Pennsylvania Sports Betting

In 2017, Pennsylvania passed House Bill 519 to legalize betting on sports and daily fantasy sports, and online poker.

However, with a federal ban still in place, the state had to wait until the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 in May 2018 until they could move forward with their online betting plans.

Find out more about betting conditions and approved betting providers in The Keystone State.

Betting Conditions in Pennsylvania

• Players must be at least 21 years old to place bets in Pennsylvania.
• The sports betting market is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
• The state charges PA bettors a 36% tax on sports wagers placed online.
• Operators must pay federal taxation of 0.25% of the handle (total bets accepted).
• Land-based casinos must pay a 54% tax rate on slot machine revenues, a 16% tax rate on table game revenue, and a 34% tax on electronic table games.
• iGaming taxes include 54% on slots, 16% on table games, and 16% on online poker revenues.

The gambling taxes collected in Pennsylvania offset school taxes paid by real estate owners and help the local law enforcement with grants for the responsible gaming program.

Legal Sports Betting Options in Pennsylvania

The first Pennsylvania online sports bets were placed in late May 2019, with initial problems with iOS devices not being able to access apps like SugarHouse.

However, everything is now running smoothly. You can place sports bets on various apps with your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet.

Playing Daily Fantasy Sports in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives made Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) legal within the state on October 26, 2017. The state taxes DFS bettors 15%, and operators pay $50,000 fee for a five-year operator license.

The state became the 17th state to legalize this form of gambling thanks to PA Governor Tom Wolf, who also included online poker and casino games within the bill. Regulated Daily Fantasy Sports betting launched in May 2018. Bettors 18 and above can place bets on DFS.

You can play Daily Fantasy Sports using these websites/apps within Pennsylvania:

• FanDuel
• DraftKings
• Draft
• Boom Fantasy
• FastPick
• Yahoo Fantasy Sports
• SportsHub
• Fantasy Football Players Championship
• Monkey Knife Fight
• Scout Fantasy Sports

Pennsylvania Lottery

Pennsylvania launched its very own lottery scheme on March 7, 1972. Since launching the state has raised over $31 billion to help the elderly, with the Lottery’s motto being “Benefits Older Pennsylvanians. Every Day”. The money raised helps people with rent, gives them lower transport rates, cheap prescriptions, helps care services, and other local services that support the elderly population of Pennsylvania.

If you want to learn more about playing the Pennsylvaniausa Lottery, check out our PA state lottery page.

The Path to Pennsylvania Legalizing Sports Betting

• • April 2017 – House Bill 519 is introduced to legalize sports betting in PA.

October 2017 – The bill is signed into law in October of 2017 before the Supreme Court had makes a decision in the Murphy V NCAA case.

• May 2018  – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 or PASPA is deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, allowing Pennsylvania to launch its own sports betting industry.
• November 2018 – The Hollywood Casino in Grantville becomes the first brick-and-mortar casino to accept sports bets.
• May 2019 – Online sportsbooks begin taking bets.

Pennsylvania Sports Franchises

Pennsylvania has a wide range of sporting talent within state boundaries, most of which is centered in Philadelphia. In the state, you’ll find Football, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Baseball, and Basketball all of which are played at a professional level.

Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers

Founded in 1946 the 76ers were initially known as the Syracuse Nationals until changing their name in 1963. The team is no stranger to success, with three championship titles, besting the NBA in 1955, 1967, and most recently in 1983.

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles

The state is also home to the impressive Pittsburgh Steelers, who’ve won a total of six Super Bowl championships. However, they had to wait until 2017 to win their first Lombardi Trophy.

Founded in 1933, the team plays out of Lincoln Financial Field and belongs to the NFC East division.

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies

Established way back in 1883 and initially named the Quakers, the Phillies now play in the East Division from the Citizens Bank Park. They have won the east division a total of 11 times and bagged themselves two World Series titles in 1980 and 2008.