The US state of Pennsylvania has joined New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia and Michigan in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for poker.
The move will create more choice for around 150,000 poker players in the participating US igaming states, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said.
The addition of Pennsylvania also expands the online poker pool by over 50 per cent.
The state’s governor, Josh Shapiro, called it a “commonsense move” that he said will grow the economy and bring in extra revenue.
“Three of our neighbours are already part of this agreement – and with this action today, we’re making sure Pennsylvania remains competitive in a rapidly growing online market.”
BetMGM, the Entain and MGM Resorts joint venture operator, is among the US brands to have welcomed the addition of Pennsylvania to the MSIGA.
Angus Nisbet, the operator’s vice president of gaming, said: “Pennsylvania represents the largest state to join the shared player pool and turbocharges our poker platform.
“This expanded player pool will allow us to deliver more games and bigger tournaments to our players. BetMGM Poker is ready to celebrate the growth of our shared liquidity network throughout the spring and summer in a variety of ways.”
Online poker players in Pennsylvania will be able to join multi-state games from next Monday.
BetMGM’s planned tournaments include The BetMGM May Millions running between May 8-11 with a total of 18 events.
“Poker players universally wanted PA to enter the multi-state market in order to enhance competition among players, provide access to larger prize pools, grow the poker industry, support smaller operators and reduce unregulated play,” the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said.
