The poker platform has confirmed it won’t participate in player pooling in Pennsylvania
PokerStars has decided to hold off on merging its Pennsylvania poker platform with its existing interstate network, despite the state recently joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). While other operators have already expanded into the shared liquidity model, PokerStars is taking a slower approach.
BetMGM and WSOP have already linked Pennsylvania to their broader player networks, allowing users in the state to compete with players from Michigan, New Jersey, and other MSIGA members. On the other hand, PokerStars says it’s not ready to make that move just yet. The company pointed to “global operational priorities” as the reason for the delay. It confirmed that while shared liquidity isn’t coming right away, Pennsylvania remains a part of its long-term US plans.
PokerStars first entered the Pennsylvania market in 2019, and since then, the brand has built a strong presence in the state. Players can still access the full range of PokerStars’ offerings—cash games, multi-table tournaments, and local promotions—on the standalone Pennsylvania platform.
The company successfully linked its Michigan and New Jersey operations last year, creating what’s currently the largest online poker network in the US. That success led many to believe that Pennsylvania would soon follow. But the decision to delay has raised questions among poker fans and industry observers, especially given the lack of specific details about the timing or nature of these so-called “operational priorities.”
While PokerStars maintains that its commitment to the US market is strong, players in Pennsylvania will have to wait for access to larger prize pools and more competitive events that come with multi-state play. In the meantime, rival platforms are using the opportunity to grow their reach in the increasingly competitive online poker market.
