Bethlehem’s Wind Creek signs agreement for sportsbook

One of the last casinos in the state without a sportsbook is now getting on board.

Wind Creek Casino & Resort Bethlehem has signed an agreement with a UK-based bookmaker to operate a sportsbook for the South Side Bethlehem casino.

Betfred, which bills itself as the world’s largest privately-owned retail bookmaker, would provide retail sports betting in the casino as well as run Wind Creek’s mobile and internet betting within Pennsylvania. James Dorris, Wind Creek Hospitality President & CEO said Wind Creek chose Betfred because of its experience.

“Betfred have been providing sports betting in the UK for over 50 years,” noted Mark Stebbings, Betfred Group COO. “We are delighted to partner with Wind Creek Bethlehem where we will share our joint expertise. As part of our partnership we will provide excellent service and value for the sports bettors both on premise at Wind Creek Bethlehem and online to the wider population of Pennsylvania.”

Wind Creek Hospitality is an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It purchased the former Sands Casino last year. At the time it said it was still weighing its options on opening a sportsbook at the casino, but it was considering it.

Currently 10 of the state’s 12 casinos have retail sports books and eight offer online betting.

Lady Luck Casino, a smaller casino in western Pennsylvania, is the only other casino without an in-house sports betting area.

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval.