PokerStars Delays Merging Pennsylvania Player Pool with Multi-State Agreement
PokerStars Pennsylvania not introducing shared liquidity for players, at least for the time being.
After two weeks, Pennsylvania officially joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), but one major operator, namely PokerStars, is conspicuously absent. While rivals like BetMGM and WSOP have already integrated Pennsylvania into their multi-state poker networks, PokerStars has kept quiet—at least for now.
The company explained its hesitation with "current global operational priorities" as the reason for the hold-up. Though it reiterated its dedication to the U.S. market and promised to link its Pennsylvania platform with its existing Michigan-New Jersey network down the line.
"Players in Pennsylvania can still experience the PokerStars magic," the company stated wryly, "comprising first-rate multi-table tournaments, cash games, and local promotions tailored for PA players."
PokerStars Holds Fast to US and Global Growth
The deferment, as it turned out, caught many off guard, considering PokerStars' illustrious past in extending regulated online poker across the U.S.
PokerStars made its virtual debut in Pennsylvania in 2019, entering the scene after New Jersey in 2016. Michigan followed suit in 2021. In early 2023, PokerStars combined its Michigan and New Jersey platforms, creating the largest US online poker network. Pennsylvania joined MSIGA in April 2025.
"PokerStars stands steadfast behind the long-term development of poker in the U.S. and around the globe," the company insisted."We are putting effort into enhancing our content, partnerships, and product features to enrich our customers' experience and prepare for our future move into PA shared liquidity."
Stirred by the cryptic reference to "global operational priorities," whispers of speculation have begun circulating regarding the actual reason behind PokerStars' reluctance to merge its Pennsylvania player pool with MSIGA.
Whether these "global operational priorities" indicate a broader strategic initiative, resource allocation decision, or something entirely different, the clear takeaway is that PokerStars players in Pennsylvania must bide their time a while longer to reap the benefits of shared liquidity, while competitor platforms continue to expand their offerings.
Initially starting off as a freelance live reporter for PokerNews back in 2015, Will now works as Managing Editor after joining the full-time staff in 2019. He graduated with a B.A. in German from the University of Kent in 2017 and also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism. Based in the United Kingdom, he spends his off-hours seeking adventures in uncharted territory.
- Despite the 2025 launch of Pennsylvania into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), PokerStars has not yet merged its Pennsylvania player pool with the agreement, citing current global operational priorities.
- PokerStars, known for its entry into the US market as early as 2016 in New Jersey, has promised to eventually link its Pennsylvania platform with its existing Michigan-New Jersey network.
- With PokerStars' delay in merging its Pennsylvania player pool with MSIGA, competitors like BetMGM and WSOP continue to expand their offerings, leaving Pennsylvania players waiting for the benefits of shared liquidity.
- In 2025, Pennsylvania joined MSIGA, adding to PokerStars' US online poker network, which was already the largest due to the 2023 combination of its Michigan and New Jersey platforms.
