Almost two years after online gambling was officially legalized in Pennsylvania, online sportsbooks and casinos are finally entering the Keystone state. The bill H 271 signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf back in October 30, 2017, legalized these two forms of interactive gambling, as well as online poker. The latter of these is still experiencing some holdup in its official launch, even though many of the operators are expected to get a head start.
News Highlights
- Legal online gambling in Pennsylvania was set for July 15, 2019.
- Poker platforms are taking care of some final touches before they launch.
- 888, WSOP, PokerStars, and Partypoker are just among the top popular poker partners.
Legal Online Poker Coming to Pennsylvania
The online poker licenses predicted for this marketplace have mostly been claimed by local operators, with a great deal of them looking to make use of the first wave of licensing. This additionally gave them a chance to pay the fee at a discount with a group price.
Submissions have been made and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board answered correspondingly. Seven state casino operators have licenses and are waiting on the final touches, with one just getting in on the game.
Harrah’s Philadelphia
Hollywood Casino
Mount Airy Resort Casino
Parx Casino
Sands Bethlehem
SugarHouse Casino
Valley Forge
Mohegan Sun Pocono
Qualified Gaming Entities Coming to Pennsylvania
The term “qualified gaming entity” (QGE) was defined as any outside operator from beyond state lines that would qualify for a license under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. These entities are regular online casinos set up in other US states with legal gambling, looking to get licensed and offer interactive gambling in Pennsylvania.
So far, MGM and Golden Nugget have expressed interest in such practices. MGM is interested in the whole offering, while Golden Nugget is still holding back on poker as it has done so far in New Jersey.
What Can We Expect From Pennsylvania Online Poker?
As it stands, the Pennsylvania online poker industry has definitely seen significant turmoil. Even the reinterpretation of the Wire Act took its toll on the wait-time. As things are coming to a close, provisions are being crystallized in order to ensure a properly regulated industry.
These directives determine the legal online gambling age (21 or more), the need for geolocation software, and in-state presence during all wagering activities. There is also a specific 16% tax rate on poker gross revenue. Although seemingly steep, with sportsbooks taxed at 34% and slots at 54%, it is actually the lowest tax policy imposed by PGCB on respective operators.
