Caesars Opens Online Casino in PA – Is Online Poker On The Way?

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While the majority of the poker world focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic or the ongoing Poker Masters Online series, there have been big developments in Pennsylvania. On Thursday, Caesars Casino & Sportsbook PA launched for desktop and Android devices.

Why is this important? It is important because it is the first step in what many expect to be the launch of WSOP.com in Pennsylvania. With the future of the 2020 WSOP in limbo, we could see Caesars speed up the launch to coincide with the upcoming Summer poker series to be offered by the WSOP.

Limited Launch to Start

On Thursday, Caesars became the ninth online casino and sportsbook to launch in Pennsylvania. The site initially launched for Android devices only and then later the casino and sportsbook became available for PC users. Apple users will have to wait a bit as the Apple Store has yet to approve the app.

The casino is somewhat barebones presently with just 12 online slot games available. This is similar to other online casinos in Pennsylvania, but that number will grow in the coming weeks. The important thing is that the casino is finally online and ready to accept players.

Caesars was one of two licensees that had yet to launch. Online casino gambling went online back in July 2019, but only three casinos were ready. Since then, five additional properties launch casinos. However, the only online poker site to launch to date is PokerStars.

As online casino play booms in Pennsylvania, Caesars is getting in on the action. @GaryRotstein on the newest addition to PA's selection of online casinos: https://t.co/19jLqHfPfA pic.twitter.com/JDrmejfhjH

— Penn Bets (@PennBets) April 22, 2020

When Will WSOP.com Launch?

The launch of online casino gambling in Pennsylvania has many wondering when Caesars will go ahead and launch WSOP.com. Presently, WSOP.com operates in Nevada and Delaware, and with the Summer almost here, some think that WSOP.com PA is about to launch.

As reported prior, the WSOP is delayed until the Fall. When the delay was announced, WSOP officials revealed that they are holding a Summer tournament series. While some figure that this will be an international affair, it is possible that WSOP.com in the United States could get involved.

How that will work is anyone’s guess as PA regulators have not given approval for Caesars to join the interstate online poker network between NV, DE, and NJ. Even if WSOP.com PA launches, it would be ringfenced to PA only, at least for now.

What About 888 PA?

Caesars also has a partnership with 888 Holdings and 888 operates in both Delaware and New Jersey. They also power the interstate network that includes WSOP.com NV, WSOP.com NJ, and Delaware online poker.

The question now is whether 888 will open up shop in Pennsylvania. It makes more sense to run a single online poker brand, especially if it is unlikely that regulators will allow interstate online poker. However, if this changes, you could see 888 launch as part of an eventual integration to the interstate online poker network.

Don’t Expect Changes Until Wire Act Case is Settled

Unfortunately, we probably won’t see regulators take any action towards relaxing guidelines until the Wire Act trial is resolved. As you may already know, PA regulators decided to structure online gambling to adhere to the new Wire Act memo being litigated in federal court.

Since an appeal on the matter is ongoing, it is unlikely that regulators will take any action. Rather, they will hedge their bets in the unlikely event that the DOJ is able to come out the victor. With the COVID-19 pandemic slowing down everything worldwide, we may not see a resolution to his matter in 2020. Instead, it will likely be sometime in 2021 before the trial is resolved.

For now, we can eagerly anticipate the launch of WSOP.com. We will keep you updated as this story unfolds.