Is Pennsylvania Finally Joining the Multi-State Online Poker Compact?

It has long been a bone of contention for PA online poker players that they were somewhat less than well-served. This is set to change, as Representative George Dunbar has officially introduced House Bill 2078 to allow the Keystone State to join the Multi-State Online Poker Compact.

Should the Bill go ahead, this will be a game-changer for PA poker players, who will be able to join cross-border poker tournaments alongside players from other states that are part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

Why PA Players Need the Multi-State Online Poker Compact

As things stand, online poker has been legal across Pennsylvania since 2017, when the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) legalized it and other forms of online gambling. It is, in fact, offered by a number of PA online casinos, such as BetMGM and Poker Stars.

However, players in the state are still unable to join interstate online poker compacts, as Pennsylvania has not yet joined the MSIGA. The PGCB has gone on record stating that this is not within the gambling regulator's purview, as approval rests with the Governor’s office. Now that HB2078 has been referred to the Gaming Oversight committee, things look set to move in the right direction soon.

Poker Agreement Would See PA Joining 5 Other States

Unsurprisingly, the cross-state poker agreement has proven popular, with five other states already joining. If HB 2017 passes, Pennsylvania will join Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia, paving the way for countless opportunities for online poker players in the Keystone State.