Sports bettors in Pennsylvania have a lot to celebrate this holiday season. Last year, sports betting in the state was limited to retail. Now, there are seven online sportsbooks in PA. So, what to get for the special sports bettor on your list? Avoid a gag gift like a lock from Home Depot. Don’t completely count out the sure-fire winner of a cash gift and consider these options:
Books about sports betting
Then One Day…40 Years of Bookmaking in Nevada
Author Chris Andrews started taking sports bets in the fifth grade under the watchful eye of his Uncle Jack Franzi, a legendary Pittsburgh wiseguy and Las Vegas sportsbook pioneer. After graduating college in the mid-70s, Andrews headed to Las Vegas, where he became the city’s youngest sports book director. His influence still resonates today. Andrews invented 10-point teaser cards, Super Bowl-style prop bets for Monday night games, and gave Roxy Roxborough his first job.
Pennsylvanians knew this DFS duo before they entered the PA sports betting market. The “king” looks like it will have to fight for its crown. In October, FanDuel took half of all bets placed in PA. DraftKings entered the Commonwealth in early November.
How did these two titans of the industry rise? Sports Illustrated’s Albert Chen tells the story that takes the reader “to board rooms, from Edinburgh to Wall Street to the Vegas Strip, to tell a sprawling and intimate tale of the new world that this group of accidental disruptors helped to create.”
Stress relief gifts
Squeeze, pull, pop, bounce, and tear this Norristown-PA produced putty during tense moments. A much better option than throwing anything at the big screen.
The best seat in the house
With seven online sportsbooks at the palm of your hand, there is no need to leave home. So, why not have the best seat in the house? With locations across PA and NJ, Raymour & Flanigan’s recliner selection gives you plenty of options.
Ready to hunker in for a full Sunday of football? Call dibs on this seat: a leather power-recliner with two cupholders, storage space and USB ports.
A full charge
Bettors know the importance of bank and juice. It is also important for mobile devices. Keeping your phone charged on busy NFL betting Sundays is crucial.
TechRadar rates iMuto 20,000mAh as the top power bank due to its large capacity and affordable price. Sweating back-door covers is inevitable. Worrying if your phone is going to run out of battery won’t be with this.
Celebrate wins
Don’t let the celebration end at cash out. Light a victory cigar.
Here are some of the top spots to stock up in PA:
Located in the Strip District, it’s a favorite for Pittsburgh cigar smokers and coffee lovers. The environment feels like an island-getaway, but the real draw is the great selection in the walk-in humidor and helpful staff.
Since 1898 they have been selling the finest premium cigars. The Rittenhouse location in Philadelphia has an extensive, world-class selection of hand-rolled cigars and more.
Make your own sportsbook gift cards
Cash is king with sports bettors. However, no online sportsbook offers the option to purchase gift cards. If you are crafty, give cash creatively in the form of “homemade gift cards.”
Hallmark also has yet to produce a card geared toward sports bettors, so we’ll give you some ideas.
DIY FanDuel gift card: A picture of the family on the cover. Inside cash and this inscription: We fight like Steelers and Browns, but we are your biggest fans.
DIY DraftKings gift card: A picture of the receiver of the card on the cover with a crown drawn on their head. Inside, cash with this inscription: Hope your holiday is filled with the best holiday spreads and point spreads.
DIY Fox Bet gift card: A picture of you with your parents on the cover. Inside, cash with this inscription. I outfoxed everyone and didn’t stand in line. Don’t waste this by picking the Eagles on the moneyline.
