Pennsylvania joins US interstate poker networks through BetMGM and WSOP Online, while PokerStars remains unresponsive to this development.
Title: PokerStars Delays Entry into Multi-State Poker Agreement, Still Out of the Game
It's been a game-changer for US online poker, as Pennsylvania officially joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) on April 28, allowing its players to try their luck against opponents from other states. The Keystone State is now the sixth member of MSIGA, following Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia.
This monumental day marked the initial round of shared liquidity for Pennsylvania, and both BetMGM (and its partner Borgata Poker) and WSOP Online took full advantage. BetMGM connected Pennsylvania with Michigan and New Jersey, while WSOP Online expanded its network across those three states and Nevada.
One major player's absence remains conspicuous, though - PokerStars. Despite being the first operator to launch online poker in Pennsylvania back in November 2019, it's yet to join the shared liquidity pool. No definitive reason has been given for its reluctance, and the timing of its participation remains uncertain.
Chances are, PokerStars is just dotting its I's and crossing its T's before jumping in, knowing the repercussions of being the final movers among Pennsylvania's major poker brands.
Celebrations Galore
In the interim, both BetMGM and WSOP Online are making the most of the situation. BetMGM hosted a special freeroll on Monday night for its players across Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey. Dubbed the "Free-Note," a play on its usual "C-Note" name, the tournament saw a $30,000 prize pool and a $5,000 Aria prize package for the winner, complete with travel and lodging expenses.
On the other hand, WSOP Online announced itself as the first interstate poker network to add Pennsylvania by unveiling its 2025 WSOP Online bracelet schedule. All 30 tournaments can now be played by players seated at WSOP Online in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. Five of the online bracelet events will feature live final tables in Las Vegas, and for the first time, there will be an Online Gold Bracelet Leaderboard offering over $30,000 in prizes.
BetRivers' Entry on the Horizon?
While PokerStars, WSOP Online, and BetMGM currently dominate the US's limited online poker market, another contender may soon join the fray. Although no timeline has been provided, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) announced its intention to launch BetRivers Poker in multiple states and combine their player pools.
BetRivers Poker, the US-renovated version of Phil Galfond's Run It Once Poker, made its Pennsylvania debut in late October 2024. RSI was already known to be working on a BetRivers Poker launch in Michigan and New Jersey, though specific dates remain undisclosed.
The whispers of a future BetRivers interstate network could have positive implications for Delaware and West Virginia. Delaware, with its three racinos that used 888's online poker platform, transitioned its online gaming operations to RSI at the beginning of 2024. This move led to the shutdown of online poker in the state, but RSI could now potentially connect it to other states as it rolls out its poker network. Similarly, West Virginia, which has no poker rooms despite online poker being legal, may find itself on the online poker map with the expanding interstate network.
As of April 2025, PokerStars remains tight-lipped about its plans to join the shared liquidity pool, leaving its players eagerly anticipating the changes to come. In the meantime, the interstate poker landscape continues to evolve, with operators positioning themselves for a competitive edge in this ever-growing market.
- PokerStars, a significant casino-and-gambling personality, is yet to participate in the shared liquidity pool of the MSIGA, despite being present in Pennsylvania.
- Gambling trends indicate that PokerStars might be simply ensuring all the necessary details are in order before joining the pool, ensuring they don't miss out on the competitive edge.
- The absence of PokerStars leaves room for other casino-games platforms to expand, such as BetRivers Poker, which made its Pennsylvania debut in late October 2024 and aims to launch in multiple states.
- Casino-personalities like BetMGM and WSOP Online have capitalized on the occasion, with BetMGM hosting special tournaments and WSOP Online revealing its 2025 online bracelet schedule.
- The Pennsylvania online poker market, once PokerStars joins, is expected to experience increased liquidity and competition, following the trends set by other states like Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey.
- The growth of interstate lotteries and sports-betting has also played a significant role in shaping the casino-culture in Pennsylvania and other states, with Las Vegas continuing to serve as a major influence.
- As more states show interest in online gambling, including sports-betting, the continued presence and evolution of platforms like PokerStars will be crucial in setting the standards for the rapidly changing casino-and-gambling landscape across the US.
