Pennsylvania Takes Steps to Join Multi-State Online Poker Agreement

Pennsylvania may become the latest state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), permitting online poker players in the state to participate in pools with players from states that have already joined MSIGA. But time is running out as lawmakers need to act swiftly prior to the end of the legislative session.

PGCB to Negotiate MSIGA Membership

Last week, a report released by PlayPennsylvania suggested that Gov. Josh Shapiro sent a letter to the state’s gambling regulator, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), asking it to begin negotiations to join MSIGA. In case the state’s lawmakers move quickly, Pennsylvania poker players may be in for a treat ahead of the end of the year and play with customers from other states.

If Pennsylvania joins MSIGA, it will become the sixth state that is a part of the agreement. Currently, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware and West Virginia are already on MSIGA’s list, permitting online players to enjoy cross-state poker games.

Gov. Shapiro wrote in his letter addressed to the PGCB: “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.”

The governor pointed to the importance of staying competitive in the iGaming sector, acknowledging his support for the initiative that will see Pennsylvania join MSIGA. “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,” added Gov. Shapiro.

Time Is Running Out

Back in March, Rep. George Dunbar filed HB 2078, a bill that proposed changes to the state’s regulations that would see the PGCB submit a membership application for MSIGA. The aforementioned proposal is currently with the House’s Committee on Gaming Oversight. Still, HB 2078 has already received support from both Democrats and Republicans.

Despite the broad support, lawmakers have limited time to push the bill forward. If they want to bring multi-state poker to customers in Pennsylvania by the end of this year, they need to act quickly as there are several legislative days remaining within the 2023-2024 session.

In case the proposal is greenlighted, and lawmakers resolve this soon, WSOP and PokerStars may connect their Pennsylvania players to customers in New Jersey and Michigan. This is ultimately going to help Pennsylvania grow its online poker market and likely attract new players.