Pennsylvania stands by online regulations despite lack of applications
No license applications received in two months
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has yet to receive a single application for an interactive gaming certificate to operate online gambling in the state, but says it expects to start taking applications soon.
The board opened the process on April 16th, offering a license which covers online slots, table games and online poker for a fee of $10m.
Under regulations, Pennsylvania’s existing casinos have 90 days from opening to submit their applications, meaning that they have until 15th July to get their applications in.
Doug Harbach, head of communications at the PGCB, told EGR: “We are not concerned and would expect petitions to start coming in soon as casinos finalize partnerships.”
A possible reason for the lack of applications might be the cost, with many casinos in the state choosing to cherry pick their licenses, specifically in areas that they expect to operate in rather than choose to pay more for a one license for all approach.
Indeed, the regulations concerning interactive gaming certificates state that if no casino applies within the 90-day window, the one comprehensive licence is switched into three separate licences, one for each variety of game (. i.e. slots, table games, poker) and are offered at a lower rate of $4m each.
Any licenses still unclaimed after a period of 120 days will be made available to outside entities at the same $4m asking price.