The first online sportsbook apps launched in Pennsylvania in the middle of 2019. By early 2020, there were eight options for making wagers online in the state. This has only added to the popularity of sports betting already seen at physical sportsbooks located in various casinos in Pennsylvania.
The first online sportsbook offered in the state was SugarHouse Sportsbook, but it was quickly joined by other huge names like DraftKings, FanDuel, and FoxBet. DraftKings and FanDuel were already well-known for their daily fantasy sports options. At the same time, the latter is affiliated with Fox Sports and includes special features only an established sports company could offer.
The Top Online Sports Betting Apps In Pennsylvania
While there are many apps for betting on sports online in Pennsylvania, we want to focus on some of the most popular options. The three apps reviewed here are likely to offer everything you want in terms of wagering on sports. Below, you can get an idea of what to expect in terms of size, available wagers, and more:
FanDuel Online Sports Betting App
iOS App Android App
Download Size 22.6 MB 22.0 MB
Most Recent Update May 11, 2020 April 30, 2020
Requirements iOS 11.0+ Android 6.0+
FanDuel Sportsbook lets you bet on many major league sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. It offers in-game betting offers, boosted event odds, same game parlays, and other exciting features.
DraftKings Online Sports Betting App
iOS App Android App
Download Size 254.7 MB 85.6 MB
Most Recent Update May 11, 2020 May 11, 2020
Requirements iOS 10.0+ Android 6.0+
The DraftKings Sportsbook offers the chance to wager on America’s favorite sports on a secure and safe platform. Some of the sports offered include basketball, hockey, football, baseball, and even a few international games.
FoxBet Online Sports Betting App
iOS App Android App
Download Size 166.6 MB 166.6 MB
Most Recent Update May 12, 2020 May 12, 2020
Requirements iOS 10.0+ Android 6.0+
FoxBet is an online sports betting app with options to bet on MMA, football, boxing, basketball, soccer, baseball, hockey, and other events. Its main defining feature is expert advice from well-known Fox Sports analysts. FoxBet also operates sportsbooks in Colorado and New Jersey.
Full List of PA Sports Betting Apps 2020
| PA Sportsbook | iOS | Android | iOS Ranking | iOS App Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draftkings Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | #16 Sports | 254.8 MB |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | #26 Sports | 22.6 MB |
| FoxBet | Yes | Yes | #199 Sports | 166.6 MB |
| BetRivers | No | Yes | N/A | 52.3 MB |
| Sugarhouse | Yes | Yes | Unranked | 52.3 MB |
What Devices Work With Pennsylvania’s Online Sports Betting Apps?
Assuming you own a smartphone, a tablet, or both, there’s a high likelihood that you can use it to make wagers on sports games. All of the sportsbooks listed here for use in Pennsylvania offer Android and Apple apps to use on a variety of devices. You can use an iPhone, iPad, Samsung phone, or Android tablet and get access to most of the apps available in the state.
Make sure to check the information included with the app to verify that your operating system is high enough to handle the software. Other than that, there’s little else you need to worry about. While some phones and tablets are not covered by all apps, there are alternatives, so something is there for everyone.
The Desktop Experience Versus The App Experience At Pennsylvania’s Mobile Online Sportsbooks
In some cases, the experience of playing at an online casino website is much different from playing on an app. In other cases, the two are nearly the same, which makes moving from one app to the other convenient for those who want to bet on sports. We’ll go through the three largest apps available and what to expect from the website and app in terms of differences and similarities.
DraftKings Online Sportsbook: Desktop Versus App
Starting with DraftKings, the first thing to be aware of is that both the mobile site and app have the same functionality as the desktop site. That means you can do everything from depositing money to withdrawing money, accessing your account, making wagers, socializing with other players, and more.
The largest difference you will notice is that the app is very fast and may run better than the desktop site. Someone who is used to the desktop experience is not going to be disappointed with the app since it offers all the same things you might want to access. Both are well-made and easy to use, so you can really make your choice based on preference.
FanDuel Online Sportsbook: Desktop Versus App
FanDuel is another of the best sports betting options for online wagering in Pennsylvania and is offered for iPhone and Android devices. One mistake you want to avoid when using an Android phone is downloading the Google Play Store version of FanDuel, which is a companion app and does not allow wagering. Instead, you need to visit the FanDuel website to get the comprehensive app, which is just as safe as other apps you download through the store.
The biggest difference between the website and the mobile apps for FanDuel is that there is less information on the screen when using apps. This makes sense as the screen for a phone is smaller, but it can be frustrating for someone used to using the website. Otherwise, the apps offer all the same features you get on the website.
FoxBet Online Sportsbook: Desktop Versus App
Our last sportsbook to go over is FoxBet, which also offers a desktop website as well as mobile apps. One of the things that many will appreciate is that the iOS and Android apps are identical and offer the same features of the website. You’ll have a main screen that lets you place bets, manage your account, claim bonuses, and check scores.
Essentially, this is a pared-down version of the actual website, and it does a good job of providing all the same services and options. It has the same look and feel of the website, so it’s easy to switch between the two without trouble if that’s something that interests you.
How To Download Online Sportsbooks On Your iPhone / iOS Device In Pennsylvania
If you have an iPhone or other iOS device, the process of downloading a legal online sportsbook is simple. The step by step instructions include:
- Open the Apple App Store and search for the application before clicking to open its page.
- Download the application and then click on its icon in your apps.
- Signup or log in and enjoy betting on your favorite sports!
How To Download Sportsbooks On Android Devices In Pennsylvania
Users who wish to use an Android device in PA for sportsbook apps will need to go directly to the sportsbook website. The apps are not available on the Google Play Store but can be downloaded directly. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the sportsbook website using your mobile device, and download the appropriate app.
- Install the app onto your phone by clicking on it and letting the program run.
- Open the app like any other application, and you can begin playing!
How To Register For A Sports Betting App In Pennsylvania
If you’re interested in registering for an online sportsbook or casino app in PA, the process is straightforward and should take no more than a few minutes. While every app is going to vary to some degree, most of them have the same basic process in place. We’ll go over how to register for DraftKings, and you can use the information to guide you.
- The first step is to set up your account by entering your username, email, password, and any promo code you have.
- Next, you’ll be asked to verify your personal information, including your address, full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- The next step is securing your account, which will be followed with the verification of your identity.
After you’ve gone through each of the steps, you will be ready to start betting on sports legally in Pennsylvania.
Standard Bonuses At Pennsylvania’s Legal Online Sports Betting Apps
When you sign up for a Pennsylvania legal online sports betting app, you can almost be guaranteed to get some kind of bonus for doing so. However, what kind of bonus that is and how much it will amount to can vary. Looking at the current promotions can offer a good idea of what to expect, so we’ll do that below.
DraftKings Online Sports Betting App Pennsylvania Bonuses
Starting with DraftKings, you can use a promo code to get $500 of risk-free play at sign-up. However, you should keep in mind that this free play is only available for the first 24 hours after you sign up, so it needs to be used quickly or it will go away. With risk-free bonuses, when you make a bet up to the maximum amount, if you lose, the money will be returned to you through site credits so you can make a second bet.
In addition, you can get up to $500 as a match bonus with your first deposit. This means that if you deposit $100, you get another $100 to use on games. If you deposit $500, you get another $500 to use, but deposits over that amount will not get more than $500.
FoxBet Online Sports Betting App Pennsylvania Bonuses
FoxBet also offers both deposit promos and risk-free bets. Just like DraftKings, you can use promo codes to get $500 in risk-free bets and $500 in deposit bonuses. However, there is one major difference because the deposit bonus is only 50 percent of what you deposit. So if you deposit $100, you get $50 up to a max of $500 bonus when you deposit $1,000.
FanDuel Online Sports Betting App Pennsylvania Bonuses
Coming to our third sportsbook, FanDuel offers the same $500 risk-free bet for new members in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that this is only for your first wager on the app. However, if you lose the wager, the amount will be placed back into your account so you can make a second wager without spending additional money.
Ways To Bet At Pennsylvania’s Online Sportsbook Apps
When betting on sports games and matches, there are several ways to position your wager. Three of them are the most common and will be available for most popular sports using Pennsylvania sports betting apps. Below is some information on how each of the bets works and who offers each option.
Moneyline Bet
FanDuel, DraftKings, and FoxBet all offer moneyline bets, which is no surprise since it’s the most popular betting type. It’s a simple bet to make since you are betting for a team or person to win a sports game or match. It doesn’t take into account how many points the team wins by or the point spread between teams. It’s literally a single quick wager that says Team A is going to beat Team B or vice versa.
Proposition (Or Prop) Bet
When you see the term “prop bet,” it’s shorthand for proposition bet. This is another common choice of bet offered by sportsbooks online in Pennsylvania. These bets can cover a wide variety of things, including exact point totals, performance by particular players, and pre and halftime events. These are often more interesting bets for experienced sports lovers who want to try something beyond a moneyline bet.
Parlay Bets
The third most common type of bet using any of the Pennsylvania online sportsbooks is a parlay wager. In essence, it’s one wager that involves at least two teams winning a game. One of the reasons these bets can be popular is because they tend to offer a larger payout if you win. Since picking even one team to win can be challenging, choosing several and getting it right is even more complicated.
Additional Ways To Bet
Beyond the three betting options above, there are many others. Some of them include:
- Point Spreads
- Over/Under Totals
- Futures
It’s always a good idea to look at all your options for wagering before putting down a bet. You may find that what works well in one game isn’t the ideal option for another.
Does Pennsylvania Offer Legal Casino Or Poker Apps?
Yes. Pennsylvania offers a variety of legal poker and casino apps in addition to the sportsbook apps mentioned above. Some of the providers of casino and poker apps in the state include Unibet, PokerStars, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Most of these apps are available on both iOS and Android devices.
Legal Online Sports Betting Apps In Pennsylvania: FAQ
Which Pennsylvania online sportsbook apps are available?
There are several sportsbook apps available in Pennsylvania. Some of the most well-known include DraftKings, FanDuel, and FoxBet. Other options available for online sports betting include SugarHouse Sportsbook, Unibet, BetRivers, and Parx. Each of these offers a legal way to bet on sports games and matches for Pennsylvania residents.
Who is in charge of regulating Pennsylvania legal sports betting apps?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). This applies to online sports betting apps in Pennsylvania as well as other forms of gambling like online casinos. The board is responsible for doing rigorous testing on any sportsbooks before they launch, as well as providing licensing to those who want to offer mobile apps. In addition, PGCB also handles responsible gambling enforcement and compliance issues related to sports betting.
Can a credit card be used to play legal online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Most online sportsbooks offer the option to use credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. Others also let you use American Express or Diners to add money to your account. There are many options for depositing money into an online sportsbook. It can also often be done by a bank transfer, through a debit card, using an online wallet like Skrill, or other means.
Are there differences between Pennsylvania daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps and sports betting apps?
Sometimes. In some cases, a sports betting app is only a sports betting app. However, some companies combine the two, so sports lovers can enjoy both in one place. DraftKings and FanDuel are the best-known apps for Pennsylvania that offer both in one place. Some of the other apps on the market are specifically for wagering on games and have no daily fantasy sports features.
How can I install sports betting apps on my Android smartphone in Pennsylvania?
Through the physical casino’s website. Unfortunately, the Google Play Store does not allow betting apps like Pennsylvania online sportsbooks. You will have to visit the casino’s website using your mobile device to download the app, and install it on your smartphone or tablet. Thankfully, it isn’t very difficult to do, but it may take more time and effort than the iOS app installation would.
Does Apple’s App Store offer online legal sports betting apps in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Apple offers legal online sports betting apps right through the Apple App Store, so you can easily install them and start playing right away. This makes these apps a bit easier to install than they would be on an Android phone or tablet since the Google Play Store does not allow betting apps that involve real money.