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Online Sports Betting Should Launch in PA Before July
By Kyle Scott
Published:
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board held their monthly meeting today and among the topics discussed were the launch of online casino games in PA. This shines a spotlight on the launch of PA online sports betting.
As expected and was previously communicated by Executive Director Kevin O’Toole, online casino games will launch in PA on July 15, 2019.
O’Toole told the board that his office had exacted regulation requirements for establishing a commencement date for iGaming in PA. They recommended 90 days and a coordinated go live date of July 15 for 10 certificate holders and three licensed operators.
Here he is talking about it:
This, however, does not include sports betting, which could actually be coming sooner.
Dustin Gouker of Play PA reports that sports betting could launch well before this date. This matches with what Parx Chief Marketing Officer Marc Oppenheimer told Pennlive last month– that they would be ready with their sportsbook as early as April.
Sources had previously told us Pennsylvania may hold several apps back to have a shotgun start as a coordinated launch date, similar to what the state will do with online casinos. Further, several operators have indicated to us that they are in the late-stages of launch preparation plans, including getting apps ready for testing and ensuring promotional partners are properly licensed with the PA Gaming Control Board.
We’ve put together a complete guide to PA sports betting, but among the apps you should expect to see at or near launch are: SugarHouse Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Parx Sportsbook, and Rivers Casino Sportsbook.
Branding may be an issue. In PA, outside brands (like FanDuel) need to partner with licensed casinos in the state. In the case of FanDuel, the now-leader in New Jersey, it has a partnership with Valley Forge Casino and Resort. Apps will be branded with the operator’s name. This all means that PA and NJ sports betting apps will literally be different “apps.” There’s certain to be some confusion here. We’ll keep you updated on everything as this is now my life’s mission to be your sage on all things legal betting in PA.
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Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.