Betting on sports online from the US isn’t as simple as in some other parts of the world such as the UK where the laws on online gambling are a lot more relaxed. However, over recent years, more US states have legalised online sports betting, including Pennsylvania, where It is legal to play at regulated sportsbooks, online casinos and poker sites.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the current laws around online gambling in Pennsylvania as well as some of the best and most popular PA betting sites that you can trust.
When Was Sports Betting Legalised in Pennsylvania?
States in the US are now permitted to set their own laws around online gambling and Pennsylvania chose to take advantage of the opportunity by legalising online sports betting in 2017. Back then, PA was the fourth US state to allow gambling online. However, fast-forward to 2021 and several states have now joined them, including:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Some other US states also allow online sports betting in some form such as with a single state operator or the state lottery commission. These include Connecticut, Montana, Oregon, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington DC.
Pennsylvania Online Gambling Taxes
Although the legislation of online gambling in Pennsylvania delighted many residents of the state, it’s important to take into consideration the laws on taxes and in particular, those applied to winnings from gambling.
Winnings generated from betting are classed as taxable earnings in PA and the state has some of the highest rates in the country. In most cases, gambling winnings in the state of PA are subject to 24% tax which is one of the main reasons why Pennsylvania generated more tax revenue than any other US state in 2019.
Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites
The good news for residents of Pennsylvania is that they have several choices when it comes to betting on sports online. Many big name betting brands accept customers from Pennsylvania and allow them to bet on sports, play casino games or at online poker tables. One of the most popular betting sites to welcome PA customers is Unibet.
Unibet PA
Unibet is a betting brand that is huge across Europe and has attracted millions of customers worldwide since it was founded back in 1999. However, it wasn’t until 20 years later in 2019 that Unibet entered the US after partnering with the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
In November of the same year, Unibet PA was launched in affiliation with the popular casino resort, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre. The online betting brand has since expanded its services to Indiana in 2020, Virginia in April 2021 and most recently, Iowa & Arizona in September 2021.
If you are betting from within Pennsylvania, Unibet PA is an excellent choice. They’re a trusted and respected brand with over two decades of experience in the industry and as a new customer, you’ll also be able to claim an extremely generous welcome offer which consists of a $500 risk-free bet. Simply place your first bet with Unibet PA and if it loses, you’ll receive a refund within 72 hours.