Online sportsbook betting is live in Pennsylvania and it’s a real success, just as it’s proven in the likes of New Jersey betting recently. Some of the biggest names in Sportsbook are arriving online in the state, with PA one of the first to make the landmark move to fully legalize online betting. Here at Gambler Saloon we’re thrilled and have built this fantastic guide to bring you all the best online PA Sports Betting Sites the Keystone State has to offer directly to you!
Best Online Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
PA Online Betting Sites
Pennsylvania is one of the first states with online sports betting and it quickly became one of the largest sports wagering markets in the US. A number of both online and retail sports gambling options have launched at casinos and with sports betting apps. It has been a great year for the sports betting industry in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State currently has 11 online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps open for business.
The first sports betting app in PA, SugarHouse Sportsbook PA, went fully live on May 31. Below is the list of all PA sports betting sites:
SugarHouse Sportsbook PA
SugarHouse online sportsbook was the first to debut in Pennsylvania on May 28. Rush Street Gaming operates the website. It has one of the most extensive selections of betting lines available in PA. Sports bettors will find dozens of options for wagering on every contest offered.
In comparison to other PA sportsbooks, SugarHouse PA offers a relatively generous initial deposit bonus. The beauty is that there are no strings attached, and no arduous terms and conditions before you see your money. It offers a 100% first deposit match up to $250 with just a 1x wagering requirement.
In addition, it also offers regular promotions for its players. Also, you can earn iRush rewards for wagering on sports and playing online casino games.
Unibet Sportsbook PA
The Europe-based Unibet broke into the U.S. sports betting market during the Fall of 2019. Unibet PA sportsbook app went live on Nov. 15, 2019, through the license of Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Players can access loads of sports betting options including a live betting feature on the user-friendly Unibet website and mobile app.
Unibet offers $20 free money just for signing up. In addition, it also offers $250 risk-free bets for new players. Regular promotions are also available for existing players.
FanDuel Sportsbook PA
FanDuel sportsbook is the early market leader in New Jersey, and it continues to be the same in Pennsylvania. It operates in PA through the license of Valley Forge Casino Resort. FanDuel sportsbook made its debut in the Keystone State on July 22, 2019, and was the fourth online sportsbook to launch.
Rather than separate out apps into PA and NJ, the FanDuel sportsbook app is a single entity that works in both jurisdictions. In fact, you can even use the money you deposited in NJ to play in Pennsylvania.
As a part of their new customer bonus, FanDuel sportsbook offers its players up to $1000 risk-free bets.
BetRivers Sportsbook PA
The BetRivers sportsbook is the online arm of Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Rush Street Interactive operates the sportsbook while Kambi powers it. BetRivers is the sister site of the SugarHouse sportsbook and they both offer similar bonuses and promotions.
The BetRivers sportsbook offers up to a $250 bonus on your first deposit. In addition, players on BetRivers can also take part in iRush Rewards, the loyalty program. The points earned are redeemable for free play, food offers, and exclusive promotions and sweepstakes.
BetRivers’ sportsbook app is also available in Indiana and Colorado.
BetAmerica Sportsbook PA
Primarily focused on horse racing, BetAmerica is now slowly expanding into other sports. Churchill Downs’ BetAmerica operates in Pennsylvania through its partnership with Presque Isle Downs Casino & Resort. In fact, it is Pennsylvania’s eighth online sports betting site.
A key strength of the site lies in the range of sports and leagues available with top American and international sports up for betting 24/7. Players can take advantage of its current promotion – Bet $50 and Get $50.
Parx Sportsbook PA
The Parx Sportsbook is no doubt the online sportsbook of the biggest casino in PA – Parx Casino Philadelphia. It debuted on 24 June 2019, the same day as BetRivers and SugarHouse.
Parx mobile sportsbook app is available for both iOS and Android users. Players can download the iOS app directly from the App Store, whereas Android users must download the app from the Parx website.
The Parx sportsbook has an in-game betting feature. In fact, there may not be a PA sportsbook that keeps players more up-to-date about the ebbs and flows of each game than Parx. It offers up to $500 risk-free bets for new players.
DraftKings Sportsbook PA
The top DFS provider turned its attention to Pennsylvania shortly after its successful launch in New Jersey. DraftKings entered the PA legal sports betting market at the tail end of 2019 using the sports betting license of Meadows Racetrack & Casino.
The DraftKings sportsbook app is available for both Android and iOS devices. For new players, it not only offers $25 free money but also offers up to a $500 deposit bonus and $500 risk-free bet. It also offers an in-game live betting feature.
FoxBet Sportsbook PA
Fox Bet is the product of the partnership between media giant Fox and gambling operator PokerStars. After successfully launching in New Jersey, it turned its attention to Pennsylvania.
The sportsbook app opened its virtual doors on Sept. 4 as the fifth online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. The site is operating through Mount Airy Casino’s license and promotes on the Fox sports platform.
Fox Bet offers up to a $500 bonus plus a $500 risk-free bet for new players. Not to mention, the bonus funds come with a playthrough requirement, which is standard for most deposit matches.
Caesars Sportsbook PA
Caesars sportsbook launched its app in Pennsylvania in March 2020. The gambling giant brings its reputable brand to Pennsylvania with a combination of generous odds, slick software, and a wealth of extras. It has a retail sportsbook at Harrah’s Casino in Philadelphia. The sportsbook is also live in New Jersey and Indiana.
PA players can take advantage of its wide selection of live in-game betting options for all major sports teams including the Philadelphia Eagles. New customers of Caesars can make their first deposit of $10 or more and receive a 100% deposit match worth up to $300.
BetMGM Sportsbook
In Dec. 2020, Penn National added another partner with BetMGM Sportsbook launching under their Hollywood Casino Morgantown license. At the time of launch, Pennsylvania marks the seventh state in which BetMGM’s mobile app is available statewide – joining Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
BetMGM made a partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, naming BetMGM as the team’s first Official Gaming and Sports Betting Partner.
For PA players, the BetMGM app offers a user-friendly sports betting experience, making it easy to customize pre-game, live in-play, futures, and parlay wagers. The BetMGM sportsbook offers a $1000 risk-free bet for new players.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool is a sports media company with a huge reach and massive social media following. It went live in September 2020, after achieving regulatory approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Through Barstool’s partnership with Hollywood Casino, Pennsylvania will be the first state in which it launches its sportsbook.
The Barstool Sportsbook made a partnership with Penn National Gaming for the PA launch. Users can access it via desktop or by downloading it in the Apple App Store. Barstool sportsbook offers standard wagering options and in-game wagering, cross-sports parlays, moneylines, futures, teasers, round robins, and numerous prop bets.
PA Land-Based Sportsbooks
It was at the end of 2017 that Pennsylvania passed its gaming law, allowing the state’s casinos to offer sports betting. Six months later, a Pennsylvania sportsbook took its first live sports bet. In fact, the industry has become such a huge success for the state that it now takes its place as the second-biggest gambling market in the US, behind only Nevada.
At the present time, there are a dozen retail sportsbooks up and running in Pennsylvania.
Hollywood Casino Sportsbook
The Hollywood Casino Sportsbook at Penn National Race Course is the state’s first legal sportsbook with partner William Hill to launch on Nov. 17, 2018. There is also a plan to launch an online and mobile sports betting product in 2020.
The sporsbook has 6 live betting windows and is located on the second floor, near Skybox Sports Bar. The Penn National is home to thoroughbred racing, including the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap and Penn Mile.
Rivers Casino Sportsbook
Rivers’ sportsbook is located at the Rivers Casino where Levels Lounge was located. It was launched on Dec. 15, 2018. Players can place bets by a Sportsbook Writer or at Rivers Casino Sports Betting Kiosks. In fact, players can bet on sports like football, hockey, basketball, boxing, baseball, soccer, MMA, Nascar, and more!
Rivers Casino made a deal with Rush Street Interactive to launch its online sportsbook – BetRivers. Kambi is the sports betting provider.
SugarHouse Casino Sportsbook
SugarHouse is the first mover in PA online sports betting. It opened its live sportsbook at SugarHouse Casino on Dec. 15, 2019. In addition to the live sportsbook, the casino includes 3,000 slots as well as dining and entertainment options.
SugarHouse sportsbook is just inside the SugarHouse Casino’s north entrance, across from the Poker Night in America Poker Room.
Parx Casino Sportsbook
Parx is located northeast of Philadelphia, close to Bensalem Township. It is the single biggest casino in Pennsylvania also consists of both a sportsbook and a separate racebook with simulcast betting.
Parx Casino Sportsbook was launched on Jan. 10, 2019, at a temporary location. On Aug. 8, 2019, it was re-launched with a $10 million permanent sportsbook. Parx launched Pennsylvania’s second online and mobile sports betting product on June 24, 2019.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Sportsbook
Harrahs’s Philadelphia sportsbook was launched on Jan. 24, 2019, and operated by Caesars Entertainment. This racetrack and casino location was formerly known as Chester Downs. Along with harness racing, you’ll find a big casino, event center, and retail sportsbook — as well as a big live sportsbook.
The Harrah’s Sportsbook is located at the back of the casino floor with 6 live betting windows.
Unibet Sportsbook
Mohegan Sun Pocono made a partnership with the Kindred Group to launch a retail and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. On Sept. 24, 2019, the partnership produced a Unibet-branded retail sportsbook. Within 20 days Unibet PA online sportsbook also went live.
The remaining retail sportsbooks are as follows:
- South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook
- Oaks Race and Sportsbook
- Presque Isle Downs Casino
- Mount Airy Casino
- The Meadows Sportsbook
Top PA Betting Apps
As much as we like going to the sportsbook and standing underneath the big board of odds, thanks to online and mobile gaming, it’s great to be able to put money down on a game without leaving your couch.
Players can download any PA sports betting app available for Apple and Android mobile devices. Just fire up the app on your mobile phone. All of the wagering opportunities that you prefer will also be available in the palm of your hand. At GamblerSaloon, we’ve come up with an extensive, and very credible list of the best PA sports betting sites online. But ultimately, we believe all these best online sports betting sites earn top spots, as they offer great odds and a wide range of betting options.
You can use these apps to bet on sports from anywhere within the Keystone State. Below is the list of the best PA sports betting apps:
How To Place A Sports Bet In Pennsylvania
Placing an online sports bet in Pennsylvania is simple but it involves certain steps. Make sure to follow the following steps while placing a bet:
Choose a PA Sportsbook
Pennsylvania has a huge sports betting market and all big brands are available. Though you eventually want to signup with multiple sports betting operators, you’ll have to start with one. It is quite tough to select one sports betting site from the available list. However, we’ve made that easy for you by sorting out the PA betting sites and bring you a list of only the best among them.
Choose a sportsbook that is best for you based on top features of the betting sites like the bonus, accessibility, betting options, or banking methods.
Sign-up and Deposit
Once you have decided on a book, you’ll need to create an account. This process doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes as it’ll only need basic information. You must enter your name, email address, phone number, location, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You would also need to create a username, password, and security questions. To verify your age and to prevent money laundering, sportsbooks might verify your ID by asking you to upload a valid Identity Document through its website or email.
Once the registration process is complete, you can log in to your account. Make sure to use free bets if any.
Next, you’ll need to fund your account. You must be aware that not every PA sportsbook will offer all the deposit methods, so make sure you choose one which provides a payment option you are comfortable with. We recommend direct deposit via a bank account or credit card/debit card, as this option will also be useful when withdrawing money. When you cash out, the money reflects in your checking account or directly into your credit card.
Verify Your Location
Online sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania but not in neighboring states including Maryland and New York. So, PA sports betting operators verify their customer’s location to make sure the sports bettor is present within the state borders of Pennsylvania. You’ll be able to manage your account elsewhere, but you’ll have to be back in PA to actually place bets. For instance, you can check the lines or deposit funds if you’re over in New Jersey, but you’ll have to be back in PA to place your wagers.
If you are placing a bet on a desktop computer, PA sportsbooks require you to download a location-tracking software that verifies if you are present within the state lines of Pennsylvania. If you are using a phone, you need not download a software application but sportsbooks ask you to turn on the location service to track your location.
Place Your Bet
This is the final step and it involves the following operations to place an online bet:
- Find the sport
- Select your wager
- Double-check all these selections on the bet slip (just like the menu in food restaurants)
- Add your bet amount
- Place or confirm your bet selections
Once you place your bet, sit back and relax. If your selection wins, the PA sportsbook will credit winnings into your betting account.
Payment Methods Accepted By P.A. Betting Sites
PA online sportsbooks aim to ensure that you can get your money on and off their sites quickly and easily. In other words, depositing and withdrawing is usually made as simple as possible by Sportsbooks. Also, all transactions securely go through encryption software by betting operators to offer the best levels of protection for sports bettors.
As we move closer and closer to a fully digitized world, sports betting sites in PA will accept cryptocurrency as a deposit method. Eventually, you’ll find gambling sites that take Bitcoin and Litecoin.
Here is the list of all banking options available at PA online sportsbooks:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Play+ prepaid card
- ACH/e-check
- Wire Transfers
- PayPal
- Skrill
- PayNearMe
- Cash at Casino Cage
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Laws & Restrictions
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has regulatory jurisdiction over the state’s sports betting operations. The first PA sports betting site launch was in May 2019.
There is a 34 percent tax on gross gaming revenue from sports. Additionally, there is a .25 percent fee on handle and a two percent tax that serves as a local revenue share.
According to PA sports betting law, both racetracks and casinos can accept wagers. In fact, there will be both in-casino wagering as well as mobile wagering. One thing to note is that state law prohibits more than one skin for each license issued. So, the mobile apps you play will be specifically branded for the land-based casinos they represent.
Anyone who is inside state lines can bet at the retail sportsbooks or on a PA online sports betting app. Bettors must be at least 21 years old.
High school sporting events of any kind are not permitted for wagering. This rule will likely be universal no matter which state you visit. However, you can bet on college sports, even on PA sports teams playing in the state.
PA Sportsbooks: What You Can Bet On
People in Pennsylvania will be able to bet on all major North American leagues, college sports, and other popular leagues and sports teams from all over the world including college basketball, college football. In fact, you can bet on home teams of all major sports leagues including Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies. The state also has teams in lots of other sports and leagues like the MLS soccer, the Central Hockey League, rugby, lacrosse, and minor league baseball. So, bettors have a lot of options.
In addition, sports fans can also wager on college sports in Pennsylvania. This includes college teams based inside the state. So don’t worry, you can still bet on sports teams like Penn State, Temple, and St. Joseph’s. Unfortunately, users can’t be on events with predetermined outcomes, like the NFL Draft.
For the niche audiences, sportsbooks allow bettors to be able to place all types of bets on events like international soccer leagues, boxing matches, major tennis and golf tournaments, and auto races.
State of the Union
Although every state has different gambling laws, U.S. betting sites are picking up the pace and Nevada was the pioneer of regulated US online gambling but only offers the chance to play poker. Now bettors can safely access sports betting apps and websites from regulated, U.S. based bookmakers in the following states:
NJ Betting Sites: New Jersey is currently the largest market for regulated online gambling in the US.
PA Betting Sites: Pennsylvania is the biggest state to legalize and regulate online gambling.
WV Betting Sites: West Virginia is one of the first states to unroll sports betting in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision.
IA Betting Sites: Iowa legalized wagering as of May 2019 and went live in August 2019. Many important US legal sports betting apps are already up and running.
IN Betting Sites: Indiana betting apps are active since October 2019 after Gov. Mike Pence signed Bill S 335 into law.
CO Betting Sites: Colorado online sports betting is legal and available as of May 1, 2020. Residents may participate in online sports betting, horse racing betting, greyhound betting, DFS, and skill games.
TN Betting Sites: Tennessee sports betting was legalized in 2019 after the Tennessee legislature approved a sports betting bill. Online sports betting went live on November 1, 2020.
How Pennsylvania Sports Betting Compares
The Pennsylvania sports betting industry is booming with new betting sites launching every year. Though only the richest betting operators are entering the market, it is better than other states which have comparatively fewer betting options. The Pennsylvania sports betting market does offer fair pricing with full odds on national leagues and in-state college sports. PA bettors can take full advantage of the fully legalized sports betting by registering, depositing, and placing bets online.
Mobile Betting Options
The tax rate for PA betting operators is set at 36% which means PA online sportsbooks will have to deal with significantly more costs, limiting the amount operators may want to focus their efforts. Due to the high tax rate, PA has become an undesirable market for many smaller players in the space. Only the sportsbooks tied to existing casinos or the richest operators who can afford to lose money for a while are operating in the state.
Deposit
As Pennsylvania permits all gambling activities online, including the registration and depositing money for sports betting, players can signup for different sportsbooks with ease. In fact, bettors can make real-money deposits using any of the available payment methods which aren’t available at retail bookmakers.
Fair Pricing
There is nothing awful in Pennsylvania online sports betting pricing. Indeed, it is improving as eventually we could see more sportsbooks add into the market which allows the bettors to line shop more productively. Regardless of paying huge taxes, PA online betting sites never put a burden on the bettors. They always offered the best pricing as in other states and will continue to do so.
Market Offerings
PA bettors are pretty happy with their betting options. They are able to bet on all major sports and leagues. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania did not ban betting on college teams from the state. This leads to better market offerings compared to other states where sports betting is legal such as New Jersey. However, legal Pennsylvania sportsbooks cannot offer everything an unregulated offshore betting site can.
Pros: Pennsylvania's Successes
As soon as the Supreme Court struck out the 1992 federal law that had effectively prohibited sports betting in all states outside Nevada, Pennsylvania was one of the first to react and legalized sports betting. This allowed the Keystone State to retain bettors who otherwise would have joined the New Jersey market.
User-friendly betting market
To make it easy for the bettors, PA offers full online betting with huge betting markets. All PA betting sites provide a meaningfully designed interface, which would be usable, understandable, and accessible for everyone making Pennsylvania a user-friendly market.
Betting on College Sports
Pennsylvania did not ban in-state betting on college amateur sporting events. Therefore, PA users can place all types of bets on popular in-state college teams like Penn State, Villanova, Temple, and others. This certainly increases the betting market and result in generating more income for the Pennsylvania economy.
Whereas, other states like New Jersey and Illinois do not permit their users to bet on in-state college sports.
Cons: What Can Be Done Better?
Pennsylvania focuses mostly on its casinos as they generate huge income compared to other gambling sources. Having a huge population, the state has expanded all its gambling businesses online making way for online sports betting. Even though betting was legalized a long time back, not even a dozen sports betting sites are available to date. The only reason for this is the tax rate and license fee.
High Tax Rate
The sports betting apps must pay a $10 million license fee to enter the market. On top of that, there is a 36% tax rate which is much higher than other legal states like Colorado – 10% and New Jersey – 13%. If small operators enter the PA sports betting market, it will be difficult for them to earn profits with these huge tax rates.
So, until PA reduces its tax rate and license fee, it will be only the big brands and PA-based casinos will be available. Meaning, for PA bettors there will be fewer betting apps available.
Pennsylvania Betting Websites - FAQs
Is sports betting legal in PA?
Yes, sports betting is completely legal in Pennsylvania. The state passed a bill legalizing both casino-based and online betting in 2017.
In fact, legal sports betting in Pennsylvania officially went live on November 17, 2018.
Who regulates online sports betting in PA?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates online sports betting in PA. An online sports betting operator can only go live after approval from the state’s Gaming Control Board.
How do I sign-up for a Pennsylvania sports betting site?
Signing up for any sportsbook is not a difficult process. You can register an account via either the responsive websites of the sportsbooks or via the apps. Follow the below steps to sign-up:
- Select one of the sportsbooks from the table at the top of this page and click the ‘Join Now’ tab.
- Once on the sportsbook, click the Register/Signup/Join Now button to register as a new player.
- Fill in the registration details and create a username & password.
- Finally, accept the terms & conditions and set up your account.
Do PA sports betting sites offer Free Bets for new customers?
Yes, PA online sportsbooks do offer free bets for new players in the form of a Risk-free first deposit bonus and no deposit free bets. Sports betting sites in Pennsylvania like Unibet and DraftKings offer no-deposit free bets.
Don’t forget to check the top 10 free bet offers in the US. Here, you can bet on your favorite sports without making a deposit.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports betting allowed in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in PA. The state moved forward with legalizing and regulating DFS as a part of the broader PA gambling expansion initiative. In fact, the first legal and regulated fantasy contest ran in PA in May 2018.