“Now, I don’t have to do that,” Rubio said. Northeast Philadelphia resident Barbaro Rubio says he used to make his wagers at “the corner store.” “I’m saving gas, tolls, and … it’s just a lot more convenient, so I might be coming out here a lot more,” he said. Now, he only has to drive about 15 minutes to SugarHouse in Fishtown. He used to drive 45 minutes to place his bets in Delaware.
Sports betting has been legal in the Garden State since June. Gamblers seemed to relish the convenience.ĭavis, who lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Therefore, you spend your dollars locally in the city of Philadelphia.” “You don’t have to travel to Vegas or go to another city to do it. “Now you give people the opportunity to feel happy about themselves to be able to go and do it legally,” he said. The new attraction should reduce illegal gambling and provide bettors a sense of security, while bringing in tax revenue for the city, Squilla said. City Councilman Mark Squilla placed the first official bet, putting up $20 on the Eagles versus the Rams. ribbon-cutting ceremony, eager gamblers filed to the sportsbook to place their wagers. State and local officials along with SugarHouse staff cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of sports betting at the Fishtown casino Saturday morning. WHYY thanks our sponsors - become a WHYY sponsor
