Online poker players in the Keystone State may soon have access to multi-state play.
Following instructions from Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has started negotiations to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). The MSIGA allows online poker networks to share players across state borders, increasing player liquidity.
Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state that permits online poker that has not joined the MSIGA. Other MSIGA members include Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
Gov. Shapiro pushes PGCB to the table
In a letter to the PGCB dated Oct. 10, Gov. Shapiro outlined his request for the regulator to pursue MSIGA membership.
“I respectfully request the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board through its statutory authority pursuant to section 1207 Title 4 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, begin the process of negotiating the Commonwealth’s entrance into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement,” Shapiro wrote.
The issue of joining the MSIGA has been pushed to the attention of state lawmakers after HB 2078 was introduced to the House earlier this year. Part of the bill stated that the PGCB was required to sign a deal to join the MSIGA within 30 days of passing.
While the bill has yet to pass, Shapiro also outlined why it was essential to join the MSIGA.
“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," Shapiro wrote. "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.”
MSIGA application timelines
One of the sponsors of HB 2078, Rep. George Dunbar, predicted in June that Pennsylvania could join the MSIGA and introduce multi-state poker before the end of 2024.
However, Dog Harbach, director of communications at the PGCB, tempered expectations on Dunbar’s timeline while also confirming that Gov. Shapiro had been in touch to request the commencement of negotiations.
“Certainly, since there are ‘roadmaps’ from other jurisdictions already operating within the compact, our hope is to use those and get PA operational as soon as viable," Harbach explained. "At the same time, every jurisdiction is different, so it is not possible at this early stage to predict the expediency of the complete launch process.”
Pennsylvania market expansion
While the multi-state poker news is exciting for PA online casino players, it’s not the only recent development in the Keystone State's legal sports betting market.
Pennsylvania has seen several additions and expansions to its gambling markets in recent months, including the launch of bet365 and its improvement through an agreement with Playtech.
Additionally, White Hat Studios partnered with Fanatics Casino to launch games in Pennsylvania and Michigan last month. The impact is already clear, with Aug. sports betting revenues increasing by nearly 50% year-on-year.
