According to an email that went out to select customers, Bally Casino is now active as the newest PA online casino.
There has been talk of several online casinos making their way to the PA market in 2023. Bally’s launch appears to be near, as the message stated that the company is granting early access to select customers and is not yet fully operational.
The inclusion of Bally’s makes Pennsylvania one of the most diverse states, with 20 online casino platforms to choose from.
Details of Bally Casino PA soft launch
Bally Casino did not announce a full launch in Pennsylvania. Certain customers have “been granted early access” to sign up and take advantage of promotions.
In the email, Bally’s says: “While we’ll be opening 24/7 public access soon, your exclusive early access pass will unlock our unrivaled casino thrills early during the following times.”
There were periods earlier this week where some PA online casino players had access to the app. June 7 is the last period of Bally’s “soft launch.”
It is unclear exactly when Bally Casino will officially launch to the public in Pennsylvania. We will provide updates as soon as they become available.
How Bally’s entered the PA online casino market
Bally Casino applied for a PA license through a petition as a Qualified Gaming Entity (QGE). The QGE allows out-of-state operators to apply for an iGaming license without partnering with a land-based casino.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reopened QGE applications on Jan. 3, and Bally was the first operator to apply.
On March 22, the PGCB granted Bally Casino’s petition to launch in the Keystone State.
The newest online casino will offer slots and table games, but not poker.
Bally’s online casino is a separate entity from the land-based casino attempting to break ground near Penn State’s campus. There are a series of lawsuits involving winning bidder SC Gaming, losing bidder Stadium Casino and the PGCB. In the latest developments, a PA judge denied stay requests for both sides, as the case will be heard at the Commonwealth Court until further notice.
The latest ruling had no effect on Bally’s online casino launch.
Pennsylvania now offers 20 online casinos
When Bally Casino inevitably launches, Pennsylvania will have 20 online casinos, which is second among states where they are legal. New Jersey has 32 different options for players.
Tropicana Casino PA, under the Caesars brand, was the latest online casino to launch last month.
Because of the QGE application, Bally’s will be one of the first online casinos to launch without a partnership with a land-based casino. PlayLive! Casino is the only other online platform to launch before its land-based partner opened.
Bally Casino enters a crowded, but rich field of online casinos in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State has been producing record-breaking revenue numbers as of late, with more room to expand:
- October 2022: $151.7 million*
- November 2022: $155.9 million*
- December 2022: $166.9 million*
- January 2023: $160.3 million
- February 2023: $162.3 million
- March 2023: $181.5 million*
- April 2023: $167.2 million
*indicates US iGaming record broken
Here is a list of all available online casinos in PA:
| Online Casino | Date of launch |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino | July 2019 |
| Parx Casino | July 2019 |
| PlaySugarHouse Casino (Rivers Philadelphia) | July 2019 |
| PokerStars (Mount Airy Casino) | November 2019 |
| Unibet (Mohegan Sun) | November 2019 |
| FanDuel (Valley Forge) | January 2020 |
| Bet America (Presque Isle) | January 2020 |
| BetRivers (Rivers Philadelphia) | January 2020 |
| Caesars (Harrah's Philadelphia) | April 2020 |
| DraftKings Casino (Hollywood Casino) | May 2020 |
| Wind Creek Casino | July 2020 |
| PlayLive! (Live! Casino Philadelphia) | August 2020 |
| BetMGM (Hollywood Casino) | December 2020 |
| Borgata (Rivers Casino Philadelphia) | Feb. 2021 |
| Stardust Casino (Valley Forge Casino) | April 2021 |
| Barstool (Hollywood Casino) | April 2021 |
| Betway (Live! Casino Philadelphia) | July 2021 |
| PointsBet (Hollywood Casino) | April 2022 |
| Tropicana (Caesars) | April 2023 |
| Bally Casino (QGE petition) | June 2023 |
| Golden Nugget (QGE) | August 2023 |
