WILKES-BARRE — The “whole package” Mohegan Sun Pocono offers is getting closer to adding its latest attraction.
A firm date still isn’t set, but the opening of the casino’s sportsbook seems to be only a few more months away. Anthony Carlucci, Mohegan Sun Pocono’s president and general manager, offered its location and his desire to cut the ribbon on the casino’s sports gambling arm before football season begins.
That and other details — including an appearance by Saquon Barkley — were mentioned Wednesday at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono during a kickoff luncheon for the track’s opening weekend of harness racing. The 2019 season begins with a 14-race card scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.
As for the sportsbook, prospective bettors have even more reason to follow the NFL’s free agency and draft news and the NCAA’s spring practices. They should be able to put money down on their favorite teams as soon as they return to the gridiron.
“Obviously, we want to get it up and running. It’ll open before the football season,” Carlucci said.
Carlucci added he doesn’t even know an opening date himself; regulations make determining one “hard to tell for sure.”
He does know, however, that sports wagers will be placed right inside Mohegan Sun’s main entrance. The sportsbook will be in the space previously occupied by the Bluwire electronics store across from the Irish pub Molly O’Sheas.
Carlucci said the sportsbook — which also plans to take online bets — will provide accessibility for all types of customers. They’ll easily be able to place a bet and watch the action on-site, head over to the gaming floor, grab some food or move on to the race track. Or, they can get right back to the parking lot.
“They’ll pop over here, put a bet in, and then they might run down to their local pub and watch (the game),” Carlucci said. “I think it helps the whole community out.”
“I think Sundays are going to be a busy day. Saturdays with the football, especially when Penn State plays,” he added. “During the playoffs, we expect it to be very busy.”
Until then, Carlucci hopes customers stop by for other reasons in the coming months.
It was also announced Wednesday that Barkley, the former Penn State star and current New York Giants running back, will take part in a moderated Q&A session at 3 p.m. March 24 in the Keystone Grand Ballroom. Fans can see the reigning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year by receiving a wristband on a first-come, first-served basis. A line can start at 11 a.m. for wristband distribution at noon.
Carlucci also noted the return of Party on the Patio as well as plans to announce other shows and outdoor events coming to Mohegan Sun. Harness racing gets everything in motion after an offseason he’s anxious to see end this weekend.
“It doesn’t feel the same without. We’re Mohegan Sun Entertainment. We want to be a whole package,” Carlucci said, “not just a casino.”
“(Harness racing) puts it over the top. We think the sportsbook will as well.”
By Eric Sultz