Pennsylvania’s legal sports betting is alive and well with the ability to wager on sports beginning in late November, 2018, and online sports betting starting a few months later in early 2019. Currently, there are 11 sports betting apps available for you to wager in the Keystone State.
With 11 unique online sportsbooks apps in Pennsylvania, there’s a lot that can go into a decision on which to choose. I will provide you with details on the best sportsbooks Pennsylvania has to offer and explain how to get started with sports betting. I’ll also detail the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Pennsylvania teams to wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Best betting sites in pennsylvania
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Is sports betting legal in pennsylvania?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania and it’s a thriving market. House Bill 271 got things started in 2017 and things became official the following year after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed. Land-based sports betting launched in November of 2018 and online sports betting followed in May of 2019. Unlike some other states, there are no restrictions on college sports wagers, but the state currently doesn’t allow NFL Draft bets. If you live close to West Virginia or New Jersey, it’s worth noting that those states do offer NFL Draft betting.
Pennsylvania quick facts
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Launch Date: May 2019
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Legal Betting Age: 21 years old
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Online Sports Betting: Yes
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Online Casino Sites: Yes
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Online Poker Sites: Yes
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Best Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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Regulatory Body: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
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Legal online sportsbooks: 11
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College Sports Betting: Yes
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Political or Entertainment Betting: No
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High School Sports Betting: No
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Esports Betting: No
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NFL Draft: No
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Remote Registration: Yes
Timeline of betting legislation & Latest news
Pennsylvania was one of the few states to start working on the legalization process prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling which repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). With House Bill 271 already being signed and the PASPA hurdle cleared, Pennsylvania officially launched sports betting on November 17, 2018 after a two-day trial period mandated by state regulators.
How to start betting in pennsylvania
Getting started betting in Pennsylvania is simple because the state allows for remote registration, meaning bettors in the state can register and fund their account from their couch. Pennsylvania bettors can download the sports betting app of their choice on their phone, verify their identity, deposit and start betting right away. For those located near one of the 15 sportsbooks located throughout the state, betting in person is also an option.
Home Team Advantage
Pennsylvania is home to many historic sports franchises from the Eagles flying to a Super Bowl in 2018, Mario & Sid with the Penguins, or David Eckstein and the Phillies, there are plenty of teams to wager on if you live in or are visiting the Keystone State.
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NFL – Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ season runs from September through early January, but they are used to making the postseason. The Eagles play at Lincoln Financial Field and have only won one Super Bowl, but it was fairly recently in 2017. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in 2023, but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. They have made the playoffs each of the past three seasons and six of the past seven.
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NFL - Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are one of the NFL’s most prestigious organizations, winning six Super Bowls, most recently in 2008 with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. Pittsburgh’s season goes from September to early January, although the Steelers are used to making the postseason most years under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers play at Acrisure Stadium.
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NHL – Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins’ season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs – which has been a frequent occurrence. The Penguins made the playoffs every year from 2007-2022 and have won the Stanley Cup five times overall. The Penguins play at PPG Paints Arena.
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NHL - Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers’ season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs. Philadelphia has won two Stanley Cups, but they were back in 1974 and 1975. The Flyers play at the Wells Fargo Center.
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NBA - Philadelphia 76ers: Originally the Syracuse Nationals, the 76ers were established as an NBA team in 1963. Their season runs from October through April, and potentially into May and June if the team makes the postseason. The 76ers have been successful under NBA MVP Joel Embiid, but are looking for more success in the postseason. The 76ers also play at the Wells Fargo Center and their last NBA title was in 1983.
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MLB – Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies’ season runs from March through September, but they are also a team used to making the postseason. They have made the postseason the past two seasons and appeared in the 2022 World Series. The franchise has won two World Series titles (1980 and 2008) and plays at Citizens Bank Park.
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MLB - Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pennsylvania team with the least recent success, the Pirates’ season goes from March until September – and usually no further. The Pirates play at beautiful PNC Park and last made the postseason in 2015. They have won five World Series titles, but the last one was in 1979. The Pirates are looking to build around rookie sensation Paul Skenes.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP) is a solid resource for anyone in Pennsylvania struggling with gambling addiction. The organization has a variety of helpful resources on its website including contact information for gambling counselors, educational videos, and tools to help identify problematic gambling behavior.