Last updated on: October 10th, 2024
Best Legal Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps + Sportsbooks In 2024
Few states can match the number of legal Pennsylvania sports betting sites and sportsbook apps in 2024. Both the supply and demand for PA betting sites and apps have skyrocketed since the legislators for sports betting Pennsylvania residents voted in established laws and opened the market in November 2018. Now, when people ask “Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania,” the answer is undoubtedly yes.
But, the regulation of legal Pennsylvania betting sites means that users have more options than ever to choose from. You can still use legal offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline and MyBookie that are not regulated by the state, which means they are not subject to many of the sports betting restrictions that PA-based sportsbooks are. You can also use Pennsylvania sports betting apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. This page is meant to outline the best sports betting sites in the state, provide informative online sportsbook reviews PA residents can read, and cover the legality of sports gambling.
Best Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites
Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Exclusive 55% Bonus Code up to $1000!Read Review | BET55 in Cashier | |
2 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie! | |
3 | 100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit Xbet! | |
4 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
Reviews Of Pennsylvania Betting Sites
BetOnline is the best sportsbook in Pennsylvania for many reasons. Most important of them all is the fact that BetOnline is an offshore sportsbook. That means it is not subject to any of the Pennsylvania sports betting restrictions that state-based books like DraftKings and FanDuel are. There are many examples of why this is a positive for sports betting in PA. Notably, BetOnline can accept players who are 18 years old or older as opposed to state-based books which mandate players be at least 21. Also, there are no college sports betting restrictions at BetOnline (PA-regulated books can’t offer college player props or awards odds). Finally, if you use BetOnline in Pennsylvania, you are not subject to the taxes on sports betting wins. You can still, but it is nice to not lose 3%-15% of your winnings right away.
- Reliable Banking Methods
- Strong Server Connection
- 10+ Year Track Record
- Huge Assortment Of Odds
- No App Mobile Betting
Popular Questions About BetOnline In PA
Is BetOnline Legal In Pennsylvania?
Yes, BetOnline is legal in PA. The sportsbook is regulated internationally and is legal throughout the country due to international trade laws.
Is BetOnline Legit?
BetOnline is legit. Players in Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of the country have been using BetOnline for over 20 years. We would not review BetOnline as the best PA sportsbook if it were not legit.
Does BetOnline Have A PA Sports Betting App?
There is no BetOnline sports betting app. But, BetOnline’s website is meant for mobile compatibility. You can use it from any phone or tablet browser without sacrificing storage space for an app. There may be some imitators in the App Store or Google Play Store, but those aren’t affiliated with the sportsbook.
How Old Do You Have To Bet To Bet On Sports In Pennsylvania With BetOnline?
The minimum age for sports betting at BetOnline is 18. That is lower than the 21-year-old age requirement at FanDuel, ESPN Bet, and other state-regulated books. That’s because the legal sports betting age internationally is 18, not 21.
MyBookie is great for finding wagers on things that other sportsbooks don’t touch – even other offshore ones. They always have a unique perspective on current events, and their wagers reflect that perspective, so you can always find something fun to wager on at MyBookie in Pennsylvania.
- Huge Player Bonuses
- Consistent Odds
- Easy Interface
- Rapid Live Betting
- Legal In Pennsylvania
SportsBetting is a very solid online sportsbook option for players in PA to access, and one of the best line shopping sportsbooks around. You can find a ton of different wagers at SportsBetting, but most importantly, there’s no BS when you use them, they’re focused entirely on providing odds and making it easier for people to bet on sports.
- Efficient Site Layout
- Full Mobile Betting Suite
- Available Customer Service
- Trustworthy Banking Options
- Fast Payout Times
XBet is a subsidiary of MyBookie, and it operates in much the same way, but it’s slightly less off-the-wall and slightly more responsible. This means that it’s a great balance between the zaniness of MyBookie and the steadiness of BetOnline. As one of the more diverse legal sports betting sites that accept residents of PA, you will find odds on wagering from the NFL season to international snooker.
- Worry-free Legal Betting
- Exclusive Bonus Offers
- Constantly Updated Odds
- Premier User Experience
- Full Mobile + Live Betting
Is Bovada Legal In Pennsylvania?
Bovada technically is still legal in Pennsylvania, but the world-class sportsbook no longer accepts players from the state. This was due to disagreements between the sportsbook and the state’s regulatory officials. Bovada was considered the best sportsbook in PA until it’s withdrawal from the state. We now suggest players use BetOnline.
What Is The Legal Sports Betting Age In Pennsylvania?
The legal sports betting age in Pennsylvania is 21 at state-regulated books and 18 at offshore books. The 21-year-old minimum at PA-governed sportsbooks is similar to many other similar jurisdictions, which is why players who search for 18+ sports betting apps and sites typically choose legal platforms like BetOnline.
Sports Betting Restrictions In Pennsylvania
The sports betting restrictions at locally governed Pennsylvania sportsbook apps and sites can be frustrating for bettors. The legislators for sports betting Pennsylvania sportsbooks have to deal with restrict sites like DraftKings and FanDuel from offering a wide variety of bets. We list the restricted bet types in PA below.
- Pro Tip: Offshore sportsbooks that accept Pennsylvania residents like BetOnline and MyBookie aren’t bound to these same restrictions.
Restricted Bet Types At Legal Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites
- High School Sports: No states in the US allow sportsbooks to offer odds on high school sporting events. These odds are not available at legal Pennsylvania online sports betting sites that are offshore or regulated by the local government.
- College Sports Player Props: None of the PA-regulated sportsbooks are allowed to offer player props for college sports. It does not matter if you want props for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team or the Pittsburgh Panthers basketball team, those odds won’t be available.
- Entertainment Bets: Regulators don’t allow sportsbooks in PA to offer odds that would normally fall under the entertainment category. This means users of DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars in Pennsylvania can’t bet on the Grammy’s, Academy Awards, or any other similar functions.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Timeline + History
- July 31, 2024 – Betway Sportsbook stops accepting bets in Pennsylvania.
- July 22, 2024 – Bet365 officially launched its sportsbook in partnership with Presque Isle Downs Casino.
- September 5, 2023 – Penn Entertainment completes the transition from partnering with Barstool to ESPN. This meant Barstool Sportsbook was no longer available in PA, while ESPN Bet was launched in it’s place.
- August 31, 2023 – FOX Bet is officially closed and will no longer accept Pennsylvania residents.
- Feb 22, 2022 – PA Sportsbooks shatter their monthly handle record, with almost $800 million bet on sports in January.
- Dec 21, 2022 – PA is among three states likely to cross the $5 billion bet mark in 2022.
- Apr 6, 2021 – The Pittsburgh Penguins launch a sportsbook in their stadium.
- Dec 29, 2020 – Betfred and Wind Creek go live with mobile sportsbooks in PA.
- Oct 22, 2020 – Barstool Sportsbook has become a dominant sportsbook in PA, taking in 7.2% of the market in its first month of operation.
- Sep 25, 2020 – BetRivers and the Pittsburgh Penguins announce plans to put a sportsbook inside the Penguins’ arena.
- Sep 9, 2020 – Barstool Sportsbook begins its soft launch period in PA.
- Jun 26, 2020 – FanDuel and DraftKings are both up and running in the online casino market, a rare gift from PA to its gamblers.
- Apr 19, 2020 – PA SB 1117 is proposed, and it has a goal of reallocating some sports betting profits towards property tax relief.
- Feb 4, 2020 – PA’s sportsbooks somehow managed to lose money on Super Bowl 54, losing more than $3 million on the big game.
- Oct 6, 2019 – Meadows Casino will receive a DraftKings Sportsbook as soon as one can be built, with approval arriving from the government.
- Jul 22, 2019 – FanDuel launches in PA.
- May 28, 2019 – The first mobile sportsbook in PA, SugarHouse, launches.
- Nov 17, 2018 – The Hollywood Casino at Penn National takes the first bet in the new world of PA sports betting.
- May 14, 2018 – PASPA is repealed by the Supreme Court, and sports betting is technically legal in PA. There will be several months of infrastructure setup first before it is live, however.
- Oct 30, 2017 – Pennsylvania finishes the passage of 2017 Act 42, which serves as a trigger law for sports betting. If PASPA is overturned, this law enables PA to immediately launch sports betting operations.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting And Gambling Laws
Pennsylvania sports gambling laws can be read in PA Act No. 42. Essentially this act puts the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) in charge of overseeing the sports betting industry in the state. The law states that any establishment with a “slot machine license” can apply for a “sports wagering certificate.” This means that only casinos and racinos can apply to offer sports betting to their patrons. However, any one of these establishments can also apply to have their own app. This would allow residents to place their wagers online or on their mobile device anywhere within the state’s borders.
PA Code 185.61 of Pennsylvania state statutes details horse racing and associated activities like pari-mutuel betting – which is one form of legal sports betting in Pennsylvania that is expressly permitted by state sports betting laws. Title 18 also lists out any penalties for alternate types of gaming and various sports and amusement rules.
Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Pennsylvania?
It is possible to put up – and win – real money via Pennsylvania online sports betting establishments and from online offshore sportsbooks. While some casinos only accept cash, online offshore sports wagering sites allow you to use Bitcoin as well. This has become a very popular method in recent years and provides a safe and faster alternative method for users of these sites.
Promotional offers are the par for the course with the offshore real money sports betting sites discussed elsewhere on this page, and each one offers something a little different from the others. What is consistent, however, is that all of them serve US players and do so with a wide variety of popular sports in the American market. That makes them the best choice for those who want to get in on legal Pennsylvania sports betting.
What Pennsylvania Teams Are Worth Betting On?
Pennsylvania is the home state of eight teams spread across all five of America’s major professional sports leagues. That means PA bettors have got plenty of choices when it comes to trying out sports betting PA websites as we’ve already discussed. Not only can sports enthusiasts wager on teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but other prominent teams are also featured on every odds board.
In addition, PA is home to 14 NCAA Division 1 sports programs. Most prominent among them are Penn State in the Big Ten Conference, Villanova in the Big East, the University of Pittsburgh in the ACC and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, founded by none other than Benjamin Franklin. It is important to note that when using PA-regulated sportsbooks, you won’t be able to bet on any collegiate player props. When thinking of recent notable college athletes to play in Pennsylvania like Saquon Barkley, Jalen Brunson, and Kenny Picket, that restriction would have cost bettors a fortune. Luckily there are legal betting sites for college football, basketball, and many other sports that take Pennsylvania residents.
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) | Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) | Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) |
Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) | Philadelphia Union (MLS) | Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) |
Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) | Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) | Bucknell Bison (NCAA-D1) |
Drexel Dragons (NCAA-D1) | Duquesne Dukes (NCAA-D1) | La Salle Explorers (NCAA-D1) |
Lafayette Leopards (NCAA-D1) | Lehigh Mountain Hawks (NCAA-D1) | Penn Quakers (NCAA-D1) |
Penn State Nittany Lions and Lady Lions (NCAA-D1) | Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA-D1) | Robert Morris Colonials (NCAA-D1) |
Saint Francis Red Flash (NCAA-D1) | Saint Joseph’s Hawks (NCAA-D1) | Temple Owls (NCAA-D1) |
Villanova Wildcats (NCAA-D1) | Bloomsburg Huskies (NCAA-D2) | California Vulcans (NCAA-D2) |
Chestnut Hill Griffins (NCAA-D2) | Clarion Golden Eagles (NCAA-D2) | East Stroudsburg Warriors (NCAA-D2) |
Edinboro Fighting Scots (NCAA-D2) | Gannon Golden Knights (NCAA-D2) | Holy Family Tigers (NCAA-D2) |
IUP Crimson Hawks (NCAA-D2) | Jefferson Rams (NCAA-D2) | Kutztown Golden Bears (NCAA-D2) |
Lincoln Lions (NCAA-D2) | Lock Haven Bald Eagles (NCAA-D2) | Mansfield Mountaineers (NCAA-D2) |
Mercyhurst Lakers (NCAA-D2) | Millersville Marauders (NCAA-D2) | Pitt–Johnstown Mountain Cats (NCAA-D2) |
Seton Hill Griffins (NCAA-D2) | Shippensburg Raiders (NCAA-D2) | Slippery Rock (NCAA-D2) |
USciences Devils (NCAA-D2) | West Chester Golden Rams (NCAA-D2) | Albright Lions (NCAA-D3) |
Allegheny Gators (NCAA-D3) | Alvernia Golden Wolves (NCAA-D3) | Arcadia Knights (NCAA-D3) |
Bryn Athyn Lions (NCAA-D3) | Bryn Mawr Owls (NCAA-D3) | Cabrini Cavaliers (NCAA-D3) |
Cairn Highlanders (NCAA-D3) | Carnegie Mellon Tartans (NCAA-D3) | Cedar Crest Falcons (NCAA-D3) |
Chatham Cougars (NCAA-D3) | Clarks Summit Defenders (NCAA-D3) | Delaware Valley Aggies (NCAA-D3) |
DeSales Bulldogs (NCAA-D3) | Dickinson Red Devils (NCAA-D3) | Eastern Eagles (NCAA-D3) |
Elizabethtown Blue Jays (NCAA-D3) | Franklin & Marshall Diplomats (NCAA-D3) | Geneva Golden Tornadoes (NCAA-D3) |
Gettysburg Bullets (NCAA-D3) | Grove City Wolverines (NCAA-D3) | Gwynedd Mercy Griffins (NCAA-D3) |
Haverford Fords (NCAA-D3) | Immaculata Mighty Macs (NCAA-D3) | Juniata Eagles (NCAA-D3) |
Keystone Giants (NCAA-D3) | King’s Monarchs (NCAA-D3) | La Roche Red Hawks (NCAA-D3) |
Lancaster Bible Chargers (NCAA-D3) | Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen (NCAA-D3) | Lycoming Warriors (NCAA-D3) |
Marywood Pacers (NCAA-D3) | Messiah Falcons (NCAA-D3) | Misericordia Cougars (NCAA-D3) |
Moravian Greyhounds (NCAA-D3) | Mount Aloysius Mounties (NCAA-D3) | Muhlenberg Mules (NCAA-D3) |
Neumann Knights (NCAA-D3) | Penn College Wildcats (NCAA-D3) | Penn State Abington Nittany Lions (NCAA-D3) |
Penn State Altoona Nittany Lions (NCAA-D3) | Penn State Behrend Lions (NCAA-D3) | Penn State Berks Nittany Lions (NCAA-D3) |
Penn State Harrisburg Lions (NCAA-D3) | Pitt–Bradford Panthers (NCAA-D3) | Pitt–Greensburg Bobcats (NCAA-D3) |
Rosemont Ravens (NCAA-D3) | Scranton Royals (NCAA-D3) | Saint Vincent Bearcats (NCAA-D3) |
Susquehanna River Hawks (NCAA-D3) | Swarthmore Garnet (NCAA-D3) | Thiel Tomcats (NCAA-D3) |
Ursinus Bears (NCAA-D3) | Valley Forge Patriots (NCAA-D3) | Washington and Jefferson Presidents (NCAA-D3) |
Waynesburg Yellow Jackets (NCAA-D3) | Westminster Titans (NCAA-D3) | Widener Pride (NCAA-D3) |
Wilkes Colonels (NCAA-D3) | Wilson Phoenix (NCAA-D3) | York Spartans (NCAA-D3) |
Legal NFL Betting In Pennsylvania
There are plenty of opportunities to bet on NFL games while you are in Pennsylvania. After all, there are two different NFL teams that are based in the state. Whether you are a Philadelphia Eagles fan or a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, there are betting sites that are waiting to take your NFL bets. You can do this at sports betting locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, King of Prussia, Grantville, or Bensalem. Watching the Steelers take on the Ravens on the road in person, Marland sportsbooks offer just as good or potentially even better odds on PA teams. This is because there is no home team bias involved when using legal NFL betting sites to wager on the away team.
What Kind Of Live Betting Is Available In PA?
PA has multiple styles of live betting – or should we say, multiple sportsbook styles that offer it. The international books tend to have more odds on more sports, while the state-regulated books tend to focus mostly on American sports, and things of that nature. Live sports betting is available with a much larger slate at the international books.
Are There Mobile Sports Betting Apps Available In Pennsylvania?
There are several types of mobile sportsbooks in Pennsylvania for you to choose from. The two main options are either the regulated sports betting apps or the licensed online mobile sportsbooks. Regulated sportsbook apps for Pennsylvanians have you download an app to your phone, with some even requiring additional add-ons for geofencing. The licensed legal mobile sports betting sites do not require you to download an app. In order to access them, you’ll just need to log in on these sites from your device’s web browser as you would on a computer.
iPhone Betting In PA
Sportsbooks for iPhones in Pennsylvania are available through mobile-compatible sites or apps. The mobile betting sites for iPhones are typically preferred over the apps because of the well-known issue with storage space that download-necessary apps create. Both types of mobile sportsbooks that accept Pennsylvania have their benefits on iPhones, with a lot of players choosing to use multiple options for line shopping and promotional purposes.
Android PA Betting
Android phones can easily bet on sports in PA in two major ways. The first one is to use a betting site that is located internationally in order to place your wagers. This helps you find better odds, as these Android mobile betting sites are not in PA, so they have better odds on local teams because there are less local fans moving the lines. These books can be accessed on phones via the internet browser in them. The second option is to use an app, which the state-regulated books have. These are available on the Google Play Store.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps
Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 Sportsbook officially came to Pennsylvania in July of 2024. The sportsbook is in a partnership with Presque Isle Downs Casino. It is likely that Bet365 will need a few years to become of the most popular legal sports betting sites in Pennsylvania, but it does have a strong layout that makes it possible.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is one of the larger sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, and their currently running advertising blitz really demonstrates the money behind them. They’re not in a position to overtake FanDuel and DraftKings, but they really seem to want to be. A very solid PA sportsbook.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is a great online sportsbook for bettors in Pennsylvania to use, and it features a solid oddsmaking backend with a great UI on the frontend. You can download their app or play online, and they’re a great sportsbook for anyone who wants to wager in PA.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is a top online sportsbook operator, and has been in the casino business for years before sports betting was regulated in PA. Their app is a good one, easy to use with minimal problems, and their bonuses tend to be quite solid at this point in time, although that is subject to change in the future.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is a top daily fantasy sports website that parlayed that status into becoming one of the biggest sportsbooks in America. When it comes to wagering on sports, it’s very hard to beat DraftKings, as they are allowed to offer not just their excellent sportsbook app, but also their daily fantasy options as well.
ESPN Bet
The latest sports betting partner of PENN Entertainment, ESPN Bet is run by the World Wide Leader in sports. ESPN Bet has a fairly standard setup compared to other PA sports betting apps, with the sportsbook most helpful for those shopping lines.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Once most popular as a sports memorabilia retailer, Fanatics launched a sportsbook that is now available in many states. Notable to PA sports betting participants and overall sports fans, Fanatics Sportsbook is run largely by former Philadelphia 76ers Michael Rubin.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook is the top sportsbook across most of America in terms of betting volume and revenue. As the top sportsbook in America, they have to do what they can to keep that title, and they’re very good at their jobs. We do think FanDuel is one of the best regulated sportsbooks in PA.
Parx Sportsbook
Parx Sportsbook pitches itself as a local option, and the name Parx is derived from the Parx casino in PA. It’s certainly more of a local option than many of the other online sportsbooks in PA, and that does drive customers to Parx.
SugarHouse Sportsbook
SugarHouse Sportsbook is another sportsbook that is known for not limiting accounts at the drop of a hat, where some PA sportsbooks are very willing to simply limit your betting if you start winning too much. You can get a lot out of a sportsbook like SugarHouse, and they’re worth sticking with over the long haul.
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet Sportsbook is one of the newer options available in Pennsylvania, and it’s a very solid online sportsbook considering that. You can wager on a large variety of subjects with their app, and their odds tend to be very fair. Their bonuses are pretty much in line with the market, and so they’re worth checking out.
Wind Creek Casino Sportsbook
The Wind Creek Casino Sportsbook is one of the newest sports betting sites in Pennsylvania. The casino resort company partnered with Betfred Sports to create a good option with a full selection of betting odds.
Where’s The Closest Sportsbook in PA For Me To Bet?
Not only is sports betting legal in PA, but there are land based options. However, you may have to head out of town to use these books. The only cities that offer sportsbooks are located in Grantville, Bensalem, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. This could prove to be a hassle for folks living more so in the central part of PA. Though most bettors heading to the metropolitan areas are not just there for the gambling, legal Pennsylvania sports betting websites are going to be the best bet in terms of travel costs and time. Check out the master list for all sportsbook locations in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, you can always make the drive to nearby states that offer sports betting as well for more options. There are plenty of opportunities within Ohio sports betting and legal sportsbooks in West Virginia. If any of these books are closer to you than the PA options, it may be worth leaving the Keystone State.
List Of Cities with Sportsbooks
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Sportsbooks |
Harrah’s Philly Sportsbook
The Book at Harrah’s features betting on a wide array of college and professional sports. It also features over 45 TVs, lounge and bar seating, and numerous food and drink options. |
South Philadelphia Turf Club
Located right next to Citizens Bank Field, the South Philadelphia Turf Club recently underwent over $1 million in renovations. The Turf Club features a wide range of betting options on both horse and greyhound racing and traditional sports. |
Sugarhouse Sportsbook Philadelphia
With over 45,000 square-feet of gambling space, the Sugarhouse Casino is one of the most impressive gambling facilities in America. Its sportsbook features the most expansive selection of online and in-person betting options in the state. |
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Sportsbooks |
Rivers Casino Sportsbook
A newly renovated space of over 5,500 square feet featuring reclining leather seats with built-in charging ports, dozens of high-definition video screens, and private booths. the sportsbook at Rivers Pittsburgh has 33 self-service kiosks and six different betting windows, with live betting and other state-of-the-art gambling options. |
King of Prussia Pennsylvania Sportsbooks |
FanDuel Sportsbook At Valley Forge Casino Resort
Valley Forge is the only full-amenity casino in Pennsylvania, with over 100,000 total square feet of gaming and business space available. The FanDuel sportsbook in Pennsylvania is smaller than you would expect, but it offers a wide range of trusted betting options. |
Oaks Race & Sportsbook
Originally an off-track betting parlor for the Valley Forge Casino Resort, Oaks Race has evolved into its own full sportsbook. It features upscale décor and a relaxed betting atmosphere. |
Grantville Pennsylvania Sportsbooks |
The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino
Located just outside Harrisburg, the Hollywood Casino is located roughly halfway between Philadephia and Pittsburgh. The Hollywood Sportsbook is currently adding viewing stations and lounge seating, and already features dozens of TVs and odds tickers. |
Bensalem Pennsylvania Sportsbooks |
Parx Sportsbook Bensalem
The Parx Casino at Bensalem sportsbook features a luxurious sports lounge with a high-end bar, viewing stations, lounge and booth seating, and dozens of TVs to watch your favorite games. Parx offers betting options for all your favorite college and professional sports. Additionally, you can play through the official Parx online sports betting app. |
Nearby States With Legal Sports Betting |
Legal New Jersey Sports Betting |
Legal Maryland Sports Betting |
West Virginia Sports Betting |
Legal New York Sports Betting |
Legal Ohio Sports Betting |
Horse Racing Betting In Pennsylvania
There are many horse racing betting options in Pennsylvania, which is not a surprise given the state’s strong reputation in the horse racing community. In PA, there are six horse racing betting facilities that double as casinos. Those locations are called “racinos”. The racinos are governed by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission which gained its power to regulate the industry through PA Code 185.61.
There are also many horse racing betting sites that are legal in Pennsylvania. These online racebooks include the biggest names in PA sports betting, like BetOnline and MyBookie. They offer full selections of pari-mutual odds, specialty wagers, and more. BetOnline offers odds on all graded stakes in PA and throughout the country, which is another reason many consider them to be the best all-around betting site in Pennsylvania.
Daily Fantasy Sports In Pennsylvania
Both houses of the Pennsylvania legislature passed a daily fantasy sports (DFS) regulatory bill in June 2017, but the bill didn’t make it to the governor’s desk at first. That’s because changes were made to House Bill 2150 that affected the way Pennsylvania would handle online gambling, including authorizing video gambling terminals to be installed in PA bars. Since the bill was amended by the House before being passed, it had to head back over to the Senate for another round of votes. The bill eventually made a full circle, and Pennsylvania became the 17th state to legalize daily fantasy sports.
The bill, sponsored by Representative George Dunbar, required DFS operators to get licenses from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and pay a tax, as well as prohibit participants less than 18 years old from entering contests. Since DFS was legalized in the state, the fantasy sports industry has increased its Pennsylvania footprint enormously, as it’s one of the most popular states in the US for DFS action.
Latest News
Legal Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQs
When Did Sports Betting Become Legal In Pennsylvania?
Sports betting laws in Pennsylvania were approved in 2017 in preparation for the repeal of PASPA in 2018. It wasn’t until May 2018 when their laws became official and the first sportsbook in Pennsylvania launched a few months later in November 2018. Legislators were able to quickly implement their gambling laws because of their anticipatory mindset believing that the only hurdle (PASPA) would be removed.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 12 retail sportsbooks operating in the state right now. The sportsbooks are located all around the state but you can find a majority of them in or around the city of Philadelphia. Players can enjoy the sports betting experience in the live sportsbooks in the state or use the online sportsbooks that are operating in the state. There are multiple online sportsbook options that don’t require you to go to the retail sportsbook to register your account.
Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In Pennsylvania?
The best place for legal Pennsylvania sports betting isn’t even in Pennsylvania. It isn’t even in Las Vegas, which has legalized every form and flavor of sports betting since the 1940s. The best place to make legal sports bets is online using reputable licensed offshore sports betting websites. These sites cater to American tastes in sports, offering betting lines on basketball, football, baseball, and hockey, just to name a few of their wide variety of sports. They even provide competitive sign-up bonuses. It really becomes a question of which promotional offers work best for the individual player.
These websites are completely legal, and because they are simultaneously outside the reach of US jurisdiction and regulated by gaming authorities in their own home countries, they are both safe and reliable. Pennsylvania sports bettors should definitely take advantage of the opportunity to bet at these websites.
Should I Use A Local Bookie In Pennsylvania?
The only place you should go to in order to place in-person wagers is at an authorized casino. If someone asks to be your bookie you should deny them immediately as this form of sports betting is still prohibited. Even with the updated gaming laws, state officials do not want individuals to accept sports bets because they can be susceptible to corruption or mishandling of other people’s money.
It’s much safer and smarter to use a legal offshore sports betting website to make your wagers. Not only will you get a bonus or credit for signing up, but you also won’t be making a trip to the courthouse if you get caught laying a few dollars on the Phillies or the Pirates.
Do Any Casinos In Pennsylvania Have Sports Betting?
There are currently 11 out of the 13 casino operations in Pennsylvania that offer legal sports betting. Pennsylvania’s sports betting market is one of the biggest ones available, and sports bettors in Pennsylvania will not struggle to find a land-based operation that accepts wagers. Some casinos, like the Presque Isle Downs, offer horse racing betting as well, going by the term racino. You can bet on sports, horse races, or play table games all in one area at the casinos in Pennsylvania. It is also online and mobile sports betting through the casinos as well. Several betting options are available for residents and tourists alike.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Friends In Pennsylvania?
The legal status of betting on sports with friends, or really any kind of social gambling, is unclear under Pennsylvania state law. Gambling on sports as part of a business venture without state authorization is, of course, against the law. But, there is nothing on the books, even in 18 PA C.S.A.§ 5514, that makes pool-selling and bookmaking a misdemeanor offense, that gives any specific prohibitions or protection for social gambling.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that you’re in the clear if any betting that takes place is between friends and is not done for business reasons and that no “house” is banking the stakes. In order to make sure no laws are being broken, simply to head over to a legal offshore sports betting site. The limits will be higher, you will always be guaranteed to be paid for winning, and you’ll have access to a practically unlimited number of potential bets.