Bet365 is gearing up for a full online sports betting and iGaming launch in Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, bet365 soft launched in the Keystone State on Tuesday, July 16, and will continue testing through Thursday, July 18. If all goes well, the gaming company may receive final approval this week. Upon launch, bet365 will join the mix in offering an attractive Pennsylvania sportsbook promotions amongst a crowded field of competitive operators.

“The bet365 soft launch in which Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) staff conducts various checks to ensure that the platform is performing correctly per regulations did begin yesterday (7/16) and will run through Thursday. If all goes well, bet365 could get full approval on July 19,” a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesperson told Crossing Broad.

Bet365 Aiming for Full PA Launch

The bet365 launch in Pennsylvania has been a long time coming, as the sports betting operator announced a partnership with Presque Isle Downs & Casino in January 2023 to enter the Pennsylvania gaming market.

The multi-year agreement with the Churchill Downs Incorporated owned company provided iGaming and online sports betting market access in Pennsylvania for the sports betting company.


“We are pleased to partner with a global leader in the online gaming industry,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, in a press release. “Our relationship with bet365 enables us to maximize the value of our company’s sports betting and iGaming market access in Pennsylvania.”

However, more than a year-and-a-half passed before bet365 officially took steps to begin offering sports betting and iGaming in the state. The operator began a soft launch in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, July 16, and will continue to test through Thursday, July 18.

Bet365 will be available in Pennsylvania through the remaining soft-launch schedule:

  • Wednesday, July 17: Noon to 10 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 18: Noon to midnight

Following testing, the PGCB will evaluate its performance and potentially award full approval to bet365 on Friday, July 19. The operator will be allowed to fully launch in Pennsylvania following the final approval from state regulators.

Bet365 Licensed in 11 States

Bet365 is currently live in 10 states, but licensed in 11 to do business. The company is licensed in the following states:

  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Ohio
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia

It will be interesting to see how bet365 performs in Pennsylvania. The company surprisingly has been a top-three operator in neighboring Ohio, which is a particularly crowded market, but Pennsylvania features higher tax rates than the Buckeye State. bet365 will undoubtedly offer a competitive PA online casino bonus to entice users to its platform.

Ohio’s online sports betting tax rate sits at 20% of gross gaming revenue, but Pennsylvania features a 34% tax rate. Its iGaming tax rates include 54% for slot games and 16% for table games, so it will be interesting to see how competitive bet365 can remain with market leaders, such as FanDuel and DraftKings.