Legal online casino in Pennsylvania is booming these days. State gaming figures relayed that PA online casinos generated close to $60 million in revenue during the month of October. Heading into the month of December, there were 12 different online casino operators up and running in the state.
Lucky 13 made its official launch with BetMGM going live on Dec. 4. A market leader in the New Jersey online casino industry, this operator is now offering its mobile casino app to Keystone State players. This is one of the few online casinos that does not have a direct tie to a land-based venue in PA.
In 2018, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) began to issue licenses for qualified gaming entities (QGE). This gave approved operators the ability to offer active online casino wagering through a specific iGaming app.
The state offers three different gaming certificates. One for slots, one for table games and one for poker room apps. Each certificate is available at a cost of $4 million. BetMGM will offer both slots and table games online.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt issued the following company statement:
“With more than 140 different games, including our own in-house progressive jackpot network, we’re delivering the widest range of content currently available in the state. Alongside MGM Resorts and its M life Rewards program, BetMGM will provide players with a truly unique entertainment experience.”
PA will be the fourth market for BetMGM’s iGaming portfolio. Its mobile iGaming app was already up and running for Nevada casinos, West Virginia casinos, and, of course, NJ.
As a natural progression of its iGaming app, BetMGM is preparing to launch its mobile sports betting app in Pennsylvania. No specific launch date has been set but the company stated it will offer mobile sports betting “in the coming weeks.”
The state law for QGE’s does not include sports betting. Interested parties need to obtain a separate sports betting license. BetMGM is waiting for the PGCB to approve its application.
Back in November, BetMGM announced a new strategic sponsorship agreement with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. This gives the operator promotional and advertising opportunities at Heinz Field as the team’s home stadium.
The new deal includes the team’s pregame radio show. BetMGM will also run television and radio commercials in any team shows. There will be a sweepstakes contest that offers a grand prize of two club-level season tickets and two VIP hospitality tent passes for the next 10 years.
Matt Prevost is the Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM. He released the following statement on behalf of this company initiative:
“We’re eager to launch BetMGM’s gaming offer in Pennsylvania, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off our entry into the state than through this monumental partnership.”
PA will be the seventh state with BetMGM sports betting operations. It is already licensed as a Nevada book, New Jersey book, West Virginia book, Indiana book, and Colorado book. Its most recent launch was as a Tennessee sportsbook on Nov. 1.
Future plans beyond the Keystone State launch have targeted Michigan sportsbooks as its next goal.
