The Keystone State is taking its online poker offerings to the next level.
Pennsylvania is now the sixth member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), taking a significant step in the online gaming world by joining the pact.
This move will allow online poker players in Pennsylvania to compete with players from participating states, including New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan. Governor Josh Shapiro's signing of the agreement marks Pennsylvania as the sixth state to join this network, expanding opportunities and potentially boosting the state's economy.
It's a deal that has been talked about for months, but took a little time to complete. It's expected to expand the online poker player pool by over 50%.
This change is expected to help Pennsylvania reclaim its leading position in the online poker industry. In 2022 and into part of 2023, Pennsylvania was leading in online poker. However, Michigan took the lead, which was credited to the advantage MSIGA gave them.
What MSIGA Means for Pennsylvania Online Poker Players
Starting on April 28, 2025, Pennsylvania’s online poker players will have the chance to engage in shared liquidity pooling, initially available through BetMGM and PA Borgata Online.
This means that approximately 150,000 poker enthusiasts from Pennsylvania can now compete on a larger, more vibrant platform with players from other jurisdictions. This integration is not just a win for the players; it is a strategic move to keep Pennsylvania competitive in the constantly evolving online market.
“This is a commonsense step to support hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, grow our economy, and bring in more revenue to support our schools, our seniors, our small businesses, and more,” said Governor Shapiro.
Economic Impact and Opportunities in the Commonwealth
Joining MSIGA is expected to bring big economic benefits. Governor Shapiro explained that the move is expected to help people in Pennsylvania, boost the economy, and bring in extra money to support important areas like education and assistance for seniors and small businesses.
In Pennsylvania, the gaming industry consists of 17 physical casinos and 22 online platforms, employing over 15,000 people. Legal gambling generates nearly $2.7 billion annually in taxes, which helps reduce school property taxes, supports state agricultural purchases, and funds projects across all 67 counties. Pennsylvania's gaming industry is a major economic driver and is the top state in the U.S. for generating gaming tax revenue.
In just the first quarter of 2025, regulated gambling in Pennsylvania brought in $1.58 billion, including record revenue in the month of March.
By joining MSIGA, these financial figures are expected to improve even more, with online poker alone adding $7.60 million to the state's revenue.
All of this as online casinos helped The Commonwealth to a record-setting year in 2024.
Legal Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
Understanding Pennsylvania's journey in the legal online casino landscape offers insight into its current advancements. Pennsylvania legalized online gambling in October 2017, following the passage of the Gaming Expansion Act. This legislation permitted online poker, slots, and table games, setting the stage for a robust digital gaming marketplace.
The first legal online casinos began operating in July 2019, and since then, the market has flourished, driven by technological adoption and regulatory support. The state's decision to join MSIGA is the latest milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing safe, regulated gaming options for its residents.
BetMGM Poker Already Sharing Its Player Pool
BetMGM is welcoming Pennsylvania to its shared player pool.
The schedule includes promotions like the $0 buy-in/$35,000 GTD C-Note tournament on April 29 and the BetMGM May Millions. They're calling it a groundbreaking series with $1,000,000 guaranteed across various events.
Representatives from BetMGM Poker say they want to deliver superior gaming experiences with expanded player pools, larger tournaments, and more exciting gameplay. According to Angus Nisbet, BetMGM Vice President of Gaming, this development “turbocharges our poker platform,” offering enhanced opportunities for players to enjoy and win.
Caesars Entertainment is also expected to offer expanded gaming options now that the MSIGA deal is done. And now that Pennsylvania is a part of MSIGA, World Series Of Poker PA can quickly launch shared tables for its customers there.
What's Next for Online Poker in Pennsylvania?
As Pennsylvania integrates into the MSIGA, players can expect more operators to join the shared liquidity pool, bringing wider options and diverse experiences. Online poker and igaming participants in Pennsylvania have much to look forward to in terms of increased competition, larger prizes, and an overall enriched gaming environment, promising a thrilling future for the state’s online casino landscape.
By joining forces with other states, Pennsylvania is taking a proactive stance in shaping the future of online poker, opening doors for new opportunities, and cementing its status in the US gaming industry.
