An internet sports betting company and an online gambling software provider are joining forces and making plans to take Pennsylvania’s first online sports bet.
SBTech provides managed sports betting solutions to more than 50 online gambling sites around the world.
GAN provides real-money and social casino software platforms to more than 70 casinos.
The two sides announced Monday they had entered into a strategic relationship anticipating legal online sports betting is soon coming to states, including Pennsylvania.
Online gambling in PA
GAN already provides online gambling software for Parx Casino online play-money social casino site. It claims to have one real money regulated gaming client in Pennsylvania, which is assumed to also be Parx.
Pennsylvania did pass online gambling legislation as a part of a comprehensive gambling expansion in October last year. However, the market has yet to launch. The regulatory and licensing process is still underway.
SBTech’s sports betting software will be integrated with GAN’s online gambling software platform, according to a joint press release.
The companies claim the partnership will put them in position to lead the budding US online sports betting market. Of course, this presumes the Supreme Court of the United States will overturn the current federal ban on sports betting and open up that market.
Thanks to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), single-game sports betting is currently against the law everywhere except Nevada. Parlay bets in Delaware and Game Square wagering in Montana are also exempt.
In 2011, New Jersey passed a bill legalizing sports betting at racetracks and casinos inside the state. However, major sports leagues around the country filed a lawsuit to stop it.
They were successful in having New Jersey’s new sports betting laws struck down. After a series of failed appeals, the state tried again in 2014. However, the courts ultimately struck down that law as well.
State appeals were again denied until SCOTUS agreed to hear New Jersey’s case in June 2017. SCOTUS heard oral arguments in the case in December. A decision is expected later this year.
In the interim, Pennsylvania has joined New Jersey in passing legislation allowing online sports betting if PASPA is overturned.
Taking PA’s first online sports bet
SBTech CEO Richard Carter says if SCOTUS overturns PASPA, SBTech and GAN could soon book the first online sports bet in states including Pennsylvania:
“GAN is a licensed, trusted partner to more than a dozen US casino operators, and is equipped with unique intellectual property and a proven track record in delivering and growing internet gaming businesses in the United States. This partnership is a logical step for SBTech and allows the company to rapidly introduce its sports betting technology and services to a wide range of US casinos with a view to being the first provider to settle a US sports bet online and on-property in States such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in close collaboration with GAN.”
GAN CEO Dermot Smurfit added that SBTech may be the perfect sports betting partner for GAN:
“GAN has been asked by several clients to review, procure and support the delivery of a sports betting solution both online and in the on-property retail channel in the event PASPA is overturned. We have conducted a lengthy diligence process in Europe to identify a preferred sports betting partner based on their technical capability, US licensing suitability, ability to integrate seamlessly with GAN’s enterprise software platform and the sophistication of their managed sports services. We are delighted to announce this strategic relationship with SBTech.”
Sports betting legislation across the US
The number of states with an interest in legalized sports betting is continuing to grow. Legislation recently passed in Connecticut that will allow sports betting if the federal ban is lifted. Indiana and Kentucky are currently debating similar bills.
Plus, Delaware and Mississippi are each claiming its existing gambling legislation includes provisions for legal sports betting should PASPA fall.
According to a report from gambling legislation tracker Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, as many as 18 states could also introduce bills to regulate sports betting this year.
