PA Sportsbooks now live!
Well, it is in a "test" yesterday and today. As long as the casino "passes" it goes permanent Saturday. I assume they would have to really mess up to fail. But for now there is a weird sign saying something about you cannot bet after today. IIRC when they opened tables they had an invite-only period of a few days to let the opening crew dealers break in gently.
Anyways, I walk in and there it is "SPORTSBOOK!" Only got to bet sports once in my Vegas trips---first time I was there was by chance the days there are no sports to bet in North America. The one time I did I wished I lived there during the heyday of the legendary Stardust book. The book here is nowhere near that big, but it is nice with a bunch of tables and lots of screens, at the time I was there tuned to some show dedicated to sports betting (Draft Kings or something like that.) Did make a few observations.
First, they really are helping new bettors if they want it. I was approached in seconds to see if I had any questions. I asked about where I could see the boards and which line to get in. They have a line for people betting a dime and up, so they must expect some real action. As to the boards, a design flaw in Rivers as you cannot get a good view of them. I realize they have limited space, but they need to be twice the size and easier to see.
There may be foot traffic problems. Guy behind me complained out loud, I just dealt with it. They are also openly nudging people to use the kiosks. Maybe next time, but for now I could not resist walking up and making a legal sports bet across the counter. I was told they do not even take your PC when you bet. If it is because margins on sports are so low or they rented the concession out I do not know. Any Vegas residents can chime in if they take a PC on sports bets out there?
While I was sitting there a manager did a table-touch. Told him I was just taking it all in. Suggested they put up a pic of Frank Rosenthal. I asked someone else if they had parlay sheets. That seemed to stump the guy I asked, though I think it is still so new they are not out yet. Not that I really wanted to play one, more wanted to see if they had them.
I took Patriots -3, -104. When I looked at the hard copy of the lines it was -105, indicating they may be massaging lines and vig as needed to balance action. I figure that is a good thing.
Just when I tune out most sports from my life, maybe a reason to follow them again. Though I will never, ever root for anything besides a point spread again in my life.
Quote: AZDuffman
Just when I tune out most sports from my life, maybe a reason to follow them again. Though I will never, ever root for anything besides a point spread again in my life.
i dont even watch sports or care for them, but your post makes me want to throw my money away just to see and say i did it. But with all of that political crap being pulled, i believe this is the correct response to all of that as what do you do when you lose most of your viewer to a kneeler? get em hooked on gambling!
All I know is William Hill has their own card for sports bets.
Quote: GWAEI was as at rivers yesterday for poker. I think that temp sports book area is decent. I was looking for half point par lays or anything fun but didnt see anything like that.
correct me if im wrong but i think people should know that the sportbooks in pa cant be made online and that you have to go to a casino, which has an app that allows you to bet online. but you have to be at a physical casino location to make the bet...
Quote: GWAEI was as at rivers yesterday for poker. I think that temp sports book area is decent. I was looking for half point par lays or anything fun but didnt see anything like that.
Are they going to move it somewhere else for the long term? Meadows has the real advantage there as they could just build out the racebook area for sports and have tons of room.
Quote: onenickelmiracleI hope the Steelers fans lose all kinds of money now their team is headed downward, so they can pay back all those wins they took joy in.
I took joy in making my first bet there against them, right across the street from their stadium. I wonder if the book has a lay-off partner to balance the action as long-term there cannot be enough like me who care about the point spread and not the team. A quick look at the Bovada line shows almost the same terms I got, their vig is a meaningless penny more charge to bet the Pats. Long term maybe check for arbitrage opps, though I doubt that will be worth the effort.
Quote: AZDuffmanI took joy in making my first bet there against them, right across the street from their stadium. I wonder if the book has a lay-off partner to balance the action as long-term there cannot be enough like me who care about the point spread and not the team. A quick look at the Bovada line shows almost the same terms I got, their vig is a meaningless penny more charge to bet the Pats. Long term maybe check for arbitrage opps, though I doubt that will be worth the effort.
You are correct that there will be a lot more bets on the local team but that doesn't mean that the books will need to lay off wagers. Generally the masses are making very small bets while the sharp bettors are making larger bets. If they get too many $100 bets from the small players they will move the line and a sharp bettor will come in and make a limit bet on the other side. I don't know what the limits are in PA, but in vegas you can easily get $200,000 bet on an NFL game.
I know guys that will have $500,000 in action on a Sunday.
Who runs the book?
Quote: DRichYou are correct that there will be a lot more bets on the local team but that doesn't mean that the books will need to lay off wagers. Generally the masses are making very small bets while the sharp bettors are making larger bets. If they get too many $100 bets from the small players they will move the line and a sharp bettor will come in and make a limit bet on the other side. I don't know what the limits are in PA, but in vegas you can easily get $200,000 bet on an NFL game.
I know guys that will have $500,000 in action on a Sunday.
No idea the limits, but that they have a line for a dime and up says they expect a few sharps with big rolls. I do not see much six figure action as lets face it, those guys are already in Vegas and would prefer to be able to shop several places and not deal with the snow and cold.
Quote: RigondeauxA few places in Vegas take player's cards. Stations does. Westgate offers you the most. I think you get .3% in comps maybe.
Who runs the book?
Thanks for that info. Maybe they will take the PC when they get "approved." Not so much that I care as am curious.
0.3%! Lay a dime, get a cup of SBUX coffee! (small!)
Quote: AZDuffmanNo idea the limits, but that they have a line for a dime and up says they expect a few sharps with big rolls. I do not see much six figure action as lets face it, those guys are already in Vegas and would prefer to be able to shop several places and not deal with the snow and cold.
Thanks for that info. Maybe they will take the PC when they get "approved." Not so much that I care as am curious.
0.3%! Lay a dime, get a cup of SBUX coffee! (small!)
One interesting thing would be the travelers. I have been doing uber on game days and I never realized the amount of people who come to this city just for football. People always talk about Steelers having a large fan base for away games. Last home game I did 26 rides and if I were to guess 23 of them were from our of towners here for the game. I could see those types of 0eople putting down some larger wagers.
https://www.facebook.com/riverscasinopgh/photos/pcb.2202978759754511/2202972449755142/?type=3&theater
Quote: GWAEOne interesting thing would be the travelers. I have been doing uber on game days and I never realized the amount of people who come to this city just for football. People always talk about Steelers having a large fan base for away games. Last home game I did 26 rides and if I were to guess 23 of them were from our of towners here for the game. I could see those types of 0eople putting down some larger wagers.
I believe that as when I was delivering luggage a desk clerk at a hotel told me that it was amazing how much busier they were when the Pirates were in town. And this was somewhere like Monroeville, nowhere near the ballpark at all. Football will of course get more bets down, but sports does bring in the fans from out of town.
It appears Rivers passed the "tryout" and the book is here to stay. It will eventually move to take over the Levels bar area. My favorite bar in the place, but also the slowest, so you can see why they will put it there. That whole corner is kind of a dead area.
Mwan
Long line last night as I guess a basketball game was just starting as I got in line to bet for Sunday. I was in the area so bet last night. The "Dime Line" was gone and now just one line. Kiosks were jammed. They will need more kiosks for sure, and hopefully some more slots for face to face bets.
If you thought the poker room was all male players, this is even more so. To be expected, but wow.
Some guys in line complaining that the counter people were not the most qualified. I am sure this will improve. Lots of talk in the line if you could tease or parlay. I mentioned that the most qualified people to work at the book were all on our side of the counter. Meanwhile, a guy I deal with quit his day job and I suggested he get on the extras board for the book. He said he doesn't care to bet sports, which makes him a perfect fit.
This time there were no people asking if you needed help betting or anything. Just a bunch of wiseguy sharps who care most about a point spread, the most important thing in sports.
Quote: onenickelmiracleDoes the Rivers have nice, big and comfortable, cushioned chairs and do they have nice set-ups of television screens to watch sports?
look up a few spots, I posted a link. there are pictures. They did add a ton of tvs and lots of seating. I was surprised how nice it was as quick as they got it up.
The screens look great compared to every other midwest/east book I have seen, like those comfy chairs(which will be monopolized by bums).Quote: GWAElook up a few spots, I posted a link. there are pictures. They did add a ton of tvs and lots of seating. I was surprised how nice it was as quick as they got it up.
Quote: onenickelmiracleThe screens look great compared to every other midwest/east book I have seen, like those comfy chairs(which will be monopolized by bums).
They did do a good job on this. Meadows horse book looks almost like a sawdust joint compared to it, though to be fair a horse book will never be as nice as a full sports book. If by halftime it looks as though my early bet will hit I may go down and make a late bet mostly just to see the atmosphere there during an NFL Sunday.
It does put me in a moral quandary that I promised never to watch the Steelers again unless I can avoid it for signing Vick, but I would take the Saints and lay the points. Or do I give myself a break there as it will be Festivus Day?
$10MM to get a license for a SB in PA BTW.
Quote: AZDuffmanQuick update for those in SWPA. Meadows sportbook coming for football season I was just told last night.
$10MM to get a license for a SB in PA BTW.
It made sense for the rivers, I can not see the meadows making enough to justify the 10mil. So if we assume 10% juice they need 100 mil in wagers to break even before taxes and expenses. Are taxes 54% or whatever they originally wanted? They will need 250 million in wagers just to break even after expenses.
Quote: GWAEIt made sense for the rivers, I can not see the meadows making enough to justify the 10mil. So if we assume 10% juice they need 100 mil in wagers to break even before taxes and expenses. Are taxes 54% or whatever they originally wanted? They will need 250 million in wagers just to break even after expenses.
I can see it. They are set up far better as to space, just split the downstairs horse book into two, same as was done at the Stardust. Horses one side, sports on the other. I forget the exact number, but Rivers currently has the highest handle in the state. Some number of those bettors would rather go to Meadows. The towns around Meadows are booming so should bring plenty of action.
I do not know the tax on books, but it has to be closer to the 13% on tables than the mafia-like 55% on slots.
FWIW I was at Rivers about two weeks ago on a Monday, about 4-5:00. A Monday, not during March Madness, no particular game or playoffs driving anything. All 15 betting kiosks were being used. Whether these guys were placing their own bets or were runners laying off unbalanced action, that kind of action on a flipping Monday afternoon shows there is a ton of demand.
One last thing. Meadows has a huge advantage in football season in that home Steelers weekends it is hard to impossible (yes, impossible!) to get to Rivers. Even if they comp the $60 parking fee if you sportsbet same as they do poker tourneys, lots of people including myself want no part of that mess.
IIRC RS_ got laughed at for using that term.Quote: AZDuffmanhorse book
10% juice is only collected half the time so it’s really a $200m handle to get the $10m price.Quote: GWAEIt made sense for the rivers, I can not see the meadows making enough to justify the 10mil. So if we assume 10% juice they need 100 mil in wagers to break even before taxes and expenses. Are taxes 54% or whatever they originally wanted? They will need 250 million in wagers just to break even after expenses.
Quote: unJon10% juice is only collected half the time so it’s really a $200m handle to get the $10m price.
I don't think.you can really isolate out the handle to pay for the license, with the enhanced offering bringing in people who would otherwise be at other books. I would think it would increase incidental gambling, the food and bar net, other gains. I can see this being a long term investment in overall value, too, not needing all that much square footage to deliver consistent value.
Totally agree with you babs. I was just pointing out the math error in the post I quoted.Quote: beachbumbabsI don't think.you can really isolate out the handle to pay for the license, with the enhanced offering bringing in people who would otherwise be at other books. I would think it would increase incidental gambling, the food and bar net, other gains. I can see this being a long term investment in overall value, too, not needing all that much square footage to deliver consistent value.
Quote: beachbumbabsI don't think.you can really isolate out the handle to pay for the license, with the enhanced offering bringing in people who would otherwise be at other books. I would think it would increase incidental gambling, the food and bar net, other gains. I can see this being a long term investment in overall value, too, not needing all that much square footage to deliver consistent value.
It is bringing that in for sure. How many "extra" people come to sports gamble might be up for debate. There is a Lefty Frank Rosenthal interview where he states that a big reason for having the book inside the casino is synergy. OTOH they are not doing it to lose money. That there is a line for people betting a dime and up shows there is a ton of action.
The sports betting podcast I listen to is based in PA/NJ and gives the local handle for these casinos. I will try to remember to notice next time and put up some results here for discussion.
I was always under the impression that the runline was 1-1/2 runs. But look at this scratch sheet. Casino name redacted to keep Wiz and Zuga out of dutch, you can use your imagination.
I guess a runline of 1 run exactly lets you turn a favorite into a dog, or vice versa. Though this would make 1/6 to 1/3 of the games a push statistically.
Is this normal? Is 1-1/2 runline no more in other places.
Can't figure out if you're kidding with that redactionQuote: AZDuffman
Is this normal? Is 1-1/2 runline no more in other places.
I'm new to the matter, but but have only seen 1.5 myself
Quote: odiousgambitCan't figure out if you're kidding with that redaction
I'm new to the matter, but but have only seen 1.5 myself
Well, you cannot say that last part again, assuming I am reading it right. I am serious. Am I reading this wrong? I did not have time to ask down there, will next time if I can.
I meant I have only seen 1.5 used anywhere I have looked myself, at the sportsbook, or checking onlineQuote: AZDuffmanWell, you cannot say that last part again, assuming I am reading it right. I am serious. Am I reading this wrong? I did not have time to ask down there, will next time if I can.
this that you show could be a typo thing? you aren't reading it wrong
you should know if it is fanduel or william hill or whatever? you could see if it is the same online
Quote: odiousgambitI meant I have only seen 1.5 used anywhere I have looked myself, at the sportsbook, or checking online
this that you show could be a typo thing? you aren't reading it wrong
you should know if it is fanduel or william hill or whatever? you could see if it is the same online
It's not, it's a local casino and they run their own book.
Sugarhouse appears to be up and running.
100% sign-up bonus to new players (which is everybody!)
Bonus appears to have a mere 1X playthru. Are we in 2007?
I have not seen details, will look more tonight. But that bonus is clear AP, done right next to impossible to lose.
MODS: This is *NOT* spam. I have no interest in this as an affiliate link or such. Just passing on an AP play for the several PA players on here.
Results feedback encouraged.
www.howtokillthevalueofallpabonusesasquicklyaspossible.com
Or we could just let the people figure things out on their own and maybe delay the day of 500x playthrough with 10x max cashout.
Quote: AZDuffmanONLINE IS NOW LIVE IN PA!
Sugarhouse appears to be up and running.
100% sign-up bonus to new players (which is everybody!)
Bonus appears to have a mere 1X playthru. Are we in 2007?
I have not seen details, will look more tonight. But that bonus is clear AP, done right next to impossible to lose.
MODS: This is *NOT* spam. I have no interest in this as an affiliate link or such. Just passing on an AP play for the several PA players on here.
Results feedback encouraged.
thank you AZ. I missed the announcement that this was allowed. Wife and I can both make account. I guess the best way to beat this would be for us to each bet against each other on a line that may result in a push. Or wait, did I overthink it. I guess that part doesnt matter. May be better off with 1 account going broke and 1 with cash out
Quote: GWAE
thank you AZ. I missed the announcement that this was allowed. Wife and I can both make account. I guess the best way to beat this would be for us to each bet against each other on a line that may result in a push. Or wait, did I overthink it. I guess that part doesnt matter. May be better off with 1 account going broke and 1 with cash out
Happy to help. Please do the same if you see anything of the like. This is all moving fast now, I expect offers to pop up.
YW.
FWIW my plan is to mini-bet my MLB system. Or system I am trying to develop. I figure 50-100 bets in the $5 range on MLB is a good way to maximize this. That many and you should start to hit 50/50 on MLB. So a $100 payday is possible.
Grind it out!
Quote: WatchMeWinSugarhood and Parx in Philly both have a kiosk withing their sports book made by Kambi. These Kiosks are awesome. You can bet all kinds of ways and adjust your lines as you like (this changes the odds). The only downside is that the payouts are capped at 3000 per slip so you have to put in several bets at lower amounts if you want big action. Harrahs up the street is pathetic. They only have straight up wagers and parlays but you can't mix and match too much within parlays.... plus no kiosk.
A great outcome IMHO is if they get more and more of this stuff. Maybe a few of us work the same book, get there around noon, put in bets. Spend the rest of the day expanding our bankrolls and waistlines.
I just signed up. Two things I have noticed--
1. The promotional code will give you an error, but don't worry as it appears it is just giving everyone the bonus. Be careful, as always, but don't freak at the error message.
2. You have to put a location tracker to prove you are in PA. You have to close the window and log back in to let it work.
Placed a mini-bet to see how it works. Interface is so simple a caveman can use it, so have fun all!
Quote: AZDuffmanUPDATE
I just signed up. Two things I have noticed--
1. The promotional code will give you an error, but don't worry as it appears it is just giving everyone the bonus. Be careful, as always, but don't freak at the error message.
2. You have to put a location tracker to prove you are in PA. You have to close the window and log back in to let it work.
Placed a mini-bet to see how it works. Interface is so simple a caveman can use it, so have fun all!
Do you know if you can make any type of BET within Sports? Eg, could you put a 6 team parlay in for the full 250 bonus?
Quote: WatchMeWinQuote: AZDuffmanUPDATE
I just signed up. Two things I have noticed--
1. The promotional code will give you an error, but don't worry as it appears it is just giving everyone the bonus. Be careful, as always, but don't freak at the error message.
2. You have to put a location tracker to prove you are in PA. You have to close the window and log back in to let it work.
Placed a mini-bet to see how it works. Interface is so simple a caveman can use it, so have fun all!
Do you know if you can make any type of BET within Sports? Eg, could you put a 6 team parlay in for the full 250 bonus?
Just says 1x playthru, all I know.
Quote: GWAEAZ have you done the bonus yet? Did you withdrawl? I am trying to figure out about withdrawls, speed and how? I can not find anything on their website about either. They advertise quick withdrawl but I don't want to get stuck driving to Philly for $400
I haven't tried yet but have not played thru the $250. There is a little bonus thing on top where you can cash it in $20 at a time. I figure go there. FWIW I am not keen on how they have handled the bonus so far.
OTOH, they did right by me the other day. Looks like they paid me on a win when my pick did not cover the run line. Only voided the winnings, got the bet back.
Quote: AZDuffmanI haven't tried yet but have not played thru the $250. There is a little bonus thing on top where you can cash it in $20 at a time. I figure go there. FWIW I am not keen on how they have handled the bonus so far.
OTOH, they did right by me the other day. Looks like they paid me on a win when my pick did not cover the run line. Only voided the winnings, got the bet back.
What dont you like about how they handled it?
I read a review that it is in casino or mail a check.
Quote: GWAEWhat dont you like about how they handled it?
I read a review that it is in casino or mail a check.
What I don't like is I still keep getting an error message that their own bonus code is invalid.
Keep up posted.
In other news, IIRC poker should be up on time as they separated it in the wire act opinion. Can't wait.
Quote: AZDuffmanWhat I don't like is I still keep getting an error message that their own bonus code is invalid.
Keep up posted.
In other news, IIRC poker should be up on time as they separated it in the wire act opinion. Can't wait.
Did you get the bonus? I thought you said originally that it says the bonus code showed invalid but you received the bonus? I downloaded the app and got the same warning about bonus code but then it said, dont worry you will still get the welcome bonus. Haven't deposited yet. I did find cash out info.
How long does it take to receive my money?
Withdrawals are processed in the order they are received. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours, although they may take up to 72 hours to review and approve. Once a request has been approved, processing time varies by method:
SugarHouse Prepaid Card - funds will be available immediately.Neteller - funds may appear immediately but can take up to one business day.Online Banking/ACH - funds will take 2 to 5 business days to appear in your checking account.PayPal - Funds will appear in your PayPal account within 30 minutes of approval.Cash @ Casino Cage - funds will be available to pick up immediately.Check by Mail - your check will arrive within 10 to 14 business days.
Quote: GWAEDid you get the bonus? I thought you said originally that it says the bonus code showed invalid but you received the bonus? I downloaded the app and got the same warning about bonus code but then it said, dont worry you will still get the welcome bonus. Haven't deposited yet. I did find cash out info.
It shows in the piggy bank on my screen. But to have that show like that, what is this, 1997?
Otherwise I like the site. I wish they got all the lines up earlier, but I realize I get online at 0600 and normal people do not get on that early.
