Pennsylvania was the seventh state to introduce legalized sports betting after the landmark US Supreme Court decision of 2018 that erased the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). There are now 15 land-based sportsbooks (and counting) in the state, of which six are in Philadelphia. Online sportsbooks also cover the state, and most of the retail sportsbooks are developing their own apps and mobile sites, or have already done so, to expand into the online market.

Pennsylvania, alongside New Jersey, was one of the states pushing in the courts for the option to legalize sports betting. State lawmakers wanted to offer a wide range of betting; however, they were most interested in sports betting. Accordingly, Pennsylvania sports betting operators were among the first to deliver both retail and mobile sportsbooks.

Sports bettors in the state didn’t need to wait long, either and, on November 16, 2018, the Hollywood Casino at Penn National became the first property to acknowledge retail bets. Plenty more have joined since. All the more importantly, Pennsylvania online sports betting arrived on May 28, 2019, a year after PASPA was struck down. This prompted a ton of sports wagering applications to be launched in the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania had been pushing to authorize sports wagering for a long time before it really occurred in 2018, with the state’s lawmakers pushing for this since 2004. Act 71 was passed that year, making it lawful for casinos and racetracks to open in the state, but very little would occur until 2017, a year which saw Pennsylvania passing a sports betting bill that permitted in-state and mobile wagering.

2018 saw a couple of sportsbooks arrive, but 2019 saw the greatest leap forward. In May of that year, the state at last legalized online gambling, permitting sportsbooks to open their Internet-based betting sites and applications.

[section label=”PA Betting Promos”]

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[section label=”Pennsylvania Betting Video”]

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[section label=”Steps to Start Betting”]

Steps to Start Legal Pennsylvania Sports Betting

In Pennsylvania, as opposed to certain other states, it is possible to register with a sportsbook either in person or online. In either case, in order to wager on sports and withdraw any winnings, bettors must be at least 21 years old, as well as be within Pennsylvania state lines.

Anyone can place bets at a land-based sportsbook without having to register. However, some personal data will be collected when cashing out any winnings. This will include standard data, such as name, address, SSN and identification number.

Registering for an online sportsbook account is a requirement to place bets online. You typically won’t need to provide any documentation to register, but there are some exceptions. Each sportsbook administers its registration process differently, but the steps are identical.

To register with an online sportsbook, you will need to supply:

  • Username
  • Full name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • SSN (or the last four digits of the SSN)
  • In some cases, an identification number (driver’s license, etc.)

Once the information is entered in the appropriate fields, the account will be confirmed and then deposits can be made to fund the account. Typically, the process only takes about five minutes to complete, and bettors can start placing their wagers immediately after. Keep in mind that all online sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and some require codes to be used to qualify for the free cash. This will often need to be supplied during the registration process.

[section label=”PA Mobile Betting”]

Mobile Betting Apps in Pennsylvania

Online sportsbooks are all partnered with a casino or racetrack in the state. Each has its own platform and regulations, and new sportsbooks are regularly being added. Licensing fees in Pennsylvania are higher than in other states, which has kept some operators from wanting to join.

DraftKings Sportsbook

The DraftKings Sportsbook app is available through a partnership with The Meadows Racetrack & Casino just outside Pittsburgh. It’s the same DraftKings Sportsbook app available in New Jersey and elsewhere, allowing DraftKings users to access the platform in other states when traveling.

The DraftKings mobile app offers a custom betting carousel that provides wagering recommendations for each user based on their previous betting patterns. Betting options include everything from standard betting lines (moneyline, spread, Over/Under) to a huge variety of in-game options for every sport.

Placing a bet is straightforward and user-friendly and usually only requires a few clicks to put the bet into action. DraftKings offers a generous new user bonus that includes $50 free and up to $1,000, depending on the deposit amount.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM is a collaboration between MGM International and Entain. There’s an abundance of involvement in the background, so odds and lines are extremely aggressive. You’ll see every one of the wagering markets you could want, going from the NFL right down to table tennis.

The BetMGM platform for both on the web and versatile is truly strong, and there’s a large group of various store choices to consider. Likewise, BetMGM is presenting an awesome sign-up bonus that includes a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 on the first deposit, plus a free $25 in free play cash.

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet was one of the later sportsbooks to arrive in Pennsylvania, partnering with Mohegan Sun Pocono. However, it is a product of The Kindred Group, a well-established gaming operator with a long history in Europe. This has enabled it to be received well in the US market. The platform is easy to use and the odds are competitive, making it a worthwhile option in the state.

Unibet offers a risk-free bet of up to $500 as a welcome bonus. When placing the first bet, up to $500, the amount is refunded to your account within 72 hours if you lose.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook in Pennsylvania has been around quite a while. Initially known as SugarHouse, BetRivers is owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming and first arrived in Pennsylvania in June 2019. It is the product of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

New users are qualified for a matching bonus of up to $250, and those extra funds only have to be played through once to be qualified for withdrawal. BetRivers offers this reward to every new user and is essentially free betting money.

FOX Bet Sportsbook

FOX Bet is the result of a partnership between FOX Sports and Flutter Entertainment, the world’s biggest internet betting organization. It regularly gives picks and understanding to improve the client experience. FOX Bet was introduced in 2019 in the wake of inking a market access partnership with Mount Airy Casino.

The leading welcome bonus at FOX Bet is a risk-free bet worth up to $500. That is more modest than the $1,000 risk-free bet accessible at sister site FanDuel (also part of the Flutter group); however, it is better than the bonuses seen at many other sportsbooks in the state.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel began as a daily fantasy sports company, but quickly branched out into sports betting. It was purchased by Paddy Power Betfair, an European bookmaker, in 2018, and, the following year, FanDuel became one of the first online sportsbooks to come to Pennsylvania. FanDuel is partnered with Valley Forge Casino Resort.

FanDuel offers a $1,000 risk-free bet to new users, and there is no promotion code needed for it. Subsequent to enrolling, you can bet up to $1,000 and get the money back if the bet loses. Refunds arrive within 72 hours.

TwinSpires Sportsbook

TwinSpires offers a wide range of sports markets and bet choices. It also offers a number of promotions and is very competitive with the odds it offers bettors. The sportsbook, owned by Churchill Downs, is partnered with Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

New users joining TwinSpires sportsbook receive a risk-free bet on their first bet, up to $1,000. Enter TwinSpires promotion code FREE1000 during the initial registration step to receive it. If the first bet loses, TwinSpires will credit your account with bonus cash as free wagers equal to the amount of the first bet. Qualified bets should settle seven days following account creation.

[section label=”Physical Locations”]

Physical Locations to Bet on Sports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a number of land-based sportsbooks around the state, but most are concentrated in the Pittsburgh area. State laws limit their operating hours but, since most are partnered with an online sportsbook, it is possible to use the alternative if the physical sportsbook is closed.

WE WILL EMBED A GOOGLE MAP OF THE SPORTSBOOKS IN THIS STATE.

BetRivers Sportsbook (Philadelphia)

The BetRivers Sportsbook was previously known as the SugarHouse Sportsbook before it was rebranded. It offers six live betting windows and 33 self-service kiosks, as well as a massive HD television wall that can display more than 12 games simultaneously. Drink and food service is available throughout the sportsbook.

BetRivers is linked to two online sportsbooks, PlaySugarHouse PA and BetRivers PA.

Rivers Pittsburgh Sportsbook

Rivers Pittsburgh began operating in December 2018, with a permanent sportsbook opening a year later. It offers six live betting windows, 27 self-service kiosks, two large LED monitors and 24 86″ HD monitors. Food and drink service is available throughout the sportsbook.

The sportsbook is partnered with BetRivers PA for its online operations.

Valley Forge Casino Sportsbook

Valley Forge hosts a FanDuel Sportsbook, which first opened in March 2019. The two also operate online using the FanDuel Sportsbook. It’s not as big as some of the other sportsbooks in the state, but offers seven live betting windows and an assortment of self-service kiosks.

There are 27 HD televisions available, as well as two live-feed sports tickers. The sportsbook doesn’t offer permanent food and beverage service, but it is possible to make purchases in the casino and bring them to the book. When there are special events, Valley Forge brings in a temporary bar to offer food and beverages.

Live! Casino Philadelphia

Live! Casino Philadelphia is another FanDuel-branded sportsbook; however, it is partnered with Betway for its online operations. It opened in February 2021 and is linked to Sports & Social Philly, which offers a restaurant, a gaming floor and a social lounge. The property was the first Category Two casino to launch in Pennsylvania since 2010.

There are seven live betting windows in the sportsbook, as well as more than 30 self-service kiosks. It is equipped with a 52′ media wall and 24 additional televisions and offers food and beverage service through the Sports & Social Philly facility.

Live! Casino Pittsburgh

Live! Casino Pittsburgh is a mini-casino with a big price tag. It cost $150 million to build and opened its doors for the first time in November 2020. The casino offers a FanDuel sportsbook, which is also its online sports betting partner.

There are a handful of live betting windows, as well as 21 self-service kiosks. A 40′ video screen covers almost an entire wall, with food and beverage service provided by the adjoining Sports & Social Steel City.

Harrah’s Philadelphia

Harrah’s Philadelphia is a product of Caesars Entertainment. Initially, the sportsbook was a William Hill book, but will soon be called the Caesars Sportsbook after Caesars purchased the giant company in 2021. Caesars is also operating the online sportsbook for the casino.

The sportsbook offers six live betting windows and a number of sports betting kiosks. The kiosks can also be found on the casino floor. There is also a video wall with 20 85″ televisions and 45 large-screen televisions. Food and beverages are found in the casino, but some service is offered on game days.

Hollywood Casino Sportsbook

Hollywood Casino was the first property to launch a sportsbook in Pennsylvania following a partnership with William Hill. A lot has changed since then and the property’s owner, Penn National Gaming, has a huge stake in Barstool Sports, which will soon be the name of the casino’s sportsbook. Barstool has already been launched as a mobile sportsbook for the casino.

The sportsbook has six live betting windows, as well as self-service kiosks located around the property. There are a number of viewing stations set up, along with odds-display monitors and a 50′ wall of televisions. The Skybox Sports Bar, which is located close to the sportsbook, provides food and beverage service.

Parx Sportsbook

The Parx Sportsbook opened in January 2019, but moved to a permanent location eight months later. It was the second in the state to launch an online sportsbook, which it introduced in June 2019.

There are six live betting windows at the Parx Sportsbook, as well as 18 self-service kiosks. Parx also has a massive 156′ HD media wall with support for up to 36 games simultaneously. Food and beverage service is offered throughout the sportsbook.

Wind Creek Casino Sportsbook

The Wind Creek Casino Sportsbook launched in November 2020 after partnering with Betfred for the Betfred Sportsbook. It hasn’t received the same attention as many of the other sportsbooks in the state, but is still routinely popular.

The sportsbook has a handful of live betting windows and eight self-service kiosks. Compared to others, its 21-panel television wall isn’t as big a deal. There is a bar and grill located in the sportsbook, as well.

Presque Isle Downs & Casino

Presque Isle Downs & Casino entered Pennsylvania’s sports betting scene in July 2019 following a partnership with BetAmerica. BetAmerica would ultimately become TwinSpires in April 2021, and the two now operate an online sportsbook under the TwinSpires name.

Despite a small footprint of only 1,275 square feet, Presque Isle offers 25 self-service kiosks. It also has 50 large-screen HD televisions. The sportsbook is located next to the casino’s facebook area, but doesn’t offer food or beverage service.

Mount Airy Casino Sportsbook

Mount Airy Casino Sportsbook brought in The Stars Group to launch a FOX Bet-branded sportsbook that opened in September 2019. That same month, they introduced a FOX Bet online sportsbook. The retail sportsbook has limited operating hours compared to most, which reduces its popularity. However, the Mount Airy area is not as busy as some of the other cities in the state.

There are live betting windows and eight self-service kiosks set up in the sportsbook, but not much else. Food and beverage service is found in the casino area of the property.

The Meadows Sportsbook

The Meadows Sportsbook was introduced in October 2019. It’s operated by Penn Interactive and brought in DraftKings to offer its online sports betting operations, which launched a month after the property’s grand opening.

There are five live betting windows and 18 self-service kiosks in the sportsbook, as well as 22 televisions. As far as sportsbooks in Pennsylvania go, this is a smaller property without many amenities.

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Mohegan Sun Pocono is partnered with the Kindred Group, which led to the creation of a Unibet-branded sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun casino. It is a recent addition to Pennsylvania’s sports betting market, but has already generated a lot of activity in the state. This is due, in great part, to the traffic that has visited the casino.

There are six self-service kiosks and a 28′ wide HD video screen in the sportsbook. It offers a full-service bar, as well.

WE WILL EMBED A TABLE HERE WITH SPORTSBOOK, LOCATION, ONLINE PARTNER, LIVE DATE

Future Pennsylvania Sports Betting Venues & Locations

Because Pennsylvania has seen so much success with its sports betting market, some believe it should be expanded even more. Legislation has been introduced that would allow sports betting kiosks to be installed in bars and restaurants. The kiosks would be operated by a licensed sportsbook, with the property earning 25% of the gross revenue.

Sportsbooks will also be found at sports stadiums and arenas. BetRivers already jumped on the chance, introducing a sportsbook at PPG Paints Arena, the home of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. It isn’t a true sportsbook in the sense that it offers windows or kiosks, but it is a full sports betting lounge where it is possible to place bets using an online sportsbook.

[section label=”Regulation & Laws “]

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Regulation & Laws

Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a sports betting bill in 2017 that paved the way for both online and in-person wagers (although legislative discussions began two years earlier). After it went into effect in 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, land-based sportsbooks were first to arrive, followed by online alternatives in May 2019.

HB 519 laid the foundation for sports betting in Pennsylvania. It sought amendments to the state’s gaming infrastructure laws and provided the first indications of how sports betting would be legalized, regulated and taxed.

HB 271 was responsible, among other things, for bringing sports betting to the state. It would ultimately be used for sportsbook regulations and operations, as well as what types of bets would be allowed. HB271 also established the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as the state’s sports betting regulator.

Another bill,HB 1580, arrived during the 2021-2022 House session. This bill specifically addresses esports betting and how it is to be regulated in the state.

What are the Tax Rates for the Retail and Online Sports Betting Operators in PA

When Pennsylvania first began discussing legal sports betting, it suggested an operator license fee of $10 million, among the highest seen. This was viewed as a deterrent to the state developing a strong sports betting market, but the opposite is true. Operators haven’t shied away because of the large upfront costs, and the state has seen as much as $615.3 million in handle in a given month because of its popularity.

Sportsbook operators, in addition to the cost of the license, also had to agree to pay a high tax rate. Currently, for both land-based and online revenue, they pay 36% – 24% to the state and 2% to the local region they serve. HB 271 had specified the tax rates in the state, and there was little debate among lawmakers about trying to introduce a different structure.

Legal Sports Betting Timeline

  • March 2017: HB 519 approved by Pennsylvania lawmakers, providing the first step for legal sports betting in the state.
  • May 2018: Pennsylvania able to open its legal sports betting immediately upon the reversal of PASPA by the US Supreme Court
  • August 2018: First sports betting operator submitted by Penn National Gaming
  • October 2018: First two sportsbook applications approved for Penn National and Parx
  • November 2018: Hollywood Casino becomes the first operator to offer a legal sportsbook
  • December 2018: SugarHouse Casino (now Rivers Philadelphia) and Rivers Casino launch their sportsbooks.
  • May 2019: Online sports betting in Pennsylvania begins, also with SugarHouse.

List of Sports Wagers Allowed in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a robust sports betting market, providing access to all major and many secondary sports. As of November 2021, esports is not included; however, legislation is currently being considered (HB 1580) that would legalize esports betting. It is legal to bet on college sports games, but high school sports betting is prohibited.

Accessible sports for sports betting in Pennsylvania:

  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • Golf
  • NHL
  • NASCAR
  • MMA
  • Soccer (MLS, UEFA, EPL and more)
  • CFL
  • CFB
  • Tennis

All types of bets imaginable are available in Pennsylvania. The state allows moneyline, spread and Over/Under (or total) bets, as well as player and game props, futures, live bets and more.

[section label=”Bonus Codes”]

Pennsylvania Sports betting Bonuses & Bonus Codes

Pennsylvania sports betting operators offer a variety of bonuses in order to attract new players. Each has its own type of incentive, such as $50 risk-free cash or a 100% matching bonus, and they can be found at both physical and online sportsbooks.

Sports betting bonus codes are used to gain access to the bonus, but not in all cases. Checking with the sportsbook will provide all of the details on how to take advantage of the bonus, how it works, when it expires and more.

WE WILL INSERT A TABLE OF TOP BONUSES FOR MICHIGAN PLAYERS HERE

[section label=”Promo Codes”]

Pennsylvania Promos, Promo Codes and Promotions

There’s no shortage of Pennsylvania sports betting operator promotions, options that run throughout the year to give sports bettors a reason to continue visiting the sportsbook. These include contests on specific events that often attract a lot of attention, such as daily boosted odds, that increase the potential winnings significantly.

Some sportsbooks will offer promotions tied to NFL games, including on in-game activity such as the scoring of a touchdown. In addition, it’s possible to see promotions simply for winning, with some sportsbooks offering bonus prize money if a bet wins.

WE WILL INSERT A FEED OF THE LATEST PROMO POSTS HERE. CATEGORY → Promos TAG → <state>

[section label=”Pennsylvania Cities”]

Best PA Sports Betting Cities

It’s possible to find a sportsbook almost anywhere in Pennsylvania. If there isn’t one around the corner, it isn’t too far of a drive. Since online sports betting is legal and remote registration is allowed, anyone – anywhere – over the age of 21 can place sports wagers. For those who are looking for the sportsbook experience, a couple of cities stand out.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is high on the list of cities with a lot of sportsbooks. Harrah’s Philadelphia, Rivers Casino Philadelphia and Live! Casino Philadelphia are just three that can be found in the city. It’s no surprise that Philadelphia has a lot of sports betting action, since the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers are all based in the city. There are also two other pro sports teams, the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia Union of MLS, that are located there, as well.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is another hot city for both sports betting and sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Pirates are all based there, with Rivers Casino and its sportsbook located close to Heinz Field and PNC Park. The Meadows Casino is nearby, as well, making it a great retail option for sports bettors.

Erie

Erie doesn’t have any pro sports teams, but it is still a great location for sports bettors. With the Presque Isle Downs and Casino offering a wide range of activities, including a sportsbook and a horse race track, there is something to appeal to almost everyone looking for gaming entertainment.

[section label=”Teams to Bet On”]

PA Teams to Bet On

Pennsylvania is full of sports teams, which is part of the reason its sports betting market has been so successful. There are eight professional teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL. The three based in Pittsburgh, playing in the NFL, MLB and NHL, have won a total of 16 championship titles, making the city highly popular with sports fans.

Pennsylvania also has a robust network of colleges and universities. It is the state with the most college football teams, at 52, and has college teams participating in all sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, ice hockey and soccer.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are part of the NFL’s NFC East division and play their home games at Lincoln Financial Field. It was first introduced in 1933 and, to date, has won 11 NFC East titles, as well as one Super Bowl (post-AFL-NFL merger) in 2017.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are the second NFL team in Pennsylvania and play their home games at Heinz Field. They entered in 1933 and have played in the AFC North since 2002. Before that, from 1970 to 2001, they were in the AFC Central. Since 1970, they have won eight conference championships and six Super Bowls.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are an NBA franchise that has been around since 1946. They play out of the Wells Fargo Center, which has gone through several name changes over the years, and are part of the Eastern Conference. The Sixers, as they’re often called, have five conference titles and three NBA championships, most recently in 1983.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies, launched in 1883, are one of two MLB teams in Pennsylvania. They are in the NL East division and play out of Citizens Bank Park. Among all of the professional sports teams in the US, they are the only ones to still use the same name and play in the same city as they did when they were created. The Phillies have seven National League pennants and two World Series titles.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are the second MLB franchise in Pennsylvania, and have been active since 1887. They play in the NL Central division out of PNC Park, and have nine National League Pennants, as well as five World Series titles.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers are part of the NHL and were founded in 1967. They were the first expansion team to be added that year and are in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division. The Flyers’ home arena is Wells Fargo Center, and the team has eight conference championships and two Stanley Cup championships.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are the second NHL team in Pennsylvania and also entered the league in 1967. They play their home games at PPG Paints Arena as part of the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division and, since their inception, have won six conference championships and five Stanley Cups.

Philadelphia Union

The Union are an MLS team that was launched in 2008. It is in the league’s Eastern Conference, but only entered MLS in 2010. The team’s home stadium is Subaru Park in Chester and, in 2020, finished first in the conference.

[section label=”PA Betting Revenue Numbers”]

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue Numbers

Pennsylvania has seen incredible results with its sports betting market almost from the start. Some months are slower than clothes, especially when there are fewer major sports (such as the NFL or NBA) to bet on. However, overall, the performance has been among the best of all legal sports betting states in the US, with a handle that continues to increase.

  • July 20 $164,782,229
  • August 20 $364,985,422
  • September20 $462,787,392
  • October 20 $525,802,524
  • November 20 $491,910,713
  • December 20 $548,590,065
  • January 21 $615,294,827
  • February 21 $509,547,820
  • March 21 $560,259,181
  • April 21 $479,411,021
  • May 21 $447,465,027
  • June 21 $420,193,377
  • July 21 $304,415,503
  • August 21 $348,520,369
  • September 21 $578,760,746

Total $6,822,726,216

Quick Glance at Pennsylvania Gambling & Industries

In addition to casinos and sports betting, Pennsylvania offers a number of other gambling options. Horse racing is popular in the state, as are lotteries, keno and online poker.

[section label=”Horse Racing”]

Pennsylvania Horse Racing Status

In 1972, Pennsylvania welcomed its first track built exclusively for thoroughbreds, Penn National Race Course, when it came to Harrisburg. In 1974, Keystone near Philadelphiahad its inaugural meet. Since then, despite some drop in popularity, horse racing has continued to draw attention, and Pennsylvania is one of only a few states with a significant horse race presence.

Today’s horse racing activity in Pennsylvania is governed by Act 71, the “Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004.” Pennsylvania also offers online horse race betting and simulcast coverage of races elsewhere. Off-track betting sites can be found around the state, with a busy live racing calendar and a number of parimutuel betting options available.

[section label=”DFS Status”]

DFS / Daily Fantasy Sports in Pennsylvania

In October 2017, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a bill to formally legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state. Pennsylvania then officially became the 17th state to regulate daily fantasy sports, although, prior to its official introduction, participating in DFS activity wasn’t against the law.

As opposed to sports betting, DFS players can be as young as 18. There are now 10 sites that offer DFS activity, and the state reportedly earns around $7.5 million from the market each year.

[section label=”Online Casino”]

PA Online Casino Play

The same bill that brought sports betting to Pennsylvania also opened the door to online poker, online casinos, online lottery sales and more. Online gaming, or iGaming, has become tremendously popular over the past couple of years and continues to gain a larger market share.

Land-based casinos have argued that iGaming would cut into their revenue; however, this has not been found in any state, including Pennsylvania, that offers both land-based and online casinos. Many of the land-based casinos in Pennsylvania have begun launching iGaming operations to cater to different markets, and they are able to operate in tandem without impacting one another.

[section label=”Lottery”]

Pennsylvania Online Lottery

Pennsylvania allows lottery tickets to be sold online, which has attracted more revenue to the state’s lottery offerings. In addition, Powerball and MegaMillions tickets can be purchased online, through the iLottery platform, allowing state players to participate in some of the largest multi-state lotteries available.

[section label=”Poker”]

Pennsylvania Poker Rules

Poker is available in Pennsylvania, both at casinos and online. There are a number of online poker sites in the state and, at some point, Pennsylvania is likely to enter into “player liquidity” pools with other states. These allow the states to pool their players together into larger tournaments, leading to more revenue and more winnings.

For player liquidity agreements to be made, many states are waiting for input from the federal government. The Department of Justice has determined that the Federal Wire Act prevents states from entering such agreements; however, its authority has already been called into question.

[section label=”Esports”]

Pennsylvania Esports Scene

Pennsylvania has a robust esports industry that spans from the school level all the way up through the professional level. There are teams and organizations in all major esports competitive leagues, and the Pennsylvania Esports Coalition, created in 2018, continues to campaign for greater access to the market.

Esports betting in Pennsylvania, however, is still illegal as of November 2021. There is a bill currently being considered that would change this and, based on the state’s lenient approach to gambling, passage of the legislation is likely.

[section label=”Betting Affiliates”]

How to Become a Sports Betting Affiliate in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania follows the New Jersey model for sports betting affiliates by requiring all members to be authorized prior to the promotion of licensed sports betting and iGaming sites. This implies anybody interested in becoming an affiliate should apply for and get a permit from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) prior to being qualified to get commissions.

An online gaming affiliate is typically someone who operates a website, talks about iGaming and offers links to authorized operators that pay the affiliate a commission. In Pennsylvania, commissions are regularly paid either on a cost-per-action (CPA) or revenue share (rev share) model.

CPA commissions are a flat rate once a specific action has been achieved, such as a player making a deposit into an iGaming account. Rev share just pays the affiliate an amount based on how much his or her client spends on the site.

The PGCB has two diverse permitting models: one for CPA affiliates and one for rev sharing affiliates.

CPA Affiliate 

  • Application fee: $500
  • Per individual qualifier (indirect and direct owners of 10% or more): $60
  • Registration fee: $2,500 for five years

Rev Share Affiliate

  • Application fee: $2,500
  • Per individual qualifier (indirect and direct owners of 10% or more): $1,000
  • Certification Fee: $5,000 for five years

[section label=”FAQ”]

FAQ for Pennsylvania Betting

Is it legal to bet on sports in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania has one of the more successful sports betting markets, offering a flexible approach to both in-person and online wagers.

Does Pennsylvania offer mobile sports betting or retail only?

Pennsylvania offers in-person and online sportsbooks, with both segments offering the same options.

Can I sign up to bet on sports in PA remotely or do I have to physically visit the retail sportsbook location?

Online sportsbooks are available across Pennsylvania and, opposed to some states, remote registration is allowed. This means no visit to a physical sportsbook is necessary at any time.

Who regulates Pennsylvania sports betting?

All gambing activity in Pennsylvania is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

When was Pennsylvania sports betting legalized?

Pennsylvania technically legalized sports betting in 2017; however, it wasn’t able to launch the activity until after the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018.

Who placed the first bet in the state of Pennsylvania?

The first sports bet in Pennsylvania was placed at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course when it became the first sportsbook to open in November 2018.

Can you bet on “in-state” college games in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania has no restrictions on college or professional sports betting, but high school sports are off-limits.

Are wagers for all professional sports leagues and teams accepted in PA?

Pennsylvania has one of the most wide-ranging sports betting markets in the US and allows wagers on all major sports leagues and teams in the US, as well as internationally.

[section label=”PA News”]

Latest Pennsylvania Sports Betting News

Coming soon!