After one and a half years since online poker was introduced in Pennsylvania, PokerStars’ sole reign is about to come to an end. The brand has solely offered online poker games for almost two years.
With BetMGM and Borgata Poker launching their product on April 27, 2021, the Keystone State now has three online poker platforms. But, the two new platforms will be sharing a player pool, bringing a total of two poker rooms instead of three.
A Soft Launch Has Already Kicked Off
A soft launch was scheduled to start at 8.00 am. But, the poker rooms were only available for download and small groups private tournaments. However, by 6:00 pm ET, the rooms were opened to the public for a standard public test run. This is supposed to run for two days, today being the second and last day.
Considering the launch commenced late, we expect the public test run will take another day. According to Pennsylvania Gaming Board, the test run should go a few hours in a day, but it’s evident BetMGM and Borgata Poker are doing the test run around the clock.
How to Access These Poker Sites
Each of the poker rooms will be accessible from its respective iGaming products. For example, BetMGM poker, which operates under Hollywood Casino Grantville, will be accessible from BetMGM online casinos.
On the other hand, Borgata Poker is accessible from the Borgata casino app. According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Director of Communications Doug Harbach, the two platforms will be interlinked. “Players can enter via either provider and be combined into one when it comes to playing cash or tournament games,” he added.
What to Expect on BetMGM and Borgata Poker Platforms
Considering that the two platforms run using one software platform, Entain, the two sites have multiple similar features. These include game selection, functionality, and appearance.
In regards to game selection, both platforms have a “My Tournaments” tab on which players will find games they will be participating in. Other similar tabs on both platforms include “Fast Forward” games and “Spins.”
The platforms are straightforward in terms of functionality. All crucial function buttons, including cash games, multi-table tournaments, and sit & go tournaments tabs, are placed along with the main lobby tab on both sites.
Also, both sites have streamlined designs without flashy looks that could distract you from your goal, playing poker.
Players can also expect daily and weekly tournaments with a guaranteed prize pool. Looking at the offers in New Jersey and Michigan, where these two poker rooms are already operating, we PA can expect similar or better tournaments. The brands are currently designing tournament schedules.
Breaking the Monopoly Could Lead to Competitive Offers
With PokerStars being the only poker room for the past 1.5 years, it was not necessary to provide a series of offers. But, as Borgata Poker and BetMGM enter the market, each of the three sites will have to offer something extra to attract more clients than the other. Also, the new brands in the market must match or exceed what PokerStar already is offering.
For example, there is the Pennsylvania Spring Championship of Online Poker, hosted by PokerStars, and it’s up to new poker rooms to match such a rewarding program to gain followers. As we wait for things to unfold, PA poker players have much more to gain by playing poker in the country.
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