Online gaming is set to take place in Pennsylvania, thanks to the passage of a gaming expansion package last year. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has now confirmed that existing operators of land-based casinos in the state can now petition to be part of the new online gaming industry.
Director of Communications for the Board reportedly told Online Poker Report that current license holders can now petition to receive an interactive gaming certificate. In the past, it was believed that April 16th would mark the time frame when this opportunity would become available, and now officials are reporting its time.
To petition the board for a certificate, an existing casino operator must include a great deal of information. Its more than just an application. The process includes an itemized list of the interactive games set to be offering with the operator identifying the category each game will fall under. The board wants detailed information and operators must cover several topics before approval will be given.
There will be a 90 day window where operators can file a petition. Once that window is gone, a new 30 day time frame begins. During this first section, operators can petition and pay $10 million if they want full licensing, which applies to online slot games, table games and poker. During the next 30 day window, operators can apply for single licensing in each category, paying $4 million per license.
Once this time frame has passed, the Board will open up licensing to qualified gaming entities that are located outside the state. If there are any certificates left. So, it will be interesting to see how many operators try for certification in the beginning and if any options will remain after the initial 90 day time frame into the second 30 day window.
About the Author
