PA Online Poker Shared Liquidity Launch in the Cards

By Todd Winkler,
Editor at online-gambling.com

Todd Winkler Editor at online-gambling.com

Todd Winkler is another one of our highly professional editors at online-gambling.com. The expert has been part of our team for 6 years, during which time he contributed articles regarding poker, blackjack, and DFS. Winkler is also knowledgeable about New Zealand's legal gambling market.

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Last updated: January 17, 2025

With Christmas and the New Year over, lawmakers in Pennsylvania are turning their attention to entering the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). If all goes well, shared liquidity in online poker will mean that cross-border online poker play will be an option. The first sites to offer shared liquidity are expected as early as the first quarter of 2025, likely before WSOP 2025.

Exciting News for Online Poker Enthusiasts in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State is on the cusp of joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). It’s a significant step that will unlock shared liquidity with other participating states. Pennsylvania players will soon be able to compete against players in Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia, creating larger player pools and enhancing the overall online poker experience.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has confirmed that the state has been invited to join the compact and is reviewing the necessary paperwork. While the exact timeline is fluid, a launch of shared liquidity is anticipated as early as the first quarter of 2025. This timeline aligns with the start of the 2025 World Series of Poker, further increasing the excitement for players.

In a recent statement, PGCB Communications Director Doug Harbach had the following to say:

“We have been invited by the compact and are awaiting paperwork from them to review. If we are in agreement and can sign off to formally join, the process will still take a bit more time as we work with the operators and assure that all tenets of the law and PGCB regulations are being met.”

Key Players and Anticipated Benefits

As Nevada’s sole regulated online poker provider, WSOP stands to gain significantly. The addition of Pennsylvania to its existing tri-state network (NJ, MI, NV) will create the first-ever four-state network in the US. This translates to larger tournament prize pools, more frequent high-stakes games, and an overall enhanced player experience for WSOP players in Pennsylvania.

With plans to launch in Nevada by the summer of 2025, BetMGM is poised to capitalize on the shared liquidity development. A successful PA entry could connect its Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania players pools, creating a formidable four-state network.

Although a Nevada launch may be further down the road for PokerStars, including Pennsylvania’s substantial player base will undoubtedly strengthen its position in the US online poker market. Newly launched BetRivers Poker, currently only live in PA, would also have the opportunity to merge its player pool with other states like Michigan and New Jersey once it expands to these states.

Benefits for Players

Increased competition will lead to larger tournament prize pools, more frequent high-stakes games, and improved overall liquidity. A wider variety of games will be available, catering to a broader range of player preferences. Additionally, the thrill of competing against a bigger player pool will undoubtedly enhance the overall online poker experience.

The Road Ahead

Pennsylvania’s entry into MSIGA marks a significant milestone for the US online poker industry. It will not only increase competition among operators but also significantly improve players’ online poker experience. While the wait for shared liquidity continues, the future of online poker in PA looks brighter than ever.