When FanDuel began testing in Pennsylvania, plenty of people raised an eyebrow. Rather than use a separate app from its New Jersey counterpart, FanDuel used one app that seamlessly transitions from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and back again.
Instead of opening a new account and setting up a PA bankroll, customers could log in, verify their identity, and start betting. No app to download. No betting on your browser.
It may seem too good to be true, but now it is official. FanDuel Sportsbook is fully launched and operational in Pennsylvania. And it brings with it the hands-down the most convenient app experience for PA sports bettors.
How FanDuel PA works with FanDuel NJ
One question that came up during FanDuel Sportsbook testing was whether or not an app that switches between states and shares a bankroll runs afoul of the Wire Act.
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) required each online operator to submit Wire Act compliance plans. At the time, when the new Wire Act opinion was still fresh, anything with “interstate” in the description seemed unlikely.
However, what FanDuel and partners Valley Forge Casino in PA and The Meadowlands in NJ have done is set up completely separate server banks in each state. With separate servers, FanDuel can assure every transaction starts, ends, and never leaves the state where the customer places a wager. A FanDuel spokesperson elaborated on the legality of the integrated app:
Our technology infrastructure ensures that each bet is placed, accepted, and settled within a single state’s borders on a sports wagering platform in that state. We worked closely with counsel and regulators in both PA and NJ to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
In addition to separate servers, FanDuel also categorizes bets by state when it comes to taxation. In Pennsylvania, bets are subject to a 34% tax rate. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, online betting run by racetracks is subject to a 14.25% tax rate.
Still not clear on how the FanDuel app can work in both PA and NJ?
When asked to explain the integrated app in their own words, a FanDuel spokesperson offered the following:
FanDuel users have a single FanDuel sportsbook account. When users access our sportsbook in PA or NJ, they are served that state’s version of our sportsbook and all wagering is governed by the terms applicable to that state. The sports wagering platform in each state is capable of verifying customer account balances before they place a wager in that state. Accordingly, users are able to access funds in their account to wager in either NJ or PA.
During testing, FanDuel required additional time to vet and approve some existing users. Now that launch is underway, this process shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. One downside customers should be aware of though is the $500 risk-free bet sign-up bonus. If you’ve already gotten that bonus in NJ, since it is an integrated account, you are ineligible to get it again.
The result is a seamless experience as FanDuel customers travel between the two states. The only minor differences are in what bets each sportsbook offers.
For example, if you want to bet on Rutgers or Princeton, pop on over to PA. The Keystone State offers wagers on just about every college football team.
If you want to bet on things like the NFL Draft or the Oscars, drive over to New Jersey. Pennsylvania does not allow bets on non-sporting events.
No switching accounts. No hassle in differentiating between two apps. FanDuel Sportsbook PA is here with an online sportsbook that does the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is sit back, enjoy yourself, and place some bets on your favorite team.
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