SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Rush Street Interactive, the company behind online gambling site PlaySugarHouse.com, has become the first in the US to let gamblers bet real money on the outcome of virtual sports events.
The Chicago-based firm made the announcement through a press release earlier today, detailing how it was given approval from New Jersey regulators to let patrons bet online on the outcome of virtual computer-generated sporting “events,” including football, horse, dog and vehicle racing.
The technology exists in some Nevada casinos and is widely used throughout Europe, but this is the first time it will be available over the internet in the US. The site and mobile app launched Wednesday.
Technology company Inspired Entertainment created the product, which debuts shortly before a US Supreme Court ruling that could legalize real-world sports betting in the U.S.
Richard Schwartz, President of Rush Street Interactive, said: “We are excited to lead the way in bringing online virtual sports betting to the United States with our debut in New Jersey.
“Adding Inspired’s virtual sports betting events to our mix of online games is another example of how PlaySugarHouse.com offers its players a wide range of the most entertaining and innovative games in the industry!”
Inspired’s MD Digital, Lucy Buckley, described the successful launch in New Jersey’s online market as “fantastic news for the business and for the North American gaming industry alike.”
“We are thrilled to team with Rush Street Interactive to be the first to bring virtual sports betting online to the United States,” she said.
“This milestone once again confirms Inspired as the worldwide leader in virtual sportsbetting innovation and its global implementation.
“Expansion in the North America market is a key strategic focus for Inspired, and we’re excited to deliver our virtual sports offering on PlaySugarHouse.com, which will specifically suit New Jersey’s online market.”
