Pennsylvania gaming regulators expect the state to officially enter the country’s shared online poker market in April. The move would allow players in Pennsylvania to compete against those in other states, potentially increasing participation and prize pools.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is finalizing its entry into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Communications director Doug Harbach told PlayPennsylvania, “We continue to work internally and with online poker operators to get the shared liquidity market up sometime in April. The agreement would, of course, be signed prior to that launch.” Joining has been up for discussion for more than a year and since it has been edging closer and closer. Will it finally happen for real?
Expanding Online Poker in Pennsylvania
Currently, Pennsylvania’s online poker market operates separately, meaning players can only compete within the state. Although the state legalized online poker in 2017 and saw its first platform launch in 2019, it has remained a closed network. The process of joining MSIGA started in October, with state officials officially accepting an invitation in January. Interstate poker will make poker a lot more interesting for players, due to the larger player pools, and therefore prize pools.
Operators in Pennsylvania include PokerStars, WSOP.com, BetMGM, and BetRivers. WSOP.com already runs in New Jersey, Nevada, and Michigan, while PokerStars and BetMGM operate in New Jersey and Michigan. Once Pennsylvania joins, operators can link player pools, allowing for larger tournaments and increased participation.
Governor Josh Shapiro supports the move, stating, “In order to remain competitive in the gambling sector, I am expressing my strong support for Pennsylvania to join the MSIGA alongside Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania should capitalize on our status as a leader in legalized gambling, and join this compact, which would bring in additional revenue for the Commonwealth and allow players more gaming options.”
Bigger Prize Pools and More Competition
Even after signing the agreement, shared online poker won’t begin immediately. Operators must meet technical requirements and regulatory conditions before linking their platforms. However, full integration could happen by late 2025.
Pennsylvania brings a large player base to MSIGA, with nearly 13 million residents. Combined with Michigan (10 million), New Jersey (9.3 million), and Nevada (3.2 million), the total player pool could reach 35.5 million. West Virginia and Delaware are also members, but neither has active online poker operators yet.
Connecticut, which legalized online poker in 2021, is also considering joining MSIGA, though no platforms have launched in the state.
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