Rockin' the Poker Scene: West Virginia, Delaware, and MSIGA Partners' Latest Moves
Pennsylvania Governor Endorses Multi-State Online Gambling Accord; Interstate Poker Liquidity Kicks Off on April 28th.
In a thrilling twist, Pennsylvania is set to jazz up the US's small interstate online poker network, following Governor Josh Shapiro's signature on the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA)! Pennsylvania joins Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Delaware.
"This is a no-brainer step towards supporting countless Pennsylvanians, boosting our economy, and adding to the public purse, contributing to schools, our elderly, small enterprises, and more," Governor Shapiro declared in a press release. "Three of our neighbors are already on this ride - and now, with this move today, we're making sure Pennsylvania keeps its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving online market."
Online poker rooms in the Keystone State can dive into this multi-state liquidity pool as early as Monday, April 28. BetMGM is all set, but others remain tight-lipped on their readiness.
Delivering a Poker Punch
As it stands, Pennsylvania boasts five online poker franchises: PokerStars, WSOP Online, BetRivers, DraftKings, and BetMGM (and their related skins). PokerStars and BetMGM already share networks with Michigan and New Jersey. WSOP Online connects Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey.
Now, if Pennsylvania plays its cards right, it could become a massive - indeed, the biggest – addition to the interstate poker networks. But where are West Virginia and Delaware - fellow members of the MSIGA?
West Virginia: A Steady Hand in the Game
- Legal Status: West Virginia's online poker scene has been legal since the passage of the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act in 2019[5].
- Operators: Big players like BetRivers are making headway towards expanding their services to more states, including West Virginia[3].
- Liquidity: As a smaller market, West Virginia relies on shared liquidity agreements to enhance game selection and player traffic.
Delaware: A Poker Pioneer with a Twist
- Legal Status: Delaware opened the doors to online poker in 2013, making it one of the first to offer legal online poker in the US[2].
- Operators: Major operators like WSOP/888 maintain a presence in Delaware, taking advantage of shared liquidity agreements for improved player pools[2][3].
- Liquidity: Delaware's participation in the multi-state poker network keeps player liquidity flowing, enhancing gameplay across state lines.
However, things took a turn in early 2024 when Delaware switched gaming providers from 888 to Rush Street Interactive (RSI). With RSI lacking a poker platform, the three poker sites, former network members with New Jersey and Nevada, went offline.
BetRivers Poker could resurrect the Delaware rooms, making a comeback that would bring Delaware back into the fold.
New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and the MSIGA
- New Jersey: This state is a significant player in the MSIGA poker sector and hosts big operators[4].
- Nevada: Known for its early adoption of online poker, Nevada continues to be a part of the MSIGA, boosting game variety[4].
- Michigan: Akin to Pennsylvania, Michigan possesses a regulated online poker market and partakes in the shared liquidity agreement to amplify its player base[2][4].
The future of online poker networks in these states revolves around expansion and collaboration, with a focus on improved player experiences and market sustainability through shared liquidity agreements. Stay tuned for more poker twists and turns!
- Pennsylvania will soon join the US's small interstate online poker network, boosting its economy and adding to the public purse.
- Governor Shapiro declared that this move will support countless Pennsylvanians and keep Pennsylvania competitive in a rapidly evolving online market.
- Online poker rooms in Pennsylvania can dive into the multi-state liquidity pool as early as April 28, with BetMGM ready, but others remaining tight-lipped on their readiness.
- West Virginia and Delaware, fellow MSIGA members, are currently not part of the multi-state poker networks, but West Virginia's legal online poker scene has been in operation since 2019, with operators like BetRivers making headway towards expansion.
- Delaware's participation in the multi-state poker network was cut short in early 2024 due to a switch in gaming providers, but a comeback from BetRivers Poker could bring Delaware back into the fold.
- In the MSIGA, New Jersey, Nevada, and Michigan are significant players, with Michigan possessing a regulated online poker market and partaking in the shared liquidity agreement to amplify its player base, similar to Pennsylvania's planned move.
