Is sports betting legal in pennsylvania?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania and it’s a thriving market. House Bill 271 got things started in 2017 and things became official the following year after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed. Land-based sports betting launched in November of 2018 and online sports betting followed in May of 2019. Unlike some other states, there are no restrictions on college sports wagers, but the state currently doesn’t allow NFL Draft bets. If you live close to West Virginia or New Jersey, it’s worth noting that those states do offer NFL Draft betting.
Pennsylvania quick facts
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Launch Date: May 2019 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: Yes
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: Yes
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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ImageRegulatory Body: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
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ImageLegal online sportsbooks: 11
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment Betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports Betting: No
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ImageNFL Draft: No
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ImageRemote Registration: Yes
Timeline of betting legislation & Latest news
Pennsylvania was one of the few states to start working on the legalization process prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling which repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). With House Bill 271 already being signed and the PASPA hurdle cleared, Pennsylvania officially launched sports betting on November 17, 2018 after a two-day trial period mandated by state regulators.
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Oct. 30, 2017
Governor Tom Wolf signs HB 271, legalizing retail and online sports betting, pending changes to federal law
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may 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, paving the way for legalization at the state level
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nov. 17, 2018
First retail sportsbook opens
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may 31, 2019
First legal online sportsbook launch
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march 8, 2024
Temple University (Philadelphia) announces investigation of its 100-72 men’s basketball loss to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) after suspicious betting activity. In a one hour period prior to the game, the point spread moved from UAB -2.5 to -8.
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april 22, 2024
House Bill 1159 referred to the Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee. Bill seeks to ban the use of credit card to fund online gambling accounts
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august , 2024
DraftKings announces that, starting Jan. 1, 2025, it intends to add a surcharge on winning bets in four states including Pennsylvania. The exact surcharge % isn’t yet known, but it may be around 3.2%, which is what DraftKings confirmed the Illinois surcharge will be.
How to start betting in pennsylvania
Getting started betting in Pennsylvania is simple because the state allows for remote registration, meaning bettors in the state can register and fund their account from their couch. Pennsylvania bettors can download the sports betting app of their choice on their phone, verify their identity, deposit and start betting right away. For those located near one of the 15 sportsbooks located throughout the state, betting in person is also an option.
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select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
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create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
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deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
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choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Team Advantage
Pennsylvania is home to many historic sports franchises from the Eagles flying to a Super Bowl in 2018, Mario & Sid with the Penguins, or David Eckstein and the Phillies, there are plenty of teams to wager on if you live in or are visiting the Keystone State.
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ImageNFL – Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ season runs from September through early January, but they are used to making the postseason. The Eagles play at Lincoln Financial Field and have only won one Super Bowl, but it was fairly recently in 2017. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in 2023, but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. They have made the playoffs each of the past three seasons and six of the past seven.
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ImageNFL – Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are one of the NFL’s most prestigious organizations, winning six Super Bowls, most recently in 2008 with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. Pittsburgh’s season goes from September to early January, although the Steelers are used to making the postseason most years under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers play at Acrisure Stadium.
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ImageNHL – Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins’ season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs – which has been a frequent occurrence. The Penguins made the playoffs every year from 2007-2022 and have won the Stanley Cup five times overall. The Penguins play at PPG Paints Arena.
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ImageNHL – Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers’ season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs. Philadelphia has won two Stanley Cups, but they were back in 1974 and 1975. The Flyers play at the Wells Fargo Center.
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ImageNBA – Philadelphia 76ers: Originally the Syracuse Nationals, the 76ers were established as an NBA team in 1963. Their season runs from October through April, and potentially into May and June if the team makes the postseason. The 76ers have been successful under NBA MVP Joel Embiid, but are looking for more success in the postseason. The 76ers also play at the Wells Fargo Center and their last NBA title was in 1983.
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ImageMLB – Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies’ season runs from March through September, but they are also a team used to making the postseason. They have made the postseason the past two seasons and appeared in the 2022 World Series. The franchise has won two World Series titles (1980 and 2008) and plays at Citizens Bank Park.
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ImageMLB – Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pennsylvania team with the least recent success, the Pirates’ season goes from March until September – and usually no further. The Pirates play at beautiful PNC Park and last made the postseason in 2015. They have won five World Series titles, but the last one was in 1979. The Pirates are looking to build around rookie sensation Paul Skenes.
USA Betting News
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP) is a solid resource for anyone in Pennsylvania struggling with gambling addiction. The organization has a variety of helpful resources on its website including contact information for gambling counselors, educational videos, and tools to help identify problematic gambling behavior.