The 2020 NFL season is here. Really, it is. Admit it, you thought coronavirus would ruin this too (takes a second to knock on wood).
For those of you new to NFL betting, we present you with a slimmed-down playbook for getting started. If you’re looking for more specific information for wagering on the Philadelphia Eagles or the Pittsburgh Steelers, visit our team pages.
How can I bet on the NFL online in Pennsylvania?
If you are 21+ and physically located in Pennsylvania, you can bet with any of nine PA online betting apps, including Caesars, DraftKings, Unibet and FanDuel. You can sign up and wager via mobile app or desktop.
To bet using mobile, you will need to download the app on your smartphone and sign up or log in. Most books require basic information to verify that you are of age. Online betting apps offer many methods for easy depositing and withdrawing of funds.
Are my funds safe on PA online betting apps?
Yes, your funds are safe and secure at online betting apps in Pennsylvania, as long as you are using approved and regulated sites.
Be sure to look for the PGCB logo, which ensures that the app is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
When will the Barstool Sportsbook app launch?
Penn National Gaming announced it will soft-launch the Barstool Sportsbook on Sept 15. At the completion of its test period, the app will be available for a full rollout on Sept. 18, ahead of NFL Week Two games.
Pennsylvania will be the first state to have a Barstool Sportsbook mobile app. Penn National officials said they plan to introduce the Barstool Sportsbook app in additional states in the coming months.
So I live in Pennsylvania, but I’m going to spend some weekends in New Jersey. Can I bet with my PA account? Will the funds be there?
We love the beach in September too. It’s less crowded, with warmer water temps and cheaper room rates (we’re still waiting for an invite from PlayNJ).
Let’s say you go to New Jersey and you log in to FanDuel on Saturday night to place your bets on some NFL games. Since FanDuel uses a “shared wallet,” your funds will be there. And when you return to PA, your account will reflect your wins/losses.
Who are the favorites to win Super Bowl LV? What are the Philadelphia Eagles’ and Pittsburgh Steelers’ odds?
Just ahead of the season opener (Sept. 10), the Kansas City Chiefs (+400) are the favorites, followed by the Baltimore Ravens (+700) and San Francisco 49ers (+750), at Caesars online sportsbook.
The Eagles’ over/under win total is 9.5, and their Super Bowl LV odds are +2000. The Steelers’ over/under win total is set at 9, and they are +2500 for Super Bowl LV.
What are some ways to bet on NFL games?
The most popular bets are point spread, moneyline and over/under total points.
Other betting markets offered at DraftKings include:
- Alternate point spread
- Alternate total points
- Total points by team, first half
- Total points by team
- First/last team to score
- Total TDs
- To score first TD and win
- First/last TD
- Winning margin
- TD props
- First scoring play
- First to listed points
- A safety to be scored
- To go to overtime
- Total points odd/even
- Halftime/fulltime
- First half and quarters spread/total points/tie
- Highest scoring half
- First half – three-way
- Total TDs in first half
- Player props
What is line movement?
There may be movement after opening lines on NFL games are first released. For instance, if the Eagles opened as -7 point favorites against Washington, and after a few days, the market moved them to -7.5, then -8, that right there is line movement.
Why does a line move? Money, mostly. It usually means that sharp bettors are placing their bets on a certain side. If a lot of handle (amount wagered) is going on, say, the Eagles at -7, sportsbooks can move the line to -7.5 to encourage bets on the other side or to reduce their liability. Remember, the line can also move in reverse (reverse line movement).
Can I bet on a game as it is happening?
Yes. Sites like DraftKings, FanDuel and Unibet offer in-game or live betting. The odds update in real time according to in-game events.
What are the best PA online sportsbooks for betting on the NFL?
Pennsylvania has nine online betting apps live in the state, with more on the way. Books will mostly have similar lines, but it’s still best to shop around to get the best line.
Additionally, PA online sportsbooks will put out different bet boosts and promotions for various games, so we recommend you always look around for the best deals for the games you’d like to wager on. We recommend the following, which come with sportsbook bonus offers for signing up.
Best Pennsylvania online sportsbooks for NFL betting:
Are the retail sportsbooks at casinos open?
Yes, most PA retail sportsbooks are open. However, it’s always best to call ahead and ask about hours and seating during NFL games.
Can I eat and drink at casinos in Pennsylvania?
Since reopening in June, casinos in Pennsylvania have updated health and safety protocols.
Some of the major ones are:
- All employees and customers must wear a mask.
- Casinos are operating at reduced capacity (50%).
- Social distancing markers and more hand sanitizer stations have been added.
Currently, casinos in Pennsylvania are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages on the gaming floor. Also, there is no seating at the bar, since bar service of food and/or alcohol is prohibited.
So how can you get something to eat or drink at a casino?
Some restaurants at casinos are open at reduced capacity. Food courts are another option.
Can I smoke at casinos and sportsbooks in Pennsylvania?
No. There is a temporary ban on smoking in casinos.
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Executive Director Kevin O’Toole determined that under the board’s protocols, casinos must comply with guidelines from the PA Department of Health, which issued an updated order mandating masks in public. There is no exception in the order that permits a person to pull down a mask to smoke.
