The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has taken a significant step towards joining the United States’ Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which currently includes five states: Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia. While West Virginia does not yet host any active online poker rooms, Pennsylvania’s addition could be a game-changer for the shared market.
A Major Development in U.S. Online Poker
During the PGCB’s October monthly meeting, the board voted unanimously to initiate the process for integrating Pennsylvania’s online poker market into the MSIGA. This decision follows a direct appeal from Governor Josh Shapiro, who, earlier this month, sent a letter urging the commission to begin the integration process.
The PGCB’s Executive Director, Kevin O’Toole, emphasized the benefits of a larger consumer base, highlighting that an expanded market generally leads to more poker game options across various buy-ins, boosting overall interest in online poker.
Potential Impact of Pennsylvania Joining MSIGA
If Pennsylvania successfully joins MSIGA, it would significantly expand the pool of potential players. Currently, the five states in the shared agreement represent a combined population of 25.3 million residents. Adding Pennsylvania would increase that number to over 38 million, creating a substantial influx of new online poker players.
Although no specific timeline has been set for Pennsylvania’s entry, the next crucial step is securing unanimous approval from the five existing MSIGA members. This approval is essential to finalizing the state’s integration into the shared market.
