Pennsylvania residents rejoice! Sports betting is finally legal in your state, and you can now bet on your favorite sports, teams, and athletes from anywhere in the state. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about sports betting in Pennsylvania.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

You bet it is! As part of the legislation passed in 2017 that covered all forms of online gambling, sports betting was included in the language. This was all contingent on the Professional and Amateur Sports Act being repealed by the Supreme Court, which happened in May 2018. Soon after, regulations were set and applications were put out for completion. There was a massive startup cost to operators looking to start sports betting ventures ($4 Million) which caused slower application processes as had originally been imagined. However, all that is in the past, and there are now many different sportsbooks open to residents and visitors to the state.

What are the highlights of the sports betting law?

Here are some of the most important points from the sports betting law in Pennsylvania:

  • 13 Licenses were offered, matching the number of land-based gaming properties in the state
  • Each license came with an online license, although online and mobile sports betting was delayed until after retail books were opened.
  • The tax rate on sports betting revenues is 36%, the highest rate so far in the country
  • Sports bettors must be at least 21 years of age to play online or in a live sportsbook
  • Only sports can be wagered on as part of the law -no entertainment or political bets
  • There is no restriction on betting on Pennsylvania teams like there is on local teams in other states such as New Jersey.
  • Account registration can happen online or in-person

Where can I bet on sports in Pennsylvania?

There are several retail and online sportsbook options for you in Pennsylvania. Here is a complete list.

Online/Mobile:

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • PlaySugarHouse
  • Unibet
  • FOX Bet
  • BetRivers
  • Parx
  • BetAmerica

Live sportsbooks:

  • Hollywood       
  • SugarHouse     
  • Rivers  
  • Parx    
  • South Philadelphia Turf Club     
  • Harrah’s Philadelphia   
  • Valley Forge     
  • Valley Forge Race and Sportsbook        

There are several sportsbooks and related apps that are scheduled for launch in 2020. We will update this page when there are updates.

How do I create an account with a sportsbook in Pennsylvania?

The good news for residents of Pennsylvania is that you can create your account online. Some states require you to go to a facility and walk up to abetting window to create your account. All you have to do is select the app with which you want to play (check out our reviews to see the differences between each), give then site a few pieces of information on the registration page, and you will have your account!

You may need to send in proof of identity to make deposits or withdrawals, but that doesn’t take more than a few minutes and only needs to be completed one time.

How to make a deposit at an online sportsbook in Pennsylvania?

Once your account is open, the next step is to make a deposit. With land-based partners for each fo the sportsbook apps in Pennsylvania, you can walk into the live sportsbook and hand cash over to the teller if you like. However, for convenience’s sake, it is much easier to choose one of the options available to you right in the app. These include:

  • Credit Cards (not all banks accept online gambling transactions)
  • Debit Cards
  • E-Checks (ACH)
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • PayPal
  • Wire transfer (takes multiple days)
  • Prepaid Cards
  • Pay Near Me

What about withdrawals?

Every site will have their own policy regarding withdrawals, so you should check the Terms and Conditions before you make your deposit. E-wallet solutions like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal are likely the fastest ways to get money from the site. You can also request a check, or if your site allows it, you can ask for a withdrawal at the live sportsbook counter. No matter what option you choose, you will get your money safely and securely from one of the regulated online sports betting sites.

Are there any sports I cannot bet on in Pennsylvania?

At this time, there are no restrictions. This means you can bet on any professional or college sport that a sportsbook offers. However, each site has the right to offer what they want in the way of sports, events and bet types, so you should do your research on each site before making a deposit to ensure they have what you are looking for.

What are the most common types of bets made at a sports betting site?

Sports betting takes on many forms, and with the advent of mobile betting and advanced analytics, there are more ways to bet on your favorite teams. Our betting guide section gives you the details on all these types of bets:

  • Moneyline Bets
  • Point Spreads
  • Parlays
  • Teasers
  • If Bets/Reverse Bets
  • Prop Bets
  • 1v2 Bets
  • Futures Bets
  • In-Play (Live) Bets

Who do I speak to if I have an issue with my sports betting site?

The first course of action is you are having an issue with your account is to speak to the site’s customer service team. You are likely going to find multiple ways to contact the site (text, chat, phone, email) and many of the companies will also use social media as a way to communicate directly with players. If you are having trouble resolving your issue, you can always head to the land-based location. Failing that, your next move is to reach out to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This is the governing body for all gambling in the state. They will have an escalation procedure in place to investigate claims from players. We sure hope you don’t have to resort to this level of escalation, but we are happy these protocols exist.

What about offshore sites? Are they closed to Pennsylvania players now?

Even though there is now legislation in Pennsylvania, that has not stopped the offshore industry from continuing to accept players from Pennsylvania. IN fact, they have stepped up their marketing efforts to convince players not to bother with the regulated sites. Some of these promotions you receive may seem too good to be true – trust us, they are. Also, the ability to move money to and from one of these unregulated sites is tougher than ever. There doesn’t seem to be any legitimate reason to play with an offshore site when you have multiple legal options for sports betting run by some of the biggest firms in the entire industry at your fingertips. Take our advice – stay away from the added risk, and focus on winning your bets instead of wondering if you will get paid when you win.