PokerStars Pockets Pennsylvania Online Poker Permit

Premium poker provider PokerStars has officially been approved to enter the Pennsylvania gaming scene.

Owned by The Stars Group (TSG), poker giant PokerStars has been given all clear to provide online poker operations inside the Commonwealth which will enable the company to further expand its United States footprint.

New Jersey is currently the only US state to offer PokerStars services but this is likely to be changed as early as in 2019.

Even though the exact launch date has yet to be set, the Keystone State went official with license approval last week, granting both The Stars Group and Mohegan Sun Pocono entry into the state’s online landscape.

Pennsylvania laws allow only brick and mortar establishments within the state to start online operations but PokerStars has found its way around the regulations as it is partnering up with Mount Airy Casino, located in Mt. Pocono.

Furthermore, The Stars Group has recently announced a partnership with Eldorado Resorts from Nevada which could see them gain entry in more states going further.

The decision to award The Stars Group with an operating license within the state of Pennsylvania actually marks the company’s return to the US gambling scene.

It was in 2006 that lawmakers passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) which deemed it illegal for US banks to process financial transactions for unregulated online gaming operators and The Stars Group were caught in the crossfire.

The company biggest brand PokerStars was left flouting the new law until 2011 when the Department of Justice (DOJ) seized web domains and charged owners and founders – Isai Scheinberg, PokerStars CEO included.

PokerStars eventually reached a multi-million settlement with the DOJ and is at the moment cleared to enter Pennsylvania as a company which ‘poses no threat to players’ and which ‘upholds the highest compliance standards’.

With the total of 19 active operating licenses worldwide it’s hard to argue with PokerStars reputation these days.