Pennsylvania Sports Betting Promotions
Till 2017, sports betting was illegal in Pennsylvania; There were two pivotal events that led to the legalization and implementation of sports betting in Pennsylvania. Firstly, in October 2017, state legislators approved sports betting as part of a broader gambling expansion initiative. Then, in May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a legislation that had confined sports betting predominantly to Nevada for more than 25 years. These two incidents have led to today, where Pennsylvania embraces legal sports betting, offering enthusiasts both online platforms and in-person venues within the state. The online sports betting arena officially unfolded in 2019, and currently, the landscape is dotted with a dozen PA sports betting apps.
In November 2018, retail sports betting made its debut, which paved the way for online and mobile options that emerged in May 2019. Another crucial player in this transformative journey was a comprehensive gambling expansion bill signed by the state Governor in 2017.
What’s Happening In PA Sports Betting Now
December 20, 2023: The PA sports betting handle reached a new milestone, surging to $934.1 million in November; this marks an increase of 12.6% from the previous October record.
December 18, 2023: Fanatics/ PointsBet is reportedly preparing up to launch its online sports betting and casino app in Pennsylvania, with plans for a debut in early 2024.
December 13, 2023: Pennsylvania has taken the crown for the fastest-growing online casino market in the United States, exhibiting a remarkable 28% year-over-year increase in revenue.
December 7, 2023: Betway has announced a temporary shutdown in Pennsylvania of its sports betting and casino operations as part of a move to a new platform. The company, however, has not disclosed the specific time or duration of the shutdown.
December 6, 2023: According to the American Gaming Association, both Parx Casino in Bensalem and Wind Creek Casino have secured positions in the nationwide top ten in revenue among casinos outside of Nevada in the third quarter.
What Books Are Legal In PA?
There are currently 12 legal PA books in Pennsylvania.
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- ESPN BET
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- SugarHouse
- BetMGM
- Betfred
- PointsBet
- Betway
- Unibet
- betPARX
Top PA sports betting sites
FanDuel PA
FanDuel stands out as a premier choice, featuring numerous bet types and promotions and exclusive live-streaming partnerships. With a dominant market share in Pennsylvania, FanDuel excels in betting features.
The platform updates its bettors to their track prop bets in real-time, including touchdowns, updates on yardage, and other prop wagers. Notably, FanDuel stands out for offering some of the best odds boosts and specials, particularly for NFL and NBA events.
DraftKings PA
DraftKings is recognized as one of the top sportsbooks in Pennsylvania and provides an extensive selection of sports betting markets. The platform distinguishes itself through attractive bonuses and promotions, diverse fantasy sports options, and a streamlined payout system known for its efficiency.
Caesars Sportsbook PA
Caesars is already impressive as it is the official sports betting partner of the 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles. Caesars has recently undergone a strategic overhaul of its online offerings in the state. Caesars Sports Betting aims to provide an elevated experience with its recent updates and partnerships in Pennsylvania.
Caesars is now live in Pennsylvania with its upgraded and rebranded betting app. The app boasts a bright and easy-to-navigate interface, which is particularly strong in NFL betting.
BetRivers PA
BetRivers, while not a widely recognized brand, offers a sports betting experience that warrants exploration by Pennsylvanians. BetRivers prioritizes customer engagement by providing one of the top rewards programs, iRush Rewards, tailored for sports bettors.
In Pennsylvania, the BetRivers brand has established itself as a significant player, meeting high expectations with its racebook offerings BetRivers is a standout choice for hockey enthusiasts in Pennsylvania because of its partnerships with the Penguins and Flyers.
BetMGM PA
BetMGM, one of the most recognizable brands in sports betting, has harnessed its strong reputation to establish a book in Pennsylvania. BetMGM provides a variety of deposit methods and showcases an impressive platform for both mobile and online sports betting. The platform has undergone significant upgrades to improve the UI and UX, ensuring ease of navigation, streamlined parlay building, and easy access to promotions.
Betfred
Betfred, a well-established European sportsbook, has extended its services to the United States. Currently, Betfred operates in three states: Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Iowa. In an intriguing twist specific to Pennsylvania, the Betfred brand itself is not directly featured. Instead, bettors in the state access the book at the Wind Creek platform and app, identified as “powered by Betfred.”
PA Sports Betting Options
NFL Betting in Pennsylvania
In sports betting, the NFL takes the spotlight as the most popular sport to wager on. This trend is consistent across the United States. The NFL betting attracts significant handles and contributes to huge sports betting revenue.
Pennsylvania is home to two football teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. As the largest sporting event in the U.S., the Super Bowl presents an exciting array of betting options for enthusiasts.
NBA Betting in Pennsylvania
Following the NFL, the NBA claims the position as the second most popular sport for sports betting. The NBA All-Star Game draws significant betting interest consistently, and the entire NBA Playoffs season is another high-profile event for sports bettors.
MLB Sports Betting in Pennsylvania
MLB betting is steadily gaining popularity, with an increasing number of options emerging on online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. With two MLB teams in the state, this has contributed to more competition and to the growing popularity of baseball betting. The MLB All-Star Game and the World Series stand out as the two major events in the baseball calendar, garnering the highest attention and betting activity.
Options for Betting on College Sports in Pennsylvania
PA allows bets on college sports; college basketball and college football are the primary markets for enthusiasts of collegiate sports betting. For this audience, the NCAA Tournament takes center stage as one of the premier betting events, not only in Pennsylvania but also across the entire United States.
The Eligibility Requirements For Mobile Betting In PA
To legally participate in mobile sports betting in Pennsylvania, there are specific eligibility requirements.
- Individuals must be 21 years of age or older and physically situated within the state boundaries.
- Verification of location is conducted using the geolocation technology of your mobile device or by installing a downloadable desktop plugin.
Pennsylvania Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) has held legal status in Pennsylvania since the DFS operators officially launched on October 26, 2017.
Prominent DFS platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which also operate books, have successfully expanded their presence to numerous markets across the United States. Their established position in DFS provides them with an advantage as sports betting becomes active As the market simultaneously becomes inundated with multiple options, we anticipate increased competition, leading to compelling offers and benefits for sports bettors.
There are five approved DFS operators in PA:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- MKF Player Prop Parlays
- WinView
- Outlast DFS
Neighboring States
Pennsylvania shares its borders with six states that offer legal retail and/or mobile sports betting. Let’s examine these neighboring states and their regulatory frameworks:
Delaware
Delaware was ahead of the curve in legal sports betting, having implemented it before federal legalization. The state was among four that were exempted from PASPA due to its pre-1992 legalization of sports betting. Initially limited to NFL parlay bets, people could legally place such bets at the state’s three horse racing tracks.
Unfortunately, mobile betting is still unavailable, with only in-person betting allowed at the state’s three horse racing facilities.
Maryland
Sports betting was legalized in Maryland on November 2020 with support from Maryland voters and the state’s legislators subsequently established a regulatory framework by 2021.
Now, the state has more than ten legal online sports betting apps.
New Jersey
New Jersey was the second state to legalize mobile betting, after Nevada. It rapidly evolved to one of the largest markets in the country and even consistently outpaces Nevada in overall betting handle. With over twenty mobile sports betting websites currently operating, New Jersey stands out as a prominent player in online sports betting.
New York
In the past, New York residents frequently crossed the Hudson River into New Jersey to place their mobile bets. Though online betting faced a convoluted path to legalization, it was finalized during the 2021 state budget negotiations in Albany. The green light for mobile operators was granted on January 8, 2022.
Ohio
In the latter part of 2021, the Governor of Ohio officially signed House Bill 29 into law. This pivotal legislation initiated the process for the legalization of sports betting. Commencing January 1, 2023, both mobile and retail operators were granted authorization to start accepting bets.
West Virginia
West Virginia has legalized sports betting since 2019 and has been offering access to both online and retail options for their bettors. Since PA sports betting had not been legalized the, this development had been advantageous for individuals residing in western Pennsylvania because prior to the legalization of sports betting in their home state, many ventured to West Virginia to place bets, taking advantage of the opportunities available across state lines.
Last Updated on December 23, 2023
