Best Pennsylvania Sportsbooks: PA Sports Betting Apps (July 2024)

Online sports betting launched in Pennsylvania in May 2019, with the Keystone State now having 12 online sportsbooks. Absolutely everything that you need to know about Pennsylvania sports betting is covered on this page, including the best sign-up promos that you can claim today.

🥇 Our best Pennsylvania sportsbook in July 2024 is FanDuel 🥇

How We Rated the Top Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, our process for rating the best sportsbooks in Pennsylvania is simply through personal experience. We believe that the only way to truly understand a platform is to thoroughly explore and test it ourselves. Therefore, before writing our reviews, we spend hours trying out the features of each site to gain first-hand experience. 

In fact, we specifically ask our experts to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours to each of the six main areas that are listed below:

1. User Experience - Firstly, we dedicate time to understanding the unique feeling of using each sportsbook. This involves testing out the website or the app’s ease of navigation and layout and looking at how responsive and intuitive the design is. We also value the visual appeal and overall aesthetics, which contribute to the overall user enjoyment. 

2. Features - We thoroughly explore the range and depth of betting markets, odds quality, and live betting options. We like to see unique features that set them apart from other platforms. 

3. Promotions - We take a hands-on approach and try out the bonuses on offer for ourselves to see how valuable and fair they are. Whether welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, or loyalty schemes, we opt in and wager while ensuring to pay attention to the T&Cs.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals - We spend time testing the deposit and withdrawal processes of each site, looking at their speed, limits, and overall efficiency. We particularly like platforms that have a wide range of payment methods, such as traditional banking methods, e-wallets, payment systems, or cryptocurrencies. 

5. Customer Support - We are acutely aware that customer service is essential to a positive player experience. Therefore, we personally use each available customer support option and evaluate their efficiency and helpfulness, whether through emailing, calling, or messaging through live chat. 

6. Responsible Gaming - We strongly believe that it is critical for sportsbooks to go the extra mile and provide tools and resources to promote responsible gaming, like educational links or contact information for external support. We ideally want sportsbooks to include features such as deposit/spending limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion for responsible practices. 

However, our process does not end after each review. We have a dedicated team of post-publication editors who frequently update any information, ensuring that it is reflective of any changes to the platform. Each month, a total of five hours is assigned to this. 

Why You Should Trust Us

We are trustworthy because, ultimately, our objective is to be a reliable and insightful source of information for you. With years of experience, we have witnessed the development of the industry and have expert knowledge of what constitutes a great sportsbook platform.

Moreover, we are dedicated to hands-on testing since we believe that the most accurate information comes from practical experience. We actively explore each site before writing about them and then ensure that our reviews are regularly updated. 

Ultimately, we want to help you make informed decisions when navigating the world of sports betting. 

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App

In terms of total revenue, FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the US. If you are looking for the ultimate all-round betting experience, look no further.

Starting with the mobile app - it's simply the best in the industry, with a sleek and responsive design that is perfect for on-the-go betting. With fantastic ratings of 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store, it is clearly a well-liked platform.

New players are welcomed to FanDuel with $200 in bonus bets after betting $5 and if their qualifying bet wins. Besides the welcome bonus, promotions are frequently changed, ensuring that there can always be bonus options for your favorite sports. 

While other sportsbooks can, at times, seem overwhelming and crowded, FanDuel does not have this issue. The interface of its site is functionally designed and intuitive, making your betting experience a breeze. Here, you can find a plethora of sports, events, and markets to make bets on. The customer service is also stellar with 24/7 customer support - the lack of phone support is the only slight black mark. 

Check out our complete review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer:  Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus 

2. BetMGM Sportsbook

Best for: Reward program

BetMGM is a fantastic platform available in Pennsylvania and, in fact, is an industry-leading name around the world. If you are a frequent bettor and want to make the most of a rewarding loyalty program, then BetMGM is the best site for you. 

The BetMGM platform itself has the look and sophistication of a classic sportsbook. It has a sleek and user-friendly interface that allows you to easily explore the wide range of betting markets and features. If you run into any issues, there are several customer support options that can be used.

BetMGM extends a warm welcome to players with an excellent PA welcome bonus. After registering, you'll get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet results in a loss.

When making your first deposit, you have a great range of 11 payment methods to choose from.

The biggest highlight of BetMGM is its loyalty scheme, where you collect points with every bet that is made. These points can be traded in for amazing prizes such as discounts at BetMGM resorts, entertainment and dining gift cards, spa experiences, and more.

Explore our comprehensive review of BetMGM Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets! with the promo code WSNMGM.

BetMGM Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.4/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.2/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Claim Your BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus 

3. BetRivers Sportsbook

Best for: On-running promos

BetRivers offers a user-friendly and simple platform that does not break any boundaries but is ideal for beginners. If you are looking to start your betting journey, then this is a great choice for you. 

While it is not as popular as some of the other names on this list in terms of market share, it is an underrated and solid platform.

After registering, you are eligible for a 2nd Chance Bet bonus of up to $500. A praiseworthy attribute of BetRivers is the site’s on-running promos. There is an array of offers that are waiting to be used, which are regularly updated weekly and monthly. You can find bonuses for all major sports, and a great variety of offers too. 

The bonuses do not stop there as players can make the most of BetRiver’s reward program, called ‘iRush Rewards’. As part of this program, you can earn prizes as you bet, such as bonus money or free bets. The best benefits arrive when you advance to the VIP level and you have the chance to receive rewards such as VIP manager and luxury gifts. On a minor note, there are a few issues with the app, but it's still generally a solid platform. 

You can find out more in our full BetRivers review.

💰Sign-up offer: $100 Bonus Bet.

BetRivers Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.1/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.4/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 3.3/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.7/5

Claim Your BetRivers Sportsbook Bonus 

4. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform

DraftKings is another major leader in the US betting industry. It is not difficult to see why when using this top-notch site. If you are in search of a site that excels in different features, promotions, and user satisfaction, then DraftKings is the perfect option for you. 

Beyond the sportsbook, DraftKing boasts a range of other features, such as an online casino, poker room, daily fantasy sports, and pool services, making it the best all-around platform. 

Turning to the welcome bonus, DraftKings current welcome offer is Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the DraftKings Pennsylvania Promo offers. The site also has a fantastic loyalty scheme called ‘DraftKings Dynasty’. The scheme is a nice incentive for players to engage with the site, with perks such as special events, exclusive promotions, and even a dedicated VIP host up for grabs. 

With an impressive amount of 13 payment methods, DraftKings ensures that you can easily make deposits and withdrawals. What’s more, the minimum deposit is the lowest in the industry at only $5. Overall, it is difficult to find any complaints with DraftKings.

Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.8/5

⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5

⭐ Google Play Store: 4.6/5

⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Pennsylvania 

The full list of all 12 legal online sportsbooks that are available in Pennsylvania: 

1. Betfred

2. BetMGM

3. betPARX

4. BetRivers

5. Borgata 

6. Caesars

7. DraftKings

8. ESPN Bet

9. FanDuel

10. Fanatics

11. BetRivers

Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Sites

Pennsylvania Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania as of Oct. 30, 2017, when HB 271 was signed into law. In fact, it was one of the first states to pass a sports betting bill, and it did so before the US Supreme Court’s decision to lift the federal ban on sports betting in 2018. After the ruling, in November 2018, the first retail sportsbook was launched. In May 2019, the first online sportsbook went live in the state. Currently, there are 13 online sportsbooks operating in Pennsylvania, all of which have been listed earlier on this page. 

How to Get Started

Registering and making your first bet at a Pennsylvania sportsbook is a straightforward process. We have outlined this in a step-by-step guide, which is especially useful if you are just beginning your sports betting journey.

1. Choose a legitimate sportsbook, like the platforms that we have recommended. It is vital to choose a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated in Pennsylvania. This is a guarantee of your safety as a player. Be aware that there are several unlicensed sites out there that should definitely be avoided.

2. Register your account. After choosing your platform, you can sign up and create an account. You will have to provide information, such as your name, email address, and address. Pennsylvania players are required to use two-factor authentication, which means you must verify your account using your phone number every time you log in.

3. Verify your identity. For some platforms, it is necessary to verify your identity by submitting a photo of your ID or other relevant documents.

4. Claim your welcome bonus. New players should make the most of the welcome bonus offers in PA, which can save you a lot of money upfront. You normally either have to opt in or use a promo code, and always remember to read the T&Cs and take note of any criteria. You can find all the details in our specific reviews.

5. Deposit money. You will need to deposit funds in order to claim your welcome bonus unless it is a no-deposit offer. There is usually a variety of payment methods to pick from.

6. Make your first bet. First, you can explore the available sports and betting markets on the platform. Next, choose your preferred type of bet and amount. You can then add it to your betslip to confirm it. 

Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos

We have outlined the best welcome bonuses in Pennsylvania for you to clearly compare them and see what suits you best.

Be aware that sportsbooks often change their promotions, and if you can't find anything you like right now, it won't be like that for long. Make sure to check for promos during Black Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays and events when sportsbooks offer incredible promos to new and existing players.

PA Sportsbooks provide a range of various promotions and offers as welcome bonuses, which act as rewarding introductions to their platforms. We have summarized the most common types below.

Bonus Bet

When signing up, a Bonus Bet promotion can be received after making a deposit and qualifying wager. Think of it as a betting voucher or credit. After you win a Bonus Bet, you only collect the winnings rather than the stake and winnings like a regular bet. DraftKings, for instance, currently has a welcome bonus where wagering $5 will score you $1,500 in Bonus Bets. 

Second Chance Bets

A Second Chance Bet gives players a safety net of sorts. Here’s how it works: if you lose your initial wager, the sportsbook will refund you up to a specified amount. This reimbursement will be in the form of site credits or bonus bets. At the moment, Casears has a $1,000 Second Chance Bet for its welcome bonus.

Deposit Match Bonuses

With this bonus, the sportsbooks will match a percentage of the deposited amount with bonus funds or site credit. This means the value of your bonus amount will increase the more that you deposit up to a certain limit. Currently, BetRivers has the option of a 100% match up to $250, which can be claimed after signing up, as an alternative to their $500 Second Chance Bet welcome offer. 

No Deposit Bonuses 

Unlike other bonuses, this offer does not require any deposit on your part. You can claim this offer for free without using any funds. It is most often a smaller amount, around $10 or $20, as a Bonus Bet or site credit. 

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Pennsylvania?

We massively value the ease of accessing platforms while on the go, and all the top sportsbooks in Pennsylvania have mobile apps that greatly improve the overall user experience. 

Take a look at the best mobile sports betting apps that are available in Pennsylvania below. 

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM - App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

4. BetRivers - 4.4/5 (iOS); 3.4/5 (Android)

5. ESPN Bet - 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers an extensive variety of betting markets. You can find a whole host of betting types. Whether popular or niche sports, there is something for everyone. This can be a tad confusing for a beginner, so we have broken down the most popular kinds of bets below.

Moneyline 

A popular bet is made on which side will win their game or event. It's as simple as that. The payouts are determined by the odds, which are assigned to each side depending on their perceived advantage. Let’s look at an example:

• Pittsburgh Steelers (+150)

• Cleveland Browns (-180)

A $100 bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers would make a profit of $150, with a total payout of $250 if they win. The Cleveland Browns are the favorite, represented by the negative amount. Therefore, a bet of $180 would be required to win $100, which results in a $280 pay out. 

Point Spreads

This bet allows you to bet on a spread of points that is laid out by the sportsbook. Basically, you are betting on the margin of victory rather than who wins or loses. Looking at the same teams as before:

• Pittsburgh Steelers +3.5 (-110)

• Cleveland Browns -3.5 (-110)

If you bet on the Browns, they would need to win the game by 4 points or more. Whereas if you bet on the Steelers, they would need to win the game or avoid losing by 4 points. The odds usually start at around -110 for each side. 

Totals

A total bet is a wager on the total amount of points scored in a game. It is often called an over/under bet, as you wager on whether the score will be over or under the amount that is set by the sportsbook. It can look like this:

• Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

• Over 38 (-110)

• Under 38 (-110)

Futures

A future bet is when you predict the outcome of an event or championship that will happen in the future, rather than one game. For example, if you think that the Pittsburgh Steelers will win the Super Bowl, then you can make a future bet before the season starts.

Prop Bets

Prop bets focus on individual events, actions, or player performances that are not concerned with the overall outcome of the game. These bets cover a range of situations, such as which team will score first or the amount of points that a certain player will score, as well as stats like running yards, layups, and tackles. 

Parlays

A parlay allows you to combine different bets into a single ticket for a higher payout. All the bets must be correct to win the parlay. While there is greater risk with a parlay bet, there are also better odds. A teaser is a sort of modified parlay, which allows the bettor to adjust the point spread or totals in their favor but at reduced odds. 

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to wager in the heat of the action, as games or events are in progress. You can adjust your bets based on real-time changes, with the odds changing second by second. You can find dedicated live sections on all Pennsylvania sportsbooks. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania sports betting is subject to the following restrictions:

• You cannot bet on high school sports in Pennsylvania.

• Betting on eSports is also banned in the state.

• It is not allowed to bet on any political events, as is standard across the US.

• Wagers cannot be placed on any non-sport entertainment events, such as the Oscars.

Betting on College Sports in Pennsylvania

Yes, college sports betting is legalized in Pennsylvania. The state has several institutions which boast strong athletic programs. Here is a full list of NCAA Division 1 collegiate programs: 

• Bucknell Bison

• Drexel Dragons

• Duquesne Dukes

• La Salle Explorers

• Lafayette Leopards

• Lehigh Mountain Hawks

• Penn Quakers

• Penn State Nittany Lions

• Pittsburgh Panthers

• Robert Morris Colonials 

• Saint Francis Red Flash

• Saint Joseph’s Hawks

• Temple Owls

• Villanova Wildcats

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Facts

How Does Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Pennsylvania is consistently among the top handful of US sports betting states in terms of total handle and total tax revenue. In 2022, the Keystone State was 5th in total handle with a huge amount of $7.3 billion. It fell just behind New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Nevada in that order. Considering that Pennsylvania is also the 5th largest state in terms of population, it makes sense that it generates a substantial amount of sports betting activity. 

With a 36% tax rate for sportsbook revenue, Pennsylvania has one of the highest in the US. However, it is not quite as high as New York’s online tax rate of 51%. Additionally, operators are subject to paying a $10 million licensing fee to enter the Pennsylvania market. The state has the highest licensing fee in the US, which is partly why there are fewer sportsbooks in PA than in some states, like Colorado, which has 19. 

Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has no restrictions on college sports or DFS. It has not legalized esports betting, but a bill has been recently introduced to attempt to change this.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Updates

Pennsylvania legalized betting before the federal ban was overturned, ensuring that the state could quickly establish a place in the market. This move allowed sportsbooks to launch swiftly after the Supreme Court ruling in May 2018. 

Since then, Pennsylvania has grown to be a leading sports betting state, with $7 billion wagered in 2022 alone. Below, we have summarized the timeline of events that have occurred in the Pennsylvania sports betting landscape:

• July 4, 2024 - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issued a $100,000 fine to Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia after employees accepted $287,421 in sports bets over the phone. Proxy bets are prohibited in Pennsylvania.

• June 21, 2024 - Unibet officially leaves Pennsylvania, as the operator has exited the North American sports betting landscape.

• May 22, 2024 - PA sports betting handle fell to $646 million in April, down 19.3% from March but up 12.9% from April 2023.

• April 24, 2024 - A new Senate bill, SB 1159, is filed in Pennsylvania to ban the use of credit cards to fund online gambling accounts.

• April 24, 2024 - Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Isaiah Rodgers is not among a list of players reinstated by the NFL after violating the league’s policy on gambling last year. Rodgers reportedly bet on his own team, the Indianapolis Colts, at the time.

• April 9, 2024 - Unibet will reportedly exit PA on June 21, according to parent company Kindred Group. Unibet is currently operating a sportsbook and casino in the state.

• April 5, 2024 - Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a ban on skill games into law. Convenience stores and gas stations will no longer be allowed to offer skill game machines.

• April 3, 2024 - In an interview with PlayPennsylvania, gambling expert Frank Gamrat said Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has reached its saturation point.

• March 21, 2024 - According to WTAJ, DraftKings and Betway are facing $10,000 fines each for taking unapproved college prop bets (Betway) and for making the banned fantasy contest “Reignmakers” available in the Commonwealth (DraftKings).

• March 20, 2024 - Regulators announced that $661.7 million was bet on PA sportsbooks in February, a 10.4% increase over the same year in 2023.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in the state of Pennsylvania. DraftKings and FanDuel are licensed and provide DFS platforms. Players must be the minimum age of 18. 

Sports Teams in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a thriving and successful sports culture, with professional teams in each of the major leagues. The Philadelphia 76ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Penguins are particularly iconic teams with passionate fan bases for their achievements.  

• Philadelphia 76ers - A celebrated NBA team who won the Championships in 1955, 1967, and 1983. Legendary players include Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley and Wilt Chamberlain.

• Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers are one of the most accomplished and legendary NFL teams, with an impressive six Super Bowl wins. Notable Steelers include Jon Greene, Franco Harris, and Terry Bradshaw.

• Philadelphia Eagles - Another NFL team that has a long history but with only one Super Bowl win from 2017. 

• Philadelphia Phillies - One of the oldest MLB teams founded in 1883, they won the World Series in 1980 and 2008. 

• Pittsburgh Penguins - The Penguins are among the most successful of the NHL teams, winning the Stanley Cup 5 times.

• Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers have had slightly less success in the NHL with two Stanley Cup wins under their belt.

• Philadelphia Union - They are the only MLS team from Philadelphia. They have not won any major competitions. 

Pennsylvania Sportsbook Partnerships

Pennsylvania boasts several successful major league teams and many of them have partnered up with sports betting companies since the launch of legal sports betting. 

• As of October 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers have extended their partnership with BetMGM ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. 

• The Pittsburgh Steelers and Unibet agreed to an official partnership in August 2021.

• In September 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles confirmed Unibet to be their official partner as part of a three-year renewal. 

• The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially teamed up with BetRivers and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. 

• Betway became the official partner of the Philadelphia Flyers as of November 2021. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board supervises and regulates all sportsbook activity in the state, ensuring that they are abiding by the correct practices. The PGCB is dedicated to upholding responsible gambling practices for bettors and they provide several resources for those looking for help or information. 

On the PGCB site, they provide the option to call +1-800-426-2537, use their online chat, or text +1-800-522-4700. You can also find a selection of responsible gambling articles and a comprehensive list of resources. This includes Gamblers Anonymous of PA, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and other hotlines. 

Many Pennsylvania sportsbooks have certain tools to help control your betting:

1. Deposit/wager limits allow users to set predetermined limits on how much money they are planning to bet with.

2. Time-based controls allow session durations so that you can manage how much time you spend on a platform.

3. Self-exclusion tools, which exclude players from betting for a set period or forever.