Sports betting moved one step closer to reality in Pennsylvania with one of the largest iGaming tech providers striking a deal with a local brick-and-mortar casino.
“In partnership with Mount Airy Casino Resort, we believe we’re well positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the Commonwealth by bringing our world-leading offerings to Pennsylvania players,” said Matt Primeaux, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations, the USA at the Stars Group.
The deal encompasses the full spectrum of online gambling: casinos, poker, and sports betting. The Stars Group is renowned for their poker platforms (which were present in the US prior to the Black Friday fiasco) and has developed full-scale plans to integrate sports betting into their software.
This is the third confirmed case of online gambling offerings in the Keystone State. Parx had an existing iGaming partnership with GAN, which was amended to include online sports betting. Rush Street, the owner of both SugarHouse and Rivers casino venues, has entered into a deal with Kambi.
Mount Airy believes their partnership with TSG will be mutually beneficial. They see this as a way to tap into a new market of gamblers.
“Introducing internet gaming through The Stars Group will provide compelling opportunities for our customers, particularly our younger customers, who are ready to experience the next gaming challenge,” said Vincent Jordan, Vice President of Marketing and Gaming Operations for Mount Airy.
From a technological standpoint, TSG already has plans mapped out for successful integration into their existing proprietary iGaming software package. These plans include hosting a single account for players with access to online casinos, poker, and sports betting. Players will also be able to utilize a digital wallet with multiple deposit and withdrawal methods.
TSG’s venture, PokerStars, is being heralded as the backdrop for the Mount Airy platform. PokerStars has been on a rocky road since the Black Friday incident back in 2011, but this deal pushes them back into the forefront.
The Stars Group has a relationship with Resorts Atlantic City in New Jersey, creating a multi-state poker player pool. TSG has yet to announce any plans for a possible interstate sports betting network.
Mount Airy’s casino deal coupled with the New Jersey holdings contribute to a growing case for mainstream success for TSG in the United States.
“We’re excited to take this next step as The Stars Group looks to broaden its presence in the United States,” said Primeaux.
A launch date has not been officially announced as of yet.