Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has made its long-awaited manoeuvre into igaming, after its market went live this week with a trio of entities undergoing soft launches, reports local media outlets.

Following approvals being issued almost two years ago by the Pennsylvania General Assembly as part of a state-wide gaming expansion under bill H271, Penn National Gaming’s International Game Technology powered Hollywood Casino became the first entity to conduct its soft launch earlier in the week.

This was quickly followed by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment’s Parx Casino, whose igaming platform has been supplied by Gan, before SugarHouse Casino, which is to soon be renamed Rivers Casino Philadelphia, undergoes its two-day testing phase tomorrow (Wednesday 17 July).

Should each of the respective testing phases proceed without a hitch, state regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, will issue the green-light to proceed with full operation.

Richard Schwartz, president of Rush Street Interactive, which introduced its SugarHouse Casino igaming entity in New Jersey three years ago, commented on the impending launch: “We thank the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, for authorising us to be a part of history this week in bringing our online sportsbook and casino to gaming enthusiasts in the state of Pennsylvania.  

“We are also proud to become the first gaming operator to offer the same online brand in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey so players who live or work across the border of these states can bet on PlaySugarHouse.com in either state.

“Along with our recent success in Pennsylvania, Rush Street Interactive has grown market share in New Jersey since entering the market in 2016, in large part due to the quality of the user experience at PlaySugarHouse.com and the time we’ve invested listening to what our players want to improve their experience, and by offering responsive customer service and fast payouts.

“We are proud to now bring the same quality, award-winning PlaySugarHouse.com interactive sportsbook and casino service to players in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Those wishing to enter the market can obtain licences for online slots, casino games or poker at a cost of $4m each, or secure all three for $10m.