Is sports betting in Pennsylvania legal? – Being safe whilst you’re betting
The good news is that sports betting in Pennsylvania is legal. There are currently nine online sportsbooks that operate out of the state.
Sports betting in Pennsylvania became legal in 2018 when a ban on sports betting outside of Nevada was struck down by the Supreme Court. Since then, the gambling market in Pennsylvania has gone from strength to strength.
All legal sportsbooks in the state are licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). There is a rigorous application process and all operators need to meet strict policy and safeguarding requirements. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines and the potential removal of licenses.
The PGCB also regularly audits sportsbooks to ensure your funds and personal information is kept in a secure and legal way. As well as giving you peace of mind, the PGCB are also your point of contact should you encounter any issues when sports betting in Pennsylvania.
Discovering the best betting sites Pennsylvania has to offer
We all want to find the
best online sportsbook for US
gamblers, but how do you do it?
You might be tempted to just sign up for the first Pennsylvania online sports betting site you find. After all, surely they are all fairly similar so why bother reading reviews and assessing each one?
The fact of the matter is that you need to assess a number of important factors before you sign up for any Pennsylvania sports betting sites. Failure to do so will not only diminish your enjoyment and profits, it can also cause you unwanted problems when placing bets or withdrawing money.
With that in mind, here is what you need to consider when looking for the best online betting sites Pennsylvania has:
Reputation
When sports betting in Pennsylvania, you want to use the most reputable and reliable operators. This is where expert reviews and customer reviews are so important. These reviews will outline any problems with the operator and any issues you need to be wary of. They will also speak glowingly about the best betting sites Pennsylvania has. It will all help to put your mind at ease.
Regulations
You should only use online sports betting in Pennsylvania sites that are regulated and licensed by state gambling regulators. These regulators ensure sites are fair and trustworthy. Information regarding this should be clearly displayed on operator sites.
Range of markets
All sports betting in Pennsylvania sites will offer you markets on major sports leagues. However, if you want to bet on less popular sports and events, you will need to be more selective in the sites you sign up for. Similarly, if you are looking for more niche markets, then you will also find your options limited. It is important to take a tour of Pennsylvania online betting sites to see which events and markets they cover.
Odds
Odds can vary from site to site. A
gambling comparison site
is a great way of seeing which site is offering the best odds on a specific market. Over time, you might discover that certain operators constantly offer the best odds on certain sports or events.
Payment methods
Typically, you can use PayPal, debit and credit cards when sports betting in Pennsylvania. But you might find that some of the less common payment methods are only available at certain sites. If you are planning on using Play+, PayNearME or other methods, you will need to assess a site before signing up.
Usability
By taking a quick tour of a sports betting in Pennsylvania site, you can decide whether that site is for you. Is it easy to navigate to the market you want? Is placing bets easy? Does the site look good? Ultimately, you need to establish whether you would be comfortable using the site on a regular basis.
When looking at these factors, consider which ones are the most important to you. Of course, you need the operator to be legal and secure. But are you bothered about whether they accept certain niche payment methods? Does the look of the site concern you? And are you looking to bet on obscure sporting events?
Once you have established which factors are the most important to you, focus on these when reading reviews and looking at sites. It will make finding the best betting sites Pennsylvania can offer much easier for you. These principles apply, not just in Pennsylvania, but in all locations. So, whether you are sports betting in Pennsylvania or (for example) looking for the
best online betting sites New Jersey
can offer, always take into account the issues that are of the greatest importance to you.
Signing up for sports betting in Pennsylvania – Getting started
To sign up and use a sports betting site, Pennsylvania residents need to be at least 21 years of age and located within the state.
When signing up for a site, ensure you have multiple forms of valid identification to hand. This is because Pennsylvania online sports betting sites will want to ensure that only only are you old enough to gamble, but also not on any gambling exemption lists.
Your identification documents can be government ID such as a passport or driving licence. You may also be asked to provide your social security number.
Aside from identification, signing up for sports betting in Pennsylvania is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Just fill in your personal details and select a username and password. You then just need to wait for your documents to be verified.
Online bettings sites want your business. This means they are always willing to run promotional offers that will help them stand out from the competition. Here are some of the most popular offers you will find when sports betting in Pennsylvania.
Deposit bonuses
A common offer for new customers, but you do sometimes get deposit bonus offers for existing customers. You make a deposit and the operator will give you a bonus that either fully or partially marches that amount. Typically you will need to wager your bonus a certain amount of times before it can be withdrawn.
Odds boosts
Enhanced odds are offered on certain markets, sometimes for a limited time. For example, a site may have the Dallas Cowboys at +200 to beat the Oakland Raiders, but in the hour before kick off these odds are boosted to +250.
Risk-free bets
Another popular offer for new customers. If your first bet loses, you receive a free bet of the same value. Essentially this gives you two chances to win for the price of one.
Insurance
This is often offered for parlay bets. If one leg of your parley lets you down you either have your stake refunded as cash, or receive a free bet. In most cases this only applies to bets that have a minimum of four legs.
Loyalty schemes
Many sports betting in Pennsylvania sites reward you for placing certain volumes of bets. For instance, some sites may offer you a free $10 bet if you place at least five $10 bets within a certain time period. Alternatively, you might find some operators award loyalty points every time you place a bet. These loyalty points can be converted into cash or free bets when you reach certain thresholds.
Betting bonuses
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Pennsylvania online sports betting – Which sports can I bet on?
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania has very few eligibility limitations on online sports betting. This means that customers are free to bet on local teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Phillies, Penn State Nittany Lions and Pittsburgh Pirates.
In terms of the sports and leagues you can bet on, this can vary depending on the site you are using. But typically the best betting sites Pennsylvania has to offer will offer markets on the following sports:
- American football (NFL, CFL, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Ice hockey (NHL)
- Soccer (MLS, Bundesliga, Serie A, English Premier League plus other major leagues and competitions from around the world)
- Basketball (NBA, WNBA, NCAA plus other major league from around the the world)
- Golf
- Boxing
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, Bellator)
- Tennis
- Horse racing
- Auto racing (Formula one, NASCAR)
Pennsylvania online sports betting – Types of bets
There are more sports markets than ever before. Naturally some of these markets attract more attention than others. here are a few of the most popular markets for people sports betting in Pennsylvania:
Spreads
In most sporting events, there is a favorite and an underdog. Spreads take that into account and give the underdog a points advantage. This causes the betting market to even out and both sides will have similar odds. For example, the Detroit Pistons are favoured by five points to beat the New York Knicks. The spread will display the Pistons as (-5) in the market. This gives the Knicks a theoretical five point head start and makes the odds on either side winning very similar.
Moneylines
The simplest way to bet. You just pick a team to win without any points spread. Either pick the short odds favourite or gamble on the underdog at a longer price.
Parlay
Also known as an accumulator. You bet on the outcome of multiple fixtures. The more teams you bet on, the higher your odds.
Overs/Unders
You are given an event and a predicted toal. You bet on whether the outcome will be more or less than that total. For example, Tom Brady is playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the New York Jets. The over/under on his total passing yards is 298. You have to decide whether he will throw for more or less than that amount. Over/under lines are usually set so that the odds are almost identical for both options.
In-play
The popularity of in-play betting has skyrocketed in recent years. As the name suggests, you place bets whilst the game is taking place. Whilst some in-play markets are the same as pre game markets, you will also find a number of new markets relating to specific events within the game. For instance, the next team to score a goal or the time of the next goal. In-play markets move all the time, so make sure you check the price before placing the bet.
Pennsylvania online sports betting – Payment options
Here are some of the payment methods you can typically use when sports betting in Pennsylvania.
Debit or credit cards
The most common method for depositing and withdrawing funds from Pennsylvania online sports betting sites. Whilst pretty much all sites will accept debit and credit card payments, you need to check whether your card company allows transactions with casino and sports betting sites. Also check for any fees that may be attached.
PayPal
A very popular e-wallet in the United States. PayPal is a simple way of transferring funds to and from your online sportsbook.
Bank transfer
This allows the Pennsylvania sports betting site to connect directly with your bank account. This enables payments to be made instantly and without incurring any fees.
Play+
An option purely for online sportsbooks and casinos. Play+ is a virtual prepaid card which you can fund via debit/credit cards or bank accounts. You then use the funds to make deposits into your sportsbook account. Some ATMs even allow you to make cash withdrawals from Play+ accounts.
Other e-wallets
While PayPal is the most popular e-wallet, there are a number of other e-wallets that allow you to make deposits at the best betting sites Pennsylvania has.
Deposits are generally processed instantly, but withdrawal times can vary depending on the site you are using and the payment method. Online reviews will help you to get an idea of how quickly payments are processed by specific Pennsylvania online sports betting sites.
History of Pennsylvania online sports betting – Take a step back in time
Throughout history, Pennsylvania was known as a state that was strongly anti-gambling. However, recent developments in neighbouring states have compelled the state to change their stance and embrace
gambling in Pennsylvania.
In 2004, the first form of gambling became legal in the state. Gamblers could play slots and electronic table games for money. Over the subsequent years, casinos started springing up across the state. In fact, by the end of the decade Pennsylvania was one of the largest gambling markets in the United States.
In 2015, a bill was put forward to legalize sports betting in the state. It failed to pass but it did garner good levels of support. Just three years later, federal laws were passed legalizing sports betting. Existing casinos began to open up sportsbooks, whilst applications for online sportsbooks were also submitted.
SugarHouse opened the first online Pennsylvania sports betting site in 2019 and there are now at least ten online sports betting in Pennsylvania options for customers to choose from.
Pennsylvania online sports betting – Conclusion
Pennsylvania has swiftly become a fantastic location for online sports betting, Pennsylvania residents can take their pick from a number of operators, but before signing up for any it is important to make some key considerations.
The most important aspect of all online betting is that you need to be secure when using a site and you need to know that you are being treated fairly. Only sign up to legitimate and licenced sports betting in Pennsylvania sites.
Also, take the time to consider which aspects of online betting are the most important to you. Is it the range of markets? The in-play options? The design of the site? Or something else? Once you have established this, read reviews and visit sites, to find out which ones best meet your requirements. This will all help you find the best betting site Pennsylvania has to offer.
Finally, always take a look at the promotions section of your chosen providers to discover great welcome offers from sports betting in Pennsylvania sites.
Compare the best Pennsylvania betting providers
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
