Pennsylvania’s gaming market has seen several impressive developments, marking significant steps for both online and land-based operators. With the launch of Caesars Entertainment’s Horseshoe Online Casino and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) renewing the license for Wind Creek Bethlehem, the state’s gambling landscape is expanding in both digital and physical domains.
Caesars’ Horseshoe Launch
Horseshoe Online Casino recently entered Pennsylvania, a step that follows its initial launch in Michigan. The platform offers exclusive Horseshoe-branded games such as Horseshoe Rising Rewards, 2x3x Horseshoe, and Horseshoe Slick Riches LuckyTap. Pennsylvania’s launch aligns with Caesars’ multi-brand approach, positioning Horseshoe among a competitive field that includes FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, and Golden Nugget.
Horseshoe’s launch comes as Pennsylvania considers joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Should Pennsylvania join, this agreement would allow shared player pools across states like Michigan and New Jersey, fostering expanded player engagement and more game variety.
Wind Creek Bethlehem’s License Renewal
Alongside these online developments, the PGCB has renewed the casino license for Wind Creek Bethlehem for an additional five years. After an in-depth review, PGCB determined that Wind Creek fulfilled the terms for renewal as a Category 2 stand-alone casino operator. The decision gained the support from information from community groups, local officials, and Pennsylvania State Police. Additionally, a public input hearing occured in Bethlehem, where local voices provided insight into the casino’s impact on the community.
Since its 2009 opening, Wind Creek Bethlehem has generated over $7 billion in revenue across slots, table games, sports betting, and iGaming, contributing $2.9 billion to the state in taxes and fees. The property currently operates 2,318 slot machines, 202 table games, and a 20-table poker room, employing 2,242 people—94 percent of whom are Pennsylvania residents. The casino’s expansion plans include a $23 million South Tower, set to open in 2025.
Opportunities for Growth
These developments are a great highlight of Pennsylvania’s continued evolution as a gambling hub. The entry of Horseshoe Online Casino diversifies the online market and signals increasing demand for digital gaming options. Meanwhile, Wind Creek’s license renewal and expansion plans underscore the strength and stability of Pennsylvania’s land-based casino offerings.
With an expanding online presence and ongoing investment in brick-and-mortar operations, Pennsylvania’s gambling market is poised for continued growth, offering new opportunities and experiences for players across the state.