The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has announced that it will now accept applications from operators, manufacturers, and suppliers related to sports betting. Officially, the window opened on July 11.
The press release defines each category of sports betting applicant as follows:
An Operator is licensed by the Board to operate sports wagering, a mobile sports wagering system or an interactive sports wagering system, through the provision of an interactive gaming or sports wagering platform, on behalf of sports wagering certificate holder.
A Manufacturer builds, rebuilds, fabricates, assembles, produces, programs, designs, sells, leases, offers or otherwise makes modifications to any authorized sports wagering device or associated equipment for use or operation in this Commonwealth for sports wagering purposes.
A Supplier provides, distributes or services any authorized sports wagering device or associated equipment for use or operation in this Commonwealth for sports wagering purposes that is not otherwise required to be licensed as a sports wagering manufacturer or, provides risk management services or integrity services to a sports wagering certificate holder or sports wagering operator.
So, who are some of the companies that could apply?
- William Hill
- 888
- GAN
- SBTech
- Kambi
- GVC
- Scientific Games
- Sporttech
- Mionmi
- bet365
All of these companies and many more could potentially provide services to land-based license holders in Pennsylvania. In fact, an application from one of these companies could signal that their casino counterpart is also about to apply.
Everyone waiting on PGCB to finalize regulations
However, it is unlikely to see any applications until the PGCB sets its regulatory scheme in stone. Even though land-based casinos have had the option to apply for sports licenses since the end of May, none have done so.
Putting aside any disagreements the casinos have with the proposed regulations, it is simply not prudent to apply before they know what they’re signing up to do. Furthermore, the strategic partners that they have would arguably not apply independently of their land-based counterpart.
However, here are the sports betting partnerships we do know about:
- Kambi – SugarHouse Casinoand Rivers Casino
- SBTech – Presque Isle Downs
- GVC – Valley Forge Casino
- Scientific Games – Hollywood Casino, Meadows Casino, and Mohegan Sun Casino
There is no specific timeline for the adoption of the new regulations. The earliest that such a thing could occur would be at the PGCB meeting scheduled for next week.
Time is something of the essence for the decision, however.
The beginning of football season occurs at the end of summer. So, let’s hope the PGCB understands what that means for sports betting.
