PGCB Reopens Application Period For PA Online Casino Licenses for QGEs
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The petition season for qualified gaming entity (QGE) applications in the state has been reopened, as it was reported by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on December 27. Operators can apply for one of three certifications for Pennsylvania online casinos from January 3, 2023, until March 3, 2023.
These QGEs are distinct from standard iGaming licenses in that they don’t call for affiliations with Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos. This gives other online casino operators that are based outside of Pennsylvania the chance to provide gaming through their applications in the Keystone State.
There are a total of 12 $4 million certificates left in Pennsylvania. Three slots, three table games, and six PA online poker applications are still available, according to the PGCB.
QGEs enable additional betting providers to enter Pennsylvania without collaborating with an existing retail casino. Instead of claiming an online skin from a land-based license holder, they can basically work under their own license.
Several well-known operators have already submitted applications in an effort to qualify as QGEs in PA. The petition period has now been made available for the second time by the PGCB, the first time being in 2018 when the board approved just one entity.
The operator in question is Golden Nugget Casino, which is still working to obtain complete authorization to operate as a QGE.
Additionally, BetMGM Casino first submitted its application in January 2019 as a QGE before changing its approach. It finally reached an agreement to secure its internet platforms, which included an online sportsbook, with both Morgantown and Hollywood Casino Penn National.
This process was created by the Gaming Expansion Act of 2017 to let out-of-state gaming businesses launch their offerings. In all, PA offers 39 of these licenses for interactive gaming, with 13 for each category (table games, slots, poker).
