Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a “commonsense” bill to expand online poker
Pennsylvania is officially joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), marking a major step for online poker in the state. Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed the agreement, making Pennsylvania the sixth member alongside New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan.
With this move, an estimated 150,000 online poker players in Pennsylvania will gain access to a much larger player pool, increasing the potential for bigger tournaments and more competitive games. The addition of Pennsylvania pushes the total reach of MSIGA states to over 38 million residents, giving the shared market a significant boost in size and influence.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will now work with state-approved operators and regulators from other MSIGA members to ensure a consistent, secure experience for users. The agreement allows players in Pennsylvania to compete across state lines on approved platforms, starting April 28, 2025. BetMGM and PA Borgata Online are expected to be part of the launch, with additional operators likely to join.
Governor Shapiro called the move a practical way to grow the state’s economy, create jobs, and support programs for education, small businesses, and senior citizens. He pointed out that neighboring states are already part of MSIGA, and joining keeps Pennsylvania competitive in a growing market.
Players and industry insiders have pushed for the state’s inclusion for years, hoping to improve liquidity, enhance prize pools, and create a more robust poker environment. For smaller operators, this change could help level the playing field by bringing more attention to their platforms and increasing participation.
Pennsylvania’s gaming industry already supports over 15,000 jobs and brings in nearly $2.7 billion in annual tax revenue. With this new agreement, the state is expanding an already successful sector and offering its poker community access to a more dynamic and competitive online experience.
