The long wait for PA online poker appears to be coming to an end. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed Wednesday that PokerStars PA is scheduled to begin real money testing on Monday, November 4.

This marks the first online poker room to launch in Pennsylvania since regulated online gaming began on July 15. There are currently three online casinos and five online sportsbooks currently operating in the state. Multiple times various reports have indicated that PokerStars PA was on the verge of launching but neither they or the PGCB would confirm anything.

“We are very excited to be bringing our most popular brands to Pennsylvania in the next week, subject to regulatory approval. Stay tuned for more details!” a PokerStars representative said via email.

PokerStars is partnered with the Mount Airy Casino in Pocono, PA, and their online sportsbook, FOX Bet, has been available since early September.

Despite the confirmation of the date, the PGCB has made it clear that even a minor setback between now and Monday could cause yet another delay in the launch.

What Does ‘Soft Launch’ Mean?

The PokerStars PA Soft Launch will last two days, November 4 and 5. Players will be able to set up their accounts play on the site from 2 PM until Midnight each day.

The PGCB will use this period to monitor various aspects of the system including the geo-location software used to ensure only players inside Pennsylvania borders will be able to access the client and play.

If PokerStars PA makes it through the two-day soft launch period without any issues or concerns from PGCB, they should be given the approval to move into full operation mode the following day.