Pennsylvania Betting

Online sports betting is regulated by the PGCB; bettors must be 21+ and in-state, and the market is mature and competitive. Horse-race betting is legal both retail and online via ADW regulated by the PA State Horse Racing Commission. On prediction markets the PGCB has warned licensees that offering CFTC sports-event contracts could jeopardize their licenses, but had not issued a formal cease-and-desist as of mid-2026 — contested/untested, hence grey market.

In October 2017, Pennsylvania legalized sports betting at the state level. This did not allow the product to launch at the time. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) blocked it at the federal level. Pennsylvania wanted to have a law on the books in case New Jersey was successful in its PASPA challenge. That way, the legislative process was complete, so it could go straight to the regulatory pre-launch phase.

In May 2018, New Jersey prevailed in getting PASPA ruled unconstitutional. That opened the door for Pennsylvania sports betting.

In November 2018, Hollywood Casino at Penn National accepted the first sports bet in Pennsylvania. It was the first retail sportsbook in operation in the state. Pennsylvania sports betting sites launched in May 2019. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s monthly sports wagering report breaks the statewide handle out between retail and online sportsbooks, and nearly all of the money wagered is online. Of the $39,361,628 in taxable sports wagering revenue Pennsylvania reported for August 2026, $37,586,077 was online revenue against $1,775,550 at retail.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is the state’s sports betting regulator. It also oversees online poker and casino games, as well as the retail gaming industry.

21+ and present in PA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites

There are about a dozen licensed Pennsylvania sports betting sites. Most are large online sportsbook companies with a few local brands in the mix.

The PGCB's licensed online sports wagering operators are Bet365, BetMGM, BetParx, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, PlaySugarHouse, theScore Bet, FanDuel, Fanatics and Mohegan PA.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is the regulatory body for the state’s sportsbooks. Its duties include licensing Pennsylvania sports betting sites and key employees, approving the types of bets on the board, testing mobile betting apps, auditing the finances of companies, and collecting taxes related to online sports betting. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board also intervenes in player disputes related to the grading of bets and release of payments.

Since online sportsbooks are legal in Pennsylvania, there is no reason to risk playing at offshore ones. These unlicensed sites have no protection for players. The companies are based in the Caribbean and Central America. There are no gaming commissions.

If a player has a dispute with an unlicensed offshore sportsbook, there is no mediator available. The sports betting site has the final word. There are no responsible gambling requirements or taxes paid to cover local programs for it when wagering at an offshore sportsbook. The only safe bet is one made with a licensed Pennsylvania sports betting site.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Laws

SB 271 in 2017 - enacted as Act 42 - legalized Pennsylvania sports betting sites and daily fantasy sports contests. The daily fantasy sports aspects went into effect immediately, while the sports betting laws were postponed until PASPA was overturned in 2018.

Pennsylvania sports bettors must be at least 21 years old. This applies to retail and online sportsbooks. The minimum age for daily fantasy sports contests is generally 18, rising to 21 for contests offered inside a Pennsylvania casino. Wagers must originate inside the state lines. Geolocation is used to ensure no bets are accepted from outside the state.

Most forms of sports betting are legal in Pennsylvania. College sports are on the board. This includes in-state teams like Penn State and Pitt. However, prop bets on the performance of individual college athletes are not permitted in Pennsylvania, and every event and wager type has to be approved by the PGCB before a sportsbook can offer it.

The tax rate is 36% of gross gaming revenues. This means that promotions may be deducted from the revenue number as it pertains to taxes paid. The fee for the initial license is $10 million. Renewals occur every five years. That fee is $250,000.

Each of the state’s 13 full-service casinos, their off-track betting parlors, and the mini-casinos may have a retail and mobile sports betting license. Sports leagues, teams, and their venues are not permitted to have sports betting. That movement started after Pennsylvania already legalized it.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQ

Can Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer betting on college games?

College sports betting is permitted in Pennsylvania. This includes in-state teams. Prop bets on an individual college player’s performance are not accepted in the state.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Pennsylvania?

The minimum age for sports betting in Pennsylvania is 21. This applies to retail and online wagering.

What can I do if a have a complaint about a licensed sportsbook in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates sports betting. That regulatory body handles player complaints related to bet grading and payouts. If you feel that your Pennsylvania sportsbook or daily fantasy site is not following the rules, you may file a complaint here.

How can I bet on sports in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law permits sports bets to be accepted at any licensed casino, racetrack, off-track betting parlor, online, or on mobile apps.