Pennsylvania Sports Betting Sites 2024

Get in on the action with the top sports betting sites in Pennsylvania. From FanDuel to DraftKings and more, find the best legal online options for sports betting in the state.

Best PA Sports Betting Sites

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Caesars Sportsbook

Best for NFL
  • Partnered with Harrah's Philadelphia
  • Best app for NFL betting
  • Regular odds boosts
  • No live streaming
Welcome Offer
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
Claim Go to Caesars Sportsbook
Website: williamhill.com/usFounded: 1996
Owner: Caesars EntertainmentHeadquarters: Reno, Nevada
Caesars Sportsbook App
Caesars Sportsbook Live Basketball Betting
Caesars Sportsbook NFL Betting Markets
Summary
Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER10/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY8/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE10/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS9/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE9/10 ⭐
SUPPORT10/10 ⭐
SUMMARY10/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wyoming.

Read full review

FanDuel Sportsbook

Best mobile app in PA
  • Partnered with Valley Forge Casino
  • Official partner of Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Fantastic for same game parlays
  • Fewer markets for international sports
Welcome Offer
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
Claim Go to FanDuel Sportsbook
Website: sportsbook.fanduel.comFounded: 2009
Owner: Flutter EntertainmentHeadquarters: New York City
Fanduel Sportsbook App 2024
Fanduel Sportsbook NBA March 2023
Fanduel Sportsbook Live Betting March 2024
Summary
Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY
10/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS
10/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
SUPPORT
8/10 ⭐
SUMMARY
9/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for beginners in PA
  • Partnered with Penn National Gaming
  • Official partner of Philadelphia 76ers & Philadelphia Eagles
  • Amazing depth to in-play bets offered
  • Not the best odds
Welcome Offer
20% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000
Claim Go to DraftKings Sportsbook
Website: draftkings.com/sportsbookFounded: 2012
Owner: Jason RobinsHeadquarters: Boston
Draftkings Sportsbook App 2023
Draftkings Sportsbook NBA Stats
Draftkings Sportsbook Live Basketball Betting
Summary
Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY9/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS
10/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE
9/10 ⭐
SUPPORT
8/10 ⭐
SUMMARY
10/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

BetMGM

Best Same Game Parlays in PA
  • Partnered with Hollywood Casino Morgantown
  • Official partner of Pittsburgh Steelers & Philadelphia 76ers
  • Wide range of betting promotions
  • Mobile betting app is fairly basic
Welcome Offer
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
Claim Go to BetMGM
Website: sports.nj.betmgm.comFounded: 1986
Owner: MGM Resorts InternationalHeadquarters: Paradise, Nevada
Betmgm App 2023
Betmgm NBA Betting 2023
Betmgm Live Tennis Betting 2023
Summary
Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY9/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE9/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS8/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE8/10 ⭐
SUPPORT7/10 ⭐
SUMMARY9/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

BetRivers

  • Partnered with Hollywood Casino Morgantown
  • Great variety of sports to live stream
  • Fantastic live betting
  • Limited number of withdrawal methods
Welcome Offer
Second Chance Bet up to $500
Claim Go to BetRivers
Website: https://pa.betrivers.com/Founded: 2009
Owner: SugarHouse HSP Gaming, LPHeadquarters: Pittsburgh, PA
Betrivers App
Betrivers NBA Stats
Betrivers Live Soccer Betting
Summary
Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY8/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE8/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS7/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE8/10 ⭐
SUPPORT
8/10 ⭐
SUMMARY
8/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, & West Virginia.

Read full review

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://www.pacouncil.com/chatline/

PA Sports Betting Sites

There's no end of fun to be had when betting on the Phillies, 76ers, or the Eagles with over a dozen PA betting operators to choose from.

Whether you're a first-time bettor, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we'll help you find the Pennsylvania betting sites that suit you best.

PA sports betting sites

PENNSYLVANIA BETTING SITES - FAQS

All the essential questions (and answers) regarding sports betting sites in Pennsylvania

Is sports betting legal in PA?

It is indeed! Officially, Pennsylvania sports betting was legalized in 2017 and then became active once the countrywide ban on sports betting (a.k.a PASPA) was abolished in 2018.

The PA online sports betting market launched on May 31 2019 when PlaySugarHouse PA became the first operator to go live.

Read more on legal sports betting in Pennsylvania.

How many PA sports betting sites are there?

To date, there are 14 betting sites in PA including Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Barstool Sportsbook, and Unibet Sportsbook.

Here’s the full list of online betting sites in Pennsylvania.

What’s the best betting site in Pennsylvania?

Pat and Ian enjoy betting with Caesars Sportsbook, Ben prefers DraftKings Sportsbook while Nick uses Unibet for building his parlays.

As you can see, the best betting site in PA depends on what you’re looking for and your personal taste.

Every Pennsylvania betting site is different in terms of the actual product, i.e. betting features, payment options, welcome bonuses, variety, usability, and functionality, to name a few variables. And there’s also the experience and reputation of an operator to consider.

To help, here are the Top 3 Pennsylvania Betting Sites we recommend.

What are the rules for online betting in PA?

You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in PA. And when making an actual real money bet, you need to be physically located in Pennsylvania state lines.

Find out more about Pennsylvania sports betting law.

How are betting sites in PA licensed?

Each betting site is partnered with one of the state’s land-based casinos or racinos for its license. For example, FanDuel’s licensing partner is Valley Forge, and Unibet is partnered with Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Who regulates PA sports betting sites?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is a governmental agency responsible for overseeing the PA sports betting market.

This includes the issuing of operator licenses and making sure licensed operators adhere to regulations so Pennsylvanians can enjoy a safe and fair online betting experience.

Are PA betting sites safe?

PA betting sites licensed and regulated by the PGCB are 100% trustworthy and safe to use.

At UnitedGamblers.com we take great pride in promoting only operators that hold the necessary license and are regulated so you can rest assured, any site you choose on this page is 100% safe.

Is Caesars Sportsbook available in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Caesars Sportsbook launched it's new sports betting and online casino platform in Pennsylvania in September 2022, just in time for the 2022 NFL season's kickoff! Caesars Sportsbook is able to operate in PA thanks to its partnership with Harrah's Philadelphia.

PA SPORTS BETTING SITES

Here in The Keystone State, you have the perfect blend of sports betting operators including US powerhouses FanDuel and DraftKings, prominent PA brands, BetRivers and Parx, and popular European sportsbooks Unibet and Betfred Sports.

Find the best sports betting sites in PA

And with the likes of Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM also available, it’s fair to say that the Keystone State has one of the strongest sets of betting sites in the country.

Best PA Sports Betting Sites

  1. Caesars Sportsbook
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. DraftKings Sportsbook
  4. BetMGM
  5. BetRivers

Best PA Betting Sites

Caesars Sportsbook PA

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets

There are so many things we enjoy about Caesars Sportsbook. From the regular promotions, odds boosts, and clean design, to the market availability there are so many things Caesars Sportsbook has done right. Especially now that the NFL season is upon us, there is no betting site we recommend more than Caesars Sportsbook in PA.


FanDuel Sportsbook PA

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Another top dog in the sports betting industry, FanDuel Sportsbook offers a betting experience second-to-few. Up there with DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook has what we believe to be the best betting app not only in PA but in the US.

FanDuel Sportsbook is the perfect betting site for those looking for a fantastic all-around betting experience. FanDuel Sportsbook is arguably the best sportsbook for Same Game Parlays in particular.


DraftKings Sportsbook PA

20% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000

DraftKings Sportsbook is hands down one of our favorite betting sites to use in PA. DraftKings offers users a complete betting experience from beginning to end, welcoming new users with a deposit match bonus as well as a complete guide on Sports Betting 101 for new sports bettors.

DraftKings Sportsbook boasts a fantastic user interface that is suitable for players of all experience levels, meaning you are sure to have a great experience whether you're brand new to betting or a seasoned veteran.


BetMGM PA

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

For thousands of bets, enticing promos and boosters, and some of the best parlay betting around, there's a truckload of reasons why BetMGM is a great choice for a betting site in Pennsylvania.

Licensed through Hollywood Casino Morgantown, BetMGM meets the needs of all bettors in PA. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced punter, there's something for everyone at BetMGM PA.

CHOOSING THE BEST PA BETTING SITES

To determine which PA betting sites suit you best, it’s useful to first think about what you want. For instance, do you want to be able to pay using PayPal? Do you want to live stream events? Are you after a significant welcome bonus offer? The best app?

The top betting sites in Pennsylvania will tick many boxes, but it’s important to remember that each operator has different strengths and weaknesses.

In order to help you choose, we share the criteria we use when ranking the best betting sites in PA and recommend our top choices.

PA SPORTSBOOK PROMOS

With the PA betting market as competitive as it is, operators need to stand out as much as possible. To do this, each operator has their own welcome bonus which is designed to entice you and get you to sign-up a new customer.

Claim thousands in PA sportsbook bonuses!

PA betting bonuses come in different shapes and sizes. Some are more generous than others, some are harder to claim and some offer better value.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos
Operator BonusAction
#1
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
#2
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
#3
Bet $5, Win $150
in Bonus Bets
#4
Second Chance Bet up to $500
#5
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
#6
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

PA SPORTS BETTING APPS

In PA, betting on your mobile device is permitted. Even better is the fact PA sports betting law allows you to use your mobile anywhere within PA state lines. This means that if you’re out and about, or, even relaxing at home, you can bet on sports at your leisure.

The best way to experience mobile betting in PA is by using an app. All operators have a betting app alongside their online sportsbook which, depending on your device, is available to download from the App Store, the Google Play Store, or, via a link on the sportsbook website.

As for which one is the best, there are plenty of contenders including Unibet, DraftKings and BetMGM. But, for us, FanDuel’s betting app is hard to beat.

Best PA Sports Betting Apps

  1. FanDuel
  2. DraftKings
  3. BetMGM
  4. BetRivers

Best Sports Betting App in Pennsylvania

FanDuel PA Sportsbook App

Download for iOS and Android devices

Logically designed and easy on the eye, the FanDuel PA sportsbook app is a pleasure to use having taken into account all of the needs of a sports bettor.

Whether you’re looking for wagers, locating account information, or making a deposit, everything you want is accessible through a simple swipe of the finger.

To get the FanDuel Sportsbook app for PA, just head to the App Store or, if you’re an owner of an Android device, search for FanDuel on the Google Play Store where the app is now available as a direct download.

PA BETTING SITES FOR LIVE BETTING

Betting on a game as it is happening (live sports betting) is an exciting and popular way to bet.

You’ll find therefore that all Pennsylvania betting sites offer live betting, though, to differing degrees, it must be said. You’ll find that some operators are still developing their in-play product, while others have perfected it to a very high level and offer many live betting features

For the best live betting experience, live streaming (watching the game on the betting platform itself) is highly recommended.

Best Live Betting Sites PA

  1. BetRivers
  2. FanDuel
  3. DraftKings
  4. BetMGM
BetRivers PA Live Betting Screenshot

BetRivers offers customers great live-betting in PA

BetRivers Sportsbook PA

Best Live Betting Site in PA

BetRivers, the online version of Rivers Casino, is well worth checking out, particularly for its live-streaming feature which allows you to watch live games and make real-time wagers at the same time for the ultimate live betting experience.

You can find live streaming available for basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and table tennis, just to name a few sports.

An in-depth betting menu covering both obscure and popular sports events further complements the live streaming option. Overall, BetRivers is an excellent choice for live betting in Pennsylvania.

PA SPORTS BETTING SITES: BEST FOR BEGINNERS

We know that getting started with online betting can be daunting for some.

But there are many Pennsylvania betting sites that extinguish any concerns you may have in the beginning and make your betting experience seamless.

Unibet, FanDuel, and DraftKings are great examples of betting sites that offer a fantastic interface and a logical layout, making them extremely easy to use.

How To Bet Draftkings Screenshot

DraftKings Sportsbook makes sports betting easy for beginners

Best PA Betting Site for Beginners

MLB BETTING SITES PENNSYLANIA

If you’re looking to wager on the Philadelphia Phillies or the Pittsburgh Pirates, you can use any Pennsylvania betting site. Given the popularity of baseball and in particular, MLB, every site will provide a good range of options.

But in terms of where you should go for the best experience, look no further than BetRivers, BetMGM, and FanDuel, all of which offer very competitive odds on the MLB and are known to roll exciting MLB promos.

At BetMGM, official sports betting partner of MLB incidentally, there’s the ‘Hit the Cycle’ challenge, at FanDuel there’s the ‘$5 Diner Tuesday’ and at BetRivers, ‘Homerun Hero Insurance’.

Best MLB Betting Sites Pennsylvania

  1. BetMGM
  2. FanDuel
  3. BetRivers
  4. DraftKings
Mgm mlb

Bet on the MLB with BetMGM

LIST OF ALL BETTING SITES PENNSYLVANIA

This page is dedicated to telling you about what PA betting sites can offer you as a punter. But we appreciate that sometimes, you just want a simple list.

So, here you go, a complete list of all sports betting sites in Pennsylvania.

PA BETTING SITES LIST

  • Barstool Sportsbook PA
  • Betfred Sports PA
  • BetMGM PA
  • BetRivers PA
  • Betway PA
  • DraftKings Sportsbook PA
  • FanDuel Sportsbook PA
  • Parx Sportsbook PA
  • PlaySugarHouse PA
  • PointsBet PA
  • Twinspires PA
  • Unibet PA

List of PA Betting Sites

Barstool Sportsbook PA

Having partnered with Penn National, it was no surprise to see PA become Barstool’s first live state. The brand’s huge social media following has seen the sportsbook take off in terms of popularity. But that’s not the only reason. The product itself comes with an easy-to-use interface and an abundance of promos fronted by popular Barstool personalities.

  • Launched in PA: September 2020
  • Retail license partner: Penn National Gaming
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
Betfred Sports PA

As the newest betting site in Pennsylvania, Betfred, via Wind Creek Casino, is still finding its feet in the Keystone State. But with huge experience in the UK sports betting market, expect Betfred’s reputation in Pennsylvania to grow.

  • Launched in PA: December 2020
  • Retail license partner: Wind Creek Casino
  • Availability: Desktop website
BetMGM PA

As one of the most recognizable names in the gaming industry, MGM’s sportsbook, BetMGM has an incredible range of bets, an awesome set of promotions, and all betting features you need. BetMGM has all the ingredients to compete with the very best PA betting sites.

  • Launched in PA: December 2020
  • Retail license partner: Hollywood Casino
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
BetRivers PA

A popular brand in PA, BetRivers online sportsbook has certainly lived up to expectations. Easy to use, packed full of betting markets (plus handy betting tips), and equipped with all of the live betting features you need, BetRivers PA remains a popular pick in Pennsylvania.

  • Launched in PA: June 2019
  • Retail license partner: Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
Betway PA

Betway is another European betting giant looking to make its mark in the US. Betway boasts a phenomenal selection of domestic and international sports, its famed Betway Boosts, as well as one of the best online casinos available today. We highly recommend Betway and believe it is one of the top choices in PA.

  • Launched in PA: July 2021
  • Retail license partner: Live! Casino Philadelphia
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
DraftKings Sportsbook PA

Despite the dominance of its rival, FanDuel, there's an argument for DraftKings owning the more complete sportsbook. Choose DraftKings for thousands of bets, enticing promos and boosters, and a truly awesome live betting offering.

  • Launched in PA: November 2019
  • Retail license partner: The Meadows
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
FanDuel Sportsbook PA

The state’s number one betting site in terms of market share, FanDuel provides bettors with the best-looking site and app boasting a clean and easy-to-use layout, an awesome live betting experience, and an extremely generous new customer offer.

  • Launched in PA: July 2019
  • Retail license partner: Valley Forge Casino
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
Parx Sportsbook PA

Known as one of the best casino destinations in PA, Parx is also present in the sports betting arena with its Kambi powered sportsbook. However, despite the similarity in appearance with fellow Kambi sites, DraftKings and Unibet, it’s hard to make a case for Parx sitting among the top tier of betting sites in PA. A solid choice nonetheless.

  • Launched in PA: July 2019
  • Retail license partner: Parx Casino
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
PlaySugarHouse PA

The first PA betting site to go live, SugarHouse has a tremendous variety of markets for US and international sports, plenty of banking methods and a great live streaming platform.

  • Launched in PA: May 2019
  • Retail license partner: Rivers Casino Philadelphia
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
PointsBet PA

PointsBet is one of the newest betting sites to launch in PA, offering bettors in Pennsylvania the chance to use their unique PointsBetting & Name A Bet features.

  • Launched in PA: February 2022
  • Retail license partner: Penn National Gaming
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website
Twinspires PA

Originally BetAmerica, Twinspires offers bettors a solid sportsbook with many banking methods, live betting, and competitive odds. There’s also a fair collection of promos to take advantage of but, overall, Twinspires is some off competing with the leading operators in PA.

  • Launched in PA: November 2019
  • Retail license partner: Presque Isle Downs
  • Availability: Desktop website
Unibet PA

The Kindred Group is growing its US Unibet brand slowly but surely. The book excels in all the important departments including deposit options, betting options, and live betting, while you switch between sports betting and online casino games effortlessly.

  • Launched in PA: November 2019
  • Retail license partner: Mohegan Sun Pocono
  • Availability: Android app, iOS app, Desktop website

LEGAL SPORTS BETTING IN PENNSYLVANIA

The Keystone State has been live with legal sports betting since 2019.

Since PlaySugarHouse became the first betting site to go live, we’ve seen many of the best operators enter the legal PA market, UK bookmaker Betfred Sportsbook being the latest.

To enter the Pennsylvania sports betting market, each operator has been verified as a reputable company, partnered with a retail casino, paid $10 million to acquire a license, and agreed to the tax rate on sports betting revenue of 36%.

Operators of PA betting sites are also overseen by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), a governmental agency responsible for regulating the PA sports betting industry.

In short, the PA betting sites we’ve recommended on this page are 100% legit and safe to use.

How to tell a betting site in PA is legal

  • Look for the PGCB icon: Each legal sportsbook in PA will have the state's regulators, PGCB, clearly displayed at the footer of every page. Clicking on the icon will take you straight to the website for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This is standard practice for all PA regulated sportsbooks.
Legal betting sites PA
  • Look for the Responsible Gaming icon: Next to the PGCB icon should be one listed for responsible gaming. Again, this should be clickable allowing a customer to access the guidelines in place for safe and responsible gaming and is mandatory for all betting sites.
  • Check the payment options: Should the only available payment options amount to Bitcoin, bank transfers, and voucher systems, eyebrows should be raised. Licensed betting sites in Pennsylvania should offer a wide range of payment options including the most popular methods in the US such as credit/debit cards and PayPal.

Common deposit/withdrawal options at PA betting sites

  • Credit/Debit cards: VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
  • E-wallet: PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
  • Prepaid cards: Specific debit cards offered by the operator
  • eCheck/ACH transfer: Electronic transfer
  • PayNearMe: Pay in cash at a 7-Eleven store
  • Casino Cage Payments: Pay in-person at a PA retail sportsbook/casino
  • Wires/Money Orders: Old school methods still get the job done!
  • Check if there's a full quota of bets available: An instant indicator of a rogue betting site is the lack of a live betting option. Being illegal, offshore betting sites can't partner with the technology providers required to offer live betting.

PA Legal Sports Betting

What PA Sports Betting law says

Bettors

You must be at least 21 to wager

Bets can be placed in person, online, or on a mobile device

Wagering is permitted on pro and college sports

Betting on esports is prohibited

Players, officials, coaches, are forbidden from betting on their own sports

Operators

Operators must partner with a retail casino for its license

An operator is required to pay $10 million for a sports betting license

36% tax rate on sports betting revenue for operators

All online betting PA operators are regulated by the PGCB

Sports Betting PA

Pennsylvania isn’t short of a major league sports team. Whether you’re betting on the Phillies, the Pirates, the 76ers, the Eagles, the Steelers, the Flyers, or The Penguins, there are plenty of teams to wager on in the Quaker state.

But do you know how to wager on each team? Let's discuss the common type of sports bets in Pennsylvania and how they work.

Popular Types of Bets at PA Betting Sites

Money Line

The most typical bet placed is on the winner of a game. With the wager comprising only two options, a favorite and an underdog, there's nota more straightforward bet than this, hence its popularity.

How a money line works

  • Atlanta Hawks +180
  • Philadelphia 76ers -200

As in other sports, the most simple wager to understand is the Money Line. And this is no different when betting on the NBA.

Using the example above we can see the 76ers, assigned the minus (-) value, are the favorites with the Atlanta Hawks, assigned the positive (+) value, the underdogs.

As the favorites, a wager on the 76ers, in this case, means you will have to wager $200 to win $100. Of course the $100 is used for example purposes - a $20 wager will win $10, $10 = $5. Whichever way you look at it, you’re not getting much in the way of a return for the 76ers winning as they’re so heavily fancied.

In stark contrast, if you were to bet on the Hawks, the +180 indicates the potential winnings ($180) from a $100 bet. Broken down a $50 bet will see you net $90. Greater risk = greater rewards.

Point Spread

Also referred to as 'betting against the spread', 'betting the spread' or ATS, this type of wager brings better odds and value to a contest between two teams of contrasting ability.

For instance, if a team is heavily backed and expected to win, it will take a significant stake to yield just a small amount of profit - it’s hardly worth making a bet!

A point spread helps to address the balance in ability between two teams, whilst bringing more value in the odds and wager overall. For the purpose of the wager, the team expected to win starts with a points handicap and the underdog an advantage.

Backing the favorite to win the line means they must not only win but win by the specified number of points to overcome the deficit set. Alternatively, you can wager on the underdog to defend the advantage, or, win the game outright. The beauty of this wager is betting on the losing team can still win you money.

How a point spread bet works

  • Steelers -5.5 (-110)
  • Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 (-110)

The example above has the Steelers down as the favorites. To ‘cover the spread’, and for the Steelers to win the line, a winning margin of 6 points, or more, is required. The .5 removes the chances of a tie by and ensures there's a clear winner. A 6 point margin wins it for the Steelers but anything less and the line goes the way of the Bengals.

Totals (Over/Under)

Here, you need to predict if the total number of points scored in a game is over or under the line set by the sportsbook. Betting ‘Over’ means you think the game will produce a higher amount of points/goals suggested, with betting ‘Under', the opposite.

Parlay

Often labeled a ‘sucker bet’ or an exotic wager, it’s true that a lot needs to happen to win a parlay. Not least because this kind of bet requires you to predict the right outcome on a number of games, not just one.

Of course, high risk brings the potential for significant winnings, however, it is often given a wide berth by the majority of bettors looking to turn a profit quickly.

Prop

Another example of an exotic wager is a prop bet. These bets are of a more fun nature and do not require a team to win for you to succeed. Here, you can often bet on anything related to the game including the pre-match coin toss, the team to score the first touchdown, or who the MVP will be. It’s even possible to bet on the length of the National Anthem!

Futures

A wager made on how a team will perform over a set period is referred to as a futures wager. You could be betting on a team to reach the playoffs or win the World Series and, to find the best value, is a bet often placed before the start of an event or competition.

PA SPORTS TEAMS

  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)
PA teams
PA teams 2