While gambling isn’t as synonymous in Pennsylvania compared to other states such as New Jersey and Nevada, it plays a key role in employment and boosting the local economy. The state’s casino revenues sit among the highest in the US, but how big is sports betting since its recent legalization?
In this guide, we’ll detail everything there is to know about Pennsylvania sports betting.
- Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?
- Where to Place Sports Bets in Pennsylvania?
- Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Pennsylvania
- Best Sports Betting Apps in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Sports Betting Promotions
- Popular Types of Bets
- Where to Bet on Local Pennsylvania Teams
- Important Sports Events in Pennsylvania 2023
- Pennsylvania Sports Betting Timeline
- States Where it is Legal to bet on Sports
- Pennsylvania Sports Betting – FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
- Resources
Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?
After the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2018, Pennsylvania quickly opened their first legal retail sportsbook in November 2018.
Sports betting had previously received the green light in the state in 2017, but federal law rendered such gambling illegal at the time. Since May 2019, however, online sports betting has been legal for everybody aged 21 years or older in the state.
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#1
DraftKings
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#2
BetMGM
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#3
FanDuel
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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#4
Borgata Online
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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Sports bettors in Pennsylvania have a multitude of options in terms of bookmakers, but here are our top four sportsbooks available in the state.
Comparison of Top Sportsbooks
1. DraftKings
A behemoth of the American sports betting industry, DraftKings is the most ubiquitous bookmaker in the US. Punters in 17 states can use this bookie, which was formed in 2012 primarily for the use of fantasy sports.
DraftKings has since evolved into a premier bookmaker, and it’s one which is hard to fault. Their odds are superb, with the quality of their website unrivalled. Placing bets is simple, while the markets they offer are extensive. 17 sports make up their sportsbook, and we discovered that cricket, which is slowly gaining traction in the States, is covered in impressive depth by DraftKings, who also provide great coverage of the NFL, NBA, etc.
Fantasy lovers can still utilise DraftKings to full effect, while vintage pools bettors can also enjoy this bookmaker’s offering.
Their promotions are usually original and exciting with an array of sports being covered. But they could do more for existing customers. Their welcome offer is a 20% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.
2. BetMGM
Another widely available betting site, BetMGM can be accessed in 16 states as well as Washington DC.
The bookmaker asks for which state you reside in before you get started, which can make the experience with BetMGM feel a little more personal.
Their website is slickly designed and super easy to use. Placing bets is an efficient process and a user-friendly interface allows you to access all the different components of BetMGM with ease. They provide competitive odds, and their sportsbook is one of the broadest we’ve seen among American bookmakers.
BetMGM covers a mammoth 27 sports in total, but this can depend on the state. Thus, for those that enjoy betting on less popular sports, this bookmaker might be the one for you!
The bookie’s excellent customer service and robust FAQs section complement the user-friendly experience provided by the website design. On the promotions front, BetMGM slacks somewhat compared to its competitors, but their welcome offer is laden with value.
New customers are given a risk-free first bet, and they could earn up to $1,000 in free bets.
3. FanDuel
Like DraftKings, FanDuel started out as a venerated fantasy sports platform and has similarly evolved into a respected bookmaker. FanDuel is regarded as one of the leading US bookmakers, and, for us, they have to be considered alongside DraftKings and BetMGM as the very best.
FanDuel is available in 15 states and remains an excellent provider of all things fantasy football. On the gambling front, we appreciate the endless list of innovative promotions offered by the site. Overall, this bookmaker is a fun one to use.
Bet boosts, win bonuses, and parlay specials are almost always supplied by FanDuel, and their welcome offer is also excellent. It’s a no-sweat first bet promotion, and punters can win up to $1,000 in free bets.
Their site is also easy to access and navigate, with all the dull financial processes quick and simple. You’ll never have any issues depositing or withdrawing with FanDuel.
4. Borgata Online
Pennsylvania is just one of two states where Borgata Online, a sister company to BetMGM, offers its services. Thus, PA punters can take advantage of a sportsbook that most Americans can’t.
The site bears resemblances to BetMGM, but there’s enough to suggest Borgata is its own unique entity. This bookmaker boasts a comprehensive sportsbook which is made up of 21 sports, and new customers can take advantage of a generous welcome offer.
Borgata’s sign-up offer is a Bet $10 Get $100 promotion which is laden with value. However, be sure to check out all the terms and conditions to ensure you qualify for the offer. We don’t want you getting caught out!
Borgata offers other exclusive promotions and rewards for its users, and those that enjoy creating parlay bets will particularly enjoy using this bookmaker given their tendency to offer parlay boosts.
Early cash out, betting guides, and live streaming are other useful features of Borgata.
Present & Future of Sports Betting in Pennsylvania?
Gambling has always served a functional purpose in Pennsylvania. During times when gambling legislation was being pushed, many believed to opening up of such an industry in the state would help create more jobs, boost the economy, and help balance the books.
There’s no denying that the legislation initially proved to be an overwhelming success. In 2016, for example, approximately 18,000 people1 were employed by the various racetracks and casinos around the state, with the industry garnering a huge $1.4bn in yearly tax revenue.
Sports betting remains prominent in Pennsylvania, but some momentum was lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mobile betting rose to the fore, but the industry as a whole took a slide. Nevertheless, traction was quickly regained once the world started to open up once again, and the state set a personal best for betting volume as $776m2 was generated in handle in October 2021. That record was smashed at in January 2022 by $18m.
In 2023, the handle peaked in January at $772.2m. This dropped to $599m in February.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Pennsylvania
2017 was a big year in the legalization process of sports betting in Pennsylvania. Once the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, the state moved quickly to open up their first retail sportsbooks. The online launch then came in May 2019.
Legalizing sports gambling in the state was not a quick and easy process, however, with lawmakers battling hard over a number of key issues including tax rates. They eventually settled on HB 2713, and here are some the key revenue and taxation points from the legislation:
- Applicants must pay a one-time $10m licensing fee for sports betting.
- Sports betting revenue is subject to a 36% tax rate.
Pennsylvania’s sports betting tax rate is the second highest4 among states that have legalized sports betting in the US. Only Rhode Island’s (51%) is higher.
Best Sports Betting Apps in Pennsylvania
1. DraftKings
The US’ most popular sportsbook also boasts an impressive mobile app which can be downloaded by anybody residing in the 17 states where DraftKings is available. The app is particularly popular for fantasy sports, and punters can easily access all components of the app due to its user-friendly interface. Promotions are also available.
2. BetMGM
BetMGM’s mobile app sits among the very best available to US punters. It possesses everything you’d want from a betting app as it’s laden with features and extremely easy to use. Markets are updated by the second, which aids the live betting process, but some have complained over the app’s lag time on occasions. While not a major issue, slow loading times can be incredibly frustrating for bettors.
3. FanDuel
There’s very little difference between FanDuel’s mobile app and website. All banking, betting and personal options are available, as well as the bookmaker’s sportsbook promotions. It’s just on a smaller screen, so there are some structural differences. The app is available to download on both iOS and Android and has proven to be a very popular way of betting for US punters.
4. Borgata Online
Bettors can download Borgata’s casino and sports mobile apps, but we’re going to focus on the latter. All components of the website and condensed into the mobile app, with boosted bets offered daily. Their live coverage being regarded as one of the very best, and punters do not need to any safety or security concerns given the payment methods offered by the bookmaker.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Promotions
Here are some of the most common sports betting promotions offered by bookmakers licensed in Pennsylvania:
- Deposit Match Bonus
These new customer offers are key to enticing fresh punters to a particular sportsbook. A deposit match bonus involves the bookmaker matching a new customer’s first deposit – often up to a certain amount. So, if a new user makes a first deposit of $50, the bookmaker will match that and reward the punter $50 in bonuses.
This bonus typically manifests as bet credits, which can be used on the site’s sportsbook and subsequently turned into real cash should any of your bets win.
Some sportsbooks will also offer a first bet match promotion which is a similar premise but instead of matching a user’s first deposit, they’ll match their first bet stake.
- No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is brilliant as punters do not have to deposit any funds into their account in order to receive the reward on offer. You’ll qualify for the bonus by merely registering with the sportsbook which means punters will likely have to enter a promo code to receive their bonus.
This promotion comes with many perks for the new customer as they’ve got an opportunity to win without risking anything. You can also use your free bets as a way of testing out the sportsbook to see whether it fits your betting needs.
- Enhanced Parlays
Everybody loves putting on a parlay, right? Such bets are among the most popular among sports punters, especially novices.
A parlay bet is when a better makes multiple wagers and combines them to create one big bet. They’re a great way to win big money, but they’re mightily difficult to pull off.
Enhanced parlays, or parlay boosts, is a juiced-up version of your standard combo bet. Sportsbooks will boost the odds of your parlays to increase potential payouts. These boosts are usually proportional to the number of selections in your parlay. The more selections, the bigger the boost.
This only adds to the entertainment of parlay betting, with punters not having to do anything different to earn a boosted parlay. However, some bookmakers might make these enhanced parlays sport or event specific.
- Money Back Betting Offers
This is typically a new customer offer in which the bookmaker refunds your first bet – usually via free bets – should it not win.
However, some sportsbooks will also offer money back offers for various sports such as soccer. For example, punters could receive a refund if they place a goals-related bet on a soccer match, but it ends in a stalemate.
The offer essentially gives punters a risk-free bet, but there’s still some risk as bookmakers will rarely refund customers with real cash. To make the most of this promotion, you’ve got to use the free bets you receive wisely.
- Boosted Bets
Such promotions are common among sportsbook, but they’re a handy way of punters garnering greater value for their bets. Some bookmakers may randomly boost odds, but, for the most part, punters will be able to see which markets have been boosted before the event begins.
The perks of boosted odds are obvious, but they could also tempt punters into staking more. To combat this, some bookmakers limit how much you can bet on a boosted market.
- Parlay Insurance
As fun as parlays can be, they can also be incredibly frustrating. It only takes one erroneous selection for your entire bet, no matter how big it be, to lose. Thus, bookmakers have tried to get rid of such frustration by introduction parlay insurance. Now, this offer aren’t as common as enhanced parlays which are borderline ubiquitous, so it’s worth doing some research into which sportsbooks offer it.
The insurance gifts punters a full or partial refund should just one leg of their parley let them down. This refund will often manifest as a free bet as opposed to real cash.
- Existing Customer Betting Offers
VIP/loyalty programmes are imperative to retaining the interest of punters, especially high rollers who want to be rewarded for their betting from the bookmaker itself. The very best sportsbooks offer generous rewards for their punters that transcend mere free bets and free spins. Some will offer their customers the chance to win the most incredible real-life experiences.
- Special Events Promotions
Bookmakers will always put on a show when a major sporting event rolls around. Whether it’s the Super Bowl or March Madness, you can bet your bottom dollar that special promotions dedicated to such events are provided. March Madness brackets are common, and sportsbooks will give users the chance to win a lot of money should their bracket be accurate.
Popular Types of Bets
Here are some of the most popular types of bets that Pennsylvania bettors make on a variety of sports.
- Money Line Bets
This is as simple as it gets. If you make a money line bet, you’re betting on that team to win the contest. So, if you place a money line bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers to beat the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers must win the contest for your bet to win. Your bet loses if the Ravens win, or if they tie.
- Points Spread
Because of the lack of value typically associated with money line betting, punters will often turn to spread betting.
The point spread is the number of points that a team must win by for the bet to pay out. The favourite will have a ‘-‘ next to their points spread, while the underdog will have a ‘+’.
For example, let’s say the spread is: Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) @ Cleveland Browns (+3). This means that, if you backed the Steelers, they must win by more than three points for your bet to be successful.
- Over/Under Betting
If you don’t fancy betting on the outcome of a game, over/under (totals) betting is a popular alternative.
With this bet you’re betting on how many points will be scored in a game. The bookmaker will set a line, and you have to choose whether more or less points will be scored than that line.
For example, the bookie might set the line for NFL match-up between the Steelers and Ravens at 42.5. 43 or more points will have to be scored for the over bet to win. Anything less and the under wins.
- Parlays
Parlay bets have us all dreaming of a vacation to Cancun. One day, a big one will come off. Parlays are what the Brits like to call an ‘accumulator’ or ‘acca’. It’s one big bet which relies on multiple bets – called ‘legs’ – winning.
Even if you have a mammoth eight-leg parlay and only one ‘leg’ lets you down, your bet is still a loser.
While they’re very challenging to pull off, the low stakes high reward nature of such bets makes them incredibly popular. You could earn a fortune if the gambling Gods align.
- Prop Bets
A proposition – more commonly known as ‘prop’ – bet is another bet type that doesn’t focus on the outcome of a sporting event. The most common type of prop bet involves players.
These bets focus on the player’s performance, with markets for such bets surging as of late. For example, you might want to bet on how many yards Kenny Pickett will throw, or how rushing yards Najee Harris will gain in a particular game.
There are other types of prop bets, including game props. With these bets, you’re wagering on something specific to happen in the game. For example, you might back a particular team to score over a certain number of field goals in the first half.
- Futures Bets
With futures bets, you’re thinking long-term. You’re betting on the future outcome of a sporting event.
Such bets include Super Bowl winner, League MVP, and the total number of wins a team achieves in the regular season. You can also bet on seasonal stats like how many yards Russell Wilson will throw in the regular season, or how many yards Derrick Henry will rush for.
Where to Bet on Local Pennsylvania Teams
Pennsylvania’s two biggest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are home to major sports franchises across several professional sports including the Steelers, 76ers, and Penguins. College sports are also hugely popular in the state. Penn State are the eight-most winningest college football team in the US, while both Temple and Villanova have historically been major players in college basketball.
| Franchise | Sport | Founded | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Phillies | Baseball | 1883 | Win World Series +1800 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Football | 1933 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +900 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Ice Hockey | 1967 | Win Stanley Cup N/A |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Basketball | 1946 | Win NBA Finals +1000 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Football | 1933 | Win Super Bowl LVIII +6000 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | Baseball | 1883 | Win World Series +25000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Ice Hockey | 1967 | Win Stanley Cup +5500 |
| Philadelphia Union | Soccer | 2008 | Win MLS Cup +800 |
| Penn State | College football | 1887 | Win National Championship N/A |
| Pittsburgh | College football | 1890 | Win National Championship N/A |
| Villanova | College basketball | 1920 | Win National Championship N/A |
| Temple | College basketball | 1895 | Win National Championship N/A |
Important Sports Events in Pennsylvania 2023
Here’s a list of significant sporting events that Pennsylvania sports fans will take a keen interest in this year and might fancy betting on:
- 26th February – Philadelphia Union’s MLS regular season starts
- 7th April – Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates’ home openers of MLB regular season
- 15th April – 2023 NBA playoffs start
- 17th April – Stanley Cup playoffs start
- 2nd September – Penn State and Pittsburgh’s NCAA regular season starts
- 8th September – NFL regular season starts
- Mid-October – 2023/24 NBA regular season starts
Current Pennsylvania betting laws are pretty lenient, but high school sports events are prohibited. You can bet on all college sports events, but player prop bets are not available for college athletes.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Timeline
Here’s a history of sports betting in Pennsylvania:
1959 – The Race Horse Industry Reform Act legalizes horse racing gambling in the state.
1963 – Meadows Racetrack opens – the first racetrack to open after the passage of the aforementioned act.
1988 – Off-track betting legalized.
2017 – Sports betting officially becomes legal in the state after Governor Tom Wolf signs HB 271 into law.
2018 – First retail sportsbooks open after the US Supreme Court denounced PASPA.
2019 – First legal online sportsbooks open.
States Where it is Legal to bet on Sports
Changes to federal law has facilitated the legalization of sports gambling in 31 states to some degree, and Pennsylvania is currently one of those.
| State | Sports betting legal in person | Sports betting legal online |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | YES | YES |
| Arkansas | YES | YES |
| Colorado | YES | YES |
| Connecticut | YES | YES |
| Delaware | YES | |
| Illinois | YES | YES |
| Indiana | YES | YES |
| Iowa | YES | YES |
| Louisiana | YES | YES |
| Maryland | YES | YES |
| Michigan | YES | YES |
| Mississippi | YES | |
| Montana | YES | YES |
| New Mexico | YES | |
| Nevada | YES | YES |
| North Carolina | YES | |
| North Dakota | YES | |
| New Hampshire | YES | YES |
| New Jersey | YES | YES |
| New York | YES | YES |
| Oregon | YES | YES |
| Pennsylvania | YES | YES |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| South Dakota | YES | |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| Tennessee | YES | |
| Virginia | YES | YES |
| Washington | YES | |
| West Virginia | YES | YES |
| Wisconsin | YES | |
| Wyoming | YES |
Pennsylvania Sports Betting – FAQs
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Sports betting has been legalized in Pennsylvania since 2017 before the first retail sportsbook was opened in November 2018.
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At the time of writing, there are 13 online sportsbooks in operation.
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DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Borgata Online are, in our eyes, the best sportsbooks available in Pennsylvania.
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Punters can bet on college events, including in-state teams. The state, however, does not allow player props on college athletes.
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Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are the two major cities in Pennsylvania, and their respective sports teams are the most popular in the state. You’ve got the Eagles and Steelers in the NFL, the 76ers in the NBA, the Philles and Pirates in MLB, as well as the Penguins and Flyers in the NHL.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
We have detailed everything there is to know about sports betting in the US state of Pennsylvania in this guide. The very best US bookmakers are accessible in the state, with punters having ample opportunity to take advantage of an array of markets and special sportsbook promotions.
Resources
1 Wikipedia. (2021). Gambling in Pennsylvania. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_Pennsylvania.
2 Legal Sports Report. (n.d.). Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Top 13 PA Apps in 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.legalsportsreport.com/pa/#what-to-expect [Accessed 13 Apr. 2023].
3 The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. (n.d.). Bill Information – House Bill 271; Regular Session 2017-2018. [online] Available at: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2017&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=271 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2023].
4 Ruddock, S. (2022). Sports Betting Tax Rates And Licensing Fees. [online] www.bettingusa.com. Available at: https://www.bettingusa.com/sports/taxes-and-licenses/.
