We finally know where those remaining PA online casino licenses will likely wind up.
According to a recent report, US gaming giant MGM Resorts International has thrown their hat in the ring when it comes to PA-based online gaming.
We also know that MGM has made a bid for at least one of the available PA online casino licenses.
But is that all they’re after?
Three’s better than one
Turns out MGM has its sights set even higher than just dipping a single toe in the PA online gaming waters.
Thanks to Online Poker Report, we now know that MGM filed paperwork with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) for all three categories of the remaining licenses.
The only other applicant from outside the state seeking PA interactive gaming licenses is Golden Nugget.
Unlike Golden Nugget, MGM wants to claim to all three of the $4 million licenses, which are online slots, online table games, and online poker. Golden Nugget wants table games and slots, but no poker.
MGM previously tried to buy Sands Bethlehem
This actually isn’t the first foray MGM has made into PA gaming.
Back in 2017, the casino conglomerate attempted to buy Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem for $1.3 billion.
But that deal fell through, leaving MGM to seek other avenues of entry.
One such path involved partnering with Boyd Gaming on online gaming initiatives.
In New Jersey, MGM has already launched playMGM-branded online casino and online poker sites. This came not long after MGM took full control of The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
MGM is also rumored to be a potential suitor for Stadium Casino in PA, which is still in the process of being built. And while there’s no confirmation either way, it’s probably safe to say that MGM is serious about joining the PA gaming push.
Whether or not that includes a physical casino presence remains to be seen.
What happens with the leftover licenses?
Somebody’s going to lay claim to these someday, we swear.
For a quick recap, here are the licenses remaining up for grabs:
- 3 for online slots
- 3 for online table games
- 5 for online poker
The PGCB opened an exclusive window for qualified gaming entities (QGEs) from outside PA to apply for the available licenses.
That deadline passed on Oct. 31.
As of now, there are still no PA sports betting licenses available to these QGE applicants.
With only MGM and Golden Nugget applying, they should each be able to get all the licenses the want, pending PGCB approval.
The earliest we can expect news on that front is Nov. 28, which is when the next PGCB meeting will be held.