Sports Betting in Pennsylvania 2025 – Is online gambling legal?

Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. It first launched in the state in 2018 with retail wagering and expanded in 2019. The market has become one of the largest in the country in a short period. There are a variety of companies that operate in the state. The best sportsbooks available in the United States operate in the state.

Top 5 Pennsylvania Online Betting Sites

You can easily place sports bets online in Pennsylvania. Sports gambling is legal in the state, and both local and offshore sportsbooks are widely used by PA bettors. While Pennsylvania offers several state-licensed sportsbooks, we still find that offshore betting sites provide better value, more flexibility, and superior bonuses.

Here are the top five PA online betting sites that we recommend. More on why below.

Bovada

Bovada consistently tops our lists, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the most trusted and long-standing sportsbooks used by Pennsylvania players. With an enormous range of betting markets—from NFL and NBA to entertainment and politics—if you can’t find the bet anywhere else, Bovada likely has it.

The site also shines with its smooth interface, live betting experience, and support for Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum transactions. Withdrawals are fast, and customer support is reliable. For both new bettors and experienced sharps, Bovada remains a go-to option in the Keystone State.

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BetOnline

BetOnline has become a fan favorite in Pennsylvania thanks to its generous bonuses and impressive market coverage. One of the key features that stands out is its crypto friendliness—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular coins are not only accepted but also come with higher bonus limits and faster payouts.

The platform offers competitive odds, tons of prop bets, early lines, and sharp live betting options. Whether you’re betting on NFL Sundays, UFC cards, or even niche sports like table tennis and darts, BetOnline gives you options legal sportsbooks usually don’t. The interface is sleek, mobile-friendly, and built for speed—ideal for serious sports bettors.

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BetUS

BetUS has come a long way, and Pennsylvania bettors are noticing. It combines a stylish, modern sportsbook with quick banking options, allowing for easy deposits and some of the fastest withdrawals in the offshore scene. With support for crypto, credit cards, and more, PA users have plenty of convenient ways to fund their accounts.

What really sets BetUS apart is its massive bonus structure. With up to 125% available to new players and additional casino bonuses, it’s hard to ignore the value. Add to that a growing variety of betting markets, daily promos, and expert picks via BetUS TV, and you’ve got a complete package perfect for anyone in PA looking for a superior betting experience.

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MyBookie

MyBookie is all about the promos—and Pennsylvania players love it. From bracket contests and reload bonuses to unique seasonal specials around NFL Playoffs, March Madness, or the World Cup, MyBookie always gives you something extra to get excited about.

But it’s not just about promotions. Their sportsbook features strong coverage of U.S. sports and a rapidly growing live betting platform. They’re crypto-friendly, responsive with customer support, and super quick when it comes to verifying accounts and processing payouts. If you like bonuses, creative bet types, and clean user experience, MyBookie is a solid option for anyone in PA.

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XBet

XBet may be one of the more underrated sportsbooks, but Pennsylvania bettors who try it tend to stick with it. It offers a no-nonsense layout that’s incredibly easy to use—perfect for beginners—but still loaded with features that experienced bettors will appreciate. The betting markets are wide, especially for U.S. sports like the NFL, NBA, and college football.

XBet also has a strong focus on prop bets, both player and team, which makes it great for fantasy sports fans transitioning into betting. They’ve improved their mobile platform, offer regular reload bonuses, and provide solid customer service. It’s a dependable, straightforward sportsbook that delivers exactly what you need.

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Legal Online Sportsbooks In Pennsylvania

This vast market has created a sports betting paradise for people in the state. People can still place bets on offshore sportsbooks, but it’s illegal by state law. There is no reason to wager on an offshore site because of the legal options in the state.

If you are betting using offshore sites for Pennsylvania mobile sports betting, I recommend transitioning to a legal option. The ease and accessibility make legal books an easy choice in PA.

Before PA passed mobile sports betting, offshore books were still utilized in the state. Although, they are virtually nonexistent in 2021.

Sports betting is fully legal in Pennsylvania, and the state has licensed several online sportsbooks for residents and visitors to use. Below is a quick overview of all the legal options currently available.

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Pennsylvania Quick Facts

The table below outlines the key facts about the legality and availability of sports betting and gambling options in Pennsylvania.

Why It’s Better To Use Offshore Betting Sites Over the Legal Ones in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has one of the most developed legal sports betting markets in the U.S.—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for every bettor. In fact, the offshore sportsbooks we promote often offer a better experience across the board, especially for players who value flexibility, privacy, and larger bonuses.

Here’s why many bettors in Pennsylvania prefer offshore sportsbooks over state-regulated ones:

• Better Odds and Higher Payouts
  Offshore sportsbooks don’t have to pay the high taxes and fees that Pennsylvania books do—meaning better odds and higher payouts for you.
• No State Restrictions – Nationwide Access
  State-regulated sites only work within PA borders. Offshore sites? You can access them from anywhere, whether you’re in Pittsburgh, Philly, or on vacation in another state.
• No Mandatory Personal Data Sharing with U.S. Regulators
  Offshore sportsbooks let you sign up and play without handing over your Social Security Number or other sensitive data to government-tracked systems.
• Access to a Wider Variety of Betting Markets
  From political elections and TV shows to obscure sports and international matchups, offshore sportsbooks offer way more markets than most PA-approved platforms.
• Crypto-Friendly Deposits & Withdrawals
  Offshore books support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more—perfect for fast, secure, and anonymous transactions that legal sites still don’t fully support.
• Lower Betting Limits & More Flexibility for Small Bettors
  Whether you’re placing $1 bets or testing out new strategies, offshore sportsbooks are far more welcoming to low-stakes players.
• No Arbitrary Limits or Account Restrictions
  Unlike some legal sites that flag or restrict sharp bettors, offshore sportsbooks typically allow consistent, unrestricted betting.
• Bigger Bonuses and Better Promotions
  From generous welcome packages to regular reloads and loyalty rewards, offshore sites offer more value across the board.
• Less Strict Verification & Faster Account Approvals
  Offshore sportsbooks skip the long ID checks and geolocation blocks. Just register and start betting—no red tape.
• No Withholding of Winnings for Tax Purposes
  Offshore books won’t automatically report your winnings or withhold money for the IRS. Your payouts are fast and full.

What Can’t You Bet On in Pennsylvania?

While Pennsylvania allows a broad range of sports bets, there are still plenty of restrictions you won’t find offshore. Here’s what you can’t legally bet on with state-regulated platforms—but can easily access through offshore sportsbooks:

• Political Events – U.S. elections and international political outcomes are off-limits on legal PA sportsbooks.
• Entertainment Markets – You won’t find odds for the Oscars, Grammys, or reality TV results on regulated platforms.
• Certain College Props – There are limits on player prop bets in college sports.
• Esports – Betting on esports is restricted or unavailable depending on the title or event.
• Novelty Bets – From alien invasions to celebrity marriages, offshore sportsbooks embrace the weird and fun bets PA sites can’t touch.

Who Can Legally Bet in Pennsylvania?

To place a legal bet with one of Pennsylvania’s state-regulated sportsbooks, here are the key requirements you must meet:

• Age Requirement: You must be 21 or older to participate in sports betting.
• Location Requirement: You must be physically located within Pennsylvania when placing your bet.
• Eligible Participants: You don’t need to be a Pennsylvania resident—but you must be in the state when using regulated apps.

Who is Restricted from Betting?

• Athletes, coaches, and referees involved in the games they’re betting on.
• Employees of sportsbooks or companies with direct influence over sports outcomes.
• Officials, executives, and key personnel of sports governing bodies.
• Individuals on the PA self-exclusion list or restricted due to problem gambling concerns.

Retail Betting Restriction:

Yes, you can place bets at retail sportsbooks located inside PA casinos. However, online betting is much more accessible, and with offshore sites, you don’t have to worry about geolocation or being physically in the state.

With Offshore Sportsbooks?

• Age requirement is typically 18+
• No location tracking
• Bet from anywhere—no state restrictions
• Sign-up is faster, with fewer identity or verification hurdles

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Recent Updates

• October 15, 2024 – Pennsylvania regulators are advocating for an Internet gaming agreement to enable patrons to play online poker across multiple states.
• February 15, 2024 – According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the state’s Super Bowl betting handle amounted to $71.6 million, experiencing a 15% decrease from the previous year when the Philadelphia Eagles participated in the game.
• February 9, 2024 – LSR’s projections suggest that Pennsylvania’s Super Bowl betting handle could potentially reach $85.2 million, positioning it among the top five in the United States.
• February 2, 2024 – Micro-betting app Betr has reportedly secured access to the Pennsylvania sports betting market through Cordish Gaming Group. Betr has plans to launch an online casino and a sportsbook sometime in 2024.
• January 23, 2024 – The sports betting handle in Pennsylvania slightly dropped to $925.6 million in December, marking a 0.9% decrease from November. Nevertheless, December’s handle was the second-highest ever recorded for the state.

Pennsylvania Ahead of Many States for Legal Gambling

Pennsylvania was ahead of many states in the nation for legal gambling. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act did not allow sports betting in the United States from 1992 until 2018. New Jersey was one of the critical states in the fight against the PASPA in court.

Ultimately, New Jersey and the states were able to get PASPA deemed unconstitutional. The legal battle spanned close to a decade, and it appeared that wagering would be legalized. Some states, like Pennsylvania, prepared by discussing future sports betting bills.

Serious sports betting negotiations began in 2015. This was the year that H 1627 was introduced to the House of Representatives. The bill had the goal of repealing the state ban on sports betting. Legislators in the state also pushed the federal government to repeal the national ban on sports betting through H 619.

H 619 was approved the following legislative session in 2016 by the House Gaming Oversight Committee in PA. The bill did not do much because the federal government did not need to view the legislation. Yet, it showed that Pennsylvania was determined to end the federal sports wagering ban in the nation.

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Introduction of Bill H 519

In 2017, Representative Rob Matzie introduced H 519 as a follow-up to an old sports betting bill. The legislation did not pass, but it went further than its predecessor H 1627. The bill laid out the framework for sports betting in the state, which was why it went further in the legislative process.

The bill required sportsbooks to pay a $5 million licensing fee and an 18% tax on revenue. In 2017, PA was dealing with a massive budget deficit.

Matzie’s bill was not ideal for closing the gap, but legislators still wanted sports betting legalized in the state. A comprehensive gaming expansion became the answer for the state, and it was accomplished through H 271.

Representative Jason Ortitay introduced the bill. The bill hid a lot of details that helped the gaming expansion package pass in the state. Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill into law on October 30, 2017.

H 271 was enacted in 2018

It required federal approval to go into effect, so when PASPA was overturned in the summer of 2018, H 271 was enacted. Once this occurred, PA rolled out sports betting very slowly. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was given the power to oversee wagering in the state.

The board established a stringent testing procedure for online sportsbooks to ensure safety. Therefore, retail wagering launched in 2018 before online betting went live the following year.

SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online site to go live in May of 2019. Rush Street Interactive and Kambi created the platform. There were eight books established by the end of the year, including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Online Sports Betting has Skyrocketed

Since 2019, the Pennsylvania online sports betting market has skyrocketed. The pandemic slowed wagering growth, but the state’s market bounced back with a vengeance.

The state has professional sports teams, a large population, casinos, and people who want to wager sports. This is a winning formula for a successful sports betting market.

Pennsylvania has one of the highest tax rates in the nation, but the legislature can get away with this because of the substantial market. There is a one-time licensure fee of $10 million for sports wagering.

The fact that sportsbooks do not have to renew licenses is another reason taxes are high. To place a bet in the state, a person must be 21 years of age and located in Pennsylvania. There is no betting on events like the Oscars or Esports. You can bet on horses in PA, but these sites have a different licensing process.

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Five Reasons to Bet in Pennsylvania

There are plenty of reasons to wager in Pennsylvania. It’s hard only to name five, but here are the main reasons to bet on sports in the state.

Great Bonuses

The sportsbooks in Pennsylvania are the best legal sites in the nation. A sportsbook is judged on many categories, but a primary judgment is the bonuses that are offered. DraftKings and FanDuel are two sites that are known for great promotions. These books are live in the state, along with other prominent sites like FOX Bet, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, and Barstool Sportsbook.

You will have many opportunities to play with house money on the sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. If you utilize most of the sites in the state, it will help you win on sports because of the array of bonuses.

A book you should watch in PA is BetRivers Sportsbook. BetRivers has the best rewards program in sports betting. Most sites offer short-term bonuses. Although, BetRivers is focused on long-term gifts for loyal players through its iRush Rewards program.

The more you wager with BetRivers, the better prizes you will earn. These gifts go beyond free bets on the sportsbook. You can win phones, computers, tablets, and vacations if you risk enough money.

Offshore sportsbooks, like BetUS, MyBookie, and Bovada, also offer great bonuses. These bonuses are even more generous when you deposit using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

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Safety

Sportsbooks are also judged on safety. You will never have an issue playing on any of the legal betting sites in Pennsylvania. Sportsbooks collect a lot of personal and financial information. This data is necessary for the site to assure that you are legally allowed to wager in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control board tests these sites regularly to make sure your personal information stays private. Legal wagering is a substantial industry in the United States. If sites did not keep your information safe, they would not make money.

You should have no fear over your personal information when it comes to wagering in Pennsylvania.

Unmatched Reputation

Pennsylvania sports betting has grown rapidly because of the sites that are available in the state. All the books in PA are spectacular in the legal wagering industry. The ability to choose from the best sportsbooks in America is a luxury that is not available in all states.

Some locations in the United States only have a few books. This is not very entertaining, but it also decreases a player’s chance to win. The wagering experience that you will receive from the sportsbooks in Pennsylvania is unmatched.

The retail sportsbooks give bettors an exhilarating live betting experience. Pennsylvania online gambling is convenient. There is a way to bet that will satisfy every gambler in the state.

Customer Service

The sportsbooks in Pennsylvania provide excellent customer service. All issues will be handled swiftly. This is important because you never want to have technical problems when wagering on sports.

Lines are rapidly moving. A technical issue can cause you to lose money on a wager. These problems do not happen much on sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. However, if you do have a problem, you can contact sportsbooks immediately in PA.

Sportsbooks offer live chats for rapid communication. You will also be able to find a phone number, text service, and email to reach technical support.

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Line Shopping

The number of sportsbooks in Pennsylvania plays into your favor as a bettor. Line shopping is when you compare odds from all sites to find the best bet. DraftKings may have a better line than FanDuel for a specific event. The ability to research lines is possible because of the substantial number of sportsbooks in the state.

The Pennsylvania sports betting framework gives bettors countless chances to win on sports. Sports betting is all about winning, and there are not many states like Pennsylvania that help bettors accomplish this goal.

List of Casinos in Pennsylvania

• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Hollywood Casino Penn
• Hollywood Casino Morgantown
• Hollywood Casino York
• Lady Luck Casino
• Live! Casino Pittsburgh
• Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
• The Meadows Racetrack and Casino
• Mohegan Sun Pocono
• Mount Airy Casino Resort
• Parx Casino and Racing
• Presque Isle Downs & Casino
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
• Valley Forge Casino Resort
• Wind Creek Bethlehem

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Timeline

2023

Record PA Sports Betting Handle Surges in November

PENN Entertainment’s ESPN Bet claims the third-highest handle share in Pennsylvania for November, marking the company’s highest performance in the state since January 2022. During the same month, Pennsylvania achieves a new state record with a sports betting handle of $934.1 million, reflecting a remarkable 12.6% increase from the previous high in October.

2022

Pennsylvania’s Sports Betting Surge in 2022

Pennsylvania experiences a notable surge in sports betting activity, marked by increased handles and heightened company performances. The state witnesses robust engagement, reflecting a dynamic and thriving sports betting landscape throughout the year.

2018

Supreme Court Opens the Market

The Supreme Court struck down PASPA, allowing any state to begin licensing its own sportsbooks. That same Year, Pennsylvania opens its first locally licensed sportsbook in November.

2017

State Preempts SCOTUS

Even though it was illegal under federal law, Pennsylvania signs a law opening up sports betting pending a change in federal law.