There’s great news for online poker players in The Keystone State: It appears Pennsylvania is ready to enter the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
According to multiple reports, Governor Josh Shapiro is all for having the state join and negotiations are underway.
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, or MSIGA, is an agreement between states for interstate poker. Governors of the participating states need to sign it, but this legally binding document lets online poker operators connect their poker sites across state lines.
If Pennsylvania joins MSIGA, World Series Of Poker PA can quickly launch shared tables for its customers there.
Online Poker Bill Already Being Discussed
Rep. George Dunbar introduced HB 2078 in March. It asks the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to apply for the state's membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Its fate currently rests with with the House Committee on Gaming Oversight.
HB 2078 already has support from both parties, with four Republican members and one Democrat co-sponsoring the bill.
If the legislatoin is passed, Pennsylvania will join the states already in the MSIGA, which are:
"Joining MSIGA, known as 'shared liquidity,' is vital for a healthy online poker system,” Dunbar said. “Similar to multi-state lottery contests, joining will increase the number of players, resulting in bigger tournaments and allowing operators to offer larger guarantees."
The only problem is that time is running out for lawmakers to bring multi-state poker to Pennsylvania, especially if they’re going to use Dunbar’s bill to get it done.
Simply put, there aren't many legislative days left in the 2023-2024 session. The members of the General Assembly will meet from October 21 to 23. The House will hold its final two sessions on November 12 and 13, while the Senate will meet on November 13 and 14.
Dunbar said in June that he thinks the state could join by the end of the year. With bipartisan support and backing from other groups, it seems as though getting the bill passed is not going to be a problem — it’s just a matter of when.
Pennsylvania Trying to Climb Back Atop Poker Market
This change will likely help Pennsylvania become a leader in the poker market again.
In 2022 and part of 2023, Pennsylvania was at the top of the online poker market. However, last September, Michigan moved ahead with a 29% market share.
Dunbar credits Michigan and New Jersey joining MGISA for the added boost. Signing on will allow Pennsylvania the opportunity to significantly grow cooperative player pools, which will help the poker market and increase revenue.
In the meantime, check out the poker glossary, or brush up on your skills by trying one of the best casinos for online poker.
