Best Pennsylvania Sportsbooks – Guide to the top PA Sports Betting Sites & Apps

Thanks to legislation passed in 2017, sports betting in Pennsylvania was legalized as soon as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was overturned in 2018. Retail sportsbooks, which need to operate at land-based casinos, launched in November 2018. Online sportsbooks went live in 2019. There are 13 online sportsbooks available for players in Pennsylvania.

In our complete guide to PA online sports betting, learn more about the best Pennsylvania sportsbooks. Our experts have been busy placing bets at every sportsbook in the state to compile a list of the top sites and apps. In our review, you can also find out what sports teams you can bet on, popular bet types, and the biggest bonuses you can get your hands on.

Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Players must be a legal gambling age and located in a regulated US gambling state. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.

Comparing all Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks

With loads of top-quality operators in Pennsylvania, every sports betting site has something unique to offer. Which site is best for you depends on your personal preference. See our comparison of the top brands below and follow the links on this page to sign up with your chosen PA sportsbook.

Reviews of the Best Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites

The online sports betting market in Pennsylvania went live in 2019. Since then, 13 sportsbooks have entered the Keystone State. In these reviews, our industry experts make use of decades of experience to give you an overview of what to expect from your betting experience.

1. BetMGM

• Established: 1986
• Land-based partner: Hollywood Morgantown
• Payout time: 2-4 days

Our Verdict (9.8/10)

BetMGM, a joint venture by MGM Resorts International and Entain, is a very big name on the US sports betting scene. The self-acclaimed ‘King of Sportsbooks’ launched in Pennsylvania in December 2020 through a partnership with Hollywood Casino Morgantown.

BetMGM captivates Pennsylvania bettors with its distinctive glittering interface and intuitive design. The mobile app showcases the brand’s iconic gold-splashed aesthetics while offering advanced tools such as the ‘Edit my Bet’ feature and user-friendly parlay generators. With wagering options available across a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, BetMGM ensures a captivating online sports betting experience.

You can make deposits using Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, online banking, or Play+ cards. Support staff can be reached by phone or through live chat or email – they were quick to respond every time. Anyone who signs up with BetMGM automatically joins the MGM Rewards program and can earn loyalty points to spend on betting.

It’s a shame there aren’t many promotions outside the MGM Rewards program, and the mobile app doesn’t quite live up to the high quality of the desktop site. However, don’t let this stop you from signing up with this official betting partner of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 7/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 8.8/10
• Customer Support: 8/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

2. FanDuel

• Established: 2009
• Land-based partner: Valley Forge
• Payout time: 1-2 days

Our Verdict (9.6/10)

After starting as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) company in 2009, FanDuel has grown into one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US, with backing from gambling giant Flutter Entertainment. The online sportsbook became accessible to Pennsylvanian bettors through a partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort in July 2019.

FanDuel provides PA bettors with a comprehensive betting platform, offering wagering options on a wide range of sports events across US and international markets. With a user-friendly mobile app, FanDuel is particularly handy for new players, with plenty of beginner guides about different bet types and betting on sports.

The sportsbook accepts popular payment methods such as PayPal, Venmo, prepaid cards, VIP Preferred, and online banking. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

There are some downsides to using FanDuel, including a lack of a VIP program. FanDuel doesn’t have any particularly unique features, but it’s a solid and trustworthy brand. For the most part, this is one of the best Pennsylvania online sports betting sites.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 9/10
• Mobile Experience: 10/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 8/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Sportsbook: 9.6/10
• Customer Support: 8/10
• Responsible Gambling: 10/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

3. BetRivers

• Established: 1986
• Land-based partner: Rivers Pittsburgh
• Payout time: 1-4 days

Our Verdict (9.4/10)

Betrivers, owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, opened its virtual doors to online bettors in Pennsylvania in 2019. It was the second sportsbook to grace the Keystone State’s gambling scene, entering the Pennsylvanian market through a partnership with Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

BetRivers Pennsylvania mobile sportsbook offers an impressive sports betting market, including popular sports like basketball, football, and hockey, as well as niche sports. It features an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for beginners. We loved the fact that you can use BetRivers to live stream NHL games.

Bettors can deposit funds into their Betrivers account and withdraw winnings via many of the popular options, including Visa, Mastercard, Play+, PayPal, or cash at the casino cage.

Betrivers Pennsylvania’s standout features include the excellent iRush rewards program, multiple recurring, extensive wagering options, and a seamless betting experience on mobile. The desktop site can feel very cluttered, and the welcome bonus is decidedly lower than other betting locations.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 9/10
• Desktop Experience: 7/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Account Verification: 8/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 8.4/10
• Customer Support: 9/10
• Responsible Gambling: 10/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

4. DraftKings

• Established: 2012
• Land-based partner: Hollywood Meadows
• Payout time: 2-3 days

Our Verdict (9.3/10)

DraftKings was one of the very first sports betting sites to accept US bettors outside of Nevada, and has remained an industry leader since. In November 2019, DraftKings Sportsbook entered the Pennsylvania market in collaboration with Penn National Gaming, the parent company of numerous casinos nationwide.

Pennsylvanian bettors can place their sports bets via the DraftKings website and mobile app on any of the NHL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, and more. DraftKings has some of the most unique features in Pennsylvania, including DraftKings Social, free-to-play pools, and access to Reignmakers.

When it comes to banking, you can access convenient options such as Venmo, PayPal, eChecks, and online banking. New bettors can take advantage of a 20% deposit bonus of up to $1000 upon signing up, quite an impressive bonus. For any assistance, DraftKings provides 24/7 customer service through live chat, phone, and email.

DraftKings provides a seamless and visually appealing experience on both mobile and desktop platforms. It’s a shame that the bonuses for existing players are far less frequent and generous than at other sites, but it remains a top choice for bettors in Pennsylvania.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 7/10
• Desktop Experience: 10/10
• Mobile Experience: 10/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 9/10
• Sportsbook: 9.5/10
• Customer Support: 9/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

5. Caesars

• Established: 1937
• Land-based partner: Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Payout time: 2-3 days
  

Our Verdict (9/10)

Following its acquisition of British sportsbook giant William Hill, Caesars Entertainment has emerged as a formidable player in the online sports betting industry. Caesars launched in the Keystone State as the online partner of Harrah’s Philadelphia in 2020.

As the official betting partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, Caesars offers plenty of exclusive odds for the team. However, its betting lines are competitive no matter what sport you bet on. Caesars also has exclusive live streaming rights to Sunday NFL games which you can watch through its slick desktop site and mobile app.

For convenient transactions, you can utilize PayPal, Play+, VIP Preferred eChecks, and debit/credit cards at Caesars. Along with its generous welcome bonus, anyone that signs up with Caesars can join the generous Caesars Rewards program for free. Responsive staff are available via live chat support at any time of day.

Caesars is by no means a perfect platform, as we experienced some issues with lag on its desktop site during our review. However, with a big retail presence in PA and excellent features, Caesars is still one of the operators to beat.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 10/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 10/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 9/10
• Customer Support: 8/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9/10

6. Barstool Sportsbook

• Established: 2003
• Land-based partner: Hollywood Penn National
• Payout time: 3-5 business days

Our Verdict (8.5/10)

Barstool Sports, through its partnership with Penn Entertainment Inc., is one of America’s fastest-growing online sports betting brands. In September 2020, Barstool Sportsbook went live for the first time in any US state. Retail locations in Pennsylvania include Hollywood Casino at York, Morgantown, and The Meadows.

Barstool Sportsbook caters to a wide range of betting preferences. You can engage in pre-game, live, and futures bets across major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NCAA, MLB, and UFC. A standout feature for us was Barstool Exclusives, where you can access expert picks and enhanced odds from renowned Barstool personalities.

Deposits and withdrawals can be made through debit/credit cards, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, wire transfers, and eChecks. Friendly customer support is accessible via live chat, emails, or callback requests. In our experience, customer support could be a little slow to respond, but this isn’t a major issue.

Barstool Sportsbook is the go-to location for Pennsylvania bettors looking for a seamless and satisfying online sports betting experience. The platform distinguishes itself through its exceptional promotions that sets it apart from other online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 8.5/10
• Customer Support: 9/10
• Responsible Gambling: 10/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

7. PointsBet

• Established: 2015
• Land-based partner: Hollywood York
• Payout time: 2-3 days

Our Verdict (8.5/10)

Hailing from Australia, PointsBet entered the US market in 2019 to take the sports betting industry by storm. The sportsbook came into the Pennsylvania market by partnering with Hollywood Casino York in 2022.

PointsBet offers a wide range of traditional betting formats across various markets, including NBA, NCAAB, NFL, and MLB, accessible through mobile and desktop platforms. In addition, PointsBet distinguishes itself with its groundbreaking Points Betting format, revolutionizing the way your payouts are determined based on the accuracy of their wagers.

You can make payments using popular methods such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and online banking. PointsBet provides free access to its regular sports betting newsletter and the chance to contest losing bets with the Karma Kommittee.

However, these offers don’t compensate for the lack of bonuses for existing players. The PointsBet desktop site is also a little bit dated. It’s still worth signing up with this site to enjoy its innovative approach to betting.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 9/10
• Registration Process: 10/10
• Account Verification: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 8.5/10
• Customer Support: 8/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

8. Unibet

• Established: 1997
• Land-based partner: Mohegan Sun Pocono
• Payout time: 3-5 days

Our Verdict (8/10)

Unibet is a European sports betting giant with over two decades of experience in the upper echelons of the sports gambling industry. The company made its US debut in September 2019 and went live in Pennsylvania only two months after.

Unibet runs two retail locations for bettors in Pennsylvania. The first is in Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre and the other at the Downs at Lehigh Valley. Players at Unibet can bet on an extensive selection of American sports. But what really helps the sportsbook stand out is its impressive coverage of European competitions like the EPL, La Liga, Champions League, and Formula 1.

Payment methods available here include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, PayNearMe, and Play+. Players can reach support staff via live chat, email, and dedicated phone lines.

Although improvements can definitely be made to the mobile and desktop interface, and the bonus offers do seem a little thin, the overall experience at Unibet PA is still pretty good.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 7/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 8/10
• Account Verification: 8/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 8/10
• Customer Support: 9/10
• Responsible Gambling: 8/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

9. Betfred

• Established: 1967
• Land-based partner: Wind Creek
• Payout time: 3-5 days

Our Verdict (8/10)

Betfred is a true historical giant of the gambling industry. The sportsbook was established in England in 1967, financed with profits made from betting on England to win the World Cup in ’66. Betfred made the journey across the ocean to enter the US market in 2020. By November of the same year, the sportsbook went live in Pennsylvania in partnership with Wind Creek Casino Bethlehem.

Betfred shines with its coverage of popular US sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer. Betting options available here include straight bets, parleys, futures, prop bets, and more. The sportsbook runs seamlessly on desktop and mobile, but friendly support staff can be reached via email and phone if you run into any issues.

Options for making and receiving payment include credit/debit cards, Play + card, Skrill, PayNearMe, VIP Preferred eCheck, and more.

But the most impressive points of our review were the features like PickYourPunt, live streaming, and high betting limit – these are what make Betfred out from the competition.

Features Overview:

• Bonuses: 8/10
• Desktop Experience: 8/10
• Mobile Experience: 8/10
• Registration Process: 9/10
• Account Verification: 9/10
• Payment Methods: 8/10
• Sportsbook: 9/10
• Customer Support: 9/10
• Responsible Gambling: 8/10

Top Sign-Up Offer:

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. It was one of the first states to introduce legal sports betting, passing legislation in 2017.

Following the repeal of PASPA, the first retail sportsbook to launch in Pennsylvania was the Hollywood Casino at Penn National in November 2018. After this, the first PA online sports betting platform launched when PlaySugarHouse went live in May 2019. There are currently 13 Pennsylvania online sports betting apps available.

Sports Betting Pennsylvania Governing Bodies

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) governs all sports betting in the Keystone State. Therefore before any sportsbook can officially launch, the PGCB must give it a licence. The PGCB also collects taxes from operators and issues fines for not following regulations.

Legal Sports Betting Age in Pennsylvania

If you're 21 or over, you can bet at any official and certified sportsbook within Pennsylvania state lines. Pennsylvania sportsbooks require you to submit proof of address and a photographic ID to confirm your age.

How to Register with Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks

Pennsylvania online sports betting platforms make it as easy as possible to sign up. You can start betting in minutes by following the links to any online sportsbook on this page. Follow our easy guide below to learn how to register and claim your welcome bonus.

1. Choose one of our recommended PA sports betting sites

Select one of the top 10 operators on this page and follow the links to start the registration process.

2. Go through the sign-up process

To register, you'll need to provide your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to verify your account before you can withdraw any winnings.

3. Enter a PA promo code

Some bonuses need a Pennsylvania bonus code, so enter this in the bonus code box while signing up. If you don't have or need a promo code, you can leave this box blank.

4. Make a deposit

Visit the cashier section and choose a deposit method. Decide how much money to add, ensuring you meet any minimum deposit requirements for your welcome bonus.

5. Place your bets

With your bonuses and cash in your account, browse through the sports, select a betting market, and place your first bet.

6. Withdraw any winnings

If you're lucky enough to make a profit, return to the cashier section and follow the instructions to withdraw.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Bonuses

It's not enough for the best Pennsylvania betting sites to just provide you with a smooth and functional experience. Many operators in Pennsylvania offer bonuses to new and existing players to keep them interested. Bonuses give you the opportunity to earn cash profits, as well as other types of benefits. We've listed some of the best bonuses available in PA below:

• Welcome bonus: A welcome bonus is an exclusive promotion for new players at a Pennsylvania sports betting site. Simply sign up, and you'll get a boost to your new account, like second chance bets and deposit match bonuses. You may need to make a minimum deposit or meet other requirements to claim your bonus.
• Ongoing promotions: Not just for the newbies, plenty of Pennsylvania online sports betting sites offer exciting promotions for existing players too. You can claim bonus bets, odds boosts, and deposit matches by making minimum deposits, bets, or following other instructions onsite.
• No-deposit bonuses: As the name suggests, you do not need to make any cash deposit to claim a no-deposit bonus. Instead, you can unlock this promotion during sign-up or while depositing. Earn bonus bets and other exciting perks without having to deposit your own cash.
• Promo code bonuses: You will sometimes see Pennsylvania promo offers that require a special access code to unlock. Enter the specific combination of letters and numbers, while signing up or depositing, to claim rewards like deposit matches and bonus bets. Promo code bonuses are not exempt from having minimum deposits attached, so read any terms thoroughly.
• Loyalty programs: Some sportsbooks in the Keystone State allow you to join loyalty programs. These programs let you earn points by placing bets. With time these points will raise your rank, and you can get bonus bets, boosts, and even real-life rewards. Pennsylvania sportsbooks reward loyalty with the benefits drastically improving the higher your points total.

Desktop Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

You can use a desktop platform to bet on sports in Pennsylvania. All the top betting sites in PA offer a desktop version of the sportsbook that you can access online through your desktop browser. You may also be asked to allow tracking software or IP tracking on desktop.

Mobile Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

You must remain within the borders of Pennsylvania to bet legally on mobile. To ensure you are playing where it's legal, your PA sportsbook will ask you to enable your mobile geolocation settings to track your location. You can download a sports betting app by:

1. Going to your usual mobile app store.
2. Searching the sportsbook app you want to find.
3. Downloading it over Wi-Fi or your mobile data.
4. Logging in through the new app on your mobile and betting from there as usual.

Pros & Cons of Pennsylvania Apps over Desktop

It's really up to you which device you prefer to use when you're betting. But there are both good and bad things about using apps over desktop sportsbooks.

Sportsbook apps

Payment Methods in Pennsylvania

With some of the nation's best online sportsbooks licensed to operate in PA, a wide range of different payment methods are accepted. Our list below might help you decide which payment method suits you best:

• Debit or credit cards: Popular bank cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by Pennsylvania sportsbooks, but you might be unable to use cards from other lesser-known providers.
• E-Wallets: With e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller becoming more popular, you can now make deposits without entering your bank information. E-wallet withdrawals are usually the fastest of any gambling payment method.
• Online bank transfers: Most Pennsylvania sportsbooks allow standard bank transfers directly from your online bank account.
• eChecks: Certain banks allow you to make safe ACH (Automatic Clearing House) transfers to Pennsylvania betting sites.
• Wire transfers: Wire transfers tend to have the largest maximums for deposits, which makes them perfect for high rollers. You can make direct bank transfers using wire transfers at most Pennsylvania online sports betting platforms.
• Prepaid cards: A few different prepaid cards are accepted at Pennsylvania betting sites. These include Play+, a popular gambling-centric card that allows you to make safe deposits and withdrawals. Another type of prepaid card, PayNearMe, allows you to make cash deposits at local retailers like Walmart or 7-Eleven.
• Check: Less commonly, some Pennsylvania betting sites allow you to withdraw via check. Check is a secure way to obtain any winnings, but the length of withdrawals will massively differ based on the postal service in your area.
• Casino cage cashier: Some Pennsylvanian gambling sites might allow you to visit a land-based partner and make your deposits and withdrawals in person. The casino cage is one of the fastest ways to access cash, with requests usually taking several hours.

Teams to Bet on in Pennsylvania

Whether you're into professional leagues or college sports, Pennsylvania gambling sites have plenty of options for your favorite local teams. From in-state teams, to neighboring state teams, Pennsylvania's best online sportsbooks offer a wide range of teams you can bet on.

Pennsylvania Pro Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers

Established in 1933, the Pittsburgh Steelers have become one of the most successful NFL teams in history. With legendary players like Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger, and Jerome Bettis, the franchise has won six Super Bowls, the joint most of any team. The Steelers play in the AFC North at Acrisure Stadium.

Philadelphia Eagles

Created in 1933, the same year as rivals the Steelers, the Eagles play in the NFC East. After many years of trying, the Eagles beat the New England Patriots to win their first Super Bowl in 2018. The game was famous for the 'Philly Special', a trick play where QB Nick Foles received a pass in the end zone.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates started in 1882 and joined the National League in 1887. The team played in the first MLB World Series in 1903, losing to the Boston Red Sox, but has won five World Series throughout history. However, the team hasn't won an NL Division title since 1992.

Philadelphia Phillies

As one of the oldest teams in the MLB, the Philadelphia Phillies have plenty of history, joining the National League in 1883. Of the 16 pre-expansion teams, the Phillies had to wait the longest to win their first World Series, picking up the championship in 1980. The franchise went on to win another World Series in 2015.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Formed in 1967, the Penguins play in the Eastern Metropolitan. The team has won five Stanley Cups, including back-to-back titles from 1990-1992 and 2015-2017. The franchise also claimed the Presidents' Trophy in 1992/93. Some of the most iconic players in the franchise include Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers joined the NHL in 1967 and found quick success in the league, winning the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975. The Flyers have never won the Presidents' Trophy but have claimed an impressive 16 division titles.

Philadelphia 76ers

The only NBA franchise in Pennsylvania was created in 1946, although the team was originally known as the Syracuse Nationals in New York. The team has won three NBA Championships – in 1955, 1967, and 1983. Top former players include Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson.

Pennsylvania College Sports

Bucknell Bison

The only championship in the history of the Bucknell University Bison is its NCAA Division II swimming championship in 1964. The school plays in the Patriot League for most sports and supports 25 varsity teams.

Drexel Dragons

In 2013, the Drexel University Dragons women's basketball team won the Women's National Invitation Tournament, defeating the University of Utah Utes in the final. The school also scored five women's rifle championships before the NCAA recognized the sport.

Duquesne Dukes

Representing Duquesne University, the Dukes have never won a national championship. However, the school attracts a lot of attention for its men's basketball game with its rivals, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, known as the City Game.

La Salle Explorers

The Explorers picked up its nickname from a mistake by a Philadelphia sports writer, who thought La Salle University was named after Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer. In fact, the school is named after St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle. However, the nickname stuck to the team, which plays most sports in the A-10.

Lafayette Leopards

The college football program for the Lafayette College Leopards was founded in 1882 and has won three national championships. The last of these came in an undefeated season all the back in 1926. Outside of this, its men's basketball, baseball, and women's basketball teams have made NCAA postseason appearances.

Lehigh Mountain Hawks

Representing Lehigh University, the Mountain Hawks share a fierce rivalry with Lafayette College. In fact, the two have played more games than any other school in US history. In tennis, Julius Seligson won an individual NCAA championship for the school in 1928, never losing a regular season game.

Penn Quakers

An Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania Quakers supports 33 varsity teams, including fencing, lacrosse, and rowing. John Heisman, whose name stands on college football's most famous trophy, went to the school. The school football program has won seven national championships, the last being in 1924.

Penn State Nittany Lions

The Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions is one of the most successful schools in PA, winning 53 national championships. Its most successful sport is gymnastics, which has won 12 national titles. The school has also successfully won ten championships in men's wrestling in 13 years.

Pittsburgh Panthers

The University of Pittsburgh Panthers, also known as the Pitt Panthers, play across 19 sports, mainly in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The school has won nine NCAA championships in football and two in basketball, making the school one of five to have multiple titles in both sports.

Robert Morris Colonials

Located in Moon Township in Pittsburgh, the Robert Morris University Colonials play most sports in the Horizon League. The men's basketball team has competed in eight NCAA Tournaments, losing every game.

Saint Francis Red Flash

Playing in the Northeast Conference, the Saint Francis University Red Flash support 22 varsity teams. The only exception is the women's field hockey team, which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Saint Joseph Hawks

Men's basketball is the most popular sport at Saint Joseph's University, with the Hawks having competed in more than 21 NCAA Tournaments. The school has produced many professional athletes, including Olympic rowers Renee Hykel and Mike Teti.

Temple Owls

The Temple University Owls have won three national championships in history, with one victory in men's gymnastics and two in women's lacrosse. The school plays most sports in the American Athletic Conference.

Villanova Wildcats

The most famous team for the Villanova University Wildcats is the men's basketball team, which has won three national championships, including in 2016 and 2018. However, the school has also been hugely successful in cross country, with four men's championships and nine women's championships.

Sports Bet Types in Pennsylvania

Sports betting sites provide you with an impressive array of betting markets, whether you're placing bets pre-game or live during play. Below, our experts have compiled some of the most popular bet types you'll come across in PA:

• Moneyline: Simply put, placing a moneyline bet means betting on the winner of an event. It's the most straightforward type of bet.
• Point spread: Your PA sportsbook will apply a handicap to the favorite and an advantage to the underdog. To win your bet, you must decide which team will win after these restrictions have been applied to the final score.
• Totals: The PA betting site will set a number for a particular statistic, and you predict whether the end scores will be over or under that amount.
• Player props: By placing a player prop, you are wagering on the performance of a single athlete. Examples include how many touchdowns a certain QB will throw or how many points a basketball player will score.
• Team props: Team props are very similar to player props, except you bet on the performance stats of a whole team.
• Parlays: You can combine multiple separate bets from different games into what is known as a parlay. All of your individual bets in the parlay must be successful for you to win on the whole. If you win a parlay bet, the profits are much more lucrative.
• Futures: If you want to place bets for major sporting events that have yet to happen, try a futures bet. Common future bets include teams winning the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup. If you're feeling confident, you can place these wagers before the season has even started.
• Same game parlays: Using a same game parlay means you can choose multiple bets from the same game or event and combine them into a parlay. Same game parlays are usually only found in the most popular US sports or during major league events.

How to Place a Bet at a Pennsylvania Sportsbook

1. Pick the sport market you want to bet on.
2. Choose the type of bet you want to place on the sporting event, team, or player.
3. Select the amount you'd like to bet (you will need to have money deposited in your account already in order to do this).
4. When you place your bet, you'll get a bet slip on the sportsbook site or betting app. This will have all the information about the bet you chose.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

Until the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), that didn't stop Pennsylvania lawmakers from passing HB 271 in 2017 to legalize online and retail sports betting.

Retail sports betting went live in November 2018, with local land-based casinos permitted to launch betting facilities. Online sports betting launched in May 2019 through PlaySugarHouse (now BetRivers), with all online operators needing to partner with a brick-and-mortar casino.

The latest sports betting updates in PA are as follows:

• May 23, 2023: Following Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois, Pennsylvania becomes the fifth US state to pass $21 billion in total betting handle.

• May 14, 2023: Fanatics acquires PointsBet, which could set up the first launch of a new sportsbook in PA since 2021.

• April 18, 2023: The Pennsylvania sports betting handle in March beats the previous year by 1.2% and beats February by 20.7%.

There are currently 13 Pennsylvania sportsbooks in operation, all under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Sports Betting Bill History in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania was one of the most enthusiastic states about sports betting in the US, passing legislation to allow sports betting before PASPA was struck down. The state doesn't have much legislation simply because lawmakers agreed on one bill very quickly, and these laws mostly still stand today.

2023

• HB 733 - A bill to allow e-sports betting in Pennsylvania, currently undergoing approval by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

2017

• HB 271 - Introduced by Representative Jason Ortitay, a huge bill to legalize online casinos, sports betting, and Daily Fantasy Sports in Pennsylvania.

Legal Sports Betting In Pennsylvania

To play legally, sports bettors in Pennsylvania must be over 21, whether you're betting at a retail sportsbook or online betting site. To confirm you are following state regulations, Pennsylvania online sports betting sites will require you to prove your age with a valid photo ID. You may need to provide this during your registration or before withdrawing.

Some professions prohibit you from betting on sports in Pennsylvania, including anyone involved with professional or college sports. You also can't bet legally if you have a gambling-related criminal history.

Illegal Betting in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania is much more welcoming than most US states to sports betting, there are still some limits on betting. You can't bet on high school events, or any sport overseen by the Russian or Belarussian authorities. E-sports betting is currently illegal, but HB 733 is trying to change this.

Responsible Betting in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is committed to keeping gambling safe. It requires every licensed sportsbook to meet high standards for responsible gambling measures. Every Pennsylvania online sports betting site will let you access the state-wide self-exclusion program to prohibit yourself from gambling.

Pennsylvania sportsbooks are also required to provide account tools to help you control your gambling. This includes deposit, time, and spending limits. You can usually access these tools through a dedicated responsible gambling page on a PA sportsbook site, where you'll also find advice on responsible gambling.

Alongside the efforts of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, several independent support organizations provide professional help to problem gamblers and their families. This includes 24/7 live chat and helplines, meetings for problem gamblers, and a wide range of resources:

• Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania
• The National Council on Problem Gambling Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Locations

Retail Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Off-Track Betting Locations

Pennsylvania Lottery Betting

The Pennsylvania Lottery – established in 1971 – oversees all online and retail lottery games in the Keystone State.

Light & Wonder (previously known as Scientific Games) provides the technology for the Pennsylvania Lottery as well as lots of the technology for PA online casinos. Current Pennsylvania legal gambling regulations don't permit any crossover between sports betting and the lottery.

How does Pennsylvania Compare to Other States?

Market Coverage

Since launching in 2019, online sports betting in PA has offered a wide range of sporting markets. This includes NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, NASCAR, tennis, boxing, golf, motorsports, European soccer, Aussie rules, and rugby union.

Unlike a lot of other states which restrict this type of betting, sportsbooks in Pennsylvania also allow betting on college sports and e-sports.

Competitive Odds & Prices

As the top online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania like DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the biggest sportsbooks in the US, the same competitive odds are offered nationwide.

With 13 online sportsbooks legal in the state, there is quite a lot of competition in PA. This means that odds can sometimes differ among competing sportsbooks in order to draw customers to their sites. In other states, where there are hardly any online sportsbooks to choose from, the sportsbook can set whatever odds and prices they want – the bettors don't have much say in where they can bet online.

Sports Betting and Gambling Revenue

In May 2023, $495.6 million in total bets was recorded by the state. This was down 13% from the month before. Of this total, there is a 36% tax imposed on PA sports betting revenue, one of the highest rates of any commercial market in the US. The sports betting industry certainly brings in a lot of money to Pennsylvania, both online and in retail locations. Some states don't yet even have legal sports betting, so cannot get any revenue from this market.

Pennsylvania Betting Taxes

You must declare your Pennsylvania gambling winnings when filling out your taxes for the IRS. This is the same across every state in the US.

Anyone in PA earning more than $600 in betting must complete a W-2G form. You can deduct your losses from your winnings when completing your taxes. Along with paying the IRS, you must include your betting winnings in your state income tax. The flat tax rate in PA is 3.07%. Sportsbooks may also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.

Pennsylvania DFS

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) were legalized by Gov. Wolf in 2017 when he signed HB 271, the bill which legalized online and retail sports betting in PA. The DFS regulation was enacted in May 2018, with operators offering games to local players ever since.

Some of our recommended Pennsylvania sportsbooks, like FanDuel and DraftKings, offer integrated DFS platforms. This means you can enter contests and build teams of athletes from the major leagues using your betting winnings.

Best Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Site for September 2023 - DraftKings

A true pioneer in online sportsbooks, Pennsylvania is one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the US. This means there are plenty of PA sportsbooks for you to choose from. After thoroughly reviewing the best of the best, we believe that DraftKings is the top online betting site in Pennsylvania.

Let's start with the basics: DraftKings has a huge range of betting markets with loads of bet types in every sport. All of its odds are competitive, and thanks to its partnerships with major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, it offers exclusive odds boosts on plenty of events. The DraftKings desktop site and mobile app are also both excellent platforms, with easy-to-use interfaces and slick designs.

What we loved most of all was the variety of dynamic features on offer. In PA, a DraftKings account gives you access to its:

• Sportsbook
• Online casino
• Free pools games
• DFS games
• Pari-mutuel horse racing
• Reignmakers NFT game

DraftKings Social is also an excellent unique feature, allowing you to message friends and see what others are betting on. It makes the sports betting experience feel even more exciting, and feel like you're part of a community.

So, if you want to get started at DraftKings, you're in the right place. Follow any links to DraftKings PA on this page to sign up with the Pennsylvania sportsbook. Be sure to claim its generous welcome bonus to boost your bankroll and give yourself the best chance of making a profit.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQs