Online gambling hovers in Pennsylvania, as lawmakers in the state are taking the usual measured steps before working on legislations that will see the legalization of Internet-based gambling in the region. In light of the likely possibility that legislators will approve remote gambling operations within its territorial jurisdiction, Philadelphia’s Parx Casino is prepping up by launching a simulated online gambling site before the end of 2014.
Parx Casino is by far the leading casino operator in Pennsylvania for gaining about 30 percent share of the state’s gambling market. With that kind of lead, Parx Casino owner Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment Inc. (GGEI) is not resting on its present achievements, but is proactively paving the way for the arrival of real money online gambling in the Keystone State.
The Parx Casino online simulation project involves the setting up of an infrastructure that will offer simulated casino games accessible nationwide, in which U.S. players use and receive play money as bets and winnings. The primary purpose is to have a web-based gaming facility running efficiently on a platform, ready to receive the support and key features required of a regulated remote betting facility. That way, transitioning into a real money online gambling site will be smooth, quick, and easy, once Internet-based gambling becomes legal in the state.
John Dixon the Chief Technology Officer at GGEI communicated this when he commented, “Parx Casino will have the opportunity to launch simulated gaming nationwide before year’s end and be well prepared in the event regulation of real-money internet gaming emerges in the state of Pennsylvania.”
The project is already in the works, as GGEI has announced that GameAccount Network has been selected as the software and services provider for the casino’s simulated and optimized play money gaming platform. GameAccount is considered a wise choice because the B2B gaming software company provides the New Jersey-based Betfair gaming platform, which immediately received the approval of NJ regulators right after the state’s soft-play launch. GameAccount also provides simulated gaming technology and services to Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, to Empire City Casino in New York and to Osage Casino in Oklahoma.
Another company selected by GGEI for the remote gaming simulation project is Williams Interactive for its selection of free-to-play versions of WMS casino games, which will see integration in the GameAccount platform. The selection of popular play-for-fun Williams Interactive games can be accessed via desktop and iOS or Android supported mobile devices.
In a separate occasion, GGEI CTO John Dixon explained, “Our aim is to continue building an engaged online player community in the near term, while positioning our operation for any potential future legalization of iGaming.”
On a different note, Robert “Bob” Green, the Chairman and President of Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment had expressed skepticism about the online gambling initiative, as the move pre-empts the outcome of the state lawmakers’ legislative actions and decisions. Still, CEO Green prefers to stay ahead rather than be left behind in the event that regulated online gambling does arrive in Pennsylvania. Although Mr. Green has been quoted before as opposed to iGaming, he made it clear that Parx Casino will not opt out when it becomes legal in the Keystone State.
