Poker players in Pennsylvania may soon have the opportunity to compete with players from other legal states in the country. House Bill 2078, introduced by Rep. George Dunbar, aims to authorize the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
If the bill becomes law, it would allow online poker operators in Pennsylvania to connect with those in other MSIGA states, such as Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia. This shared liquidity would enable players from different states to compete against each other, potentially resulting in larger tournament prizes.
The PGCB has the authority to request membership into MSIGA, according to Dunbar's bill. The board must compile a report determining whether operating a poker site across state lines violates federal law before making the request. A federal judge has already ruled that it does not violate federal law.
Pennsylvania's online poker market is currently fractured and limited, with only four operators available in the state: PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, and WSOP.com. The bill aims to provide a healthier system for players by allowing them to compete against each other on the same platform.
On May 7, a campaign was launched to promote the inclusion of Pennsylvania in MSIGA. Poker players across the state were encouraged to share their support for HB 2078 on social media using the hashtag #GrowPAPoker.
The bill has been referred to the Gaming Oversight committee and is expected to be considered by lawmakers before November 30, when the legislature adjourns for the year. If passed, Pennsylvania online poker players could be competing against players from other states by the end of the year.
Bill Introduced For PA To Join Multi-State Online Poker
A new bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania that would allow the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). The agreement allows online poker operators in participating states to share player pools, creating a larger and more exciting gaming environment for players.
HB 2078, sponsored by Rep. George Dunbar, would authorize the PGCB to request membership into MSIGA. The board must compile a report determining whether operating a poker site across state lines violates federal law before making the request.
The bill aims to provide a healthier system for online poker players in Pennsylvania by allowing them to compete against each other on the same platform. Currently, the state's online poker market is fractured and limited, with only four operators available.
Fractured Online Poker Market
Online poker in America is legal in just seven states: New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. However, the industry is hamstrung by the lack of player liquidity, which prevents players from different states from competing against each other on the same platform.
The legality of gaming in the United States is left up to the states, creating a patchwork of regulations that make it difficult for online poker operators to provide a seamless gaming experience across state lines. Without shared liquidity, online poker will always be a niche market, rather than a major player in the larger gaming industry.
The introduction of HB 2078 is an important step forward for online poker players in Pennsylvania. If passed, it would allow the state to join MSIGA and provide a healthier system for players by allowing them to compete against each other on the same platform. The bill has been referred to the Gaming Oversight committee and is expected to be considered by lawmakers before November 30.