The last day of October was special for thousands of people not only because of the celebrations around Halloween but because Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board had its scheduled monthly meeting. Several important subjects were discussed, among which the sports betting expansion which resulted in three operators entering the future field.
Those two entities were Caesars Interactive Entertainment LLC., overseeing operation at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack and Rush Street Gaming LLC. which operates Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino. With the help of these licenses, the gaming venues will have the chance to provide their patrons with premium sports wagering offerings.
Soon after the approval, it was also confirmed that Rush Street Gaming is already preparing for operation launch and 1st December could witness first customers placing bets on sports events.
Two Operatos Claim Sports Wagering Permits
As a result of this work in advance, SugarHouse Casino and Rivers Casino could become the first facilities within the borders of Pennsylvania to launch the long-anticipated sports betting operation further elevating the field. For the time being, Rivers Casino will have a temporary betting parlor, while the permanent lounge is under construction. In the meantime, the gaming venue in Chester overseen by Caesars showcased its wagering plans as well.
According to the presentation, Harrah’s is set to welcome a sportsbook are spanning over 4,322 square feet, providing players with enough space to enjoy the wide array of offerings. Ranging from 40 TVs, an odds board, multiple self-betting kiosks facilitating operation at all times. This is going to make the facility competitive enough in the long run and preferred by players from near and far. The three facilities join the already approved locations with sports wagering on offer.
It could be recalled that exactly a month ago, on 1st October Penn National Gaming and Greenwood Gaming became the first two casino operators to claim a permit for sports wagering operation in Pennsylvania. This is going to being sports books to Parx Casino in Bensalem and Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County.
After months of anticipation sports betting action appears to be closer than ever before and operators in the field are excited to see their five projects come to life. William Hill also solidified its license for operation across Pennsylvania.
Busy, busy PGCB meeting this morning at 10. Agenda at this link: https://t.co/C2rbPLOavE Watch live stream at https://t.co/4LEjivg7uO
— PGCB (@PAGamingControl) October 31, 2018
iGaming Sector Sees Action Too
In the meantime, another important subject was online gambling and the mandatory iGaming permits for operation. Two of them were claimed by Churchill Downs Inc. and the joint venture between Cordish Gaming and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment. This is going to result in online operation for Presque Isle Downs as well as for Stadium Casino LLC which has plans for building Live! Hotel & Casino in South Philadelphia.
Future operation of the latter location remains uncertain as rumor has it the casino developer is considering selling the licenses for operation, as the entities in the joint venture are going to focus on other projects. With this move, the overall number of operators with iGaming permits reached nine approved companies. The field is set to further expand, as this Monday saw an application by MGM Resorts making it just in time before the deadline.
Gaming expansion initiatives move forward. Approvals from today's PGCB meeting include: 3 casinos for sports wagering (total now of 5) plus a sportsbook operator, 2 casinos for iGaming (total now of 9), 4 VGT establishments (total now of 20) plus 3 VGT operators (total now 9).
— PGCB (@PAGamingControl) October 31, 2018
The casino operator is willing to offer online slot games, online poker, and table games to players based in Pennsylvania. Its application will be thoroughly reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the state Gaming Control Board on 28th November.
Last several weeks were more than heated when it comes to the race for iGaming licensing, as Rivers Casino let go of its plans of online operation, at least for the foreseeable future. Its application was withdrawn at the beginning of October without further information disclosed, leaving the venue with its sports betting permit only.
