Sports betting podcasts for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and two other cities were launched this month by Rush Street Interactive (RSI), as it looks to promote its BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse branded sportsbooks.
Chicago-based RSI said its CityCast podcasts are currently live in both Pennsylvania cities, as well as Chicago and Detroit. The company said it plans to launch additional podcasts targeting sports markets in Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, in the coming weeks.
The official sponsor of the podcast series in Pennsylvania is BetRivers Sportsbook PA. The series is produced locally in each city five days a week and is available in both audio and video formats across multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, iHeart Media, Spotify and the Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN). It is also available on BetRivers’ blog.
According to Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, the podcasts will be locally-focused “and offer authentic and credible breakdowns specific to each host’s home market. The hosts’ expert analysis will assist BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse bettors in making knowledgeable sports betting decisions, whether they’re experienced or brand new to the action.”
The on-air talent at each CityCast podcast would “highlight what’s happening in their city, sharing expert tips and predictions across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college sports and special local events,” RSI said.
The Philadelphia CityCast podcast will be hosted by Ryan Rothstein, a radio host from WIP-FM, Sports Radio 94.1. BetRivers Sportsbook PA said Rothstein will provide “daily insight, analysis and sports betting updates surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers and much more from The City of Brotherly Love.”
The three most recent episodes of the Philadelphia podcast covered:
- The Eagles’ win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1;
- Key matchups in Sunday’s Eagles-49ers game in Week 2; and
- A preview of the Eagles-49ers game with John McMullen.
Meanwhile, Tim Benz, a longtime Pittsburgh sports journalist, will host the Pittsburgh CityCast podcast. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Pitt Panthers will be covered, along with similar analysis, insight and sports betting updates as the Philadelphia product.
BetRivers Sportsbook PA shows that the last three Pittsburgh podcast episodes covered:
- Adjusted expectations for the Steelers ahead of their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2;
- A preview of the Steelers-Raiders matchup with Mike Prisuta, sports director for WDVE-FM; and
- Former scout Matt Williamson offers wagering advice on the Steelers-Raiders game.
BetRivers, SugarHouse sportsbooks among the state’s smallest
BetRivers Sportsbook PA operates through the land-based casino license of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, while the SugarHouse Sportsbook PA is based through the Rivers-Philadelphia casino.
Neither are large sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. In July, the most recent month where figures are available, BetRivers Sportsbook had $1.3 million in revenue, enough for 5.3% of the market. Meanwhile, SugarHouse Sportsbook took in $680k and had a 2.7% market share.
BetRIvers Sportsbook PA had its best month in March 2021, when it grossed $2.3 million. The best month for SugarHouse Sportsbook PA was the $2.6 million it made in January 2020.
