Pennsylvania Sports Betting: Best PA Sportsbooks, Betting Sites, and Promos - 2024

Written by: Richard Janvrin |✅Fact Checked and Updated March 2024 by: Michael Savio

Pennsylvania State Blue SilhouettePennsylvania online sports betting is live and has been since 2019. The state features all of the most popular online sportsbooks.

It was one of the first states to launch legal sports betting, and in September 2022, it posted a handle of $645 million. The highest single-month handle was January 2022, when the state had nearly $794 million.

With that, the industry is booming, and below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PA sports betting.

Top PA Sports Betting Sites and Promos

#
Betting Site
Promotion
Bet Now
1

New players only | 21+ | First online real money wager only | $10 first deposit required | Refund issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 14 days | Full T&C apply

2

New players only | 21+ | Must bet $10+ | PAID IN BONUS BETS | Free Bet expire after 7 days | Free Bet not included in winnings | Full T&C apply

3

Ends: 12/31/2024. Must be a new verified Betway patron & present in IA. 21+. Opt-in may be req’d. Make your first min. deposit of $10+, place a wager up to $250 (with odds of at least –300 (1.33)) and receive up to $250 as bonus bet funds if the wager loses. Wager must be settled within 7 days from new account opening. Qualifying wager restrictions apply. Any bonus bet funds earned must be used within 7 days of receipt. Bonus bet funds are not the same as cash, must be used in the Sportsbook, and are subject to restrictions. Promo subject to full T&Cs. Gambling problem? Call/text 1-800-GAMBLER.

4

New players only | 21+ | Must deposit $10+ | Use bonus code SPORTS | Free Bet expire after 14 days | Free Bet not included in winnings | Full T&C apply

All Live Pennsylvania Sportsbooks: 2024

The first online sportsbook to launch in Pennsylvania was PlaySugarHouse, launching on May 31, 2019. Since then, 11 additional online sportsbooks have launched, bringing the current total to 11.

With so many options, it can be hard to parse through which one is best and for what purpose, so below, the experts at USA Legal Betting composed a full list of all the sites, breaking down their best attributes so you can choose the one that suits you best.

  1. BetMGM Sportsbook PA – 📱Best Betting App in Pennsylvania 
  2. Caesars Sportsbooks PA - 🔢Most Competitive Odds 
  3. DraftKings Sportsbook PA - ⚾Best for Betting on PA Sports Teams
  4. FanDuel Sportsbook PA – 🏈Best for PA Daily Fantasy Betting
  5. Fanatics Sportsbook PA - 🎁Best for Reward Programs
  6. BetRivers Sportsbook PA - ⚙️Best for User Experience
  7. ESPN Bet Sportsbook PA – 📈Best for the Widest Variety of Betting Markets
  8. Betway Sportsbook PA - 🏟️Best for Top Events
  9. Betfred Sportsbook PA – ⛹️Top Sportsbooks for Betting Props
  10. BetParx Sportsbook PA – 🏀Widest Variety of NBA Betting Markets
  11. PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook PA – 🤝Great for New Player Bonuses

Ranking the PA Online Sportsbooks that are Live

We covered the best attributes for the 11 online sportsbooks in PA and now we’ll take a closer look at the top Pennsylvania sportsbooks that are live in the state.

Here, we’ll cover the promo offers, minimum deposits, when it launched, and provide resources for sportsbook reviews, sportsbook promos, and more.

BetMGM Sportsbook PA – Best Betting App in Pennsylvania

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook is available in multiple states and ranks among the best in Pennsylvania. At BetMGM, you’ll have numerous bet types and banking methods, including the BetMGM Gift Card. In addition to the Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets promotion, BetMGM frequently offers additional promotions.

BetMGM also has one of the top PA sports betting apps. BetMGM ‘s sports betting app will provide you with a fantastic experience betting on the go.

Sign Up OfferBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
BetMGM Bonus CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedBetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM StatesAZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, OH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, D.C., WV, WY
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia 76ers
Retail Partnership (Casino)Hollywood Morgantown
Other PartnershipsNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, Buffalo Wild Wings, NLL,The Athletic, DAZN, TopGolf, Yahoo Sportsbook
Launch DateDecember 2020
BetMGM Review

Caesars Sportsbooks PA- Most Competitive Odds

Caesars sportsbook

At Caesars Sportsbook, you’ll find one of the most lucrative welcome offers on the market right now, but the competitive odds make it a top sportsbook. While it may not always go in your favor, you may find slightly different odds at Caesars compared to other sites, which can help put you in a great spot to win your bets.

Sign Up Offer$1,000 Risk-Free Bet
Caesars Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedCaesars Sportsbook
Caesars StatesAZ, CO,D.C., IL, IN, IA, KS, LA,MA, ME, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OH, NV, NY PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles
Retail Partnership (Casino)Harrah’s Philadelphia 
Other PartnershipsNFL
Launch DateDecember 2020
Caesars Sportsbook Review

DraftKings Sportsbook PA - Best for Betting on PA Sports Teams

DraftKings Sportsbook

While DraftKings Sportsbook doesn’t have the strongest welcome offer, what it does well are PA-specific promotions any given day. Whether it’s the launch of a season or a team playing in prime time, you’ll often find odds boosts related to your favorite Pennsylvania teams.Moreover, DraftKings offers one of the best gift cards on the market allowing players to spend actual cash toward funding their accounts.

Sign Up Offer$1,000 No Sweat Bet & 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000
DraftKings Promo CodeN/A 
Minimum Betting Age21 
App PlatformsiOS and Android 
How It’s ListedDraftKings Sportsbook 
DraftKings StatesAZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, WY 
Retail Partnership (Sports Team) 

Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers

Retail Partnership (casino)The Meadows
Other PartnershipsNFL
Launch DateNovember 2019
DraftKings Review

FanDuel Sportsbook PA – Best for PA Daily Fantasy Betting

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel is one of two online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania that offer daily fantasy sports. While the wallets aren’t shared, FanDuel has legal DFS play where you can craft daily or weekly lineups for your favorite sports. FanDuel is perhaps the most well-known DFS platform on the market now. Check out our FanDuel review in the link below, and get acquainted with the FanDuel Prepaid Play+ Card.

Sign Up OfferBet $5, Get $150 in bonus Bets
FanDuel Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedFanDuel Sportsbook & Casino
FanDuel StatesAZ, CO, CT, D.C.,  IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NJ, NV, OH, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)N/A
Retail Partnership (Casino)Valley Forge Casino Resort
Other PartnershipsNFL, NHL, MLB, PGA Tour, Associated Press, Turner Sports
Launch DateJuly 2019
FanDuel Review

Fanatics Sportsbook PA- Best for Reward Programs

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics recently launched their own sportsbook in Pennsylvania, replacing PointsBet. They purchased PointsBet's US business in the summer of 2023, and gaining access to the massive Pennsylvania sports betting market. To celebrate their debut, Fanatics is offering new PA bettors a chance to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash. Simply place a $100+ wager each day for your first ten days and you will receive $100 in FanCash each day. FanCash can be used either on the sportsbook or to purchase Fanatics gear for your favorite teams.

Sign Up Offer Bet $100, Get $100 in Bonus Bets every day for 10 days
Fanatics Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedPointsBet Sportsbook
Fanatics StatesCO, CT, KY, MD, MA, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)N/A
Retail Partnership (Casino)Hollywood Casino
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateFebruary 2022
Fanatics Review

BetRivers Sportsbook PA - Best for User Experience

BetRivers

BetRivers is the perfect place for more casual players to flock to and the user experience furthers that. Not only is the welcome bonus easily accessible by even the most casual of bettors, but there are multiple ways to reach customer support, and all the information you’d need to play is readily identifiable and easy to locate. BetRivers also offers one of the best PA sports betting promos for casual players with low wagering requirements.

Sign Up Offer$500 Second Chance Bet
BetRivers Bonus CodeSPORTS
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedBetRivers Casino Sportsbook PA
Available StatesAZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Pittsburgh Penguins
Retail Partnership (Casino)Rivers Pittsburgh
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateJune 2019
BetRivers Review

ESPN Bet Sportsbook PA – Best for the Widest Variety of Betting Markets

ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet went live in Pennsylvania and 16 other states on November 14, 2023. The sports media giant partnered with Penn Entertainment to replace Barstool Sportsbook. That gave them immediate access to 17 states, immediately making ESPN Bet a major player among online sports betting apps. The newest PA sportsbook has a large bet catalog and feature promotions centered around their well-known media personalities. If you do give ESPN Bet a try, don’t forget to take advantage of their fantastic welcome bonus.

Sign Up OfferMake Any Bet, Get $200 in Bonus Bets & 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000
ESPN Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedESPN Bet
Available StatesAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, NY PA, TN, VA, WV
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)N/A
Retail Partnership (Casino)Hollywood Casino at Penn National
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateNovember 2023
ESPN BET Review

Betway Sportsbook PA - Best for Top Events

betway

Casual bettors may only be interested in wagering on the playoffs, March Madness, Super Bowl, or another championship. When those events occur, Betway Sportsbook offers multiple bet types on the sport's biggest games for you to choose from.

Sign Up Offer$250 Bonus Bet
Betway Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedBetway PA: Sportsbook & Casino
Available StatesAZ, CO, IN, IA, NJ, OH, PA, VA
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia Flyers
Retail Partnership (Casino)Live! Casino Philadelphia
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateJune 2021
Betway Review

Betfred Sportsbook PA - Top Sportsbooks for Betting Props

Betfred

Branded under the Wind Creek name, Betfred has a healthy library of prop bets across all sports. These include player, game, and team props. Some sports may be a bit more limited than others, but if you’re looking for props, Betfred, has you covered. Unfortunately, BetFred does not currently offer a welcome bonus for PA sports betting online.

Sign Up OfferN/A
Betfred Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedWind Creek Cash Casino
Available StatesAZ, CO, IA, LA, MD, NV, OH, PA, VA, WA
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)N/A
Retail Partnership (Casino)Wind Creek Bethlehem
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateDecember 2020
BetFred Review

BetParx Sportsbook PA – Widest Variety of NBA Betting Markets

BetParx

This is more niche, but any time you can find an online sportsbook that caters to a specific sport well, it could turn into your favorite spot if that’s the sport you want to target. So, if you like betting on basketball at PA Sportsbooks, betPARX is one of the best NBA betting sites on the market today with its numerous bet types.

Sign Up OfferBet $10, Win $125 in Bonus Bets
BetParx Promo CodeN/A
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedbetPARX PA
Available StatesMD, MI, NJ, OH, PA
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Philadelphia Union
Retail Partnership (Casino)Parx Casino Sportsbook
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateJune 2019
BetPARX Review

SugarHouse Sportsbook PA - Great for New Player Bonuses

Sugarhouse Sports Review Bonus

SugarHouse is under the same umbrella as BetRivers, so you’ll find essentially the same user interface. However, the welcome bonus, which is a $250 deposit bonus, may not be much, but it’s without a doubt the most accessible offer. This bonus is just a 1x wagering requirement, whereas other PA sportsbook promos may require much more

Sign Up Offer$500 Deposit Bonus
SugarHouse Promo CodeSPORTS
Minimum Betting Age21
App PlatformsiOS and Android
How It’s ListedSugarHouse Casino PA
Available StatesPA
Retail Partnership (Sports Team)Philadelphia Flyers
Retail Partnership (Casino)Rivers Philadelphia
Other PartnershipsN/A
Launch DateMay 2019
SugarHouse Review

Best PA Sports Betting Offers and Bonuses

With so many high-quality PA sportsbooks available, it can be hard to choose. One way they differentiate themselves is through their welcome bonus for new players. Each PA sportsbook has a unique offer allowing you to earn free bets or site credits, helping you get started on the right foot.

Below are the top five welcome bonuses currently available for players who are new to PA sports betting.

DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $200 & Deposit Match Up to 1,000

DraftKings is currently offering new bettors not one but two welcome bonuses. The first allows players to claim $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial bet of at least $5. The second is a 20% deposit match of up to $1,000. That means new bettors can claim up to $1,250 in bonuses just by signing up, making a deposit, and placing a bet of at least $5.

FanDuel Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins

FanDuel is one of the most popular Pennsylvania betting sites, and their welcome bonus is a big reason why. While their welcome bonus offers a smaller maximum than their competitors, it is a great offer for the average bettor. Unless you are planning to place an initial wager of over $150, FanDuel will give you more bonus bets while requiring the smallest real-money investment.

BetMGM Sportsbook - First Bet Offer up to $1,500

BetMGM Sportsbook is a great option for new players who are looking to swing big on their initial bet. The legendary Vegas-based sportsbook is offering to refund losing initial wagers in bonus bets of $1,500. This means new players can bet big on their initial wager, knowing that if it loses, they will receive the equivalent of their stake back in bonus bets.

BetRivers Sportsbook - Second Chance Bet up to $500

BetRivers has become a major player in the PA sports betting industry. Part of their success can be attributed to their second chance bet welcome bonus. This offer allows new players to place their initial wager, knowing they will be refunded up to $500 in bonus bets if they lose. If the bet wins, the original stake and any winnings will be attributed to the player’s BetRivers account.

PA Sports Betting: Latest News

📰 January 22, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launched in PA, replacing PointsBet.

📰 October 31, 2023: The Philadelphia 76ers announce that BetMGM will be their new PA sports betting partner.

📰 October 18, 2022: Pennsylvania posts handle of over $645 million during September.

📰 October 18, 2022: FanDuel led all Pennsylvania sportsbooks in handle with $212 million; DraftKings finishes in second at $207 million.

📰 September 19, 2022: The states posted a handle of $363 million in August.

📰 September 2, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook PA relaunches its Sportsbook & Casino app.

📰 August 17, 2022: Reported handle of $336.5 million for July.

📰 August 3, 2022: BetMGM PA pulled its welcome bonus prior to the start of the NFL season.

📰 July 22, 2022: Posted handle of $393.5 million in June.

📰 July 1, 2022: Five PA legislators sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland seeking action against offshore sportsbooks.

📰 June 24, 2022: Fanatics president Michael Rubin sells minority share in 76ers; prepares for Fanatics Sportsbook launch.

📰 June 1, 2022: Pennsylvania had a massive 36% tax rate, but New York went even higher than that at 51%.

📰 January 15, 2023: Pennsylvania sets a new gambling revenue record with $5.2 billion on 22.

📰 March 06, 2023: Penn State study finds problem gambling was down by 7% in 2022.

📰 May 15, 2023: Fanatic acquires PointsBet Sportsbook for $150 million and announces the launch of Fanatics Sportsbook in the summer of 2023.

Potential Sportsbooks Coming Soon to PA

With 12 online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania right now, the number of potential sites is fairly small compared to others. We know that the Fanatics Sportsbook is working on gaining market access after launching in September 2023.

One candidate for expansion is Golden Nugget, which is available in a few states and has been gaining popularity.

That said, Pennsylvania has always been fairly pro-iGaming, so offering permits to new online sportsbooks should and can be expected.

How Did Pennsylvania Sports Betting Become Legal?

  • Today - PA takes in hundreds of millions monthly across 12 online sportsbooks.
  • May 2019 - The first online sportsbook, PlaySugarHouse, launched on the eve of June 2019.
  • November 2018 - Hollywood Casino takes the first retail sportsbook bet.
  • 2018 - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established the processes and regulations for gambling sites.
  • 2017 - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board became the main body for audits over casinos and other betting spots. (HR 519)
  • 2017 - Pennsylvanian state legislators passed bill ‘HB 271’, for legal PA sports betting, online casinos, poker sites and daily fantasy sports in the Keystone State.
  • June 29, 2016 - The House Gaming Oversight Committee approved HR 619.
  • December 2015 - Rep. Rob Matzie, among others, introduced HR 619 to remove the ban on Pennsylvania sports betting and allow it.

Pennsylvania Betting Law 

Dating back to 2015, Rep. Rob Matzie and Rick Kotik wanted to legalize Pennsylvania sports betting.

Then, in 2017, before the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned in May 2018, the state passed legislation for PA sports betting in October 2017.

Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill into law including online casinos and daily fantasy sports. However, PA sports betting couldn’t launch due to federal law.

Then, when PASPA was overturned, Pennsylvania got to work before eventually launching online sports betting in May 2019.

The first retail sportsbook, Hollywood Casino, launched in November 2018.

To bet in Pennsylvania online, you must reside in the state and be 21 years old.

Who regulates PA sports betting?

Since 2017, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has regulated PA sports betting. It was founded in 2004 as a state licensing agency.

The agency administers Act 71, also known as the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which is meant to uphold regulations and give confidence to residents.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board introduced a self-exclusionary tool for PA online sports betting in December 2020, making themselves the first to do so.

How Much Money Do PA Sportsbooks Generate?

Month, YearHandle
December 2023$925,570,368
November 2023$934,130,151
October 2023$829,002,595
September 2023$726,259,711
August 2023$393,007,298
July 2023$338,450,263
June 2023$373,171,415
May 2023$495,585,360
April 2023$572,152,803
March 2023$723, 545,806
February 2023$599,529,429
January 2023$772, 289,648
December 2022$754,849,873
November 2022$789,230,672
October 2022$645,242.681
September 2022$645,242,681
August 2022$363,046,972
July 2022$336,507,932
June 2022$393,494,222
May 2022 $493,350,519 
April 2022 $572,817,741 
March 2022 $714,976,578 
February 2022 $597,064,049 
January 2022 $793,722,787 
December 2021 $750,388,696 
November 2021 $761,574,597 
October 2021 $776,277,954 
September 2021 $578,760,746 
August 2021 $348,520,369 
July 2021 $304,415,503 
June 2021 $420,193,337 
May 2021 $447,465,027 
April 2021 $479,411,021 
March 2021 $560,259,181 
February 2021 $509,547,820 
January 2021 $615,294,827 
December 2020 $548,590,065 
November 2020 $491,910,713 
October 2020 $525,802,524 
September 2020 $462,787,392 
August 2020 $364,985,422 
July 2020 $164.8 million 
June 2020 $89 million 
May 2020 $77.5 million 
April 2020 $46,015,988 
March 2020 $131,330,059 
February 2020 $329,765,782 
January 2020 $348,381,708 
December 2019 $342,560,389 
November 2019 $316,468,265 
October 2019 $241,186,066 
September 2019 $194,504,622 
August 2019 $109,038,051 
July 2019 $59,331,959 
June 2019 $46,334,244 
May 2019 $35,934,215 
April 2019 $36,769,145 
March 2019 $44,527,574 
February 2019 $31,500,741 
January 2019 $32,011,839 
December 2019 $16,173,090 
November 2019 $1,414,586 

Are PA Sportsbooks available on Mobile Apps?

Absolutely. Not only can you wager on sports from a desktop, but mobile apps are offered for players to make bets, these are offered for both iOS and Android devices.

How do I use a PA sportsbook mobile app?

  • Download the app using our exclusive links
  • Sign up for an account and get your welcome offer
  • Make your first deposit using one of the available payment methods
  • Place your first bet 
Brand’s nameios App Android App Live Chat Support Instant Withdrawal 
BetMGM  YesYesYesYes
Caesars YesYesYesYes
DraftKingsYesYesYesYes
FanaticsYesYesYesYes
BetRiversYesYesYesYes
FanDuelYesYesYesYes
ESPN BetYesYesYesYes
BetwayYesYesYesYes
BetfredYesYesYesYes
BetParxYesYesYesYes
PlaySugarHouseYesYesYesYes

Sports You Can Legally Bet on in PA

In Pennsylvania, you can wager on numerous sports. The Keystone State has countless professional sports teams. It is known to have some of the most passionate sports fans in the United States. 

Football

NFL Official LogoNFL 

The NFL is always the most popular sport to wager on. As you can see from the betting handles above, there’s no coincidence that some of the higher totals come between September and February. Pennsylvania has two professional NFL teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. When it comes to the best NFL betting sites, you can’t go wrong at any of them as the NFL is so popular to bet on.

Official Super Bowl LVII LogoSuper Bowl

The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018 before PA sports betting was legal, but returned to the sport’s biggest game last season. The top Super Bowl betting sites will offer a plethora of prop bets, including the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning head coach.

NCAA Football Official LogoNCAA football

There are multiple college football teams in Pennsylvania, but the most well-known is the Penn State Nittany Lions. The team has had a lot of famous NFL players like New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parson. The best NCAA football betting sites will offer single-player prop bets. 

Basketball

NBA Official LogoNBA

The state of Pennsylvania has been patiently waiting for its home team, the Philadelphia 76ers to have some success. The team fell short last season by losing to the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs, but they should compete for championships for years to come.  You can find all of the best NBA basketall betting sites right here.

NCAA Basketball Official LogoNCAA Basketball

Several schools offer college basketball, but in recent memory, schools like Villanova have enjoyed success. The best NCAA basketball betting sites not only offer March Madness—more on that later—but offer excellent prop bets in season. 

March Madness Official LogoMarch Madness

March Madness is the yearly NCAA Basketball Division 1 tournament. This is some of the most exciting betting you can do during March. This helps Pennysylvania sportsbooks post-Super Bowl time to draw in new players. March Madness betting sites will sometimes offer other ways to enjoy the event such as building your own bracket.

Baseball

MLB Official LogoMLB

Like the NFL, there are two MLB teams that you can bet on. These include the Pittsburgh Pirates and the National League representative in the 2022 World Series, Philadelphia Phillies. With two teams in the state, there are plenty of excellent MLB betting sites to choose from.

Hockey

NHL Official LogoNHL

While the NHL isn’t exactly the most popular sport, there are, once again, two professional teams in Pennsylvania. These teams are the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. The best NHL betting sites can be a bit harder to find, but DraftKings and FanDuel do an excellent job with it. 

PGA Tour Official LogoGolf 

You’ll be able to bet on golf in Pennsylvania, and some of the top bets include the outright winner and whether or not a player will finish in the top five, 10, 15, and more.

NASCAR Official LogoNASCAR Auto Racing 

NASCAR betting is quite popular in the United States. Pennsylvania is home to The Tricky Triangle, also known as Pocono Raceway. With a track in the state, the best Pennsylvania betting sites will have exclusive offers when the race comes through town.

Boxing GloveBoxing

You can wager on boxing in Pennsylvania as well. Some top boxers to come out of the state include Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia, and Jeff Chandler. The best Penssylvania betting sites now include fights such as Anderson Silva and Jake Paul.

UFC Official LogoMMA 

Whether it’s the UFC, Bellator, or even some other niche leagues, you can bet on MMA. The best MMA betting sites offer not only bigger UFC events, but other niche leagues and even UFC Fight Night events.

Man on a Horse IconHorse Betting

Horse racing betting is legal in Pennsylvania and has been since 2004 when lawmakers passed the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. There are six racetracks in the state that feature some casinos. A popular place to go in PA for horse betting is TVG betting.

Soccer Ball IconSoccer

You can bet on soccer, including the Philadelphia Union, at all online sportsbooks in the state. The best Pennsylvania betting sites will not only offer MLS, but other international leagues as well. 

Daily Fantasy Sports IconDaily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

You can participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Pennsylvania. The more popular sites include FanDuel and DraftKings. Here, you’ll craft a lineup of players from a particular sport and stay under the salary cap given by the site. 

Tennis

The sport of tennis offers multiple tournaments all over the world and the best Pennsylvania betting sites offer these and live betting options. 

College PA Sports Betting

In Pennsylvania, you can wager on college sports without any restrictions. In some states, you’re not allowed to wager on college teams based in the state, but this doesn’t exist in Pennsylvania. 

Prohibited PA Sports Betting

High School and Youth Sports.

Sports Betting on PA Sports Teams

Professional Sports Teams in PA 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles last won the Super Bowl in 2018 with Nick Foles as their starting quarterback. That year, they beat the New England Patriots. Last season, they reached Super Bowl LVII but lost a thrilling game to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles have another great team this season and will look to return to the league’s biggest game in February.

  • League: NFL
  • When Founded: 1933
  • Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): Caesars, DraftKings

Philadelphia 76ers

After drafting Ben Simmons No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft, the 76ers had several issues with him after a bad playoff stint. The team eventually traded him to the Brooklyn Nets, but they failed to advance past the post-season in the 22-23 season, regardless of a great performance by Joel Embiid. The Sixers will look to avenge their playoff loss this season with one of the league’s best rosters.

  • When Founded: 1946
  • Stadium: Wells Fargo Center
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): BetMGM, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings

Philadelphia Flyers

Winning Stanley Cups in back-to-back years in 1973-74 and 1974-75, the Flyers, as of late, haven’t had that much success. They last won their division in 2010-11. The bet types in the NHL are pretty much the same as in the NFL, MLB, and NBA. The only difference is instead of the point spread, you have the puck line.

  • League: NHL
  • When Founded: 1967
  • Stadium: Wells Fargo Center
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): Betway, PlaySugarHouse

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons. They lost the 2022 World Series and lost in game seven of the 2023 NLCS. With a loaded roster, expect them to continue to compete for years to come.

  • League: MLB
  • When Founded: 1883
  • Stadium: Citizens Bank Park
  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): N/A

Pittsburgh Steelers

As a franchise, the Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles. They looked far from that last season with rookie quarterback Kenny Picket at the helm, but the team has been improved this season. The Steelers are known for their physical style of play as well as their diehard fanbase.

  • League: NFL
  • When Founded: 1933
  • Stadium: Acrisure Stadium
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): BetMGM, DraftKings

Philadelphia Union

Founded in 2008, the first Union season was in 2010 as an expansion team. Even as a newer team, the Union has succeeded, including leading the Eastern Conference in points in 2022.

  • League: MLS
  • When Founded: 2008
  • Stadium: Subaru Park
  • Location: Chester, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): betPARX

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins have one of the longest and richest histories in the NHL. They have been some of the league's greatest players, including Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. They have been dissappointing lately, missing the playoff this past season. Win or lose, Penguins fans have never faltered in supporting their home team.

  • League: NHL
  • When Founded: 1967
  • Stadium: PPG Paints Arena
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates Official LogoPittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates lost 100 games in 2022, but showed improvement with a 76-86 record in 2023. The Pirates were the first team to represent the National League in the first-ever World Series. In total, they’ve won five World Series titles. The Pirates are now in the NL Central and have never won the division.

  • League: MLB
  • When Founded: 1882
  • Stadium: PNC Park
  • Location: Pittsburgh, PA
  • Partners/ Sponsors (Sportsbooks): BetMGM

College Sports Teams in PA

Penn State

There’s no college football team in Pennsylvania like the Penn State Nittany Lions. Playing in the Big 10, the Nittany Lions may not have much national success in winning national titles. At their home games, you’ll find a “white out,” meaning all the fans are wearing white, which provides a unique home-field advantage.

La Salle

La Salle is a D1 school most known for its college basketball team that plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Explorers haven’t had much recent success last appearing in the NCAA Tournament in 2013.

University of Pittsburgh

Possessing the lone quarterback to go in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s hard to deny the football team as the University of Pittsburgh’s most successful program. Kenny Pickett played 52 games for the Panthers and had his best season in 2021. He threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns.

Villanova

Regarding men’s basketball in Pennsylvania, nothing beats the Villanova Wildcats. Since 2005, the Wildcats have appeared in the NCAA tournament every year except 2012. Playing out of the Big East, they’ve won three national titles (1985, 2016, 2018).

Temple

The Temple Owls have had several high-level coaches come through their football program, including Matt Rhule and Bruce Arians, but their basketball team has had the most success. Coming out of The American Conference, the Owls have made 10 NCAA tournament appearances since 2000 and made it to the Elite Eight in 2001.

Saint Joseph’s

Coming out of the Atlantic 10, Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball team makes up a fifth of the Philadelphia Big 5, including the University of Pennsylvania, La Salle University, Temple University, and Villanova University. The creed of the Big 5 reads, “They say there’s no trophy for winning the Big Five. They must not be from Philadelphia."

Drexel

The Drexel Dragons don’t have any particularly successful teams, but their men’s basketball program made the NCAA tournament in 2021. They’ve also made it to the Round of 32 in 2008 and have a record of 1334-1186.

Retail Sports Betting in PA

Not only can you wager on your favorite teams from the comfort of your own home on a desktop or a mobile device, but you can also visit one of the many retail Pennsylvania Sports betting sites throughout Pennsylvania. Sports betting was legalized in November 2018, and Hollywood Casino was the first place to take a bet.

Below are all the places where you can wager in person.

Rivers Pittsburgh Casino

Opening in August 2009, Rivers Pittsburgh is home to a BetRivers Sportsbook, more than 2,400 slots, and 100+ table games. It launched its Pennyslvania sports betting location on December 13, 2018.

Rivers Philadelphia Casino

Formerly known as SugarHouse Casino, Rivers Philadelphia opened in 2010 and has over 45,000 square feet of gaming space. Rush Street Gaming, the Rivers Philly and Pittsburgh owner, rebranded to Rivers Casino. There’s an on-site BetRivers sportsbook.

Like Rivers Pittsburgh, it launched its Pennsylvania sports betting on December 13, 2018.

Harrah’s Philadelphia

Under the Caesars umbrella, Harrah’s Philadelphia is the land-based partner of Caesars Sportsbook. Harrah’s Philadelphia launched on January 22, 2019. The site is located in Chester, PA, and has an on-site racetrack.

Parx Casino

Partnered with betPARX, Parx Casino launched Pennsylvania sports betting in-person on January 10, 2019. The casino is located in Bensalem, PA, and has a site coming to Shippensburg in 2023. You can wager on horse racing here, too.

South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook

This sportsbook is considered an off-track sportsbook operated by Parx Casino. It launched Pennsylvania sports betting on January 17, 2019. It’s located at 700 Packer Ave in Philadelphia, PA.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy launched in-person Pennsylvania sports betting on September 20, 2019. It offers in-person betting along with a wall of TVs and lounge chairs to watch the games you wager on.

Presque Isle Downs

Partnered with SG Digital, Presque Isle Downs is directly linked to Churchill Downs and is the land-based partner for TwinSpires Sportsbook, the online sportsbook for Churchill Downs. Online Pennsylvania sports betting sites launched on December 16. 2019 whereas in-person launched on July 26, 2019.

Valley Forge Casino

Valley Forge Casino is partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook. Land-based betting launched on March 13, 2019, and FanDuel Sportsbook, in partnership with Valley Forge, launched months later on July 22, 2019.

Hollywood Casino at Penn National

Hollywood Casino is most famous for being the first casino to take a legal sports bet in Pennsylvania, launching in November 2018. There are three Hollywood sites: Penn National, York, and Morgantown. The Penn National site is partnered with ESPN Bet, which launched online Pennsylvania sports betting on November 14, 2023.

Wind Creek Casino

Wind Creek Casino is partnered with Betfred Sportsbook for online sports betting. However, the front-facing site is labeled as Wind Creek. The land-based Wind Creek launched Pennsylvania sports betting three days after Hollywood Casino at Penn National on November 18, 2018.

The Meadows Casino and Racetrack

The Meadows Casino and Racetrack is partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook. Online sports betting for DraftKings launched in the state on November 4, 2019. However, the retail site on the casino floor does not feature DraftKings branding but still offers one of the best Pennsylvania sportsbooks

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Previously partnered with Unibet, Mohegan Sun launched in-person Pennsylvania sports betting on October 22, 2019, followed by Unibet offering PA online betting on November 13, 2019.

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is one of the most recent retail casinos to open, launching on January 19, 2021. Partnered with FanDuel Sportsbook, Live! Offers a small but luxurious sports betting atmosphere.

Hollywood Casino York

This is another Hollywood Casino sportsbook location partnered with Penn Entertainment. The location features a video wall, dining, and fantastic promotions that keep bettors coming back.

Hollywood Casino Morgantown

Hollywood’s Morgantown location now has a retail sportsbook that is partnered with Penn Entertainment. It is one of Hollywood Casino’s smaller locations, but they do offer a small lounge to place bets and dine as you watch games.

How Does Sports Betting in PA Compare to Other States

In Pennsylvania, you can bet on sports at casinos, online, on racetracks, and even at satellite locations. The Keystone State is one of the more ahead-of-the-curve legal sports betting states, even ahead of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act getting overturned in May 2018.

PA legislators passed laws in October 2017 to bring legal sports betting to the state as part of a larger gambling expansion package. Part of that package included HB 271 which included a 16% tax rate on all online gambling verticals and a licensing fee of $8 million

The first retail casino to take a wager was Hollywood Casino at Penn National on November 15, 2018, and the first online sportsbook was PlaySugarHouse on May 31, 2019.

Below, we’ll look at other states that offer sports betting near Pennsylvania and compare them.

New Jersey

While the Pennsylvania sports betting market was one of the first to go live, New Jersey was at the forefront of the fight against professional leagues and the NCAA, eventually overturning PASPA.

The Garden State launched sports betting in June 2018, wasting no time. Before this, New Jersey had online casinos back in 2013.

New Jersey sports betting has seen a $41 billion sports betting handle since launching (data as of November 2023).

New York 

It took some time for online sports betting to come to New York—January 2022—but since it has, New York has brought in an absurd amount of money, seeing multiple months of $1 billion or more. Retail sports betting launched in July 2019.

Maryland 

Maryland sports betting has had retail betting since December 10, 2021. However, online sports betting didn't launch until the beginning of 2023.

In May 2021, legislators passed a bill allowing up to 60 mobile operators, leaving many to speculate how successful Maryland could be handle-wise.

Delaware

Interestingly, Delaware sports betting was the first form of legalization, but it only recently launched its first online sportsbooks. BetRivers is the sole operator in the state, working in conjunction with three casinos. The Delaware Lottery oversees all gambling in the state.

Ohio State Black SilhouetteOhio 

Ohio sports betting became legal in December 2021 and launched in the beginning of 2023. They have seen massive numbers of sports bettors flock to online sportsbooks, so they expected the revenue to be one of the largest in the country in 2023. 

West Virginia 

While there are just five retail sportsbooks in West Virginia, the state went after legalizing sports betting and offered it just in time for the 2018 NFL season.

The first site to open was Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races on September 1, 2018. Online sports betting launched in August 2019, with FanDuel and DraftKings (August 26 and August 28, respectively).

North Carolina

North Carolina sports betting is legal, but only in person. There are two Caesars sites and a tribal casino, Catawba Two Kings. However, mobile sports betting is set to launch until March 11, 2024.

Are Online Casinos Legal in PA?

Real money online casinos are legal in Pennsylvania and were actually legalized before sports betting. Legal PA online gambling came to the state in October 2017. The package included online poker, daily fantasy sports, and sports betting.

The first Pennsylvania online casinos—Hollywood Casino, PlaySugarHouse Casino, and betPARX—launched in July 2019.

Today, there are over 20 online casino options. Visit our PA online casinos page to learn more.

PA Sports Betting: FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. The first online sportsbook launched in May 2019. However, retail sports betting was available before that, and the first month of recorded revenue was November 2018. 

Can I bet on sports online in PA?

Yes, you can bet on all your favorite sports in PA. There are no restrictions on betting on college teams or games taking place in-state. 

Where can I bet on sports in PA?

There are a total of 12 online sportsbooks in PA including the following sites:

  • BetMGM
  • Caesars
  • DraftKings
  • Fanatics
  • BetRivers
  • Unibet
  • FanDuel
  • ESPN Bet
  • Betway
  • Betfred
  • BetParx
  • PlaySugarHouse

How old do I have to be to bet for sports betting PA?

The legal age to wager on sports in Pennsylvania is 21. When you sign up for an account, you’ll need to provide personal details to confirm your identity and age. 

Do I have to be a PA resident to make a bet?

While you don’t need to be a resident of PA to bet, you must be located within the state’s borders. This is tracked by the online sportsbook using geolocation software. This software tracks your IP address to confirm your presence. You must be within the confines of the state to make real money transactions. 

How do I deposit in a PA sportsbook?

You must first create an account to deposit money at a PA online sportsbook. After doing this, you’ll find a link to the appropriate cashier’s page in the right-hand corner of the page. Generally speaking, you’ll find the available methods and complete the process on the same page. 

What are PA sports betting tax rates?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board instituted a 36% tax on PA sports betting revenue which is among the highest in the country. To date, the state has taken in nearly $300 million in taxes. Also, an additional 0.25% federal excise tax is applied to the handle. 

What types of sports bets can I bet on in PA?

Below is a list of Pennsylvania's more common PA sports bets you can wager on. However, new options are added somewhat frequently.

  • Moneyline
  • Spread
  • Total
  • Parlays
  • Same Game Parlays
  • Game Props
  • Team Props
  • Single-Player Props
  • Round Robin
  • Futures
  • Teasers