The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board voted overwhelmingly to join the group
Pennsylvania is moving closer to offering multi-state online poker following a key decision from its regulators. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) unanimously approved the state’s potential entry into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which would allow players to compete against those in other participating states.
Kevin O’Toole, the executive director of the PGCB, confirmed that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has given his support to the state joining the compact. In a letter sent on October 10, Shapiro formally requested that the agency begin negotiations to enter MSIGA. This agreement already includes states like New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, where players can compete across state lines, increasing the pool of participants and the variety of games offered.
O’Toole highlighted the benefits of shared liquidity, which brings a larger customer base by adding jurisdictions. This typically results in a broader range of poker games at different buy-in levels, making online poker more attractive and accessible to players. With more interest generated, the online poker industry as a whole is expected to benefit.
The state’s ability to join such an agreement stems from a law passed in 2004, known as the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which permits the state to enter multi-state compacts. However, approval from the governor is a crucial step in the process, and with Shapiro’s backing, the PGCB can now actively pursue membership in MSIGA.
The board’s decision to move forward was made without any objections, signaling a strong consensus for Pennsylvania to join the growing number of states participating in multi-state online poker, bringing it one step closer to offering enhanced gaming opportunities for its residents.
