Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites: Top PA Bookies
Pennsylvania sports betting has been legal since 2019. But which options are the best? With our in-depth look at the top PA sportsbooks, you get the answer to this question and a full rundown on how to can get in on the action.
- This Site Contains:
- The best Pennsylvania betting sites
- The top PA bookmaker bonuses
- An overview of PA sports gambling law
We compare, contrast and evaluate the top six Pennsylvania sports betting sites so you know which one best fits your needs. There are many sites for online sports betting PA gamblers can use, but here are the top choices according to our comprehensive tests:
Top Pennsylvania Betting Sites
| Best betting sites: | Assessment: | Payout: | Best For: | Live Streamig: | Welcome Bonus: | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | 95.20% | Top PA betting site | yes | 2nd chance bet up to $500 | Visit Site! | |
| BetMGM | 95.30% | Top-Notch Live Betting | yes | Up to$1000First Bet Offer | Visit Site! | |
| Caesars | 95.11% | Promo Code: IGAMING1000 | no | Up to $1,000 In Bonus Bets | Visit Site! | |
| DraftKings | 95.00% | Fun Player Props | no | Bet $5 & Get $200 In Bonus Bets | Visit Site! |
A great way to decide which best online Pennsylvania sports betting sites are worth opening accounts with is by using the top ones for each category. Each bookmaker has its strengths and weaknesses, so we broke them down for you here:
The Best Pennsylvania Bookmakers by Category
| 🏆 Best Betting Site 2024: | BetRivers |
| ▶️ Top for Live Betting: | BetMGM |
| 📈 Best NFL Odds: | DraftKings |
| ⚾ Top MLB Bonuses: | Caesars |
| 🏀 Best NBA Bookmaker: | BetMGM |
| 🏒Most Popular NHL Bookie: | BetRivers |
| 🔎 Biggest Market Selection: | BetRivers |
| 🏈 Best Super Bowl Promos: | BetMGM |
| ⛹️ Top for Player Props: | Caesars |
| ✨Best for NCAAF: | DraftKings |
NFL bettors wouldn’t enjoy a site that’s good for baseball but doesn’t offer much in the way of football. All the Pennsylvania online sports betting sites offer the major sports, so the differences lie in the finer details like markets, payouts, and player props.
Analyzing Online Sports Betting PA Sites
The final results of our test are the sums of scores we assigned to each bookmaker for various criteria we developed for evaluating sportsbooks. We provide general rankings of Pennsylvania sports betting sites on the right side of this page.
How We Rate PA Sportsbooks
The criteria we use to identify the best Pennsylvania sports betting sites comes from our years of collective betting experience. We isolated the features that make high-quality bookies and rated the sites against these standards. We aggregate the ratings across these categories, which gives us our final rankings.
Some of these criteria get overlooked by both new bettors and experienced handicappers alike. However, it’s important to remember that many of these functions are “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” at the best sites for online sports betting PA gamblers can use because the features are developed so well.
Pennsylvania Bookmakers at a Glance
Anytime you look for a new bookie, you should consider your preferences. It doesn’t make much sense to register for a betting site with a great offer for baseball if you’re strictly a football bettor. Likewise, you want to be sure they have the right leagues and conferences.
One of the key criteria we focus on is the number of sports a bookmaker offers. A wide variety ensures you never get bored, and more obscure ones can even provide an edge to savvy sports bettors. Here is a breakdown of each Pennsylvania online sports betting site:
| Bookmaker | Sports | Football Conferences | Football Markets | Novelty Bets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | 20 | 13 | 80 | Specials |
| BetMGM | 16 | 13 | 120 | Specials |
| Caesars | 12 | 2 | 3 | Specials |
| DraftKings | 22 | 10 | 20 | Prop Bets |
Up to $500 2nd chance bet
- Top PA Bookmaker
- High-Quality Livestreams
- Best Betting Odds
The top PA sports gambling sites all offer popular sports like football, basketball and baseball. A bookie stands out, though, when it provides something new and different, like lacrosse or eSports. Therefore, the bigger the selection, the higher our rating.
Live Betting
Live betting is relatively new in the world of gambling and it lets you wager as the action unfolds. You can bet on the winner of a game after it’s started, the next play in a football game, or even if a pitcher will record a strikeout during an at-bat.
This is a major attraction at most Pennsylvania sports betting sites but it’s not for everyone. Some people still enjoy the old school method of doing your research, placing your bet, and letting it ride. Whether you require a site with live betting or not ultimately comes down to your preferences.
Best Odds by Site
Odds are perhaps the most important aspect of profitable betting. While you don’t control the odds, you can control where and when you bet. Since bookmakers are constantly adjusting their odds to limit their liability, they have different payouts for the same events.
You can capitalize on this phenomenon by shopping around for the highest payouts. We encourage you to open accounts at multiple sites for online sports betting PA players are accepted at, so you can always find the best deals.
| Betting Site | NFL | NCAA Football | MLB | NBA | NHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | 95.35% | 94.90% | 96.40% | 95.60% | 95.45% |
| BetMGM | 95.40% | 95.60% | 95.20% | 95.45% | 95.65% |
| Caesars | 95.25% | 94.90% | 97.80% | 95.40% | 95.35% |
| DraftKings | 95.55% | 95.10% | 95.85% | 95.65% | 95.60% |
The table above lists the Pennsylvania bookies with the highest payouts for each of the four major sports. By subtracting this number from 100%, you can calculate the commission each operator charges on average. The higher the payout, the lower the commission.
If you’re an all-around gambler and not a specialist, it’s good to know what the average odds are across an entire site. We listed our top PA sportsbooks by the highest general average payout here. Note that this doesn’t always align with the highest payouts by sport.
- BetMGM – 95.30% Average Payout
- BetRivers – 95.20% Average Payout
- Caesars – 95.11% Average Payout
- DraftKings – 95.52% Average Payout
Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Sites – Top Apps
One of the more convenient industry innovations in the past five years is the sports betting app. Operators publish native software you can download to your phone or tablet so you can gamble from anywhere in the Keystone State.
High-quality mobile apps also make live betting super convenient. It’s possible to go to the bar on Sunday and bet on Sunday NFL games while you watch them. The top Pennsylvania online sports betting sites deliver apps with the full functionality of their desktop sites, so you’re not missing anything.
The Top Pennsylvania Sports Betting Bonuses
While searching for the best odds gives your bankroll a lift over the long term, you can give your bankroll an initial boost by looking around for the top betting offers. These are frequently welcome bonuses that sites give to new sign-ups.
| Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites | Bonus Offer |
|---|---|
| BetRivers | 100% up to $500 |
| Caesars | Up to $1,000 |
| DraftKings | Bet $5 & Get $200 |
While PA sports gambling bonuses can be eye-catching, they are not always as they appear on the surface. You should always read the terms and conditions to make sure you meet the requirements. Here are some of the most common things you need to do to qualify for an offer:
- Playthrough Requirements
- Time Limits
- Minimum Deposits
- Validity Periods
- Minimum Odds
- Minimum and Maximum Limits
- Valid Markets
It’s worth noting the different types of bonuses. There are first deposit bonuses, bonus bets, money back bets, and anything else an operator comes up with. Reading the terms and conditions helps you understand what Pennsylvania sports betting promotions are actually offering.
We want to emphasize that large bonus amounts aren’t everything when it comes to the best Pennsylvania online sports betting sites’ bonuses. A smaller bonus could be a better deal if the terms and conditions are more favorable. Here are some of the differences between great bonuses and mediocre ones:
- Low playthrough requirements
- Long validity periods
- Available for a variety of markets
- Expires after a few days
- Strict wagering requirements
- Highly restricted odds
By looking out for the best deals, you give yourself the best opportunity to build your bankroll without even placing a wager. Once you unlock the bonus cash, you can withdraw it to your account as normal or continue betting with it.
Leading Payment Options for Pennsylvania Bookmakers
After you decide where you want to open your account, you need to choose how to fund it. With so many options it can feel like an overwhelming task, but it’s good to start with one accepted by all the top bookmakers.
The best sites for online sports betting PA players can gamble with accept a variety of payment methods. When a betting site offers your favorite payment method it facilitates speedy transactions for both sides. Here is a breakdown of payment methods available by betting site:
By offering so many payment methods, operators also offer a variety of payment method types. Electronic options like bank transfers, eWallets, and debit cards allow you to fund your account instantly and get started betting right away.
Each payment method type has its strengths as well. For those interested in quick and easy transactions, you can use your debit card. If you’re more interested in security, an eWallet might be more your style. If you’re a high roller, a bank transfer has the highest deposit limits.
This is a far cry from the days when you had to wait for your transactions to be processed over the phone. The future is promising, too, and it will be interesting to see which PA sportsbooks will accept up-and-coming methods like Apple Pay and cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Staying Safe at Online PA Sports Betting Sites
Security is arguably the most overlooked aspect of gambling but certainly the most important. The top Pennsylvania sports betting sites have loads of security measures to keep you safe while you use their sportsbooks and do a good job of keeping it in the background.
While many of these security measures are simply best practices for running a website, there are others required by laws on Pennsylvania sports gambling. For instance, know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols are required to prevent fraudulent activity.
| Bookmaker | License Number | Know Your Customer | IT Security | Responsible Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | 110298 | ID Verification | Cloudflare Inc – 256-bit SSL Encryption | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| BetMGM | 115293 | ID Verification | DigiCert – 256-bit SSL Encryption | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Caesars | Not Listed | ID Verification | DigiCert – 256-bit SSL Encryption | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| DraftKings | 117645 | ID Verification | Let’s Encrypt 256-bit SSL Encryption | 1-800-GAMBLER |
Any secure website on the internet has a web security certificate. These certificates are issued by leading security companies like DigiCert, Trustwave, and Cloudflare. On top of this, they provide services like SSL encryption to keep you safe while you’re visiting Pennsylvania online sports betting sites.
- VeriSign
- CyberSitter
- IBIA
- Symantec
Though IT security is very important, sites are required to follow other Pennsylvania legal sports betting regulations. For instance, to be licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), sites must advertise responsible gambling initiatives in the footers of their pages.
Problem gambling is a serious issue, so the state makes bookmakers direct people where to go should they need help. If you or someone you know is developing a gambling problem, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER to get help.
The Importance of Customer Service
Though we hope you won’t need customer support often, knowing you have a team that cares can do wonders for your overall experience. The best Pennsylvania sports betting sites provide a range of services like ID verification, help with account issues, and technical support.
| Contact Method | Prevalence | Average Wait Time | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☎️ Phone | High | 5-30 Minutes | Simple & quick problems |
| 📧 Email/Form | High | Up to 24 Hours | Complex problems & screenshots |
| 👩⚕️ Live chat | High | 2-3 Minutes | Everything excluding screenshots |
| 💬 Messenger | Low | 5-30 Minutes | Simple & quick problems |
| 🌐 Social network | Low | 24-48 Hours | Feedback, advice, & suggestions |
The most popular contact method for customer support at most betting sites is live chat. The best places for online sports betting PA gamblers can open accounts are available 24/7. However, it’s usually only accessible with an account so the sportsbook can focus on its existing users.
There are several ways to tell the difference between a good and bad bookmaker, and the support department is the easiest one. This table shows the difference between a bookie that emphasizes high-quality service and one that doesn’t:
- Multi-lingual representatives
- Round the clock access
- Various contact methods
- Long wait times
- Unskilled representatives
- Limited hours
To get full marks from us, an operator needs a well-rounded customer service offering with 24/7 service. We tested the support at all the PA sportsbooks on this page, and we received top-notch assistance from them, though some had limited hours.
Bonus Points
In an environment as competitive as the gambling industry, the small details make a big difference. That’s why we reserved some extra points to award to operators that truly stand out. Most sportsbooks are very similar, so ones providing that little bit extra are worth taking a longer look at.
Some examples of stand-out features are live streaming, optimized user interfaces, and having a big social media presence. A streamlined interface helps you make bets quickly, and Pennsylvania sports betting sites with social media presences can help draw your attention to offers, deals, or news.
Another great feature of PA sports gambling sites that use social media is the request-a-bet feature. This lets you send a message via social media to the site, requesting custom odds for unlisted outcomes. Some even let you create “same game parlays”, which is incredibly rare.
| Extra | Betting Site |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Unique User Interface | Betrivers |
| 📰 Social Media Presence | DraftKings |
| 🏇 Horse Racing | BetMGM |
| 📺 Live Streaming | BetMGM |
| 💾 Same Game Parlays | Caesars |
Live streaming is especially useful for players who might be out and about during a game, or who simply don’t have access to a match. Be aware that there may be geolocation and account balance restrictions, though you can typically get access by making a minimum bet on the game.
These features help differentiate operators that are otherwise mostly similar and they help make your experience much more enjoyable. Luckily, the best PA sportsbooks we listed here offer some or all of these characteristics.
Conducting Pennsylvania Sports Betting Site Reviews
In addition to our overall ratings list, we review each website individually to give you an in-depth explanation of what it’s like to play there. Since sites for online sports betting PA players can gamble with are so new, we will post these at a later date.
How to Calculate Average Payouts
The reason people start gambling is simple – to make money. To do this, we need to find out which bets are worth making and which ones aren’t. To do this, we need to compare the odds offered by Pennsylvania sports betting operators to the chances an outcome occurs.
To the untrained eye, odds boards can seem like a random jumble of numbers. They aren’t arbitrarily assigned, however, – there is complex math at work to help bookies balance their liabilities.
It’s important to remember that the best Pennsylvania sports betting websites have better payouts than mediocre ones. This is because they charge less commission, also known as the vigorish, or “vig”, on their bets.
This is crucial, too; a small percentage increase in the payout can drastically change your income over the long term. As your bankroll grows, the payouts compound. If you find this confusing, though, don’t worry – we’re here to help.
There is a simple formula you can use to calculate a bookie’s margin. Pennsylvania online sports betting sites charge some of the lowest commissions in the country, so you already have an advantage over many people.
This formula can be used for all sports and all events. We believe that you should find a way to automate this process if possible. This will save you time doing calculations and more time finding your next Pennsylvania sports betting opportunity.
The formula requires you to convert odds to a percentage, then add up the percentages. After you’ve converted it, the equation becomes payout rate = (100 / sum of the percentages) * 100. The result gives you the implied chance an event occurs, according to PA sportsbooks.
To calculate the bookie’s margin, subtract the payout rate from 100. The equation is margin = 100 – payout rate. Once you know this, you can shop around for the cheapest online betting sites PA has to offer.
At the end of the day, bookies are only interested in having equal liability across all outcomes and keeping their books balanced. When Pennsylvania sports betting bookmakers do this correctly, the commission does its job and bookmakers make a guaranteed profit no matter what the result is.
The Impact of Payouts and Commissions
To demonstrate what a huge effect even a small increase in payout rate can have on your bottom line, we created the table below. In this example, both teams have a 50/50 chance to win. The odds offered at PA sportsbooks will be different, but this works for simplicity’s sake.
| Home & Away Market Odds by Payout Rate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Home | Away |
| 97% | -105 | -105 |
| 95% | -110 | -110 |
| 93% | -115 | -115 |
| 91% | -120 | -120 |
| 89% | -125 | -125 |
| Potential Net Payout with $10 Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Home | Away |
| 97% | $9.52 | $9.52 |
| 95% | $9.09 | $9.09 |
| 93% | $8.70 | $8.70 |
| 91% | $8.33 | $8.33 |
| 89% | $8.00 | $8.00 |
Notice how just an eight per cent reduction in payout on a $10 bet results in you losing a potential $1.52. That’s $152 per $1,000 wagered – over 15% in lost winnings, just through commission. This can be avoided simply by shopping around for the bookies with the highest payouts.
How We Test Customer Service
When we review Pennsylvania sports betting operators, we put a priority on customer service. We award points based on the speed of service, and whether or not the issue we had was resolved the first time. This gives us a great overview of a sportsbook’s devotion to its customers.
How We Rate Available Payment Options
The way we rate payment methods is also straightforward. The more options, the better because that means there is a high likelihood of the payment option you prefer being available to you.
Likewise, we give preference to sites with no extra transaction surcharges. Unfortunately, though, payment providers sometimes pass their costs onto customers, so be sure to check the terms and conditions of your favorite payment processor for a complete overview.
Judging the Overall Platform
One of the most frustrating things for a gambler is a poorly designed website. There’s nothing worse than online sports betting PA sportsbooks that have poor interfaces and slow loading times. This can hinder your ability to place wagers, which may cost you money.
We know we’re reviewing one of the top PA gambling sites when everything runs as expected. There are little features here and there that help, like the ability to turn off auto-acceptance of odds changes or built-in betting systems, but those are secondary to dependability in our eyes.
How We Award Bonus Points for Extra Features
For Pennsylvania sports betting websites that truly go above and beyond, we have 10 additional points we award. We look for things like an active social media presence, internal news portals, VIP programs and anything that makes the user experience better.
We also count how many live streaming options there are, and award PA sportsbooks zero to three points for their offerings. We repeat this process for social media activity, give two points for EGR Award wins and two points for sites with virtual or horse betting.
Online vs In-Person Betting
When you’re online sports betting, PA sites have some crucial differences to in-person sportsbooks. One of the main ones is the ability to cancel in-person bets. This isn’t an option at many betting sites because all bets are final when placed online. Another difference is that online sites don’t allow for the exchange of ideas with like-minded gamblers.
Online betting tends to be a solitary activity, so you should do your due diligence before placing any wagers. Perhaps the biggest benefit to Pennsylvania online betting sites is the number of markets available. Online bookies have more leagues, bet types, and props available than in-person betting shops because bookmakers can automate many of their tasks.
Additionally, bookies offer better odds online. This is because there is more money being bet and the lines get “sharper”, or more accurate. Bookmakers frequently let the market decide their odds, which is easier to do at higher betting volumes.
Another benefit to PA sportsbooks is that they aren’t limited by opening hours. You can place wagers round-the-clock and find events all over the world that are starting in the next few minutes. This means you can bet on games at any time of day.
Lastly, the rise of mobile betting apps lets you wager from anywhere. Many bettors like to use smartphone apps for live betting on Sunday NFL games while out with their friends. The top Pennsylvania sports betting apps offer the same functionality as their desktop counterparts to facilitate this.
Ultimately, whether or not you use in-person or online sports betting comes down to your personal preference. There are benefits and drawbacks to both styles of betting, so you should think about what you enjoy about gambling before you decide how you want to do it.
Betting Exchanges & Early Cashout Availability
A couple of the biggest benefits to online Pennsylvania sports betting are the availability of betting exchanges and early cashout offers. Here’s a rundown of what these offers are and how you can use them to your advantage:
Betting Exchanges vs. Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Sites
A somewhat new approach to online betting is the betting exchange. This is when you place wagers against other gamblers and not against the sportsbooks. You can back bets, or bet to win, or lay bets, which is taking bets from other gamblers and pocketing the winnings when they lose.
Unfortunately, betting exchanges aren’t currently available in the Keystone State. However, with their growing popularity around the world, we wouldn’t be surprised if they started popping up soon.
The Early Cashout
Online Pennsylvania sports betting fans can also cash out their bets early. This is convenient when a team goes up in the early part of a game but you’re not confident they’ll hold on for a win. You can take a portion of your winnings at reduced odds and end the bet then and there.
| Sites with Early Cashout | Eligible Sports | Bonus | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | Most Sports | 100% up to $500 | Visit Site! |
| BetMGM | Most Sports | Up to$1000First Bet Offer | Visit Site! |
| Caesars | Most Sports | Up to $1000 | Visit Site! |
Early cashout is also a great feature when you’re betting a lot of money. It provides you with another opportunity to hedge your bet and get out when you have a large advantage against Pennsylvania online sports betting sites.
The History of Online Sports Gambling in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania sports betting sites are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. You can visit the PGCB website and look up details about PA betting site licensure and ownership groups.
On top of your W2-G that you file with the IRS, the PA sports gambling tax code stipulates that you pay 3.07% tax on all winnings. This goes on your PA-40 state tax form. Even if you’ve been gambling in other states, you’re still required to report your income.
There are additional penalties for betting illegally. These violations carry penalties of fines or jail time depending on the severity of the violation. There are approximately 11,000 illegal gambling machines in Pennsylvania, so keep an eye out for unlicensed operators.
Legal Pennsylvania Betting Sites Licensing Requirements
Since the PGCB is responsible for oversight of all legal Pennsylvania bookmakers, it’s also responsible for gambling law enforcement. For instance, operators must maintain a complete paper trail for all depositors or they risk losing their legal status.
Additionally, it ensures that all backend gaming equipment is made available for third-party auditors and has records of all payout tables, odds formulas, and winners for the past five years. These stringent regulations keep Pennsylvania gambling sites safe, and the PGCB is there to keep everything transparent.
This is also why gambling with legal Pennsylvania sports betting sites is the best way to stay secure. Though black market sites operate in the state, there is no legal recourse for you in the event of a dispute, and you could be punished for gambling with unlicensed operators.
- Rush Street Interactive, LLC (BetRivers) – License No. 110298
- MGM Resorts International (BetMGM) – License No. 115293
Perhaps the most important reason to only play with licensed Pennsylvania online sportsbooks is that they have a financial interest in maintaining their reputations as fair, legal, and safe. They don’t want customers to have any issues with payment, safety, or the legal system because it reflects poorly on them.
This acts as a self-policing incentive for sites that online sports betting PA fans can gamble with to act in a moral and socially responsible way.
Black Market Bookmakers Operating in Pennsylvania
Black market operators are illegal bookmakers without a Pennsylvania license. These illegal online betting sites in Pennsylvania operate with a range of objectives, both legitimate and not. In the following paragraphs, we cover some of the risk factors of playing with black market sites.
The primary risk of playing with a black market bookie is that it’s illegal – it’s not licensed to operate in the state. The reason many offshore companies do this is to avoid paying taxes. Even if you think you might be playing with a legitimate operator, they’re still likely committing tax evasion.
Many offshore sites are set up to steal people’s data. These fraudulent, scammy operators take your payment information, accept your deposits, then either close completely or refuse to pay you your funds.
- ⛔️ 1XBet
- ⛔️ Bovada
- ⛔️ BetOnline
- ⛔️ BetDSI
- ⛔️ SportsBetting.ag
- ⛔️ CarbonGaming.ag
- ⛔️ MyBookie
- ⛔️ BetUS
- ⛔️ Xbet
- ⛔️ 22bet
- ⛔️ 5Dimes
When this happens, you have no legal options left. The government can’t protect you because you weren’t playing legally in the first place. Here is a list of offshore and black market bookmakers that are somewhat popular in Pennsylvania; if you come across them it’s best to stay away.
Final Thoughts
We understand that finding a bookmaker can be stressful, which is why we suggest bookmarking this page. We update the information here regularly, so you can reference the information about finding the best PA sportsbooks, Pennsylvania sports gambling law, and how to stay safe while you bet.
Ultimately, however, it’s up to you to decide which bookies you feel most comfortable with. Some people simply don’t like the look of certain websites, and that’s ok. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about where to do your Pennsylvania online sports betting.
We want to reiterate that all the sites listed on this page are licensed by the PGCB and legal in the Keystone State. We also update our rankings every month so you get the most up-to-date information and ratings about online sports betting PA bonuses, law, and licensing.
On top of offering several sports, many of the top Pennsylvania sports betting operators also offer online casinos. While this is outside the scope of this website, we can say that PA is one of the most gambling-friendly states in the country.
We hope that you enjoyed our coverage of Pennsylvania sports betting. We think the future is quite bright for the state in terms of gambling, and hope to see things like betting exchanges very soon, which would help it make an argument for being the best gambling state in the USA.
FAQs About Pennsylvania Sports Betting
While we try to make our guides as comprehensive as possible, our readers frequently have more specific questions, which we answer below. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns, and we’ll try to reply as quickly as we can.