Pennsylvania Sports Betting: Best Legal Sportsbooks

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania passed a broad gaming expansion in 2017 that authorised sports wagering in case the federal ban ever fell. When the Supreme Court struck it down in 2018, the state was ready: the first retail bets were taken in November 2018, and online sportsbooks followed in May 2019. Pennsylvania has since become one of the largest betting markets in the country.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board licenses and supervises every sportsbook. Bettors must be 21 or older and physically located inside the Commonwealth.

Retail sportsbooks across the Commonwealth

Pennsylvania's sportsbooks are not limited to apps. Most of the state's casinos run retail books, and some offer satellite locations at off-track betting sites, so there are counters in and around Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg and Erie. Retail betting can suit those who prefer cash, or who want to watch the game on big screens with other fans. The same Gaming Control Board rules apply in person and online, including the minimum age of 21 and the self-exclusion list.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites we review

BetMGM, bet365 and BetRivers, the three US sportsbooks in our rankings, are all licensed in Pennsylvania. BetRivers has particularly deep roots here, as its sister company runs the Rivers casinos in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and its online sportsbook was among the first to go live in the state.

Every Pennsylvania app has to tie its licence to a land-based casino, and every bet must pass a geolocation check. That is worth remembering in Philadelphia and its suburbs, where New Jersey and Delaware are only minutes away and operate under separate rules.

• Regulator: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Retail launch: November 2018; online launch: May 2019
• Minimum age: 21
• Licensed brands we rank: BetMGM, bet365, BetRivers

College props and tax on winnings

Pennsylvania lets you bet on in-state college teams such as Penn State, Pitt and Villanova, but player props on college athletes are not offered. Pro player props are widely available.

Gambling winnings are taxed by Pennsylvania at the state's flat personal income tax rate of 3.07 per cent, in addition to any federal tax owed. Sportsbooks will issue tax forms for qualifying wins, but it is your responsibility to report all gambling income.

Eagles, Steelers and staying in control

A state split between Eagles and Steelers fans, with the Phillies, Pirates, 76ers, Flyers and Penguins on top, gives Pennsylvania one of the busiest sporting calendars in the country. The Gaming Control Board runs a self-exclusion programme covering all licensed operators, and 1-800-GAMBLER provides free, confidential help to Pennsylvanians at any hour.