BetMGM awarded online gaming, sports betting licenses in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) on Wednesday approved both interactive gaming operator and sports wagering operator licenses for BetMGM.

After online gambling was legalized in Pennsylvania in late 2017, not every retail casino in the state decided to seek licenses. Therefore, the PGCB opened up applications to out-of-state companies to operate online casinos in Pennsylvania as qualified gaming entities (QGE).

Delaware-based BetMGM LLC had originally made its application as a QGE in January 2019, Play Pennsylvania reports. Later in October 2019, MGM paid $12 million in order to offer all three online gambling verticals: slots, table games and poker.

BetMGM later decided not to apply as a QGE, but rather to seek a land-based partner. Such a move enables BetMGM to add sports wagering as well, an option not open to QGE applicants. Following the completion of work by the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, the Bureau of Licensing was able to supply the PGCB with all the needed background and suitability reports on BetMGM. On Wednesday, the entire board voted unanimously to approve the applications. The next step for BetMGM will be to establish a land-based partnership in order to launch in the state.

BetMGM operates online poker in partnership with GVC Holdings under the ROAR Digital brand. ROAR currently operates partypoker in New Jersey, and eventually, it will also be ready to operate the new partypoker in Pennsylvania.