Pennsylvania online sports betting dates back to the early days of the legal US market and features numerous options for wagering on your devices.
With eight different companies operating platforms for legal sports betting in PA, bettors continue to benefit from competition to acquire customers in the form of introductory promo offers. Read on for more information about the PA sports betting market:
PA online sports betting live in 2020
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Mobile PA sports betting launched in May 2019, with SugarHouse Sportsbook first to test its product and go fully live. By February 2020, eight online PA sportsbooks took most of the bets in the Keystone State.
There should be more mobile sports betting options for the state’s bettors soon. Most operators plan to launch PA sports betting apps in the coming months.
Look for more of the companies that have New Jersey sports betting apps to join the market, for instance.
The launch has not been without its hiccups. For the first two months, it was not possible to access a PA online sportsbook from any iOS device (iPhones and iPads). Some operators now do offer iOS functionality, but it is still a stumbling block for some.
It’s always possible to bet from an Android device or desktop/laptop computer.
Best PA sports betting apps
SugarHouse Sportsbook app
This brand leveraged its New Jersey experience to get a head start on the competition. SugarHouse’s sportsbook has a social feel, with contests, progress bars for bonuses, and lists of recent winners. You can bet on a huge range of sports on their platform.
This was created by Rush Street Interactive and Kambi. New bettors at this book get a 100% to $250 matched welcome bonus based on their first deposit.
DraftKings Sportsbook app
The leading brand in daily fantasy sports is rapidly expanding into sports betting, and that includes PA. Using the sports betting license of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, DraftKings entered PA at the tail end of 2019 and is competing for the top spot in market share with FanDuel.
FanDuel Sportsbook app
FanDuel Sportsbook PA operates through the license of Valley Forge Casino Resort. The early market leader in New Jersey brings the same app with it to Pennsylvania, with geolocation technology used to determine where the bettor is located. FanDuel offers a risk-free bet up to $500 for new signups. FanDuel Sportsbook owns top market share in PA.
BetRivers Sportsbook app
This brand is associated with the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh; it is also run by Rush Street Interactive and Kambi. You’ll get a matched bonus up to $250 based on your first deposit at the site. BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites, looking very similar and offering the same bonus deals.
Unibet Sportsbook app
A heavyweight in online gambling in Europe, Unibet is quickly getting serious about its aspirations in the US. Partnered with Mohegan Sun Pocono, the Unibet brand is not as well-known around the country or in Pennsylvania, but that could change in a hurry with a marketing push.
Parx Sportsbook app
Parx — the biggest casino in PA in terms of revenue — has partnered with international giants GAN and Kambi for sports betting. You’ll get a $10 free bet to wager with and check out the site for signing up.
Future sportsbook apps
In addition to the aforementioned sportsbook apps, here are some other brands we expect to see in PA:
Latest PA sports betting news
Posted on: July 29, 2020 | | Matthew Waters
Posted on: July 24, 2020 | | Matthew Waters
The Week In Sports Betting News: PA, NJ Markets Slowly Rebounding
Happy Monday, everyone. Sports betting enthusiasts around the US are rejoicing this week at the news of the return of major sports with MLB starting its shortened season Thursday. Make sure to follow @LSPReport on Twitter as sports begin to ramp back up to stay on top of the latest sports betting headlines. And subscribe […]
Posted on: July 20, 2020 | | Matthew Waters
Best PA sportsbooks
So far, these casinos have applied to offer sports betting or are live with wagering:
| Property | Supplier/Partner | Opening date |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood | William Hill | November 16, 2018 |
| SugarHouse | Kambi | December 13, 2018 |
| Rivers | Kambi | December 13, 2018 |
| Parx | Kambi | January 10, 2019 |
| South Philadelphia Turf Club | Kambi | January 16, 2019 |
| Harrah’s Philadelphia | Scientific Games | January 24, 2019 |
| Valley Forge | FanDuel | March 12, 2019 |
| Valley Forge Race and Sportsbook | Kambi | March 13, 2019 |
| Mohegan Sun Pocono | Unibet | TBA |
| Mount Airy | BetStars | TBA |
| Presque Isle Downs | CDI | TBA |
All are expected to have physical sportsbooks where you can go to place a bet and watch games, and many will have online sports betting apps as well. Here are more details on them:
Harrah’s Philadelphia sportsbook
Harrah’s (formerly Chester Downs) is operated by casino giant Caesars Entertainment. You’ll find a racebook and sportsbook at this location. There is also a full casino with slots and table games, plus an event center.
- Address: 777 Harrah’s Blvd, Chester, PA 19013
- Telephone: 1-800-480-8020
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to Close, Sat / Sun 10 a.m. to Close
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse
The biggest horse races of the year take place at the Penn National, located close to Philadelphia. You’ll find a sportsbook and racebook (offering live and simulcast betting) here. In addition to the big casino, Penn National has a poker room.
- Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028
- Telephone: 1-717-469-2211
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Sat / Sun 10 a.m. to midnight
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
Rivers Casino was among the first movers for their live sportsbook (opening in December 2018) and online sports betting site (BetRivers which opened in June 2019). You’ll find a big casino, along with a poker room at their Pittsburgh location.
- Address: 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Telephone: +1 412-231-7777
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 a.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to midnight.
SugarHouse Casino Philadelphia
Located on the banks of the Delaware River on the site of an old sugar refinery, SugarHouse used their experience in NJ to launch first in PA. Their live sportsbook and online site were both first in Pennsylvania. SugarHouse is a casino resort, offering slots, table games, dining and entertainment.
- Address: 1080 N. Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
- Telephone: 877-477-3715
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m.to 1 a.m., Sat / Sun 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Parx Casino and Racing
Another racetrack casino offering both a sportsbook and racebook (with live and Simulcast options). Parx is the biggest PA casino. It hosts more than 3,300 slots, 180 table games and a huge poker room – along with entertainment options. Parx is located close to Philadelphia.
- Address: 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
- Telephone: 1-800-LUV-PARX
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday noon to 11 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – midnight, Sun 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
South Philly Turf Club
This is an off-track betting facility office which is licensed to Parx. It is located in downtown Philadelphia. This OTB has allowed horse race betting for many years, and now includes a full live sportsbook, bars and a restaurant.
- Address: 700 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- Telephone: 215-551-8270
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday Noon to 11 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – Midnight, Sun 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Valley Forge Race and Sportsbook
This is another Parx-licensed OTB. Again, they have expanded from horse race betting via simulcast to a full sports betting site.
- Address: 600 Cresson Avenue, Oaks Corporate Center, Oaks, PA 19456
- Telephone: 610-650-0100
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Friday Noon to 11 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – Midnight, Sun 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Valley Forge Casino
Separate from the Valley Forge Race and Sportsbook, the casino has partnered with FanDuel to open a branded sportsbook. This is a smaller resort than many of the PA casinos, with only 600 slots.
- Address: 1160 First Ave, King of Prussia, PA
- Telephone: +1 610-354-8118
- Sportsbook Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m.to 2 a.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
More on legal sports betting in PA
Late in 2017, Pennsylvania legalized sports betting as part of a comprehensive gaming expansion. That law contained an activation clause which was recently met.
The US Supreme Court struck down the federal ban known as PASPA, clearing the way for state-based legislation. Prior to the ruling, Nevada held what amounted to a legal monopoly on single-game wagering in the US.
States are now permitted to set their own laws, and PA is poised to take full advantage of the opportunity to offer sports betting.
The law permits wagering on both professional and collegiate events. Bets can be placed in person, online, or on a mobile device. Bettors must be at least 21 years old.
License applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of $10 million for sports betting. Once granted, the licensee’s revenue is taxed at a rate of 36 percent.
PA sports betting falls under the regulation of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The PGCB is responsible for licensing, and the rigorous testing for online sportsbooks before they go live. Compliance and responsible gambling enforcement are also handled by the PGCB.
What is legal to bet on in PA?
You can now bet on all pro sports, college games, and international sporting events. The only legal requirements are that you are over 21, inside state lines, and not on a self-exclusion list; this applies to both live and online bets. There is no requirement to be a permanent resident of Pennsylvania.
There are some restrictions for betting:
- Bets can only be taken on sports, not on things like the NFL draft, elections, and the Oscars.
- No bets on esports.
- Personnel involved in sports leagues (officials, coaches, etc.) can’t bet on their own sports
Horse racing is also available, though these are licensed separately. There are three legal online horse betting sites available in PA – along with actual racetracks and OTB facilities.
How PA sports betting works
Unless you have traveled to live sportsbooks in Nevada or (more recently) bet online or live in New Jersey – many of the options for sports betting will be new.
Here are the key steps for placing a bet online in Pennsylvania:
- Registration: Once you have decided on a book, you’ll need to register. Only basic information is needed at this stage. This includes your name, email address, the last four digits of your Social Security number and location. Keep in mind that ID checks are needed following a deposit.
- Depositing: Next you’ll need to fund your account. Some books offer free bets for new registrations. There are a lot of simple deposit methods.
- Finding your bets: PA sportsbook apps organize their offering by sport. If you know what sport you want to bet on, it’s easy to navigate there via the launch screen. From there, just scroll till you find the game you want to bet on.
- Placing your bets: You can add several bets to your bet slip. This is located on the right at most books. You can join bets together into parlays, or place single bets here. Add in the amount to bet, confirm that everything is ready, and place your bet.
Soon after your match is over, your bet will be settled. Money will be available in your account, and any bonus funds you cleared will be released.
Live betting options at PA Sportsbooks
Innovations in online sports betting mean you can now place wagers on games as they occur. This is known as either in-play or live betting.
It works on mobile devices, and certainly adds interest while you are watching a match. The odds will update in real-time as the action unfolds – and you place bets in the usual way.
Some sportsbooks will offer early bet redemption, also known as cash-out betting.
Depositing at PA online sportsbooks
A big advantage of regulated PA sportsbooks is that you can deposit with confidence.
Here are the main deposit methods welcomed at online sportsbooks:
- Credit / Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and (sometimes) AmEx
- Prepaid Cards: Many books will introduce their own branded debit cards
- eCheck / ACH Transfer: This rapid bank transfer is instant following verification
- Bill Pay: Another bank transfer option, deposit like you are paying a utility bill
- PayPal: This popular electronic wallet is used for both deposits and withdrawals
- Skrill / Neteller: Alternative eWallet solutions which work like PayPal
- PayNearMe: This option allows you to pay cash at 7-Eleven stores
- Casino Cage Payments: You can use the casino cage of the sportsbook license holder
- Wires / Money Orders: For larger amounts, these traditional methods can still be used
Not all of these options are available at all PA online sportsbooks at launch.
Withdrawals are usually handled with the above options.
Most popular sports to bet in Pennsylvania
There are a lot of pro sports teams in PA – along with golf and horse racing. If you prefer motorsports, soccer or tennis, there are plenty of betting options for those too. This section outlines the main PA teams, and the types of bet you can now place on their matches.
Betting on pro sports teams in Pennsylvania
With Pittsburgh and Philadelphia having sports teams in different leagues, there is surprisingly little direct rivalry in the Keystone state. For hockey fans, that rivalry is fierce – with both teams in the same conference.
Here are the PA pro sports teams, with some notes on unique bets you can place on them at the newly regulated sportsbooks.
NFL betting in PA
The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers pro football teams play in different conferences and play each other every four years in the regular season. There are a lot of prop bets available for the NFL, including yards-based wagers, first player (or team) to score and totals for both individual matches and all the day’s action.
MLB betting in PA
Again, the two pro teams — the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies — don’t meet too often, thanks to playing in different divisions. Run line and moneyline bets are popular for baseball. Popular prop bets for MLB include strikeouts, hits and the combination ‘runs, hits and errors’ score.
NBA betting
There is only one pro basketball team in PA – the Philadelphia 76ers. While the team is on the rise after years in the basement of the league, the Sixers haven’t won a title since 1983. Many NBA bets involve spreads, moneylines and totals. Betting for each quarter is also popular.
NHL betting
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers are both in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The Penguins have had a lot more success in recent years than the Flyers, so the rivalry has been a bit lopsided Spreads go under the name ‘puck line’ in Hockey. Other unique bets include correct scores, period betting and first goalscorer.
Horse betting in Pennsylvania
There are six racetracks in Pennsylvania. Three host thoroughbred races, three are harness racing only. You can bet on races from all around the country via simulcast at these tracks. You can also bet at OTB (off track betting) offices – some of which now offer full sports betting alongside horse races.
Horse race betting has been taking place online for quite some time. These bets are not included in the newly regulated sportsbooks. If you place bets at TwinSpires, TVG or BetAmerica, you’ll be entering the pari-mutuel pools, just as you would at the racetracks.
Pennsylvania hosts several graded races each year. The biggest is the Pennsylvania Derby, a Grade 1 race with a $1 million purse. Other big races include the Governor’s Cup, Penn Mile Stakes and Greenwood Cup.
Pennsylvania sports betting history
How did sports betting come to the Keystone State? Here’s a look back at the timeline leading to the start:
2020: Pandemic slows growth
The online PA sports betting market appeared poised to pace the nation. Nearly 90% of all legal sports betting in PA took place via mobile by March, the highest adoption rate in the country.
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed that growth in Pennsylvania, as it did everywhere in the United States. The market continues to recover from the shutdown of US sports leagues.
2019: Welcome to the party
SugarHouse was first to go live, completing its testing period and launching in May 2019. This sportsbook has experience in New Jersey, using a platform provided by Rush Street Interactive and odds feed from Kambi.
More sportsbook apps quickly followed, with a total of eight by the end of the year. BetRivers joined its sister property shortly after SugarHouse launched, to be followed by DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook within the year as well.
2018: Getting ready for launch
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board stated that the process for licensing sports betting would go slowly. Retail sportsbooks first started to open in late 2018 but app betting remained seemingly far off in the distance.
For online betting, the PGCB’s approach involves testing periods, before each website and apps are signed off. That led to operators with robust online presences in New Jersey and other states waiting for PA to clear them for launch.
2017: A sports betting law on the books
Rep. Rob Matzie grabbed the reins on sports betting legislation. In January, he introduced H 519 as a follow-up to Rep. Rick Kotik‘s bill on the same topic. The new bill went several steps further than its predecessor, though.
In addition to modifying constitutional language, H 519 directed the PGCB to promulgate regulations “establishing the rules and procedures for sports wagering.” It laid out the full skeleton for a legalized and regulated sports betting industry.
The bill included a $5 million licensing fee and an 18 percent tax on revenue. Any effects of the bill were to be on hold until a decision is rendered in Christie vs. NCAA.
The House Gaming Oversight Committee signed off on the bill in April, but that was the end of the road for that particular piece of legislation. The sports betting conversation was far from over, though.
A bill becomes law
While all of that had been going on in the sports betting arena, other lawmakers had been pushing for more comprehensive gaming expansion.
The state was dealing with an enormous budget deficit, at a stalemate on how to fix it. Gaming, and specifically online gambling, was occasionally used as leverage in the discussions. Some saw it as a way to slow the financial leak, and the matter dropped in and out debate over the series of several months.
H 271 ended up being the pivotal piece of legislation.
The bill was introduced in January by Rep. Jason Ortitay. On its surface, it had the modest goal of modifying the state’s problem gambling hotline. Lawmakers indicated that it was hiding much larger ambitions, though.
Rep. George Dunbar said that the bill was intended to be a vehicle for a comprehensive gaming package. “We put in one thing, tablets in airports, and basically said, ‘You load it up with what you want in it,’” Dunbar said.
And load it up they did. The bill went through several changes over the subsequent months, touching on nearly every format of gaming and gambling. In the sixth version, the House added in Matzie’s sports betting provisions for the first time. It went through one more tweak before being passed and concurred by the full General Assembly.
On Oct. 30, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill into law, officially legalizing sports betting in Pennsylvania, pending a change in federal law
2016: PA bides its time
The following January, the House Gaming Oversight Committee took up Rep. Matzie’s resolution. The committee passed it, and the House subsequently did so, as well.
The resolution didn’t do anything from a practical standpoint, but it put Matzie at the forefront of the state’s sports betting efforts. And the numbers by which it passed were foreshadowing.
2015: Setting the stage for PA sports betting
In 2015, Kotik issued a memo regarding a forthcoming piece of legislation:
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will legalize sports betting in our Pennsylvania licensed casinos. Sports betting is exceptionally popular in our state and it is going unregulated. The intent of this legislation is to provide our casinos with an alternative form of entertainment, while also, regulating a popular market.
Kotik followed through on Oct. 14, introducing H 1627 into the House. The bill sought to repeal the state’s prohibition on betting on sports.
In December, Matzie spearheaded a resolution aimed at Congress. H 619 urged Congress to repeal the federal ban on sports betting, allowing Pennsylvania and other states to legalize it as they saw fit:
States that already authorize, license and regulate casino gaming are uniquely positioned to oversee sports betting, in all its forms, if they so choose. The time has come for the federal government to allow the state’s to make their own decisions on sports betting.
Matzie had co-sponsored Kotik’s bill, as well.
The future of sports betting in PA
With perhaps half a dozen more sports betting brands likely to go live in 2019, there will be plenty of choice for bettors. The competition between these brands should end up being a positive for the market. In addition, real money casinos and poker rooms will be joining the sportsbooks soon.
A lot of the political support for online sports betting (and other forms of gambling) came from the tax revenues that this activity could generate. All eyes are now on the sites to see if they can match the projections from a 2015 study. With a bigger population (and higher taxes) than New Jersey, there is every chance these targets can be met.
Pennsylvania sports betting FAQ
Read on for questions and answers about PA sports betting:
Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, and the law became active upon repeal of PASPA.
Who oversees Pennsylvania sports betting?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has regulatory jurisdiction over the state’s sports betting operations.
Who can apply for a Pennsylvania sports betting license?
The law permits any “slot machine license” to apply for a “sports wagering certificate.” That is, the state’s casinos and racinos.
There are currently 12 of them:
- Harrah’s Philadelphia, Chester
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Grantville
- Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin, Farmington
- The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, North Strabane Twp.
- Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre
- Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mt. Pocono
- Parx Casino and Racing, Bensalem
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Erie
- Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh
- Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Bethlehem
- SugarHouse Casino, Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Casino Resort, King of Prussia
Can I bet on sports on my phone in Pennsylvania?
Yes, as long as you’re physically located within the state’s borders.
Who can bet on sports in Pennsylvania?
Anyone over the age of 21 can legally bet on sports in Pennsylvania.
How much revenue does Pennsylvania sports betting generate?
The potential market is hard to gauge. The first month of sports betting in 2019 generated $32 million in wagers, mostly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Now that federal law has changed, there could be significant competition in the Northeast, especially. New Jersey opened shop in 2018 and New York could follow in 2019, which could further cap Pennsylvania’s potential revenue.
At this point, it’s too early to tell how many operators will even move into the space, let alone what the revenue numbers might look like under the burdensome 36% tax rate.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal?
Offshore sportsbooks that serve customers in PA violate a number of federal laws and state laws. While bettors might not get in trouble for placing a bet an offshore site, all of them do so illegally. Only sportsbooks that have a PGCB logo are legal in PA.
Can I bet on DraftKings Sportsbook in PA?
Yes, the DraftKings Sportsbook app is available in PA. It’s available to place wagers to any 21 years of age who is physically located in the state.
Daily Fantasy Sports contests were regulated as part of the 2017 Gaming Expansion act, and you can legally play DFS at DraftKings.
Can I bet at FanDuel Sportsbook in PA?
Yes. There is already a physical FanDuel Sportsbook at the Valley Forge Casino. A FanDuel Sportsbook app should be live in 2019.
How do I download the SugarHouse Sportsbook app?
This depends whether you are using an Android or Apple device.
- Android: Go to the SugarHouse website and download the app from there.
- Apple: Requirements for using proprietary code means that there are no PA sports betting apps in the App Store. You cannot access the app via any iPhone or iPad.
- Computer: You can bet on sportsbooks using browsers on PCs and Macs.
Is horse betting in Pennsylvania?
Yes, PA has six racetracks, many OTB offices and allows bets on horse races online at existing websites too.
Can I bet with my PayPal account in PA?
PayPal is a deposit option at many online sportsbooks and can be used in Pennsylvania.
Can I bet on college football and college basketball?
Yes. PA betting law allows bets on college games as well as pro sports.
