Pennsylvania was the first state in the US to legalize online casino gaming since 2013. For years, it was only Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey that offer some form of iGaming. After legalizing the option in 2017, it would take two more years before the industry would get started. Now, Pennsylvania continues to see new operators enter the fray, with two more expected to launch soon. The Golden Nugget and MGM are preparing to offer services in the Keystone State.
New Services Coming Soon
Pennsylvania has done well in the online gaming industry, considering that they have a relatively small market. Slowly but surely, the industry has added operators and offers online slots, table games and more. Currently, two operators are completing the steps necessary to provide online gaming services in the state.
The Golden Nugget has plans to enter not only Pennsylvania but also Michigan. MGM is also looking to activate their online license hopefully by next month during a state Gaming Control Board meeting. In Pennsylvania, online gaming companies from outside of the state were allowed to apply once those located in the state had a shot at obtaining licensing.
Both MGM and the Golden Nugget have a Qualified Gaming Entity license after being approved by the Gaming Control Board last year. However, the two companies must still complete certain processes and gain final approvals before they can offer services.
The Golden Nugget has a license for slots and table games. They paid $4 million for both licenses. MGM paid more at $12 million so they can offer online poker, table and slot games.
MGM Bringing partypoker along
To be considered in the state, MGM had to pay a few fees and fines due to a wrongful employment issue regarding a former state gaming worker. The company paid $87,000. Now that this is done, it clears the way for the company to continue in Pennsylvania.
When it comes to online services, MGM operates at BetMGM. They have a partnership with GVC Holdings, a top-rated online gambling company. Together, the two are known as ROAR Digital. ROAR already operates in New Jersey in the online poker sector via partypoker. They plan to offer the same services in Pennsylvania.
If party is approved to launch in PA, they will be only the second online poker room to operate in the state. PokerStars has been the lone provider since November of last year. It will be interesting to see how the brand does now that competition will be in the picture. The WSOP is also set to launch in the state, which will mean more poker options and even more competition.
More Online Casinos to Come?
Now that two brands are preparing to launch, is there more to come for the online casino industry? Probably so! The Cordish Companies have an online casino license for their Live! Casino brand and Wind Creek Casino does as well.
For Live!, they have properties in the works for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. These venues are under construction. It is likely the company will not focus on online gaming until the land-based services begin. Wind Creek recently announced they want to go live with slots and table games soon, but when is anyone’s guess.
