Pennsylvania Almost Ready to Begin with Online Poker and Casinos

Pennsylvania Almost Ready to Begin with Online Poker and Casinos April 25, 2018 July 19, 2018 Doug Carter
Posted on  Apr 25, 2018 | Updated on  Jul 19, 2018 by Doug Carter

pennsylvania pokerIt was only recently that speculation was cast on whether or not Pennsylvania would be able to help with an increase in popularity of online poker in the United States. It’s been a long time coming as far as the legalisation of such possibilities in Pennsylvania are concerned. The new laws that allow legal online casino and poker play in the state were enacted in autumn of 2017. However, things are about to kick into overdrive as applications for operators to provide online gameplay will begin being accepted very soon.

It’s a great thing for Pennsylvania, which will surely reap the rewards of online poker, casino and other gameplay. As it stands, March of 2018 stands out as being a particularly good month as far as the state’s land-based casinos go. Gaming revenue went on to outdo the $300 million mark for the first time ever there. However, this is the first time that such a spike has ever occurred. Since brick-and-mortar casinos were allowed in the state, revenue from such establishments has been relatively flat since 2011. That’s why last month works as quite a welcome change, considering slot games haven’t really brought in such high rewards for Pennsylvania.

Alas, things could certainly be ready to change for the state, with the fact that several mini casinos are set to be opened online. Not only that, but a thirteenth land-based casino will open its doors in the stadium district of Pennsylvania. And don’t forget about the potential for sports betting to become legal, should the Supreme Court choose to take that route.

Pennsylvania Looks to Online Poker for Revenue Increase

It’s thought that the most able way of increasing revenue in the state is with the introduction of online casino and poker to citizens. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board did make it known that any existing land-based casino licence-holders could begin applying for online gambling last week. However, the applications can only be handed in at the beginning of June. Even though this is the case, online gambling in Pennsylvania will no doubt be in action by the end of the year.

Once this does come into effect, Pennsylvania will be hoping to incur the New Jersey effect. Basically, online casinos that will also provide poker in the state can benefit from direct revenue and a new marketing tool. It’s exactly the way that New Jersey works things. This has seen the revenue record in New Jersey constantly top itself each month.

Of course, things are slightly different in Pennsylvania. There’s actually a very high tax rate for slot machine revenue there, being over 50%. Furthermore, the state has many land-based casinos, a large portion of which will no doubt be in competition for online customers. Therefore, how the scenario plays out for the online gambling sector there is something that is yet to be seen.

Doug CarterAuthor

Doug loves to party in Las Vegas, though always playing responsibly, as our North American poker writer he will be keep us informed with the latest tournaments, players to look out for as well.