Pennsylvania legalized sports betting under Act 42 of 2017, allowing the state to launch regulated wagering shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018. Retail sportsbooks launched on November 15, 2018, followed by statewide online and mobile betting on May 31, 2019.
Today, sports betting is legal statewide through both retail casino sportsbooks and approved online platforms. Pennsylvania operates under one of the most restrictive regulatory and tax frameworks in the United States, including a 36% tax on gross gaming revenue, the highest state rate nationwide. Information about how this site may earn revenue is explained in our Affiliate Disclosure.
All legal sports wagering activity is overseen and enforced by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which is responsible for licensing, compliance, consumer protection, and integrity monitoring. For broader context on regulated sports wagering frameworks, see our Pennsylvania Sports Bet overview.
How Pennsylvania Legalized Sports Betting
Pennsylvania authorized sports betting before the federal prohibition was lifted, passing Act 42 of 2017 in October 2017 as part of a broad gambling expansion package. The law permitted sports wagering contingent on federal approval, allowing the state to move quickly once national restrictions were removed.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. NCAA on May 14, 2018, Pennsylvania finalized its regulatory framework and licensing process without delay. Retail sportsbooks launched in November 2018, followed by statewide mobile and online betting in 2019.
Pennsylvania’s regulatory model prioritizes strict oversight, high taxation, and consumer protection, including a complete ban on betting involving Pennsylvania college teams, regardless of where games are played.
Legislative Timeline
- October 30, 2017: Act 42 of 2017 signed into law as part of a comprehensive gambling expansion.
- May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court of the United States strikes down PASPA (Murphy v. NCAA).
- November 15, 2018: First legal retail sportsbook opens at Hollywood Casino, operated by Penn National Gaming.
- May 31, 2019: Statewide online and mobile sports betting launches.
- Governing statute: 4 Pa.C.S. Chapter 13 (Sports Wagering).
Pennsylvania is notable for being the first U.S. state to legalize sports betting prior to PASPA’s repeal, enabling a rapid and orderly market launch.
Act 42 of 2017: Gambling Expansion Package
Act 42 of 2017 modernized Pennsylvania’s gambling laws through a broad expansion that extended well beyond sports betting.
Key provisions include:
- Authorization of sports betting, online casino gaming, online poker, and daily fantasy sports.
- A 36% tax on sports betting gross gaming revenue, the highest in the United States.
- A $10 million licensing fee for each sports wagering certificate holder.
- A complete ban on betting on Pennsylvania college teams.
- Authorization for casino certificate holders to operate both retail and mobile sportsbooks.
This framework emphasizes state revenue generation and regulatory control rather than rapid market expansion.
Two-Phase Market Launch
Pennsylvania implemented sports betting through a structured, two-phase rollout.
Phase 1 – Retail Sportsbooks
- Launch date: November 15, 2018.
- In-person betting permitted at licensed casinos only.
- First sportsbook opened at Hollywood Casino.
Phase 2 – Online and Mobile Betting
- Launch date: May 31, 2019.
- Statewide mobile wagering authorized with geolocation controls.
- Mobile betting now accounts for more than 90% of total sports betting handle in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is the primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing all forms of legal sports betting in the Commonwealth. The Board administers and enforces Pennsylvania’s sports wagering laws to ensure integrity, consumer protection, and compliance with state statutes.
All regulatory content on this page is produced in accordance with our editorial principles.
About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
The PGCB is an independent agency established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and legislative leadership, providing oversight independent from licensed operators. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive Director, Frank L. Donaghue.
PGCB’s Authority and Responsibilities
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board exercises comprehensive authority over the sports betting industry, including regulatory, enforcement, and financial oversight functions.
Licensing and Vetting
- Issues sports wagering certificates to eligible casino operators.
- Conducts extensive background investigations of applicants and key employees.
- Denies or revokes licenses for criminal history, regulatory violations, or suitability concerns.
Rulemaking and Standards
- Adopts and enforces regulations under Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code.
- Establishes technical, security, and wagering integrity standards.
- Mandates responsible gambling and player protection requirements.
Oversight and Enforcement
- Monitors wagering activity for irregular or suspicious patterns.
- Coordinates with law enforcement, sports leagues, and integrity monitoring services.
- Approves sportsbook platforms, system updates, and wagering controls.
Tax Collection and Audits
- Administers the 36% tax on sports betting gross gaming revenue.
- Conducts audits and compliance reviews.
- Imposes fines and penalties for regulatory violations.
Consumer Protection
- Administers the Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program.
- Oversees compulsive and problem gambling initiatives.
- Investigates patron complaints and operator disputes.
Contact Information
- Physical Address: 303 Walnut Street Harrisburg, PA 17101
- Phone: (717) 346-8300
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Licensed Operators in Pennsylvania
Sports betting in Pennsylvania is limited to operators that are licensed and approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Only sportsbooks operating under a valid state-issued certificate may legally accept wagers from individuals located within the Commonwealth.
Currently Licensed Sportsbooks
The following are major mobile sportsbook brands operating legally in Pennsylvania under PGCB authorization (availability may vary by platform or partnership):
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- Borgata Sportsbook
- Betway
- bet365
- Parx Sportsbook
- Unibet
In addition to mobile platforms, Pennsylvania also hosts 13+ retail sportsbook locations operating at licensed casinos throughout the state.
License Verification Reminder
Sports betting platforms, brand availability, and partnerships can change due to licensing actions or regulatory updates. Bettors should always confirm that a sportsbook is currently licensed and approved before registering or wagering.
Official verification source: https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
Pennsylvania License Structure
Pennsylvania regulates sports betting through a casino-based licensing model, under which only approved casino certificate holders may operate sportsbooks. This structure is designed to centralize regulatory oversight while allowing multiple consumer-facing brands to operate under a single license.
Sports Wagering Certificates
Sports wagering certificates are issued exclusively to existing Pennsylvania casino certificate holders, including both land-based casinos and approved interactive gaming operators.
Key elements of the certificate system include:
- Certificates issued only to licensed casino operators
- Initial licensing fee: $10 million per certificate holder
- Each certificate authorizes:
- One retail sportsbook located on casino property
- One online/mobile sportsbook platform
- Certificate holders may partner with up to three branded “skins”, allowing multiple sportsbook brands to operate under a single license
- All branding, technology providers, and platform changes require regulatory approval
This model enables brand competition while maintaining strict suitability, auditing, and enforcement standards.
Retail Sportsbook Locations
In-person sports betting is permitted only at licensed casino properties throughout Pennsylvania.
- Retail sportsbooks are located within approved casinos.
- More than 13 retail sportsbook locations operate statewide.
- All retail locations are subject to the same regulatory, security, and responsible gambling requirements as online platforms.
Retail sportsbooks must comply with Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board rules regarding wagering procedures, surveillance, staffing, and consumer protections.
Eligibility to Bet in Pennsylvania
Sports betting in Pennsylvania is limited to individuals who meet specific legal, identity, and location requirements. These rules are enforced by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and apply equally to retail and online wagering. Details on how personal information is collected and handled are available in our Privacy Policy.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To legally place a sports wager in Pennsylvania, an individual must meet all of the following conditions.
Who Can Bet:
- Age: 21 years or older.
- Location: Physically present within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the time the wager is placed.
- Residency: Pennsylvania residency is not required; visitors and out-of-state residents may legally bet while in the state.
- Account verification: Identity verification using a valid government-issued photo ID.
Identity and Account Verification
All licensed sportsbooks are required to verify a bettor’s identity before allowing wagering or withdrawals. This process typically includes:
- Uploading a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
- Providing the last four digits of a Social Security number.
- Confirming a current physical address.
- Passing real-time geolocation checks to confirm the bettor is located in Pennsylvania.
Accounts that fail verification or attempt to bypass location controls may be suspended or closed.
Who Is Prohibited From Betting
The following individuals are not permitted to place sports wagers in Pennsylvania:
- Anyone under the age of 21.
- Individuals enrolled in the Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program.
- Athletes, coaches, referees, or officials betting on events in which they participate.
- Employees of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and their immediate family members.
- Gaming license holders and key employees wagering on platforms they are affiliated with.
Violations may result in forfeiture of winnings, account termination, and additional penalties.
Location Requirements and Geofencing
Pennsylvania law requires bettors to be physically located within state borders when placing a wager.
Key geolocation rules include:
- Location verification uses GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and cellular data.
- Strict geofencing is enforced at state borders, including Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey.
- Bettors near state lines may experience location errors or temporary access restrictions.
- Use of VPNs, proxy servers, or location-masking tools is prohibited.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bet On in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania permits wagering on a broad range of professional, international, and collegiate sporting events, subject to strict statutory limitations.
Allowed Sports and Bet Types
Permitted Sports
Legal wagering is allowed on:
- Professional sports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, combat sports, motorsports, tennis, golf, and similar events).
- College sports involving out-of-state teams only.
- International sporting events, including major global competitions.
- Esports, when explicitly approved by the PGCB.
Permitted Bet Types
Approved wagering formats include:
- Moneylines, point spreads, and totals.
- Parlays and same-game parlays.
- Futures and season-long markets.
- Live and in-game betting.
- Player and team proposition bets (subject to restrictions below).
Pennsylvania College Sports Betting Ban
Pennsylvania enforces a complete statutory ban on wagering involving any Pennsylvania college or university, making it one of the strictest college sports betting regimes in the United States. This restriction applies universally and without exception.
Complete Ban on Pennsylvania College Teams
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A25, bettors may not place any wager on Pennsylvania-based college or university teams.
This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Pittsburgh Panthers
- Villanova Wildcats
- Temple Owls
- Drexel Dragons
- St. Joseph’s Hawks
- La Salle Explorers
- Duquesne Dukes
- All other Pennsylvania colleges and universities
No wagers of any type are permitted, including:
- Moneylines
- Point spreads
- Totals (over/under)
- Futures
- Player or team proposition bets
The ban applies to all sports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc.) and applies regardless of where the game is played.
Allowed: Out-of-State College Sports
Pennsylvania law allows wagering on college teams located outside of Pennsylvania, subject to standard sportsbook rules.
Permitted wagers include:
- All standard bet types on non-Pennsylvania colleges
- Player proposition bets
- Futures and tournament markets
Prohibited Betting Markets
In addition to Pennsylvania college teams, the following wagering markets are explicitly prohibited statewide:
- All Pennsylvania college sports (any wager type)
- High school and youth sports (participants under 18)
- Esports involving minors
- Political elections or public office outcomes
- Non-competitive or scripted sporting events
Pennsylvania’s Tax Structure and Revenue Distribution
Pennsylvania operates the most heavily taxed sports betting market in the United States, reflecting a policy decision to prioritize public revenue, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection over rapid market expansion.
Pennsylvania’s 36% Sports Betting Tax Rate
Tax Structure Overview
- Tax rate: 36% on gross gaming revenue (GGR) — the highest state sports betting tax rate in the U.S.
- Tax basis: Revenue-based (not handle-based)
- Promotional deductions: Not permitted
- Local share assessment: Additional 2% of gross gaming revenue
- Federal excise tax: 0.25% of handle, paid separately to the Internal Revenue Service
Definition of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
For tax purposes, gross gaming revenue is defined as: Total wagers accepted minus winnings paid to bettors.
Bonus bets, bonus wagers, and other promotional credits may not be deducted from taxable revenue in Pennsylvania, increasing the effective tax burden on operators compared to many other states.
Regional Tax Comparison
Pennsylvania’s sports betting tax rate is significantly higher than those of most neighboring and peer states.
| State | Tax Rate | Tax Basis | Promotional Deductions |
| Pennsylvania | 36% | Revenue | Not allowed |
| New Jersey | 13% | Revenue | Allowed |
| New York | 51% | Revenue | Not allowed |
| Ohio | 20% | Revenue | Limited |
| West Virginia | 10% | Revenue | Allowed |
| Maryland | 20% | Revenue | Limited |
Revenue Distribution
Revenue generated from Pennsylvania’s sports betting tax is allocated to multiple public programs as defined by state law. The structure is designed to prioritize general state funding while supporting local governments and responsible gambling initiatives.
Tax Revenue Allocation:
Sports betting tax revenue is distributed to the following areas:
- State General Fund: The primary recipient of sports betting tax revenue, supporting a broad range of statewide public services and budgetary needs.
- Economic Development and Tourism Programs: Funds are directed toward initiatives intended to support economic growth, job creation, and tourism-related projects across the Commonwealth.
- Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention: A portion of revenue is allocated to programs focused on compulsive gambling education, treatment services, and prevention efforts.
- Local Share Assessment (2%): An additional 2% local share assessment on gross gaming revenue is distributed to municipalities and counties that host licensed casino facilities.
Revenue Projection
- 2023: Pennsylvania generated more than $200 million annually in sports betting tax revenue.
- 2024 – 2025: Annual tax revenue is projected to reach approximately $230–250 million, based on sustained wagering activity.
- Pennsylvania has consistently ranked among the top U.S. states for total sports betting tax revenue, despite imposing one of the highest tax rates on operators.
This revenue model reflects Pennsylvania’s policy approach of emphasizing public funding and regulatory oversight over operator incentives.
Responsible Gambling and Consumer Protections
Pennsylvania law requires licensed sportsbooks to implement extensive consumer protection and responsible gambling measures. These safeguards are enforced by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and are designed to reduce gambling-related harm while ensuring access to treatment and support resources.
Additional educational guidance is available on our Responsible Gambling page.
Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helplines
Pennsylvania provides dedicated, state-supported resources for individuals seeking help with gambling-related concerns.
- Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Available 24 hours a day, free and confidential.
- Gamblers Anonymous (meetings throughout Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, etc.).
- National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program
Pennsylvania administers one of the most comprehensive self-exclusion programs in the United States, covering nearly all forms of legal gambling. It applies to:
- All land-based casinos
- Online casino gaming
- Sports betting (retail and mobile)
- Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering
Individuals may enroll in the Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program using one of the following methods:
- Online: https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/
- In person: At any licensed Pennsylvania casino
- By mail: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board 303 Walnut Street Harrisburg, PA 17101
Participants may choose from the following exclusion periods: 1 year, 5 years or lifetime.
Consequences:
Individuals enrolled in the program:
- Are barred from all covered gambling activities.
- Forfeit any winnings obtained while excluded.
- May be removed or arrested if found on casino property.
- Are removed from all sportsbook marketing and promotional communications.
Mandatory Operator Requirements
All licensed sportsbooks in Pennsylvania are legally required to provide player protection tools at both the account and wagering levels.
Required Player Protection Tools
Operators must offer:
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, and monthly)
- Loss limits
- Time limits and session reminders
- Cooling-off periods ranging from 24 hours to 30 days
- Reality checks during active play
- Account activity history and transaction records
- Self-exclusion access directly through the betting platform
These tools must be clearly accessible and cannot be overridden by the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did sports betting become legal in Pennsylvania?
Sports betting was authorized under Act 42 of 2017. Retail sportsbooks launched on November 15, 2018, and statewide online and mobile sports betting became available on May 31, 2019.
Do I need to be a Pennsylvania resident?
No. Residency is not required. You only need to be physically located within Pennsylvania at the time you place a wager.
Can I bet on Penn State football?
No. All betting on Pennsylvania college teams is prohibited, including Penn State, regardless of where the game is played.
What’s the minimum betting age?
You must be 21 years or older to place a sports bet in Pennsylvania.
Can I bet from anywhere in Pennsylvania?
Yes, as long as you are physically inside state borders. All wagers are subject to geolocation verification.
Which sportsbooks are legal?
Only sportsbooks licensed and approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board are legal. Bettors should always verify a sportsbook’s license status directly through the PGCB.
How much does Pennsylvania tax sports betting?
Pennsylvania taxes sports betting at 36% of gross gaming revenue, the highest state tax rate in the U.S.
Why is Pennsylvania’s tax rate so high?
The tax rate was set by lawmakers as part of a broader gambling expansion strategy to maximize public revenue and fund state programs, local governments, and problem gambling services.
Can I bet on Pittsburgh or Philadelphia colleges?
No. All Pennsylvania college and university teams are prohibited, regardless of city, conference, or sport.
How do I self-exclude?
You can enroll in the Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program online, in person at a casino, or by mail through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Enrollment options include 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime exclusion.
Can I bet on the Eagles, Steelers, 76ers, Flyers?
Yes. Professional sports betting is legal in Pennsylvania, provided the wager is placed with a licensed sportsbook and all eligibility requirements are met.
Is mobile betting legal?
Yes. Online and mobile sports betting are legal statewide through PGCB-licensed platforms, subject to geolocation controls.
Do I pay taxes on winnings?
Yes. Sports betting winnings are considered taxable income under both federal and Pennsylvania law. Bettors are responsible for reporting winnings on their tax returns.
Can I have accounts with multiple sportsbooks?
Yes. Pennsylvania law does not limit the number of sportsbook accounts an individual may hold, as long as all operators are licensed.
Where can I get help for problem gambling?
Help is available 24/7 through the Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). National resources are also available via the National Council on Problem Gambling. Disclaimer: This information is educational only. Regulations may change. Verify current information with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.