In mid-July Mount Airy officially applied for a license to operate real money online gambling in the state of Pennsylvania. The casino now waits for a likely approval sometime over the next few months meaning Pennsylvanians could be playing on the Mount Airy online casino before the end of 2018.
Here are seven facts you need to know about the online casino at Mount Airy.
The Mount Airy online casino license could be live by the end of the year
PA casinos that have not yet applied to offer online gambling are allowed to apply for online gambling licenses for another month. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will make a determination on online casino licenses after 90 days. If Mount Airy is ready to go — which is still a big “if” — we could see an online casino at Mount Airy by the end of 2018.
The online gambling license costs $10 million
Mount Airy applied for a license that costs $10 million and covers major forms of online casinos gambling. Despite the steep price tag, this figure was still a $2 million savings compared to buying three individual licenses for $4 million each.
Online poker, table games and online slots are among games that could be offered
The Mount Airy online gambling license would allow the casino to offer online poker, table games (blackjack, craps, pai gow etc) and a selection of interactive slot games.
Only Pennsylvanians over the age of 21 can play
Online gambling law that passed last October would require Pennsylvanians to be at least 21 years of age to play. In addition, the state of Pennsylvania will also require players to be physically located within the state before they can play. Geo-location and identity verification technology will be used to prevent unauthorized players from playing.
Mount Airy is likely to partner with 888 for casino and poker software
Online gambling software provider 888 partnered with Mount Airy a few years ago in preparation for eventual Pennsylvania online gambling. We fully expect that partnership to continue when online casinos are approved. 888 is a well0known provider and operator of online casinos and poker in Europe as well as in regulated markets in the United States such as Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada.
Eight other Pennsylvania casinos have applied for a license
In addition to Mount Airy, eight other PA casinos have applied for a $10 million license before the deadline. Joining Mount Airy were Parx Casino, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Hollywood Casino, Volley Forge, Harrah’s Phildelphia, Rivers Casino and SugarHouse.
Online casino licenses should be approved by the end of 2018. While you wait, Pennsylvanians can join the PA iLottery and even receive a free $5 to try them out.