JUMP TO:
- Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
- Online sportsbooks available in Pennsylvania
- How to sign up and place a bet in Pennsylvania
- What you can't bet on in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania sports betting promos and bonus offers
- Responsible gambling resources in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has capitalized on sports betting since November 2018, when the state first rolled out retail sportsbooks. Its first mobile betting options launched in 2019, and the Commonwealth now serves as one of the biggest sports markets in the U.S.
So, what do you need to know as an aspiring Pennsylvania sports bettor, or just as a sports bettor planning a visit to the Keystone State?
Here are all the details you'll need to get started, including how to join a sportsbook, which sportsbooks are offered in the state and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.
MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL
Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes! Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in 2017, it rolled out its first retail sportsbooks in 2018 and then online betting apps launched in the state in 2019.
The state's sports betting industry is overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
To place sports bets in Pennsylvania, you will need to be:
- at least 21 years old
- physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
- able to verify your sportsbook account
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Online sportsbooks available in Pennsylvania
Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of Pennsylvania.
How to sign up and place a bet in Pennsylvania
The process to start your sports betting journey in the Keystone State is quite simple. Here's the three steps:
Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Pennsylvania sportsbook
Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above.
Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit
Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.
You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Step 3: Place your bets!
Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!
To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!
MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?
What you can bet on in Pennsylvania
While sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Keystone State.
- Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
- College sports lines, totals and futures
- Olympics
- Horse racing
What you can't bet on in Pennsylvania
There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Pennsylvania. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind.
- Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
- Prop bets on college athletes
- High school sports
- Political events
- Entertainment events (like the Oscars)
- Live greyhound dog racing
- Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
- Must physically be in Pennsylvania to place wagers
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
Pennsylvania sports betting promos and bonus offers
- DraftKings: Get up to a $1,200 new user bonus!
- FanDuel: Bet $5 get $300 in Bonus Bets!
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Bet $10 get $100 In FanCash + up to $100 back in FanCash every football gameday!
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets!
- Bet365: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets win or lose
- Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, double your winnings your next 20 bets!
- BetRivers: $500 bonus second chance bet!
Popular teams to bet on in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
- Penn State Nittany Lions (NCAA)
- Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA)
- Penn Quakers (NCAA)
- Robert Morris Colonials (NCAA)
Responsible gambling resources in Pennsylvania
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.
- 24-hour Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP): Locate Problem Gambling Treatment Services page
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB): Responsible play site
- Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP)
- Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous
- Self-exclusion program through PGCB
MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting