It was back in April that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announced that local casino licensees would be able to apply for online gambling licenses, and it has taken quite some time for operators to come forward. It’s been nearly three months since the PGCB invited applications, and we are only beginning to see operators submitting their paperwork.
Nine Applications Filed
Out of the 13 casino operators in Pennsylvania, nine have submitted their online gambling applications. If they applications are approved, they will pay the $10 million fee to receive interactive gaming licenses which would allow them to provide players across the state with peer-to-peer poker games, online slots and online poker games. The list of applicants is as follows:
- Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
- Valley Forge Casino Resort
- Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack
- Rivers Casino
- SugarHouse Casino
- Parx in Bensalem
- Mount Airy
- Stadium Casino
The application deadline was on Monday, so there are four casinos that will be missing out on the ability to offer online gaming activities. However, they still have until August 14 to apply for licenses in individual gaming categories for $4 million. These casinos are:
- Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
- Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Sun Pocono
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino
The PGCB has 90 days to approve each application. Once approvals are handed down, the operators must pay their $10 million. All online gambling license holders will have to pay quite steep taxes on their online gambling revenue.
Partnering with Online Gaming Brands
Each of the PA casino licensees is working with online gambling brands to perfect their digital gaming offering. By working with experienced professionals in the online casino industry, these local casinos will be able to provide PA players with the chance to play innovative and exciting games from the comfort of their homes – just like casinos in New Jersey and Nevada.
Mount Airy and Harrah’s are working with 888 Casino while Penn National has partnered with Scientific Games. While Valley Forge has not yet announced its online partner, the company has been in talks with GVC which owns Party Poker.
Online gambling legislation is about to become a reality in Pennsylvania, and local operators are eager to get started. It will be an exciting time in the state, as players will be able to wager online and play their favorite casino games without having to visit a land-based casinos.
