Pittsburgh Sportsbooks
Now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) has been overturned by the US Supreme Court, betting on sports is actually legal in Pennsylvania per state law. A Pittsburgh sportsbook has popped up on the scene, found at Rivers Casino, despite the area having a few other gambling establishments. You can expect Pittsburgh sportsbooks to be among the best in the state. With local teams like the Pirates and Steelers having supportive fans in the area, the sportsbooks are always likely to be busy and full of excitement.
Even though their lines will undoubtedly be skewed by the popularity of local teams, especially on the Penguins, it’s always wise to learn how to combat this by figuring out more about the options for sports betting in Pennsylvania. Using offshore sports betting sites remains legal and can provide the perfect alternative for finding the action you are looking for. Pittsburgh sportsbooks are here to stay, so keep reading to learn about more of the details.
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Is Sports Betting Currently Legal In Pittsburgh?
Sports betting is currently legal in Pittsburgh, but only one sportsbook in the city has gotten up and running as yet. Though it is not expected, sportsbooks in Pittsburgh could expand if Pennsylvania would back off its outlandish licensing fee ($10 million). However, the biggest names in casino gaming, like Rivers Casino, are able to afford this cost and created a hotspot for Pennsylvania gambling.
Of course, even before PASPA was eliminated, it was still technically legal to wager on sports in Pittsburgh – you just had to use an offshore sportsbook like Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, MyBookie, and a few other top sites to place your bets. These sites are exempt from any US state or federal law, since they operate outside of US jurisdiction, and PA residents are free to use them at will. It is perfectly safe and legal to do so, and these Internet betting shops have been serving Pennsylvania sports bettors for several generations between them.
Best Sportsbooks In Pittsburgh
Right now, the best land-based sportsbook in Pittsburgh is Rivers Casino because it is the only option. They have a land-based venue that is in the heart of the city as well as a mobile betting platform that can be accessed from anywhere within the state. However, if other Pittsburgh-area casinos and racetracks are able to offer sports betting in Pennsylvania, the industry will expand into The Meadows Racetrack – a casino 25 miles southwest of town – and Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin – 60 miles southeast from the city center.
With so many fans of Pennsylvania sports – and so many teams representing the state in all the major US leagues – some of the lines you’ll get will have a higher house take (to make up for such lopsided action), but all the options you’re used to will be available. If you want to avoid these weighted lines, PA betting enthusiasts can use online offshore sports betting sites and be able to place spread bets, straights, totals, props, futures, specials, live bets, mobile bets, and more, and payouts promise to be prompt and guaranteed. Even better, the action won’t be limited to US-based athletic contests either, as international sports like soccer, cricket, rugby, golf, tennis, and lots more will be fully represented as well.
Legal Age To Wager At Pittsburgh Sportsbooks
The legal age to wager at Pittsburgh sportsbooks is set by state law at 21 years old. This is the same age you need to be to enter the state’s many casinos. That said, you can use a legal online sportsbook (Bovada et al.) at 18 years of age, but you will be doing so at your own risk. However, if you’re under 18 years old, you cannot bet at any Pennsylvania casino/sportsbook or offshore betting site.
- Rivers Casino Sportsbook
- https://www.riverscasino.com/pittsburgh/
- Address: 777 Casino Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Phone: 412-231-7777
Located in Pittsburgh itself, the Rivers Casino – so named because it sits along the Ohio River in the city’s Chateau neighborhood – is the most popular gambling destination in western Pennsylvania. Home to 3000 slot machines and over 100 table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, the casino has been open since 2009. A 30-table live poker room is also on-site. The Rivers Casino sportsbook is sure to reflect the quality, appeal, and ease-of-use that the Rivers itself is locally known for.
Aside from gambling, visitors to the Rivers Casino (and Rivers Casino sportsbook) can enjoy all the sights and sounds of historic Pittsburgh itself, from the Carnegie Science Center right next door to the athletic events and concerts at the area’s major pro sports stadiums (Heinz Field and PNC Park). In addition to the many world-famous Pittsburgh eateries and restaurants located within walking distance from Rivers Casino, there are also several restaurants on the venue’s property, including the Grand View Buffet, Ciao, and Andrew’s Steak and Seafood.
Naturally, there are plenty of bars and lounges on tap as well, and visitors can stay at a selection of fine hotels, including the Caribbean-themed Parador Inn, the Residence Inn North Shore, and several other Hyatt, Marriott, and Holiday Inn properties.
- The Meadows
- https://www.meadowsgaming.com/
- Address: 210 Racetrack Rd., Washington, PA 15301
- Phone: 724-503-1200
Located only 25 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, The Meadows Racetrack and Casino could be considered a long-shot to have on-site sports betting (with a more likely launch occurring sometime later than sooner). The Meadows sportsbook review, once the service is finally rolled out, should get high marks for both options and ease-of-access, particularly to those that live in the Pittsburgh suburbs.
Currently, the Meadows Racetrack and Casino – situated in the heart of North Strabane Township – has a lot going for it. Historically, it was the first Thoroughbred horse racing venue in western PA, and it’s been in business since 1963. It is also officially recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as a heritage site. Indeed, The Meadows Racetrack remains one of America’s busiest courses even now, with over 200 racing days scheduled each year.
The Meadows Casino was opened at the track in 2007, but that temporary location eventually gave way to newly constructed gambling facilities which opened in 2009. In 2010, standard casino table games were made available to The Meadows’ clientele, and – between those and the venue’s 3300 slot machines – gaming has thrived there ever since. Adding a Meadows sportsbook to the mix will surely bring in even more customers.
- Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
- https://www.ladylucknemacolin.com/
- Address: 4067 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437
- Phone: 724-329-7500
The Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin, located in picturesque Farmington, PA, is one of the most luxurious casinos in the state. Of course, this is largely due to its resort status, as it is the partner venue to the famed Woodlands Resort. The Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin sportsbook review might be a long time coming, though, as the venue is situated somewhat away from the high traffic hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh, with less general traffic from daily gamblers and the like. Of course, even if you have to wait another year or so for the Lady Luck sportsbook to go live, you’ll have plenty to do at the venue and its attached resort facilities.
The Lady Luck Casino itself is relatively small, with only 600 slots and a mere 27 table games. However, the overall experiences on tap are some of the best in the state, because the Woodlands Resort offers just about everything you could ask for in a mountain vacation. From off-road tours and animal safaris to zip-line rides, spacious pools, elegant spas, exquisite dining options, state-of-the-art bowling lanes, and more, adults and kids will both have their daily schedules jam-packed with adventure and excitement.
And the best part? Once the Lady Luck sportsbook actually gets up and running, you’ll be able to wager on athletics no matter where on the resort you happen to be, thanks to online mobile betting. After all, the Woodlands at Nemacolin is the last place you want to be stuck indoors!