Sports Betting Guides

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania for Hockey

Pennsylvania is home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, two iconic NHL franchises with legendary histories. The Keystone State legalized sports betting in late 2017, launched retail betting in November 2018, and brought online betting live in May 2019, making Pennsylvania one of the earliest post-PASPA adopters. Today, Pennsylvania offers 11 licensed online sportsbooks, one of the most competitive mid-tier markets in the nation.

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania for Hockey

Pennsylvania is home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, two iconic NHL franchises with legendary histories. The Keystone State legalized sports betting in late 2017, launched retail betting in November 2018, and brought online betting live in May 2019, making Pennsylvania one of the earliest post-PASPA adopters. Today, Pennsylvania offers 11 licensed online sportsbooks, one of the most competitive mid-tier markets in the nation.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania legalized sports betting through HB 271 in late 2017. Online sports betting launched on May 28, 2019.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates all sports betting activity. Pennsylvania currently has 11 licensed online sportsbooks (10 active): FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, ESPN BET, Fanatics, bet365, betPARX, and PlaySugarHouse. Betfred PA closed on July 31, 2025. Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. Pennsylvania permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Drexel. However, college player prop bets are prohibited.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Pennsylvania

Legal, regulated betting with 10 active operators competing for your action.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's loaded with options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Partner: (License Owner 1)

FanDuel was one of the first PA sportsbooks (May 2019) and remains the top choice. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Best for: All Pennsylvania hockey bettors, FanDuel is the default choice.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch for Flyers and Penguins games. Stack player props with game outcomes, anytime goal scorer + team moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet.

Caesars Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Partner: (License Owner 3)

Caesars offers sharp NHL pricing and the industry's best loyalty program (Caesars Rewards). Daily odds boosts on select NHL markets. Live streaming of select games available. 24/7 customer support.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: Bettors seeking loyalty rewards and long-term value.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars' 20 profit boosts are money. Use them on Flyers or Penguins moneylines or player props, double your winnings on bets you'd make anyway. Stack these during playoff runs.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Partner: (License Owner 2)

DraftKings excels at player props (drawing on DFS expertise). Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

BetMGM

Pennsylvania Partner: (License Owner 4)

BetMGM is one of the best PA sportsbooks for parlay betting. Aggressive promotional calendar with NHL-specific boosts. "One Game Parlay" feature is excellent for hockey SGPs.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Parlay enthusiasts and promotion seekers.

bet365

Pennsylvania Partner: Churchill Downs Incorporated

bet365 launched in PA on July 22, 2024, bringing its globally renowned best-in-class live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events and early cash-out options. Deep futures markets.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 10 Golden Chips.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Shurzy Tip: bet365's live betting platform is the best in PA. If you're watching Flyers-Penguins live and want to bet momentum shifts during power plays or after goals, bet365 updates faster than anyone else.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Pennsylvania Partner: Hollywood Casino York

Fanatics launched in PA on January 22, 2024, offering the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet. Strong same-game parlay markets, daily odds boosts, and comprehensive NHL coverage. Modern platform design.

Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.

Best for: High-volume bettors seeking rewards.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for best pricing across PA's 10 active books, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars maintain particularly sharp lines.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 10 sportsbooks in PA, puck line shopping is mandatory. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at DraftKings. Over a season, those nickels add up to real money. Don't be lazy.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (extensive ranges), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots. DraftKings and Caesars offer the deepest menus.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin. Available across all major PA books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available. FanDuel leads on NHL SGPs with extensive customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available on all major PA books.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's competitive market drives aggressive promotions. Here's what to watch for.

  • Welcome Bonuses: All 10 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, bet365's Bet $5, Get $150 + 10 Golden Chips, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.
  • Flyers/Penguins-Specific Promotions: FanDuel and DraftKings frequently offer Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins odds boosts during the NHL season.
  • Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays regularly receive 25-50% payout boosts across multiple books.
  • Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Check multiple sportsbook promotion tabs daily. PA's 10-operator market means frequent rotating offers. Flyers and Penguins promos pop constantly during the season, don't sleep on those.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Pennsylvania Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Pennsylvania.

  1. Leverage Flyers/Penguins Knowledge: PA bettors following local teams have an edge. Use knowledge of roster changes, goalie workload, team momentum before national markets adjust.
  2. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. PA's sharp books update quickly, check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop.
  3. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
  4. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
  5. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
  6. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Wells Fargo Center (Flyers) and PPG Paints Arena (Penguins) provide some advantage, but don't overweight home teams.
  7. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
  8. Shop PA's Market: With 10 active sportsbooks competing, check at least 3 books before betting. Price discrepancies are common and exploitable.

Use bet365 for Live Betting: bet365 launched in PA in July 2024 with the best live betting platform. Use it for in-game NHL wagering when you're watching live.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Pennsylvania

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

  • Pick a licensed sportsbook from FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, Fanatics, BetRivers, ESPN BET, PlaySugarHouse, or betPARX. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, SSN). Must be 21+.
  • Full remote registration, no physical location visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via multiple methods (cards, e-wallets, bank transfers).
  • Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games. Compare odds across multiple PA sportsbooks (check at least 3). Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
  • Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board ensures all 10+ licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All PA sportsbooks offer deposit limits, wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

  • 1-800-GAMBLER (PA Problem Gambling Helpline)
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Pennsylvania

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Pennsylvania's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Pennsylvania's Best for NHL Betting

Pennsylvania is one of the nation's earliest and most established sports betting markets, with online betting going live in May 2019. With 11 licensed online sportsbooks (10 active), Pennsylvania offers hockey fans sharp odds, deep markets, and fierce promotional competition.

FanDuel stands as the top overall choice, best SGPs, sharp pricing, user experience. Caesars offers loyalty rewards and daily boosts. DraftKings excels for prop-focused bettors. BetMGM is best for parlay betting. bet365 dominates live betting (newest arrival July 2024). Fanatics has the best rewards program.

Want an edge before you even place a bet?

Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.

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