four kiosks spread throughout the casino.

Hollywood Casino York is a mini-casino that opened in August 2021 at the York Galleria Mall. The casino features 500 slot machines, two dozen table games, and a sportsbook.

Parx Race & Sportsbook opened at the new Chickie’s and Pete’s Malvern in February 2022. Bettors can access the 630-square-foot sportsbook via Chickie’s & Pete’s seven days a week.

The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino was the first in Pennsylvania to open and booked the state’s first legal sports wager in November 2018.

The Presque Isle Downs sportsbook opened in July 2019 and is powered by TwinSpires. Guests can place wagers through any of 25 kiosks inside the sportsbook area, 25 additional kiosks located throughout the casino, or with a teller at the cashier’s cage.

Churchill Downs Inc acquired Presque Isle Downs in early 2019 and launched mobile betting in Pennsylvania shortly after under the BetAmerica banner, which it later rebranded to TwinSpires.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia launched BetRivers Sportsbook in December 2018. The original, temporary sportsbook was replaced with a permanent sportsbook in December 2019 that is three times larger than the original.

The permanent sportsbook is 5,700-square feet with lounge and table seating for 115 guests, a massive 56-foot LED video wall, and additional HD TVs throughout. Patrons can place wagers in-person at six betting windows or through nearly two dozen self-serve betting kiosks.

The 1,800-square-foot FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino features 27 viewing screens, seven betting windows, and self-serve betting kiosks. It’s not the biggest sportsbook in the state, but the layout maximizes ease of viewing from any seat.

The Sportsbook at the Meadows opened in October 2019 with 86” HD TVs, five staffed teller windows, 18 self-serve betting kiosks, and a bar with a full menu.

The Meadows entered online sports betting in November 2019 in partnership with DraftKings. Under the deal, The Meadows offers mobile betting under the DraftKings brand name.

Wind Creek Bethlehem is partnered with Betfred to operate a retail sportsbook at the casino plus statewide mobile betting. Betfred is not a high-profile name in the US, but it is well-known on the international stage as one of the UK’s oldest online bookmakers (Betfred was founded in 1967) and an operator of more than 1600 retail sportsbooks.

Betfred Sportsbook at Wind Creek Bethlehem opened in November 2020, and followed that with the launch of mobile betting one month later.

Live! Casino Philadelphia was scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The casino finally opened in January 2021 with FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge open until midnight seven days a week.

Live! Casino Pittsburgh features a FanDuel branded sportsbook, with 15 betting kiosks, and a 40 foot TV. Its open seven days a week with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

This mini-casino opened in December 2021. It features sportsbook, 750 slots, 28 table games, and several restaurants.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Law

Pennsylvania began legalizing sports betting in 2017 with the passage of a large gaming expansion bill titled HB 271.

The bill, signed into law as 2017 Act 42, greatly expanded Pennsylvania’s legal gambling options. Act 42 authorizes retail sportsbooks, mobile sports betting, daily fantasy sports, online gambling, online lottery games, and expands other in-person gambling options.

Sports betting provisions included in the bill were written to become effective contingent upon a change in federal law permitting states to regulate sports betting. After the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) as unconstitutional in May 2018, the portion of Pennsylvania’s new gambling law related to sports betting took effect.

The first Pennsylvania sportsbooks opened near the end of 2018, and the first mobile betting apps launched in mid-2019.

Key things to know about Pennsylvania online sports betting laws:

  • Minimum age of 21 to participate.
  • Persons excluded from gaming in Pennsylvania cannot participate.
  • Key sports league personnel cannot wager on their own leagues.
  • Licensed casinos, race tracks, and off-track betting locations (OTBs) may operate retail sportsbooks on-premises
  • Licensed casinos and race tracks may each operate one online and mobile sports betting platform
  • PA sportsbooks may accept wagers on professional and college sports
  • Esports betting and wagers on non-sports events are not allowed
  • The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates sports betting

Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy Sports

Underdog Fantasy$100 Deposit BonusUnderdog Fantasy Promo Code: BETUSAGet Bonus

The 2017 gambling expansion law that legalized sports betting in Pennsylvania also granted the Gaming Control Board regulatory powers over daily fantasy sports. Under the updated law, Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports sites must register with the state and abide by a long list of regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure fair games.

Fantasy sports players can read more about DFS in Pennsylvania and find a list of BettingUSA’s recommended operators below:

Pennsylvania Horse Racing Betting

TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus

Pennsylvania boasts a healthy horse racing industry that provides numerous options to watch and bet on races. Six major racetrack-casinos and their accompanying off-track betting facilities (OTBs) provide ample opportunity to bet on horse races in-person, while licensed advance deposit wagering providers (ADWs) allow customers to bet online from anywhere in the commonwealth.

The State Horse Racing Commission oversees all horse racing and parimutuel betting in Pennsylvania, and it does commendable work in ensuring the integrity of the sport. In summary, Pennsylvania is a good place to be for horse racing fans.

BettingUSA maintains a detailed guide to Pennsylvania horse racing betting at the link below. There, readers will find a complete list of race tracks and online racebooks, an introduction to parimutuel wagering law, and more.

Pennsylvania Online Gambling

Legal online gambling options in Pennsylvania include online casinos, poker sites, and lottery games.

Pennsylvania online casinos and poker sites accept players 21 or older and are regulated by the PA Gaming Control Board (PGCB). State law directs the PGCB to regulate online gambling in Pennsylvania, issue licenses to qualifying operators, and adopt additional regulations as needed to execute the law.

The Pennsylvania online lottery (PA iLottery) functions a bit differently because it operates under the Department of Revenue rather than the PGCB and accepts customers 18 or older.

Pennsylvania Online Casinos

The first PA online casinos launched in July 2019, and more than a dozen have followed suit since.

Most Pennsylvania casinos partner with third-party operators like BetMGM and DraftKings to offer online casino games, poker, or both. However, the best Pennsylvania casino sites offer a little bit of everything, and those are generally BettingUSA’s top recommendations for players.

Readers can follow the next link for more information and a complete list of legal online casinos in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Online Poker

Legal online poker came to Pennsylvania in 2019 with the launch of PokerStars PA in partnership with Mount Airy Casino Resort. Several additional online poker sites launched in 2021, finally bringing some competition to the PA online poker market.

Currently, the following operators hold Pennsylvania online poker licenses:

With a population of nearly 13 million, Pennsylvania is the largest state to legalize online poker to date. As a result, Pennsylvania could have a large positive impact on the US online poker market as a whole by joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA) to share tables with other states.

Pennsylvania alone would double the potential player pool of the MSIGA to significantly increase liquidity across the network. Pennsylvania officials have not committed to joining the MSIGA as lingering questions regarding the Wire Act are resolved, but state law includes provisions that permit officials to enter “interactive gaming reciprocal agreements” provided such agreements are compatible with state and federal law.

Pennsylvania Online Lottery

Pennsylvania’s 2017 gambling expansion bill also included reforms for the state lottery. Most notably, the law granted the Pennsylvania Lottery permission to take most of its games online. Some of the authorized Pennsylvania online lottery games include tickets to traditional draw games, instant win scratch card games, and keno.

Not long after the PA legislature sent that bill to Governor Wolf, he announced that he would be authorizing the Pennsylvania Lottery to operate virtual sports betting terminals in authorized locations such as bars and taverns.

The state lottery predicted that the change would result in up to $75 million in additional revenue over the next five years.

The Pennsylvania Lottery launched PAiLottery in June 2018 with a small selection of games that has grown significantly since. Anyone 18 or older and located in Pennsylvania can visit PAiLottery.com or download the Pennsylvania lottery app to buy tickets online and play dozens of instant win games that boast top prizes worth up to several million dollars.

Pennsylvania Online Gambling Laws

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf legalized online gambling in Pennsylvania after signing HB 271 in 2017.

Under the law, land-based casinos and race tracks may launch up to two online gambling platforms, one each for casino-style games and poker.

All Pennsylvania casinos may apply for one or more of the following licenses to offer online gambling:

  • Non-peer-to-peer games that simulate slot machines (online slots)
  • Non-peer-to-peer games that simulate table games (online table games)
  • Peer-to-peer interactive table games (online poker)

Operators may apply for Pennsylvania online gambling licenses at a cost of $4 million. Pennsylvania casinos also received the option to purchase all three licenses in a package deal for $10 million during the first 90-day period after the law was passed.

Additionally, other “qualified gaming entities” (QGEs) may apply for any licenses not already claimed by a local casino.

Online gambling tax rates are relatively high in Pennsylvania, with online slots taxed at 52% plus an additional 2% local tax. Table games and poker are taxed at 14% + 2% and sports betting at 34% + 2%.

Past Efforts to Legalize Online Gambling in Pennsylvania

Full Text

Representative Tina Davis introduced House Bill No. 1235 a couple of times. The bill called for the legalization and regulation of online poker and casino games such as blackjack, slot machines and so on. A previous iteration of the bill included burdensome licensing fees and taxes. At one point, the bill required a licensing fee of $16,500,000 per operator and a 45% tax rate on the industry.

She reintroduced the bill in 2013 with considerably lower fees and taxes. The 2013 edition asked for a $5,000,000 license fee and a 28% tax rate. These updated rates brought Pennsylvania more in line with what we’re seeing in other states.

Overall, the bill was fairly lenient. It did not include a “bad actor” clause, which means sites such as PokerStars and Party Poker would be able to return to Pennsylvania and apply for licensing. The bill included an allowance for Pennsylvania to join interstate pacts with other states that legalize internet gaming. What this means is poker sites in Pennsylvania would be allowed to share player pools with poker sites operating in other states, thereby increasing the overall player pool for everyone.

The rest of the bill goes on to describe the measures that will be taken to ensure gambling remains fair, safe and free from the influence of crime. This bill was referred to the gaming oversight committee in April of 2013 and never came back.

Full Text

Senators Edwin Erickson and Bob Mensch introduced SB 1386 in June of 2014. Like the previous bill, this one paved the way for legalizing and regulating online casino games and poker. This bill too called for a $5 million licensing fee.

SB 1386 did contain several key differences. First, it proposed a tax rate of just 14%. Second, this one did include a bad actor clause. What that means is any gaming companies that accepted wagers from the United States after 2006 would be forever prohibited from offering their services in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, licenses would only be issued to existing brick-and-mortar operators in Pennsylvania. These operators could team up with 3rd party software providers, but all online operations would have to be promoted and marketed under the brand of the brick-and-mortar establishment.

HB 460: Full Text

SB 900: Full Text

HB 649 was first introduced in February of 2015 and hung around throughout part of 2016. This law wanted to direct the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to create regulations, license operators and monitor licensees.

HB 649 would allow brick-and-mortar casinos to apply for licensees for an $8 million fee and give them the ability to partner with existing online gaming providers who can provide the technology and expertise to take brick-and-mortar casinos to the digital realm.

State Representative John Payne, chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, told Trib Live in January of 2016 that he believes the state will find the potential income from legal online casino games too irresistible to pass on.

“Look, we need revenue,” he said. “They’re not going to find votes for taxes in an election year. So I would think gaming will be a component.”

One bill introduced in 2015 even proposed a 54% tax rate for online gaming revenue. The tax rates specified in SB 900 were seen as unrealistic at the time, but that bill did set the stage for high tax rates in the 2017 bill that was later approved by the House and Senate.

A pair of identical bills were introduced in the House and Senate in 2017. Those bills called for poker sites and online casinos to apply for licenses at a cost of $8 million up front and $250,000 per year thereafter. Technology providers would likewise be subject to hefty taxes and fees: $2 million up front and $100,000 per year thereafter.

These two bills also called for a tax rate of 16%, which was much lower than what some other proposals have called for. Neither bill made it into law, but they did set the stage for what would come later.

Shortly after those two bills were proposed, a third bill came out of nowhere courtesy of state Senator Jay Costa. His massive bill consisted of 200+ pages of regulations that would ultimately legalize gambling as well as formally legalize fantasy sports. This one called for a $10 million licensing fee for gambling sites, $5 million for software providers, and a tax rate of 25%.

Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania

Gamblers with questions, concerns, or in immediate need of assistance have access to a variety of responsible gambling resources, tools, and helplines in Pennsylvania:

  • 24/7 Pennsylvania Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Text 1-800-522-4700; Chat live here
  • Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania: Nonprofit organization that provides information, helplines, and other resources for problem gamblers and their loved ones
  • Gambling Provider Locations: Visit this website for a list gambling addiction treatment providers endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and and Alcohol
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Additional problem gambling resources curated by the NCPG
  • Gamblers Anonymous Pennsylvania: Find Gamblers Anonymous meetings throughout Pennsylvania
  • Gam-Anon Pennsylvania: Find support meetings for people affected by a loved one with a gambling problem

Pennsylvania Sports Betting and Gambling Self-Exclusion

The PGCB offers several self-exclusion programs for the following types of gambling:

  • Online sports betting and gambling
  • Daily fantasy sports sites
  • Casinos and satellite casinos
  • Video gaming terminals

Pennsylvania gamblers and sports bettors can register for any or all of the above programs online at the PGCB self-exclusion website for a minimum of one year, five years, or a lifetime.

To begin, visit this page to sign up for an account with the Pennsylvania self-exclusion program. After registering, select the type of gambling from which you would like to self-exclude and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the enrollment process.

See these instructions for a step-by-step guide to self-excluding from any form of gambling or sports betting in Pennsylvania.

Anyone who has trouble enrolling in any Pennsylvania gambling exclusion program can contact the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling at 717-346-8300 or e-mail the office at problemgambling@pa.gov to schedule a call with an employee who can assist with submitting an enrollment request.

Important Pennsylvania self-exclusion points:

  • Online sports betting, iGaming, video gaming terminals, and daily fantasy self-exclusion requests automatically expire at the end of the selected term
  • Casino self-exclusion requests do not automatically expire; players remain excluded permanently but may apply for removal from the program upon completing the selected exclusion term
  • Casino operators may elect to restrict anyone who self-excludes from all properties they own nationwide
  • When you self-exclude from sports wagering, some operators may extend that restriction to all forms of gambling associated with their brand
  • The Pennsylvania Lottery operates a separate self-exclusion program for its online lottery products; readers can learn more here

Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ

Yes. Pennsylvania legalized retail sports betting and online sportsbooks in 2017 as a part of a wide-ranging gambling expansion bill. The first Pennsylvania sports betting apps launched in 2019 for bettors 21 or older.

Fans can bet on sports from anywhere in Pennsylvania via licensed betting apps or retail sportsbooks at casinos, race tracks, and off-track betting facilities (OTBs).

No. Nearly anyone 21 or over may bet on sports in Pennsylvania, whether they are residents or just visiting for as long as they are physically located within state lines.

The exceptions are those without a social security number, persons excluded from Pennsylvania gaming, and key sports league personnel.

Bettors must be 21 or older to use PA betting sites and visit retail sportsbooks.

Yes. Pennsylvania law permits licensed sportsbooks to offer bets on college events. And unlike many states, Pennsylvania does not enforce special restrictions on games involving local universities.

However, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does not authorize prop bets on individual college athletes.

No. Pennsylvania law does not explicitly address esports betting, but the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has stated it does not believe it has the authority to authorize wagers on esports events based on state law.

However, lawmakers have expressed interest in passing legislation to authorize esports betting in Pennsylvania. One state representative introduced a bill in 2021 that would have formally legalized esports betting, but the legislation never advanced beyond the Gaming Oversight Committee.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all gambling and sports betting throughout the Commonwealth. State law grants the Board powers to award and revoke sports betting licenses, issue regulations, and more.

No. Pennsylvania sports betting sites use geolocation technology to prevent customers from placing wagers from outside state lines.

However, fans may still download sportsbook apps, create accounts, view the odds, and make deposits from anywhere. State and federal laws only prohibit wagers from crossing state lines.

Pennsylvania sports betting law authorizes wagers on four types of events:

  • Professional sports
  • College athletics
  • Professional motor races
  • International events such as the Olympics

Additional regulations outline the types of wagers sportsbooks may offer on the above events:

  • Straight wagers such as point spreads, moneylines, and totals
  • Prop bets
  • Parlays
  • In-play betting
  • Exchange betting (peer-to-peer wagering)
  • “Other types of wagers as approved by the Board)

All Pennsylvania betting apps and websites listed on this page are legal and licensed. BettingUSA focuses exclusively on the regulated sports betting market in the USA and will never recommend unlicensed or illegal online sportsbooks.

Readers may confirm the license status of any online sportsbook by visiting the PCGB website.

Pennsylvania legalized sports betting via 2017 Act 42.

Pennsylvania law requires licensed betting apps to provide straightforward methods for customers to self-exclude and set responsible gaming limits. Further, the law requires licensed operators to provide responsible gaming training to their employees.

The three primary types of new player sign-up promotions are:

  • Bonus bets
  • First deposit match bonuses
  • First wager match bonuses

In addition, nearly all PA mobile sportsbooks offer recurrent promotions. These take on many forms, but generally include:

  • Bet and get
  • Odds boosts
  • Parlay insurance
  • Cross-over promos: Wager X in the casino, receive a sports betting bonus
  • Leaderboards
  • Profit boosts

Due to its large population, diverse selection of betting apps, and extrodinarily high tax rate on sports betting, PA generates a healthy amount of revenue for state coffers.

In Q4 2021, Pennsylvania sports betting operators handled $2.288 billion in wagers, and collected over $165 million in revenue.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites pay a 36% tax on revenue, consisting of a 34% state tax and a 2% local share assessment. However, PA sports betting operators may write off promotional credits, so the effective tax rate is markedly lower.

The Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board issued a directive in 2022 requiring operators to enforce two-factor authentication on all customer accounts for enhanced security. Two-factor authentication can take several forms but usually involves the betting site texting a six-digit code to users’ mobile phones that they must input when logging in.

Two-factor authentication aims to prevent unauthorized account access, even if a customer’s password has been compromised. Pennsylvania law requires operators to enforce two-factor authentication at least once every 14 days regardless of account activity.