Pennsylvania is ready to welcome renowned online poker powered by The Stars Group, greenlighting PokerStars and PokerStars Casino. On a state level, PokerStars would be a pioneer since it is the first online poker site targeting local poker fans. The official launch comes more than two years after Pennsylvania lawmakers gave their nod to a set of regulations legalizing online gaming in October 2017.
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board mandates the platform’s two-day soft launch. Toronto-based The Stars Group is known for its premium online poker offerings around the globe, as well as its live tournaments attracting a crowd due to their hefty prize pools. Pennsylvania is among the states regulating online gaming and allowing players to enjoy a well-rounded gambling experience, featuring mobile sports wagering. Online poker saw its soft launch this week offering players a test drive.
Online Poker Is Live
Once the two-day mandatory test period is completed, PokerStars and PokerStars Casino would see their official launch. This is projected to happen on November 6. FOX Bet and Mount Airy Casino Resort closely monitor the process, guaranteeing premium poker action and taking care of any minor issues that may occur. The two-day soft launch is a mandatory condition that would show player engagement rates.
Poker fans had the opportunity to enjoy online poker action between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Monday. November brings poker action from 2 p.m. all the way till midnight, available both for Android and iOS users across the Keystone State. Todd Greenberg, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at Mount Airy Casino Resort, stated that Pennsylvania players would soon have the chance to enjoy premium online poker thanks to the partnership.
PokerStars launched with bonuses similar to the ones available for New Jersey players – US$30 free play with the use of a special promo code, as well as a 100-percent deposit bonus up to US$600. The first day of this soft launch saw some 12 online tournaments featuring buy-ins ranging from US$5 to US$20.
FOX Bet Prospers in Pennsylvania
November 7 would see daily US$1,000 welcome freerolls paving the way for a grand US$20,000 welcome freeroll on November 17. PokerStars Casino would also offer quite the treat to local players. Earlier this month High 5 Games announced it has teamed up with the Toronto-based online leader in order to elevate the player experience at PokerStars Casino with its gaming titles.
Projections are that online gaming in Pennsylvania would be able to generate gaming revenue reaching US$300 million, as well as US$260 million in tax revenue. Sports wagering in the state managed to reach over US$194.5 million in bets placed in September, according to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s report. FOX Bet is the sports betting operator that managed to take the state by a storm following its launch on September 5.
Pennsylvania players are able to wager online, while also utilizing FOX Sports platform enhanced by expert commentaries from experts Cousin Sal, Todd Fuhrman, and Clay Travis. Soon after the official launch, FOX Bet announced it became an authorized gaming operator of Major League Baseball in the US, giving it access to official data.