In this photo illustration the FanDuel logo of a sports betting company is seen on a smartphone. (Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Pennsylvania sports betting has boomed since its launch on Oct. 30, 2017. Since the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board granted licenses to its first operators, options have expanded to 11 legal sportsbooks that you can enjoy.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. It has been legal since Oct. 30, 2017. You must have your account verified, be within the state of Pennsylvania, and be over the age of 21 to participate.
Best Pennsylvania Sportsbooks and Betting Apps
Determining which sportsbook is best for you can be difficult. No matter if you are new or experienced with Pennsylvania Sportsbooks, we have compiled a list for you to evaluate options. Below is a list of the operators of Pennsylvania sportsbooks, including benefits, welcome offers, and any drawbacks to consider.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated. This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.
FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania
- FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania is one of the most innovative books available. They created the Same Game Parlay and continue to explore options to keep gaming fun.
- The welcome offer includes betting $5 per day for seven days and receiving a $50 bonus bet token for each day.
- They offer great lines on virtually any market you can imagine, and their parlay builder makes it easy to put together a play.
- Deposits and withdrawals are very easy and quick for customers.
- Customer service is easy to use, and agents are quickly accessible.
- The only struggle is that sometimes the app can be difficult to navigate when you’re looking for a very specific play.
BetMGM Sportsbook Pennsylvania
- Targets the larger bettors, but is still welcoming to the “little guy” who wants to wager.
- BetMGM has a sleek interface and an easy to use app.
- BetMGM Sportsbook Pennsylvania provides new users with a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 and a $25 Casino bonus.
- Another offer to new clients includes $150 in bonus bets if the user’s first $10 bet wins.
- Withdrawal requests are quick and easy.
- Markets and lines are among the most competitive in the industry.
- Users have complained that they can get locked out of their accounts regularly and have verification issues.
bet365 Sportsbook Pennsylvania
- Bet365 receives positive feedback from customers for not only its sportsbook, but also its casino games that are part of the app.
- New users can enjoy the bet365 app with a welcome offer of $365 in bonus bets after placing a $10 wager.
- There is a smooth user experience with few hiccups when trying to place a bet.
- Depositing funds is simple and can be completed within seconds.
- There are some difficulties getting withdrawals, and this may partially be due to the app being founded overseas, but completely legal in America.
Fanatics Sportsbook Pennsylvania
- Fanatics Sportsbook Pennsylvania is built for those who like betting on sports and wearing their favorite team’s gear.
- FanCash is one of the most versatile loyalty programs in the industry, giving bettors rewards for real sports merchandise.
- Users enjoy the app’s loading speed, search, and the wide variety of markets that can be wagered on.
- Fanatics offers users two different options to encourage new users: Bet $20 and receive $350 in FanCash, and up to $1,000 bet matching for your first ten days.
- The biggest concern users have about Fanatics Sportsbook Pennsylvania is that users say customer service can be difficult to work with or get answers from.
theScore Bet Pennsylvania
- theScore Bet Pennsylvania app is simple, clean, and fun to use.
- Betting options are aplenty, and they offer competitive lines on sides, totals, and player props.
- Their bet builder option makes creating parlays and teasers very easy. Odds are displayed quickly so you know exactly what you’re betting on.
- Their welcome offer is very competitive and gives you up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first wager loses.
- Some users have complained about the live betting interface and getting in touch with customer support.
Pennsylvania Sportsbook Welcome Offers
Pennsylvania Sportsbooks offer Welcome Offers to new users in an effort to help them get acclimated to an app and sports betting in general. Welcome offers can change regularly, but the common types are bonus bets, first-bet-match, and deposit matches. Bonus bets are not the same as cash, but allow you to wager and collect the winnings. If you lose, it isn’t real money that you’ve lost.
A first-bet-match offer is provided, so users can place wagers over a day or set period of time and receive the same amount (usually up to $100 per day) back. For example, if you place a $20 wager on day one, you’ll receive a $20 bonus in return.
Deposit matches provide you with bonus value in the same amount as your initial deposit. Some Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer up to $1,000 in a deposit match. The match is playable but cannot be withdrawn.
How to Sign Up for a Sportsbook in Pennsylvania
- Download the Pennsylvania sportsbook of your choice.
- Enter your personal information.
- Go through account verification and location checks.
- Deposit funds into your account.
- Claim the welcome offer. Note: This step may be completed during the sign-up process.
- Place your first wager. (You must be within the state limits to wager, and note that being by the border of a state could fail the geolocation check).
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Laws and Timeline
Sports betting became legal in Pennsylvania in October 2017 under Act 42 of 2017. Retail sportsbooks started launching in late 2018. Apps launched shortly thereafter in May 2019. Anyone over 21 and within the state lines can wager on professional and collegiate events.
Teams and Markets to Bet On in Pennsylvania
There is no shortage of top teams to bet on in Pennsylvania. Having two big cities in the state helps with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers being prominent teams. Football always tends to be popular among bettors and the recent success of both teams has brought in extra interest. There are also two hockey teams and two baseball teams in the state. For baseball, they have the Phillies and the Pirates, both with plenty of stars. The Penguins and Flyers drive the NHL market in the state. If basketball is your sport, the 76ers can provide you with betting options from October until potentially June.
College Sports Betting Rules in Pennsylvania
College sports betting in Pennsylvania is legal. However, you can only bet on sides, totals, and spreads. You can do some props like team totals, and parlays. There are a lot of options but one thing that is prohibited is betting on collegiate player props. You can bet on in-state teams and futures for teams like Penn State or Pittsburgh. This is not legal in every state, but is legal in Pennsylvania.
Retail Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
There are 12 different retail sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. All of these retail sportsbook locations are found inside of casinos across the state. There are multiple options for placing a wager once you are there. Some provide self-service kiosks, while others also have people taking wagers from bettors.
Responsible Gambling Resources in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Self-Exclusion Programs
- PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
- 1-800-GAMBLER
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
- Gam-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous
Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
- Sports betting in Pennsylvania is legal and has been since 2017. There are multiple legal and safe mobile apps for users to enjoy as well.
What is the best sportsbook in Pennsylvania?
- The best sportsbook in Pennsylvania is subject to your own interpretation. One user might prefer quick deposits and withdrawals. Others might prefer a certain interface or bet builder. The good news is there is no limit to the number of sportsbooks you use, so you can try them all.
How old do you have to be to bet in Pennsylvania?
- In order to place a bet on sports in Pennsylvania, you must be 21 years old and located within the state borders when you place the wager.
Can you bet on college sports in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, you can bet on college sports in Pennsylvania. You can also bet on Pennsylvanian college teams. There are restrictions on college player prop bets.
Do you have to live in Pennsylvania to bet there?
- You do not have to live in Pennsylvania to bet there, but you do need to be within the state borders to place the wager.
How many sportsbooks are legal in Pennsylvania?
- There are 12 retail sportsbooks that are legal in Pennsylvania and 11 mobile or desktop apps that are legal.
Can you bet on sports in Pennsylvania without an app?
- Yes, you can bet on sports in person at one of the 12 retail sportsbooks. They are all located within a casino. You can bet at a self-service kiosk or through a customer service representative at the casino.