Pennsylvania is home to prominent professional teams and has long been considered a major player in the world of sports. In the last two years, it has also emerged as one of the top online sports betting states in the country.
Between the federal ban on sports betting (which was promptly repealed) and the pricey licensing fee and taxes that greeted potential sportsbooks operators, things were not looking good at first. Ultimately, the possibilities offered by the Keystone State proved too alluring. Now, it hosts several online sportbooks as well as PA online casinos.
Here are the best online sportsbooks Pennsylvania has to offer.
The Best PA Sportsbooks Online
- Best overall – BetMGM
- Easiest to navigate app – BetWay
- Best promotions- Caesars Sportsbook
- Fastest settlements and withdrawals – BetRivers
- Widest selection of available sports – FOX Bet
- Best user experience – Barstool
- Most recognizable name globally – UniBet
- Best betting features – DraftKings
- Biggest welcome bonus – FanDuel
- Longest wagering history – TwinSpires
1. BetMGM – Best Overall
Pros:
- Many different promotions offered
- Comprehensive rewards program
- Efficient parlay betting feature
- Steelers themed casino games & 76ers promotions
Cons:
- Not the most intuitive design
- Could use more reload bonuses
Another reputation play that’s straight from the Las Vegas Strip. The owner of MGM Grand, New York New York, Mandalay Bay and many more properties isn’t going to just lay down a dud for sports bettors.
Bonuses: 4.5/5
One thing that makes BetMGM stand out is the number of promotions it has going at any given time. They come in all shapes and forms.
There is the money-back offer if you bet on an underdog with at least a +101 odds and lose, which is nice security for players who like to take the harder road to Profitville.
There are also contests that give you the chance to win free bets but cost nothing to enter. Just keep visiting the promotions page so you do not miss out on any of these amazing offers.
Sportsbook Variety: 4.5/5
BetMGM’s parlay builder is worth mentioning off the bat. It allows you to create parlays easily without having to go to different parts of the website or app. Breaking it down by the most popular markets and by sport makes it possible to put a parlay together in seconds.
We also found the future props options to be beefier than other sportsbooks, and the odds in general stand up to any sportsbook online – with underdog payouts being particularly good.
User Experience: 3.5/5
While BetMGM does many things right, it does have to improve on user experience, as it can be difficult to navigate. Having nearly identical menus running both horizontally and vertically is a war for attention, though once you know what you’re looking for it’s quite simple.
Also, there are times that the app or site takes a long time to respond to users’ input actions.
Unique Selling Point: 4.5/5
Aside from the long list of promos, BetMGM offers a rewards program that will give points for various bets in the app.
Online bettors can redeem these points when they go to any of the MGM resorts in the real world and get priority access during check-in, an annual complimentary cruise, a free limousine service to the airport, and many other benefits.
2. BetWay – Best PA Sports Betting App
FPros:
- Cutting edge online betting platform
- Extensive list of available sports
- Generous loyalty program
- Same game parlays and parlay boosters
Cons:
- Not the most intuitive homepage
The BetWay Sports mobile app features an intuitive layout that gives quick and easy access to all your favorite sports and betting markets. You can easily place a bet with a few taps on the screen.
It is compatible with both Apple and Android devices for maximum accessibility. However, some users complain that a session expires quickly, and when it does, they will have to log in again.
Aside from major sports like football, BetWay has more than 25 other sports listed on its website, which gives you limitless opportunities for betting. It also offers a very generous rewards program called BetWay Plus, where you can get free bets and credits.
3. Caesars Sportsbook – Best PA Sportsbook Bonuses
Pros:
- Unparalleled industry reputation
- Nice first sports bet promo
- Huge number of casino games
- Loyalty program with premium merchandise
Cons:
- Not a lot of odds boosts
- Small menu of non major sports
This classic casino company was a pioneer back when Vegas was just a dusty desert stopover, and today they own some of the biggest casino properties in the United States – so a PA sportsbook is not only natural, but oozes and delivers on potential for some of the best sports betting online.
Bonuses: 4.5/5
The days of merely ornamental first bet matches that can’t even add up to a brisket burger at Wawa end here.
Caesar’s offers a great match of your first sports wager, and better yet the minimum -200 odds on the promotion is as good as it gets. We also loved that it’s equally valid for parlays, as long as the odds obey the same rules.
Once you’re dug in they also keep the promos coming with Risk Free Thursdays being a highlight. Beyond this, Caesar’s long retail reach means that loyalty points can be redeemed for electronics, jewelry, appliances, housewares, and much more.
Sportsbook Variety: 4/5
The largest retail sportsbook in America doesn’t have to dazzle with fringe sports, and we actually like it this way. American sports are given prominence in a simple black and gold ‘Top Leagues’ menu at the top left, so most players are only two clicks away from what they need.
Steelers and Eagles fans should know this is one of the best live betting sportsbooks for football, as they use the official NFL data feeds for quick reliability.
Standard juice is offered here, and unlike many other sportsbooks in PA they don’t shave a point off of their -110 basketball and football totals.
User Experience: 4.5/5
The interface here is slick yet minimalist. We see it catering to serious players who want quick lines, easy to find markets, and aren’t impressed by cartoony bells and whistles shifting promos like they’re going out of style.
This is a Vegas sportsbook through and through, put online for those who can’t make the trip out to Nevada. There are no frills, it’s simple to use, and the rewards program offers gifts no other casinos can.
Unique Selling Point: 4/5
How does one rank the originality of one of Las Vegas’ original destination casinos? Again, having such a strong brick and mortar game and the ability to launch unique, perk-heavy promotions scores them points here.
That said, it’s also a slight negative. With such an epic, industry topping reputation they don’t feel the need to originate much beyond offering a very functional site with competitive odds.
Read the full Caesar’s Online Casino PA review
4. BetRivers – Fastest Settlements and Withdrawals
Pros:
- Excellent user experience and easy to use
- Great player support services
- Easy withdrawal process
- PA-specific boosts
- Super fast payouts
Cons:
- Cluttered homepage
- Just average odds
BetRivers is one of the best operators in Pennsylvania, earning it the Mobile Operator of the Year title in the 2019 edition of the EGR North America Awards. It is still our choice as the best online sportsbook today.
Bonuses: 4.5/5
There’s no quicker sportsbook to turn your bonuses into real money than BetRivers, with a 1 x playthrough being the lowest in the entire market.
Pennsylvania sports bettors also really love their weekday odds boosts for NBA, NCAA, and NHL. There’s also odds boosts for logging in from Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, and further boosts for bettors who are attending Penguins and Flyers games in person.
Sportsbook Variety: 4/5
We love the ‘Hometown Favorites’ section that puts PA sports teams up front, for those hard to resist homer bets while watching games with friends.
That said, the odds here are quite average as they utilize the Kambi betting platform as their base. Expect to see a varied sports menu without mindblowing odds boosts, unless they’re part of broader promos like the ones mentioned above.
User Experience: 4.5/5
BetRivers uses a simple but effective layout that online betting newbies and experienced sports bettors would like. The main menu is located on the left side of the screen while the selection of the most popular sports is on a navigation bar at the top. It can’t get any easier.
We also love that BetRivers offers fast payouts. They settle bets right away and let you start the withdrawal process quickly. Payments are equally fast, and with RushPay over 80% of their withdrawals are approved automatically,
Unique Selling Point: 4/5
It sounds basic, but you can send them an email or start a live conversation through chat inside the app, which allows you to connect with a member of their support team within minutes. Given how slow some sportsbooks have been this isn’t to be overlooked.
One thing that the BetRivers app can improve is its newsfeed column that takes up a lot of space on the homepage. While it is useful in delivering the latest updates on important games, it can be distracting.
Read the full BetRivers review here
5. FOX Bet – Widest Selection of Sports
Pros:
- Wide selection of available sports
- Great promos for new account members
- Excellent loyalty program
Cons:
- No live chat support
- Not possible to withdraw back to cards
The first big American media company to put its name on a sportsbook doesn’t trip up here, combining with gambling pros The Stars Group (yes, of Poker Stars and more) for one of the most diverse sports betting experiences online.
Bonuses: 4.5/5
Another thing that sets FOX Bet apart from other online sportsbooks is that it goes the extra mile for its new players. It offers a treasure trove of freebies once you sign up, including a generous welcome bonus and a free bet bonus of around the same amount.
There are also bet boosts in the promotions program that can improve your betting odds.
Sportsbook Variety: 4/5
FOX Bet arguably has the widest selection of different sports available for betting. Aside from the major markets like American football, basketball, and baseball, you can also bet on cricket, cycling, darts, rugby, and more.
Since FOX Bet allows you to be on many different sports, it also offers various types of betting, including teasers, parlays, money lines, round robins, and futures.
User Experience: 3.5/5
FOX Bet is enjoying much success despite being relatively new in the online sports betting scene. However, the user experience can be harmed by a customer service center that does not currently have a live chat or 24/7 phone support.
The homepage itself also probably dedicates too much space to bet boost promotions, but if you’re somebody looking for the best boosts for popular games you’re going to love it.
Unique Selling Point: 4/5
The Star Rewards from FOX Bet is also great in attracting new players, as only a handful of the online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania offer loyalty programs. It awards its players with prize chests that contain different cash rewards.
6. Barstool – Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook for User Experience
Pros:
- Excellent sports betting platform and user interface
- Responsive and accessible customer service
- Wide range of betting options
Cons:
- Check withdrawal takes 14 days
- Loyalty program not rewarding for small bet players
Barstool is another popular online sportsbook in Pennsylvania that offers a premium betting experience to players. It is designed specifically for young adults, consistent with the personality of the Barstool Sports company.
Bonuses: 4/5
Here you’ll get a welcome package for new players consisting of two bonuses and risk-free bets, although the total amounts do not stand out when compared to other sportsbooks.
They go in heavy on promos surrounding big events though, so whether it’s the Final Four or NFL Playoffs or the Stanley Cup there’s plenty of good action (and refunds or cash back) to be had here.
Sportsbook Variety: 4/5
Barstool offers a wide range of betting options which includes all major sports markets. It is a great option for those who are new to online betting and seasoned bettors looking for some variety.
What really stood out for us was the Parlay+ option which gives bettors the chance to stack multiple bets from the same game.
User Experience: 4.5/5
Huge points here for a mobile app that features a streamlined design, allowing it to keep all the key features that you can see on the desktop version. Everything is easy to do, from depositing funds to betting to withdrawing winnings.
However, before you download this app, it is important to note that it does not support live streaming of sporting events.
Unique Selling Point: 4/5
The customer support and service are excellent with many features that you see in other high-end online betting platforms. The live chat is available 24/7 and is complemented well by a helpful FAQ section on the support page.
They also offer a rare callback feature, which online bettors can request if they send an email.
7. UniBet – A Global Name in Online Sports Betting
Pros:
- A global leader in sports betting
- Secure platform for deposits
- Great parlay boosts
- Consistent and competitive pricing
- Payments possible at brick and mortar locations
Cons:
- First deposit bonus is quite average
- Hours are limited for live support
UniBet brings with it over 20 years of experience in the European market. This level of familiarity in the sports betting industry has allowed it to hit the ground running after launching in the Keystone State, together with tribal casino Mohegan Sun Pocono in 2019.
Bonuses: 4.5/5
Not many of the Pennsylvania online sportsbooks in our list offer a no-deposit bonus. Yes, it’s for the casino but it’s a nice gesture either way and is bound to please sports bettors with a penchant for casino fun.
The new player match is quite average, but we found the Unlimited Parlay Boosts promo to be one of the best ongoing sportsbook promos going.
Sportsbook Variety: 4/5
Unibet offers key features that are popular among bettors, including live betting, live streaming for major events, and access to the UniBet Casino.
The live streaming is particularly good here, allowing players to watch games just for having a real money balance in their account. If you love watching a ton of games this is the perfect site for you.
Odds are very standard here, nothing to worry about but nothing to write home about either.
User Experience: 4.5/5
When thinking about user experience what stood out for us most was the depositing process. When a user makes a deposit, Unibet typically processes it instantly and does not take any fees.
However, the available banking options for withdrawals are a bit limited compared to other sportsbooks, and you should expect two days for payouts to be processed.
Unique Selling Point: 4/5
It has a license from the Gaming Control Board in Pennsylvania and uses top-notch online security measures, allowing online bettors to safely move money in and out of the platform using credit cards, electronic checks, electronic wallets, and other options.
8. DraftKings – Most Features of any PA Sportsbook
Pros:
- Wide range of betting features
- Generous welcome package for new players
- Promotions for various sports
- Best daily fantasy sports site also offered
Cons:
- Limited promotions outside first deposit
- Average odds
DraftKings has long been considered as one of the powerhouses in the sports betting industry, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of features that make the experience of each user unique.
Its main attraction is the daily fantasy section, where online bettors can take their pick from any of the ongoing games in a wide variety of sports. The entry fee is also very flexible, allowing any bettor to take part. Another wildly popular offering from DraftKings is the live betting section which has a wide range of prop bets for the big games.
Newcomers to the DraftKings app would appreciate the massive welcome package that awaits them once they sign up. They can also get bonuses for deposits made and free match bonuses up to a certain amount.
DraftKings is always looking for ways to keep online bettors engaged, and it shows in the promotions that they offer for various markets. A good example is the rotating odds boosts which are updated based on the action during the game. However, the odds are not always the sharpest and the number of promotions offered is not best in class.
9. FanDuel – Biggest Pennsylvania Welcome Offer
Pros:
- Most generous welcome bonus for newcomers
- User-friendly app
- Exclusive lives streaming events
Cons:
- Online banking withdrawals can take 5 days
- Limited withdrawal options
By far, FanDuel offers the most generous signup bonus among the sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. It also offers an equally generous amount of casino credit to those who are new to the app. Once you have gotten the hang of the betting platform and managed to invite other users, there are extra bonuses in store for you.
People who are new to online sports betting will find the app very easy to use. It features a sportsbook layout that many bettors are familiar with, where all the different sports and markets are highly accessible for placing live bets. There are more than enough events covering the most popular leagues, and this is complemented by industry-leading live streaming options.
Overall, FanDuel is a great sportsbook app. But if there is one thing that it can improve on, it is the limited number of options for cashing out winnings.
10. TwinSpires – Longest Wagering History
Pros:
- Extensive sports betting experience
- User-friendly interface
- An entire week of risk-free betting
- Huge list of player specials
Cons:
- No sports tournament offers
TwinSpires is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., which means that it is backed by over 150 years of sports betting experience. Its operator runs an online racebook that covers the entire nation, and it has expanded to the world of online sports betting.
The interface and platform used by TwinSpires are very easy to navigate. You can switch seamlessly from the mobile app to the desktop version and enjoy the same level of functionality. The app allows you to access all the available betting markets and even lets you make withdrawals safely.
Another thing that makes TwinSpires stand out is that it offers an entire week of risk-free betting, which is staggering when compared to the one-time risk-free bets offered by other sportsbooks.
However, it has limited coverage for international sports and does not offer live streaming for any sports events.
Our Ranking Method for PA Sportsbooks
It was not long ago that sports betting was still illegal in Pennsylvania. Today, the challenge facing bettors in the state is choosing one out of many legitimate online sportsbooks, which is a good problem to have.
Still, we did the legwork for you by putting this list together. We even went as far as ranking the sportsbooks and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how we did it:
Bonuses
Different sportsbooks have different bonus schemes to attract bettors. Some offer sign-up bonuses and risk-free bets for new account members. Others offer free credit for their online casinos. Since they are not all created equal, it is a good point of reference when comparing one operator with another.
Variety of Offerings
The sporting world is vast. At any given time, there is a different game being played at a different place, and each one offers an opportunity for sports betting. Some sportsbook operators can give you access to more of these games, giving you more ways to wager.
User Experience
Since online sports betting is done through an app or a site, it is important for these platforms to be user-friendly. What you want is to spend more time on betting and less time on figuring out how to navigate them.
Innovation and Originality
Like every other product, each sportsbook must have a unique selling point for it to stand out. This is especially true as their number continues to grow and competition gets tougher.
Guide to Sports Betting Online in PA:
Is online sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
Sports betting was first made legal in Pennsylvania in 2017 but was discontinued due to PASPA. The federal ban was lifted and sports betting legalized again in 2018. Online sports betting followed the next year.
What is the minimum age to make a bet in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 21 years old to make a bet on any of the sportsbook sites or apps.
What do I need to sign up?
If you want to sign up, you will have to give your name, address, birth date, and email address. Also, you will be asked the last few digits of your Social Security number. This part of the signup process helps ensure that every online bettor is at least 21 years old.
Do I have to be a Pennsylvania resident to bet online?
No, but you must be within state lines to make a bet.
Will the tax on sports betting affect my winnings?
No, the tax applies only to the revenue generated by the sportsbook operator.
How do I choose the best online sportsbook for me?
When choosing an online sportsbook, make sure that you are getting the most value. You can determine this by looking at the welcome bonus for new accounts, the ongoing bonuses for existing players, and various promotional activities. Also, the app or site must be intuitive and user-friendly so you can do more betting and less exploring.
Related reading: Best online sportsbooks New Jersey
Best Online Sportsbooks Pennsylvania: The Verdict
As the sports betting industry continues to grow, more online sportsbooks will emerge. For now, the best online Sportsbooks Pennsylvania has to offer are led by BetMGM. It provides an excellent user experience, great player support services, and generous bonus schemes for new and existing bettors.
- Best Online Sportsbooks & Top Sports Betting Sites
- DraftKings Online Casino and Sportsbook Review
- Betrivers Online Casino and Sportsbook Review
- Caesars Online Casino & Sportsbook Review
- New PA Online Casinos
- Best PA Online Poker Sites
- Best March Madness Odds in PA
Important disclaimer: Remember online gambling is 18+ only. Beware of gambling addiction and do not play as a solution to financial problems. Sportsbooks and casinos shown are only legal in Pennsylvania.
