Sportsbooks In Pittsburgh
With the legalization of sports betting in Pennsylvania, residents of the state can look forward to sportsbooks in Pittsburgh. The city is the second-largest in the state, and already has a solid fan base for teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA), and Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL). The potential sports betting market in Steel City could be huge, with one operator in particular that stands to make millions. The Pennsylvania sports betting law makes both land-based and online sports betting legal in the state. As such, you may have questions regarding brick and mortar Pennsylvania sportsbooks in Pittsburgh as well as online sportsbooks. Though many operators are still trying to gather more information about the market, we can tell you where the potential for Pittsburgh sportsbooks lies.
The current PA sports betting law puts no limitations on how many “sports wagering certificates” can be offered, so theoretically there could be several sportsbooks opened in the city. It does appear that an existing slots license is required, so, for now, sports betting may be limited to the casinos currently in the market. This is not to say that new casinos/sportsbooks will not be built in the city, but right now there is only one slots licensee in the Philly area – Rivers Casino. Below, you can find out more about what Rivers currently offers, as well as what they may add in the future.
Rivers Casino
Rivers is the sole casino in the greater Pittsburgh area, making it the go-to location for those that live in the city. The casino is owned by Holdings Acquisitions Co. and was opened to the public in August 2009. The 450,000 square foot casino is situated right along the Ohio River, neighboring the Carnegie Science Center. The waterfront casino is also in close proximity to Heinz Field, giving sports bettors the chance to put money on the Pittsburgh Steelers and then go catch the game. PNC Park is also within walking distance, which is the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Sportsbook
Rivers Casino has not yet opened a sportsbook, but the venue has already applied for their sports wagering license and is expected to open in December 2019. Once the sports betting lounge comes to Rivers, you will be able to wager on both professional and collegiate teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia 76ers, Penn State Nittany Lions, and the Villanova Wildcats. The sportsbook would offer Vegas odds on NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and NCAA sporting events. As with all sportsbooks, the standard types of sports betting wagers (point spreads, totals, parlays, etc.) would be accepted. Rivers is already slated to be one of the best (and potentially only) sportsbooks in Pittsburgh.
Casino
The Rivers Casino features 2,900 slots, over 100 table games, and a 30-table poker room under one roof. Some of the table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and Mississippi Stud. You can also find several varieties of video poker, with the Spiral Bar also offering beverages while you play. There are slots for every type of player, whether high stakes or low stakes. Some of the most popular slot games are Wheel of Fortune, the Walking Dead, Monopoly, and Willy Wonka.
Dining & Entertainment
As if being the home base to NFL and NHL franchises was not enough incentive to visit the casino, it also has numerous amenities. There are several dining establishments to choose from, including Andrew’s Steak & Seafood, Wheelhouse Bar & Grill, Grand View Buffet, West End Café, and Ciao. These restaurants range from fine dining experiences to buffet-style meals. On the entertainment front, you can visit the centrally-located Levels lounge to enjoy live bands or the Drum Bar that features stunning views of the Ohio River. During the summer, you can also visit the casino’s amphitheater to watch free concerts.
Accommodations
Rivers does not yet have a hotel – but it is on its way. In February 2017, the Pittsburgh Planning Commission approved a proposal for the 221-room, four-star hotel to be built along the North Shore to the east of the casino. The estimated cost of the hotel is $51.5 million and it is projected to add $10.5 million in annual tax revenue. An additional 1,400 construction jobs and 128 hotel jobs are expected from the project. The hotel is expected to be finished by the end of 2019.
Rivers Casino has a list of preferred hotels that patrons can book at a discounted rate for an overnight stay. Guests receive a free players card and free slot play coupons upon check-in. Here are the three-closest partner hotels:
The Parador Inn – 0.6 Miles
This Caribbean-themed bed & breakfast has lush gardens, historic spaces, and elegant guest rooms. There is free parking, American breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary Andy Warhol ticket included within the Rivers Casino Package. Guests also receive $20 free slot play.
Residence Inn North Shore – 0.8 Miles
Here, guests can take advantage of the Rivers Casino Stay and Play Package. Valid for up to two people, the deal includes a breakfast buffet, suite with full kitchen, indoor pool, exterior patio, and fire pit. The Residence Inn also awards a $20 slot free play.
Hyatt Place North Shore – 0.8 Miles
The Rivers Casino Package at the Hyatt Place comes with quite a few perks. Wake up to a hot breakfast, complimentary shuttle to the casino (and other venues within a 3-mile radius), half-priced parking, and a $20 free play. The hotel is within walking distances of PNC Park, Heinz Field, and more.
In a sense, online sportsbooks in Pittsburgh have already been operating for years. This is in reference to the offshore sports betting sites that have been accepting PA residents for decades. Even with state-licensed online sportsbooks on the horizon, residents can still use sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and 5Dimes.
When it comes to sites regulated by the state, they will likely be partnered with an existing casino. The operator will choose an online gaming operator to provide the software/technology needed for the online sportsbook product. When using state-licensed sports betting sites, you will have to register an account and geo-fencing will be used to verify that you are physically within PA.
Online sportsbooks in Pittsburgh that are under the umbrella of a local casino will feature the same odds that you would find on-site. Being that casinos have high overhead costs, their sportsbooks may have worse odds compared to a completely offshore site.
Do I Get Comps At Sportsbooks In Pittsburgh?
Just as you get comps in casinos, it would make sense to earn comp points at sportsbooks in Pittsburgh. The rules for comp points can vary, but you will typically earn points that can be traded in for rooms, prizes, drinks, and more. Using the Rivers Casino as an example, players have the chance to earn points toward Rush Rewards. The points earned will depend on the type of bet placed, but there are three different levels that bettors can work toward – Rush, Preferred, and Signature. A person at the beginning level might receive discounts on event tickets, while a mid-tier player would get an increased discount on food and gifts. A top-level earner would be able to comp a cruise, valeted parking, and discounted airfare.
When Will Sportsbooks In Pittsburgh Be Launched?
Now that sports gambling has been legalized in Pennsylvania, sportsbooks in Pittsburgh are now a reality for residents and tourists. Greg Carlin, the CEO of Rivers Casino, previously stated that the company was eagerly anticipating the legalization of sports wagering. The operator applied for their sports wagering license in September 2018, and is currently the sole casino in Pittsburgh. With an official ETA of December 1st, 2018, those looking for Pennsylvania sportsbooks in Pittsburgh will have a solid option in the Rivers Casino.
How Old Do I Need To Be At Pittsburgh Sportsbooks?
The legal sports betting age at sportsbooks in Pittsburgh is 21 and older. The law clearly states that only those 21-years-old and up can wager on sports. Make sure you wait until you are of legal gambling age in order to avoid any legal issues.
