Sports Betting In Pa

  

Earlier this year, a Supreme Court ruling made it possible for individual states to offer sports betting legally. Since May 2018, sportsbooks have started operating in Delaware, Mississippi, West Virginia, and New Jersey. As of May 2019, PA online sports betting is now legal!

The epicenter of PA online sports betting is Philadelphia. The energetic fan-base of the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers are the prime demographic for sports bettors in PA. Philadelphia currently has 6 sportsbooks in the city and surrounding suburbs. 4 of the 6 will be eligible to launch online sportsbooks in PA. DraftKings Sportsbook is the best all-around sports betting app in Pennsylvania. It features class-leading technology, lightning quick live betting options, unique ways to play, and DraftKings Online Casino. Their recent partnership with Michael Jordan will only further catapult them into the mainstream.

Contents
Betting

Legal Online Sports Betting in PA

At the beginning of October 2018, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awarded two sports betting licenses to casinos in the state. These licenses went to Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, which operates Parx Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. With these licenses, the two facilities were able to accept real money wagers on college and professional sports.

2019 Legislation

As of May 2019, 8 PA sportsbooks are operating on the PA market. Thus, Pennsylvania is now the fourth state to allow mobile sports betting and is looking to become one of the big players in the online sports betting us market. Other casinos are applying for licenses to open sportsbooks at a cost of $10 million.

Unlike the high tax rate with online casinos, sportsbooks will pay a 34% tax. The two venues that have been licensed plan to start operating in November, so there will still be plenty of the NFL season ahead for bettors to enjoy.

Sports

This site is the very best place to find the best sportsbooks in PA. Besides keeping you up to date with all the latest news concerning online betting we will also review the best sportsbooks in PA, provide tips and news about horse racing and let you know how and where to bet on sports online.

These are exciting times and more and more people are discovering the world of online sports betting and we can let you know where to find the best deals and odds at the best sportsbooks in PA.

Legal PA Sportsbooks

The following locations have legal sports betting in-person or online.

Other PA Casinos such as Mohegan Sun, Mount Airy, Sands, and Lady Luck are aiming to offer sports betting to their players soon.

Unibet and Rivers are the top two sportsbooks in PA offering online sports betting. That said, FanDuel is also a strong contender.

Betting Site
Go To Site & Sign Up
Our Score: 9.2
Our Score: 8.5
Our Score: 8.4

Best Online Sportsbooks in PA

Next to the top three sportsbooks above, our overall favorites can be found below:

BetRivers Sportsbook

The land-based Rivers Casino & Sportsbooks has launched its online BetRivers platform in PA. Right now, BetRivers is offering a $250 Deposit Match for New Players with the BetRivers Affiliate code.

BetRivers is the parent brand of SugarHouse, and has now eclipsed the brand.

FanDuel Sportsbook

A big name in the DFS world, FanDuel Sportsbook Pennsylvania sports bettors an exciting and engaging bets for both new and experienced players.

Unibet Sportsbook

One of the world’s most popular online gambling and sports betting brands, Unibet, is big on the Pennsylvania sports betting scene.

Unibet Sportsbook offers a wide array of betting markets and options to choose from. These options include live streaming and betting, a plethora of promotions, and a dedicated Unibet app plus a Unibet Bonus Code for new players.

FOX Bet

In May 2019, The Stars Group (TSG) signed an agreement with FOX Sports and announced the new FOX Bet in September 2019, offering PA games another option for trading. money. and free competition.

Grab your FOX Bet promo code before signing up.

DraftKings Sportsbook

PA has America’s favorite sportsbook! All PA sports bettors can now bet on football, get great odds on college basketball, and more. Plus, sign up today and receive a great DraftKings welcome offer.

BetAmerica

PA residents can bet on all of the top American sports with BetAmerica, like basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer, rugby and tennis.

Parx Sportsbook

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. These affiliations ensure that sports bettors in PA will be able to access the very best markets and odds.

Online Betting vs Retail in PA

Adding an online sport betting element to their operations will make them the most popular destinations off and online. It will be the driving force behind making sports betting as popular in the US as it is across the world.

These are the best sportsbooks in PA as they already have the expertise and knowledge of land-based casinos, poker apps, and other betting outlets. They can use their brand following and sports betting know-how to provide a great service for their new customers.

Whenever new online sportsbooks are announced or launched you will be the first to know. We will review them as soon as possible so you are always up to date with all the latest online sports betting news in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Mobile Betting

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board forced Bookmakers of Pennsylvania to have launched their retail sportsbook first before allowing them to provide their clients with online and mobile sports betting.

The following sportsbook apps are already widely popular in New Jersey. Thus, we can expect that these sports betting apps will be available for PA players very soon now that sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania.

What are the best sports betting apps in PA?

We have taken the time to review the best sports betting apps to provide you with all the information you need to get started wagering. We do not sponsor any of these PA betting apps but do recommend them if you are seeking real money betting action. The following app reviews are based on the New Jersey version.

Online

The above table contains the four best sports betting apps that will launch in Pennsylvania and these all provide great bonuses, wide market coverage, many bet types, customer support and more. With safe and secure betting options, any of the best online betting apps will meet all of your needs while providing a great way to wager and win.

Brand Is No Longer Active – SugarHouse Sportsbook Betting App

The SugarHouse sportsbook launched on August 23, 2018. Also, it was the third sportsbook to become available in Pennsylvania. The site offers one of the best sports betting apps for mobile users and also provides online betting. Without a doubt, the registration process to be quite simple. Within minutes, enjoy the site with secure transactions using trusted payment methods.

As one of the best betting apps in NJ, SugarHouse offers you a super $250 bonus when you make your initial deposit. Bets on this app start at just $0.10. Likewise, there are endless betting options. These include parlays, single-game bets, round-robin parlays, point spreads, totals, proposition bets, and so much more.

Note you cannot wager on any PA college games. Below are just a few of the highlights you will enjoy at SugarHouse Sportsbook.

  • Betting app for Android and iOS
  • Low 1x wagering requirement
  • Great $250 welcome offer

888sport Betting App

With the 888sport app, get an easy-to-use layout with easy access to all markets and bet types. The app offers standard betting as well as live betting, so you can enjoy the action as it is happening. 888 delivers a secure experience and some great promotional offers.

When it comes to market coverage, 888 has all bases covered with major professional sports from around the world. They also offer betting on college events as long as they are not based in Pennsylvania. Get started with an impressive no deposit bonus followed by a 100% match when you create a new account.

The free mobile betting app for Android is easy to install from their website. And, you can download for the iOS app at 888 or through the App Store. Both apps deliver an amazing experience with one of the top-rated operating sportsbooks in the industry. Here are just a few things you will benefit from when you create an 888 Sportsbook account:

  • Massive range of betting markets
  • $10 free just for signing up
  • In-game betting options

FOX Bet Betting App

Looking to enjoy one of the best sports betting apps in Pennsylvania? Take a look at what FOX Bet app has to offer. This highly respected brand entered the PA market in 2018 and offers a free download for Android and iOS apps. Note, you will have to use the app to place real money wagers.

When you sign up for a new FOX Bet account, you will immediately begin enjoying rewards. The site welcomes you with a $500 free bet offer. Get $50 in bets with every $150 wagered after the initial $50 bet. There are also a number of ongoing promotions that can be redeemed.

This PA sportsbook presents you with great coverage of sports markets and supports all types of bets. It has quickly become one of the best sports betting apps available. Plus, they continue to make improvements to present you with the most enjoyable and rewarding betting experience possible. With fast registration, seamless download, great bonuses, and excellent customer support, FOX Bet meets your betting needs. Enjoy the following perks of being a FOX Bet member:

  • Free Android and iOS app
  • Weekly free bets
  • Impressive $500 free bet welcome offer
  • Ongoing bonuses and promotions

What should you look for in a mobile sports betting app?

Not every sports betting app will be the best choice as they each offer different perks. If you are new to sports betting, you will want to choose a site that offers a simple layout so it is easy to navigate. Luckily, all of the best sports betting apps in PA offer tutorials and hints that can help you get started. There are also FAQ sections that can be useful if you are a new bettor. Here, you can learn about the different types of bets supported, as well as information on how to quickly place wagers.

Mobile Device Support

You will want to make sure that the selected betting app supports your device. Some will offer an app that can be downloaded while others have browser-based betting. If you are an Android or iOS user, you will benefit from the free downloads that are supported. However, if you are not willing to install software, you should find a betting app that is browser-based only. When making a choice on the best sports betting app, you will also want to take a look at the bonuses and promotions that are featured. These can add free cash and even free bets to your account, which can be very beneficial if you frequent the site.

Loyalty Program

You will also want to seek out a betting app that has a loyalty program so you can earn even more rewards as you place real money wagers. With the information provided here, you will quickly learn about the best sports betting apps available in Pennsylvania and will be able to make an educated decision on where to start betting.

Safety & Security

There is no concern in regards to safety and security as these apps are all fully licensed and regulated and adhere to all PA gambling laws. They also only make use of reputable and trusted payment methods, so you can easily and safely conduct transactions with no concerns.

The History of Gambling Legalization in Pennsylvania

For many years, online gambling and betting have been illegal in the United States and the landscape of iGaming chances in 2013, when the government allowed individual states to oversee and operate online casinos and gambling sites. In October of 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth state to legalize online gambling.

The passing of the new laws allows for the offering of online poker, table games, and slots an there are 12 licenses that are available, one for each of the land-based casinos that are in the state.

How PA Operators Get Licensed

First, an online casino must be associated with a land-based casino within PA, so there are just 12 licenses that are available. During the initial 90 days of the licensing period, the applicant was able to apply for a license to cover slots, table games, and poker for $10 million. After 90 days, individual segments were applied for at a cost of $4 million. After 120 days have passed, unclaimed licensed were able to be purchased by entities that are not PA-based casinos for $4 million per segment.

Tax Rate for Sportsbooks

All licensed online casinos will have a set tax rate of 14% of the gross gaming revenue on table games and poker and there will be an additional 2% that is used for local share assessments.

When it comes to slots, the tax rate is quite hefty, coming in at 52% with the added 2%. As things stand now, many of the casinos in PA have applied for online gaming licenses and quite a few have been approved. There are currently 5 online casinos that have been approved in the state and six others have applied for licenses.

Until now, Pennsylvania has received $108 million in fees for licensed and with remaining licenses available, the opportunity may be given to casinos outside of PA or even outside of the country if PA casinos do not step up and submit their applications. Even though licenses have been granted, the sites are not up and running yet. Gamblers in PA will most likely have to wait until later in the year to begin playing at these online casino sites.

PASPA Law Struck Down

In May of 2018, the legal landscape for sports betting changed when the US Supreme Court struck down the PASPA law that had placed a limit on sports betting. For the past 25 years, this law limited sports betting to being allowed in just one state, Nevada.

The law was recently declared to be unconstitutional and now, it is up to individual states on whether they will allow residents to engage in sports betting action. Visit US Bookies for a detailed overview of the sports betting landscape in the USA. The law was signed in back in 1993 by President George H.W. Bush to ensure that no state would be able to regulate or tax any form of sports betting.

Licensing Fees & Taxes

In addition to the licensing fees that have to be paid to apply for a sports betting license, operators will also have to bear the burden of high tax rates, such as the 34% on gross receipts in PA. In 2017, Pennsylvania legalized sports betting and with the striking down of PASPA, operators within the state of PA are now able to obtain a license and start offering real money sports wagering activities to anyone that is a resident of the state and is of legal age to gamble.

This has created a great opportunity for the state to generate revenues from the taxes paid on such wagering and combined with online casinos that will soon open, PA stands to benefit greatly from the money that will be coming in form bets placed at online sites and land-based sportsbooks once they start operating.

How to Bet on Sports Online in PA

With the launch of online sports betting in Pennsylvania, not only do potential customers want to know where to go for the best sportsbooks in PA – they also want an insight into where to find the best odds and markets and be kept up to date with all the latest promotions and bonuses.

Some of the new players may already be used to playing poker apps, but to be able to bet on sports online, they will need to sign up and register for a customer account at one of the sportsbooks in PA.

The good news is that it is very quick and easy to register for any sportsbook or online betting site. The process may differ very slightly from site to site but most of the sportsbooks in PA will have a familiar set up that won’t take long and gets you betting as soon as possible.

The really good news is that there is likely to be some kind of welcome offer to attract new customer account holders. This is usually in the form of deposit matches or free bets. Keep checking back to this site to find out where all the best online sportsbooks in PA are.

College Sports

College sports events are certainly one of the most interesting types of games that bettors like to place their wagers on. Those who decide to bet on sports in Pennsylvania will most likely be able to choose from a plethora of college sports games.

There might even be some special bonus offers available for the customers who bet on college sports.

Online bettors from PA will most likely see various sports categories when it comes to college sports betting like:

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Ice Hockey
  • Volleyball, etc.

Sportsbook FAQs

Is sports betting legal in PA?

In 2017, state lawmakers signed a bill legalizing sports betting in Pennsylvania. That bill is pending a change in federal law. That means that PASPA has been overturned allowing casinos to open up land-based sportsbooks.

The wording of the bill allows for sports betting ‘by any system or method’, so online sports betting will also become a reality in Pennsylvania – the betting companies just need to finalize the details and launch their sites.

Where can I bet on sports online today?

As of this moment, there are a handful of online sports betting sites accepting wagers. Visit Unibet, BetRivers or FanDuel for great PA online sports betting. Looking to bet on the super bowl online? Visit this online super bowl betting guide.

Can I bet on sports online?

Once the sportsbooks are launched everyone over the age of 21 will be able to bet on sports online. They will not need to be residents of Pennsylvania but will need to be in the state at the time to take advantage of online sportsbooks in PA.

Once you have funds in your brand new customer account you can explore the range of betting markets open to you. The best sportsbooks in PA will have markets covering the world of sports – including all the big events in the US, such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the Kentucky Derby.

You may find that some sportsbooks in PA offer other gaming opportunities like poker. Check them out today to see which suits you best!

Pennsylvania officially became a sports betting state when the Commonwealth’s first retail sportsbook launched in 2018. Now you’ll find more than ten retail sportsbooks spread across the state.

Online sports betting debuted in 2019, ushering in a new era of mobile sports betting in the KeystoneState. The overwhelming majority of sports wagers in PA are now placed at the state’s more than ten legal online sportsbooks.

Below, you will find the essential details regarding online sports betting sites in Pennsylvania.

PA Online Sports Betting Apps

Sportsbook
Features
New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.
Up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Risk Free Bet
$250 Risk Free Bet
Risk Free Bet
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Risk Free Bet
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Risk Free Bet
$10 Free Weekly Bet

PA online sports betting expansion

Among the top PA sports betting apps are some of the biggest names in the game. FanDuel, in partnership with Valley Forge Casino, established itself as an early market leader.

DraftKings joined the market before the end of 2019, launching under Penn National’s Meadows Racetrack & Casino license.

Other heavy hitters with an online sportsbook in PA, along with their land-based partners include:

  • BetRivers Sportsbook (Rivers Pittsburgh)
  • Unibet Sportsbook (Mohegan Sun Pocono)
  • Fox Bet Sportsbook (Mount Airy Casino Resort)
  • Caesars Sportsbook (Harrah’s Philadelphia)
  • Barstool Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino)
  • BetMGM Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino Morgantown)
Sports betting in pa

Online sports betting sites in Pennsylvania

PA sports betting sites offer mobile wagering via apps and online wagering through their respective websites.

Here is the full list of PA online sportsbooks and when they launched or are planning to:

  • SugarHouse Sportsbook (Launched May 31, 2019)
  • BetRivers Sportsbook (Launched June 27, 2019)
  • Parx Sportsbook (Launched June 27, 2019)
  • FanDuel Sportsbook PA (Valley Forge) (Launched July 22, 2019)
  • Harrah’s Sportsbook (summer 2019)
  • Fox Bet Sportsbook (August-September 2019)
  • William Hill Sportsbook (fall 2019)
  • DraftKings Sportsbook (2019)
  • BetAmerica Sportsbook (2019)
  • Unibet Sportsbook (2019)
  • BetMGM Sportsbook (2020)
  • Live! Philadelphia Hotel & Casino (2021)

PA sportsbook locations, partners, licensees

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) oversees all sports betting in the state, both retail and online.

Only PA casinos (and racinos) can get a license to do this. However, none have done it alone. Many choose to partner with software and sports betting services suppliers from around the world to launch retail and online sports betting operations in Pennsylvania.

Here’s a look at which operators have partnered with which on the launch of sports betting in Pennsylvania:

CasinoPartnerOnline SportsbookRetail Sportsbook
SugarHouse Casino KambiLive as of May 31, 2019 Launched Dec. 15, 2018
Valley Forge Casino Resort FanDuel/IGT/GANLive as of July 22, 2019 Launched March 13, 2019
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh KambiLive as of June 27, 2019 Launched Dec. 15, 2018
Parx Casino KambiLive as of June 27, 2019 Launched Jan. 10, 2019
Harrah's Philadelphia Scientific GamesSummer 2019Launched Jan. 24, 2019
The Meadows DraftKings2019Coming Soon
Hollywood Casino at Penn National William HillFall 2019Launched Nov. 17, 2018
Presque Isle Downs BetAmericaFall 2019Launched July 26, 2019
Mohegan Sun Pocono Unibet2019Coming Soon
Mount Airy Casino Resort FoxBetAug./Sept. 2019Coming Soon
Live! Philadelphia Hotel & Casino N/AEst. 2021Coming Soon

Here is a look at where each of the sportsbooks is located:

Benefits of legal online sports betting

Once you accept that Americans are already betting billions of dollars on sports every year, and that most of it is through illegal bookies and offshore online sportsbooks, it’s easy to see that there are several benefits to legalized sports betting.

For those who bet sports, legal sports betting offers a safer environment with increased consumer protections. Legal sports betting in Pennsylvania also means a boost to the local economy, new jobs, and a significant tax revenue stream for the state.

Regulated sports betting also slows the proliferation of illegal sports betting operators. Since it’s all above board and public, legal sports betting also means the integrity of sports across the country is better protected than ever before.

Top sports betting events, sports teams in PA

Pennsylvania doesn’t differ much from the rest of the country when it comes to major sports betting events.

Sports Betting In Palm Springs Ca

The most-bet-on event in the country and in PA is the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament. March Madness may get even more attention in PA because a local-Philadelphia team, the VillanovaWildcats, have become perennial contenders, winning the tourney in 2016 and 2018.

The SuperBowl is the second-biggest betting event in the US and PA. Of course, the Super Bowl’s popularity in Pennsylvania was at an all-time high in 2018 when the PhiladelphiaEagles won it. However, the NFL is also wildly popular in Pittsburgh where locals bleed the black and gold colors of the PittsburghSteelers.

Other local teams that draw a lot of betting interest in PA include:

  • Penn State Nittany Lions (NCAA football)
  • PittsburghPanthers (NCAA football)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • PittsburghPirates (MLB)
  • PhiladelphiaFlyers (NHL)
  • PittsburghPenguins (NHL)
  • Philadelphia76ers (NBA)

Other significant sporting events that draw a ton of betting action in PA include:

  • World Series (MLB)
  • NBA Finals
  • Stanley Cup Playoffs (NHL)
  • The Masters (PGA)
  • Wimbledon
  • College football playoffs
  • Kentucky Derby/Triple Crown

Unfortunately, PA sportsbooks cannot accept wagers on non-sporting events like the NFL Draft or the AcademyAwards. For a PA sportsbook to take action on something, it must be directly tied to a sporting event.

PA sports betting FAQ

Are legal sports betting options live in Pennsylvania?

Yes, they are. Pennsylvania law allows for regulated sports betting at licensed PA casinos or on licensed sports betting apps run by PA casinos. Betting with offshore online sportsbooks and illegal bookies is still against the law, but there are now several legal sports betting options in Pennsylvania.

Sports Betting In Palm Springs

Who is eligible for a sports betting license?

The PGCB only grants licenses to run retail sportsbooks to existing PA casino license holders. That includes racetracks with casinos, otherwise known as racinos.

Is there legal online sports betting in Pennsylvania?

Yes, there is. Online sports betting launched in Pennsylvania when the first sports betting site went live on May 31, 2019. The state is now home to more than online sportsbooks.

What about mobile sports betting apps?

Pennsylvania online sportsbooks are available on desktop browsers (for use with a Geolocation plug-in) but most are also available in app form. The first step is downloading your favorite PA sports betting app for either iOS or Android.

What sports can I legally bet on?

You can bet on almost all US college and pro sports in PA. That means the big four US pro sports leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Plus, most major NCAA-sanctioned college sports. There are even betting markets in PA for overseas sports action like European football, cricket, and rugby.

What colleges are excluded?

You can bet on all US college teams in PA. New Jersey restricts college sports betting to schools and games outside the state only. PA does not have such restrictions.

Are there other PA sports betting restrictions?

If it’s a sport, you can pretty much bet on it in PA. The only restriction is that the betting market must revolve around a sporting event. That means you cannot bet on non-sporting events like the Academy Awards or the NFL Draft. It also excludes Super Bowl props like the color of gatorade that will be dumped on the winning coach.

Who is eligible to place a sports bet in Pennsylvania?

As long as you are 21 or older and physically inside the state of Pennsylvania, you can place a sports bet online or live at a retail sportsbook. The lone exception is if you are in any way, shape, or form involved with the team or the league you wish to bet on.

How does an online sportsbook know that I’m actually inside PA when I place a wager?

Online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania employ geolocation software to make sure anyone placing a bet is inside PA at the time. There’s no getting around this law.

What types of sports betting does Pennsylvania support?

PA law allows for single-game wagering at licensed retail and online sportsbooks. That means all kinds of traditional bets are available on a variety of sporting events, including:

  • Futures
  • Moneylines
  • Point spreads
  • Totals (over/unders)
  • Parlays
  • Round robins
  • Teasers
  • Player, team, and game props
  • Live, in-game betting

How much revenue does sports betting generate for Pennsylvania?

PA has established itself as the third-largest sports betting market, trailing only New Jersey and Nevada. PA sportsbooks surpassed $4 billion in total wagers (handle) before it turned two years old.

What are the tax rates on PA sports betting?

Online and retail sports betting in PA are taxed at 34% plus a 2% local share assessment. That means 36% of all sports betting revenue is going to the Commonwealth.

What about esports betting?

Because esports don’t fit the definition of a traditional sporting event, bettors can’t currently bet on esports in PA. That said, PA lawmakers have discussed the possibility and could legalize esports betting sometime in the future.

What about daily fantasy sports?

PA began regulating daily fantasy sports (DFS) in May 2018. That means it’s legal to play DFS at licensed PA fantasy sports operators.

History of PA sports betting

Pennsylvania was one of several states that legalized sports betting pending a change in federal law prior to the US Supreme Court declaring the federal ban on sports betting unconstitutional in May 2018.

That was the only change in federal law PA needed to move ahead, and the PGCB was immediately tasked with producing regulations to govern sports betting in the Commonwealth.

The PGCB came up was the following plan:

  • Allowing PA casinos to apply for a sports betting license giving them the right to operate online and retail wagering on sporting events approved by the board.
  • Charging sports betting licensees a one-time fee of $10 million.
  • Allowing each licensee a single online sports betting skin prominently featuring the name of the associated casino.
  • Allowing licensees to launch supplemental retail sportsbooks at off-track betting and local satellite casino locations.

It took some time for the first to be submitted, but sports betting license applications began pouring in by August 2018.

The state’s first retail sportsbook

Hollywood Casino at Penn National was the first to apply and launched the state’s first retail sportsbook on Nov. 15, 2018.

As other locations prepared to launch, on Dec. 7, Presque Isle Downs submitted a license application. Sportsbooks began opening at casinos across the state, and by the end of March 2019, Mount Airy and Mohegan Sun applied for licenses as well.

That left Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Sands Bethlehem. The tiny Lady Luck operation looked to be leaving sports betting to sister site Presque Isle Downs.

As for SandsBethlehem, it was going through a sale. That sale closed at the beginning of June 2019 with the property becoming Wind Creek Bethlehem. The new owners claimed they were moving ahead with the process of bringing sports betting to the casino.

Around the same time, the era of online PA sports betting was ushered in when SugarHouse began online app testing on May 28, 2019. By July 29, four online betting apps were up and running with more getting ready to launch.

Sports Betting In Pa

That brings us to August 2019 with nine PA retail sportsbooks operational and four more to launch this year, and each to either run a PA sports betting app already or have plans to launch one soon.

PA sports betting law, regulations

Pennsylvania legalized sports betting, pending a change in federal law, as part of a comprehensive gambling expansion packageapproved in October 2017. That change in federal law came on May 14,2018, when the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and upheld a 2014 New Jersey law aimed at allowing sports betting in casinos and racetracks in the Garden State by a vote of 6-3. PASPA is the law that made sports betting illegal everywhere except Nevada, and limited sports gambling in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon.

PASPA declared unconstitutional

Sports Betting In Pa Online

In the written Supreme Court decision, JusticeSamuel Alito said PASPA infringed upon state sovereignty guaranteed in the US Constitution. He also said states should be able to make their own choices when it comes to sports gambling, opening the door to legalized and regulated sports betting across the country.

Sports Betting In Pa Locations

Of course, Pennsylvania is ahead of the curve on the issue, as one of just a handful of states that legalized sports betting pending a change in federal law prior to the release of the Supreme Court decision. That paved the way for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to set up the regulatory framework for legalized sports betting inside the state.