PokerStars may soon lose its monopoly in Pennsylvania when it comes to online poker services. This week, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will review the application for services of the NSUS Group, Inc. This is the parent company of GGPoker. The group has applied for an Interactive Gaming Manufacture License.
If approved, the company would be able to offer online poker and casino services in the state. However, to start offering services, a land-based partner is needed or a company that is considered a Qualified Gaming Entity.
Huge Move
GGPoker is a top-rated online poker platform and has quickly become a top choice among international poker players. Last year, the operator rose to fame after creating the GGMasters. The brand continues to launch new and exciting format options at its site, including the recent addition of the tournament variant Flip & Go.
The World Series of Poker began working with the brand last year, launching its Online Series as well as offering gold ring and bracelet events. The site really took off at this time, as players logged in from around the world to compete in major WSOP events.
The meeting with the Gaming Control Board takes place this morning. It will be live-streamed on YouTube for those who want to tune in. If GGPoker is approved, it will be the first time the operator offers services in the United States.
Who Will Launch First?
Since November 2019, the only poker room option in Pennsylvania has been PokerStars. Other operators have been approved for licensing but have not launched yet. Last September, 888 gained approval by the Board. Despite the approval, 888 and WSOP have not launched services or provided a time frame for players to expect gaming to begin.
BetMGM was also approved late last year and has not launched services. This brand works with partypoker and Borgata Poker. So, will these brands be the first to get going in Pennsylvania’s online poker market, or will it be GGPoker if approval is given?
Only time will tell, but we can expect the online poker market to grow exponentially this year as the many operators who have been approved for licensing get started with services.