As we have already seen from the impressive revenue figures, the legalization of sports betting and online gambling in the Keystone State was one of the greater decisions that its lawmakers have ever made. Both industries are yet to go live, at least full, that is, but they have already managed to generate upwards of $395.4 million for the state which portrays as a very promising sector. However, considering the rather stormy nature of the gaming industry and the fact that Pennsylvania’s gaming industry has not stabilized just yet, it is advisable to be cautiously optimistic.
While it may be too early to celebrate the success of the state’s gaming industry, we can certainly acknowledge some of the little victories that we have been able to witness over the past few months. And there are more:
Parx Casino’s Sportsbook to Go Live
One of the most recent developments in the states gaming industry came in the form of an announcement that was made by renowned gaming operator Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment revealing that its Parx Casino operation which is located just outside Philadelphia will be kicking off its two-day test period on January 8. Within the two-day period, the venue will be offering a limited range of services to retail customers for 10-hour periods. If the casino successfully passes the regulators tests and is given the expected approval by the PGCB, it will then proceed to its official launch on January 10 at 1 p.m.
Mathew Cullen, the Parx Casino senior vice president of interactive gaming and sports has expressed confidence that the venue will be cleared for launch and customers will be able to enjoy the full array of services that they have to offer. He is also anticipating huge interest in sports betting especially because of the city’s American football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, progressing in the National Football League playoffs.
The Bensalem-based sportsbooks will feature seven teller windows and 26 self-serve kiosks placed in the casino as well as lounge areas where sports betting will be conducted. During the testing phase, the operations will be initially monitored by the state regulators with Kambi at the helm of the operation.
First NFL Playoff Action
As mentioned earlier, the fact that the states American football has progressed in the National Football League playoffs will be a very big deal for its gaming industry. Sportsbook operators like SugarHouse casino are already banking on the likelihood that the Philadelphia Eagles’ fans will descend upon the sportsbooks in the state and bet a little money as they enjoy the game.
Keeping all that in mind, it is likely that, despite their apparent success at the moment, even the Pennsylvania casinos that are currently offering fully-fledged sports betting may be just offering previews of what they will eventually have. There is a lot to look forward to.