Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania: The Launch

Pennsylvania was one of the earliest adopters after the federal ban on sports betting fell in 2018. The groundwork came from the state’s 2017 gambling expansion bill, which authorized sports betting in anticipation of the Supreme Court decision.

Retail sportsbooks went live in November 2018, and by May 2019, online sports betting apps followed. This combination of in-person and mobile betting helped Pennsylvania build one of the strongest markets in the country.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is available statewide. Anyone 21 or older can register, deposit, and wager using sportsbook apps. Geolocation ensures bets are only accepted inside Pennsylvania’s borders.

You don’t need to be a resident to play. Visitors can download apps while in the state and legally place wagers. This flexibility has helped Pennsylvania stay competitive among other sports gambling legal states.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to more than 10 licensed online sports betting apps, including:

• DraftKings Sportsbook
  
  
• FanDuel Sportsbook
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• Caesars Sportsbook
  
  
• BetRivers
  
  
• bet365
  
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook
  
  

Example: A fan in Philadelphia wants to bet $25 on an NFL betting parlay. Using FanDuel, they combine the Eagles to cover -6.5, Jalen Hurts to score a rushing touchdown, and the game total to go over 45. That bet is legal, easy to place, and tracked live through the app.

Having multiple operators keeps competition high, giving bettors promos, odds boosts, and variety.

Online Sports Betting How To in Pennsylvania

Getting started with online sports betting Pennsylvania is quick:

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook app.
   
   
2. Download and create an account.
   
   
3. Verify your identity and confirm you’re 21+.
   
   
4. Deposit funds with debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
5. Browse betting markets like NFL betting, NBA spreads, or MLB totals.
   
   
6. Place your wager and track results in real time.
   
   

Registration is remote—there’s no need to visit a casino in person.

What You Can Bet On in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows a wide range of sports betting options, including:

• NFL betting, NBA moneylines, MLB props, NHL spreads.
  
  
• Soccer, golf, tennis, MMA, and international leagues.
  
  
• Parlays, futures, live betting, and player props.
  
  

Some restrictions exist. Bettors cannot wager on high school sports, political events, or entertainment awards like the Oscars. But unlike some states, college betting—including on Pennsylvania schools like Penn State and Pitt—is legal.

Pennsylvania Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Pennsylvania ranks as one of the most successful online sports betting legal markets in the country. Here’s how it stacks up:

• New Jersey: Slightly larger market, but with more operator variety.
  
  
• Ohio: A newer market, already showing huge growth but still smaller overall.
  
  
• Delaware: Only retail betting, with far fewer options.
  
  

Pennsylvania’s strong combination of multiple apps, retail sportsbooks, and high population keeps it among the top sports gambling legal states year after year.

Online Sports Betting Example: March Madness

Picture it’s March Madness, and a fan in Pittsburgh wants to place a bet on Penn State basketball. On DraftKings, they wager $50 on Penn State +4.5, add the over on total points, and parlay it with another NCAA matchup.

That same-game parlay is live within minutes, fully legal, and easy to track on the app. This kind of flexibility shows how online sports betting Pennsylvania makes major events more exciting.

Taxes and Market Revenue

Pennsylvania’s tax setup is one of the strictest. Operators pay a 36% tax rate on sports betting revenue, one of the highest in the nation. Despite the heavy rate, the market thrives.

In 2024, sportsbooks handled over $8.4 billion in wagers, with 93% of bets placed online. Individual months regularly surpass $800 million in handle, making Pennsylvania a top-three market nationally.

Retail Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

Beyond apps, retail sportsbooks are available in casinos and racetracks across the state, including:

• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
  
  
• Parx Casino
  
  
• Harrah’s Philadelphia
  
  
• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
  
  

These retail venues complement the mobile market, giving fans in-person experiences while still supporting massive online growth.

Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all sports betting activity. Licensed apps must offer tools like deposit limits, timeouts, and self-exclusion.

Revenue from taxes also funds responsible gambling programs and community projects, balancing market growth with player protections.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s market is already one of the largest, but it continues to grow. Expect to see more features like micro-betting, expanded live betting, and innovative promos as operators compete for attention.

While the tax rate may deter some operators from entering, bettors in Pennsylvania will continue to enjoy strong access to online sports betting USA options.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Pennsylvania

Online sports betting Pennsylvania is legal, live, and thriving. Since 2019, bettors have had access to multiple sportsbook apps, remote registration, and full betting menus on pro and college sports.

With billions wagered annually and apps competing for market share, Pennsylvania is a powerhouse in online sports betting USA. Whether it’s NFL betting, NBA parlays, or March Madness action, the Keystone State delivers.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.