July 24, 2024 3 min read

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bet365 Receives Final PGCB Approval, Launches in Pennsylvania

bet365 has officially launched its sports betting and casino services in Pennsylvania, one year and a half after inking the multi-year agreement with Presque Isle Downs & Casino that gave it approval to enter the market

Pennsylvania stepped into the legal online sports betting era five years ago. Ever since, the market welcomed and bid farewell to a number of operators. The freshest name to join the roster is bet365

The 2000-founded leading global betting brand with more than 7,000 employees and over 90 million global customers has officially launched in the Keystone State after receiving the final approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

A Methodical Approach

At the start of 2023, bet365 partnered with Churchill Downs Incorporated-owned Presque Isle Downs & Casino to receive approval to enter Pennsylvanya’s sports betting and iGaming market. 

While everyone expected the multi-year agreement to trigger a same-year arrival, this wasn’t the case. 

The Stoke-on-Trent company opted for a more methodical approach, eventually rolling out roughly a year and a half later in the state. 

This allowed the operator to acquire the previous license that was owned by TwinSpires and further secure its access to the market. 

bet365 has used the same methodical strategy to roll out its content across other US regions. Accordingly, as of mid-July 2024, the operator was live in 11 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

The Pennsylvania launch is just in time for the stretch run of the Major League Baseball regular season, as well as the start of the campaigns for the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and National Hockey League.

PA Tax Rates, Potential Reason for the Delay 

Some voices argued that the high tax rates for online sports betting and online casino operators could have been one of the reasons why bet365 chose to take its time before joining the market. 

The online sports betting gross revenue tax is set at 36% while table games are taxed at 16%. Online slots are slapped with a 54% revenue tax rate. 

Despite Pennsylvania being one of the strongest markets for regular bettors, the high tax rates represent an important argument pondered by all operators considering entering the market. 

By comparison, New Jersey’s tax rates are much lower compared to Pennsylvania, which might be one of the reasons why bet365 has already gone live there.

A spokesperson for bet365 took the opportunity to “enthusiastically welcome new and eligible bettors from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the entire Keystone State” who choose to join the “bet365 experience” with offerings like Bet Boosts, the quickest In-Game product, and one-of-a-kind Same Game Parlays.

After finishing her master's in publishing and writing, Melanie began her career as an online editor for a large gaming blog and has now transitioned over towards the iGaming industry. She helps to ensure that our news pieces are written to the highest standard possible under the guidance of senior management.

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