PA Poker Player Rallying for Multi-State International Gaming Agreement

While Pennsylvania has developed a gambling market, the State has not joined the interstate poker compact. Most poker players in the Keystone State would like to see the State sign the Multi-State International Gaming Agreement. However, an individual poker player is trying to change that by taking the matter into his own hands.

For this to happen, Pennsylvania has several obstacles. First, the issue will have to go through newly elected Governor Josh Shapiro, who took office in January.

If PA joined the poker compact, players across the State would embrace such an addition.

How Does the Interstate Poker Compact Work?

In a nutshell, the poker compact is a mutual agreement between states that allow players to compete in tournaments with poker players in other states.

Some clear benefits include competing with more players, tougher competition, and larger prize pools. Conveniently, this policy also boosts the tax revenue for the home state.

For now, four states have joined the poker compact. In 2022 Michigan joined Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.

The benefits came almost instantly. Michigan introduced a new player pool from New Jersey on PokerStars. This pool is available in both states. Michigan can now pursue increasing player pools to other compliant states as the online poker app becomes available throughout the territories under the agreement.

For now, PA is missing this opportunity.

Will PA Join Interstate Poker?

Throughout 2022 there was no clear indication when Pennsylvania could join the interstate poker agreement. However, the State’s Gaming Board discussed it in February. Before that, you might have known about PA online poker and the sites where it is available. It’s a great alternative to playing in land-based casinos. Communications director Dough Harbach said the PGCB is discussing the topic, but the Governor’s Office has the last say on such an agreement.

A year later, there is no substantial change in policy. However, a new governor probably won’t have this issue on top of his priorities.

Build Up for PA to Join the Compact

To push the agenda a bit quicker, famous poker player and Twitch streamer Keith Becker decided to act on behalf of PA poker players.

He started a grassroots advocacy campaign to raise awareness and help bring the interstate poker compact to Pennsylvania. But, as the biggest motivation, Becker said he always wanted the opportunity to compete against players in other states.

Becker gathered a team of twelve people to make pitches to those in power, starting with Gov. Shapiro.

According to Becker, the idea is to mount an email campaign to influential people, who said it would be geared towards the new governor, local government reps, and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board members.

The ambitious poker player sought advice from lobbying groups before he devised a plan. Next, Becker will take his organized action to the public and try to bring interstate poker to the Keystone States.

What Can Pennsylvania Get from Compact?

There are a few essential things PA is missing out on because it didn’t connect with other states. First, the larger prize pools generate more revenue and players. Second, Becker’s fear of missing out contributes to the desire to join the compact.

Becker’s friend, Dan Schill from Michigan, shared the excitement interstate poker brought to his home state. He has already played in several tournaments against players from New Jersey. More players mean bigger prizes, and Schill scored a $23,700 win for second place in a shared $200 special. Before Michigan joined the interstate agreement, an average prize for such a tournament would be around $8000. Aside from rewards, the key benefit is larger player pools. It is essential for more competition and enough people to register for a tournament.