Online sports betting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was among one of the first states to legalize online sports betting when Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill allowing for legal gaming and betting into law in October 2017.
The first bet in the state however was taken at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course more than a year later on November 17, 2018.
The state has quite relaxed laws surrounding sports betting especially online which has helped the Pennsylvania online sports betting industry to become extremely competitive in the country.
Lets look at a round-up of rules and regulations surrounding the industry:
The legal gambling age in Pennsylvania is 21
Tax rates on sports betting in Pennsylvania are unfortunately extremely high at 36%, trumping other successful sports betting states such as Nevada and New Jersey
Players can make bets on both collegiate and professional competitions, however betting on high school events and esports is prohibited
Pennsylvania is fully mobile, meaning players can complete registration, payment transactions and bet all online
Pennsylvania was a little slow to get started with sports betting, considering the long period of consideration it underwent, however the state has grown into one of the most competitive and successful states for sports betting.
High profile online sportsbooks have launched in the state, helping it to consistently compete with New Jersey and Nevada.
What are Pennsylvania’s best online sports betting apps
There are more than ten different online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps that have launched in Pennsylvania, and none of them are slouches. Some of the biggest sports betting names in the world now call Pennsylvania home.
Though the market in the state is competitive, there are some sportsbooks that stood out more than others in terms that we would recommend.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
One of the best online sportsbooks and apps we have come across period, no matter the state. SugarHouse is the product of Rush Street Interactive, the gaming company based out of Chicago. It also serves as the sportsbook for Pittsburgh’s popular Rivers Casino.
This is an all around great choice and a premier online sportsbook. The design, functionality and betting features available on SugarHouse is nearly unmatched when it comes to Pennsylvania sports betting.
The top benefits of playing with SugarHouse include a massive line selection for popular competitions as well as some niche sports, and the live betting section complete with live streaming.
However, there is truly something for everyone on SugarHouse, the promotions are very good while keeping consistent with leagues and the betting features like quick bets and the unique ‘Jackpot Parlay’ keep the betting fun and new.
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet came overseas from England launching its first US online sportsbook in New Jersey in 2019. The online sportsbook made Pennsylvania its second state bringing with it a professional design and functional sportsbook.
Sports betting on Unibet’s online sportsbook or mobile betting apps brings a ton of benefits for Pennsylvania players.
The PA edition of the sportsbook features plenty of different sports to bet on with lots of ways to do it. Live betting on the site is exceptionally good with statistics, updated odds, action betting and match trackers to help you follow the action.
In addition, the online sportsbook and betting apps provide an all-around professional betting experience with constant promotions, great customer service and excellent payment options.
Where to bet on sports in Pennsylvania
There are plenty of places to make wagers in Pennsylvania including online sportsbooks and physical locations, which are located throughout the state.
In order for an online sportsbook to operate in the state, they must have a partnership with one of the casinos in the state or a land based institution approved for sports betting.
With this being the case, online sportsbooks will have at least one physical location where you can bet on sports with their brand. These serve as a great place to make bets in person, and players can even make deposits and withdrawals from their online accounts here.
Sportsbook | Casino/Partner | Mobile App | City |
Rivers Casino | Yes | Pittsburgh | |
Mohegan Sun | Yes | Wilkes-Barre | |
Valley Forge Casino | Yes | King of Prussia | |
Harrah’s Philadelphia | Yes | Philadelphia | |
Hollywood Casino | Yes | Grantville | |
Parx Casino | Yes | Bensalem | |
Presque Isle Downs | Yes | Erie | |
Mount Airy Casino | Yes | Mt Pocono | |
The Meadows Specs | Yes | Washington |
Ranking Pennsylvania Sportsbooks
Finding the best sportsbook isn't the easiest task. There are a lot of different factors that come into play and everyone has different preferences. When we are evaluating sportsbooks at Legalbet, we take into consideration a few main factors that are important to the majority of bettors.
Sportsbook bonuses- Not only can welcome bonuses give new players a much appreciated head start after signing up, but they also provide a period of time to get acclimated to the sportsbook.
Live Betting - This is one of the most requested betting features available on online sportsbooks. Live betting allows players to bet on competitions even after they have started. This is a necessary tool as new strategies and bet types can be implemented.
Margin size/Odds - Important for obvious reasons, getting the best odds on competitions will increase your potential profits from each wager. Players can also find the best odds for individual competitions using the ‘Betting Center’ on our site.
Registering an account in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania online sports betting is completely allowed, meaning that players can sign up for a sportsbook online. Registering is quick and simple, and the process can be finished at most online betting sites in around five minutes.
Check out the Pennsylvania sportsbook reviews on this page to find the one that suits you the best
Do not forget to check out the sportsbook rankings like bonuses and live betting to find out how each performs in different categories
Once a sportsbook has been selected hit the red ‘Bet Now’ button to start registration
Complete the registration accurately and wait for approval (usually instant)
Once approved, make a deposit and begin betting on sports online!
Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ
Which bet types and sports are available?
Like most other states, there are not many restrictions on the types of bets that players can make. Online sportsbooks will be determined to include as many different types of bets as possible on their sites.
The moneyline, over/under and the spread (handicap) are the most common types of bets and will be featured on all sportsbooks.
Among the other bets you can expect to be available are parlays, futures, period bets, round robins, props and teasers. Live betting is a very popular feature and should have a section available on most, if not all online Pennsylvania sportsbooks.
Are there any notable restrictions?
Despite the pretty open rules and regulations surrounding Pennsylvania sports betting, there are a couple of exceptions on which players will not be able to bet. The first includes high school or “amateur” sports.
This includes all events like football games, basketball games, etc.
Collegiate athletics are completely legal, and this includes colleges within the state of Pennsylvania.
However, eSports competitions will be completely off limits for bettors in the state. This includes all games and events. We have seen other states legalize eSports betting for competitions where all participants are 18+, so we may see this changed in the future.
Which deposit and withdrawal methods are common?
Online payment methods vary by sportsbook. The sportsbooks with the most payment methods available have the best chances to satisfy the needs of a larger percentage of users. Every sportsbook review on our site will list the specific methods you can use to deposit and withdraw on that site.
There are some methods that show up on most sportsbooks however. The best of these methods will allow you to make both deposits and withdrawals.
Deposits
Credit/Debit Cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
Play+ Cards
Online Wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
ACH Transfers
Cash at Cage
Withdrawals
Play+ Cards
Online Wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
ACH Transfers
Cash at Cage
Pennsylvania Revenue Tracker
Month 2020 | Total Handle | Revenue | Taxes/ State Revenue |
September | $462,787,392 | $18,277,566 | $2,257,158 |
August | $364,985,422 | $27,593,677 | $6,578,668 |
July | $164,782,229 | $13,651,865 | $2,933,093 |
June | $89,002,562 | $7,959,790 | $2,397,657 |
May | $77,510,033 | $5,918,697 | $1,738,436 |
Looking for a different state?
You can find updated profiles of all US states with legal sports betting along with rule updates, online sportsbooks and more here. This page will give players an updated outlook on the United States sports betting industry. Clicking on any legal state will bring you to that state’s home page.
