WSOP online closer to launching in Pennsylvania
June 2, 2020 6:22 pm
PokerStars online poker monopoly in Pennsylvania may soon be coming to an end with word that WSOP.com has partnered to enter the mamrket.
World Series of Poker online representatives said they were simply awaiting regulatory approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) before going live in the state.
WSOP, which is played on the 888poker platform, has partnered with Caesars-owned Harrah’s Philadelphia to use their online gambling license.
According to the PGCB, there are just a few more small measures to workout before they give WSOP the go-ahead to launch online. These small measures are reportedly completing the standard background checks the PGCB must undertake to make sure WSOP is complying with all state gambling laws.
When WSOP does launch they will be the second state-regulated online poker site to go live in Pennsylvania. PokerStars Pennsylvania was the first out of the gate in November, 2019 and they’ve have a monopoly over online poker in the state ever since.
This monopoly has been quite lucrative during the COVID-19 pandemic as they set a new record for revenue in March with $3.13 million, only to crush that with another record haul in April when they pulled in $5.25 million.
The emergence of WSOP will no doubt cut into those revenue numbers as will the eventual reopening of brick and mortar casino shutdown by the pandemic.
The arrival of WSOP online in Pennsylvania will also allow residents of the state to take part in WSOP official online events, such as those in the upcoming 2020 World Series of Poker. Currently, those online events are limited only to residents in New Jersey and Nevada, but Pennsylvania should be added to the list not long after WSOP launches.