$195 million bets were placed in September 2019, according to the PA gaming control board. Sports betting became legal in Pennsylvania after the signing of the sports betting bill, which was part of a broad legislation push. The Hollywood casino was the first sportsbook to book the first legal sports bets in mid-November 2018. The industry is growing fast, and considering that football betting season is the most significant opportunity for sportsbooks and gamblers, the Pennsylvania sportsbook will keep growing. Bettors can place their bets from a physical location or online via their computers or mobile phones.
Licensed sportsbooks in Pennsylvania
Twelve sportsbooks have been licensed to operate in Pennsylvania- Lady Luck Casino at Penn National Race Course, Mohegan Sun, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Hollywood Casino, Parx Casino, River’s Casino, The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Presque Isle Downs & Casino, Valley Forge Casino Resort, SugarHouse Casino, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and Mount Airy Casino Resort.
The law allows wages on both professional and collegiate events. Sportbooks have to pay a one-time fee of $10 million for sports betting during license application, and a revenue tax of 36% is applied once the license is approved. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates sports betting in Pennsylvania.
The leading sportsbooks
FanDuel sportsbook is leading the Pennsylvania sportsbook for sports betting. The company holds more than $89 million of the handle despite launching later than some Pennsylvania sportsbooks. The large numbers can be attributed to the FanDuel’s PA sports betting app. SugarHouse sportsbook comes second, handling almost $38 million. Together with its sister property (Rivers Casino) in Pittsburgh, they handle about $70 million. SugarHouse Casino offers bets for all major team sports, boxing, motor racing, tennis, and golf
Parx casino is the third-largest Pennsylvania sportsbook. It handles $21 million. The casino opened in January 2019, and it offers Philadephia another location to place their sports bets. The following bet types are available in the casino: Parlays, Teaser wagering, Futures, Props, Point spread, Moneyline, and Over/under. People can choose to bet on motorsports, basketball, hockey, football, baseball, tennis, MMA, soccer, golf, and boxing.
Enjoy 24-hour gaming using 3,330 slot machines, live racing and simulcast action, 180 live table games, and a premier poker room. Parx Casino also offers other entertainment services. Experienced croupiers operate the tables. You can watch a game, enjoy live music, and delicious dining options, as well as have a good time at the hottest nightclub and bars. The Xcite Center brings some of the greatest acts to the casino. The venue is equipped with modern lighting, advanced acoustics, 16feet by 9 feet video screens, and a great professional sound system.
Retail Sportbooks in Pennsylvania
Three out of four dollars sports wagers are placed online in Pennsylvania. However, this has not diminished the interest of casinos to venture into retail sportsbooks. More offline sportsbooks have been established. Rivers Casino opened a $5 mm permanent Pennsylvania sportsbook in October 2019.
SugarHouse Casino is in the process of establishing a retail sportsbook. Parx Casino spent $10 mm on a new sports area, which was opened in August 2019. The area has a 156-foot-wide media wall that can show 36 different games, a 40-seat bar, and 150 reclining chairs. Mohegan Sun Pocono and Mount Airy Casino resort opened their sportsbooks in September 2019. Presque Isle Downs and Casino opened a sportsbook with 50 self-service betting kiosks placed around Erie County Casino and 50 TVs.
Pennsylvania entered the sports betting scene with a bang, and it looks like the industry will keep growing. The state offers a perfect blend of both retail and online sports betting; therefore, you can choose your ideal platform.