Sports betting became legal in Pennsylvania in 2017, and it is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). It has oversight over sportsbook operators to help protect sports bettors and ensure they have a fair sports betting experience. Its rules and regulations determine how sports betting works in Pennsylvania, whether it’s in-person or online.
Who can bet on sports in Pennsylvania?
Sports bettors must be 21 years or older to engage in PA sports betting. Sports bettors must be physically located within the state of Pennsylvania, and operators use geolocation technology to ensure this. Residents and visitors are treated in the same way, as it is location and not residency that matters.
Where can sports bettors place their bets?
Pennsylvania allows three types of facilities to accept sports bets. The first is commercial casinos and racinos. The second is off-track betting venues owned by casino operators in the state. The third category is satellite casinos, which includes Parx Casino in Shippensburg.
Multiple online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania are tied to licensed retail casinos. These operators are all regulated by the state. Sports bettors can register at online sportsbooks and place bets. Digital finance options allow them to make online deposits and withdrawals. Since the start of online betting, most PA sports wagers are now placed online.
What betting markets are permitted in Pennsylvania?
Sports bettors can bet on professional sports. Most fans in Pennsylvania can name all the pro sports teams, and they are all legendary in their own way. They include football, basketball, baseball, and hockey teams.
Fans are also able to bet on college sports and both in-state and out-of-state teams. Betting on their favorite in-state college and university teams is very important to sports fans in Pennsylvania.
Sports bettors can bet even on international sporting events. Sports event calendars list sports events in 2026. They may want to bet on events like the FIFA World Cup and the Winter Olympics.
The PGCB permits all the standard bet types. These include but are not limited to moneyline, over/under, props, futures, totals, spreads, and parlays.
What betting markets are restricted?
Offshore and non-registered sports betting are not legal in the state. Betting on high school sports or youth sporting events isn’t permitted. Betting on individual player props on college sports is also not allowed. This is designed to prevent undue influence or exploitation of young athletes. Novelty non-sports bets, such as betting on award shows or on elections, aren’t permitted. Unless an e-sports event is authorized by the PGCB, e-sports betting is restricted.
What does the PGCB do?
The PGCB licenses operators and suppliers. It reviews and approves betting markets and makes sure betting is fair. Monitoring risks to integrity and enforcing responsible gambling practices is also part of its function. It emphasizes player protections such as self-exclusion programs and deposit, losses, and time limit controls. Identity verification is mandatory, and payment processing must be secure. There are restrictions on advertising to minors. If operators don’t follow the rules, the PGCB may issue fines or even suspend licenses.
Tax and payout rules
Pennsylvania doesn’t tax winnings at the point of payout, but residents must report their gambling winnings on their state and federal tax returns. Sportsbooks often pay high operator taxes, and sports betting revenue is taxed at 36% in Pennsylvania, but this doesn’t affect how sports bettors place wagers or receive winnings.