The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) revealed the license period was forthcoming during a House budget hearing. As local news outlet CBS Philly reported, PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole was on hand to offer some updates on the online casino front. When asked about the application timeline.

The 90-day period O’Toole referenced is an important window. Pennsylvania casinos that apply in that window can get what amounts to a discount on the cost of online casino and poker licenses. For $10 million, casinos get the following licenses, Online slots, Online table games, Online peer-to-peer gaming, like poker.

In fact, during this period, the all-in-one license is the only kind of license available. Casinos wanting one license, but not the others will need to wait until the 91st day of the application period. Then each one will cost $4 million.

PGCB has 90 days to review these applications once they receive them. On that timeline, it looks like PGCB will award the first licenses in the fall. It will be close to year’s end before any site launches.

The other important thing to keep in mind with this timeline is when non-Pennsylvania entities can start applying. After 120 days, approved outside entities can apply for the individual $4 million licenses.

On the current timeline, that means the group can apply in August. This four-month head start will be an opportunity for PA companies to claim market share, as any outside groups without a partner in the state will likely not launch until 2019.