In late 2017, Pennsylvania passed a gaming reform package that will see several changes. It will take place in the gambling industry of the state of Pennsylvania. Included in the mix was online gaming.
Over the past few months, operators have been filling out applications for an interactive license, vying for approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to be able to offer online slots, table games, and poker.
Just this week, two new casinos were given approval for online gaming.
The Chosen: Hollywood Casino and SugarHouse Casino
The Hollywood Casino and the SugarHouse Casino had both submitted applications for online gaming to the Gaming Control Board and after the Wednesday morning meeting, the board decided to give the two land-based gaming operators their approval.
The Doors Have Opened
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board gave their approval, but both operators must meet certain conditions and hope to be operational as quickly as possible.
During the meeting, the Board also decided to open the licensing process up to any qualified gaming entity.
In the beginning, only gaming operators located in the state could apply. Now, anyone can apply as long as they meet the criteria set by the Board. The remaining licenses will be given during a random drawing at a later date.
Interactive Gaming Licenses
So far, the Board has approved five gaming operators in the state for interactive gaming licensing. The first to earn approvals were Harrah’s Casino, Mount Airy Resort & Casino, and the Parx Casino.
All three of these operators, along with the two approved today, will be offering slot machine gaming, online poker, and table games.
How Will This Affect Online Casino Players?
Players have been patiently waiting to be able to take part in online gaming, for months now. The process has been painfully slow.
Now that approvals have been given, the hope is that the operators will use existing partnerships or hurry up and create new ones so that the ball can start rolling and gameplay can begin online in the state.
The OUSC Conclusion
The Online United States Casinos team agrees that in the coming weeks and months we will see which land-based operator is the first to get started online. If you’d like more information about gaming in this state, make sure to visit our overview of Pennsylvania Casinos.
