No Online Gambling Applications Submitted Yet in Pennsylvania
Published June 20, 2018 by Elana K
It’s been 2 months since the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) began accepting applications for online casino licenses, but no applications have been submitted thus far.
It’s been two months since the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) began accepting applications for online casino licenses, but no applications have been submitted thus far. While the PGCB isn’t ringing any alarm bells yet, it's certainly puzzling that no forward movement has taken place yet.
Application Windows
The initial application window began on April 16 and will last for 90 days. During this window, land-based casinos have the opportunity to apply for comprehensive licenses, which include online slots, table games, and poker. The cost? $10 million.
After the 90-day window closes, casinos will have the option to buy piecemeal licenses, such as only a license for online slots or online for table games. The cost of each individual license is $4 million.
After 120 days, according to the PGCB, if there are any remaining licenses, qualified outside entities will be able to apply for them, at the same cost of $4 million apiece.
Because neither the 90-day or 120-day window has passed, the PGCB can only wait and hope that some applications start coming through.
Why the Delay?
There are a few possible reasons why, thus far, no casino has applied for an online gambling license:
- Applications take a long time and the casinos want to make sure they’re perfect
- Some casinos may prefer only 1 or 2 licenses as opposed to the comprehensive license, so they're waiting for the 90-day window to close
- Casinos may want to wait and see how online gambling fares in Pennsylvania before shelling out millions of dollars
Whatever the reason, even though the PGCB has remained outwardly calm, surely its members will breathe a sigh of relief once the first application comes through, especially with New Jersey next door, showcasing month after month just how profitable an online gambling industry can be.
