Blythe Hollywood Casino Launching Online Poker in Pennsylvania

Hollywood Casino was the first to launch online casino gaming in Pennsylvania on July 15th. While players wait for online poker to go live, it seems Hollywood Casino might repeat history. The casino has stated that it hopes to be the first one to have its online poker platform live by the end of 2019.

News Highlights

Hollywood Casino launched legal online casino games on July 15th.
Representatives of Hollywood Casino plan to launch online poker by the end of this year.
Other leading online poker platforms are expected to launch in the Keystone State.

A Look at Hollywood Casino’s Online Platform

Hollywood Casino is among the seven casino license holders that were approved for an online gambling license in all three of the categories. The permit consists of interactive games—slots, table games, and online poker. Back in 2018, the casino got the green light from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board after paying $10 million for an interactive gaming license.

Software Partnership

Soon after receiving approval, Penn National Gaming, Hollywood Casino’s parent company, struck a five-year deal with IGT. The leading online and land-based gaming supplier offers a complete portfolio of gambling products. The list includes slots, bingo, as well as online poker. It’s safe to say that the casino will use the IGT online poker platform when the launch date arrives.

Other Online Poker Operators Expected in Pennsylvania

On July 31st, Penn National Gaming signed a multi-year agreement with four leading online gaming operators, including The Stars Group. The agreement gives partners the option to own, operate, and brand real-money online sports betting, poker, and casino offerings in each of the states where such activities are legal.

We’re working with our partners and the authorities to finalize plans and bring our leading brands to PA’s players as soon as possible.

Party Poker Takes an Interest

Hollywood Casino and PokerStars are not the only poker operators setting their sights on the Keystone state. Another major online poker platform, Party Poker, may also appear in Pennsylvania, but as of now, its status is unclear. Party Poker’s parent company, GVC Holdings, has applied for interactive gaming, but it still awaits approval from the regulator as of today.

888 Casino Watching From the Sideline

Another operator that is expected to offer online poker is 888 Casino. However, it seems that they are not as eager as the other operators. A representative stated the following:

We continue to monitor the developments in Pennsylvania however our focus remains with New Jersey and other markets in which we operate at this time

Why is Pennsylvania Online Poker Taking So Long to Launch?

Many residents in the Keystone State are wondering why online poker is still not available. Everything points to state regulators giving preference to online slots and table games. This is because they generate more tax revenue and are easier to regulate than online poker.