Once again it appears the wait for Parx Sportsbook will continue.
As two other casinos launch sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, Parx Casino emailed customers to update them on the casino’s incoming PA sports betting operation. The message was that Parx would introduce sports betting in January.
Matt Cullen, senior vice president of sports and interactive at Parx, confirmed with PlayPennsylvania that the casino would wait until the new year to open its sportsbook.
Another delay for Parx
It seemed as if Parx would be one of the first to activate a sportsbook in the Keystone State. It was, after all, the second to apply for a sports wagering license.
When Parx presented its petition to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) in early October, casino representatives cited a November launch. Parx received conditional approval to move forward with its sports betting plans, which have since slowly unfolded.
Kambi Group, the bookmaking partner of Parx, did not get the go-ahead from the PGCB until late last month. It seemed, though, Parx could go live by December. After all, Kambi is also partnered with Rivers Sportsbook and SugarHouse Sportsbook, both of which accepted their first wagers Thursday.
Still a waiting game to join PA crowd
With Hollywood Sportsbook nearing its first full month of operations, and with the addition of Rivers and SugarHouse on Thursday, the Pennsylvania sports betting market has increased to three sportsbooks. The two new casinos will undergo two days of PGCB testing before getting the regulatory thumbs-up.
Parx, though, remains on the outside looking in.
That said, casino management invested $10 million into the sportsbook expansion. That, Cullen said at the time, would allow Parx to feature a facility that goes unmatched.
“Parx Casino is thrilled to announce the launch of legalized sports betting on property and construction of a sleek, state-of-the-art Parx Sportsbook. We will build the best sportsbook in the country — and set the industry standard for this fast-growing arena.”
The casino plans to install 28 HD televisions within a temporary sportsbook, along with two 16-by-9-foot display screens. Additionally, seven teller windows and 45 self-service kiosks will fill the area.
