Pennsylvania, one of seven legal US online casino states, could soon join an interstate compact allowing its players to compete in online poker against people in other states.
Sponsored by Rep. George Dunbar, House Bill 2078 was introduced earlier this week. The bill would allow Pennsylvania to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for online poker. Currently, Pennsylvania online poker players can only play against others in the state.
If the bill becomes law, Pennsylvania would become the sixth MSIGA state, joining:
- Delaware
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey have been members since 2017, while West Virginia joined interstate pools after signing the contract in November.
Connecticut remains the only state missing from the list, as its state law does not allow such gaming.
MSIGA is the only missing part of the PA online poker segment
As one of the most comprehensive US gambling states, Pennsylvania offers:
- Slot machines
- Table games
- PA online casinos
- Online sports betting
- Video Game Terminals (VGTs)
- Fantasy contests
- Online poker
Having one of the most robust gaming markets in the US, Pennsylvania has only been missing the MSIGA from the online poker equation.
According to the bill, PA online poker players could soon be able to compete with gamers of the same interest from other member states. The bill states:
“Within 30 days of the effective date of this subparagraph, request membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association with New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada and any other states that join or have joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association.
The board shall enter into the interactive agreement on behalf of the Commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania gambling market would only benefit from MSIGA membership
Fueled by an almost 28% increase in iGaming revenue over the previous year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that 2023 gaming revenue hit an all-time high.
The state’s 2023 calendar year combined revenue from slot machines, table games, sports wagering, iGaming, VLTs and fantasy contests reached $5.70 billion in 2023, a 9.3% annual increase.
These numbers could even increase upon the state’s membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association.
PA iGaming revenue in December reached $165.1 million, a 22.7% increase from December 2022. Of that number, $116.9 million came from online slots, $45.8 million came through table games, and $2.4 million from four poker entities within the state:
- WSOP
- PokerStars
- BetMGM Poker
- Borgata Poker
While still not part of MSIGA, PA poker operators generated $30.6 million in revenue last year, surpassing New Jersey, according to PlayPennsylvania.