The landscape of regulated online poker in Pennsylvania is poised for a significant change as Governor Josh Shapiro has propelled the state towards joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA). Following his directive, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is set to embark on negotiations to become part of an alliance that includes key players like Michigan, Nevada, and New Jersey. This development was confirmed by Doug Harbach, the PGCB’s Director of Communications, as reported by PlayPennsylvania.com. Shapiro’s move is seen as a pivotal step in integrating Pennsylvania into a thriving network that promises to expand player pools and enhance the competitive dynamics of online poker.
The strategic benefits of joining MSIGA for Pennsylvania:
The potential entry of Pennsylvania into the MSIGA holds significant implications for both the state and the broader U.S. online poker market. Notably, Pennsylvania, with its substantial population of nearly 13 million residents, stands as the fifth most populous state in the country. This demographic advantage suggests that Pennsylvania could inject considerable momentum into the multi-state poker scene, currently dominated by active members like Michigan and New Jersey. The integration into MSIGA would not only expand the market for Pennsylvania’s poker players but also streamline operations for multi-state operators, such as WSOP.com and PokerStars US. This could lead to operational efficiencies and possibly prompt more states to consider the merits of regulating online poker.
As Poker.org reports, this advancement comes on the heels of previous legislative efforts by Pennsylvania State Representative George Dunbar, whose bill aimed to initiate MSIGA negotiations independently of the governor’s directives. Despite some legislative backing, Dunbar’s bill did not progress, languishing in committee. Moreover, the poker community has actively campaigned for Pennsylvania’s inclusion in MSIGA through various initiatives, including the notable #GrowPAPoker social media campaign. This concerted push by advocates underscores the community’s desire for enhanced liquidity and competitive offerings, reflecting the broad support for shared poker networks across state lines.
Pennsylvania’s current online poker environment:
Contrasting with states like West Virginia, which joined MSIGA but has yet to launch online poker, Pennsylvania boasts several active poker platforms. These include established names like PokerStars PA and WSOP PA, along with BetMGM Poker PA and Borgata Poker PA. These platforms currently operate within the state’s regulated framework, providing a robust foundation that could be significantly bolstered by shared liquidity under MSIGA.
As Pennsylvania moves closer to MSIGA membership, the timeline for the actual implementation of shared liquidity remains uncertain. However, the state’s proactive steps towards this goal signal a strong commitment to enhancing its competitive stance in the gambling sector. Simultaneously, the U.S. online poker landscape continues to evolve, evidenced by recent shifts such as the hiatus of Delaware’s online poker operations and the anticipated launch of new platforms like BetRivers Poker, expected later this year.
