Pennsylvania Poker Inches Closer to Shared Poker Liquidity: PGCB Approves MSIGA Motion

PGCB Ratifies Motion to Expedite MSIGA Process

At a recent PGCB board meeting, Kevin O’Toole, the executive director, updated board members on the MSIGA negotiations, noting that Pennsylvania’s membership could soon become a reality. “On receipt of a notice of admission, the Board will thereafter be presented with a multistate agreement which will be provided to Governor Shapiro for his signature,” O’Toole announced. He then requested the board’s approval to proceed with the MSIGA request for admission.

The PGCB’s board members quickly ratified the motion by voice vote, paving the way for Governor Shapiro’s final consideration. With several “aye” votes heard during the live-streamed meeting and no opposition registered, the board’s action marked another strong show of support for joining MSIGA.

O’Toole’s statement underscored the urgency: “At this time, I would respectfully request the board for a motion to ratify the Board’s staff requesting Pennsylvania for admission into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, thereby starting the process of entering that group.”

Governor Shapiro’s Role in Finalizing the Process

Governor Shapiro’s signature is now the last step required on Pennsylvania’s side. Should he endorse the agreement, Pennsylvania’s poker player base would be positioned to join shared player pools with New Jersey, Michigan, and Nevada. Although the procedural wheels are turning, Pennsylvania’s final entry into MSIGA will still require formal ratification from existing compact members.

The other MSIGA states — Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia — will each need to approve Pennsylvania’s addition.

While there’s no set timeline for how long it will take for these states to sign off, Pennsylvania could potentially join the multi-state compact by late 2024 or early 2025. For Pennsylvania poker players, this would open up access to larger player pools, more competitive tournaments, and expanded prize offerings.

What’s Next for Pennsylvania Poker?

The addition of Pennsylvania to MSIGA would make the Keystone State the fourth active MSIGA member, joining Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan, where multi-state poker already offers a larger player pool. With nearly 13 million residents, Pennsylvania would bring significant growth to the shared liquidity pool, an enhancement that promises not only a more vibrant playing field but also potential revenue boosts for the state.

For now, players can look forward to further updates as Pennsylvania edges closer to the MSIGA fold, marking a transformative step in the state’s online poker journey.