Sports betting was legalized in Pennsylvania on May 28, 2019. Now it features 11 online sportsbooks and numerous retail locations, despite the high cost of application fees. PA bettors can now wager on top brands like Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet.
These platforms offer an excellent selection of markets, great games, and bonuses that don’t require a promo code. In this guide, we will explore online betting in PA and how it came to be a reality in the state. We will also take you through the top online betting sites in the states, their offerings, and much more.







Open BetMGM

| Legal Status | ✅ Legal |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 28, 2019 |
| Regulating Body | The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
| Number of Licensed Betting Sites | 11 |
| Legal Online Sportsbooks | Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, among others |
| Minimum Sports Betting Age | 21+ years of age |
| Betting Restrictions | College Athlete Prop Bets, Undergage betting, High School Sports Betting |
| Tax Rate on Winnings | Federal - 24%/ State - 3.07% |
There is always something new happening in the PA betting scene, and it is important to keep tabs on it and how it affects you as a bettor in the state. Here are some of the most recent updates so far.
September 3, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board warned bettors to avoid illegal offshore sports wagering sites as football season kicks off, urging the use of licensed operators.
July 23, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board levied $70,000 in fines, including a $40,000 penalty to FanDuel for employee licensing violations.
June 23, 2025 – House Bill 1636 was introduced to add esports to the definition of legal “sporting events” for wagering in Pennsylvania.
May 5, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission not to permit sports event contracts offered by prediction markets.
February 13, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported a record-setting total of more than $100 million in Super Bowl wagers placed in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania is currently home to 11 online sportsbooks. This means bettors looking for where to wager on their favorite teams in the state have more than enough options. If you don't know where to begin, below's a list of the top choices we recommend. They feature a balanced range of offerings from bonuses to sports markets and amazing bet options.
| AZ Sportsbook | Best For |
|---|---|
| Bet365 | Live betting |
| BetMGM | Regular bonuses and promotions |
| Caesars | Caesars Reward Program |
| FanDuel | DFS platform |
| DraftKings | Mobile app and live betting |
| Fanatics | Mobile first design |
| ESPN bet | Fan Center |
Bet365 is one of the more recent additions to the Pennsylvania sportsbook market, securing its entry through a partnership with Presque Isle Downs Casino. However, it makes the top of our list for a variety of reasons.
Bet365 also has a very extensive market covering all major sports, all with impressive odds. These are backed by remarkable features, including the Auto Cash Out option, which helps you claim winnings even if you aren’t monitoring the game. Even better is that PA bettors can access these benefits via the website or bet365’s mobile app.
Editor's Note: bet365’s live betting features are top-notch and one of the best available in the PA market. There are hundreds of games under this category at any given point, including the football, soccer, and basketball markets. Odds are updated in real time, and there are a variety of early cash out promos that can help you lock in winnings if things aren’t going your way. Its consistency in delivering the best around these areas makes it one of the first choices for PA bettors.
Read our bet365 Sportsbook review here.
BetMGM made its way into the Pennsylvania online sports betting market on December 17, 2020, via a partnership with Hollywood Casino Morgantown. The operator, which is backed by MGM Resorts, is already established in the iGaming sector, including the Maryland sports betting scene. This expertise instantly reflected in the offerings and features it brought along to PA.
BetMGM excels in many other areas. PA bettors can find over 30 sports markets from football to niche options like biathlon. Those who enjoy football will find good coverage here with fairly consistent odds on options like the NFL. In most cases, they feature some of the lowest vig on the market, ensuring users can get more value on wagers.
Editor’s Note: BetMGM keeps the promos flowing all through the gaming seasons. These include odds boosts of up to 50%, second chance offers, early payouts, and jackpot contests with rewarding prize pools. However, nothing compares to the BetMGM Rewards program that gives consistent PA bettors the chance to redeem points for MGM Rewards points, odds boosts, hotel stays, and more.
The full markets and features of Caesars sportsbook have been accessible to PA bettors since March 10, 2020, thanks to its partnership with Harrah’s Philadelphia. Caesars features great odds around major sports, including football and basketball.
If you are a fan of the NBA, you'll find competitive odds on totals, spreads, and the futures markets. Bettors who prefer wagering on the go will have no issues using the user-friendly Caesars sportsbook app. It is well designed and features a biometric login that allows you to sign in and place a bet from Pennsylvania within minutes.
Editor’s Note: The Caesars reward program is a nice addition to the range of offerings available on the platform. Regular bettors can rack up points and redeem them for benefits at any location affiliated with Caesars in the United States. You can use this to take a break from betting and relax in exotic hotels, try fine dining, or take trips to holiday destinations.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook review here.
FanDuel launched its iconic betting app in Pennsylvania on July 22, 2019, through a partnership with Boyd Gaming’s Valley Forge Casino. FanDuel in Pennsylvania is built for speed and flexible builds: the Same Game Parlay flow is dead simple and SGP+ lets you chain legs across multiple games on one ticket, great for stitching together Eagles/Steelers or Philly/Pittsburgh hoops and hockey nights.
The fun does not stop here as FanDuel provides players with consistent promotions, including odds boosts, in-play insurance promos, and prediction contests with rewarding prize pools. What truly gives FanDuel an edge is the integration of all FanDuel platforms into one. Using the same login, you can open the sportsbook, online casino, racino, or DFS platform with the touch of a button!
Editor's Note: FanDuel’s DFS platform is one of the best in PA. It boasts over 4 million active users and owns a major share of the market alongside DraftKings. Bettors can partake in contests in various formats like single/multi-entry tournaments, beginner contests, and more. Budget is no problem either, as there are many contests that support entry fees as low as $1!
Read our FanDuel Sportsbook review here.
Thanks to its partnership with The Meadows, DraftKings penetrated the PA online betting market on November 4, 2019. The operator ticks a lot of boxes, especially in its reliable mobile app and live betting features.
With this, Pennsylvanians can access over 28 betting markets such as football, basketball, baseball, and much more. These come with great odds and betting options like moneylines, teasers, and futures. In terms of bonuses, DraftKings goes beyond the regular sites. You’ll find a wide variety of profit boosts, juiced odds, early cashout offers, and a Dynasty Rewards program that comes with unique prizes for loyal bettors.
Editor’s Note: The DraftKings mobile app gives you access to all of its offerings on the go. It is easy to use and well-designed, with millions of downloads and many users giving it a positive rating. Bettors will also be able to wager on all the available markets and stream events live. This also comes with real-time stats that show the game progress, ensuring more calculated betting decisions.
Read our DraftKings Sportsbook review here.
Fanatics Sportsbook is a fast-growing platform that has also set its sights on the Pennsylvania online betting market. Fortunately, it achieved this feat on February 7, 2020, which was made easier by its acquisition of PointsBet and a partnership with Hollywood Casino York.
Fanatics is a well-known retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise, so it was a bold move to break into the sports betting scene. However, bettors can benefit from its expertise in the merchandise sales scene through its FanCash program. With this, PA residents who wager consistently will receive points that they can redeem for original merchandise, bonus bets, and more.
Editor’s note: The Fanatics Sportsbook app is the only way to access the operator in PA since it has no desktop version. For this reason, they’ve put all the measures in place to ensure bettors have an awesome experience. It is well-designed, easy to use, and comes with a live streaming feature, which you can access after wagering at least $1.
Read our Fanatics Sportsbook review here.
The ESPN Bet sports betting app made a debut in Pennsylvania in November 2023, through a partnership with Penn National. This brand is affiliated with the renowned ESPN brand, which says a lot about its experience in the sports scene.
PA players will also find odds boosts that can be tailored to their favorite ESPN personalities. This is a unique feature that is not available on many sites. In addition, there's good market coverage, a live betting option with competitive markets, and a rewards program where points can be traded for PENN cash, hotel accommodation, free cruise, discounts, and more.
Editor’s Note: The Fan Center is an impressive inclusion to the ESPN BET app. It allows bettors to link their Fantasy teams to the operators and make tailored bets on their team and favorite players. More impressive is the ability to link ESPN content, giving PA residents instant access to news that might influence their betting decisions.
Read our ESPN BET Sportsbook review here.
PA sportsbooks offer all the most popular kinds of sports betting markets you’ll come across. What’s more, it features some of the most successful professional sports teams in the United States, many of which have partnered with leading sportsbooks.
This means there is always something to bet on during the season. Events typically come with competitive odds, and you can expect great bonuses on sportsbooks if a home-based team they are in partnership with is participating. Knowing this, here are the most popular sports that are worth having a look at in PA.
The NFL is the number one sport for most residents of the United States, and Pennsylvanians are not excluded. Fortunately, they have the Philadelphia Eagles at the front lines with six Super Bowls under their record, the highest in the NFL.
The team has only had three head coaches throughout its existence, which shows consistency. It also has a sports betting partnership with BetMGM and DraftKings, meaning you can expect great odds during their games.
Better still, check out the Philadelphia Eagles, also based in PA. It is one of the most successful franchises in the NFL and also boasts an impressive record. It has 3 NFL Championships, one Super Bowl Championship, and has appeared in the finals thrice. Other notable teams from the state worth checking out include the Pittsburgh Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Both teams appear in over 15 games respectively during the season, meaning there will always be wagering opportunities for PA bettors.
The NBA is the second most popular sport to bet on in Pennsylvania. There are over 80 games each season, spread across 26 weeks, which means more opportunities for you to wager. The Philadelphia 76ers are the home-based team here, with a history dating back to 1946.
It has been responsible for many notable players, including Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson, and Moses Malone. This impressive list and the two championships in its name have gained it a loyal following. While the team hasn’t made it into the NBA finals recently, they are still worth backing in PA sportsbooks.
The MLB betting market in the Keystone State is also flourishing, with many drawn to events featuring the Philadelphia Phillies. This home-based team is one of the oldest, having been established in 1883. The Philles have clinched two World Series and eight National League pennants. With this record, it is easy to see why betting on them on PA sportsbooks is a solid choice.
If you prefer, you can check out the Pittsburgh Pirates instead. The team has claimed the World Series Championships five times, has nine National League Titles, and has reached the World Series finals seven times. It is also partnered with BetMGM to provide the most unique promotions and odds when you wager on the Pirates.
Regardless of how you choose to wager, you’ll find various bet types such as run line, totals, over/under, props, futures, and more.
The NHL is not as popular as the other markets we’ve covered so far, but there are still lots of opportunities to leverage. It has two home-based teams, which are the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins have been quite successful for decades, having won five Stanley Cups, which is an impressive feat.
Alternatively, PA bettors can check out the Flyers. While it has only clinched two Stanley Cups, the team has made it to the finals five times, and also has the third-highest playoff wins in the NHL. Both teams have partnerships with Betway, which offers PA bettors the most competitive odds and bonuses on games featuring these teams.
Top bet options include the puck line, moneylines, totals, period bets, and parlays.
College sports betting is a huge deal in Pennsylvania, with football, baseball, and basketball getting the most focus. Unlike New York, where in-state college bets are not allowed, the opposite is the case here.
As such, Pennsylvanians will find many opportunities to wager on the Penn State Nittany Lions, representing the PA State University. So far, it has racked up numerous football championships and four Big Ten Conference Titles in football.
PA bettors will also find many other teams to support. These include the Wilanova Wildcats, who have made an impressive name in the basketball scene, and the Pittsburgh Panthers. Many of these teams have intense rivalries that garner lots of attention and great odds at sportsbooks.
Football may be number one, but you can’t deny the hold that soccer has all over the world, including the United States. It still remains a popular option for many PA bettors, looking for some excitement outside football. The state is home to the Philadelphia Union, which participates in Major League Soccer. They were named the 2020 Supporters’ Shield winners in the MLS and have reached the finals once. While they don’t have too much going on, they still make interesting bet options in sportsbooks.
Those who want more of a challenge can check out international markets. Many PA sportsbooks like Bet364 and DraftKings cover markets like the Premier League, Champions League, and more. These usually feature a variety of bet formats such as first goal scorer, double chance, futures, and exciting in-play options.
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to swiftly move into action after the Professional and Amateur Sport Protection Act (PASPA) was ruled unconstitutional in 2018. It initially authorized HB 271 in 2017, in hopes of a positive decision from the Supreme Court.
This move panned out after the 2018 ruling, and it began retail betting in 2018. By May 31, 2019, Pennsylvania officially launched legal online sports betting, and it has continued to grow ever since. By 2020, PA sportsbooks raked in over $2 billion in wagers, becoming the third US betting market behind New Jersey and Nevada.
However, this legislation came with a very high $10 million application fee for sportsbooks and a 34% tax on gaming revenue. This hampered its growth since it was one of the most expensive in the United States. Nonetheless, it still brought in top names in the sports betting scene that are now offering their services to players here.
Timeline of Pennsylvania sports betting history
The Keystone State had many key moments that made online sports betting a reality. Here’s a breakdown of the ones to note:
The fun does not stop with online sportsbooks in the Keystone State. There are many other options available for players who want something different from sports betting. We’ve explored the top options below.
Pennsylvania was one of the first states to legalize online casinos in 2019. Now, it features many licensed casinos, including FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. PA residents will be able to wager on hundreds of casino games like slots, table games, live dealer titles, and much more.
Slot games are the most popular options and are powered by a Random Number Generator to ensure a fair outcome for players. They are also powered by some of the leading providers in the industry, such as Playtech, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, among others.
Players who sign up with find many welcome offers, free spins, no deposit bonuses, and much more. The sheer variety and options available make online casino gaming one of the best choices for those who want a break from sports betting.
Similar to other states, Pennsylvania has a state-owned lottery that was established in 1971. It helps in generating revenue for state programs supporting seniors. The PA lottery features various games including scratch-offs or instant win tickets, keno, and fast play. There are also a variety of draw games, such as the Powerball and Mega Millions. Prizes are great, with the largest win pegged at $516 million!
DFS platforms are also legal in PA, with names like FanDuel and DraftKings taking the lead in the scene. Players can enter various types of contests, from Head-to-head to prize pool offers and single-game showdowns, among others. They'll then build their ideal teams and claim points based on their performance in real life. Prizes are rewarding and could run into millions of dollars.
Horse racing is another great form of betting in PA. It is regulated by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, and features both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Players can wager on authorized racetracks such as Parx Racing, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, and Penn National Race Course.
There are races held all year round, with some featuring night races, meaning you'll never run out of options. The Keystone State also supports off-track betting and online betting through platforms like TVG or TwinSpires. Betting options are usually extensive, with a variety of multi-race wagers and standard bets available.
The fun does not stop online if you wager in Pennsylvania. There are many retail outlets you can visit if you want a hands-on experience. Here's a breakdown of the top locations, along with where you can find them.
In addition to Pennsylvania’s large lineup of licensed real-money sportsbooks, players can also access a growing selection of social sportsbooks. These platforms operate legally under sweepstakes models, letting users make sports picks with virtual currencies like Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins - often with the opportunity to win real prizes.
Social sportsbooks are ideal for casual players, strategy testing, or anyone who wants to enjoy sports picks without risking real money.
| Social Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Thrillzz Review | 3,000 Thrillzz Coins + 3 Thrillzz Sweeps |
| Legendz Casino Review | 500 GC + 3 SC |
| Onyx Odds Review | 1,000 Onyx Coins |
| Fliff Review | 5,000 Fliff Coins + 1 SC |
| Kickr Review | 150,000 Bucks + 4 Bits |
| Prophet X Review | Up to 200 Prophet Cash in the first 30 days of signing up |
| Wanna Parlay Review | Free contest entries after joining |
Thrillzz is fully available in Pennsylvania and offers fast-paced, squad-based pick’em contests across the NFL, NBA, NCAA, and more. Players can join or create Squads to compete together using Coins or Sweeps, adding a social, team-first element to gameplay.
New Pennsylvania users receive 3,000 Coins and 3 Sweeps free at sign-up - no purchase required.
Legendz brings a full-featured social sportsbook experience to Pennsylvania, including spreads, totals, moneylines, and futures. Gameplay uses Gold Coins or Sweepstakes Coins, and the platform also includes a built-in social casino for added variety.
Players in Pennsylvania get 500 Gold Coins and 3 Sweepstakes Coins just for signing up.
Onyx Odds offers Pennsylvania players a clean, easy-to-use social sportsbook focused on classic betting formats like spreads, totals, and moneylines. Picks are made using Onyx Coins for fun or sweepstakes-eligible Onyx Cash for prize entries.
New PA users receive 1,000 Onyx Coins instantly when they register.
Fliff is one of the most popular sweepstakes sportsbooks in the U.S. and is fully available in Pennsylvania. Players can make picks using Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash, with Fliff Cash eligible for real prize redemptions. All major sports are supported, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports.
Pennsylvania users can join for free and receive bonus Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash at sign-up - no deposit required.
Kickr is a community-focused social sportsbook available in Pennsylvania, with a strong emphasis on college sports. Players use Bucks and Bits to enter pick’em contests, build parlays, and climb leaderboards across football, basketball, and more.
New Pennsylvania players receive 4 Bucks and 150,000 Bits when they sign up.
Prophet X offers a peer-to-peer social sportsbook experience in Pennsylvania, where users make picks against each other rather than the house. Gameplay uses Prophet Points and Prophet Cash in a sweepstakes-legal environment that supports both pro and college sports.
PA users can get up to 200 Prophet Cash during their first 30 days of play.
Wanna Parlay gives Pennsylvania users a leaderboard-driven social sportsbook experience. Build multi-leg over/under pick’em entries across NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports, and compete against other users for top spots.
There’s no purchase required - just download the app and start playing for free in Pennsylvania.
Daily Fantasy Sports are fully legal in Pennsylvania, with a strong history in the state. Long before traditional sports betting arrived, platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel helped establish PA as a key DFS market. Today, Pennsylvania players have access to a broad range of DFS platforms - from traditional salary-cap formats to newer pick’em-style games and parlay-based contests.
| Social Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| Underdog Review | Up to $100 bonus |
| OwnersBox Review | 100% deposit match up to 100 OwnersBucks |
| DraftKings Fantasy Review | Deposit $5, get a $3 entry |
| Wanna Parlay Review | Free contest entries after joining |
Underdog is one of the most popular DFS platforms in Pennsylvania, best known for its Best Ball drafts and fast-paced pick’em games. With Best Ball, you draft once and your best lineup auto-submits each week - ideal for NFL season-long play. The pick’em side lets you make quick higher/lower stat predictions across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
PA users can enter daily contests through the app and enjoy sleek functionality with fast payouts.
OwnersBox delivers unique DFS formats to Pennsylvania, including Lightning Lineups - a spin-to-win team-building game - and SuperFlex salary-cap contests, where you can play two QBs. These games are especially popular during the NFL season, but you’ll also find NBA, NHL, and MLB contests available.
Pennsylvania users can join instantly, with beginner contests and weekly promos adding extra value.
DraftKings Fantasy is a staple in Pennsylvania's DFS market, offering salary-cap contests, Showdowns, snake drafts, and more. You can build lineups across nearly every sport - NFL, NBA, college football, NHL, esports, and beyond - with massive guaranteed prize pools and regular freerolls.
New PA users who deposit $5 receive a $3 contest ticket, and beginner-only contests make it easy to get started.
Wanna Parlay brings a leaderboard-based DFS experience to Pennsylvania. Instead of drafting rosters, you build parlay-style entries using over/under stat picks across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. The more legs you hit, the higher you climb on the daily leaderboards - with prizes awarded to top finishers.
New PA users can claim a 100% deposit match up to $250 - no code required.
Yes, PA sports betting went live way back in 2019. Since then you have been able to bet on sports both in-person and via an online sportsbook.
You’ll need to be at least 21 years old and physically present in Pennsylvania before you can wager.
There is a 34% tax rate on sportsbook revenue, while bettors pay a 3.07% state tax on winnings.
There are currently 11 online sportsbooks that are legally allowed to operate in Pennsylvania. These include major brands such as Caesars, Bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, BetRivers and BetMGM.
No, you don’t have to reside in PA before you can make bets. But you must be physically present in the state to wager.
Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:
Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.
Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.
Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.
Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.
Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.
Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.
If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.
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