Taking on the New Jersey Devils, the development forms part of a multi-year partnership that saw the current SugarHouse Casino and its PlaySugarhouse.com entity become the official sportsbook partners of the Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center.

The Rivers branding reflects the casino’s impending transition from SugarHouse Casino to Rivers Casino Philadelphia, as well as the online component, PlaySugarhouse.com, which is to transition to BetRivers.com in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“We are thrilled to launch our partnership with SugarHouse, soon to be Rivers Casino and BetRivers.com, through these sport lounges which will undoubtedly elevate the game day experience at the Wells Fargo Center,” explained Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center. 

“Both spaces are stunning additions to what has already been the most transformative phase of our renovation project and we know our fans will be delighted with the design and experience.”

The Rivers Casino Philadelphia sports lounge, in the redesigned south end of the arena, is a 5,680 square-foot space that features ten 86″ screens grouped throughout the seating areas, mixed with odds boards and an additional 16, 65″ monitors at the bar.

Alternatively, the BetRivers.com sports lounge will face the bowl so fans can watch the live action as it happens below, and features dozens of live action screens, measuring 86″, 65″ and 50″ respectively.

Ambassadors of the property will also be on hand in both to assist guests, with patrons also able to utilise the BetRivers Pennsylvania app on their personal devices.

“The Wells Fargo Center will be Rivers Casino Philadelphia‘s home away from home,” stated Rob Long, general manager of the casino property. “When fans walk into the Wells Fargo Center and the sports lounges, they’ll feel the same excitement and comfort that will be available at the casino when our new state-of-the–art in-casino sportsbook is unveiled later this month.”

The agreement between the parties also incorporates a marketing partnership that includes advertising inside the arena’s bowl and throughout the concourse as well as radio, billboards and digital media placements

“We can’t wait for Philadelphia sports fans to experience these new sports lounges,” added Mattias Stetz, COO of Rush Street Interactive, the operator of the in-casino and online sportsbooks for SugarHouse, soon to be Rivers Casino Philadelphia. 

“We know how passionate this city is when it comes to sports, and we took great care to make sure these lounges have everything guests need to watch and get in on the action as it’s happening.”

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As a result of the latest donation SugarHouse’s total contributions to Penn Treaty since 2009 comes in $7.7m, which has been used to benefit residents of Olde Richmond, Fishtown, South Kensington and Northern Liberties. 

The Penn Treaty SSD uses the casino funds to sponsor community activities and make physical improvements to parks and other infrastructure, as well as to providing financial assistance to a number of local groups.

“As a proud community partner, SugarHouse is honoured to continue working with the Penn Treaty SSD,” noted Rob Long, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. “The organisation has been instrumental in improving our surrounding communities, and we’re honoured to contribute to its mission.”

At the presentation ceremony, Penn Treaty SSD honoured three individuals and the Kensington Soccer Club for their outstanding service benefiting the neighbourhoods surrounding the casino. 

Recognised were Matt Ruben, president of Northern Liberties Neighbours Association, Bea Rider, Green Streets coordinator of Olde Richmond Civic Association and Pat Cain, who was honoured posthumously as founder of We Care Soccer Camp. 

The Kensington Soccer Club provides year-round programs to a growing number of children from 51 different high schools across the city. 

The club works with various grassroots and community groups, while also promoting its gender equality policy to ensure young women have equal opportunities throughout each level of the program.

“We’re honoured to recognise these leaders and organisations in the community, who have spent countless hours making our neighbourhoods a better place to live,” added Rick Angeli, Penn Treaty Special Services District board chairman. “We’d also like to thank SugarHouse Casino for its ongoing support and commitment.”

Each award recipient was lauded for countless hours volunteered with their respective organisation, and received a City of Philadelphia citation from Mayor Jim Kenney.

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The property, along with its online and mobile complements, is currently undergoing a $15m rebranding to Rivers Casino Philadelphia, which is to be reflected within the partnership.

The multi-year agreement is to see the creation of two sports lounges inside the 19,500 capacity arena, which are to open in time for the Flyers’ 2019/20 season opener against New Jersey Devils on October, 9.

Furthermore, the deal also forges a marketing partnership that incorporates advertising inside the arena’s bowl and throughout the concourse as well as radio, billboards and digital media placements.

“Philadelphia fans’ interest in sports betting is why we’re expanding our state-of-the-art SugarHouse sportsbook this fall,” stated Rob Long, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. “We can’t wait to bring the same energy that we’ve seen at the casino to these brand-new sports lounges at the Wells Fargo Center.”

The sportsbook-style lounges, a reflection of that in-house at SugarHouse Casino, are to be located on the centre’s main concourse and on the arena’s top level.

The latter, occupying a 6,500 square-foot space, is to be facing the bowl so fans can watch the live action as it happens, and will feature a custom 22 feet long by eight feet tall LED video wall that will anchor the viewing area, as well as dozens of further live action screens.

On the main concourse, the 5,680 lounge boasts ten 86″ screens grouped throughout the seating areas, and an additional 16, 65″ monitors at the bar.

“We are thrilled with this sponsorship deal to become the official sportsbook of the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center,” added Mattias Stetz, COO of Rush Street Interactive, the operator of SugarHouse in-casino and online sportsbooks.  

“Philly has some of the best sports fans in the country, and we look forward to hosting them in our sports lounges at the stunning Wells Fargo Center.”

The Wells Fargo Center is currently in the midst of ‘Transformation 2020,’ a $265m initiative that is re-inventing the arena’s live event experience through a series of major upgrades.

This includes a new scoreboard, an all-inclusive event-level VIP club and complete redesigns of both levels housing the sportsbook-style lounges.

Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Philadelphia Flyers, explained: “With Pennsylvania on the forefront of legalised sports gaming, we and our SugarHouse partners are excited to elevate the game day experience at the Wells Fargo Center in a unique way. 

“These new lounges will bring the energy and excitement of PlaySugarHouse.com, a market-leading sportsbook, into the arena and introduce another step in our transformation to become one of the most technologically-advanced arenas in the world.”

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First to enter its soft launch phase was the Penn National Gaming’s International Game Technology powered Hollywood Casino, which was quickly followed by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment’s Parx Casino, whose igaming platform has been supplied by Gan, before SugarHouse Casino made its move.

After being granted an interactive gaming manufacturers conditional licence by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board earlier this year, NetEnt has now taken its games live in the Keystone State following a number of successful integrations.

The organisation stresses that more is set to come in the second largest US state to regulate online casino, with a number of customer agreements signed alongside operators in Pennsylvania.

Erik Nyman, managing director NetEnt Americas, commented: “I am very pleased that the market in Pennsylvania has now opened. We are one of the few online casino suppliers offering our games right from the start, and I am convinced that our award-winning online casino games will be much appreciated by players in Pennsylvania.”

Earlier this month weakness in the Nordic countries, and primarily Sweden, resulted in NetEnt reporting declining revenues for the second quarter on the year.

Also issuing a H1 update, the report shows that 4.1 revenue decline in Q2 from SEK 437m (£37.1m) to SEK 419m (£35.6m) contributed to a 3.4 percent drop during the year’s first half, with figures falling from SEK 867m (£73.7m) to SEK 837m (£71.2m).

Driven by fewer players and lower ARPU since the new regulation was introduced at the beginning of the year, outside of the Swedish market, in the 23 jurisdictions that the firm has a presence, revenue grew 1.7 per cent, primarily due to a strong performance in New Jersey, Eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal.

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Debuting it new Rivers sportsbook lounge this week, a number of representatives, guests and dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Sean Landeta, Super Bowl champion and former New York Giants punter, Erik Coleman, Pro-Bowl safety and former New York Jet; and Bucky Dent, World Series MVP and ex-New York Yankee.

Rivers Casino’s sports wagering supplier Rush Street Interactive promises a “high quality in-casino sportsbook solution,” as it adds the property to its Pennsylvania operations at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

Justin Moore, Rivers Casino and Resort acting general manager, said of the launch: “We’re so proud to be the first gaming operator in New York to take legal sports bets. Many people worked very hard to make legal sports wagering a reality in New York State, and we thank all of them for their tireless efforts and dedication. 

“Sports fans and bettors from across the capital region and beyond will be thrilled with our new state-of-the-art Rivers Sportsbook lounge. We look forward to having them as guests at Rivers Casino and Resort and the City of Schenectady.”

Occupying over 5,000 square feet, the Rivers Sportsbook contains a 53′ x 9′ LED video wall that anchors the sportsbook viewing area, along with 22 additional TV monitors, as well as 14 betting kiosks and 6 staffed betting windows.

Gary McCarthy, mayor of Schenectady, added: “We couldn’t be happier for our great community partner Rivers Casino and Resort. It is indeed a historic day not just for the state of New York, but for the City of Schenectady. 

“As Rivers Casino grows, so does its positive impact on our community. The opening of Rivers Sportsbook will surely attract even more guests to the property and to our great city. 

“Looking ahead, we are also hopeful that our leaders in Albany will see how hard Rivers Casino is working to keep up with growing regional competition, and recognise how important it is for them to address structural tax disadvantages in the market.”

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Following approvals being issued almost two years ago by the Pennsylvania General Assembly as part of a state-wide gaming expansion under bill H271, Penn National Gaming’s International Game Technology powered Hollywood Casino became the first entity to conduct its soft launch earlier in the week.

This was quickly followed by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment’s Parx Casino, whose igaming platform has been supplied by Gan, before SugarHouse Casino, which is to soon be renamed Rivers Casino Philadelphia, undergoes its two-day testing phase tomorrow (Wednesday 17 July).

Should each of the respective testing phases proceed without a hitch, state regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, will issue the green-light to proceed with full operation.

Richard Schwartz, president of Rush Street Interactive, which introduced its SugarHouse Casino igaming entity in New Jersey three years ago, commented on the impending launch: “We thank the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, for authorising us to be a part of history this week in bringing our online sportsbook and casino to gaming enthusiasts in the state of Pennsylvania.  

“We are also proud to become the first gaming operator to offer the same online brand in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey so players who live or work across the border of these states can bet on PlaySugarHouse.com in either state.

“Along with our recent success in Pennsylvania, Rush Street Interactive has grown market share in New Jersey since entering the market in 2016, in large part due to the quality of the user experience at PlaySugarHouse.com and the time we’ve invested listening to what our players want to improve their experience, and by offering responsive customer service and fast payouts.

“We are proud to now bring the same quality, award-winning PlaySugarHouse.com interactive sportsbook and casino service to players in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Those wishing to enter the market can obtain licences for online slots, casino games or poker at a cost of $4m each, or secure all three for $10m.

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Coming off the back of three days of testing supervised by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, it’s also set to be joined by Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, whose owner Rush Street Gaming launched the state’s first such offering at PlaySugarHouse.com.

Parx’s third party sports betting software provider Kambi has been integrated into the Gan platform to facilitate the launch, with patrons of the property able to link up their rewards account to their internet gambling counterpart, enabled by Gan’s integration framework. 

Furthermore, both parties stress that internet casino gaming is expected to launch on Monday 15 July, subject to all requisite regulatory approvals.

Dermot Smurfit, chief executive officer of Gan, commented: “Following the launch in Pennsylvania earlier this week, Gan now offers clients a premium Platform equipped with multiple options for integrated Sports betting. 

“We look forward to pairing this seamlessly alongside Gan’s market-leading Internet casino product that utilises our patented technology for leveraging on-property reward programs.”

Forecasts predict that regulated sports betting is to generate $100m in gross win during its first 12 months, with its internet counterpart predicted to reach $189m during the same period and the Pennsylvanian regulated internet gaming market said to reach up to $200m.

John Dixon, chief operating officer of Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, added: “Gan has now ably demonstrated its abilities with both its overall Platform and sports betting integration capability. 

“By leveraging Gan’s proven Platform, Parx Casino has rapidly deployed internet sports betting, integrated with our XCLUB on-property rewards program, to become the second internet sports betting operator to launch in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

In the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, Parx generated $570m from on-property slot machines and table games, representing an 18 per cent share of Pennsylvania’s $3.2bn gaming market.

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Lauded as a first for Pittsburgh and the western region of the Quaker State, it follows in the footsteps of SugarHouse Casino, also owned by Rush Street Gaming alongside Rivers, who launched the state’s first such offering at PlaySugarHouse.com.

Stressing that patrons can access BetRivers via mobile, laptop and desktop, registration can be completed anywhere inside or outside Pennsylvania, eliminating the need for an in-casino account set up, with bettors having to be located within state boundaries, and at least 21 years of age, to be eligible.

BetRivers begins with a two-day test period starting today (Tuesday 25 June) from 4pm to midnight, and Wednesday 26 June from 2pm to midnight. 

All bets placed during this period are real-money wagers with complete features and options available, and the only difference being limited hours of operation. 

Pending review and approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, a full online and mobile wagering service will commence immediately thereafter.

“This summer marks Rivers Casino Pittsburgh’s tenth anniversary,” commented Bill Keena, Rivers Casino general manager. “We’re celebrating one decade while planning ahead for the next. Full-service online, mobile and in-casino sportsbooks are where the industry is headed, and thanks to our team members, we’re already there.”

On laptops and desktops players need to visit BetRivers.com to get started, while Android users must also visit the website on their mobile devices and download the app to wager. 

Apple users can register using their mobile devices but will need to wager via laptop or desktop computer, with betting from iPhones and iPads set to be available soon.

“It’s an exciting time for Pennsylvania sports fans,” added Richard Schwartz, president of Rush Street Interactive. “With NFL preseason just a month away, game days this fall will be next-level.”

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Joining its sister complex  which opened in Schenectady, New York, in 2017 as part of Rivers Casino and Resort’s complex at Mohawk Harbor, the company is to break ground on the North Shore property later this summer.

Set to be built by Pittsburgh-based Massaro Construction Group, the seven storey, four-star property is to attach to the existing casinos eastern facade.

The $60 construction received approval from the Pittsburgh Planning Commission two years ago, with postponement ensuing following the approval of gaming legislation that added category 4 mini-casinos, which the company states “reshaped the Pennsylvania casino landscape”.

In the meantime, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh successfully completed several significant property upgrades, among them adding gourmet burger restaurant, Flipt, opening its event centre for up-sized galas and expositions and launching Pittsburgh’s first licensed sportsbook.

The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh will add approximately 128 permanent new hotel and casino jobs, along with 1,400 temporary construction jobs, with Rivers Casino Pittsburgh already beginning the administrative process of applying for permits with the city.

Pending approval from zoning and planning departments, construction is to commence will take approximately 18 months to complete, with Rivers anticipating holding the ribbon-cutting sometime in early 2021.

“The time is right,” stated Greg Carlin, CEO of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and its Rush Street Gaming owner. “Statewide gaming expansion changed our schedule, but never our intentions.

“Rush Street always envisioned a hotel for Rivers to create a full-service destination on the North Shore. We see it as a natural evolution.”

Recently Rush Street Gaming unveiled plans to undergo a further transformation within Pennsylvania, after announcing that its Sugarhouse Casino is to introduce a series of property upgrades later this year, which is set to include a re-brand to become Rivers Casino Philadelphia.    

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Philadelphia’s first casino, which debuted in 2010, is to become Rivers Casino Philadelphia, representing a wide £15m reinvestment into the property, all of which is to be completed by local companies and contractors.

Among the planned upgrades is a new “state-of-the-art” permanent sportsbook and a new signature restaurant, in addition to an online casino experience that complements the brick-and-mortar operations.

These improvements, together with a previous $164m expansion three years ago, is said to continue a property wide transformation, bringing the establishment in line with other Rush Street properties.

Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates, which own and operate SugarHouse, currently have three other casinos in the United States operating under the Rivers Casino brand, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Des Plaines, Illinois and Schenectady, New York.

It is stressed that via the re-brand of SugarHouse, it will enable regional and national marketing efforts to promote one Rivers Casino brand across multiple markets and channels.

Greg Carlin, CEO of SugarHouse Casino and Rush Street Gaming, said of the change: “Since receiving our casino license in 2006, gaming in Pennsylvania has evolved tremendously.

“Keeping pace with the changing landscape has been paramount to our success. Creating a unified brand is another example of how we’re anticipating and responding to the competitive market for gaming.”

With its rebranding acknowledged at a recent Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board meeting, the physical transformation of the property is to occur over the next several months, including signage, gaming pieces and team member uniforms.

The organisation also stressed that players can “expect a seamless transition, expanded players’ club benefits and a 360-degree, full-service gaming experience—land-based, mobile and online”.

PlaySugarHouse.com will align with the Rivers brand later this year, with the advent of mobile sports betting and online gaming set to see its brand platform “enhance customer experiences throughout the Commonwealth and beyond”.

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