Wind Creek Bethlehem seems to have met its match.
Now, it’s only a matter of time before the casino will enter the sports betting fray. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s agenda for their meeting Wednesday contains an item pertaining to conditional approval of a Betfred sports operator license.
BetFred’s license is linked to Wind Creek Casino. It would allow the operator to provide sports betting services at the Bethlehem property.
BetFred is the world’s largest privately-owned retail bookmaker
According to an April news release, Betfred has over 50 years of experience in the betting industry. It also has more than 1,600 retail betting locations in the United Kingdom. The company unveiled some of its sports betting products for the U.S. market at the Betting on Sports America Convention last April in the Meadowlands, New Jersey.
“The entire team is energized by the opportunity to bring the totality of our experience and technology to the diverse and innovative US sports wagering leaders who are responding to the tremendous opportunity these markets present,” Betfred Managing Director Mark Stebbings said at the event.
Interestingly enough, the origins of Betfred can be traced back to a single player and a winning bet. Betfred was founded in 1967 by Fred Done and funded in part by a successful bet on England to win the 1966 World Cup.
The company has since established itself as a sports betting leader in the United Kingdom. It has also partnered with SCCG Management in Las Vegas to represent the company in US gaming markets.
What does this mean for Wind Creek?
The obvious answer for what this means is that sports betting could be on its way to Wind Creek, but maybe not so fast. While the operator is on track for approval, Wind Creek still needs to apply for its own sports betting license.
Once both of those hurdles are crossed, Wind Creek can pursue launching a retail sportsbook. It’s possible it could join the list of PA online betting apps as well.
Wind Creek is also expected to offer online poker and online casino games in the near future.
For Pennsylvania sports betting, a Wind Creek sportsbook launch would make it 13 retail operators in the state. It would be the ninth online sportsbook in the state, assuming that step follows.
Sports betting should boost Wind Creek redevelopment
Last May, Wind Creek’s ownership paid a $3.75 million changeover fee to take over the Bethlehem casino, previously known as Sands Bethlehem. Wind Creek is typically one of the state’s top performing casinos.
The property attracts an estimated 9 million visitors annually. It has a host of amenities like hotel rooms and meeting spaces, plus shopping, dining and entertainment options. There are also plans to add an additional hotel tower, more events space, and an indoor water/adventure park.
The addition of a sportsbook and the expansion of sports betting should only enhance the redevelopment efforts.
Wind Creek and Betfred are looking forward to a productive partnership. Perhaps they are a perfect match.
