Sports Betting in Pennsylvania: Legal Status, Regulations, and Where to Bet
Pennsylvania is one of the most prominent and progressive states when it comes to legal sports betting in the United States. The Keystone State officially legalized sports betting in 2017 through a comprehensive gambling expansion bill, ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018. Today, both retail and online sports betting are fully legal and regulated in Pennsylvania, offering residents and visitors a wide variety of betting opportunities across numerous platforms.
Legal Framework and Oversight
Sports betting in Pennsylvania is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), which oversees all licensing, compliance, and consumer protection matters. The legal foundation was laid with the passage of Act 42 in 2017, which authorized sports wagering at casinos and online platforms, contingent upon the federal law change that eventually occurred in May 2018.
Operators are required to partner with existing land-based casinos to obtain a sports betting license. Each license comes with a hefty $10 million application fee and a 36% tax rate on gross revenue—among the highest in the U.S.
Online and Mobile Sports Betting
Online sports betting launched in Pennsylvania in May 2019. Users must be physically located within the state to place bets, although registration and account management can be done from anywhere. Mobile platforms dominate the market, accounting for the vast majority of wagers placed in the state.
Popular sportsbooks available in Pennsylvania include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- PointsBet
- ESPN BET
- Unibet
These platforms offer comprehensive betting markets, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports (with some restrictions), international soccer, tennis, MMA, and more. Live betting, futures, parlays, and player props are widely available.
Retail Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
For those who prefer in-person wagering, retail sportsbooks are located at various casinos and racetracks across the state. Major retail locations include:
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Parx Casino in Bensalem
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Mohegan Pennsylvania
- Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
These venues provide full-service sportsbooks with betting windows, kiosks, lounges, and in some cases, dedicated sports bars with big-screen TVs and food service.
Who Can Bet
To legally place a sports bet in Pennsylvania, bettors must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be physically present within state lines when placing a bet
- Not be on any self-exclusion or voluntary exclusion list
- Use a licensed and regulated sportsbook
Geolocation software is used by all online operators to ensure compliance with the location requirement.
College Sports and Other Restrictions
Betting on college sports is legal in Pennsylvania, including games involving in-state teams such as Penn State or Temple. However, certain types of bets, like player props on college athletes, may be restricted to ensure regulatory compliance and integrity.
Wagering on non-sporting events such as political elections or award shows (e.g., Oscars) is not permitted under current regulations.
Taxation and Winnings
Winnings from sports betting are considered taxable income in Pennsylvania and must be reported to both state and federal authorities. Sportsbooks will typically issue a W-2G form for winnings over a certain threshold, and users are encouraged to keep detailed records of their bets and profits.
Responsible Gambling Measures
Pennsylvania places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. The PGCB operates the “PlayPause” self-exclusion program and partners with various organizations to provide support, resources, and treatment for problem gamblers. All legal sportsbooks are required to provide responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania stands out as a mature and well-regulated sports betting market in the U.S. With both online and retail betting fully legal and easily accessible, residents can enjoy a safe and comprehensive wagering experience. From major league sports to NCAA events and beyond, the legal sports betting scene in Pennsylvania offers something for every type of bettor—so long as they play within the rules and prioritize responsible gambling practices.
