Over these next few days PA residents looking to place a bet on the Kentucky Derby will be seeing plenty of advertisements for TwinSpires.com.  But remember, you must provide TwinSpires with your social security number and they are obligated to report your earnings.  Sites like SportsBetting (established 1997) do not ask for your social security number.  They also offer 7% horse rebates (losses back).

While Pennsylvania residents can play on TwinSpires.com, they must be prepared to provide their social security number and understand that TwinSpires submits tax information to the U.S. Government.  While gamblers are certainly encouraged to pay their taxes on winnings, offering up one's social security number has its risks.  An international racebook like Sports Betting, which has been in business since 1999, might be a better option as they do not request your social security number or report to the IRS. 

There are a few regional restrictions within PA:

Residents located within 35 miles of Parx, Penn National, Pocono Downs, Harrahs Philly, or Presque Isle Downs are prohibited from opening accounts at some of the US-based horse betting sites.  That includes folks living in the Philadelphia area.  This is NOT the case with the internationally licensed online racebooks, who do take wagers from these otherwise restricted areas.

TwinSpires.com does not accept bets from these states.

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, Canada

SPORTSBETTING vs TWINSPIRES

START BETTING AT SPORTSBETTING HERE NOW

- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com