Since its launch, the Pennsylvanian iGaming sector has been growing gradually with a number of operators stepping in to capitalize on the state’s lucrative betting market. Online poker, in particular, has a massive customer base in the state but there is a rather obvious lack of options – PokerStars has been the only online gambling operator in the state for quite some time now. This monopoly seems to be finally coming to an end thanks to a recent decision from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
On September 30, the gaming control board approved 888 Holdings’ application for an interactive gaming manufacturer license. While no timelines have been specified, this approval opens the doors for a WSOP.com online poker launch sometime in the not-so-distant future.
Needless to say, this is definitely a breath of fresh air for poker players in the state. As mentioned earlier, PokerStars is the only online gambling operations currently available to the locals. Moreover, due to all of the measures that were put in place to prevent further spread of COVID-19, live poker rooms have remained closed. More people are therefore on the lookout for some great online poker sites to play at.
What to Expect
For its venture in the Keystone State, 888 Holdings entered into a partnership with Caesars Entertainment which is one of the biggest gaming brands in the United States. The company itself has gone through some very monumental changes in 2020. Perhaps the most notable is the merger which brought it under the wings of Eldorado Resorts.
In Pennsylvania, Caesars Entertainment already has a pretty robust portfolio of offerings. The company already operates an online sportsbook and online casino – only online poker has been missing but this is clearly about to change thanks to the approval of their license application. 888’s very popular WSOP.com online poker brand is certainly going to be a welcome addition to the Keystone State’s gaming sector.
High Hopes for Interstate Online Poker
While the arrival of WSOP PA is definitely going to be a huge leap forward for the state’s online poker sector, something that is even more exciting is the possibility of Pennsylvania entering into the interstate gaming contact. New Jersey, Nevada Delaware, and more recently Michigan already have laws that permit this – WSOP.com has been able to share player pools with WSOP in New Jersey and Nevada. It has also been possible to share player pools with 888 poker in Delaware and New Jersey.