There’s still nothing definite in the lineup for online poker in the state, but the odds are good
No online poker platform has yet been launched in West Virginia since online gaming was approved in 2020. However, that could soon change after the Mountain State announced its membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in November. That action has motivated some operators to consider adding the state to their shared player pools. No launch date has been set, but recent reports indicate that 2024 is very encouraging.
“Basically, all I can get from them is later this year,” West Virginia Lottery executive director John Myers recently explained to PlayWV.com. “At this time, from what I understand, they’ve had other priorities and just haven’t gotten it launched yet.”
West Virginia’s population of about 1.8 million didn’t offer the possibility of a sustainable online poker market. However, joining the MSIGA motivates operators to add the state’s players, especially since online gaming in the state is skewed toward younger players.
“Online gaming has continued to grow, and there are some reasons for that,” Myers said. “We’re seeing a younger market, 30 and 40-year-olds that play those games whereas the retail casino atmosphere, traditionally, is a little bit older.”
Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan and Delaware currently comprise the states in the MSGIA. Pennsylvania lawmakers have also recently proposed legislation to join the compact.
WSOP.com offers poker among a pool of players in Nevada and New Jersey, while PokerStars’ player pool comprises users in Michigan and New Jersey.
Delaware was previously part of the WSOP pool, but Rush Street Interactive recently took over online gaming operations in January. The operator should also launch an online poker platform in the future. New York is also considering a bill to legalize online gambling, including poker.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
