Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
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Online sports betting is fully legal in Pennsylvania, and with so many options available, the Keystone State is a hub for sports wagering enthusiasts.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Pennsylvania’s sports betting scene—from the latest updates in state laws to the best platforms for making your picks. Plus, we’ll show you how to handle taxable winnings like a pro. Let’s dive into PA sports betting!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the gambling options available in Pennsylvania.
- Find out what the best online sports betting sites are in Pennsylvania.
Top 5 Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites
In May 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the PASPA legislation, which had previously banned sports betting in most parts of the country. Currently, Pennsylvania has a total of 11 legal online sportsbooks.
To guide your gambling journey, we gathered the top five online sports betting sites available for PA bettors:
10 Facts About PA Sports Betting Legislation
- Legalization: HB 271 legalized sports betting in 2017, with retail sportsbooks launching in November 2018 and online betting in May 2019.
- Legal Age: You must be 21 or older to wager, with ID checks required for verification.
- State Borders: Pennsylvania is surrounded by six states that also allow retail and online sports betting.
- Retail Sportsbooks: The state has 13 active retail locations, including Rivers Casino and FanDuel at Valley Forge.
- Taxes: Winnings are taxed at 24% federally plus 3.07% state income tax.
- Regulator: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees all sports betting operations.
- College Betting: Betting on college sports is allowed, but college prop bets are prohibited.
- Mobile Betting: Online sportsbooks are accessible on mobile devices.
- Betting Markets: Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer moneylines, spreads, totals, props (non-college), futures, and live odds.
- Responsible Gambling: Tools include timeouts, exclusions, time limits, and marketing preferences.
Other Gambling Options in Pennsylvania
Gamblers in Pennsylvania have no shortage of options in the pursuit of their hobby, with plenty of choices for both online and in-person action in the state:
- Casino: Not only is casino gaming legal in Pennsylvania, but it’s also thriving! Second only to Nevada in terms of revenue, there are 17 casino properties in the state. Online casino gaming is also legal, with operators opening their virtual doors for the first time in 2019.
- Horse racing: It’s possible to legally bet on horse racing in Pennsylvania. Legalized since 1959, you can place your wagers at one of the state’s six active racecourses or at several other ‘off-course’ locations.
- Poker: Online poker is legal in the Keystone State, with a number of the leading poker sites offering cash games and tournaments to local players.
- Daily Fantasy Sports: You can draft your lineups as you please in Pennsylvania, as daily fantasy is legal in the state.
- Retail Sportsbooks: Pennsylvania has over a dozen retail sportsbooks, with top locations including Harrah’s Philadelphia (Caesars Sportsbook), Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, and Mohegan Sun Pocono (Unibet Sportsbook).
Popular Sports and Teams in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a rich sports history, home to legendary teams and athletes across multiple major sports, like golf legend Arnold Palmer and elite quarterbacks Dan Marino, Joe Montana, and Johnny Unitas.
Here are the most popular sports and teams in the state:
- Football: The Pittsburgh Steelers (6 Super Bowl wins) and Philadelphia Eagles (2017 champions) dominate the NFL scene.
- Basketball: The Philadelphia 76ers, with three NBA titles, are an iconic team, boasting legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Charles Barkley.
- Baseball: The Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies together claimed seven World Series titles. The Phillies were founded in 1883.
- Hockey: The Pittsburgh Penguins (5 Stanley Cups, last in 2017) and Philadelphia Flyers (last win in 1975) lead the NHL action.
- Soccer: The Philadelphia Union, MLS finalists in 2022, won the Supporters’ Shield in 2020.
- College Sports: Penn State, Villanova, and the University of Pittsburgh shine, with Penn State earning 50 national championships across gymnastics, wrestling, and fencing.
Reporting PA Gambling Taxes
Paying taxes on sports betting winnings in Pennsylvania is straightforward, and the state’s tax rate is among the lowest in the US at 3.07%.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Federal Taxes: You’ll only pay federal taxes if your winnings exceed $600. Additionally, if your winnings are less than 300x your wager, federal tax does not apply.
- State Taxes: All gambling winnings must be reported to Pennsylvania using the PA-40 Schedule T form.
With these simple guidelines and our complete sports betting taxes guide, you can stay compliant and handle your taxes stress-free.
Start Betting Smart in Pennsylvania Today
Now that you’ve explored this guide, one thing is clear: sports betting is fully legal in Pennsylvania, both online and at retail locations. Take the tips and recommendations shared here and put them into action to boost your wagering experience.
Want to dive deeper? Check out our comprehensive page on state gambling regulation to stay informed and ahead of the game.
References
- PA Gambling and Lottery Winnings — Retrieved on November 25, 2024
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board — Retrieved on November 25, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be 21 or older to legally place sports bets in Pennsylvania, whether at online sportsbooks or retail locations.
Yes, betting on college sports is allowed in Pennsylvania, including games involving local teams. However, prop bets on college players are prohibited.
Yes, sports betting winnings are subject to taxes. A 24% federal tax applies to large winnings, and Pennsylvania imposes a 3.07% state income tax on all gambling winnings.
