- BetMGM’s request to launch an online casino was discussed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) at a meeting last week.
- The meeting was not a licensing hearing but is another step in the direction of a potential launch.
- MGM announced major investments in Roar Digital to handle its online gaming and sports betting platform.
HARRISBURG, Pa.- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) conducted a meeting in which the primary discussions surrounded approving MGM Resorts Internationals petition for launching its online casino in PA.
The meeting was the first step towards an eventual licensing hearing, showing that the Keystone State is interested in the popular casino operator.
MGM has also been investing in companies like Roar Digital to take over its online gambling and sports betting operations going forward.
BetMGM in Pennsylvania
MGM Resorts International has been working towards launching its BetMGM online casino in Pennsylvania for some time now. MGM’s application status has been pending since March 2019.
Pennsylvania offers fully regulated gambling within its borders and has several applications in limbo. This meeting held by the PGCB shows that finally, after over a year of waiting, Pennsylvania is now looking to embrace the popular gambling provider.
The meeting itself covered a slight issue that has arisen during the application process.
MGM Resorts International hired a former PGCB member which conflicts Pennsylvania guidelines. No company is allowed to apply for a gaming license if they hire an employee who worked in the license issuing or other gaming license-related work within the state.
This is a conflict of interest and is illegal under Pennsylvania law.
The situation was easily rectified, however, as MGM agreed to pay an $87,500 fine and agree to updated training in the hiring process.
With this issue off of the table, the next meeting should involve the PGCB approving the launch of BetMGM’s USA online gambling casino platform.
The date for the licensing hearing has not been set as of yet, but Pennsylvania residents should be excited to have a new regulated casino on the horizon.