Pa Casinos With Sports Book

A popular casino, Parx also offers PA bettors an online sports betting platform. As expected, Parx Sportsbook offers a wide variety of sports and leagues to bet on. As you can see most of the best sportsbooks in PA have already teamed up with world-renowned experts when it comes to sports betting. Pennsylvania began offering sports betting in 2018, and DraftKings Sportsbook came to PA when it launched in November 2019. It operates under the casino license of Penn National Gaming. Anyone who is at least 21 years of age, has a valid United States Social Security Number and is physically within the state of Pennsylvania can bet with. Mount Airy Casino and Resort is a 62,000 sq ft casino resort located in Mount Pocono, PA. The casino has over 1800 slot machines, over 70 table games and a poker room. The poker room shares it space with the new Sportsbook that went live in September 2019. Mount Airy Casino licensed sportsbook/skins. Sports betting is available in Pennsylvania and at Parx Casino®. You can expect all your favorite ways to sports bet, including: spread, moneyline, over/unders, props, parlays, and teasers. All your favorite sports are available too, including pro & college football, pro & college basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, soccer, MMA, and plenty more. Atif Chaudry Atif has worked at The Meadows for 14 months and has been in sports betting for over two years. Being part of the team that helped bring sports betting to Pennsylvania, Atif actually took the first legal sports bet in Pennsylvania.

• Mississippi Casinos With Sportsbooks
• Hollywood Casino Sportsbook Pa
• Pa Casinos With Sports Books
• Station Casinos Sportsbook

Pennsylvania stands as the No. 2 online sports betting market in the US. Only New Jersey produces more mobile betting handle than Pennsylvania.

The Keystone State’s sports betting industry includes online sportsbook operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, Barstool Sportsbook, and several other industry-leading brands. Pennsylvania produced more than $170 in online sports betting revenue last year.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Recent Updates

• BetMGM launches in Pennsylvania – One of the sports betting industry’s leading brands debuts in the Pennsylvania market. BetMGM launched in December, becoming the first iGaming brand to launch in the state without a land-based casino partner. Pennsylvania gaming laws allow BetMGM to enter the state market as a qualified gaming entity (QGE).
• November online sports betting revenue sets a new Pennsylvania record – Pennsylvania’s mobile sports betting apps took in $31.18 million in November revenue, setting a new all-time in the state for the second consecutive month.
• Pennsylvania sportsbooks take more than $525 million in bets in October – The Keystone State hits a new betting handle high in October, with more than $525 million in combined online and live betting revenue. Almost 90% of bets come from mobile apps ($472.2 million).
• Pennsylvania online sports betting becomes a $100 million industry – October revenue numbers push online sports betting revenue over the $100 million mark for the year. FanDuel Sportsbook accounts for more than 45% of market share, with ten total mobile sports betting brands operating in the state.
• Barstool Sportsbook goes live in Pennsylvania – Last September, a new major player entered Pennsylvania’s online sports betting market. Barstool Sportsbook quickly emerged as the No. 3 mobile sports betting platform in the state, behind FanDuel and DraftKings.

Reviews For Pennsylvania’s Top Sports Betting Sites

FanDuel Sportsbook (9.8/10)

Visit: FanDuel Pennsylvania and get $1,000 Risk-Free Bet

• Welcome bonus: Risk-free bet up to $1,000
• Available as an iOS app, Android app, or via desktop
• License partner of Valley Forge Casino Resort
• Authorized Gaming Partner of the NBA
• Top-flight selection of domestic and international sports
• Best deposit option – PayPal
• Other deposit methods – ACH/eCheck, credit/debit card, FanDuel Play+

FanDuel Sportsbook enjoys status as Pennsylvania’s top choice for online sports betting. Nearly half of all online sports bets coming from Pennsylvania go through FanDuel Sportsbook.

Signing up for a new account unlocks a risk-free bet up to $1,000 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Other promotions include parlay insurance offers, applicable to several different sports.

DraftKings Sportsbook (9.4/10)

Visit: Draftkings Pennsylvania and get $1,000 Deposit Bonus

• 20% deposit match up to $1,000 as a welcome bonus
• iOS, Android, and desktop versions available
• License partner of The Meadows
• Official Sports Betting Partner of the Philadelphia Eagles
• A+ selection of sports and ways to bet
• Best deposit option – PayPal
• Other deposit methods – ACH/eCheck, credit/debit card, DraftKings Play+

Pennsylvania bettors can find one of the state’s best overall online sportsbook platforms at DraftKings Sportsbook. The selection of betting markets and deposit/withdrawal methods at DraftKings Sportsbook stack up against anything else on the market.

New players can enjoy a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. Other promotions include daily odds boosts across several different sports.

BetMGM Sportsbook (9/10)

Visit: BetMGM Pennsylvania and get a $500 Deposit Bonus

• Welcome bonus: Deposit Bonus up to $500
• Available as an app download for iOS and Android devices, as well as a desktop client
• Operates as a Qualified Gaming Entity, with no land-based casino partner in Pennsylvania
• Official sports betting partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and Pittsburgh Steelers
• Comprehensive selection of sports
• Best deposit option – PayPal
• Other deposit methods – ACH/eCheck, credit/debit card, Play+

BetMGM launched in Pennsylvania in December 2020. The iGaming platform is the first to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Qualified Gaming Entity provision, which allows online gambling brands to enter the state market without a land-based casino partner.

BetMGM welcomes new players with a risk-free bet up to $500. Signing up for a new account can also unlock offers like the “Win Steelers Season Tickets for 10 Years” promotion.

BetRivers Sportsbook (8.6/10)

• 100% deposit match bonus up to $250
• Available as an Android app and a desktop client
• License partner of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
• Official Sportsbook Partner of the Philadelphia Flyers
• Only a 1x playthrough requirement on the Deposit match bonus
• Best deposit option – PayPal
• Other deposit methods – ACH/eCheck, credit/debit card, BetRivers Play+

BetRivers functions as one of two Pennsylvania online sportsbooks under parent company Rush Street Interactive. Both offer a virtually identical sports wagering experience.

The BetRivers welcome bonus offer comes as a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement. Other promotions include weekly pick’em pools and odds boosts.

Barstool Sportsbook (9/10)

• Risk-free bet up to $500
• Available for iOS, Android, and desktop devices
• License partner of Hollywood Casino at Penn National
• Sportsbook partner of Penn National Gaming
• No. 3 online sportsbook in Pennsylvania by market share
• Best deposit option – PayPal
• Other deposit methods – ACH/eCheck, credit/debit card, Barstool Sportsbook Play +

Barstool Sportsbook PA launched in September 2020, marking the US debut of the online version of Barstool’s sports betting platform. The app launched with a selection of betting markets comparable to anything else in the state.

New bettors can sign up at Barstool Sportsbook and get a risk-free bet up to $500. Other daily player promotions include Barstool Power Hour, with odds discounts from 5 pm to 6 pm every day.

Full List Of Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus	Casino Partner	Launch Date
FanDuel Sportsbook	Risk-free bet up to $1,000	Valley Forge Casino Resort	July 2019
DraftKings Sportsbook	20% deposit match up to $1,000	The Meadows	November 2019
BetRivers Sportsbook	100% deposit match up to $250	Rivers Casino Pittsburgh	June 2019
SugarHouse Sportsbook	100% deposit match up to $250	Rivers Casino Philadelphia	May 2019
Parx Sportsbook	Risk-free bet up to $500	Parx Casino	June 2019
BetMGM	Risk-free bet up to $500	N/A	December 2020
FOX Bet	Risk-free bet up to $500	Mount Airy Casino Resort	September 2019
Caesars Sportsbook	N/A	Harrah’s Philadelphia	March 2020
TwinSpires (formerly BetAmerica)	25% deposit match up to $500	Presque Isle Downs	December 2019
Unibet Sportsbook	Risk-free bet up to $250	Mohegan Sun Pocono	November 2019
Barstool Sportsbook	Risk-free bet up to $500	Hollywood Casino at Penn National	December 2020

How To Place An Online Sports Bet In Pennsylvania

Picking An Online Sportsbook

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

Mississippi Casinos With Sportsbooks

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 An Online Sportsbook 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

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.

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

Since launching in 2018, Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry shows significant upward growth in year-to-year revenue. According toreports from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, annual sports betting revenue jumped from $84.1 million in 2019 to $189.7 million in 2020.

Pennsylvania hosts one of the most viable land-based casino industries in the US. The state’s sports betting market, however, is dominated by mobile wagering.

Sportsbooks in the Keystone State took $2.558 billion in overall betting handle in the latter half of 2020. Of that figure, $2.345 billion came from online sportsbooks, as mobile wagers represented 91.6% of overall handle.

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 produced more than $6 billion in sports betting handle in 2020, and $5.53 billion of that figure came from online sportsbooks in the Garden State, according tofigures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Pennsylvania, however, holds its own as one of the top sports betting markets in the US. October reports from the nation’s top six sports betting states placed Pennsylvania as the No. 2 online sports betting market in the US, with $472.2 million in monthly mobile betting handle.

Pennsylvania came in as the No. 3 overall sports betting market in the US for October, trailing only Nevada and New Jersey. The future looks bright for Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry, which in a short time has established itself as one of the biggest sports wagering hubs in the US.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting: Successes And Failures

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Successes

The 2020 end-of-year revenue numbers point to significant potential success in future years for Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry. Online sports betting revenue exploded in Pennsylvania over the final three months of 2020.

October ($30.47 million in online revenue), November ($31.18 million), and December ($32.89 million) each marked successive new all-time monthly highs for mobile sports betting revenue in Pennsylvania.

Despite high tax rates on revenue compared to other states, Pennsylvania attracted sports betting’s most prominent brands to the market. FanDuel and DraftKings lead the Pennsylvania charge, which projects as a top US sports betting market for years to come.

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 the highest in the industry.

While DraftKings and FanDuel flourish in the state, the bottom half of the state’s list of 11 online sportsbooks struggle to earn revenue relative to the top players. While FanDuel Sportsbook earned more than $15 million in November 2020, BetAmerica (now branded as TwinSpires) produced just $8,632 in earnings over the same period.

Overall performance, however, has to be considered a success for Pennsylvania’s sports betting industry.

Sports Betting Legalization Effort In Pennsylvania

The current sports betting boom in the US required a change in stance on federal sports wagering laws. A 1992 mandate known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) outlawed sports betting in all but four states.

The Supreme Court of the United States overturned PASPA in May 2018, however, setting the stage for US states to legalize sports betting. Much like neighboring New Jersey, Pennsylvania lawmakers already had sports betting regulations ready to go before thefall of PASPA.

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.

Despite Pennsylvania’s status as the second-largest land-based casino economy in the US, online gambling legislation came upon serious opposition in both the state House and Senate. Online gambling legislation, which included mobile sports betting, passed in the House by a 102-89 vote and the Senate by a 31-19 margin.

Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion bills gave the green light to both retail and online sports betting. The first online sportsbook went live in May 2019.

The end of 2020 marked one-and-a-half years of legal online sports betting in Pennsylvania. Despite that short timeframe, annual revenue nearly hit the $200 million mark in 2020.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting 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.
• July 2019 – FanDuel Sportsbook enters the Pennsylvania online sports betting market. The platform quickly emerges as the most popular mobile sports betting app in the state.
• September 2020 – A new major player enters the Pennsylvania market, as Barstool Sportsbook goes live with an online platform. Barstool rapidly becomes the No. 3 most popular online sportsbook in the state, trailing only FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook in monthly revenue.
• 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.
• December 2020 – December marks the third straight month in which Pennsylvania online sportsbooks set a new monthly revenue high. Mobile sportsbooks produce $32.89 million in December revenue, and the state ends the year with $189.7 million in combined retail and mobile sports betting revenue for 2020.

Pennsylvania’s Sports Teams

Professional Sports Teams

Pennsylvania’s NFL Teams

Pro football loyalties in Pennsylvania 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 (6) and holds the outright record for most conference championship game appearances.

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. Both franchises trace their roots to the late 1800s, as both stand as two of the longest-running franchises in professional baseball.

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.

When that happens for either team, Pennsylvania online sportsbooks will offer betting on all rounds of the postseason, including the World Series.

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.

The following season ended in heartbreak for 76ers fans. Toronto Raptors’ superstar Kawhi Leonard hit a dramatic last-second shot in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, ending Philadelphia’s season.

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 longsuffering Flyers fans waiting decades for a taste of championship success.

Pittsburgh’s success includes three Stanley Cup championship wins in the past 12 seasons.

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.

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.

Annual contests against Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State represent some of the most hyped matchups on the college football calendar. 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 posted 14 NCAA Tournament appearances in the past 15 seasons. Two of those runs (2016 and 2018) ended with Villanova hoisting the NCAA Championship trophy.

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.

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.

21 or older. The minimum age to place an online sports bet in Pennsylvania is 21, across all legal sportsbooks.

When registering for a sportsbooks account, you’ll need to upload documents providing proof of age and identity.

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 place restrictions on betting on in-state college teams and events. Pennsylvania gaming laws place no such ban on Pennsylvania-based programs and games, however.

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.

With several types of online gambling available in Pennsylvania, picking a site can seem overwhelming. If you’re feeling unsure about where to go, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, you will find reviews for the best online casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania. We have carefully studied each site to determine what the strong suits are and, conversely, what things they need to improve.

We also discuss some of the challenges Pennsylvania’s online gambling market is facing.

With things changing almost daily, it can be challenging to keep up with online gambling news in the Keystone State. Hopefully, by reading through our information below, you can determine which sites best fit your online betting needs. Most importantly, you must be comfortable with the site and aren’t worried about anything beyond winning.

Best PA online gambling sites for 2021

Our best casino bonuses and offers

Online casinos offer bonuses to their patrons to promote loyalty for the site. This practice is especially true for new players; every online casino has an offer for those who register for the site.

Several online casinos are active in Pennsylvania. Here’s a rundown of what bonuses are available on the best sites right now:

Unibet Casino

Unibet online casino in PA is one of the top options in the state, with $10 free just for signing up and a 100% match of your deposit up to $500.

For the free money, use promo code UBCASINO10. For the deposit bonus, use promo code UBCASINO500.

The trusted brand from Europe is hoping to make a big splash in PA with the biggest library of games in the state.

Read ourUnibet PA online casino review

SugarHouse Casino

SugarHouse Casino offers new players a 100% deposit match on their first deposit. In other words, the site will match the player’s initial deposit dollar-for-dollar.

This bonus is good for up to $250. Best of all, PlaySugarHouse only requires a 1x playthrough on its bonus, so the money is quite easy to release. SugarHouse is the best PA casino when it comes to bonus offers.

All a new player needs to do is use promo code 250MATCH when he or she makes a deposit. This deposit bonus is likely the best available in Pennsylvania right now.

Read our Sugarhouse PA Casino review

Hollywood Casino

At first glance, Hollywood online casino’s bonus seems rather meager in comparison to the other two casinos. After all, $25 is not much compared to hundreds of dollars. However, this $25 does not require a deposit. It’s absolutely free.

All new players must do is register on the site. There’s no need to enter any promo code or other activity. As a result, the registrant will find $25 waiting for them.

Best of all, there’s only a 1x playthrough requirement. So, wager through the $25 once, and it’s ready for withdrawals.

Read our Hollywood Casino review

PA online casinos partnership tracker

The table below shows the Pennsylvania casinos that have applied for licenses. You can see their expected technology partners, and whether they have an additional online sports betting license.

Casino	Online partners	Online Casino launch projection
Hollywood (Penn National)	N/A	Launched July 2019
Parx	GAN	Launched July 2019
Rivers Philadelphia	Rush Street Interactive / Kambi	Launched July 2019 (PlaySugarHouse)
PokerStars Casino	888 / PokerStars	Launched Nov. 2019
Unibet	Kindred	Launched Nov. 2019
FanDuel Casino	IGT / GAN	Launched Jan. 2020
Presque Isle Downs	BetAmerica	Launched Jan. 2020
Rivers Philadelphia	Rush Street Interactive / Kambi	Launched Jan. 2020 (BetRivers)
Harrah's	Scientific Games / 888 (Caesars)	Launched April 2020
Wind Creek Casino	Pala Interactive	Launched July 2020
Live! Casino	GAN	Launched Aug. 2020
Barstool Casino	Penn National	2020
Hollywood (Penn National)	BetMGM	Launched Dec. 2020
Golden Nugget NJ	NYX	Application pending

Best sportsbook bonuses and offers

Online sports betting is a relatively new concept in Pennsylvania. Several betting sites have launched, and there’s a bit of an arms race underway.

Here’s a look at our welcome bonuses offers:

SugarHouse Sportsbook

SugarHouse Sportsbook was the first online sportsbook to open its doors in Pennsylvania. So, fittingly, the book has a great dollar-for-dollar welcome bonus.

New players at SugarHouse will receive a 100% match on their first deposit. All they have to do is enter promo code 250MATCH when entering their banking details.

Best of all, this match is good for deposits of up to $250. There’s only a 1x playthrough requirement, so it’s quite simple to release. Few bonuses are as good as this one in Pennsylvania right now.

Read our Sugarhouse Sportsbook review

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers’ online sportsbook does have a bonus that rivals SugarHouse’s deposit match. In fact, it’s the same.

Thanks to its shared corporate ownership, BetRivers and SugarHouse are sister sites. So, the two books are going to function as mirrors in many cases, including bonus offers.

Naturally, that means that BetRivers players can also receive a 100% match on their first deposits. This match extends up to $250.

New players must use the promo code 250MATCH to activate the bonus when they make that first investment. The 1x playthrough requirement is about as minimal as those restrictions get, so it should be no problem to recover a significant portion of free money from BetRivers.

Read our BetRivers Sportsbook review

FanDuel Sportsbook

To casual fans, FanDuel might seem like a strange addition to the sports betting landscape. However, the daily fantasy sports giant has become quite a force in online sports betting in the past few years.

So, Pennsylvanians can get a taste of what all the fuss is. New accounts at FanDuel online sportsbook will receive a risk-free bet of up to $500.

New FanDuel players don’t need a promo code to activate this deal. They simply must join FanDuel here and make their first wager.

There is a 1x playthrough requirement on the bonus, which means players must make another bet of equal size to release the funds.

Essentially, players are receiving two bets for the price of one. Still, that’s a great deal for most, mainly if one of them happens to win.

As an added bonus, there is also a FanDuel Casino integrated within the PA FanDuel sports betting app.

Read our Fanduel PA Sportsbook review

Full list of sportsbooks and partnerships

Casino	Retail sportsbook launch	Online sportsbook	Online sportsbook launch
Rivers Casino Philadelphia	Dec. 15, 2018	PlaySugarHouse	Launched May 2019
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh	Dec. 15, 2018	BetRivers	Launched June 2019
Parx Casino Sportsbook	Jan. 10, 2019	Parx	Launched June 2019
Valley Forge Casino	March 13, 2019	FanDuel	Launched July 2019
Hollywood Casino at Penn National	Nov. 17, 2018	Barstool	Launched Sept. 2020
Harrah's Philadelphia	Jan. 24, 2019	Caesars	Launched March 2020
Presque Isle Downs Casino	July 26, 2019	BetAmerica	Launched Dec. 2019
Mount Airy	Sept. 12, 2019	Fox Bet	Launched Sept. 2019
Mohegan Sun Pocono	Sept. 24, 2019	Unibet	Launched Nov. 2019
The Meadows	Oct. 7, 2019	DraftKings	Launched Nov. 2019
Oaks Race & Sportsbook (Now Closed)	March 14, 2019 (permanently closed in July, 2020)	N/A	N/A
South Philadelphia Turf Club	Jan. 17, 2019	N/A	N/A
The Downs at Lehigh Valley	Jan. 2020 (Unibet Sportbook)	N/A	N/A
Wind Creek Casino	Nov. 18, 2020	Betfred	Launched Dec. 2020
Live! Casino Philadelphia (2021)	2021 (FanDuel Sportsbook)	N/A	N/A
Hollywood Casino Morgantown (2021)	2021 (BetMGM Sportsbook)	BetMGM	Launched Dec. 2020

Many of these online sports betting offerings will eventually be tied to a PA online casino site. For example, Harrah’s will likely roll everything into its single Caesars Online Casino product. PlaySugarHouse offers a shared account between casino and sports betting as well.

The lone exception is if you are an iPhone user. Changes to the Apple app store guidelines make these shared apps difficult, so you might see a sports betting app before you get a real-money online casino app in the lineup. And there is a chance they will remain separate.

What’s legal and illegal for online sports betting?

Few newly legalized activities come without rules and exceptions to their legality. Pennsylvania’s online sports betting is no different.

The good news is that Pennsylvania residents and visitors can wager on any professional, collegiate or international sporting events. The only requirements are:

• Be at least 21 years or older
• Be physically within Pennsylvania state lines
• Wager on an approved, regulated Pennsylvania site

However, the betting must occur on sporting events.

So, non-sports events, such as the Academy Awards or political elections, are not permitted for betting.

Finally, people who are intrinsically involved with a particular sport cannot wager upon it. So, players, officials, coaches, and other sports personnel cannot place bets on their own sports.

Concerning online casinos, most people can play without any restriction. Adults who are at least 21 years old are more than welcome to take part.

However, there is absolutely no online casino play allowed across state lines. The sites use geolocation software to monitor every player’s physical location. You must enable this function on your mobile device or you won’t be allowed to play.

The other exception is people who have placed themselves on the self-exclusion list. There is a separate self-exclusion list in Pennsylvania specifically for online play. Unfortunately, gambling addiction is a real problem, and online casinos are careful not to exacerbate the issue for people who are in recovery.

PA casino apps

With Pennsylvania moving into the online casino space, there are a few points about using these programs that bear mention.

First and foremost, it’s important to know that each casino app will figure out what device you’re using automatically. So, whether you use a laptop or a mobile device, the app will size the casino to fit your screen.

For the most part, every online casino has a browser version that will always work on desktops and some phones.

With that said, many casinos have a dedicated app specific to mobile use. If you are a mobile user, you may find the app to provide a smoother experience.

The mobile apps may also have greater functionality than the browser version. However, the game selection on the app can be smaller because some games don’t translate to mobile.

Finally, no matter which platform you use, you will have to go through some steps for the app to work.

Apple users should be aware all PA casinos or sportsbooks have a native iOS app.

Android users can play on all of the casinos in Pennsylvania but they will need to download the app from the casino website. The Google Play store does not support the distribution of gambling apps.

What online casino games are available in PA casinos?

Online casinos feature many of the same games that one might find in a land-based casino. Here are some of the types of games you may find at your favorite site.

Because of the laws requiring Pennsylvania-specific servers for any game providers to PA online casinos, the selection may not be what you are used to if you’ve ever played on a New Jersey online casino, for example.

Slots

The bread and butter for land-based casinos, slots, are the main focus for most online casinos too. An online slot is technically not a machine, but it functions identically otherwise.

A slot game will usually feature several rotating reels with various symbols drawn on them. The reels stop, and the player wins (or doesn’t) based upon the patterns the reels come to rest.

Many slots also feature bonus games or features that provide extra chances for players to win. Bonuses tend to be mini-games and have a higher chance of success than the slot game at large.

Each online casino in Pennsylvania offers a selection of games. That variety depends mostly on the deals each casino has with the game publishers.

So, the following is a list of the most popular slot developers and their games that are playable at the best PA online casinos:

NetEnt: At this time, all games on SugarHouse Casino are produced by NetEnt Games. NetEnt became an industry leader in the world of online slots by providing players with realistic games that replicated those in a Vegas casino. The list of games below includes the top games you will find at Pennsylvania online casinos.

• Blood Suckers II
• Dead or Alive
• Divine Fortune
• Drive: Multiplier Mayhem
• Gonzo’s Quest

Konami: Konami is a household name in the online casino industry. As of the time of writing, this slot developer is only available at select casinos and with only a handful of Konami slot games. Here is a list of games available at select PA casinos:

• African Diamond
• Ancient Dragon
• China Shores
• Full Moon Diamond
• Solstice Celebration

IGT: IGT is a massive global brand with more than 1,000 styles of slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos and hundreds available online. But there is a limited number of IGT slots in Pennsylvania. This list includes the top games you’ll be able to find online.

• The Big Easy
• Cleopatra
• Crown of Egypt
• King of Atlantis
• Pixies of the Forest

Other game developers entering the Pennsylvania market include Incredible Technologies, Everi Gaming, GAN, H5G, and Slot Symphony.

Video poker

Video poker games are often lumped together with slots. The main difference is that players retain a certain measure of control over the way the game proceeds.

Video poker creates a virtual simulation of a typical five-card draw poker hand. The player receives five cards, can choose to hold as many as they like and then redraws.

The goal is to make a five-card hand that qualifies as a winner. Exactly which rank of hand is required to win varies from game to game.

Table games

Players who prefer a more tactile experience tend to stick to table games. These are games that use a virtual simulation of activities that involve playing cards, dice, balls, or prize wheels.

Blackjack

The most common table game is blackjack. This card game is a competition between the player and the dealer to see whose combination of cards can get closest to 21 in value.

The catch is that the player must act before the dealer and rely on incomplete information to do so. As a result, the casino retains a slight mathematical edge.

However, players can mitigate this edge by using basic strategy. Basic strategy is a widely published set of behaviors designed to play blackjack optimally.

Roulette

The second-most common table game is roulette.

This French version of the game is found in almost any casino with table games. In fact, PlaySugarHouse elected to launch three variants of roulette in its PA online casino before publishing any versions of blackjack.

Basically, roulette involves a randomly released ball falling into a spinning wheel with numbered slots. Players wager based upon which numbers they believe the ball will fall into.

When playing roulette, you will choose between European and American roulette. European roulette features only a single zero on the wheel and boasts better odds for the players. American roulette, on the other hand, features a 0 and a 00, worsening the odds for players.

There are a variety of choices and combinations of numbers that players can choose to bet. Roulette is a staple for casinos due to its pace of play and chance at incredible winnings. A correct bet on a single number will pay 35:1.

Craps

Craps seems to be a bit less likely to appear in PA online casinos. The game itself, which plays with dice rolls, a large tub-like pit, and myriad ways to wager, is likely a challenge for programmers to realize in a virtual setting.

Nonetheless, craps is a dice-based game, which involves players attempting to roll certain numbers on a pair of dice. Players wager based upon the likelihood of various combinations appearing on the dice.

The probability of those combinations often determines the prescribed payout for various wagers on the board. The casinos generate their profit margin by ensuring that the payout odds are worse than the event odds.

For example, a particular number may only have one chance in three of occurring, but a successful wager will only payout 2:1.

Other table games

Several table games are available from time to time at online casinos. These games are less common and, frankly, have a bigger house edge to them.

Nevertheless, they can be a fun option for someone looking for a change of pace. Some other table games include:

• Casino Hold ’em
• Caribbean Stud
• EZ Baccarat
• Let It Ride
• Pai Gow Poker
• Three-card poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold ’em

Live dealer games at PA casinos

People often speak about the “next big thing.” For online gambling in the US, live dealer games are that thing.

This style of online casino game has been nothing short of a revolution. It has propelled casinos in New Jersey to great heights. Live dealer games will come to a Pennsylvania online casinos as soon as the operators can get it off the ground.

Essentially, live dealer games are games dealt in real-time and broadcast live across the site. Real dealers run the games in an interactive studio located in or near the actual land-based casino itself. In fact, there are a few games conducted on the casino floor itself.

Players can place their bets, interact with the dealers, or even interact with one another. Some versions of live dealer games have even expanded to allow players to have multiple views of the game in action.

So far, the following games are available in a live dealer setting in New Jersey. Hopefully, they will appear in Pennsylvania soon:

• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Casino Hold ’em
• Roulette
• Three-card poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold ’em

Stay on top of things with your favorite online site. Live dealer games are not something to miss.

More about PA’s legal online gambling industry

Online poker, online casino table games, and slots became legal in Pennsylvania as a part of a comprehensive gambling expansionpackagepassed by state legislators in October 2017.

The PGCB is providing regulatory oversight for the local online gambling industry. Casinos could get all three types of interactive gaming licenses at once for a $10 million licensing fee. The cost was $4 million each individually for slots, table games, and peer-to-peer games like poker.

There is no limit on the number of skins, or alternatively branded online gambling operations, that can operate under each licensee. However, regulations designed by the board stipulate branding for the skins must clearly identify the licensee. Plus, players can only create one account per licensee, not per skin.

Potential PA online casinos

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), there are 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos and two smaller resort casinos operating inside the state. Plus, a 13th casino, Live! Philadelphia, is coming to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area, home of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams.

All of these PA casino operations could have applied for online gambling operator licenses in the state beginning April 16, 2018. The properties had until July 16 to turn in applications for a $10 million comprehensive interactive gaming license. With this license, casinos can offer online poker, online slots, and online table games.

There were nine casinos which applied:

• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
• Mount Airy Casino Resort
• Parx Casino
• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
• Wind Creek (formerly Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem)
• Rivers Philadelphia (formerly SugarHouse Casino)
• Valley Forge Resort Casino
• Live! Philadelphia Casino (under development)

After applying, Rivers Casino Pittsburg eventually rescinded its application, electing to punt on online gambling. Stadium Casino, now called Live! Philadelphia, did something similar, opting to forgo an online poker license.

Meanwhile, both Presque Isle Downs and Mohegan Sun Pocono applied for a la carte licenses. Presque Isle opted to skip poker. Mohegan surprisingly signed up for all three at a cost of $2 million more than its competitors. However, like Rivers and Live!, it too abandoned its online poker plans.

That left 12 unclaimed interactive licenses. PGCB opened up a process for qualified gambling entities (QGE) from outside of Pennsylvania to claim them.

Only two groups applied. MGM Resorts has preliminary approval for all three categories of license. Golden Nugget Atlantic City can offer table games and slots, but no online poker.

Hollywood Casino Sportsbook Pa

These two major US gaming players will be among the last to launch online casino and sports betting products in PA. They will also be the only sites without a PA land-based casino partner.

Potential PA online poker sites

The first online poker site to go live in the state was PokerStars PA when it fully launched on Nov. 6, 2019. The global poker brand is offered in conjunction with its land-based counterpart Mount Airy Casino Resort.

Today, 10 of 12 Pennsylvania casinos have poker rooms. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Valley Forge Casino Resort are the only casinos in the state that do not have poker rooms.

More than 220 live poker tables are operating across the state with the 10 rooms pulling in an average of $4 million in revenue every month.

Plans for Live! in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex area include opening a poker room when the facility opens its doors in early 2021.

In addition to Mount Airy, six more PA casinos plan to offer an online poker counterpart. Those that will launch an online poker room in Pennsylvania (MGM is applying as an out-of-state entity) include:

• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
• Parx Casino
• Wind Creek Casino
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia
• Valley Forge Resort Casino
• MGM Resorts (QGE – no land-based partner)

PA online gambling site safety

PGCB will regulate all online gaming sites in the state. This is the same branch of the state government that regulates all land-based PA casinos.

Other important points regarding PA online gambling security

Pa Casinos With Sports Books

The regulations designed by PGCB will include several security measures specifically designed to:

Station Casinos Sportsbook

• Ensure player balances are held in a separate account from operating funds
• Force sites to implement a rigorous player verification process
• Prevents minors from gaining access
• Deal with problem gamblers
• Force sites to implement geolocation software making sure all players are within the state
• All deposits and withdrawals are processed securely