Pennsylvania online poker is steadily moving closer to joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), paving the way for players there to compete directly with players in other states playing regulated web poker. Hopes were high for shared liquidity to roll out in the first quarter of 2025, but delays have kept poker platforms and players waiting.
According to recent updates from state officials, Pennsylvania is now expected to formally join the MSIGA before the World Series of Poker kicks off in May. That’s just weeks away. The delay was largely administrative, with paperwork holding up the process. However, Governor Josh Shapiro was finally able to officially signed the official agreement a few days ago, bringing Pennsylvania into the MSIGA as the sixth state to join.
The move marks a major expansion for Pennsylvania online poker, offering greater freedom and more options for an estimated 150,000 players in the state. By joining the compact, the state’s online poker market will now be part of a broader player pool spanning over 38 million Americans — increasing the total player base by more than 50%. Pennsylvania also becomes the largest state in the agreement, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia.
In anticipation, operators like BetRivers Poker have been preparing for the launch. The company is developing a new series of progressive knockout tournaments, or PKO’s, aimed at Pennsylvania’s expanded player pool. However, those plans will remain on hold until shared liquidity is up and running, and BetRivers is licensed to operate across participating states. For now, Pennsylvania online poker players are waiting to see whether they’ll be able to compete on a national stage in time for the WSOP.
