NetEnt hopes for Q2 Pennsylvania launch after Parx deal
NetEnt has bolstered its presence in Pennsylvania ahead of the introduction of regulated iGaming in the US state by striking a deal with Parx Casino.
Under the agreement, a range of NetEnt’s portfolio of slot and table games will be available via the Parx Online platform, controlled by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, which also operates Parx Casino, a horse racing venue and the largest casino gaming complex in the state.
It had previously been expected that online gaming would launch in Pennsylvania in the first three months of this year, after an anticipated launch at the end of 2018 was put back. However, NetEnt Americas managing director Erik Nyman (pictured) told iGamingBusiness.com today (February 6) that the supplier hopes the market will open up “sometime during Q2”.
The Parx Casino deal is the third such partnership sealed by NetEnt that covers Pennsylvania, with Nyman adding that the supplier remains “in talks with a wide range of operators”.
In October, a month after NetEnt applied for a supplier licence in Pennsylvania, casino giant Penn was signed up as the company’s first partner in the state, with NetEnt’s games set to be available on Penn Interactive’s Hollywood Casino website.
NetEnt also confirmed to iGamingBusiness.com today that an extension with Churchill Downs that was announced in October includes the operator’s activities in Pennsylvania. Aside from its famous Kentucky racetrack, Churchill Downs owns the Presque Isle Downs casino and horse race track in Pennsylvania, as well as other facilities in states across the US, including Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi and Ohio.
In Pennsylvania, NetEnt’s games will be delivered via the GAN platform, which will also enable free spins and the free spin widget for players.
NetEnt has previously noted that Pennsylvania is the second largest US state that is preparing to regulate online casinos and the fifth largest state by population overall, with almost 13 million inhabitants. The company has also said that the state’s track record for land-based gambling suggested that players generate “relatively high gross game revenue per capita”.
Parx Casino’s senior vice-president of iGaming and sports, Matthew Cullen (pictured), said today: “We are looking forward to expanding the Parx Casino offerings into the online world. As part of this, we’re excited to be able to offer NetEnt’s outstanding suite of game content as part of our online casino launch in Pennsylvania.”
In January, Parx Casino launched a full sportsbook, supported by Kambi.