Ranking Philly and South Jersey sportsbooks ahead of Super Bowl 2019
Quick hits and tips, including an early look at how much rooms are costing in A.C. on Sunday.
The latest Philly.com rankings of the sportsbooks in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. Many places are running specials for the Super Bowl, so check web sites.
Mobile sports betting is available within New Jersey, but not in Pennsylvania until maybe spring.
Southeastern Pennsylvania
None of these properties have hotels.
1. Parx/Bensalem
Transformed a nightclub into a sportsbook, so space is plentiful. Bar is backed by massive TVs. There are a few other food and beverage options outside the sportsbook. Have a half-dozen windows and more than two dozen kiosks, including a few in strategic places throughout the casino. The shortest line might be outside the sportsbook.
Mobile site: Parx Casino. Though online wagering is not approved in Pennsylvania, the Betslip feature on its app allows bettors to craft wagers for quick scanning at the window.
Website: ParxCasino.com
2. Harrah’s/Chester
Located in the back of the casino adjacent to a nice-size bar. Odds for the Patriots were better here midweek than at the other three Southeastern Pa. casinos. Free self-parking; the sportsbook and casino are on the fourth level, one floor above the horse parlor. No kiosks.
Mobile site: None in Pennsylvania, but Caesars Casino and Sports app from New Jersey can be used to check out the odds and save time.
Website: Caesars.com/harrahs-philly
3. SugarHouse
Carved out a piece of the casino next to the cashier for a temporary sportsbook that also has 18 kiosks. Things were tight there during the conference championships, so Fishtown Hops at the other end of the property — or another gathering spot — might be the move for the Super Bowl. Looking forward to the permanent 'book.
Mobile site: SugarHouse Casino; also has Betslip. Great time-saver.
Website: SugarHouseCasino.com
4. Parx/South Philly
This is the only spot without slots or table games. It’s just horse betting and sports betting, but there’s ample space, especially with the kiosks and seating in the northwest corner. There’s also a kiosk toward the back near the deli. Plenty of parking, which is free.
Mobile site: Parx Casino, which includes Betslip.
Website: ParxCasino.com
Atlantic City
Hotel rates are as of Thursday afternoon and are the cheapest posted on each website for non-loyalty-rewards members.
1. Ocean Resort
Still the most impressive sportsbook, though the margin has closed. Wide open floor, with cushioned seats and couches, plus some high-top tables. Best-odds boards and TVs in the area, but no kiosks yet. Ocean Resort cardholders are invited to a Super Bowl watch party at Ovation Hall. If self-parking, you will find the casino on Level 6.
Mobile app: William Hill-NJ
Website: TheOceanAC.com
Cheapest Sunday room rate (as of Wednesday): $113, including fees.
2. Resorts
Not as wide open as Ocean Resort but more seating and, for those with limited mobility, an easier walk on and off the Boardwalk. Five windows and 10 kiosks in and around the sportsbook, plus two others in the VIP area. At least one teller will be on duty 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays through March Madness.
Mobile app: DraftKings
Website: ResortsAC.com
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $112, including fees.
3. Golden Nugget
Impressive room across from the casino floor. Well-lit, plenty of TVs, but only a handful of windows. There are nine kiosks in the room and another just outside the sportsbook. Remember, they don’t take NBA action because the owner also owns the Houston Rockets. Self-parking is always free.
Mobile site: None.
Website: GoldenNugget.com/Atlantic-City
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $167, includes fees.
4. Bally’s Wild Wild West
Just like the name suggests, the sportsbook is a wide open area in the most energetic casino in A.C. In other words, great for the younger crowd. What it lacks in kiosks and high-end odds boards, it makes up for in a Guitar Hero video game and mechanical bull nearby. Bally’s and Harrah’s, both owned by Caesars, do not take teaser bets. Hosting a party for the general public on Sunday starting at 5:30 p.m. which includes a buffet and drink specials for $29.
Mobile site: Caesars Casino and Sports
Website: Caesars.com/Ballys-AC
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $79, including fees.
5. Tropicana
There is no seating at this sportsbook. It’s just a large circular booth with teller windows and no kiosks. As a William Hill operation, it has plenty of props to play. It’s just not the place to sit and watch the game. But the Trop has plenty of viewing options.
Mobile site: William Hill-NJ
Website: Tropicana.net
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $114, including fees.
6. Borgata
The sportsbook and racebook share a space that is not real big. It’s the only place in Atlantic City that still simulcasts the ponies. The Borgata has arguably the best collection of restaurants in A.C. and is having a block party around the casino for the Super Bowl. Bet early, because they also do not have kiosks. The permanent sportsbook will be across from the current room and should be open by summer.
Mobile site: playMGM
Website: TheBorgata.com
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $214, includes fees. But they also were running a deal called “The Big Game Package.” Check the website for details.
7. Harrah’s
Small area with just five TVs. It’s the kind of place to make a wager and head elsewhere for the game. Always been a big proponent of the bar at the indoor pool. No kiosks.
Mobile site: Caesars Casino and Sports
Website: Caesars.com/Harrahs-AC
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $77, which includes fees.
8. Hard Rock Hotel
Just opened on Tuesday, so there’s not much to it. A couple of odds boards, windows and tellers; the minimal stuff to take sports action. Wait until summer, though. The beach bar is the best there was in 2018 and should be a good spot for NBA and NHL playoff games.
Mobile site: Hard Rock Casino
Website: HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com
Cheapest Sunday room rate: $73, including fees.