PA Online Sports Betting

Legal sports betting in Pennsylvania was once a pipe dream, but we are now several years into it being a reality. The Keystone State has proven to be an absolutely fantastic market for legal wagering, and many of the industry’s top names have set up shop as a result.

Pennsylvania is a hotbed for sports in general, too, so there’s always something going on for you to take advantage of at the betting window. Think the Philadelphia 76ers have what it takes to win the NBA Finals? There’s a futures bet for that. All about the Philadelphia Eagles and what’s up next for the team? You’ll have a plethora of ways to bet on NFL Week 1 odds.

Getting started with betting in PA in a completely legal and safe fashion is an absolute breeze, and you can have access to a real live sportsbook on your computer or device in minutes. Read on as we show you how and cover everything else you need to know about PA sports betting.

Best PA sports betting sites

It was retail only for PA sports betting at launch in 2018, but the online and mobile rollout followed in May 2019. A number of top sportsbook apps have made their debut in the Keystone State since that point, so bettors have plenty of choices for places to play on their iOS or Android device. Here’s a closer look at some of the best sports betting sites in PA.

Caesars

Caesars Sportsbook needs very little introduction as the representative of the same-named casino giant. Unsurprisingly, it launched in Pennsylvania through Harrah’s Philadelphia. Caesars Sportsbook features a smooth, easy-to-use interface and some of the best bonus offers you are likely to find.

Bet365

Bet365 is the newest Pennsylvania sports betting app, launching in 2024 via a deal with via a partnership with Presque Isle Downs and Casino. Bet365 Sportsbook offers a strong selection of betting markets on a user-friendly platform.

BetMGM

BetMGM launched in Pennsylvania toward the tail end of 2020 via a deal with Penn National’s Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville. BetMGM Sportsbook is an app on the rise in the sports betting arms race with top features including a deep roster of sports available for betting.

FanDuel

Visual appeal and ease of use goes a long way with mobile sports betting, and FanDuel in PA has managed to nail both facets. It’s slick while not being too busy, which isn’t the easiest trick to turn. FanDuel Sportsbook makes everything you need easily accessible on the small screen. The company is a market leader in PA and also has retail shops at Valley Forge and Live! casinos.

BetRivers

A member of the Rush Street Interactive family, you can find brick-and-mortar Rivers Casinos in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The mobile experience on the BetRivers Sportsbook is a solid one as users will find everything they need right at their fingertips. BetRivers also offers up a fantastic loyalty program for sports bettors to join and rack up points for wagering.

Fanatics

In January 2024, Fanatics Sportsbook launched its online sports betting app in Pennsylvania. The launch was slightly delayed, but now, users have access to an app focusing on speed, easy search functionality, and a unique rewards program. The rewards, called FanCash, can be redeemed for bonus bets or discounts on Fanatics apparel and sports merchandise.

DraftKings

The daily fantasy sports titan has emerged as a market leader in sports betting as well. DraftKings Sportsbook debuted in November 2019 off of a deal with Penn National. The app is highly-regarded across the industry and includes a number of innovative features, including a unique approach to live betting.

Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, sports betting is legal in PA. The state legalized sports betting (HB519) as part of a border gambling expansion bill in 2017, but it remained on the sidelines pending action from the Supreme Court of the United States. The following May, the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, paving the way for states to figure out the matter on their own.

It still took some time to get things finalized at the state level. Retail betting made its debut in November 2018, but the online and mobile rollout didn’t take place until the following May. Today, the legal sports betting industry is thriving across the Keystone State with an abundance of legal and safe retail, online, and mobile options for users to consider.

How to start betting online in Pennsylvania

It’s easy to get started with betting online in PA. There are a number of legal and safe operators to choose from, and there’s no in-person registration requirement. That means that you can take care of everything right on your computer or mobile device. As you begin the registration process, you’ll be asked to provide information that includes:

• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Last four digits of social

You’ll have to confirm that everything is correct, accept the terms and conditions, and then click submit. Your account will be created in seconds. The operator will need to verify your identity and age. If they have any trouble doing so, then they’ll request that you provide documents to confirm prior to proceeding.

While there’s no in-state residency requirement for using PA sportsbooks, you do need to be within state lines when placing bets. Sites use geolocations tracking software to verify user location. If you’re not within the borders, your bets won’t go through. However, you can perform simple account management functions if you happen to be in another state.

On the usability front, operators invest heavily on the tech side, and the end result is efficient and user-friendly platforms. You’ll be able to do everything you could ask for right from your computer or device, including making deposits or withdrawals, scoping out the lines, or simply placing bets, all without the need to be at a retail shop.

Sportsbook bonuses and bonus bets

There are plenty of sports betting operators to choose from in PA, and they’re all battling for the same pool of consumers. While offering up fantastic platforms helps to make sure bettors will stick around, they need to bring users in the door in the first place. Enter sign-up offers which serve as an enticement for new players to try out their wares. Examples include:

1. Bonus bets: Certain books will give new players site credits which can be used to place bets. You can’t withdraw the bonus bets, but any winnings are yours.
2. Deposit match: After signing up, some operators will match your first bet up to a certain amount. The deposit match will be credited to your account as a bonus that must be played through on site.
3. Bet Insurance: A popular incentive which allows you to place a bet with insurance after an initial deposit. If your bet loses, you’ll get bonus bets for the amount of your wager in the form of site credits that must be played through.

It’s a boom time for sports betting, and there are lots of incentives out there for users to take advantage of. For those who are already in the door, sportsbooks aim to keep them happy with ongoing promo codes. You’ll see things like insurance for a missed leg on a parlay, and odds boosts on specific games and props.

Can a PA sportsbook be used in New Jersey?

The short answer is no. Each state has its own specific apps as well as rules and regulations. Therefore, a PA app will not work in New Jersey. The long answer involves a bit more explanation. To bet on sports with a legal app, you need to be within the borders of the state that it’s available in. Sportsbook operators use geolocation tracking technology to verify user locations. It’s a non-obtrusive piece of software that runs in the background after an initial download, and it only tracks for the purposes of placing bets.

Certain platforms are state-specific, such as Caesars Sports, which uses separate apps for each state. By contrast, FanDuel has a single app that’s used in all of its available states, but it’ll recognize user location and point you to the proper version of the app.

For the purposes of managing your account, you’ll be able to access the app when outside of a legal betting state. For example, if you want to check your balance while over in NJ, that’s no problem. However, even though NJ sports betting is close and has almost all the same apps, you’ll need to be within the confines of the Keystone State and use a PA-specific app.

How PA sports betting works

Legal sports betting in PA falls under the authority of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Operators have the board to answer to on rules and regulations, while consumers have somewhere to turn if anything comes up. For those looking to bet on sports, the following eligibility requirements are in place.

• 21 years of age or older
• Not a member of any self-exclusion lists for problem gambling
• Not have served a year or more in prison
• Those involved with sports in a professional capacity are prohibited from wagering on their own leagues and events.

You don’t have to be a state resident to play in PA, but you do need to be located within state lines when placing bets. The sign-up process itself can be completed remotely, and you can also access and manage your account when out of state.

How licensing works in PA

Licensing in PA also falls under the control of the PGCB. Operators have to invest heavily to set up shop in the state, to the tune of a $10 million license fee and a whopping 36% tax rate on sports betting revenue.

Licenses have been obtained by the 13 land-based casinos and racetracks to date, and mini casinos are also eligible to obtain them. All licensees are permitted to partner up with one online or mobile operator, and we’ve seen a flurry of activity on that front.

Sports betting partnerships in PA

Partnerships between sports betting entities and pro sports teams and leagues were once taboo. The new legal sports betting environment has inspired lots of change, including on that front. The top leagues all have various deals in place, including the NFL, which has named Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel as its “official sports betting partners.”

The individual teams have also received a green light to ink their own deals, and many of the clubs based in PA have done just that. Here’s a look at the partnerships we’ve seen to date.

• Philadelphia Eagles: DraftKings
• Pittsburgh Steelers: BetMGM
• Philadelphia 76ers: DraftKings, BetMGM
• Philadelphia Flyers: BetRivers
• Pittsburgh Penguins: BetRivers
• Philadelphia Phillies: Live! Casino, DraftKings
• Pittsburgh Steelers: BetMGM
• Philadelphia Union: Parx Casino

Partnership deals with local teams give sports betting operators even more exposure, which is naturally a huge plus as they look to stand out in competitive markets such as PA. This is a trend that has been growing in recent times and one that shows no signs of slowing down.

Futures and prop betting in Pennsylvania

When there’s a game you want to bet on in PA, you’ll find plenty of different options to consider. Odds and lines for popular wagers like moneyline, spreads, and totals will be front and center on sportsbook listings, but there’s also lots more to explore. Futures and props are two additional areas that attract a boatload of attention.

Futures are wagers which require a long-term view. Many of the top options revolve around season-long outcomes. Bets won’t be settled until the outcome is official, so any placed wagers will remain tied up until then. The most popular futures market bets are based on which team will win the championship next time around, such as:

• Super Bowl
• NBA Finals
• World Series
• College Football Playoffs
• March Madness

There are also futures for individual player award winners, such as the NBA MVP. If you like the top individual sports, you’ll find bets on things like the winner of the next Masters or Tennis US Open. You’ll see odds for all of the possible choices with the initial release taking place well in advance of the event and the market staying active from there.

Props let you dig even deeper into individual contests. You can bet on various game circumstances and team performance metrics, as well as statistical accomplishments of the individual players. You can check out what’s available by simply clicking through on the event listing. Examples of what you might see include:

• How many total points plus rebounds for Joel Embiid – Over/Under 38.5?
• Will Jalen Hurts score a rushing TD – Yes/No?
• Who will have more points in the game – Claude Giroux or Sidney Crosby?

There are lots of options to explore with props, but also some things that can’t be wagered on at legal shops in PA, such as the NFL Draft. Interestingly, you can bet on that in neighboring NJ, but the Garden State has restrictions in place for betting on college teams and games in the state, whereas PA has no prohibitions for wagering on its local schools or events.

In-game betting at PA sportsbooks

You don’t have to rush and get in all of your betting action before events get underway. Instead, you can reserve some of your budget for in-game betting, which refers to wagers you can place in real time based on what’s currently happening. Also known as live betting, it’s an incredibly popular option that’s offered by many of the industry’s top shops. Options may include:

• What will be the result of this Eagles drive – TD/FG/TO/Punt?
• Which side will score three runs first – Phillies or Nationals?
• How many total points will the 76ers score before halftime – Over/Under 54.5?

As you settle in to catch the game, simply log in on your device and keep an eye on the live betting section. You can pick your spots and wager whenever you like. It’s a really fast-moving market in which the odds and offerings constantly update, but mobile apps make it simple to stay on top of what’s happening.

Pennsylvania sports teams to bet on

If you’re the type who prefers to stick to what’s happening with the local teams, then you’re certainly not lacking for options here in Pennsylvania. All of the top leagues are well-represented, so fans have plenty of directions to point their rooting interest.

• NFL: Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers
• NBA: Philadelphia 76ers
• MLB: Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates
• NHL: Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins
• MLS: Philadelphia Union

Whenever the above teams get set to take the field, you’ll be able to pick your spots and choose how you want to wager. Pennsylvania is also a fantastic market for college sports. For NCAAF, top teams include the Penn State Nittany Lions and Pitt Panthers, while top NCAAB squads include the Villanova Wildcats and Temple Owls.

There are no restrictions on betting on in-state collegiate teams in PA, which is a huge plus. If you love local action, you’ll rarely be bored in PA. Of course, you can always expand your horizons and get in on the action whenever an appealing game or event hits the odds board at legal sportsbooks.

What’s legal and illegal to bet on in PA

You won’t be lacking for betting options at PA sportsbooks. If it’s a big game or event that’s on national TV, such as an NFL game or the Daytona 500, you’ll find plenty of wagering options available. The same holds true for a whole host of other sports, including international soccer and all of the PGA tournaments.

On the restricted front, sports betting law dictates that wagering is limited to actual athletic competitions. You can’t wager on things like the NFL Draft, political elections, or the Oscars. Betting on college sports is permitted, and there are no restrictions in place when it comes to in-state teams or on events taking place in the state. Wagering on high school and esports is also not permitted in PA. Over in neighboring NJ, it’s a different story as bettors can’t wager on local colleges or on college events that are hosted in the Garden State but can bet on the NFL Draft and Academy Awards.

In short, the list of things that you can’t bet on is short in PA, while the menu of available options runs deep.

Bet types available in PA

All of the top bet types are available at PA online and mobile sportsbooks. Just like with the assortment of sports, some of them are super popular and attract plenty of folks to the window, while others aren’t quite as active. Here’s a quick run-through of the top bet types you’ll have to choose from.

• Moneyline: Pick the winner.
• Point spread: Side you choose must cover the spread.
• Totals: Over/under on combined points scored in the game.
• Props: Side wagers for a game or event.
• Live betting: Bets you can place in real time as the action unfolds.
• Futures: A wager on an event that will occur at a later date.
• Parlays: A bet with two or more outcomes on a single slip.
• Round robin: Multiple parlay combos on a single slip.
• Teasers: Move the spread by a designated number of points.

Choices abound on the betting front here in PA. That’s what we refer to as a good problem to have.

Where to bet on sports in Pennsylvania

While it’s great to have the flexibility of betting online and via mobile legally and safely, there’s also something to be said for the experience at a real live sportsbook. Since the legal green light was given here in PA, a number of retail outlets have opened their doors. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.

Harrah’s Philadelphia

The sportsbook at Harrah’s Philadelphia opened for business on Jan. 24, 2019. Located at the back of the casino floor, it’s a spacious retail outlet with solid amenities including food and beverage specials.

• Address: 777 Harrah’s Blvd.
• Location: Chester, PA
• Phone: 484-490-1800
• Hours: M-F: 11 a.m.-close, Sat/Sun: 10 a.m.-close
• Amenities: Video wall, game day food and beverage specials.
• Windows and kiosks: Six windows and self-serve kiosks sprinkled throughout the casino.
• Online and mobile: Caesars Sportsbook
• Launch date: March 2020

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Hollywood Casino

This was the first sportsbook retail outlet in PA. The doors opened on Nov. 17, 2018, with partner William Hill (now Caesars Sports).

• Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd.
• Location: Grantville, PA 17028
• Phone: 717-469-2211
• Hours: M-F: 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun: 10 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Dedicated 50-foot wall for TVs, located by Skybox Sports Bar
• Windows and kiosks: Six windows and several self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: Barstool-branded platform in works
• Launch date: September 2020

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Mohegan Sun Pocono

On Sept. 27, 2019, the Unibet Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun Pocono opened for business. Unibet is part of the Kindred Group, a global gaming company that continues to grow its presence here in the US.

• Address: 1280 PA-315
• Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
• Phone: 570-831-2100
• Hours: Open seven days, 11 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: 28-foot HD video screen and full service bar
• Windows and kiosks: Six self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: Unibet Sportsbook
• Launch date: November 2019

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Mount Airy Casino

Mount Airy joined forces with The Stars Group for its sports betting operation. That resulted in a Fox Bet Sportsbook opening its doors on Sept. 19, 2019, with the online and mobile presence launching just prior to that.

• Location: 312 Woodland Road
• Address: Mount Pocono, PA 18344
• Phone: 877-682-4791
• Hours: M-F: 2 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat/Sun: 10 a.m.- midnight
• Amenities: 7,000-square-foot space located at the former Gypsies Lounge.
• Windows and kiosks: Four self-service kiosks with live betting windows also available.
• Online and mobile: Fox Bet
• Launch date: September 2019

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Parx Sportsbook

The popular casino and venue for live horse racing action debuted a retail sportsbook location on Jan. 15, 2019, in a temporary spot. That was followed by the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art sportsbook in August.

• Address: 2999 Street Road
• Location: Bensalem, PA
• Phone: 888-LUV-PARX
• Hours: 24/7 with live betting assistance depending on sports schedule
• Amenities: 156-foot wall, food and beverage service, VIP areas
• Windows and kiosks: Six windows and 18 self-serve kiosks
• Online and mobile: Parx Online Sportsbook
• Launch date: June 2019

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Presque Isle Downs & Casino

Another great spot to catch live horse racing action, Presque Isle is part of the Churchill Downs family. A retail sportsbook bearing the BetAmerica name opened for business on July 26, 2019, with the online and mobile rollout coming later that year.

• Address: 8199 Perry Highway
• Location: Erie, PA 16509
• Phone: 866-ERIE-FUN
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Amenities: Located near poker room and racebook, features 50 big screen HDTVs
• Windows and kiosks: 50 self-serve betting kiosks on site
• Online and mobile: BetAmerica
• Launch date: December 2019

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Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Formerly known as SugarHouse Sportsbook, the first iteration opened on Dec. 15, 2018. The permanent location debuted on Oct. 10, 2019, shortly before the venue was rebranded with the Rivers name.

• Address: 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
• Location: Philadelphia, PA 19125
• Phone: 877-477-3715
• Hours: M-F: 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Sat/Sun: 7 or 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Amenities: Club seating, sportsbook bar, food service available.
• Windows and kiosks: On-site ticket writers and express kiosks available.
• Online and mobile: PlaySugarhouse PA
• Launch date: May 2019

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Rivers Pittsburgh

Rivers Pittsburgh followed the same plan as its sister property. The retail book opened in a temporary spot in December 2018, with the permanent location opening its doors on Sept. 30, 2019.

• Address: 777 Casino Drive
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA 15212
• Phone: 412-231-7777
• Hours: M-T: 10 a.m.-midnight, Fri/Sat: 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun: 9 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Center of casino location with bar and food service.
• Windows and kiosks: Six windows and 27 self-serve kiosks.
• Online and mobile: BetRivers
• Launch date: June 2019

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South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook

This is an off-track betting facility in the Parx family. The sports betting part of the operation opened up on Jan. 17, 2019.

• Address: 700 Packer Ave.
• Location: Philadelphia, PA 19148
• Phone: 215-551-8270
• Hours: M-T: 12 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri: 12 p.m.-midnight, Sat: 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Amenities: 100 HDTVs and full food and beverage menu.
• Windows and kiosks: Seven windows and nine self-serve kiosks.
• Online and mobile: Parx Online Sportsbook
• Launch date: June 2019

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The Downs at Lehigh Valley

This is another OTB facility. It’s part of the Mohegan Sun Pocono family, and a Unibet retail book opened up on site on March 7, 2020.

• Address: 1780 Airport Road
• Location: Allentown, PA 18109
• Phone: 610-266-6559
• Hours: M-T: 12 p.m.-11 p.m., F-Sun: 11:30 a.m.-midnight
• Amenities: Full service bar and 27 HDTVs
• Windows and kiosks: Self-serve terminals located on site
• Online and mobile: Unibet Sportsbook
• Launch date: November 2019

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The Meadows Sportsbook

The retail sportsbook bears the DraftKings name, but Penn Interactive handles the operations end of things. The book opened on Oct. 10, 2019, with the online and mobile rollout coming a month later.

• Address: 210 Racetrack Road
• Location: Washington, PA
• Phone: 724-503-1200
• Hours: M-F: 2 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat/Sun: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Amenities: Located in the middle of the casino, huge TVs, food and beverage service available.
• Windows and kiosks: Five windows and 18 self-serve kiosks.
• Online and mobile: DraftKings Sportsbook
• Launch date: November 2019

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Valley Forge Casino

The FanDuel Sportsbook at the Valley Forge Casino opened its doors for business on March 13, 2019, located just off the main casino entrance. Guests are welcome to bring in food and beverages from other onsite establishments.

• Address: 1160 First Ave.
• Location: King of Prussia, PA
• Phone: 610-354-8118
• Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Amenities: Just off main entrance, two sports tickers and 27 HDTVs
• Windows and kiosks: Seven windows with kiosks pending approval
• Online and mobile: FanDuel Sportsbook
• Launch date: July 2019

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Sportsbook at Wind Creek Bethlehem

Powered by BetFred Sports, this retail book opened in November 2020. Visitors will find an on-site bar and grill and a 21-panel TV wall to enjoy the action.

• Address: 77 Wind Creek Blvd.
• Location: Bethlehem, PA 18015
• Phone: 877-726-3777
• Hours: M-Th: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.; F: 2 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Amenities: Bar and grill, video wall, lounge seating
• Windows and kiosks: 8 self-service kiosks and teller service
• Online and mobile: BetFred
• Launch date: December 2020

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Live! Casino Philadelphia

A brand new casino and hotel debuted in Philadelphia in January 2021. Features include the FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge and its 52-foot led wall.

• Address: 900 Packer Ave.
• Location: Philadelphia, PA 19148
• Phone: (833) 472-5483
• Hours: M-F: 11 a.m. – Midnight; Sat. – Sun. 10 a.m. – Midnight.
• Amenities: Lounge seating, 52-foot video wall.
• Windows and kiosks: Teller and kiosk service
• Online and mobile: FanDuel Sportsbook
• Launch date: July 2019

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Live! Casino Pittsburgh

This new property opened its doors in the Pittsburgh area in November 2020. You’ll find a FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge at this location as well.

• Address: 5260 Route 30
• Location: Greensburg, PA 15601
• Phone: (878) 787-7770
• Hours: M-Th: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; F-Sa: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – Midnight.
• Amenities: 40-foot video wall, lounge seating.
• Windows and kiosks: 15 self-serve kiosks and teller service.
• Online and mobile: FanDuel Sportsbook
• Launch date: July 2019

Pennsylvania’s responsible gambling policy

The unfortunate reality of gambling is that some people cannot set reasonable limits for their activities. Gambling addiction destroys lives, and localities that expand into gambling have to take care to establish resources to help afflicted individuals. The PGCB maintains an active site with numerous resources for problem gamblers. There are several links to organizations to give people the help they need.

Chief amongst the PGCB’s site resources is the self-exclusion form. This document, which is commonly available in areas that host gambling, allows a person to bar themselves from all casinos and gambling establishments in that locality. Gambling establishments, including online ones, are legally required to police their rolls and property for persons who have self-excluded. Placing oneself on that list is a permanent decision, but it can be a lifesaving one for those who are struggling to stop their behavior.

Here is a list of helpful links to support responsible gaming behavior in PA:

• PGCB Office of Compulsive Gambling
• Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Form
• Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania
• Gam-Anon
• Gamblers Anonymous