The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved three new sports betting petitions last week, brining the total number of licensees with approved sports betting to five.
At its meeting last week, the board approved petitions to offer both live and online sports betting to Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, which join Penn National Gaming and Greenwood Gaming in planning to open both on-property and online sports books.
SugarHouse and Rivers, both owned by Rush Street Gaming, are targeting a December 1 launch for their sports books, which operate on the popular OpenBet platform from Scientific Games.
Harrah’s, whose property also uses the Scientific Games sports book platform, had been expected to offer sports books, given that parent Caesars Entertainment already offers both online and live sports books in New Jersey, along with sports wagering at properties in Mississippi and Nevada.
Harrah’s officials gave a presentation before the that will be complete with 40 flat-screen TVs, an odds board, six teller windows, betting kiosks and two horse-racing terminals. Stadium-style seating will give bettors a view of a variety of games.
Rivers in Pittsburgh is building a temporary sports book including cashier windows and self-serve kiosks, slated to open December 1. The permanent book will replace the current Levels Lounge on the casino floor. IT will debut early next year, according to Rush Street officials.
The SugarHouse also will launch a temporary sports book December 1, with the permanent location, slated to open next spring, replacing the Lucky Red Lounge on the casino floor.
While only five of the 13 Pennsylvania licensees have secured licenses for sports betting, several others are expected in the coming months, including Sands Bethlehem, when its new owner, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, takes control of the property from Las Vegas Sands. Tribal officials have already indicated that the converted Wind Creek Bethlehem will include a sports book.
Additionally, Mount Airy Casino in the Pocono Mountain region has announced it will offer sports betting in partnership with PokerStars parent Stars Group. Erie’s Presque Isle Downs, recently purchased by Churchill Downs, also is expected to apply for sports betting.
