The Best PA Online Sportsbook for 2024
April 22, 2024The Pennsylvanian sports betting market is one of the most mature ones in the USA and home to some of the most prominent sports betting platforms. Before you check out our detailed guide on the best sportsbook operators in PA, let’s walk you through how you can find the perfect site that will match your betting preferences.
Just in 2017, Pennsylvania passed a bill that allowed sports betting, but it was subject to some changes to federal law. Those changes eventually came, with the first online sports betting site in the state launching in 2019. Ever since, we have witnessed massive growth in the industry, with various betting sites emerging. Here is how you can differentiate the good from the best!
Finding the Right Sports Betting Operator
All punters in Pennsylvania have different betting preferences. That is why we cannot individualize a certain operator as being the best for everyone. At the end of the day, there is a list of distinctive features that you ought to be on the lookout for that will help you choose just the right betting site.
A Valid License From PGCB
Let’s begin with the basics here. For a bookmaker to offer its sports betting services, it must hold a license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. It is a governmental agency that was founded in 2004 and one that was tasked with overseeing casino gambling in the state.
The PA Gaming Control Board follows the guidelines of the Gaming Act. Therefore, it seeks to protect the public’s interest by ensuring that the entire gambling scene follows the rules and regulations and keeps its integrity. So, to avoid any state restrictions from applying and to stay away from potentially fraudulent sites, always make sure that the bookie you have in mind holds the relevant license.
Payment Methods
Moving on, the available payment methods at bookies in PA will significantly influence your overall user experience. By offering a diverse range of payment methods, a bookie will cater to the varying preferences of the Pennsylvania betting public, and that is what you need to be looking for.
E-wallets, debit cards and prepaid vouchers should always be at your disposal, so you have a lot to choose from.
Nonetheless, credit card users won’t enjoy the commodity of using them for online betting endeavors. A recent report just showed a big surge in young people in Pennsylvania developing gambling-related problems, so the lawmakers had to act.
That is why a Pennsylvania lawmaker crafted a bill that bans credit cards for online gambling, so your payment options will be a bit shortened.
Sports Coverage & Betting Markets
Arguably the easiest way to distinguish sports betting sites in PA is by their sports coverage. Football and basketball are the most popular sports for betting in Pennsylvania, so they are the bare minimum a bookie should offer.
Pennsylvania hosts eight teams from the major American sports leagues – NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS, so you can see the affinity for different sports in the state.
Betting on teams doesn’t just mean you have to pick one to win. Sure, there is a betting market for that, but if you have other preferences or want more complicated bets, that is what you should be looking for at a bookie before you register.
Always look for the variety of options connected to:
- Handicap bets;
- Over/Under;
- Player props;
- Totals;
- Spreads;
- Live betting.
Bonus Offers
Bonuses and promotions play a crucial role in determining the success of a betting site in Pennsylvania, without a shadow of a doubt. Bonus offers can be quite beneficial, as they can boost your bankroll and your potential profits – but only if you claim the right ones.
Bettors have different wallet sizes and preferences for their wagers, so not all bonuses can apply the same. For example, you need to have an idea what are the feasible wagering requirements for you and whether you can manage to complete them in time.
Of course, all bookies our experts suggest feature hefty promotional offers that range from free bets to deposit matched bonuses. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, the choice falls on you.
Compare and Choose Carefully
One thing is sure – there is a big boom in Pennsylvania’s sports betting market and punters are there to reap the benefits! A wide range of betting sites have emerged in the past few years in Pennsylvania. So, now that you know how to differentiate between them, feel free to take a look at our list, compare and choose accordingly!