PGCB Introduces 12 Certificate QGE Process

QGE certificates exclude online sports betting, which may deter operators.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) opened a fresh time for Qualified Gaming Entities (QGEs) to apply to conduct online gambling enterprises from outside Pennsylvania this week.

Independent Poker and Casino Licenses
On January 3, 2023, the PGCB will distribute 12 QGE certificates unrelated to Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos.

The new offer excludes internet sports betting. Three of the six online casino licenses allow slot and table games. each certificate.

Under 10 land-based casino licenses, 18 internet casinos operate in the state. iGaming companies cannot function as QGEs.

Only Golden Nugget and BetMGM applied for 10 PGCB certificates in 2018—four for poker, three for slots, and three for table games. The Keystone State gambling regulator is announcing its second QGE application process.

First QGE Needs Certificate
Golden Nugget paid $8 million for one of the certificates but still doesn’t have one. BetMGM collaborated with Hollywood Casino Penn National and Morgantown to offer sports betting and other internet gambling.

In its latest annual report, the regulator hinted at approving 10 more internet casinos the next year. QGE certificate demand is unknown.

The PGCB began licensing six online operators—Bally Bet, Fanatics, Fubo, PlayStar, Golden Nugget, and WynnBET—in September. It suggested MaximBet and Betfred were interested.

Six proposals were for land-based casinos. Some applicants may rethink their plans to seek a license now that the new QGE certifications are available, although it’s unclear how long the PGCB would take to perform a background check before issuing a certificate.

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