PGCB Decide on iGaming Skins Issue

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board have decided to place no limit on the number of skins an online gambling license holder can have.

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board decided on a question that has floated around the upcoming online gambling industry in the state; gaming skins. The board provided temporary online gambling regulations on Tuesday, citing the interactive gaming skins will not be limited.

In a press release on the subject, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Executive Director, Kevin O’Toole, commented that during the meeting on the 4^th, the board decided to approve the temporary regulations that will create an open and competitive market for online gaming.

With the regulations, there will be no limit on the number of skins a slot machine license holder can provide to offer online gaming. However, every skin will need to be branded in a way that will make it clear the site is being offered by the license holder consistent with the language of the act.

Patterned after New Jersey

When reviewing the online gaming regulations temporarily in place by the board, it seems that the regulations have been patterned after the online casinos in operation within New Jersey. In NJ, the online gaming licensees, the land-based venues, are able to launch five different online gaming platforms. Each platform can then launch as many individual website URLs as they like.

It appears that in Pennsylvania, the platforms and skins are not limited. One difference in both states is that Pennsylvania will be clearly identifying the parent license holder. The regulations state that all interactive gaming skins have to clearly identify the interactive gaming certificate holder at all times. The information must be displayed on the screen for players to see.

With the announcement of these new temporary online gaming regulations, it brings players one step closer to being able to enjoy their favorite casino games as well as poker. Up next for the state should be the announcements being made of casinos who wish to take part in online gaming. Many analysts felt that land-based operators in Pennsylvania were waiting to see how many skins would be allowed before announcing their involvement in the industry.

One the announcement of interest begins, land-based casinos should begin revealing who they will be partnered with. Based on what we know so far, it seems that Harrah’s will be working with 888 while Hollywood Casino may become involved and work with Scientific Games/NYX. The Mohegan Sun is definitely interested and has plans to work with Scientific Games/NYX in offering online casino gaming.

Parx Casino will be working with GAN while the Presque Isle venue has yet to announce a partner and could possibly be creating and in-house platform. SugarHouse already offers online gaming in New Jersey, so they will definitely be involved in the industry in Pennsylvania. They have partnered with Rush Street Interactive to offer services.

With the regulations in place, operators from out of state can now begin partnerships with land-based casinos in the state. With no limits on skins, such operators will have the ability to offer a site after partnering with a casino.

Things seem to be moving right along in PA when it comes to online gaming. Players have been anxiously awaiting having access to online casino games and it now seems the experience is moving closer and closer to fruition. We will continue to stay updated on this process and report findings and information as they are made available.