There’s no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most popular and successful teams in the NFL. Thankfully, Pennsylvania has legalized sports betting, so fans and visitors alike find themselves betting on the Steelers when in the state. And because the Steelers have such a passionate fan base, you’re never alone when betting on them and rooting for them in every game.
Steelers.com
If you’re looking to bet on the Steelers when in Pennsylvania, you’re in luck. Our guide will give you everything you need to know to make a smart and educated decision without any fuss.
Let’s dive right in.
Where to bet in Pennsylvania
Before you start doing anything, you need to know where and how you can place bets within the state. You have several options:
- Retail sportsbooks - you’ll find these establishments throughout the state, in casinos or at off-track betting parlors. Here’s where they are:
- Casino sports betting locations:
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
- Rivers Pittsburgh Sportsbook.
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino (King of Prussia, PA).
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Live! Casino Philadelphia.
- FanDuel Sportsbook at Live! Casino Pittsburgh (Greensburg, PA).
- Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Philadelphia (Chester, PA).
- Parx Sportsbook (Bensalem, PA).
- Betfred Sportsbook at Wind Creek Casino (Bethlehem, PA).
- TwinSpires Sportsbook at Presque Isle Downs & Casino (Erie, PA).
- Mount Airy Casino Sportsbook (Mt Pocono, PA).
- The Meadows Sportsbook (Washington, PA).
- Mohegan Sun Pocono (Wilkes-Barre, PA).
- Off-track betting parlors (OTBs)
- The Downs at Lehigh Valley (Allentown, PA)
- South Philadelphia Race & Sportsbook
- Online sportsbooks - These websites and mobile apps are taking several states nationwide by storm, and Pennsylvania is no exception. It’s no surprise, considering the convenience these online bookies offer. Although there are several options, DraftKings is the top choice for many sports bettors in Pennsylvania. However, it’s important to choose your sportsbook wisely.
How to pick the right bookmaker
Picking the right bookmaker can be daunting and overwhelming when you're just starting out. You have several retail options and even more choices online. Although it’s tempting to go with the first bookmaker you find, it’s not advisable. Instead, do the following:
- Check their reputation - Even if the bookmaker is a name you recognize, you should still do some research about them. If it’s a retail location, read reviews to make sure they treat their bettors well. If it’s an online bookmaker, check what people say about the operator and whether they hold a valid license in the state.
- See what betting options they offer - At the very least, bookmakers will allow you to place a moneyline bet. If that’s all you want, then you’re good to go; place your bet and watch the Steelers play. But if you want to get more involved and try betting on specific statistics, make sure your selected bookmaker supports your preferred betting line. There’s no need to settle for less; there are multiple bookmakers out there and one is bound to offer the betting line you want.
- Compare the odds - You don’t need to be an expert bettor to know that bookmakers have different odds. Shop around to see who has the best odds.
- Consider the bonuses - Unless you already have a trusted bookmaker, you’ll likely make an online account with an online bookmaker or visit a retail location for the first time. In that case, shop around to see who offers the best bonus. But don’t just go for a glamorous welcome offer; make sure the bookmaker also has favorable betting odds for you.
Types of bets you can place
There are many different types of bets you can place on the Steelers. Depending on the bookmaker and platform you use, you may find niche types of betting lines. However, here are some of the more common types you’ll see, regardless of whether you’re betting in person or online:
- Moneyline - These are the simplest, most straightforward types of bet you can place. All you have to do is bet on the Steelers winning the game, and nothing else. It’s a 50-50 chance, and there are no complicated odds to read and consider.
- Spread - A spread bet is a good option if you want to feel more involved while keeping things relatively simple. Basically, the sportsbook assigns a spread against the Steelers and you must bet based on whether you think they will win by the spread.
- Over/under - Another fun betting type is the over/under bet. The bookmaker assigns a specific value to one of the game’s statistics (usually the final score), and you must bet whether the final outcome will be above or below the value. The types of over/under bets you can make depend on the bookmaker.
- Prop bets - If you have a good handle on how the next Steelers game will go, try your luck with prop bets. These types of bets allow you to wager on specific aspects of the game, such as how many yards Kenny Pickett will throw for, or how many times he’ll get sacked during the game.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
General betting tips
While it’s exciting to go in blind, place a bet and hope the Steelers win their next game, you shouldn’t do that – it’s a risky move that could easily backfire. To help prevent frustrations, keep these tips in mind before betting:
- Be aware - A lot can happen from one week to another. Someone could get injured during practice, they could get arrested or they could get suspended for something they said or did before the game. You don’t need to follow Steelers' news 24/7, but you need to be aware of the situation as they head towards their next game. Have a quick glance at who might not be there in the next game, so you don’t accidentally put a prop bet on someone who isn’t even playing.
- Shop around - We already mentioned this tip earlier, but it’s such a piece of vital advice that it bears mentioning twice. Don’t just go with the first offer you see; do a quick online search and you’ll find who has the best odds. You’ll often find that your first choice doesn’t necessarily offer the best odds.
- Regulate your emotions - Never let personal biases influence your bets; instead, trust the stats and observe recent performance. For example, just because you found George Pickens to be rather unsportsmanlike during his previous game doesn’t mean you should automatically bet against him. If his stats look good and his performance supports the numbers, set aside your dislike and place a bet on him.
- Hedge your bets - NFL games are always unpredictable, so it helps to prepare for several outcomes. This is when hedging your bets becomes helpful; betting on different results covers your bases and reduces your risk.
USA Today
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
Steelers betting tips
Now that you’re nearly ready, there’s one more thing you must do: adopt Steelers-specific betting tips. Before you head to your nearest retail sportsbook or open that app on your phone, make sure you’re aware of the following:
- The Steelers’ recent performance - Have they been languishing recently, or have they been magnificent? Their most recent games will show you how they’ll likely perform in their next match. You don’t need to look at their performance during the entire season; their last two or three games will suffice.
- Their next opponent’s recent performance - Who the Steelers will play against can also help you determine several things, including the possible scoreline for an over/under bet or a general moneyline bet. Just like with the Steelers, take a minute to check if the other team has been excellent or mediocre recently.
- Both teams’ strengths and weaknesses - You don’t need comprehensive knowledge of how each team plays but you need to have an idea of their play style. Are the Steelers playing against a team that prefers deep passes or do they win with their airtight defenses? Consider how that would match against the Steelers so you can determine the best bet to place.
- Status of key players - Players always get injured or suspended, regardless of whether it happened during a game or on their day off. Be aware of any key injuries or suspensions, because this affects not only the team’s performance but also your bet. One key player who is missing for a game can affect the outcome of the entire game, so be careful.
Final thoughts
Armed with these tips and information, you’re ready to enter the world of sports betting and join your fellow Steelers fans. Betting can significantly increase your enjoyment and involvement in the game, and it’s a more entertaining activity than just passively watching the game on TV. As long as you’re careful and well-informed, you’re on your way to a fulfilling NFL betting season with the Steelers.
