During a recent Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Meeting, DraftKings petitioned for an Interactive Gaming Operator License to offer online casino gaming in the state. They were approved and are now ready to get started if a soft launch is successful. The software launch started on Wednesday and ran from 2 to 10 pm then again on Thursday from 1 to 11 pm. It is expected that DraftKings will be live 24/7 later on today.
Moving Ahead:
DraftKings was able to fill out an online gambling application in Pennsylvania due to its partnership with Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. An agreement was made based on the deal the brand has with Penn National Gaming.
The online gaming operator is no stranger to Pennsylvania, having launched a mobile sports betting app in November 2019. According to the source, they offer this service via a partnership with the Meadows Racetrack, which is another property of Penn National.
Online Casino Success:
DraftKings already offers an online casino in New Jersey, and the one in Pennsylvania will most likely be similar to that offering. DraftKings NJ provides a nice selection of slot games along with video poker and table games. They also offer a live dealer section. In April, the company saw a huge jump in player activity due to the coronavirus.
As retail casinos began to shut down, players moved their gameplay online. DraftKings saw a 34% increase in player traffic in just a two-week time frame as players logged online.
Once the fantasy sports provider is operating officially in PA, it will mark the 8th online gaming operator for the state.