The online gambling industry in Pennsylvania is just over a year old and it just continues to grow as time passes. Just yesterday, the state’s Gaming Control Board announced that BetMGM was approved for a sports wagering operator license as well as an interactive gaming operator license. This means the brand can now offer online sports betting and casino games.
Big Operator in the Industry
BetMGM is a big operator to be moving into Pennsylvania. They have already seen great success in New Jersey and have rapidly been moving into other states when it comes to sports betting as well as online casino games and more.
As the brand tried to gain access to operations in Pennsylvania, it was a lengthy process. It took some time, but will be well worth it for BetMGM as well as the state. Online gambling was first legalized at the end of 2017 and it took about a year and a half for operations to launch. In the beginning, the state was only allowing companies that were operational in the state to apply for licensing.
Because BetMGM is based in Delaware, the company had to wait until officials in Pennsylvania opened the process up to qualified gaming entities. An application was filled out in January 2019 and then in October, MGM paid a total of $12 million to obtain an online slot gaming license, table games and poker.
It took more time still, including a full overview of the company before final approval was given. After a long wait, the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement as well as the Bureau of Licensing supplied the Board with the background and suitability reports on MGM. The vote took place quietly by the board yesterday and the applications of BetMGM were unanimously approved.
For BetMGM to operate in the state, the company will need a land-based partner. It is unclear as to who they will be working with to get started.
Is Online Poker Coming?
BetMGM is partnered with GVC Holdings and they operate under the ROAR Digital brand. In New Jersey, ROAR offers poker gaming via partypoker. One goal for the company is to launch in Pennsylvania via the party brand.
Since poker began in the state, the only operator on offer has been PokerStars. Work is being done to bring partypoker to the state, but like all things, it is taking time. Eventually, players should find a ROAR option in the state, with partypoker PA launching in the future, offering the same great options to players in PA as they do in New Jersey.
As the industry continues to grow, players in Pennsylvania will have much more to explore and enjoy. Adding BetMGM in the mix provides even greater options as the brand is experienced and provides the best in casino gaming content along with sports betting options.
We will keep a close eye on BetMGM and their launch in the Keystone State. Hopefully, players won’t have to wait too long until the brand is offering services in the state.
