PlaySugarHouse Sportsbook is finally live in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Welcome to the world of Pennsylvania sports betting.
Here is a topic that is likely to come up regularly: “I have an NJ account, what can and can’t I do in PA?”
The apps, both powered by Kambi, look relatively the same (the Garden State version includes an online casino), but there are some noticeable differences. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)operate under different rules and regulations.
Play Pennsylvania is addressing some of the bigger questions NJ and PA customers may have.
Bets on Rutgers, Monmouth and Seton Hall
You may have heard about the NJ college betting rule. Basically, wagers on colleges and universities within the state borders are not permitted and subject to a fine.
This included the recent March Madness betting season. Seton Hall and Monmouth both made the NCAA Tournament, but wagering on those games was not permitted.
You could bet on those games at PA retail sportsbooks. Now you can place bets via the PA version of the SugarHouse app too. It will work as long as you are wagering. from the Keystone State. When Penn State plays Rutgers in late November, all moneyline, point spread, and parlay wagers on the game will be accepted.
Same goes for when the Villanova Wildcats play Seton Hall next season.
What about New Jersey? Good luck finding the games on those boards.
Where is my SugarHouse iOS app?
Almost a week has passed since the official launch of the PA sports betting app. For now, PlaySugarHouse it the one and only.
However, one big problem remains. The PlaySugarHouse iOS app that launched in New Jersey last summer without any issues does not exist on the other side of the Delaware River. It means, for now, wagers can only be placed via Android devices or web browser.
This was obviously not part of the SugarHouse’s launch plans.
The problem stems from a holdup on Apple’s end. As we reported, apps that are wrapped versions of a sportsbook’s website coded in HTML 5 are having a difficult time getting approved for the app store. SugarHouse is working on a solution, which should be available in the next few weeks.
Deposting in NJ vs. PA
Another big difference between SugarHouse New Jersey and Pennsylvania platforms is the deposit methods. At this current time, it doesn’t take long to notice there are several more options on the Jersey side of the bridges.
Why are the deposit options different across the two sites?
PGCB is still in the process of approving the deposit options, so expect new options to slowly roll out. The plan is to eventually have all of the same options across both platforms.
ACH/online banking was added this week (the option was not available during last week’s testing and launch period). SugarHouse is not elaborating as to exactly when others will be added.
For now, here is a look at current deposit methods available in Pennsylvania:
- VISA and MasterCard credit cards
- SugarHouse Prepaid Card
- Cash at the SugarHouse Casino cage
- PayNearMe
- Online banking transfer (ACH)
New Jersey customers are not permitted to deposit at the SugarHouse casino cage.
However, PayPal, Neteller and wire transfers are approved options.
Hey PA, this is an area worth keeping an eye on going forward.
What about my PlaySugarHouse bonus?
SugarHouse’s existing NJ customers likely took advantage of the $250 welcome bonus at some point during the 2018 NCAA or NFL season. This leads to an interesting question for customers with registered accounts in neighboring states.
I got my deposit bonus in NJ, can I get one in PA?
The answer is absolutely yes. The two platforms may have the same odds posted, but they are completely separate.
Here is how it works:
Everyone that registers an account on the site receives a 100 percent deposit match bonus up to $250. Like New Jersey, this offer applies to the first deposit. Just use the deposit code 250MATCH when you sign up.
There are plenty of PA sports betting opportunities. SugarHouse is currently offering a slam dunk deal of vig-free bets tied into the NBA Finals. The Raptors are currently leading the series 2-1.
