The Keystone State of Sports Betting: A Complete Guide to Wagering in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has emerged as a powerhouse in the US sports betting landscape. Since legalizing sports wagering, the state has become a major market, offering a wide array of options for both seasoned and novice bettors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sports betting in the Keystone State, from its legal history to the best sportsbooks available.
Current Legal Status and History
Sports betting is legal both online and in person in Pennsylvania. The journey to legalization began in 2017 when the state passed a comprehensive gambling expansion bill, HB 271. This forward-thinking legislation anticipated the eventual repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which occurred in May 2018. Following the Supreme Court's decision, Pennsylvania was well-positioned to launch its sports betting market.
Retail sportsbooks began accepting wagers in November 2018, with the first online sportsbooks launching in May 2019. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all sports betting activities in the state, ensuring a safe and fair environment for all participants. The state imposes a significant 36% tax rate on sports betting revenue, one of the highest in the nation, along with a $10 million licensing fee for operators.
Available Sportsbooks and Their Features
As of early 2026, Pennsylvania boasts a competitive market with 11 online sportsbooks. This provides bettors with a variety of choices, each with its own unique features and promotions. Here are some of the top sportsbooks operating in the state:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: A dominant force in the market, DraftKings offers a user-friendly interface, a vast selection of betting markets, and innovative features like "Flash Bet" for live betting.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Another industry giant, FanDuel is known for its sleek mobile app, same-game parlays, and generous promotional offers.
- BetMGM Sportsbook: Backed by the renowned MGM brand, BetMGM provides a sophisticated betting experience with a wide range of sports, competitive odds, and a loyalty program.
- Caesars Sportsbook: A household name in the gambling world, Caesars offers a robust platform with a focus on traditional sports, along with a rewarding loyalty program.
- bet365 Sportsbook: A global leader in sports betting, bet365 brings its extensive experience to the PA market, offering a massive selection of international sports and live streaming options.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: A product of Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers is a popular choice with a strong local presence, offering a user-friendly platform and a generous welcome bonus.
- Fanatics Sportsbook: A newer entrant to the market, Fanatics is leveraging its massive customer base to make a splash in the sports betting world, offering a unique and engaging experience.
- ESPN Bet: A partnership between ESPN and Penn National Gaming, ESPN Bet has quickly become a major player, offering a seamless integration with the ESPN media ecosystem.
Other available sportsbooks include Betfred Sportsbook, betPARX Sportsbook, and PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook.
Types of Bets Available
Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting options to cater to all types of bettors. Here are some of the most common types of bets you'll find:
- Moneyline: The simplest form of betting, where you pick the winner of a game or match.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by a certain number of points, while the underdog can win outright or lose by less than the spread.
- Over/Under (Totals): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams combined.
- Parlays: A single bet that combines multiple individual bets. All bets in the parlay must win for the parlay to be successful, but the potential payout is much higher.
- Prop Bets (Propositions): Bets on specific events within a game that don't necessarily affect the final outcome, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
- Futures: A long-term bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Live Betting (In-Game Betting): Bets placed after a game has already started, with odds that change in real-time based on the action.
Tax Implications for Winnings
In Pennsylvania, gambling winnings are considered taxable income. This includes winnings from sports betting. You are required to report all gambling winnings on your federal and state tax returns. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is a flat 24%. For state taxes, Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%.
If you win a significant amount, the sportsbook may be required to issue you a Form W-2G. However, even if you don't receive a W-2G, you are still legally obligated to report your winnings. It's also important to note that you can deduct your gambling losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
Pennsylvania offers both mobile and retail sports betting options. While retail sportsbooks provide a social and immersive experience, mobile betting has become the preferred choice for the majority of bettors in the state. The convenience of being able to place a bet from anywhere within the state at any time is a major advantage.
Mobile betting apps are available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. These apps are designed to be user-friendly and offer all the same features as the desktop versions of the sportsbooks. You can create an account, deposit funds, place bets, and withdraw your winnings all from the palm of your hand.
Tips for Bettors in This State
- Take Advantage of Promotions: With so many sportsbooks competing for your business, there are plenty of generous promotions and bonuses available. Be sure to shop around and take advantage of these offers to maximize your winnings.
- Do Your Research: Don't just bet on your favorite team. Do your research and analyze the matchups before placing your bets. Look at stats, trends, and injuries to make informed decisions.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your sports betting activities and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Understand the Odds: Take the time to understand how sports betting odds work. This will help you identify value and make smarter bets.
- Bet Responsibly: Sports betting should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If you feel like you're developing a gambling problem, seek help immediately.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Pennsylvania is committed to promoting responsible gaming and provides a number of resources for those who may be struggling with a gambling problem. These resources include:
- The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania: A non-profit organization that provides information, support, and treatment for problem gamblers and their families.
- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's Self-Exclusion Program: A program that allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all gambling activities in the state.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
By taking advantage of these resources and practicing responsible gaming habits, you can ensure that your sports betting experience in Pennsylvania remains a safe and enjoyable one.