Pennsylvania PokerStars not planned to feature shared player pool initially
In the past couple of weeks, Pennsylvania's entrance to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) has stirred quite a buzz, but one significant player seems to be holding back. PokerStars, a household name in the online poker world, has yet to jump on the shared liquidity bandwagon - a move that's left many scratching their heads.
Competitors like BetMGM and WSOP didn't waste any time integrating Pennsylvania into their multi-state poker networks, but PokerStars has kept mum. The company attributes this delay to "current global operational priorities" - a statement that's sparked a flurry of speculation about the real reasons behind the hold-up.
PokerStars, known for its pioneering role in the US online poker expansion, launched in Pennsylvania back in 2019. It was the second state, after New Jersey in 2016, where the brand made its mark. Michigan followed suit in 2021. In early 2023, PokerStars even united its Michigan and New Jersey platforms, creating the largest US online poker network. Pennsylvania joined MSIGA in April 2025.
Despite the delay, PokerStars is still playing its cards close to its chest. The company reassures players in Pennsylvania that they can still enjoy the PokerStars experience, replete with high-quality multi-table tournaments, cash games, and local promotions tailored just for them. However, the vague reference to "global operational priorities" has left people wondering what's really going on behind the scenes.
It's possible that PokerStars is focusing on global strategic priorities, expanding into new markets or enhancing existing services outside the US. Recent server upgrades and platform issues might also have played a part, albeit a minor one. The competitive landscape could be another factor influencing their decision. With other operators already integrating Pennsylvania, PokerStars might be carefully planning its entry to maintain its competitive edge[1][2].
Regardless of the reasons, PokerStars players in Pennsylvania will have to bide their time before they can reap the benefits of shared liquidity, while other platforms continue to grow their offerings[1][4]. Let's just hope the wait won't be too long.
Will, based in the UK, has been a part of the PokerNews family since 2015, first as a freelance live reporter and later as a full-time staff member, now serving as Managing Editor. He's a University of Kent graduate and holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism[3]. Keep an eye on Will as he continues to bring you the latest news from the world of poker.
PokerStars, despite announcing its entry into Pennsylvania's Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) as early as April 2025, has not yet integrated the state into its multi-state poker network, a move that's remarkable given its history of leadership in US online poker expansion. With competitors like BetMGM and WSOP already establishing their presence in Pennsylvania, the delay has raised questions about PokerStars's strategies and priorities.
