Best Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps & Where to Bet

Betting Ladies, if you live in Pennsylvania you're in luck. Here, you can bet both online and in person. 

A bit of background. Since launching in 2018 (right after betting became legal in the US), Pennsylvania has consistently ranked among the top states in terms of betting handle (how much money people spend betting). 

All the major sportsbooks are here and there are no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams.

Online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

Online sports betting is the go-to option for most bettors in Pennsylvania, with 13 online sportsbooks available. This list includes some of the biggest names in the industry, and more could be added as the market continues to evolve.

Here are some of the sportsbooks available in Pennsylvania (which we don't partner):

• Betfred
• BetRivers/PlaySugarHouse
• Betway
• Caesars
• FanDuel

Note: FOX Bet shut down its U.S. operations in 2023, and TwinSpires (formerly BetAmerica) exited the sports betting market.

Where to bet in person

Pennsylvania is home to several retail sportsbooks, mostly housed inside casinos and racetracks. If you prefer the experience of betting in person, you can visit one of these locations:

Note: South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook has closed.

Sports betting laws and regulation

To be you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state. The good news is that you don’t have to be a Pennsylvania resident, but know that sportsbooks use geolocation technology to ensure that bets are only placed within state lines.

Moreover, there are no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams. Some states prohibit betting on local college programs, but in Pennsylvania, you can bet on schools like Penn State and Villanova.

Pennsylvania does have one of the highest sports betting tax rates in the country, with sportsbooks paying 36% in taxes on revenue. This has led some operators, like DraftKings, to consider implementing a tax surcharge on winning bets starting in 2025.

Popular sports and teams to bet on

Pennsylvania has a strong sports culture, with passionate fan bases across professional and college sports. This translates to a thriving betting market, with plenty of action on local teams.

In football, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers both have massive followings. Eagles fans have been spoiled with recent success (Super Bowl 2025), while the Steelers remain one of the most storied franchises in football.

In the NBA, Pennsylvania is represented by the Philadelphia 76ers. While they haven’t won a title since 1983, the Sixers consistently make the playoffs and attract plenty of betting interest.

Moving on to MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates provide baseball fans with options. The Phillies, in particular, have been a strong team in recent years and are a popular pick in futures markets.

Hockey betting isn’t as big as football or basketball, but the state has two passionate fan bases with the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Since Pennsylvania allows betting on in-state college sports, schools like Penn State and Villanova are also big betting attractions. Penn State football, in particular, generates significant wagering volume each season.

Betting options in Pennsylvania

Bettors in Pennsylvania have access to a wide variety of betting markets. You can place traditional bets on spreads, moneylines, and totals, as well as futures and prop bets.

However, college player prop bets are not allowed, meaning you can’t bet on individual player statistics for NCAA games. You can still bet on college teams and game outcomes, just not on how specific players will perform.

Live betting (or in-game betting) is also widely available, allowing you to place wagers while a game is in progress.

Recommended reading: 

• Betting on NCCAB
• Betting on NCCAF

Tax implications for bettors

If you win money betting in Pennsylvania, it’s considered taxable income. Sportsbooks are required to report winnings of $600 or more to the IRS. Bettors are responsible for including gambling winnings on their state and federal tax returns.

Some sportsbooks automatically withhold taxes from large winnings, but it’s still up to individual bettors to track their betting profits and losses for tax purposes.

Tips for first-time bettors in Pennsylvania

If you’re new to sports betting, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Set a budget. Sports betting should be fun, so don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.
• Take advantage of promotions. Most sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses, risk-free bets, or deposit matches to new users.
• Shop for the best odds. Odds can vary from one sportsbook to another, so having multiple accounts can help you find the best value.
• Avoid emotional betting. Just because you love the Eagles doesn’t mean they’re always a good bet.
• Learn the different bet types. Spread betting, moneylines, parlays, and props all have different strategies.

To learn how betting works, start with these betting guides. 

How sports betting became legal in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania was ahead of the curve when it came to legalizing sports betting. In 2017, a bill was passed that paved the way for regulated sports wagering, but the state had to wait until May 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting.

Retail sportsbooks were the first to launch, with the first legal bets placed in November 2018. Online betting followed in May 2019, and it quickly became the preferred method for most bettors.

Since then, Pennsylvania has grown into one of the top five sports betting markets in the U.S., generating billions in handle each year.

Pennsylvania has one of the most mature sports betting markets in the country, with both retail and online options available. Bettors can wager on local and national sports, including in-state college teams, which isn’t allowed in all states.

With plenty of sportsbook options, generous welcome offers, and no shortage of teams to bet on, Pennsylvania remains one of the best states for sports bettors.