Sports Betting in Pennsylvania: Legalization, Platforms, and Player Guide

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

Sports betting in Pennsylvania is fully legal and regulated. The state officially legalized sports wagering through Act 42 of 2017, which permitted sports betting at both physical and online sportsbooks following the repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 2018. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversees all gambling activities, ensuring integrity and consumer protection.

Retail sportsbooks began operating in late 2018, while online sportsbooks launched in May 2019. Since then, Pennsylvania has become one of the top sports betting markets in the United States, generating billions of dollars in handle annually.

Where You Can Bet on Sports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two primary options for sports bettors:

1. Online Sportsbooks

The state is home to a wide selection of mobile sportsbooks, many of which are partnered with land-based casinos. Popular online platforms include:

FanDuel Sportsbook (partnered with Valley Forge Casino)
DraftKings Sportsbook (partnered with Hollywood Casino)
BetMGM (partnered with Hollywood Casino Morgantown)
Caesars Sportsbook
BetRivers
PointsBet
Barstool Sportsbook
Unibet

To use these platforms, users must be physically located within the state’s borders, verified via geolocation technology. Registration can be completed entirely online, with no need for in-person verification.

2. Retail Sportsbooks

For those who prefer the physical experience, many Pennsylvania casinos host on-site sportsbooks. Popular locations include:

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
Parx Casino in Bensalem
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
Wind Creek Bethlehem
Live! Casino Philadelphia

These venues offer large sports lounges, betting kiosks, and in-person ticket counters.

Types of Bets Available

Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer a full range of betting markets, including:

Moneyline Bets
Point Spreads
Totals (Over/Under)
Parlays and Teasers
Live (In-Play) Betting
Player Props
Futures (Championships, Season Awards)

Bettors can wager on all major leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, European football, MMA, tennis, golf, and more.

Taxation and Revenue

Sports betting revenue in Pennsylvania is taxed at one of the highest rates in the country. Online sports betting revenue is taxed at 36%, with 34% going to the state and 2% to local governments. Despite the high tax burden, operators continue to thrive due to the state’s large population and enthusiastic sports fan base.

For players, winnings are considered taxable income. Bettors are required to report gambling winnings on both state and federal tax returns.

Responsible Gaming Measures

The PGCB enforces strict responsible gambling regulations. All licensed sportsbooks must provide tools such as:

Deposit limits
Time-out periods
Self-exclusion programs
Responsible gaming resources

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gambling activities in the state.

Age and Identification Requirements

To legally bet on sports in Pennsylvania, individuals must be 21 years or older. Online sportsbooks require users to provide government-issued identification for verification and geolocation technology is used to ensure all betting activity occurs within state lines.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania stands as one of the most progressive and successful states in the U.S. sports betting landscape. With a robust regulatory framework, a wide range of online and retail options, and an enthusiastic betting population, it provides a comprehensive experience for both novice and experienced bettors. Whether placing wagers from your phone or visiting a casino sportsbook lounge, Pennsylvania offers safe, legal, and entertaining sports betting opportunities year-round.