Pennsylvania Signs Up to Multi-State Online Poker Network
Pennsylvania has officially joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), becoming the sixth state to do so after Governor Josh Shapiro signed off on the decision Wednesday.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The move provides a major boost to the shared online poker player pool, which already includes New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan.
With a population exceeding 13 million and an estimated 150,000 active online poker players, Pennsylvania’s participation adds considerable liquidity to the interstate network. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has spoken of its commitment to working with operators and other state regulators to ensure that the state’s poker players have access to secure and thoroughly vetted gaming platforms.
The board also said that the agreement would lead to bigger prize pools without requiring players to increase their buy-ins.
Joining MSIGA is ‘Common Sense’
Following the signing, Governor Shapiro joined Poker Hall of Fame inductee and PokerGO President Mori Eskandani for a virtual conversation about the implications of the agreement. During the discussion, Shapiro described the decision to join MSIGA as a “common sense” step after a prolonged effort.
The governor expressed support for giving residents access to more dynamic and competitive games. He pointed out that allowing Pennsylvanians to play with opponents from other states would result in shorter wait times and a more engaging experience.
Shapiro reiterated his general support for individual freedoms, including the right to gamble. He expressed hope that Pennsylvania’s move might prompt other states to consider joining MSIGA as well.
When asked whether the US is moving closer to widespread legalization of online poker, Shapiro responded optimistically, emphasizing that such decisions should ultimately be left to personal choice. He also accepted a light-hearted invitation to play in a poker game among officials at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas.
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BetMGM Poker PA Joins Shared Player Pool
On the same day, BetMGM Poker PA announced its integration into the shared player pool with Michigan and New Jersey. Starting Monday, April 28 at 9 am local time, players in Pennsylvania will be able to compete directly with players in those states.
Angus Nisbet, Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, said that the expansion will enhance the platform’s offerings with more games and larger tournaments.
Pennsylvania represents the largest state to join the shared player pool and turbocharges our poker platform. This expanded player pool will allow us to deliver more games and bigger tournaments to our players. BetMGM Poker is ready to celebrate the growth of our shared liquidity network throughout the spring and summer in a variety of ways.
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