Playtech Opens Live Dealer Studio in Pennsylvania for iGaming B2B Ops

Posted on: November 30, 2023, 10:35h. 

Last updated on: November 30, 2023, 11:32h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Playtech has opened its third and largest live dealer table game studio in the U.S.

Playtech live dealer studio Pennsylvania
A roulette live dealer operates an online game remotely from a new Playtech casino studio in Pennsylvania. Playtech now has three live dealer studios, along with venues in New Jersey and Michigan. (Image: Playtech)

The Isle of Man-based business-to-business gaming technology company opened its live casino studio in Pennsylvania this week. It’s the company’s third live casino studio state entry, following New Jersey and Michigan.

Playtech tells Casino.org that the soft launch of its Pennsylvania live casino began on November 28, and that the facility will soon begin 24/7 operations.

Online casino players in the Keystone State now have another option for live dealer games. The Playtech product launched with VIP blackjack and roulette, and is available on the betPARX iGaming network.

We are thrilled to complete the tri-state iGaming expansion and conquer yet another key territory,” said Playtech Live CEO Edo Haitin. “We remain committed to delivering players of Pennsylvania an extraordinary online gaming experience.”

While online sports betting is regulated in more than two dozen states, iGaming remains limited to about 13% of the population. Pennsylvania is one of only six states where online casinos with interactive slot machines and table games are legal. The others are New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Michigan.

Growth Market

Of the six iGaming states, New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania reign supreme.

New Jersey online casino platforms won more than $1.66 billion ast year from remote players inside the state. The online casino sites have only grown their business in 2023, as gross gaming revenue (GGR) through October totaled $1.57 billion, a 15% year-over-year gain.

Michigan’s online casinos, which include both commercial and tribal operators, totaled $1.58 billion in 2022. Through October, 2023 iGaming win totaled $1.41 billion.

Pennsylvania’s online casinos won about $1.36 billion from players in 2022. Through 10 months, online gaming has already surpassed last year’s GGR haul. January through October iGaming GGR in Pennsylvania totaled approximately $1.45 billion.

Playtech is partnered with betPARX in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The online gaming app is the internet sportsbook and casino for Parx Casino in Bensalem, north of Philadelphia. Parx is owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc.

Along with its main casino resort, Greenwood in February opened a mini-casino in Cumberland County called Parx Casino Shippensburg.

Parx is the market leader in terms of brick-and-mortar gaming revenue in the commonwealth. In October, Parx’s primary casino won $30.3 million on its slots and $17 million on its tables for a combined win of $47.3 million. That topped Wind Creek Bethlehem in second at $42.2 million.

Parx Casino and Parx Casino Shippensburg are the only smoke-free casinos in Pennsylvania.

betPARX Market Share

Parx Casino is the biggest retail player in Pennsylvania. But its online operations account for just a sliver of the state market.

In October, betPARX generated online iGaming revenue of $4.6 million. Penn Entertainment’s online casino operations dominated the sector with GGR of more than $62.1 million.

Penn’s online casino platform, which is in the process of being converted from Barstool to ESPN Bet, already offers live dealer table games. Live dealer games are also offered in Pennsylvania on BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers.