HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) -- As Pennsylvania regulators continue to roll out new forms of gambling authorized by the legislature a year ago, it appears Internet gaming will launch early next year.  

There had been some discussion of Internet Gaming, also called Interactive Gaming, launching by the end of the year. But while that’s not likely now until early 2019, Gaming Control Board Executive Director Kevin O’Toole says steady progress is being made, as evidenced by approvals given by the board this past week.

“We had three significant companies approved for their license – one for an Internet operator license, and two for Internet manufacturing licenses,” he said. “So we’ve been working very hard getting all these companies through the licensing process, so we anticipate early next year for Interactive Gaming.”

READ: Sports betting in New Jersey is taking off big time, just 5 months in

Likewise, work continues on licensing video gaming terminals at Pennsylvania truck stops, something that should start showing up in the first half of next year.

Already up and running is the first sports betting operation, at Hollywood Casino near Harrisburg. Parx and SugarHouse will be joining that club soon.

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