The Pennsylvania sports betting market consistently operates as one of the biggest in the U.S. Pennsylvania has stood as one of the states at the forefront of the modern era of legal online gambling in the U.S.

Read on for everything you need to know about online sports betting in the Keystone State.

Key Points for Online Gambling in Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania legal online gambling verticals – Online sports betting, online casinos, online poker, online lottery
  • Pennsylvania online gambling revenue tax rates – 36% on sports betting revenue (34% for gross gaming revenue and 2% for local share)
  • Pennsylvania available online sports betting licenses – 14 (One sports betting skin per operator)
  • Pennsylvania college sports wagering policy – Available, including bets on in-state teams
  • Pennsylvania sports betting legalization and launch dates – Retail betting launched in November 2018; online wagering launched in May 2019
  • Pennsylvania gaming regulation agency – Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

Online gambling in Pennsylvania is loaded with options. Gamblers can enjoy their pick of mobile casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and lottery games.

The Pennsylvania legal online sports betting market allows for up to 14 licenses. Each license holder must operate a land-based casino within the state and can only launch one mobile skin apiece. The latter rule contrasts online casino and poker licensees, which can have unlimited skins.

BetMGM is an exception to the rule on having a brick-and-mortar presence. It got a mobile-only license after some land-based casinos originally passed on a betting license. Pennsylvania has now issued all 13 original licenses, along with BetMGM’s special mobile provision.

Pennsylvania’s 36% tax rate is among the nation’s highest for sports gambling. It does, however, have a reasonable rate compared to New York and New Hampshire’s industry leading 51% tax rate.

The Quaker State is liberal when it comes to college sports betting. Almost all college sports gambling is legal, including bets involving in-state teams. The only exceptions are prop bets involving individual athletes’ performances.

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Sites – Laws, Revenue & More

Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online gambling in October 2017. It included mobile sports betting in HB 271, despite a federal ban in place. This ban fell less than a year later in May 2018, thus opening the path for Pennsylvania online sportsbooks.

The market didn’t get off the ground right away, though. Hollywood Casino at Penn National accepted the first retail sports bet in November 2018—six months after PASPA was repealed. SugarHouse, now called BetRivers was the first mobile operator to take a bet, doing so in May 2019.

The semi-late start didn’t severely affect the Pennsylvania legal online sports betting market. It has been a hit ever since mobile wagering became an option in mid-2019. The Keystone State is one of the most successful sports gambling markets in the country. It handled a state-high $793.7 million in bets in January 2022, which is one of the biggest records of any state.

PA Online Sports Betting Laws & Rules

Most forms of online gambling in Pennsylvania require players to be at least 21 years old. The only exception is the state’s online lottery, where players can be as young as 18.

You must be within state boundaries before depositing and wagering at Pennsylvania online sports betting sites. Each mobile sportsbook uses geolocation to ensure that you’re inside state lines. Of course, you can sign up at betting sites outside of PA—you just won’t be able to deposit.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board can issue up to 14 licenses. Each licensee is supposed to have a brick-and-mortar presence in the state. Online partners can then align with land-based casinos to run a mobile sportsbook.

BetMGM PA is the exception to the norm, though, because it holds licensing despite being a mobile-only operation. Not all land-based casinos originally sought a license, which allowed BetMGM to secure one.

The full list of Pennsylvania online sports betting sites is as follows:

Every licensee has paid a one-time $10 million fee upfront. The advantage here is that, despite the hefty licensing cost, PA doesn’t make bookmakers pay a renewal fee. Pennsylvania online sportsbooks do, however, have to cover a hefty 36% tax rate.

PA Retail Sportsbooks

The Quaker State provides plenty of retail sportsbooks across its 46,055 square miles. You can bet in person at the following brick-and-mortar venues:

  • BetRivers Sportsbook – Launched Dec. 13 at Rivers Casino Philadelphia & Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Launched Jan. 22, 2019 at Harrah’s Philadelphia
  • FanDuel Sportsbook – Launched Mar. 13, 2019 at Valley Forge Casino Resort
  • FanDuel Sportsbook – Launched Jan. 19, 2019 at Live! Casino
  • Parx Casino Sportsbook – Launched Jan. 10, 2019 at Parx Casino
  • South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook – Launched Jan. 17, 2019 at South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook
  • Sportsbook at Mount Airy – Launched Sept. 20, 2019 at Mount Airy Casino
  • Sportsbook at Wind Creek – Launched Nov. 18, 2018 at Wind Creek Casino
  • The Sportsbook at Penn National – Launched Nov. 15, 2018 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National
  • TwinSpires Sportsbooks – Launched July 26, 2019 at Presque Isle Downs (kiosks only)
  • Unibet Sportsbook – Launched Oct. 22, 2019 at Mohegan Sun Pocono

The majority of Pennsylvania retail sportsbooks are in the Philadelphia area. This fact isn’t surprising, given Philly’s metro population of 6.25 million people. BetRivers Pittsburgh, Penn National, and TwinSpires are the three sportsbooks located in other parts of the state.

Rivers Pittsburgh is the most successful of the PA retail operations, handling over $237.7 million in bets so far. Parx Casino Sportsbook (Philadelphia) is a close second with $222 million in handle to date.

How Do I Know if Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites Are Fair?

Mobile sports betting is perfectly legal in Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, you may still have questions on the fairness of the operators. The following points explain why Pennsylvania’s online sports betting sites are fair and trustworthy.

Who Regulates Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversees online sports betting in the state. It also regulates other forms of online gambling in Pennsylvania, including casino games and poker.

The PGCB is responsible for issuing mobile sportsbook licenses. It accepts applications from interested parties and approves qualified operators accordingly. The PGCB has already awarded the maximum number of licenses (14).

This gaming regulator also enforces rules for legal online sports betting in Pennsylvania. It ensures that operators act responsibly and don’t try to take advantage of problem gamblers. Anybody who violates these rules faces a fine and, in the worst cases, could lose their license.

How Can I Trust Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites?

Unlike offshore betting sites, Pennsylvania online sportsbooks are subject to strict regulation. They must go through a detailed licensing process and, if accepted, pay $10 million in fees. Approved betting sites must also follow all market rules and make timely payouts.

Any mobile sportsbook that makes these commitments is serious about serving customers well. No operator pays a $10 million licensing fee and 36% tax rate, then thinks about ways to scam bettors. They have too large of an investment to risk everything for a few extra dollars.

How Do I Get Paid by PA Online Sportsbooks?

The Pennsylvania legal online sports betting market offers many payout options as a whole. You’ll likely have at least 4–5 withdrawal options at any given PA mobile sportsbook. Common online betting cashout options in the Keystone State include:

  • ACH (eCheck) – 3–5 day wait on withdrawals
  • Cash at casino cages – Instant (in person)
  • PayPal – 0–2 day wait
  • Play+ Card – Instant
  • Skrill – 0–2 day wait
  • Wire – 3–5 day wait

Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ

Can I bet on college sports in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can wager on any college team at Pennsylvania online sportsbooks, including in-state teams. The only catch is that you can’t make prop bets on players’ individual performances. The PGCB doesn’t approve of gamblers wagering directly on amateur athletes.

Can I bet on esports at Pennsylvania sportsbook apps?

Esports betting isn’t currently available in Pennsylvania. The PGCB can approve esports gambling at any point, but it hasn’t done so to date. PA regulators are concerned with some esports pros being under 18 years old.

Who can get a license to run an online gambling app in PA?

Technically, the Pennsylvania legal online sports betting market only allows for 13 licenses. All mobile license holders are supposed to run a land-based gambling establishment. BetMGM got a mobile-only license, though, when not every brick-and-mortar operator applied for licensing originally.

Is the Barstool sportsbook app available in Pennsylvania?

Yes, the Barstool app is one of the most-popular among legal online sports betting apps in Pennsylvania. It currently ranks behind only DraftKings and FanDuel in terms of total betting revenue.

How do I make a complaint with a legal betting site in PA?

Your first recourse should be to work things out directly with the online sportsbook. If you’re still unsatisfied, you can contact the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for help on settling the dispute.