Sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania, with online wagering available statewide through licensed sportsbook apps. Since launching in 2019, the market has expanded to include nearly a dozen approved operators, making Pennsylvania one of the largest sports betting states in the U.S.
This guide reviews Pennsylvania sports betting apps and online sportsbooks, comparing differences in betting options, bonuses, app usability, and payment methods. It also explains how sports betting works in the state and highlights key rules to know before signing up.
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Pennsylvania currently has 10 licensed sportsbook apps, and choosing between them often comes down to how each platform is built and who it’s best suited for.
The sportsbooks below represent some of the most popular options in the state, with differences that can matter depending on how someone prefers to bet.
Caesars Sportsbook is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, one of the largest casino and gaming companies in the U.S. The sportsbook offers coverage across a wide range of sports and leagues, with odds that are generally competitive on standard markets, including solid pricing on teasers.
One of its main differentiators is the Caesars Rewards program, which allows betting activity to earn credits that can be used across Caesars casino, hotel, and entertainment offerings.
One drawback, however, is that Caesars tends to offer fewer player prop markets and alternate lines than some competing sportsbooks, which may limit options for bettors who prefer highly specific or customized wagers.
BetMGM Sportsbook operates in Pennsylvania as part of MGM’s broader U.S. betting network and is one of the more recognizable names in the industry.
The platform appeals to bettors who value familiarity and a sportsbook backed by a long-standing casino brand. BetMGM also offers a rewards program that ties sportsbook activity into its larger loyalty ecosystem, which can be useful for users who already engage with MGM properties.
Another plus is the range of banking options available, giving users flexibility when depositing or withdrawing funds.
On the downside, some bettors report performance issues with the app during high-traffic periods, such as major sporting events, where slow load times, glitches, or crashes can affect usability.
BetRivers Sportsbook has been active in Pennsylvania since the early days of the state’s online sports betting market and operates under a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board license.
The sportsbook is often noted for offering a large safety net on a bettor’s first wager through its welcome bonus structure. BetRivers also runs the iRush Rewards program, which allows users to earn points through betting activity that can be redeemed for bonus credits and other rewards.
One tradeoff is that BetRivers typically carries slightly higher juice on average compared with some other Pennsylvania sportsbooks. In addition, live streaming options are limited, which may be a drawback for bettors who prefer to watch events directly within the app.
FanDuel Sportsbook has built its reputation in Pennsylvania around betting depth and flexibility rather than rewards or loyalty perks.
The app offers one of the widest selections of player prop markets and same-game parlay options in the state, making it a popular choice for bettors who like to customize wagers. FanDuel also runs daily odds boosts and frequent short-term promotions tied to major games and events.
Where FanDuel falls short is on the rewards side. Unlike some competitors, the sportsbook does not offer a traditional loyalty or points-based rewards program, which may be a downside for bettors who prefer long-term incentives tied to ongoing play.
DraftKings Sportsbook offers one of the most extensive betting menus available in Pennsylvania, with a wide mix of sports and wager types that suit both casual and experienced bettors.
The platform also includes the Dynasty Rewards program, which allows users to earn points through betting activity that can be redeemed for bonus bets and other rewards. Coverage extends beyond major leagues, with access to niche sports and additional market options.
There are a few tradeoffs to consider. Some users report slower response times from customer support, and live streaming options remain limited compared with a handful of other sportsbooks.
Pennsylvania sportsbooks are evaluated using a consistent review framework that focuses on how each platform actually performs for bettors. Instead of ranking apps based on one factor alone, each sportsbook is assessed across several practical areas:
These criteria help highlight real differences between sportsbooks and provide a clearer picture of what each app offers beyond promotions alone.
Signing up for a Pennsylvania sportsbook app follows a standard process across licensed operators. While specific features may vary by platform, the basic steps are generally the same.
Start by selecting a sportsbook that is licensed to operate in Pennsylvania. Differences between platforms may include app layout, betting tools, supported sports, and available payment methods.
Some sportsbooks also offer different PA sportsbook bonuses, which may factor into the decision for some users.
After choosing a sportsbook, register for an account by providing basic personal information such as name, date of birth, and contact details. Users must also create login credentials and agree to the sportsbook’s terms and conditions.
Pennsylvania sportsbooks are required to verify user identity. This may involve confirming information electronically or submitting documentation to meet regulatory and security requirements.
Once verification is complete, funds can be added using the sportsbook’s supported payment methods. Options commonly include cards, online banking, and approved digital wallets.
After funding the account, bettors can browse available sports and events, select a wager, enter a stake amount, and submit the bet through the app.
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania. The state authorized sports wagering through Act 42 of 2017, a broader gambling expansion law passed before the repeal of the federal sports betting ban (PASPA).
After PASPA was overturned in 2018, Pennsylvania moved quickly to implement regulated wagering. The first retail sportsbooks launched in November 2018, followed by the rollout of online and mobile sports betting in May 2019 through licensed operators.
Online bets can be placed as long as the bettor is physically located within Pennsylvania at the time of the wager. Residency is not required, meaning both residents and visitors can legally bet online or in person, provided they meet age and location requirements.
All sportsbooks operate under oversight from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Retail sports betting has been live in Pennsylvania since 2018. Just months after the nationwide sports betting ban was overturned, Pennsylvania was ready to go just months later. These are located at a number of casinos and race tracks across the state, with these being some of the best options.
FanDuel has a number of retail sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, dotted across the state. The Live! Casino location in Philadelphia has a huge 130,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 2,000 slot machines and 100 table games, while the Pittsburgh location is smaller with 750 slot machines and 40 table games, it still boasts a FanDuel Sportsbook.
Right near the border of New Jersey, another FanDuel sports betting site can be found. The casino has 600 slot machines and 50 table games, with FanDuel on hand to offer action to those who want to take in a game.
Caesars operates a number of casino chains and in Pennsylvania, it has Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack. It has a 100,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,700 slot machines alongside table games and poker. It also has a racetrack with 130 days of harness racing per year.
Caesars Premier Sportsbook lets bettors take in the action in a sports bar setting, with a twist. The sportsbook also has table games on hand, letting players have some fun during halftime as well.
The Rivers Casino chain has two huge locations in Pennsylvania, both of which offer loads of gaming action. The Pittsburgh location emphasizes slots, with over 2,400 unique games alongside table games and poker tables on its 120,000-square-foot gaming floor. The Philadelphia location is smaller with a 45,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,600 terminals alongside a variety of table games.
Both locations have BetRivers Sportsbook Bars. These serve food and drink and allow bettors to watch the games in a casual environment.
Basically every sport imaginable can be bet on in the state of Pennsylvania.
While some states have limitations on what sports can be wagered on, there are few that are restricted in Pennsylvania. Professional, collegiate, and amateur sports can be wagered on, though player props on collegiate sports are barred. Esports betting is not currently allowed in Pennsylvania.
Here are some of the sports that can be bet on in Pennsylvania:
Moneyline is the most straightforward type of sports betting. While there are loads of different wrinkles to betting, moneylines are just a simple wager on which side will win a contest. This terminology applies to every sport, ranging from baseball to boxing.
A spread is an expected margin of victory that is applied to the favorite team in a contest. This offers greater payouts for bets on a favorite than a moneyline, but there is a catch. If the favorite wins, but doesn’t “cover the spread” by scoring enough points the bet counts as a loss.
Games that are in action are actually still fair game for wagers thanks to live betting. Live betting sees the lines shift as the game progresses. Different operators have different levels of support for live betting, so if this sounds appealing make sure to consult our betting site reviews.
Over/unders are one of the most common bet offerings beside moneylines. This is most commonly a wager on how many points a team will score within a game. There are other variations honing in on things like the number of points scored by an individual player, or the number of points scored by a team in one half.
Totals combine the stats of both sides of a competition. As with over/unders, the most common form of this is with the total number of points scored by both teams in one game. There are other variations, but the offering will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook.
Prop bets hone in on basically everything outside of the scores in the game, offering action on whether specific events will happen within a sporting contest. Will a specific player score a goal in an NHL game? Will an MMA fight be ended in the third round? Will a player hit a triple during a baseball game? There are loads of different prop bets out there to choose from.
Parlays package together multiple parts of the game into one larger bet. Same Game Parlays are offered by many different sportsbooks, and often boil down to one team winning with an over/under on their points scored. However, some bookmakers will offer parlay builders that let you do things like pick the winner of each game on an NFL Sunday or the result of each match on a boxing card.
It’s been a few up-and-down decades for the Philadelphia Phillies. The team regularly cycles its way to the top, going from the middle of the pack right to the top.
The team has been on an upswing since 2018 when the club signed a crop of top free agents including Bryce Harper and David Robertson. That duo helped to propel the Phillies to the top, which was realized with a 2022 World Series berth.
The NFC East is perpetually competitive, and a big part of that is that the Philadelphia Eagles often being in the thick of things. The team is frequently having to work its way around the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants, who have all found their way to contention over the years.
The Eagles have enjoyed the greatest success in recent years, thanks to their Super Bowl LII victory and regular playoff appearances since. The team will look to continue being a threat at the top of the league for years to come.
The Philadelphia Flyers have a long history of being one of the NHL’s roughest, toughest teams. Though the heyday of the Broad Street Bullies is long in the past, the team has been a credible contender more often than not throughout its history.
The team had a strong run in the 2019-2020 season. Things weren’t as great in the following seasons, but the team is hoping that new head coach John Tortorella can get the team back into the playoff hunt once again.
While the NFL, MLB, and NHL all have two teams in the state of Pennsylvania, but that’s not the case with the NBA. The only NBA team in the state is the Philadelphia 76ers.
The franchise hasn’t won the NBA Finals since 1983, but tends to qualify more often than not. Philadelphia fans have also been able to get their hopes up in recent years, with the team reaching the conference semifinals in four of five seasons between 2017 and 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most storied histories in the NFL, boasting one of the greatest dynasties in American sports history and consistent relevance. Even if the team isn’t winning Super Bowls on an annual basis like it was in the 1970s, the Steelers are still much more likely to be in the playoffs than they are to watch from the sidelines.
The team continues to roll on with Mike Tomlin at the helm. The team will have to look for a way forward without longtime starting QB Ben Roethlisberger, though.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a strong history, but the team hasn’t been especially fearsome in a long while. The team was strong from 2013 to 2015 but outside that stretch, it’s been consistently under .500. The scouting system has been able to produce some top stars such as Jason Bay and Andrew McCutchen, but the team deals them away for cash and prospects too frequently to be a regular contender.
The Pittsburgh Penguins franchise has long been defined by its biggest individual star, whether that was Mario Lemiuex, Jaromir Jagr or, today, Sidney Crosby. That hasn’t consistently led to victory for the franchise, though.
The Penguins have bounced in and out of contention over the years, getting white hot at times and sliding into the middle of the pack at other times. The good thing for Pittsburgh fans is that this still sets the team’s floor at qualifying for the playoffs, as seen with the Penguins making the post-season from 2007 to 2022.
The Villanova Wildcats team isn’t the most storied when it comes to collegiate athletics. The school’s men’s basketball team tends to make up for it, though. Since its Sweet Sixteen run in 2005, the team has been able to be a regular force in the NCAA Tournament, a stretch that included a national championship in 2018, an appearance in the Final Four in 2022, and other deep runs into the tournament.
Beyond that, Villanova has a storied rivalry with the University of Pennsylvania. Though its women’s basketball team hasn’t been a perennial contender the way the men’s team has, it has been making NCAA Tournament appearances in recent seasons.
Pennsylvania State University is a highly decorated school when it comes to NCAA competition. The school has an utterly dominant wrestling program led by 2004 gold medalist Cael Sanderson, with the team winning nine national championships between 2011 and 2022.
For betting purposes, Penn State’s football team is the most notable. The squad has been a steady presence at the top of the Big Ten conference for decades but officially speaking, a significant chunk of that history was washed away due to a sexual abuse investigation into the team in 2008. The school looked to fully move past that by installing James Franklin as head coach, with the team going up and down throughout his tenure.
The University of Pittsburgh has 19 varsity teams across both men’s and womens’ sports. As with Penn State, the school has a formidable wrestling program with a football team that will be of greater interest to bettors. The team isn’t a weak one though, taking a 2021 conference championship in the ACC.
Pennsylvania has a slew of NCAA Division I schools beyond just Villanova, Penn State, and the University of Pittsburgh. The full list of division I schools in Pennsylvania includes:
Pennsylvania sportsbooks are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and are required to offer responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. These features are designed to help players manage their activity and reduce the risk of problem gambling.
Anyone who needs support can access confidential help through the following resources:
If gambling stops being enjoyable or begins to cause financial or personal stress, support is available.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Pennsylvania?
Bettors must be 21 years or older to place sports bets online or in person.
Do you have to live in Pennsylvania to use a sportsbook app?
No. Residency is not required, but users must be physically located inside Pennsylvania when placing a wager. Sportsbook apps use geolocation technology to verify this.
Can bets be placed on college sports in Pennsylvania?
Bettors can wager on college games in Pennsylvania, including matchups involving in-state teams. The key restriction is that player prop bets for college athletes are not permitted.
Can bets be placed on high school sports in Pennsylvania?
No. Betting on high school sports is not permitted in Pennsylvania under state regulations.
Do Pennsylvania sportsbooks require identity verification?
Yes. Sportsbooks must verify identity during registration or withdrawals to comply with state regulations and anti-fraud requirements. Do Pennsylvania sportsbooks require identity verification?
Written by Mike McDermott, Online Gambling Expert & Industry Analyst
Mike McDermott has been part of the online gambling world since the early days back when dial-up connections were still a thing and online poker rooms were just starting to take off. With over 20 years in the industry, he's seen trends come and go, watched regulations tighten, and helped shape the strategies behind some of the most recognizable names in iGaming. Mike doesn’t just write about online casinos and sportsbooks he’s worked inside them. From advising on risk management and user experience to testing games for fairness and compliance, his experience runs deep. He’s consulted for operators, contributed to gambling safety initiatives, and still plays regularly to stay sharp. His goal? Simple. To help players make smarter choices, avoid shady sites, and understand the real odds behind the games. You’ll find his work quoted in major gambling publications and trusted by thousands of readers looking for real, unfiltered insights - not marketing fluff.