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Online Sports Betting Could Launch in Pennsylvania Next Week
By Kyle Scott
Published:
It’s been a longtime coming, but online sports betting in PA could launch within the next week, a spokesperson for the PA Gaming Control Board tells Crossing Broad.
A few weeks ago, the state said the first operator would begin testing the first mobile sports betting product to launch in PA within “2-3 weeks.” We’re toward the end of that period, and a follow up with PGCB spokesperson Douglas Harbach confirms things are mostly on track, telling us that testing will begin within a week.
“We are moving closer and if all move[s] as expected,” Harbach said in an email. “The first test of a site should occur in a week or so.”
We believe the first operator will be Rush Street, owners of the SugarHouse and Rivers brands. Each will launch an online sportsbook in PA.
SugarHouse Casino is in Philly, while Rivers Casino is in Pittsburgh. Online betting marketing efforts will likely focus on SugarHouse in the Eastern half of the state, and Rivers Sportsbook in the western half.
“Testing” means a limited live testing period available during select times of the day, where state regulators will get the chance to make sure everything is working properly, including geo-location and payments. It’s unclear if this testing period will be open to the public or only a limited few. Either way, it is expected to take about only a week, so full-scale online betting in Pennsylvania could be live by the end of the month.
Sportsbooks expected to follow are: FanDuel Sportsbook, Parx Sportsbook, and FOX Bet.
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.