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Ever since the U.S Supreme Court ruled to strike down the laws that barred state-authorized sports gambling outside of Nevada in May, Pennsylvania has been moving forward with plans to legalize sports betting and deciding which outlets would be granted licenses to open the state’s first sportsbooks.
For those looking to place a bet on a Pittsburgh Steelers game when they visit Heinz Field, life is set to become much easier after the Rivers Casino just across the road was granted one of only five licenses given out by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board a few weeks ago.
While this initial approval is dependant upon the Rivers Casino’s ability to establish an operation that meets with the the board’s approval, this last stage is considered to be something of a formality. A provisional opening date for the sportsbook in a temporary home at the casino has been earmarked for December 1, according to a report from KDKA-TV.
Speaking to WTAE Action News, Rivers Casino spokesman Jack Horner explained the casino’s plans for the development of the sportsbook and where its permanent home would ultimately be located.
“Development of our temporary sportsbook, located adjacent to High Limits, is already underway and expected to launch by year-end. Our proposed permanent sportsbook will replace Levels lounge and is expected to launch in spring 2019,”
Assuming they can meet all the requirements, the sportsbook will open just a day before the Steelers home date with the Los Angeles Chargers. An encounter that has just been flexed to a night game and the new sportsbook should see plenty of interest from fans attending the game in Week 13 if they are up and running by then.