Pennsylvania builds sports betting framework

The local gambling regulator passed a set of temporary regulations to bring sports betting to life in Pennsylvania.

US.- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board passed on Wednesday the first set of temporary regulations to start running sports betting operations in the state. While some people were expecting operations to be available for the first game of the NBA Finals that will take place on Thursday night, there are still some steps that need to be taken in order for the state to finally offer the gambling modality.

Spokesman Doug Harbach said that the rules adopted are the first step to get the Gaming Control Board organised to regulate sports betting. More temporary regulations are expected to be brought before the board next month and in July, and would give casinos rules to run operations. Under Pennsylvania laws, casinos are the only facilities allowed to run sports betting operations.

Wednesday’s regulations establish that casinos operators are technically allowed to start working on their applications for sports betting licences. They would need to show that they’re financially available to run a sports book, and have the experience and appropriate systems in place to do so. Once the board receives the application it has 120 days by law to do background checks and system reviews to issue a licence.

“We intend to move as quickly as possible, but at the same time remember that our role is to protect the public, so we’re not going to unleash sports betting in the Commonwealth until we have this right,” Harbach said.