Parx Racing has brought some good news to PA gamblers lamenting the postponement of PA online casinos.
This past week, the Philadelphia casino launched its mobile horse racing betting platform. The new platform provides bettors with an on-track experience on the go, accessible by phone or browser.
We reached out to Parx for a comment about the new app but did not receive one at the time of publishing.
In a press release this past year from Sportstech Racing and Digital, the app’s developer, president Andrew Gaughan said the app is bringing excitement to the racetrack.
“Sportech has deployed over 25 websites and over 25 mobile apps for customers in the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia and we are very pleased to be able to add our valued customer Parx Racing® to that list. We are committed to delivering to their players an overall enhanced digital user experience that helps extend the excitement of the racetrack to the digital channels.”
Overview of the Parx Racing app
Per the requirements of the state’s gambling regulations, only those who are physically in the state of Pennsylvania can use the app to bet.
The in-app experience includes:
- Handicapping information
- Livestreams of up to three tracks
- Replays
- Odds, probables, carryovers
The app is available to iPhone users with the iPhone 5S and higher. It is also available to Android users. You can use it via web browsers too.
According to the app’s information, you have to be at least 17 years old to download the app. However, per Pennsylvania’s regulations, you have to be at least 18 years old to wager on the app.
The launch of this new wagering platform adds another revenue stream for Parx. The brand already includes Philadelphia’s premier casino and its racetrack located between Philadelphia and Trenton.
In January, the casino entered the sports betting arena by launching a sportsbook at their Philadelphia location and another at South Philadelphia Turf Club, which is owned by the same company who runs Parx: Greenwood Gaming.
Sportech relationship solid amid Wire Act delay
The Parx Racing app and browser platform are presumably the first of multiple digital platforms Sportech will provide for Parx. The companies previously noted the partnership between the company and Parx encompasses all digital platforms.
Though the Parx Racing app is somewhat of a whimper compared to the roar of PA online casinos, it is a sign that Sportech hasn’t jumped ship amid the wait for the launch of PA online casinos.
Earlier this year the Department of Justice announced it has reversed its opinion about the Wire Act. In the opinion, the DOJ claims that the act’s regulations extended to all forms of online gambling. That includes casinos, sports betting, online lottery, and more.
The reversal of opinion led to a reversal of fortunes for PA online casinos. As a result, launch for the industry likely won’t happen until the summertime.
In a meeting with the House Appropriations Committee, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chairman Kevin O’Toole said that the delay may extend into the summer. He and his colleagues are working with PA casinos and online operators to make sure their operations meet Wire Act requirements.
PGCB did note that none of the casinos who bought online gambling licenses are considering pulling out of the market.
In the meantime, racing fans have something to pass the time. Elsewhere, the rest of PA sports bettors are counting the days until betting on their phones happens.