The Pennsylvania sports betting industry continues to enjoy incredible success as gaming in general remains robust in the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported total sports wagering handle for April 2022 was $572.8 million or 19.48% above the April 2021 total of $479.4 million.
While that figure is down compared to the previous month, March 2022 featured the highest revenue from gaming than any month in the state’s history with sports betting contributing to that success, featuring over $714 million in wagers.
Those numbers came on the heels of a successful February (27% increase on Super Bowl wagering over 2021) and January (29% increase in sports wagering over January 2021.) As a whole, then, 2022 is shaping up to be feature significantly more sports wagering than 2021’s already-impressive total of $6.55B.
Looking to get in on the action and discover the best sports betting app in Pennyslvania? The Keystone State’s sports betting industry includes some of the top online sportsbook operators in the industry: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and several other industry-leading brands. Here, we will give you our best picks.
Editors’ Choice: Best Sports Betting App In Pennsylvania May 2022
- DraftKings Sportsbook PA – Best for DFS players who also want to bet
- BetMGM Pennsylvania – Best for MGM reward points & new bettors
- FanDuel Sportsbook PA – Best sportsbook iOS & Android App
- BetRivers Pennsylvania – Best for deposit bonus
- FOX Bet Pennsylvania – Best for Fox Sports fans
- Unibet Pennsylvania – Best for $500 risk-free bet
- PointsBet Pennsylvania – Best for parlays
Best Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps
Best For DFS Players

At DraftKings PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NH, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Best For DFS Players
DraftKings Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Deposit Match Offer
Up to 20% up to $1,000
Retail Partner
The Meadows
Licensed by
PGCB
The DraftKings app offers a top-rated mobile betting platform with thousands of bets every day – alongside creative odds boosters and enticing promotions. From the DraftKings promo code, you’ll find here to the many other ongoing offers, there’s never a dull moment on the DraftKings app. New users can get a $50 free bet with $5 deposit in addition to the 20% match up to $1,000 (5x playthrough).
The DraftKings Sportsbook betting markets are competitive from top to bottom. This includes the number of sports offered and the betting options surrounding and within those games.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For New Bettors

At BetMGM PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA, DC, WY
Best For New Bettors
BetMGM Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Retail Partner
Qualified Gaming Entity
Licensed by
PGCB
The BetMGM app is second to none, with the highest App Store rating in sports betting. This is due to its incredible stability, a wide range of bets, and variety of promotions.
From the high-quality BetMGM app to some of the most competitive odds around, this is a platform worth joining.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For iOS And Android App

At FanDuel PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV
Best For iOS And Android App
FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Retail Partner
Valley Forge Casino Resort
Licensed by
PGCB
Bettors across the US make FanDuel Sportsbook the No. 1 online sports betting platform by market share in the nation. The FanDuel Sportsbook app puts a world-class sports betting site at your fingertips.
With a robust selection of sports, ways to bet, and deposit/withdrawal options, FanDuel Sportsbook offers one of the top overall sports betting platforms in the legal US industry.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For Deposit Bonus

At BetRivers PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, PA, VA, & NJ (Under SugarHouse brand)
Best For Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Deposit Bonus
$250
Retail Partner
Rivers Casinos
Licensed by
PGCB
The BetRivers app is one of the most popular online sportsbooks in the US. A big reason for that is the simple fact that it’s available in most states with legal online sports betting. But with our BetRivers promo code SHARP250, this app also offers one of the best bonuses in the industry.
BetRivers offers ongoing promotions and bet boosters to current bettors.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For $500 Risk-Free Bet

At FOX Bet PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: CO, NJ, PA, MI
Best For $500 Risk-Free Bet
FOX Bet Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Risk-Free Bet
$500
Retail Partner
Mohegan Sun Pocono
Licensed by
PGCB
FOX Bet is backed by Fox Sports, so bettors can use the app with confidence knowing they’ll find a great selection. FOX Bet offers new bettors a $500 risk-free bet. New customers need to opt-in to the risk-free offer within 7 days of registration and must place a bet within 7 days to qualify. Additional terms and conditions apply.
FOX Bet offers competitive lines compared to other sportsbooks in the market.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For $500 Risk-Free Bet

At Unibet PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, NJ, PA, VA, IN
Best For $500 Risk-Free Bet
Unibet Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Risk-Free Bet
$500
Retail Partner
Mohegan Sun Pocono
Licensed by
PGCB
Unibet offers Pennsylvania bettors a risk-free bet of $500 to bettors who don’t hit a winner on their first cash bet. Use our exclusive Unibet Pennsylvania Promo Code: BETBONUS
Terms & Conditions apply.
Unibet is a sportsbook built by players for players. It offers great odds on several popular sports, but it’s also great for bettors looking for international sports options.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For Parlays

At PointsBet PA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV
Best For Parlays
PointsBet Sportsbook Pennsylvania
Risk-Free Bets
$2,000
Licensed by
PGCB
PointsBet Pennsylvania is now available. The sports betting app is offering bettors in the state two risk-free bets up to $2,000. Users who register on PointsBet can claim risk-free bets up to $2,000 as a fix-odds wager and a PointsBetting wager. Use PointsBet PA promo code BONUSDAY to claim.
Terms & Conditions apply.
Users like the “Pointsbetting” wagering system.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Full List Of Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Casino Partner |
---|---|---|
DraftKings Sportsbook PA | 20% deposit match up to $1,000 | The Meadows |
BetMGM Pennsylvania | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 | N/A |
FanDuel Sportsbook PA | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 | Valley Forge Casino Resort & Live! Casino Philadelphia |
BetRivers Sportsbook PA | 100% deposit match up to $250 | Rivers Casino Pittsburgh |
FOX Bet Pennsylvania | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Mount Airy Casino Resort |
Unibet Sportsbook PA | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Mohegan Sun Pocono |
PointsBet Sportsbook PA | 2 Risk-free bets up to $2,000 | Hollywood Casino York |
SugarHouse Sportsbook | 100% deposit match up to $250 | Rivers Casino Philadelphia |
Parx Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Parx Casino |
Betway Pennsylvania | Risk-free bet: 50% back up to $1,000 | Live! Casino Philadelphia |
Caesars Sportsbook | N/A | Harrah’s Philadelphia |
TwinSpires (formerly BetAmerica) | 25% deposit match up to $500 | Presque Isle Downs |
Barstool Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Hollywood Casino at Penn National |
Betfred Sportsbook | 100% match bonus up to $400 | Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem |
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Recent Updates
-
May 17, 2022:
Pennsylvania sportsbooks reported $572.8 million in handle for April, down nearly 19.9% compared to March.
-
April 18, 2022:
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reports that March 2022 featured an all-time record for gaming revenue in the Keystone State. Sports betting contributed by taking in over $714M in wagers, an increase of 27.62% over March 2021.
-
March 1, 2022:
The PGCB is recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in order to promote resources intended to help individuals with a gambling problem.
-
February 16, 2022:
The PGCB reported that $68,044,810 was wagered on Super Bowl 57 at retail and online sportsbooks in the state, up 27% over 2021.
-
January 20, 2022:
Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board reported $6.55B in wagers in 2021. This represented an 83% increase over 2020. Revenue was also up by almost 80%.
-
February 10, 2022:
PointsBet Sportsbook goes live in Pennsylvania. It also launched in New York in January.
Why Choose A Legal Sportsbook?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) regulates the state’s casino industry, including legal online sportsbooks. This government-operated gaming regulation agency’s oversight ensures proper operations, prompt payouts, and transparency from the Keystone State’s online sports betting platforms.
Illegal bookies and offshore sites, on the other hand, aren’t obligated to answer to an agency like the PGCB. As such, your money might not be safe once it’s in the hands of an illegal bookmaker.
Regulated sportsbooks automatically withhold federal taxes on wins of $5,000 or more. Aside from those withheld taxes, players bear responsibility for paying federal and state taxes on sports betting winnings.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue
The Pennsylvania sports betting scene is quite robust. As a result, revenue remains strong and steady, and Pennsylvania residents are reaping great benefits.
The PGCB reported an 83% increase in sports betting handle in 2021 compared to 2020. Given that more operators continue to enter the Keystone State and given that the beginning of the COVID pandemic tamped down betting for part of 2020, this increase makes sense.
The gaming revenue in Pennsylvania (the profit margin for operators, which accounts for them paying out for winning bets) also rose dramatically in 2021. The 2021 revenue from sports wagering was $340,113,160. This is a year-over-year increase of 79.29%.
The great news for all Pennsylvania residents–not just sports betting enthusiasts–is that this revenue generates tax dollars that are put to good use in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania’s sports betting tax rate for operators is an incredible 36%, one of the highest in the country. Therefore, 2021 brought in $122.5M in tax revenue. This money is put toward things like funding schools, repairing roads, lowering property taxes, etc.
2022 is already off to a great start as well, with sports betting handles in the first several months consistently outperforming the same months in 2021.
In total, Pennyslvania sports betting has taken in over $13B in wagers since its inception in November 2018, generating over $1B in revenue. This has led to over $244M in tax revenue so far. Savvy readers will notice that this isn’t a true 36% of the revenue, but that is because operators do have the ability to subtract promos and other expenses off their total revenue before it is taxed.
In terms of individual operators, FanDuel and DraftKings consistently lead the Keystone State in sports betting handle and revenue.
How Pennsylvania Compares To Other Sports Betting States
Pennsylvania’s neighbor to the east stands as the benchmark in the US mobile sports betting industry. New Jersey became the first state to eclipse $10 billion in bets in a calendar year in 2021, per the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Pennsylvania, however, holds its own as one of the top sports betting markets in the US. Indeed, it consistently comes in every month as one of the top 5 states in terms of total handle and total tax revenue.
New York recently launched mobile betting apps as well. Some insiders worried that this would signal a significant decline for Pennsylvania revenue, but the early indications have not supported these concerns so far.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting: Successes And Failures
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Successes
The numbers speak for themselves. Pennsylvania has a large population, and it has some of the most rabid fan bases in all of sports. What’s more, the Keystone State’s diversity leads to interest in just about any market.
How Pennsylvania Could Improve Its Sports Betting Industry
Pennsylvania’s sports betting model isn’t the most operator-friendly in the US. Sports betting revenue is taxed at 36%, with operators paying a $10 million licensing fee to enter the market. Those numbers represent some of the highest in the industry.
While DraftKings and FanDuel flourish in the state, the bottom half of the state’s list of online sportsbooks struggle to earn revenue relative to the top players.
Overall performance, however, has to be considered a success for Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry. Pennsylvania allows both in-person and mobile sports betting. The state (34%) and counties (2%) both collect tax revenue from Pennsylvania sports betting. The worries back in the summer of 2018 that some operators wouldn’t choose Pennsylvania because of the high tax rate seem to be unfounded. In fact, New York decided to charge a whopping 51% tax rate, so in comparison, PA feels like a bargain!
Sports Betting Legalization Effort In Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania sports betting bill went into law in October 2017. The implementation of the bill pended the overturn of PASPA, which happened seven months later.
Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion bills gave the green light to both retail and online sports betting. The first retail sportsbook opened in Novermber 2018, while the first online sportsbook went live in May 2019.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
- October 2017 – A package of bills outlining a significant gambling expansion in Pennsylvania is signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. The bills legalize both retail and online sports betting as part of that expansion. Sports betting can’t launch at the time, however, as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is still in effect.
- May 2018 – The Supreme Court of the United States rules PASPA as unconstitutional, overturning the mandate after 26 years in effect. With PASPA out of the way, Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry gets the official green light.
- November 2018 – The state’s first retail sportsbook opens for business, as Hollywood Casino at Penn National takes the first sports bet in Pennsylvania history. A dozen more land-based sports betting venues launch in the state over the next two years.
- May 2019 – Pennsylvania’s first online sportsbook goes live. SugarHouse Sportsbook launches under the interactive gaming license of Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
- December 2020 – BetMGM launches in Pennsylvania as the state’s first Qualified Gaming Entity (QGE). Pennsylvania law allows iGaming brands to enter the market with QGE status, which doesn’t require a land-based casino partner.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Apps
Pennsylvania’s Professional Sports Teams
Pennsylvania’s NFL Teams
Pro football loyalties in Pennsylvania mostly split between two teams – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Steelers stand as one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Pittsburgh shares the NFL record for most Super Bowl wins at six.
The Eagles hold one Super Bowl title, breaking through with a win in the 2017 NFL championship game. Like the Steelers, the Eagles contend as a perennial threat to win a division title, although the franchise’s postseason success falls short of Pittsburgh’s accomplishments.
Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks offer wagering on both Pennsylvania teams, as well as the rest of the NFL, every season. Betting opportunities include every round of the playoffs, all the way through the Super Bowl.
Pennsylvania’s MLB Teams
The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates both play in Major League Baseball’s National League.
The Pirates claim five World Series titles, while the Phillies own two MLB championships. Neither Pennsylvania baseball franchise has appeared in the postseason over the past five seasons, leaving fans in the Keystone State hungry for the next playoff run.
Philadelphia 76ers
Like Pennsylvania’s other sports franchises, the 76ers draw a loyal but demanding fan base of basketball fanatics. After a long playoff drought, the team returned to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons in the 2017-2018 NBA Playoffs.
Like the other major pro sports, NBA betting is open at Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks. That includes the regular season and every round of the playoffs.
Pennsylvania’s NHL Teams
Pennsylvania cross-state rivalries don’t come any more intense than matchups featuring the Philadelphia Flyers against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With five Stanley Cups, the Penguins lay claim to more NHL championship success than the rival Flyers. Philadelphia’s two Stanley Cups both came in the early 1970s, leaving long suffering Flyers fans waiting decades for a taste of championship success.
Pittsburgh’s success includes three Stanley Cup championship wins in more recent times.
Pennsylvania College Sports Teams
Some states place betting restrictions on in-state college programs and games. Pennsylvania’s sports betting laws don’t apply any prohibitions on state-based teams, however. The only restriction is that you may not bet on individual player props for college events.
Big-time sports contests involving Pennsylvania programs like Penn State and Villanova are legally available throughout the season at Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks.
Penn State Nittany Lions
The Pennsylvania State University football program, aka the Penn State Nittany Lions, play as one of the more decorated programs in NCAA football history. Penn State holds two National Championship titles and perennially contends as one of the Big Ten Conference’s top teams.
All Nittany Lions games appear on the betting boards at Pennsylvania’s mobile sportsbooks, including bowl games and potential future College Football Playoff appearances.
Villanova Wildcats
A member of the hallowed Philadelphia Big Five, the Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball program represents one of the sport’s most successful teams.
The Wildcats won the NCAA Championship in 1985, 2016, and 2018.
Future March Madness appearances for the Wildcats will be available for wagering at Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks with no restrictions.
Other Sports
Plenty of other betting markets await Pennsylvania bettors on the state’s mobile sports betting apps. MMA, tennis, golf, motorsports, international leagues, and niche sports round out the opportunities available at Pennsylvania sportsbooks.
Included in that lineup are in-state events like the NASCAR Cup Series races held at Pocono Speedway each year. Known as the “Tricky Triangle,” Pocono Speedway stands as one of the unique tracks on the NASCAR circuit.
How To Get Started in Pennsylvania Sports Betting
Picking A PA Online Sports Betting App
Gaming Today offers updated information on all legal mobile sportsbooks operating in Pennsylvania. The welcome bonus offers, available betting markets, and lines on games vary from platform to platform.
Check out the table above for a comprehensive list of the bonus offers at each Pennsylvania mobile sportsbook.
Make Your First Deposit
Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, you enjoy several different deposit options that instantly put funds in your account.
PayPal provides one of the most reliable ways to deposit at an online sportsbook. Other methods include ACH/eCheck, credit cards, debit cards, and the Play+ prepaid card.
Location Verification
Pennsylvania’s legal iGaming sites utilize geolocation services to determine a user’s location when they log in or try to place bets. If the geolocation technology determines you’re outside of Pennsylvania state lines, you’ll be blocked from betting.
State laws mandate that you must be within state borders at the time of a bet.
Registering For A PA Sports Betting App Account
Signing up at a Pennsylvania online sportsbook takes just a couple of minutes. You’ll need to provide proof of age and identity, which can be done by uploading a photo of a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
Once the sportsbook verifies your identification documents, you’re ready to deposit and start making bets.
Placing Bets
Pennsylvania sports betting apps or online sportsbooks allow you to wager by simply clicking on the line of your choice. Moneyline, point spread, totals, parlays, in-game betting, and more are at your disposal at Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks.
Once you’ve clicked on a bet, the wager will appear on your bet slip (usually at the right of the screen). Confirm the bet one more time on the bet slip to make the wager official.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting FAQs
Yes. Pennsylvania gaming laws allow both online and retail sportsbooks to operate in the state.
The first legal online sportsbooks went live in Pennsylvania in May 2019. Since then, the industry has expanded to include 11 different online sports betting platforms.
All legal mobile sports betting apps display the seal of approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Pennsylvania sports bettors can choose from the industry’s best betting apps including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, and BetMGM.
Yes. All college sports are available for wagering at Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks. This includes in-state programs like Penn State and Villanova.
Some states do not allow betting on in-state college teams and events. Pennsylvania gaming laws place no such ban on Pennsylvania-based programs and games, however. The only restriction in place is that you are not allowed to bet on individual college player prop bets (e.g. that a certain player will score over 13.5 points).
Yes, as long as you’re betting on one of Pennsylvania’s legal mobile sports betting apps. Pennsylvania’s legal online sportsbooks are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
The PGCB oversees all casino operations in Pennsylvania. Playing at a legal online gambling site offers the same level of safety as playing at a Pennsylvania casino.
Yes. Just about all Pennsylvania online sportsbooks offer their platforms as app downloads for Apple iOS devices. Pennsylvania bettors can find these apps in the App Store.
Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook takes more bets than any other online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. Bettors can access FanDuel Sportsbook via desktop browser or downloadable app for Android and iOS devices.
More Resources On Pennsylvania Sports Betting
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board: Press Releases – Monthly updates on revenue and other news in the Pennsylvania casino industry.
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board: Monthly Sports Wagering Report – A detailed breakdown of revenue by sports betting operator. This report includes a breakout of online and retail betting handle and revenue.
- Visit PA – State tourism website offering an overview of Pennsylvania’s casinos and racetracks.
- ESPN US Sports Betting Map – ESPN’s interactive map showing where all 50 states stand on sports betting legalization.
- Philadelphia Inquirer – Sports section of one of Pennsylvania’s most prominent news outlets.