Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in 2017 but there is still a question as to how many gaming websites (skins) will be allowed to operate. This is the practice of online casinos using multiple domains to promote their offerings which enables them to serve different types of gamblers. For example, one skin could dedicate to poker players while another skin will be for table games or mobile slots.
PA Casino Operators Oppose Use Of Skins
However, there has been an issue about the use of skins. Both Parx and Penn National, two of the gambling operators in the state have stated their objections to the use of skins. Their objections are based on the premise that multiple skins are contrary to the intent of the law. Another objection is that the use of multiple skins allows for an operator to get around license restrictions. The reasoning of these two operators were made clear in a letter which was recently submitted to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
However, iGaming operators interested in setting up operations in Pennsylvania were quick to respond. 888Holdings sent in a letter of their own in response to Parx and Penn National’s objections.
888Holdings Makes Its Case For Using Skins
Written by CEO Itai Freiberger, the letter lays out the argument for supporting multiple skins, while also establishing 888Holding’s reputation as a global leader in online gambling platforms. The letter also outlined the need for confidence in a legitimate, safe experience for online sites. The main thrust of the letter focuses on the 888 partnership with the Mount Airy Casino Resort and the resort wanted to benefit from the brand power of the 888 brand.
In a statement, Freiberger said “Allowing our partner to use not only its own brand but ours as well, would allow our partner to benefit from our international brand-recognition and marketing efforts, and will also inform players that they will be enjoying a world-class and popular offering.”
Freiberger also emphasizes that other jurisdictions have experienced healthy competition because of the multi-brand approach. The result was increased market size, which contributed to larger gaming revenues. Overall, the argument was that more sites meant more revenue. This isn’t the first time that the multi-skins approach received support. A powerful online gambling lobbying group known as iDEA Growth has also sent a letter to support multiple skins.
Both sides have made strong points and the PGCB has to consider them all if they want to figure out how many skins should be awarded to each operator.
