Time is running out for the multi-state online poker industry in Pennsylvania this year, as state lawmakers failed to pass legislation allowing the Keystone State to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement before the end of the 2021 session.
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, also known as the MSIGA, is a pact between Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey that allows online poker players in those states to compete against each other on a shared platform. Pennsylvania passed legislation in 2017 legalizing online poker, but the state has yet to join the MSIGA due to regulatory hurdles.
Industry insiders had hoped that Pennsylvania would join the MSIGA this year, as the state’s online poker market has been struggling to compete with its New Jersey neighbor. However, time is rapidly running out for any new legislation to be passed before the end of the year, leaving the future of online poker in Pennsylvania uncertain.
According to Poker Industry PRO, a leading source of news and analysis for the global online poker industry, Pennsylvania joining the MSIGA would have been a game-changer for the state’s online poker market. By sharing player pools with New Jersey, Pennsylvania would have been able to offer larger tournaments and a greater variety of games, attracting more players and boosting revenue for operators.
Without the ability to join the MSIGA, Pennsylvania’s online poker market is at risk of stagnating, as players may opt to play on sites in neighboring states with larger player pools and more lucrative promotions. The failure to pass legislation allowing Pennsylvania to join the MSIGA is a blow to the state’s online poker industry, which had seen promising growth in recent years.
Industry experts are urging lawmakers in Pennsylvania to take action quickly to pave the way for the state to join the MSIGA in 2022. Without access to the shared player pool, Pennsylvania’s online poker market may struggle to compete with its more established neighbors and could miss out on a valuable opportunity to grow and thrive in the increasingly competitive online gaming industry.
As the clock ticks down on the 2021 legislative session, the future of multi-state online poker in Pennsylvania hangs in the balance. Industry stakeholders are urging state lawmakers to act swiftly to pass the necessary legislation and ensure that Pennsylvania can join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in the coming year. Failure to do so could have serious implications for the state’s online poker industry and its ability to attract and retain players in an increasingly competitive market.