Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting

LICENSING AND REGULATIONS

Pennsylvania online sports betting is subject to federal and state laws. There have been significant changes in legislation that have impacted online sports betting across the United States and in each individual state. Hence, at the time of writing in October 2019, states have taken different stances. Here are the federal and state laws which currently apply to Pennsylvania online sports betting.

Federal Laws

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA) outlawed sports betting in the United States. However, it did exclude a few states. The Act determined that Pennsylvania online sports betting was illegal. In May 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the Act which opened up sports betting in the United States. Hence, the end of PAPSA regulations provided an opportunity for Pennsylvania online sports betting to become legal in the state.

State Laws

Individuals located in the state can now take part in Pennsylvania online sports betting. Bettors can place wagers on all professional sports, college games and international sporting events. Registered customers must be aged 21 or older and not have self-excluded from gambling activities. So, sports betting and online sportsbooks are now legal in Pennsylvania after the US Supreme Court repealed PAPSA in 2018.

PENNSYLVANIA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING SITES

The first legal Pennsylvania online sports betting site launched in May 2019. This date was 18 months after House Bill 271 was passed, which legalized online sportsbooks. Hence, sports betting sites try to attract new customers with free bets, bonuses and ongoing promotions. At the time of writing, there are four legal Pennsylvania online sports betting sites. However, more will appear in the fullness of time. Each site can take bets on pro and college fixtures and sports events from the rest of the world. Here is information about each site’s welcome bonus:

Sugar House

New customers with Sugar House can claim a 100% matched deposit bonus up to $250. The site features a sportsbook and casino offering over 40 virtual slot machines. Sugar House is one of the best Pennsylvania online sports betting sites. So, the sportsbook offers an extensive range of pro and college lines. It also covers other sports such as MMA, golf and tennis.

Fan Duel Sportsbook

Registered users with Fan Duel can claim a risk-free bet to the value of up to to $500. Therefore, Fan Duel credits new with a refund for this amount if the first bet loses. The site was integrated with an Android and iOS app. So, it is Pennsylvania’s first genuine app for the iPhone. Fan Duel is a leading player in the US daily fantasy sports market.

Bet Rivers

New sign-ups with Bet Rivers can claim a 100% matched deposit bonus for up to $250. The operator offers an online sportsbook that features live betting. Customers can place bets on desktop computers and mobile devices. Hence, there will be a single wallet for sports betting and casino products when the latter launches in the near future.

FOX Bet

New customers are entitled to a $20 sign up bonus, which is not related to the first deposit or bet. Players get up to $100 in the form of betting funds after the first deposit. Android and iOS mobile device users can read the site. So, customers can bet on pro and college games and overseas sporting events.

PENNSYLVANIA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING SPORTS

The Pennsylvania online sports betting market has opened up to residents and visitors. The repeal of PAPSA has led to the launch of several betting sites. In response to more demand, there could be new players in the market. The legislation is now in place that legalizes Pennsylvania online sports betting. Therefore, bookmakers can take bets on professional and college fixtures in the following sports. However, they can also accept wagers on several other sports played in the United States and overseas:

American Football

The National Football League (NFL) is the most lucrative and prestigious American football league in the sport. It brings together big-city franchises in two conferences. The winners of each conference meet in the Superbowl, which is a huge event for Pennsylvania online sports betting. Bookmakers offer a large number of regular betting markets and team and player propositions. Hence, the Superbowl is the most bet on an event in US sports.

Ice Hockey

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the richest ice hockey league in the world. Players from the US and overseas are given huge contacts over several years. Hence, ice hockey is a popular betting sport, and television channels show many live matches. The best two teams in the regular season compete for the Stanley Cup. This is a seven-match series which identifies the NHL champions.

Basketball

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most important professional basketball league in the world. The regular season identifies the best team in each conference who contest the NBA finals. So, the major basketball fixtures in North America attract huge television audiences. Punters love betting on individual matches and the finals.

Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the premier competition in the sport. Baseball is mainly played in North America, but some countries in Central America have strong domestic leagues. The post-season playoff finals are called the World Series, which reflects the status of the sport in the United States and Canada. Hence, matches in the seven fixtures attract a massive amount of Pennsylvania online sports betting.

Other Sports

The Pennsylvania online sports betting market does not solely focus on pro and college fixtures in the four main North American sports. Soccer (or football) is the most popular betting sport in the world. Customers with the Pennsylvania online sports betting operators can select bets in soccer leagues and competitions from around the world. So, the most bet on leagues on US sites is the Premier League in England, Champions League and MLS (Major League Soccer) in North America.

Golf and tennis are other popular sports with Pennsylvania online sports betting customers. Players compete in these global sports in just about 12 months of the year. There is extensive live coverage of golf and tennis tournaments. Therefore, the major championships and Grand Slam tournaments attract the most betting interest. Formula 1 is another worldwide sporting activity that generates plenty of bets. Sports betting is boosted when the Olympic Games take place every four years.

BETTING TYPES AND MARKETS

The Pennsylvania online sports betting industry provides customers with the following types of bet:

Pre-Match

Bookmakers issue pre-match betting on fixtures in the four US sports in advance of the matches. Sportsbooks take the Las Vegas line for the most bet on markets and then trade the prices. Odds can fluctuate due to injuries and team news. So, the most bet on pre-match markets is the match winner, handicaps and totals. Team and player props are also very popular.

In-Play

The betting moves to the live environment once the action begins. Fixtures in the four main North American sports receive extensive TV and media coverage. Therefore, in-play betting allows customers to bet on a range of markets during the play. However, betting is suspended after a key incident, such as a Touchdown, a three-point score, goal or Home Run in American Football, basketball, ice hockey, and baseball, respectively.

Futures

Pennsylvania online sports betting operators publish futures betting on the outright winner of the championships in the main US professional sports. But customers can also bet on the winner of major tournaments in golf and tennis, and the odds change after each round. So, the most popular futures leagues in soccer are the Premier League, Champions League, and MLS. The World Cup soccer championships could generate plenty of bets with Pennsylvania online sports betting operators.