Officials of Cordish Companies, who went before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board last week for a five-year renewal hearing on the company’s license for the under-construction Live! Casino Hotel in Philadelphia, told regulators at the hearing that the new property definitely will include a sports book.
Stadium Casino LLC, the operating company of the $700 million Philadelphia property and its satellite mini-casino in Western Pennsylvania, both currently under construction, is required to renew its license every five years, even though there is no operational history. Reportedly, one public speaker registered to testify but was a no-show.
During the hearing, Stadium officials said there will be a retail sports book at the property. Few details were forthcoming, other than officials showing a rendering of a sports bar that doesn’t appear to have betting windows or kiosks. The company has not indicated a partner to provide the sports betting platform.
Renewal of the license is expected to be an easy “yes” vote for the board. The casino is currently slated to open in December 2020. Pennsylvania is expected to finally begin online/mobile sports betting this month, which is far more popular than betting in a retail setting. In neighboring New Jersey, more than 80% of sports betting activity comes over the internet. It is expected Live! will offer both retail and online sports wagers.
