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 put forward a bill for the Keystone State to join the Multi-State Online Poker Compact via House Bill 2078.

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 competing with players from other states that are also 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 is yet to become part of the MSIGA. The PGCB has gone on record stating that this is not up to the gambling regulator as approval rests with the Governor’s office. Now, with HB2078 being referred to the Gaming Oversight committee, things look set to soon be moving in the right direction.

Poker Agreement Would See PA Joining 5 Other States

Unsurprisingly, the cross-state poker agreement has proven to be popular, with five other states having already joined. If HB 2017 goes through, Pennsylvania will be joining the ranks of Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia, paving the way for countless opportunities for poker players in the Keystone State.