PA Sports Betting Apps: Best Online Sportsbooks for 2024

Key PA Sports Betting Apps Info

It’s a great time to get started in the buzzing Pennsylvania sports betting market! Sports betting in Pennsylvania has become increasingly popular since it was legalized in 2018.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is responsible for regulating sports betting in the state. They oversee licensing, ensure compliance with state laws, and monitor operators. The minimum legal age to use PA sportsbook apps is 21 years.

Sports betting can be done at physical sportsbooks and with PA sports betting apps. There are numerous sportsbook apps available in Pennsylvania, allowing you to place bets from anywhere within the state.

Here’s some quick links for you:

Jump To: Betting Sites / Betting Apps / Bonus Offers / Signing Up & Getting Started / Rules & Regulations / Licensing & Taxes / Retail Sportsbooks/ Local Teams / History / FAQ

Sports Betting Apps in Pennsylvania

Here are the sportsbooks currently active in Pennsylvania.

Fanatics Sportsbook Pennsylvania

The Keystone State has welcomed another sports betting app with the arrival of Fanatics Sportsbook. Launching in February 2024, the Fanatics Sportsbook PA app is now available for download statewide. With a 4.7-star rating on the app store, the Fanatics Sportsbook app is sure to be a hit amongst Pennsylvania sports bettors.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet & Get Up To $1000 from Fanatics!

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, KY, MD, OH, MI, TN, VA, WV); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); (800) 327-5050 or mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); 1800gambler.net (WV)

Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, OH, TN, VA, WV. 1 sign up offer per user. Must opt in daily & place $5+ qualifying wager for Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Must place initial wager within 5 days of account opening. Terms apply.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET & GET
UP TO $1,000!

SIGN UP NOW

Complete the download and registration process to qualify for the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo available exclusively to new customers. Then, earn bonuses like FanCash loyalty rewards as you continue to wager with Fanatics Sportsbook PA. The Fanatics Casino app is also available in Pennsylvania, which you can find directly through the Fanatics Sportsbook app.

ESPN BET Pennsylvania

Keystone State sports bettors welcomed a new sportsbook powered by a hometown gaming operator, as ESPN BET Pennsylvania arrived on Nov. 14, 2023 courtesy of PENN Entertainment. The ESPN BET app launched after PENN announced they would rebrand Barstool Sportsbook, teaming up with the Worldwide Leader in Sports to bring on a new wagering experience.

Use code DIME when registering with ESPN BET Pennsylvania:

ESPN BET

Bet Anything and Get $150 + Up To a $500 Deposit Match!

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

GET $150 + $500 DEPOSIT MATCH

GET OFFER NOW

ESPN BET Pennsylvania offers competitive odds, powerful integrations on the ESPN app, high-end features like Parlay+ for building same-game parlays, and lucrative promos backed by ESPN personalities. ESPN BET was one of 17 states that welcome the rebranded sportsbook on Nov. 14.

DraftKings Sportsbook Pennsylvania

DraftKings entered Pennsylvania when they originally launched in November 2019. Sports betting has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2018, as they drive one of the biggest handles from month-to-month across the United States. Not to mention, DraftKings owns a majority of the market share alongside FanDuel in PA.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

Excludes MA.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

DraftKings sportsbook is licensed and located at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania. They are also officially partnered with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, adding to their extensive sports team partnerships around the United States. Known for offering promos on same-game parlays and a huge selection of odds boosts, claiming a DraftKings promo code will get you started on the right track with DraftKings PA.

FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania

FanDuel first debuted in Pennsylvania for in-person betting at the Valley Forge Casino in March of 2019, becoming the fourth legal sportsbook to launch in the state. The FanDuel Sportsbook betting site and mobile app opened its virtual doors in Pennsylvania on July 29, 2019, giving residents and visitors of the Keystone State the ability to bet with FanDuel online from anywhere in the state.

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Guaranteed!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

BET NOW

FanDuel Sportsbook has established itself as the top destination for sports bettors in the competitive Pennsylvania market. Since August 2019 and entering 2021, FanDuel ranked as the number one sportsbook in Pennsylvania for the most bets taken by any sportsbook in the state. Download this PA mobile sports betting app through our links to get the latest FanDuel promo code, which is typically a No Sweat First Bet.

BetRivers Pennsylvania

BetRivers doesn’t have the brand recognition that some of its competitors do in the booming Pennsylvania sports betting market, but it’s a worthy option for bettors in the Keystone State and was the first to open its virtual doors. With flagship retail locations in Pennsylvania’s two biggest cities (Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino Philadelphia) plus a solid mobile app complete with live streaming of many popular sports events, BetRivers Sportsbook is an excellent choice for new users and long-time pros alike.

The brand also has two ambassadors who are well known in the Keystone State. NBA head coach George Karl was born and raised in Penn Hills, PA, while NFL Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis spent 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, retiring after a Super Bowl win in 2006.

SugarHouse Pennsylvania

SugarHouse Sportsbook is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, which also owns BetRivers Sportsbook. However, the brand is so well-known in Pennsylvania that RSI decided to keep using the SugarHouse name on an online sportsbook even though they’ve rebranded the retail location as Rivers Casino Philadelphia and went ahead with launching BetRivers Pennsylvania online.

SugarHouse was an early frontrunner in the PA market thanks to partnerships with the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center. The brand has an enticing rewards program and a smooth betting site that features an extensive betting menu and live streaming of select sports events.

Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania

Caesars Sportsbook has maintained a strong presence in Pennsylvania since it first launched back in March 2020. However, they took things to the next level when they rebranded William Hill Sportsbook under the Caesars name in August 2021. With a new and improved app, some splashy promotions, and a recognizable cast of brand ambassadors all in tow, Caesars Sportsbook Pennsylvania is a force to be reckoned with in the Keystone State.

Caesars Sportsbook also has an official partnership with the NFL provides extra brand recognition and NFL-themed free-to-play games. While the Caesars app is the most convenient way to wager, you can also catch the action from the sportsbook floor at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack. Sign up on this page to get access to an exclusive Caesars Sportsbook promo code.

Betfred Sports Pennsylvania

After successfully launching in two states in September of 2020, Betfred Sports set their sights on Pennsylvania. Betfred debuted in the Keystone State just two months later on November 18, 2020, with a retail location. They followed up with an online betting go-live date of December 23, 2020.

Betfred partnered with Wind Creek Hospitality to establish a retail sportsbook location at the Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. This location features a 21-panel TV wall, lounge seating, eight betting kiosks, plus a bar and grill. Visiting the retail sportsbook makes for an unforgettable experience, but you can also wager online with the Betfred app from basically anywhere in the state.

Betway Pennsylvania

On July 1, 2021, Betway became the thirteenth online sportsbook available in Pennsylvania via a partnership with Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. The Malta-based company has been a player in the European sports betting industry since 2006, and parent company Super Group has committed to rapid growth in the American market.

As of August 2021, Betway is live in four states and has access to at least six more through the acquisition of Digital Gaming Corp. There’s no Betway retail location in the Keystone State, but the Betway mobile app has been tried and tested and offers a great overall experience for sports bettors in Pennsylvania. Hockey fans will be pleased to know Betway has a sponsorship deal with the NHL.

PA Betting Apps ­– The Best Way to Make a Wager

The ability to bet remotely from your mobile device is one of the best things about Pennsylvania’s sports betting regulations. You can bet from a cell phone or tablet anywhere in the state, on either Android or iOS.

Let’s face it – you use your cell phone to watch sports, read about sports, and talk about sports. It’s not super convenient to have your wagering ability limited to your computer, or worse, only be able to bet in-person at casinos and racetracks.

Every online sportsbook in the Keystone State has developed a well-designed sportsbook app so you can place wagers with ultimate flexibility and convenience. The two largest operators – DraftKings and FanDuel – cut their teeth as daily fantasy sports apps primarily targeting mobile users.

Whichever PA mobile app you choose to bet with, expect a modern interface that makes it easy to navigate the odds and accurately complete your bet slip. Note that some apps are specific to Pennsylvania, while others can be used in other legal online betting states, like sportsbooks in NJ for example.

Here are the best Pennsylvania betting apps available today:

All the sportsbooks featured here allow you to complete the registration and account verification processes directly from the app. You can also make mobile deposits and withdrawals, meaning you don’t ever have to rely on computer access to bet on sports in Pennsylvania.

Now that ESPN BET, the new sportsbook from PENN Entertainment, has launched they are bringing their valuable ESPN BET promo code to new customers.

Exceptionally high licensing fees and taxes have stifled growth in the emerging market, but bettors have several reputable sportsbooks to choose from whether they prefer to bet in-person or online.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, sportsbooks took in over $1.5 billion in bets during 2019 – 2020. This makes it the third-largest sports betting market in the country, behind just Nevada and New Jersey.

Even with a relatively limited number of online operators, most of the action is happening online. In the 2019 – 2020 fiscal year, the gaming board reports that more than 85% of the overall sports wagering handle was generated online.

These operators also offer excellent mobile platforms, with dedicated betting apps that allow you to keep up with the odds and place wagers on the go.

Each of these apps is available for both Apple and Android users. Follow the links above to get started.

Pennsylvania Bonuses – Get These Sign up Promos

Online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania are constantly offering daily and weekly promotions that can bolster your bankroll. You don’t have to be a PA resident, but you must be physically within state boundaries to take advantage of the Pennsylvania sports betting bonuses.

These promos often take the form of daily boosted odds, which offer a better potential payout on select events. Other promos include free bet credits or contests.

It’s worth checking in with your favorite PA sportsbook to see the odds boosts on a daily basis. New deals are constantly popping up, including new bonus codes available through the use of a BetMGM promo code.

Pennsylvania Sportsbook Sign up Bonuses

The most valuable sports betting bonus offers are nearly always sign-up offers to entice new bettors. Every sportsbook and betting app featured here offers a significant welcome bonus worth hundreds or more.

Obviously, these Pennsylvania sports betting promos can get you started with a significantly larger bankroll.

Here are the best PA sports betting promos and welcome offers for new players in Pennsylvania:

While you do not want to miss out on these potentially lucrative sign-up offers, you do want to ensure the sportsbook you register with is legal. In Pennsylvania, this means it must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Sports Betting Dime is an official partner of PA sportsbooks, so make sure you use the links provided above to redeem these offers.

Sign up at a Top-Rated PA Sports Betting Site

Once you’ve found the right site, it’s exceptionally easy to get started and redeem the full value of your bonus offer.

Steps to Get Started

Here are step-by-step instructions to place your first legal sports bet in Pennsylvania today:

1. Create a new account with a top-rated sportsbook. Click here to get started at DraftKings.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to have some personal info ready for verification:
   1. Full name
   2. Address
   3. Date of Birth
   4. SSN
3. You will be prompted to make a deposit your payment method of choice. Complete this process right away to take full advantage of the sign-up bonus on offer. Below you’ll find the most common and convenient deposit methods accepted at Pennsylvania sportsbooks:
   1. Credit Card
   2. Debit Card
   3. ACH eCheck
   4. PayPal
   5. Prepaid Card
4. Note that the amount of your first deposit will often determine the value of your sign-up bonus.

Best Pennsylvania Sports Betting Promos for NFL Season

The start of the NFL season is coming up, and Pennsylvania sports bettors will soon get their chance to bet on the Philadelphia Eagles for another year. After making it to the Super Bowl last year, the Eagles will be a team to watch and wager on throughout this season.

Whether you want to put so money down on the Eagles or any other NFL squad, make sure you check out the PA sports betting apps listed on this page. These apps are all available on Android and iOS devices through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, but using the links here will automatically apply the best promo code. Sportsbook promos like deposit match bonuses and second chance bets are a perfect way to get started with sports betting if you’re a new customer.

Latest PA Sports Betting News

Here’s a quick look at the latest developments in the Pennsylvania sports betting market:

• October 2021: The Philadelphia Eagles and Genius Sports are bringing real-time betting odds to Lincoln Financial Field. Branded screens within sports betting lounges will deliver a whole new experience to fans, with real-time betting odds, league-wide scores, and individual player stats.
• April 2021: The TwinSpires Sportsbook officially launched in the state of Pennsylvania. The world-class betting app powered by Churchill Downs is expanding their sports betting presence across the country.

PA Sports Betting Rules & Restrictions

Pennsylvania has been friendly to sports bettors and sportsbook operators in its embrace of both online and retail wagering. However, there are several key rules and restrictions bettors need to be aware of.

Pennsylvania is strict in terms of the type of wagers that legal sportsbooks in the state can offer. Compared to neighboring New Jersey, you can expect to see fewer props and specials on offer because of these regulations.

There are also some key rules regarding who can bet on sports in the Keystone State.

All sports betting regulations in Pennsylvania are administered by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and enforced by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Who Is Allowed to Bet on Sports in Pennsylvania?

Most adults in the state are allowed to bet on sports, with a few notable exceptions.

You Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age

Whether betting online or at a casino, you need to be 21 years or older to bet on sports in Pennsylvania. Online sportsbooks will always verify your identity before allowing you to place any wagers, and government-issued ID must be presented when entering any retail gambling establishment.

Despite these measures, some people (unsuccessfully) try to get around the age restrictions. The state added ten people to its involuntary exclusion list in 2019 for underage gambling or aiding underage gambling.

You Must Be Physically Located in Pennsylvania

You must be physically present within state boundaries to place an online wager with legal sportsbooks licensed in Pennsylvania. You can’t head south and start sports betting in Florida with PA sportsbooks, for example, although it would certainly be a much warmer experience!

If using a US betting site or app, the sportsbook will verify your location using the integrated location services on your device.

If you choose to use a laptop or desktop computer, you’ll need to download approved geo-comply software provided directly by your online sportsbook of choice.

You Must Have a Clean Criminal Record

Anyone who has been convicted of a crime for which the punishment may include one or more years in prison is excluded from all gaming in the state of Pennsylvania. This includes online betting, with excluded persons flagged during the account verification process.

Which Events Can I Bet on in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania allows wagering on virtually all sporting events, including college sports and other events such as the Olympics. However, the options are more limited than in most other states with legal online betting.

This is because Pennsylvania does not allow wagering on any proposition that is not directly tied to the outcome of a sporting event. This is defined under Act 42 of Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion laws:

The business of accepting wagers on sporting events or on the individual performance statistics of athletes in a sporting event or combination of sporting events by any system or method of wagering, including over the Internet through websites and mobile applications.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for the types of wager that can be offered.

No Entertainment or Political Betting

Betting on politics or major entertainment events like the Oscars and Grammys has long been popular in the prop section of offshore sportsbooks.

As sports betting has been legalized in the US, some states (such as New Jersey) have allowed wagers on some entertainment events, with many more expected to do so in the coming years. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania sports betting laws prevent operators from offering any such wagers, with other state platforms like sportsbooks in WV experiencing similar restrictions.

Betting on political outcomes falls into the same category, though at this time there are no legal markets in the United States that allow such propositions.

No eSports Betting

While eSports are exploding in popularity as organized professional leagues that set up shop in major markets around the globe, Pennsylvania regulators do not recognize these competitions are professional sporting events.

As such, eSports betting is not currently allowed in the state.

No Betting on Draft Day or Trades

Even some prop wagers that are tangentially related to sports are not allowed in the state. Bettors in PA cannot wager on any professional league draft, nor on the likelihood of their favorite players to be traded to a certain team.

What’s the reasoning here? Even though a player’s draft or trade prospects are undeniably linked to their performance in competition, these events are not directly related to a specific sporting event in any sort of quantifiable fashion.

As such, you’ll need to drive to New Jersey to bet on the NFL Draft and similar events.

You CAN Bet on Player Awards but CANNOT Bet on Coaching Awards

Want to bet on NBA Rookie of the Year or NHL MVP? No problem.

Want to back Doug Peterson for NFL Coach of the Year while you’re at it? You’ll have no such luck at a legal PA sportsbook.

Player awards are determined based on “individual performance statistics of athletes” (at least in theory), so they remain fair game. Coaching awards, on the other hand, are a step too removed from player and team stats in the eyes of the Gaming Control Board.

You Can Bet on All College Sporting Events

College sports betting is one area where Pennsylvania sports betting rules are more permissive than in many other states.

Regulations allow wagering on any college sporting event, including those that take place in the state or involve athletes or teams representing colleges and universities located in PA.

This is a major difference with neighboring New Jersey, which does not allow betting on hometown college teams nor any event held within state lines.

What Types of Wagers Are Allowed on these Events?

While somewhat conservative in terms of the events that can be wagered on, Pennsylvania does not restrict the type of wagers that can be placed.

This means the door is open to all the traditional sports bets you’re used to, and more forms like exchange betting could become part of the landscape in the future.

At a minimum, expect to see the following options at Pennsylvania sportsbooks and betting apps:

• Straight bets (Moneyline, Spread, O/U)
• Parlays & Accumulators
• Pleasers & Teasers
• Player & Championship Futures
• Live Betting
• Props & Exotics

To get specific, the Gaming Control Board stipulates that “The term (sports betting) includes, but is not limited to, exchange wagering, parlays, over-under, moneyline, pools and straight bets.”

This guidance is to be interpreted widely, meaning nothing remains off the table so long as it is tied directly to on-field athletic performance.

Where to Bet Legally in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to embrace legal sports betting, and the rules are certainly more permissive than in many states that followed. The state was wise to allow both retail and fully remote online sports betting, but the rules and regulations surrounding online gambling in the state are not perfect.

Pennsylvania is the most expensive state for sportsbook operators in terms of both initial licensing and ongoing taxation. This makes for a less diverse market, fewer promotions, and ultimately higher prices (vig) for bettors.

Sports betting in Pennsylvania is legal under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 4, Chapter 13c. The law is extensive, but we’ve summarized the key info below.

Licensing, Taxes, and Online Sports Betting

Pennsylvania sports betting rules provide easy access to legal online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Here’s what you need to know about betting online in the Keystone State.

Remote Registration Allowed

Online betting in the state is fully remote, which means bettors in Pennsylvania do not have to visit a casino or retail sportsbook to verify their account. Sign up, fund your account, and place bets without ever leaving the comfort of your home or favorite sports bar.

Geolocation Required

Every legal online sportsbook in the state must confirm your location using approved software before accepting your online wagers. If using a betting app, the location services on your device will work. If betting from a computer, you’ll likely need to download geolocation software directly from your sportsbook.

Note that you do not need to live in Pennsylvania to create an account and bet on sports, you only need to be physically within state lines to place wagers. Conversely, PA residents cannot use their PA betting accounts to bet online from outside the state.

Online Sports Betting Licenses

Here’s where Pennsylvania’s sports wagering laws become less favorable – sports betting licenses are only issued to operators with existing “slot machine licenses”, which in practice means every potential online operator must partner with an existing casino to become licensed.

While such an arrangement is common in other states that allow online betting, Pennsylvania’s $10 million initial licensing fee is a major barrier to entry. This is coupled with a staggering 36% tax on all PA online sports betting revenue.

The licensing and tax rate situation is a real double whammy. Many operators have foregone the Pennsylvania online gaming market entirely. That said, there are still plenty of highly-rated options to choose from.

Here are the current licenses for online sports betting in the state:

Pennsylvania Retail Sportsbooks

We’re big advocates of online sports betting. It’s hard to beat the convenience of wagering from anywhere at any time.

That said, visiting a retail sportsbook or betting lounge is an experience all its own. Especially on a day with the year’s biggest sporting events like the Super Bowl, the atmosphere is electric. Arrive early to stake claim to your armchair for the day and soak in the excitement.

As mentioned above, many casinos with retail sportsbooks are partnered with online operators. In some cases, you may be able to use the funds from your online account to place wagers at these retail partners.

Here are all the places you can bet on sports in-person in Pennsylvania:

• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Hollywood Casino
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia (formerly Sugarhouse Casino)
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
• The Meadows Casino & Racetrack
• Mohegan Sun Pocono
• Mount Airy Casino
• Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Valley Forge)
• Parx Casino & Racing Track
• Presque Isle Downs
• South Philly Turf Club
• Valley Forge Casino Resort

These retail sportsbook locations are spread throughout the state, meaning you’re likely within an hour’s drive of a brick-and-mortar sportsbook anywhere in Pennsylvania. From Greater Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, north to the Poconos or Erie, there’s a location ready to take your action.

Note that casinos can open off-track betting locations separate from the sportsbooks located on the casino floor. In some cases, these retail betting shops can be located in other cities entirely, and they do not require a separate license or additional licensing fees.

The map/table below indicates the hours and address for each of these retail sportsbook locations:

Find the full address, hours of operation, and name of the sportsbook at each PA retail location below.

*Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19

Local Sportsbook Partnerships

With seven major sports teams from the ‘Big Four’ sports leagues and plenty of NCAA teams, Pennsylvania is one of the best states to visit and make a wager. The state gets a lot of visitors from the New York area looking to make a bet, although that might change if online betting in NY ever comes to fruition. The anticipated launch of sports betting Maryland could also have an impact on wagering tourism in Pennsylvania.

Sportsbooks are partnering with professional and college sports teams to create special promos in this hotbed market. These partnerships usually offer bonuses like odds boosts for wagers on hometown teams. You might even start seeing these partnerships pop up in states where legal sports betting hasn’t launched, like AZ for instance!

Here are some of the PA sports betting partnerships:

Betting with your head and not your heart is the basis of responsible gambling, but SBD understands that fans want to support their favorite teams.

Local Teams Worth Betting On

Once you’ve selected the highly-rated PA sportsbook that best fits your needs, it’s time to begin thinking about placing some wagers.

First things first – you should always bet with your head, not with your heart. Trends, historical ROI, and simple on-field performance should matter more to you than team loyalty.

That said, we understand that fans want to back their favorite teams.

• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
• Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Sports Betting Dime is here to provide the data and analysis you need to bet confidently and intelligently. Visit us before you bet for tools and editorial coverage you can quickly use to gauge the betting value of your favorite teams.

PA Sports Betting History

Pennsylvania has always played an outsized role in American history. It’s the birthplace of the US constitution, the site of George Washington’s famous encampment at Valley Forge, and the turning point of the Civil War at Gettysburg.

The state has always been on the cusp of changes in American society, and the embrace of legal sports betting is a continuation of this legacy. The significance of two legal sportsbooks in Valley Forge today is certainly not lost on those who’ve long advocated for proper regulation and legalization of the industry.

While betting on sports underground has long been a part of Pennsylvania’s rabid sports culture, the path to today’s legal environment happened relatively quickly.

Here are the key moments in Pennsylvania sports betting history:

• 1993: State legislators propose the introduction of riverboat gambling to raise revenue for transportation improvements and other key state priorities.
• 1994: Newly elected Governor, Tom Ridge, is confident the public shares his support for riverboat gambling. He demands the proposal be put to the voters via referendum. The referendums fail, and the momentum around gaming on the state’s waterways comes to a halt.
• 1999: The State House approves a bill to expand gaming in Pennsylvania. The State Senate refuses to adopt the legislation, again stopping legal gambling dead in its tracks.
• 2004: Pennsylvania legislators pass Act 71, which legalizes slot machines at 14 locations and creates the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The bill opens the door for casinos to open across the state.
• September 2015: State Representative Rick Kotik introduces a bill to allow sports betting at the state’s existing casinos.
• October 2017: The state legislature passes HB 271, which legalizes online gambling in the state and creates a framework for legal sports betting. Governor Tom Wolf signs the bill into law, but sports betting remains illegal under federal law at the time, making it impossible for regulated sportsbooks to open in the state.
• May 2018: The United States Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), eliminating the federal ban on sports betting. As a result, the sports betting stipulations in HB 271 immediately take effect. Casinos and horse racing tracks in PA are free to offer sports betting options online and in-person.
• November 2018: The first legal sports bet in PA is placed at Hollywood Casino.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ

Need some quick answers about Pennsylvania sports betting? Let’s see if we can help you out.

Find the Best Sportsbooks for Pennsylvania

No matter your experience level, Sports Betting Dime is here to help you bet with confidence every time. We’ve compiled an extensive list of our favorite betting sites that can help everyone from total beginners to established sharps.

If you’re looking to bet on sports elsewhere, check out our state-by-state legal tracker.

Enjoy the betting action in PA!

Mitchell South

MMA Sportsbooks Gambling Horse Racing Content Marketing Specialist

Content Marketing Specialist

A sports fanatic and strategic wordsmith, Mitchell has been writing gaming content for over seven years. As sports betting emerges in markets across the globe, he’s ready to journey alongside those who haven’t wagered before with informative articles and comprehensive how-to guides.

MMA Sportsbooks Gambling Horse Racing

A sports fanatic and strategic wordsmith, Mitchell has been writing gaming content for over seven years. As sports betting emerges in markets across the globe, he’s ready to journey alongside those who haven’t wagered before with informative articles and comprehensive how-to guides.