No Mobile Sports Betting in Pennsylvania for Start of NFL ....Or Most of Season for That Matter
- Mobile sports betting in PA probably won't happen until end of NFL regular season the earliest
- Current options include offshore books or crossing the border to either NJ or WV
- High licensing fees and taxation will likely be passed down to the sports bettors
For the time being those living in Pennsylvania who wish to have bet on the NFL will have a few options, none of which involve wagering at or with a PA-based sportsbook. PA residents can engage in sports betting at any number of internationally-licensed websites as well as crossing the border to New Jersey (if in Eastern PA) or West Virginia (if in the Pittsburgh area).
Why the Wait
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow indiviual states to offer legalized sports betting provided they amend their current laws. Pennsylvania has done just that, however, only two casino companies have applied for licensing.
The PA board is not going to vote until some time in October. Set up and review of any sportsbooks will take another few weeks, if not months.
Only the Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County and Parx Casino in Bucks County. Lack of interest could have to do with the stifling licensing fees and steep taxes being imposed.
License applicants are required to pay a one-time fee of $10 million for sports betting. Once granted, the licensee's revenue is taxed at a rate of 36 percent. If you think this won't be passed onto the individual gamblers, we have a bridge to sell you. New Jersey does already allow sports betting and imposes a 13% tax on Web bettors.
Why Mobile Betting
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No Rush
Board spokesman Doug Harbach said he understands gamblers are itching to bet on the NFL and College Football but insists it’s better to tread carefully.
“Our goal is to make sure this is done right, and [that] we protect the public’s interest, and when we think a casino or two is prepared to open a sports book, then we’ll sign off on it,” Mr. Harbach said. “Yes, there are games to be wagered on in week one of the NFL season, but also in week four and week eight, and when this is launched I’m pretty sure there will be great interest by Pennsylvanians in wanting to participate in this type of gaming.”
Resistence to the one-time licensing fee and taxation is seen as short-term.
“Since the dominoes have begun to fall with the two filings, I think it’s inevitable the rest will also,” said state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Ambridge, who sponsored the original legislation that led to sports betting’s legalization.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
