A lot of attention is being paid to the recent launch of online gambling in the Keystone State as well as the anticipated launch of online poker. While these are all welcomed developments, they seem to have overshadowed other gaming verticals that are still also growing. The most notable ones in this regard are satellite casinos and retail sportsbooks. Well, not to worry though. They are all well on their way to being the fully-fledged gambling activities that they set out to be when the state enacted its expanded gambling laws back in October 2017.
Recently, the state’s retail betting sector added two new sportsbooks that are owned and operated by some of the most reputable names in the industry. First out with its permanent sports betting offering was Parx Casino in Bensalem – it launched on August 8. The $10 million sportsbook which went live last Thursday comes over six months since the gambling operator launched a temporary sportsbook as it worked on various renovations for a permanent sports betting space.
The Parx Casino sportsbook stretches over 7,400 square feet on the casino floor and features six live teller windows, three VIP seats, a bar with 38 seats, 18 self-service kiosks as well as a 156-foot high-definition screen that is capable of broadcasting up to 36 games from different leagues.
Also launched on August 8 was Presque Isle Downs & Casino’s new BetAmerica Sportsbook which ushers the BetAmerica brand into the rapidly growing and very lucrative Pennsylvanian sports betting market. The sportsbook features a total of 50 betting kiosks spread out across the gambling facility.
Going Mobile
With the launch of the new sportsbooks, there has also been an increase in the number of sports betting apps. There has, however, been a bit of setback in the form of Apple’s App Store guidelines. Fortunately, things have begun to changes as more companies are adjusting to the new App Store policies.
Parx is now one of the few operators to with an iOS sportsbook app in Pennsylvania. The app is powered by GAN and Kambi and it offers sports bettors betting lines and supports for most of the state’s sportsbooks. Parx will be joining FanDuel and Hollywood Casino as the only gambling operators in the state with iOS compatible gambling offerings. Hollywood Casino’s iOS app currently only has five games but the operator has plans to add even more titles in the near future. Still, its fast response to the new App Store guidelines will definitely benefit its business in the long term.
