Sports Betting For Pennsylvania Residents

Pennsylvanian gambling expansion has been a popular subject over the past few years, but sports betting has not been included for various reasons. We have found that wagering on sports is not impossible in the state, even if there are a few things preventing this from taking place. We have made it a point to look into the various options for wagering, as well as the laws, rules, regulations and caveats surrounding gambling on sports over the Internet. At the end of the day, we can tell you that you have very little to worry about when it comes to the legal complications of betting on sports on the Internet.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Pennsylvania Residents

Pennsylvanians need not be without a way to gamble on sports, as we have taken the guess work out of where you can wager on the odds. We have tested out a number of different gambling sites in order to show our readers what they have at their disposal. These betting sites include some of the highest bonuses, the easiest payouts, simple deposits and more than a handful of different promotions and special features. With out betting sites we can promise you you will be treating yourself to a never ending supply of fun, entertainment and even profit.

Bovada - 20% Match For All New Depositors Up To $100

Intertops - One of the best Pennsylvania sports betting sites and casinos

5Dimes - Quick sportsbook payouts and big bonuses

DSI - One of the oldest and most trusted Pennsylvania sportsbooks.

BetOnline - This is a new sportsbook that is accepting Pennsylvania residents

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Residents of Pennsylvania do not have much to worry about when it comes to getting in trouble for gambling online. If you live in the state of Pennsylvania, you will want to keep in mind that there is no reason to fear getting arrested. So, is sports betting legal for Pennsylvania residents? In essence it is. You do not have to worry about being faced with criminal charges if you decide to gamble online in the state of Pennsylvania. We have looked into the laws on both a state and a federal level to come to this conclusion.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting & Gambling Laws

The laws in Pennsylvania may regulate gambling in land based businesses, but nothing has been written to regulate online gambling in Pennsylvania. For now, this essentially means that there are no laws making it a crime to gamble on sports over the Internet. This has not criminalized betting, and you can easily participate without the fear of arrest if you know where to play and do not attempt to gamble under the legal age imposed by the law.

While Pennsylvania's laws have not actually criminalized the games, there are a few things that can prevent you from participating in one form or another. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has complicated the whole affair of making deposits, especially with credit cards. The Wire Act of 1961 has also been found to affect online gambling, but it only makes it a crime for the operators of gambling sites, not those who would play through them. Provided you are not in the business of gambling, the Wire Act does nothing to stop you from playing. These laws do not pertain to the player him or her self, so you do not need to worry about the Feds coming after you for playing the wagers online.

Legal Gambling Age For Pennsylvania Residents

Pennsylvania has a strict 21 age limit in place when it comes gambling, and this includes sports gambling on the Internet. Failure to adhere to this age limit is not advisable, as it could end up getting you in a lot more trouble than it is worth. We have seen many successful bettors get shut down and lose their money because they did not ride out their required birthdays before attempting to gamble on sports over the Internet.

Land Based Gambling In Pennsylvania

Harrah's Chester, Sands Casino, The Rivers Casino, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Mount Airy Casino Resort, The Meadows Casino, Parx Casino, Holywood Casino, Presque Isle Downs, Sugerhouse Casino.

Due to federal regulation and restrictions, Pennsylvania is not allowed to authorize or regulate land based, brick and mortar sportsbooks. You will not find one in the state.

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Pennsylvania

1) If the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does not actually authorize these gambling sites, where are they based?

All of our gambling sites are licensed either in Kahnawake, Costa Rica or the United Kingdom.

2) How do these gambling sites differ from the betting locations in Las Vegas?

Online sportsbooks generally carry higher limits, easier wagering, and some none of the hassle of travel.

3) Is Bovada legal in Pennsylvania?

Bovada has not prohibited Pennsylvanians from joining in on their fun. You will not be restricted solely for living in Pennsylvania.

4) Why do the federal laws only target the operators of these gambling sites?

It would cost too much to target individual players, and frankly the U.S. Constitution does not authorize the government with the power to govern players.

5) Pennsylvania's Gaming Control Board cannot actually license a live sportsbook?

No. The PGCB does not have the authority under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

6) What restrictions are in place on cashing in my winnings?

There are actually very few restrictions on cashing out, but if you do not join up with the right sportsbook, i.e. the ones we have listed, then you could potentially find yourself with a bounced check.

7) Are there any fees for joining up with these sportsbooks?

No, there are no fees for joining up with the betting sites, though you may encounter the occasional fee for making a withdrawal.

8) Do I have to pay local, state and federal taxes on your winnings?

We cannot tell you about state or local taxes, but the federal taxes need to be paid on your winnings.

9) Are there any arrests on the record for gambling online in Pennsylvania?

No, we have never seen or heard of an arrest for gambling on the Internet.

10) Is safety guaranteed through these betting sites?

Yes. You will never have to worry about being ripped off or otherwise stolen from if you decide to gamble through these betting sites.