The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is coming to Philadelphia in 2026.
The Philadelphia Phillies made the official announcement during a Tuesday afternoon press conference in front of Independence Hall.
Despite it being more than seven years away, the news has the Philadelphia sports betting world buzzing.
By the time the game actually takes place, there will be two retail sportsbooks within walking distance of Citizens Bank Park.
The South Philly Turf Club has been offering retail sports betting in Pennsylvania since Jan. 17.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is currently under construction. The project is targeted for a 2020 opening.
And now with PA mobile sports betting launching soon, fans will be able to bet in one hand and sip beer with the other.
And they can do so legally without the neighborhood bookie.
America’s birthday bash — with betting
The announcement of the All-Star Game may seem like odd timing as the sites for 2021 through 2025 are still undecided.
But there is a very good reason MLB and the Phillies leaped ahead. The year coincides with the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. And if PA sportsbook offered futures on MLB All-Star Game sites, Philly would’ve been a safe bet.
Philadelphia also hosted the All-Star Game in 1976: America’s bicentennial celebration.
Overall, this will be the fifth time the Midsummer Classic takes place in the City of Brotherly Love. It is also the first at Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004. The previous one took place at Veterans Stadium in 1996).
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commented on the site selection via a press release:
“Major League Baseball is honored to have the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia be part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“This event will continue a tradition established in 1976 where the National Pastime plays an important role in a milestone for our country.”
Harper will still be under contract
One player who has a good chance of making the ’26 National League All-Star team will be current Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper. He signed a 13-year contract with the team during spring training. Plus, he is only 26 years old.
The starting right-fielder is already part of PA sports betting history. The first official wager made at FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino was on Harper to hit more than 33.5 home runs.
Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek placed the wager.
And it’s likely the first of many more prop bets to come.
How many home runs will Harper hit in the 2026 Home Run Derby?
How many hits will Harper get in the 2026 All-Star Game?
Talk about having skin in the game.
