Online poker is now one year old in Pennsylvania. The state first launched online poker services in November 2019 and in that time, the state has only offered services via PokerStars. While other brands are poised to launch in the state, right now, it’s just PokerStars. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board recently provided the latest online poker revenue figures for November, which gives us a year over year review. Last year, the site generated just over $1.9 million in earnings. This time around, $2.4 million was generated.
Continuing to Succeed
With $2.4 million in earnings, PokerStars was able to provide $328,000 in state taxes and $47,000 to the Local Share Assessment. Even though there is only one iPoker operator in the state, the industry is doing very well and contributing to the local economy.
When compared to neighboring state New Jersey, the numbers are quite staggering. PokerStars PA generated more revenues, by itself than the entire online poker market of New Jersey. There are three online poker rooms in the Garden State, and they brought in just over $2.3 million collectively.
So, with these figures, it is clear to see that once more operators are offering services in Pennsylvania, the state could quickly become the top online poker market in the United States. It should be noted that Pennsylvania does have a larger population than New Jersey and the market is newer, so there will be a higher influx of players there.
More Operators in the Future
This year, there will be more operators launching in Pennsylvania. This should help the state build an even larger online poker market and continue to give New Jersey a little competition. Partypoker PA is expected to launch this year as well as WSOP/888.
For partypoker PA, they will offer three skins, BetMGM and Borgata Poker. These sites will operate via the partypoker US Network. This group already offers services in New Jersey and is quite successful in the state.
The WSOP/888 partnership will result in WSOP gaming, which is something that players will be looking forward to. With the launch of the WSOP brand, players in the state will be able to take part in branded events including gold ring and bracelet options.
Both of the operators have received licensing in Pennsylvania. Caesars Interactive Entertainment is the owner of the WSOP which received approval from the board in February of last year. 888 was not approved for an Interactive Gaming Manufacturer license until October.
Right now, the state is not offering interstate play. Pennsylvania has not joined Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey via the Multi State Interactive Gaming Agreement. If the state decides to join in 2021, then players would be able to play at sites located in partner states while still in Pennsylvania.
The multi-state option is something that helps states to bring in traffic, which means more revenues. However, Pennsylvania seems to be doing well on its own, so regulators may not feel the need to join in the online poker compact.
