Last updated on: March 16th, 2023

Legal Pennsylvania Sports Betting

Legal Pennsylvania Sports BettingPennsylvania is one of the biggest sports betting markets in the United States. Since state regulated sportsbooks opened in November 2018, sportsbooks in PA have taken in over $16 billion in bets. The legal Pennsylvania sports betting market is strong with a variety of options. Aside from in person sportsbooks, bettors have many online sportsbooks to choose from. These include PA-regulated books and online sportsbooks that take Pennsylvania players. This means betting on Bovada in Pennsylvania is as easy as betting on DraftKings or FanDuel. Without any PA betting restrictions to follow, Bovada has better odds and a wider variety.

  • Local sportsbooks in Pennsylvania launched in November 2018.
  • Online sportsbooks accepting PA residents allow for line shopping.
  • Pennsylvania’s sports betting tax revenue is one of the highest in the US.
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#1

Bovada Sportsbook

Tons Of Competitive Promotions

Bovada is a great online sportsbook in Pennsylvania, offering all of the best ways to wager on things that the regulated sportsbooks won’t offer odds on, such as political elections, television shows, and more. Their website is excellent and easy to use, and can be accessed on both mobile devices and regular computers.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • NFL Prop Betting
  • Interactive Betting Slip
  • Small Market Betting
  • Legal In PA
  • Great Bonuses

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#2

BetOnline Sportsbook

Tried And True Sportsbook For PA Residents

BetOnline is a top online sportsbook option for PA’s bettors thanks to the large amount of odds they offer, You can find a large variety of odds and lines at BetOnline in PA, and this makes them a very good line shopping option at the very least. They’re also a reasonable primary sportsbook.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Reliable Banking Methods
  • Strong Server Connection
  • 10+ Year Track Record
  • Huge Assortment Of Odds
  • No App Mobile Betting

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#3

MyBookie Sportsbook

Competitive Betting Lines

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.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Huge Player Bonuses
  • Consistent Odds
  • Easy Interface
  • Rapid Live Betting
  • Legal In Pennsylvania

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#4

SportsBetting Sportsbook

Dependable Online Sports Betting

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.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Efficient Site Layout
  • Full Mobile Betting Suite
  • Available Customer Service
  • Trustworthy Banking Options
  • Fast Payout Times

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#5

XBet Sportsbook

Easy To Use Cryptocurrency Sportsbook

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.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Worry-free Legal Betting
  • Exclusive Bonus Offers
  • Constantly Updated Odds
  • Premier User Experience
  • Full Mobile + Live Betting

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Legal March Madness Betting Sites In Pennsylvania

When the First Four round tips off, Pennsylvania sports bettors need to be signed up for a top March Madness betting site, as once the action starts it essentially doesn’t stop. Whether it is betting on Villanova in Kyle Neptune’s first year or the Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton combo at Pitt., a top sportsbook is needed. Considering those are the two most likely PA teams to make the tournament, it may be wise to take them at international sportsbooks over some of the local Pennsylvania betting sites because of the worse odds players get when betting on nearby teams. International sportsbooks like Bovada also offer the best March Madness bonuses for Pennsylvania residents, with players eligible to receive up to $750 to bet on the Big Dance.

What Can’t I Bet On In Pennsylvania?

If using a PA-sponsored sportsbook, there may be some restrictions you find. While not as intense as some other states with legal sports betting, PA still prohibits sportsbooks from accepting certain bets. Keep in mind that online sportsbooks accept these bets, as they are licensed outside of Pennsylvania.

  • Player Props On College Players
  • High School Sports
  • Entertainment Events
  • Political Races

How To Bet College Props In PA

The only sportsbooks that have odds for college props are the international sportsbooks in PA. This is because the state-regulated sportsbooks are, well, subject to the state’s regulations, which prohibit such wagering. The international books are not subject to this, however, and can easily offer college props for teams like Pitt and Penn State.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Timeline + History

  • 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.

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 legal Pennsylvania sports betting 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. Whether you prefer major leagues or collegiate sports, Pennsylvania sportsbooks permit wagering on all of your favorite teams.

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)

Betting On The Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers were amongst the divisive teams in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season for bets on their over/under, specifically as an away team. The over/under split was exactly 50%, but breaking it down by games they were favorites and underdogs proved to be valuable for Philly bettors. As an away favorite, 76ers games hit the over 66.7% of the time. As a road underdog that over percentage dropped to a league-low 26.13%. Another focal point for Sixers bettors during the span of 2019 through 2022 were bets on them to win as home underdogs. Over that span the Sixers went 8-8 straight up and 10-5-1 against the spread. Another area of success for the Sixers in recent seasons has been betting on the over on their projected win total. They have gone 4-1-1 with the over in their last six seasons for $239.05 when betting $100.

Philadelphia Eagles And Pittsburgh Steelers Odds In Pennsylvania

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers have held a near 50% success rate against the spread over the last five seasons. The Steelers hold a 49-47-3 record against the spread at a 51% success clip. The Eagles aren’t far behind them at a 50-51-2 spread record for a 49.5% rate. Both teams have also had success winning their division as well with the Eagles winning two of the last five division titles while the Steelers have won three of the last six.

Bovada Sports Betting

Are There Mobile Sports Betting Apps Available In Pennsylvania?

There are several options for you to bet on sports in Pennsylvania. The two main options are either through the regulated sports betting apps or the licensed online sportsbooks. The regulated apps have you download an app to your phone while the licensed ones 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

Eagles fans and Phllies fans are in for a lot of excitement in the coming months, and you can bet on everything from Bryce Harper trade rumors to Eagles Super Bowl odds. In order to access these, you have two options. There are sports betting apps available on the App Store from the state-regulated books. We prefer the mobile website option, however – it allows you to access more odds without the hometown hero effect of a local book.

Android PA Betting

Android phones can easily bet on sports in PA in two major ways. The first one is to use a sportsbook that is located internationally in order to place your wagers. This helps you find better odds, as these books 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.

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 betting is available with a much larger slate at the international books.

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 sportsbooks who are waiting to take your NFL bets. You can do this at sportsbooks in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, King of Prussia, Grantville, or Bensalem. Mobile sports betting is available through the state as well. Those online sportsbooks have some limits, so we recommend you use online offshore sportsbooks. There you will not have weighted odds on Pennsylvania based teams because everyone in the state will more likely bet on the Steelers or Eagles. If you want fair odds on legal NFL betting in Pennsylvania, online offshore sportsbooks are the way to go.

What Is The Sports Betting Age In Pennsylvania?

The age to bet at Pennsylvania casinos is 21. This is also the legal sports betting age in PA. Sites like Bovada, SportsBetting, or BetOnline will take deposits from any user 18 and up. But, most have in their terms of conditions that bettors must verify local laws. This would defer the PA sports betting age to 21.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue

Pennsylvania taxes sportsbooks for both city and state contributions. The majority (98%) land with the state while cities in PA with sportsbooks get the remaining. With the amount of money bet in Pennsylvania breaking $800m just in January 2022, it adds up quickly. Legal Pennsylvania sportsbooks have taken $16 billion in bets. Before paying $300 million in taxes, PA sportsbooks are up $1.2 billion in that time.

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 Pennsylvania sports betting 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.

Where’s The Closest Sportsbook in PA For Me To Bet?

If you’re from Pennsylvania and you want to bet on sports legally in-person, you may have to head out of town. 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.

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.

Online Sportsbooks In PA That Accept Crypto

  • Bovada
  • BetOnline
  • MyBookie
  • XBet
  • SportsBetting

Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Pennsylvania?

It is possible to put up – and win – real money via legal Pennsylvania 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.

BetOnline Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps

Barstool Sportsbook

Barstool Sportsbook is a result of the partnership between Barstool Sports and Penn National Gaming, which has resulted in a huge market share for the company in PA. It opened with one of the largest hold percentages we’ve ever seen, but after that first month, it became a much more reasonable book.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

BetAmerica is a great sportsbook for you to wager on anything from sports betting to horse racing at. They built their brand around horse racing, so their options as far as that goes are likely to exceed other options in PA, and that’s always a worthwhile advantage to have.

Betfred Sportsbook

Betfred is a U.K. sportsbook that is experimenting with operating sports betting on this side of the pond. They’re a very reasonable sportsbook, although some bettors worry about their European approach to sports betting in terms of limiting winning accounts.

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.

Betway Sportsbook

Betway Sportsbook claims to be the sportsbook with the very most odds of any PA sportsbook. This is potentially true among the regulated books, but almost certainly not true in the context of offshore sportsbooks, which are allowed to offer wagers on more things than any regulated book, including Betway.

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.

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.

FOX Bet Sportsbook

FOX Bet is a sportsbook looking to claw some market share back for traditional gambling companies in the face of the wild success of FanDuel and DraftKings. Their offerings are very solid, but they’re quite high on the bells and whistles, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on who you are.

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.

PointsBet Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook is a sportsbook that can be used to great effect by bettors in PA. You can find a bunch of different ways to play at PointsBet, and they are known for not limiting accounts willy-nilly like other sportsbooks sometimes do. This makes them a good option for sharps to wager at.

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.

States Near Pennsylvania With Sports Betting

While Pennsylvania sports betting isn’t hard to come by for locals or tourists, some people enjoy the variety. If online sportsbooks, Pennsylvania betting apps, or local sportsbooks aren’t doing the trick, try one of the many states that border Pennsylvania with sports betting. Depending on the jurisdiction, players can find odds both online and at retail sportsbooks in these states.

Horse Racing Betting In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s horse racing and breeding programs are among the best in the entire United States. The Liberty Bell State is home to six dual-purpose racing and gaming facilities, commonly called “racinos.” PA’s horse racing industry encompasses Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, and harness racing. Horse racing in Pennsylvania is managed by the State Horse Racing Commission at the Department of Agriculture, which is, in turn, allotted the power to regulate pari-mutuel betting by PA Code 185.61.

Off-site pari-mutuel betting has also recently been allowed in PA, though pari-mutuel betting has long been a form of legal Pennsylvania sports wagering. Online pari-mutuel wagering is also available to Pennsylvania residents, as there is no provision in the state’s penal code to make such a practice unlawful. Some of the best horse racing betting sites are Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie, all of which also offer a variety of other sports wagering opportunities to US players.

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.

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.