Pennsylvania is pushing ahead with its online wagering facilities. The so-called “co-ordinated launch” will come to the state ahead of the year’s end, which signals the state’s readiness to roll-out betting activities. The iGaming industry is definitely on the cusp of making a killing and facilities are already lining up for a proper license so that they can host the whole activity.
Pennsylvania Gets the Go-Ahead to Licensing iGaming
All raise for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has expanded the period during which entities interested in applying for a license may apply. The renewed deadline will have Qualified Gaming Entities fire away their requests from October 15 through October 31.
The industry in Pennsylvania is also quite interested in actually bringing its operations online. Out of the 39 licenses that PGCB has made available, only 7 remain, and that’s a respectable number indeed. Meanwhile, 11 of the state’s 13 casinos have applied for a license in what appears to be a hugely contested field now. Some have opted for smarter, and arguably safer way – by only picking certain games, such as slots and tables.
Poker has not been quite as popular, but this is understandable as the game requires a lot of attendance to develop it. However, it’s not worth overlooking it, especially when poker rooms and hosts have been absolutely on top of it.
As per current costs, the licenses are issued for $4 million. During the promotional stage of the offer, though, all three licenses for the desired activities could have been bought while shaving off $2 million of the total prize at $10 million.
The Plot Thickens in Pennsylvania
The fact of the matter is that it is quite possible for more entrants to appear in the last-minute action. If demand outstrips supply, though, PGCB is thinking of providing the community with more licenses. Of course, at this stage, everyone is thinking not about how to create a vibrant, and more importantly – healthy, betting environment rather than just selling the licenses and having the casinos battle it out between themselves.
It could be protested that the availability of so many operators would in fact be a good thing. However, there is always the possibility of some businesses falling short of customers and coloring outside the lines to get new patrons or downright turning a blind eye at problem gamers.
Naturally, PGCB will be vigilant of such issues. Meanwhile, the commission has had quite a bit on its hands to do. Vetting the licenses has also been a rather taxing process involving a fair bit of paper work. Five licenses have been approved so far, including Penn National Gaming’s Hollywood Casino and Rush Street’s SugarHouse Casino, Harrah’s Casino Philadelphia, Mount Airy Resort Casino and Parx.
Comparing Pennsylvania with other states, local lawmakers have definitely been revving up the engine to make sure that they will create an industry that is well-populated with options for those who love to gamble. As local operations scale and the iGaming business goes national, more games from elsewhere could be allowed to bet and gamble!
