Since late 2017, gamblers in the state of Pennsylvania have been anxiously awaiting new additions to the gambling landscape. Several changes were approved that year, including sports betting and online gambling. Just a few months ago, regulators announced that sports betting would be launching online soon and followed by online casino and poker gaming. This week, not one but three online sportsbooks have begun offering services in the state.
BetRivers
The latest online sportsbook to launch is BetRivers, the online site of the Rivers Casino, a venue located in Pittsburgh. The online sportsbooks have to launch for a testing phase first before they are allowed to operate fully. The app is already in the testing phase and if successful, will be fully live in just a few days.
The new application looks very similar to the PlaySugarHouse app offered in the state, which is expected as the two are connected. The general manager of the Rivers Casino, Bill Keena, commented on the recent release of the app, stating that the casino is celebrating their 10th anniversary this summer and thanked team members as they have launched the online, mobile and in-casino sportsbooks as they begin to plan for their next ten years of operation.
The BetRivers sportsbook tested yesterday from 4 to midnight and will test again today from 2 to midnight. The company was only required to test for two days. The SugarHouse and Parx sportsbooks were required to complete a three day test window.
The Parx sportsbook began testing this week as well, first launching on Monday. It will be testing through today and hopefully receive approval to begin offering services fully by tomorrow.
No Access for iOS
Unfortunately for iOS users, the sportbooks are not open to iOS users. The state along with others have been struggling to offer the solution for Apple devices since the company changed their guidelines. Time is needed for companies to create a new app that will meet the new guidelines set by Apple.
Mandates were created by Apple that the providers cannot meet at this time. Instead of delaying launching further, they simply offer their solutions via desktop or Android devices.
Bring On Casino Gaming
While players are excited to see online sports betting go live, they are really ready for online casino and poker options. The state is expected to begin offering services by mid-July, but details are spotty. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has not revealed any information and operators seem to be quiet as well.
The goal set a few months ago was for operators to finish up their preparations so that everyone who is ready could launch at the same time in July. We do not know which operators will be ready and who will be offering services by July, if anyone.
Hopefully, players in Pennsylvania will only have to wait a few more weeks before online casino and poker games are live in the state. Over the next few months, Pennsylvania’s online gaming industry is going to grow exponentially as sportsbooks, casinos and poker rooms go online.
Once fully operational, it will certainly be interesting to compare the revenue numbers generated in New Jersey with those of Pennsylvania. The state certainly has the ability to become a top contender, generating millions in revenues from the gambling games. Only time will tell just how successful the state will be in their efforts to bring online gaming to the masses.
