Pennsylvania didn’t wait long after the PASPA repeal to legalize sports betting within its borders. What’s more, soon after making sports betting legal in the state, the authorities also expanded their regulated betting options to online and mobile sports apps in May 2019.
Though that is something gamblers in other states would covet, the licensing fees here are ridiculously high ($10 million). Nonetheless, by the end of 2019, a physical sportsbook of seven casinos was operating in the state. And currently, there are more than 12 retail casino sportsbooks alongside 8+ online domestic sports betting service providers in Pennsylvania.
To make this deal even sweeter, the state residents are also given access to international sportsbooks that operate legally outside the United States. Offshore sports betting has been happening in the US for nearly a decade. And these sites offer better betting lines across more sports and generous promotions than the sportsbooks within the country.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the sports betting scenario in Pennsylvania.
How to Bet on Sports Legally in Pennsylvania?
Whether you are a resident of Pennsylvania or passing through the state, there are several options you can choose to wager on sports.
Let’s discuss the most popular option—sportsbook apps. Whether you are on the go or at your home enjoying the evening, mobile sportsbook apps are a great way to indulge in widespread practice. There are also a lot of options you can choose from, including the bonuses, level of competition, etc.
Bonuses are particularly significant when you are entering the sports betting arena. Though it is made to attract new users, you can take advantage of them, such as risk-free bet offers. Signing up for a sportsbook app is also very simple compared to brick-and-mortar service providers. All you need to do is download the app, create an account, and begin your wagering journey.
Now, just because online sportsbooks are in vogue now doesn’t mean their physical counterparts are any less important. When it comes to the live-action and rich casino experience, the online apps can’t beat brick-and-mortar stores.
What Can You Legally Bet on in Pennsylvania?
The betting law passed by the Pennsylvania state board allows users to wager on all pro sports, college games, and international sporting events. The only legal eligibility criteria are that you should be aged 21 or above, are inside state lines and are not on a self-exclusion list. This applies to users who indulge in both offline and online sports betting. Additionally, it isn’t mandatory that you are a permanent resident of Pennsylvania.
Now, there do exist some restrictions for sports betting. Find them listed below.
- You can only wager on sports and not on things like elections, the NFL draft, and the Oscars.
- You aren’t allowed to bet on esports.
- You can bet on your own sports if you are involved in sports leagues (coaches, officials, etc.).
Though it is licensed separately, you are allowed to bet on horse racing.
The Best Sports Betting Apps in Pennsylvania in 2021
Mobile sports betting was launched in Pennsylvania in May 2019. And the first sportsbook to go entirely live was the SugarHouse Sportsbook. Currently, there are more than ten sports betting apps operating in the Pennsylvania market.
The launch of mobile sports betting didn’t go well for at least the first two months. Several issues were reported by users who couldn’t access PA online sportsbooks from their iOS devices.
However, most operators currently offer Android and iOS functionality. So, you can be sure you can wager on your favorite events regardless of what device you own. Below, let’s take a look at the top sportsbook apps in Pennsylvania.
DraftKings Sportsbook App
- Features a unique betting carousel.
- You can indulge in a wide array of the market, including niche leagues.
- It offers a first deposit bonus of up to a $50 free bet.
- Additionally, you can also enjoy up to $1,000 in deposit bonuses.
Unibet Sportsbook App
- Bonus of up to $600 in risk-free bet.
- Main highlight includes in-play betting on major leagues, soccer, golf, and tennis.
FanDuel Sportsbook App
- Features built-in live streaming for NHL, NBA, and MLB.
- Bonus of up to $1,000 risk-free bet for new users.
BetMGM Sportsbook App
- Offers regular odds boost.
- Highlights a wide array of betting markets.
- Bonus of up to $1,000 in risk-free bet when you sign up.
