Pennsylvania has dedicated this year to major changes when it comes to its gambling field and its improvement. This is happening through the introduction of legal sports wagering across the state casino venues and its proper regulation, as well as the construction of satellite casino venues. Both sectors saw development recently shedding more light on their future.
Sports betting has been among the leading topics across the states ever since the US Supreme Court made official its decision to overturn PASPA and put an end to its crippling influence across the field. This meant that the state of Pennsylvania was quick to pass the framework needed in order to ensure that it is in for the big cashes expected. As the need for filling in the gap in the state budget was looming over the sector, green light was given to betting on sports events.
Legalizing sports betting is not enough for the gambling activity to launch, even though it is a vital step forward. Casino operators developing in Pennsylvania have not been in a hurry to commence operation, as it has been recently confirmed by State Representative, Pat Harkins. One of the reasons for this considerable delay in the launch of operation comes from the breathtaking tax on sports wagering amounting to 36 percent, which is the highest percentage across all proposed and approved regulations.
There are 12 casino developers in operation that now have the chance to sign up for the sports wagering licenses and make a move. It should be taken into account that the permit for operating sports bar reaches $10 million. There has been a William Hill US’ statement roaming round which pretty much sums up the overall attitude towards the field in Pennsylvania. Dan Shapiro, President of Business Development stated recently that considering the taxes rates and the considerably high price for a gaming licensing, other states might provide more profitable alternative for operation.
Satellite Casinos and Sports Betting Might Boost Field
Just like in many other states, the official start of 2018 NFL Season is set as a deadline for sport wagering operation launch and such is the case here. The general opinion is that once the larger casino resorts to the liking of Las Vegas Sands, Holdings Acquisition Co., or Rush Street Gaming make their way into the sector and acquire such licensing, more companies would make the move. Along with the brick-and-mortar sports betting operation, they would also be allowed to develop online betting.
Even though concerns regarding the tax rates have been expressed in front of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board by the NFL Senior Vice President Jocelyn Moore, regulator refused to revise the regulation. In the meantime, another important step in the gambling expansion across the state is the mini-casino construction.
According to the most recent announcement, Mount Airy Casino Resort’s operator has inked a partnership deal with The Stars Group which would aim to introduce sports betting and poker offerings under the brand PokerStars. This would be the second state offering PokerStars’ wide array of offerings, following online operation in New Jersey in collaboration with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.
Operation is going to take place at the new mini-casino which would be built in Beaver County. It is projected to launch operation towards the end of 2019. When it comes to sports betting partnerships across the state, Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, the developer behind Parx Casino in Bensalem, Bucks County recently announced its partnership with GAN.
In an attempt to bring sports wagering to its property, as well as provide online betting to its customers, this partnership paves the way for future development.
