Who needs a retail sportsbook when you can just bet online? That appears to be the approach for Fox Bet Sportsbook, which is launching its online sports betting app in advance of a retail sportsbook.
There were rumors that the sportsbook, as well as PokerStars Pennsylvania, would beta test on Aug. 27, but a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) confirmed there is nothing on the calendar for this week.
***Update Sept. 3: After aiming for a Sept. 3 launch, it appears Fox Bet is going to come up a day late. The new projected launch date is said to be on Wednesday, Sept. 4, which would still put them on pace to be fully approved in time for Sunday’s slate of NFL betting action.
Fox Bet hopes to leverage media brand with sports fans
One of the channels people will be watching that NFL action on is Fox.
The online launch marks the first time a PA sports betting site went live without the licensee’s retail sportsbook up and running. In May, The Stars Group announced the partnership with the media company. Just over three months later, the app is about to arrive.
This will be the first Fox-branded, real-money online sportsbook, but not the last. The Stars Group plans to launch in New Jersey imminently, presumably rebranding its existing BetStarsNJ sports betting site. As sports betting expands to more and more states, expect Fox Bet to crop up in more states.
Additionally, Fox and The Stars Group plan to launch a nationwide free-to-play app.
Mount Airy Sportsbook still needs to launch too
As noted, the Mount Airy retail sportsbook is not up and running yet. However, given that NFL season is less than two weeks away don’t be surprised to see a simultaneous launch. PGCB could not confirm if all the verticals would launch together, but did leave room to indicate it is possible.
Of course, there will also be the guessing game of whether or not Fox Bet will be available on iOS upon launch. BetStars NJ has a separate app from its casino, which does potentially pave the way for an easy entry into the Apple App Store for its PA counterpart.
We will have to wait next week to find out if that is the case though.
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