New PGCB Regulations Allow Unlimited Skins
Published April 9, 2018 by Elana K
In a meeting on April 4, 2018, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) passed temporary regulations to allow online gaming license holders to offer an unlimited number of skins (branded websites).
In a meeting on April 4, 2018, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) passed temporary regulations to allow online gaming license holders to offer an unlimited number of skins (branded websites).
For months, potential online gaming license holders didn’t know whether they would be allowed to offer only one skin, a few, or an unlimited number. Now that the PGCB has agreed to allow an unlimited number of skins, potential licensees can start moving ahead with concrete plans.
In a press release, PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole described the regulations:
What the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board did at its public meeting of April 4, 2018 was to approve temporary regulations that enable a very open and competitive market for internet gaming while at the same time assuring transparency and accountability for the consumers. Under these temporary regulations there is no limitation on the number of skins that a slot machine licensee may employ to deliver games, but every “skin” that a casino offers must be branded in a manner that makes it clear that it is offered on behalf of the slot machine licensee consistent with language of the act.
Following the New Jersey Model, Somewhat
New Jersey is the paragon of online gambling done right, and fortunately, the PGCB is modeling at least some of its regulations on New Jersey’s system. New Jersey allows its online gaming licensees to have up to five platforms, and each platform can have an unlimited number of skins.
As of now, Pennsylvania’s temporary regulations limit neither the number of platforms or the number of skins that a licensee can have.
Another difference between New Jersey and Pennsylvania regulations regarding skins is that the PGCB will require every skin to identify its parent licensee clearly on the website. However, it is unclear as to whether skins will be allowed to have their own URL or will be required to operate under a subdomain of the licensee. While only a minor detail, the PGCB will need to clarify it before online casinos can be launched.
