Pennsylvania gaming regulators said in a news release that they will begin accepting applications for “potential interactive gaming operators” starting in June, another significant hurdle to clear as the state makes its way toward regulated online poker.

Regulators announced in February that they would begin accepting applications for the manufacturers and suppliers of online poker technology and hardware in April. The state’s 13 licensed brick-and-mortar casinos are called “interactive gaming certificate holders.” The operators are the individuals licensed to conduct internet betting on behalf of the casinos that are sprinkled around the state.

It’s a complex regulatory structure, but it’s all designed to protect consumers and generate money for state coffers. Pennsylvania is eyeing a regulated online betting market of $300 million per year.

Pennsylvania legalized a full array of online casino games last fall, as part of a massive gambling reform package. Companies seeking regulatory approval will have to pay up to $10 million to have access to the state’s fledgling internet gambling market.

The tax rate on interactive gaming is 52 percent for slots and 14 percent for table games, including traditional peer-to-peer poker. Pennsylvania is eyeing $100 million in license fees for the current fiscal year assuming all of its current slots licensees conduct interactive gaming.