Pennsylvania online gambling scheduled for July launch

The clock's been ticking since October 2017, when Pennsylvania’s Senate gave the go-ahead to online gambling after the passage of HB 271.

Now, finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Players in Pennsylvania can mark 15 July on their calendars as the date online casinos will launch in the Keystone State. The date was announced at yesterday’s Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board public meeting. Even better news: Expect sports betting apps to be introduced within in the next few months, according to Doug Harbach, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Communications Director, in a statement to iGaming certificate holders and iGaming operators.

Kevin O’Toole, Executive Director of the PGCB, emphasized the importance of the 15 July date in his statement to the Board. “This timeframe will provide approximately 90 days from this date for certificate holders and operators to fulfill their duties to submit materials to the Board’s laboratory, to submit required internal controls and to obtain all certifications necessary to operate iGaming in Pennsylvania.”

He also spoke on the number of casinos that were awarded certificates. “To date, the Board has presently granted interactive gaming certificates to 10 of Pennsylvania’s 13 land-based casinos authorizing those casinos to participate in poker, slots and/or table games like I-games.”

Online gaming will generate more revenue for the state, even after a record-setting month in March.