Sports Betting And The Wire Act In Pennsylvania (Update)
First month’s sports betting report and Board issues licensee requirements supporting the new DOJ Wire Act Opinion
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) published its first monthly report for Sports Wagering (December 2018) this week detailing the full month returns from Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and partial month returns from SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh which both started sports wagering operations on December 15, 2018.
Total wagers reached $16,173,090, total gross gaming revenue was $2,006,546 and the State collected $722,356 in taxes.
In related news, the PGCB warned yet-to-launch online licensees to take heed of the new opinion on the Wire Act delivered by the Department of Justice earlier this week.
The PGCB clarified its position on the DOJ’s new opinion saying:
“The Opinion does not, however, negate the premise that “intrastate” activity as provided for by State law is permitted. Thus with any forms of internet or mobile gambling, it appears that diligence in assuring that the transmission of bets and wagers, payments and credits as a result of bets or wagers, as well as the information assisting in placing those bets and wagers [subject to § 1084(b)], does not cross state lines is paramount.
“As Pennsylvania continues to implement the General Assembly’s gaming expansion legislation, Act 42 of 2017, and as you, as certificate holders and operators licensed by the Board, continue to move forward to expand your gaming offerings, it is vital that you examine your proposed gaming operation in Pennsylvania to ensure that you are in compliance with the Department of Justice’s interpretation of the Wire Act.”
The PGCB goes on to emphasise key aspects that may be affected by the new Opinion including the location of equipment which it says should now be located in Pennsylvania.
Licensees are now required to examine their prior submissions which may be impacted by the “entirely intrastate” requirement and provide the PGCB with an updated narrative on how they will structure their operations and payment service arrangements to assure compliance with the Opinion.
The PGCB expects updated plans to be submitted by licensees within the next 30 days.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Sportsbook Scheduled For Launch Next Week In Delaware
Two day-operational test period goes live Tuesday
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack’s new sportsbook is scheduled for two days of operational testing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) on Tuesday.
Following a successful test phase, “The Book” will launch midday on Thursday.
“We are excited to bring sports betting to Delaware County and allow our guests from the tri-state area to experience our property in a whole new way,” Harrah’s Philadelphia Senior Vice President and General Manager, Chris Albrecht, said in a statement.
Harrah’s is expected to expand its on-premises sportsbook to mobile in the near future.
Aussie Bookmaker Online In New Jersey
PointsBet in partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack
PointsBet, an Australian sports betting operator, has gone live in New Jersey in partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack.
The new market entry offers bets on a range of sports, along with the operator’s PointsBetting feature.
“We’re extremely excited to bring PointsBet’s premium and game-changing sportsbook and signature betting options to the US,” Johnny Aitken, chief executive of PointsBet US, said. “By offering some of the world’s sharpest betting offers and prices, we have the back of all sports bettors, no matter how sophisticated they are, and we’re serious about offering a one-of-a-kind VIP betting experience.”
In related news, PointsBet said it would refund spread and money-line bets on the New Orleans Saints due to an outcry that the team was victimised after referees failed to call a penalty, widely believed to be a dud call, during the Saints loss on Sunday in the NFC championship game.
The company said it would refund the bets in the form of bonus bets as a “Good Karma Payout” due to an unlikely event that swayed the result of the game.
District Of Columbia Sports Betting Bill Progresses (Update)
With Mayor Muriel Bowser signing Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act
The Washington DC Sports betting bill has been signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act now advances to the U.S. Congress where it has a 60-day congressional review time frame before officially becoming law.