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Pennsylvania Sports Betting Guide 2025

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to move on legal sports betting and now supports a busy market with both online and retail options. This guide covers which Pennsylvania sportsbooks are legal, key rules for college betting and taxes, and how to get started safely with Keystone State operators.

  • Legal since: 2018 (retail and online rollout)
  • Regulator: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
  • Minimum age: 21 plus
View best Pennsylvania sportsbooks

Must be 21+ and physically located in Pennsylvania to bet with a licensed sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Best legal Pennsylvania online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania bettors have access to a strong mix of national brands and local casino partners. The lineup changes over time, but major apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook are typically available through partnerships with Pennsylvania casinos.

Having accounts at more than one sportsbook helps you shop for better lines, promos, and user experience.

Up to $1,300 New User Bonus Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets.
4.9 / 5
★★★★☆
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Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers Integrated Caesars Rewards for hotel and dining value. Rewards program, promos tied to local teams and events.
4.8 / 5
★★★★☆
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Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface.
4.8 / 5
★★★★☆
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Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers.
4.7 / 5
★★★★☆
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Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose Deep international markets and sharp pricing on soccer and niche sports. Great for In play betting, soccer and tennis, alternate lines.
4.5 / 5
★★★★☆
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Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features.
4.5 / 5
★★★★☆
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Tip: Because Pennsylvania taxes operators at a higher rate than many states, promotions and odds can vary noticeably between books. Line shopping is especially valuable here.

Key Pennsylvania sports betting rules

Pennsylvania allows a wide range of sports and bet types, but there are clear rules on who can bet and which markets are off limits.

Who can bet in Pennsylvania?

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • You must be physically inside Pennsylvania when placing a bet.
  • You must pass identity and age verification during account creation.
  • You cannot bet if you are on a self exclusion or banned list.

What you can bet on

  • Professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more.
  • Most college sports, including Pennsylvania programs, with prop restrictions.
  • International leagues, golf, tennis, motorsports, and approved specials.
  • Standard markets: spreads, totals, moneylines, futures, parlays, and many team props.

College sports betting in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is more permissive than some states when it comes to college betting, but it draws a clear line at props involving individual college athletes.

Allowed on college sports

  • Moneylines, spreads, and totals on college games nationwide.
  • Team based futures such as conference winners and national champions.
  • Many team props, depending on the sportsbook’s internal policies.

Not allowed on college sports

  • Player props involving individual college athletes.
  • Unapproved novelty props or exotic markets that regulators or sportsbooks restrict.
  • Any other college markets a specific operator chooses to remove for integrity reasons.
Reminder: The live betting menu in your Pennsylvania sportsbook app is always the final word on what is available. If a certain prop or market is missing, it is likely restricted by regulation or operator policy.

Pennsylvania sports betting taxes

Taxes in Pennsylvania hit both operators and bettors. Operators pay a high tax rate on sports betting revenue, and individuals may owe tax on net winnings.

Taxes on Pennsylvania sportsbooks

  • Operators pay one of the highest sports betting tax rates in the U.S.
  • Those taxes are paid on adjusted gross revenue, not on each customer’s bet.
  • The tax burden can influence how aggressive books are with odds and promotions.

Taxes on Pennsylvania bettors

  • Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level.
  • Pennsylvania treats gambling winnings as taxable income for state tax purposes.
  • Sportsbooks may withhold and issue tax forms for large wins, but you are responsible for reporting your net winnings.

This is general educational information, not individualized tax advice. Talk to a tax professional if you bet significant amounts or have questions about reporting gambling winnings in Pennsylvania.

Retail sportsbooks and casinos in Pennsylvania

In addition to online apps, Pennsylvania casinos and certain off track locations host full scale retail sportsbooks. These venues typically feature betting windows, kiosks, and large screens for watching games.

What to expect at a Pennsylvania retail sportsbook

  • Live tellers and self service kiosks for placing bets.
  • Multiple TVs and large video walls carrying different games.
  • Food and beverage options, sometimes integrated with bars or lounges.
  • Ability to cash paper tickets in person and speak with staff if you need help.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board keeps an updated list of licensed retail locations and their sportsbook partners.

How to start betting in Pennsylvania

You can complete the entire process from your phone or computer in a few minutes.

  1. Choose one or more licensed Pennsylvania sportsbook apps you want to try.
  2. Download the app or visit the website and select Pennsylvania as your state.
  3. Sign up with your personal details and complete any identity checks.
  4. Turn on location services so the app can confirm you are inside Pennsylvania.
  5. Fund your account using online banking, cards, e-wallets, or other approved methods.
  6. Review welcome offer terms before placing your first qualifying bet.
  7. Place your first wager and track outcomes from your bet slip.

Smart tips for Pennsylvania sports bettors

Pennsylvania’s mature market is great for serious bettors, but it is still easy to overextend. A few core habits help you stay in control.

Do this

  • Set a monthly betting budget and stick to it.
  • Use more than one sportsbook to compare odds and promos.
  • Focus on the sports and leagues you know best.
  • Track your bets over time to understand your performance.
  • Use deposit limits and time out tools if you feel pressure to chase.

Avoid this

  • Chasing losses with bigger bets or speculative parlays.
  • Using unlicensed offshore books that are not overseen by the PGCB.
  • Betting with money needed for bills, savings, or essentials.
  • Letting betting impact work, school, or relationships.

Pennsylvania sports betting FAQ

Is online sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania launched legal online sports betting in 2019. Adults 21 and older can place bets through licensed apps and websites as long as they are physically inside the state.

Can I bet on Pennsylvania college teams?

Yes. Pennsylvania allows betting on in-state college teams, but it does not allow player props involving individual college athletes. You can still bet on spreads, totals, and moneylines for most games.

Are college player props legal in Pennsylvania?

No. Current rules prohibit player props on college athletes, so sportsbooks do not offer those markets even on out-of-state college games.

Do I have to pay tax on sports betting winnings in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Sports betting winnings count as taxable income for both federal and Pennsylvania state taxes. Keep accurate records and speak with a tax professional if you bet or win significant amounts.

Is it safe to use offshore sportsbooks in Pennsylvania?

Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed or regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which means you do not get the same consumer protections. For safety and recourse if something goes wrong, stick to legal, regulated Pennsylvania sportsbooks.