On Wednesday, September 28, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) made yet another monumental decision that will push the growth of the gambling industry further. The decision in question involved a unanimous vote to approve the interactive gaming and sports wagering operator licenses for BetMGM, one of the fastest growing online gambling operators in the United States.
One Step Closer
BetMGM LLC was one of the companies that sought to operate in the state as a qualified gaming entity (QGE). However, MGM paid a whopping $12 million for the chance to offer slots, table games, and poker, the three most popular online gambling verticals in the Keystone State. Consequently, BetMGM eventually chose to skip its application for a license as QGE. Instead, the gaming company opted to seek a land-based partner, a move that gives it the opportunity to tap into the state’s rapidly growing sports betting market as well.
To be allowed to operate, BetMGM had to undergo the usual background checks to ascertain its suitability for the Pennsylvanian gaming market. Thankfully, after receiving the necessary background and suitability reports from the Bureau of Licensing, the state gaming control board went on to vote in favor of BetMGM’s bid.
Unfortunately, as it stands, the company’s partner for its venture in the state is yet to be announced. Perhaps this will be confirmed in the future.
What to Expect
As mentioned earlier, BetMGM is one of the fastest growing online gambling brands in the country. This means that Pennsylvanian gamers have a lot to look forward to when the operator’s offerings finally go live.
One of the states where the company has already made huge strides include New Jersey. In addition to that, it has committed to rapidly extend its footprint to other sports where online sports betting and casino games have been legalized.
Among the online casino games that will be arriving in the state via BetMGM will be online poker. Very little info is available on this at the moment but it is pretty easy to tell that this will be a welcome change for the Pennsylvanian poker market which has been largely dominated by PokerStars, the sole operator. The possibility of having more than one online poker option is very exciting and should be a big boost for the budding poker sector.
All in all, we cannot wait to see what BetMGM has planned for the Keystone State and any other state that they are already operating in or intend to venture into.
