Players, industry insiders, and activists from Pennsylvania’s online poker community came together this week in a historic display of unity for the #GrowPAPoker campaign, marking a historic juncture for this community. Starting on May 7th, when word got out about this effort, the whole poker community came together on X to show their support. Together, these groups worked to rally support for the campaign and get it off the ground.
Protesters gathered outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, with placards reading “Let Pennsylvania Poker Flourish” and “Shared Liquidity Now” and wearing poker-themed outfits. By all accounts, this was the most effective means of attracting the attention of powerful legislators who could do anything about it.
To keep the ball rolling, PokerStars PA invited all registered players to a special freeroll event that they were conducting during the week. This action emphasized the value of the #GrowPAPoker campaign and emphasized the role that operator support plays in propelling the expansion of online poker.
Why #GrowPAPoker?
If Pennsylvania were to be included in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), the state would be allowed to combine its player pools with those of other member jurisdictions, such as Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, and Delaware. This would pave the way for online poker to keep growing in the US.
The group’s overarching goal is to increase operator income and player numbers by getting shared liquidity in online poker legalized. But is that all?
Shared liquidity is being proposed at a critical moment for the online poker scene in Pennsylvania, which has seen only modest growth since it started in 2019. Proponents argue that operators would benefit from an increased player pool and stronger income streams as a result of integration with nearby jurisdictions like Nevada and New Jersey. Also, they are confident that players would also enjoy getting a more exciting and dynamic gaming experience.
Big Day for US Poker
Pushing Pennsylvania to join the MSIGA is, in some ways, also an essential first step in reviving the US online poker scene. More players means more traffic, more tournament guarantees, and more tax income for the states. Additionally, this cooperative effort may act as an inspiration for other states to think about regulating online poker, which would support the growth of the industry across the country.
So far, the results are looking good. The activists vowed to keep fighting for shared liquidity until it becomes a legal requirement in Pennsylvania. With the support of legislators, industry leaders, and a committed player base, the #GrowPAPoker campaign is about to have a lasting impact on the future of online poker in the state.
