PA Poker News October Update: Pennsylvania on Fast Track to Enter Online Multi-State Compact; Arnwine Wins in Philly

Hi! I’m Keith Becker, PokerNews Ambassador and Pennsylvania native, here with a PA poker update for October 2024. It’s an exciting time in America for the game we all know and love, and I’m excited to be bringing you state highlights every month.

What are the big issues and stories on everyone’s minds? Let’s get into it.

Joining the Merged Market!

Let’s not bury the lede, it’s happening – Pennsylvania has begun the process of joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, or MSIGA!

So, if by some miracle you are reading this article and you don’t know what the MSIGA is, basically poker in the United States is being re-legalized and re-regulated on a state-by-state basis. Currently, players in Nevada, Delaware, Michigan, and New Jersey have signed the Multi-State Compact to play together, and by joining, Pennsylvania will be able to play in those pools!

If you know me, you know I have fought and advocated for this for a LONG time. Talking about it on social media, running a collaborative campaign with fellow players to write letters and make phone calls, and generally just trying to be a champion of this cause. I want to see the game grow, I want to see the big prize pools and big promos that will come out of this, and I could not be more hyped.

“The time between the governor publicly approving the PGCB to start entering the MSIGA and the time that they took a vote was super short.”

As for the timeline? It’s anyone’s guess, and despite being asked all the time, NO, I do not have any insider information. But what I have seen is some optimism as far as the path to Multi-State for PA goes.

First, the time between the governor publicly approving the PGCB to start entering the MSIGA and the time that they took a vote was super short. Governor Shapiro gave his approval on October 10th, and the PGCB voted on October 23rd, less than two weeks later.

Second, that vote had zero resistance at all – 100% yay votes, no nays or objections of any kind – and third, it’s been reported that New Jersey Gaming assisted West Virginia in joining the MSIGA, and so perhaps Pennsylvania could stand on the shoulders of giants, following the roadmap set out by other states for a smooth entry into shared poker with their fellow Americans.

Welcome Bet Rivers

And in this period of potential energy, hype, and excitement, new operator BetRivers could not have picked a better time to launch in my opinion. BetRivers completed a thorough soft launch, including the participation of players who were provided entries and bonuses to help test the software.

The operator’s full launch should be imminent, and the client boasts some unique features: anonymized usernames to prevent unfair advantages and what is colloquially known as “bum-hunting,” juicy rewards for their players, dynamic avatars, and HeroIQ: a built-in HUD available to ALL players, again seeking to level the playing field. I’ll be streaming BetRivers as soon as I can, so come on by to check it out.
Other PA Online News

For other operators, BetMGM PA recently concluded their Gridiron Classic Series, which boasted over $300K total guarantees and had a unique prize given to winners of certain events – a custom jersey with an embroidered name. I gotta say, I am jealous of PhillyTaxGuy’s swag here.

Currently, I’ve been firing on Global Poker which is in the middle of their Eagle Series! If you haven’t played on Global Poker, you’re missing out. They’ve got huge prize pools, amazing structures, and the most trophies offered I have ever seen. I’m really hoping to get another Eagle to join the two of these babies I already have, and if you wanna watch that chase come hang out at twitch.tv/accidentalgrenade.

And of course, PokerStars is gearing up for the return of the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) in Las Vegas! The series runs November 1-10 and will pay out over $4 million dollars to players. I’ve seen a lot of hype events, not only poker but also a karaoke night, player party, and a night at the Sphere, so as always with PokerStars events there should be tons of fun and excitement both on and off the felt. Although I couldn’t win myself a Gold Pass in the $1K satellite I played, I will be there providing coverage for PokerNews!

PA Live Poker Update

And finally on the live poker front, Philly Live! Poker Room recently concluded a $250 Women’s Event which awarded not only $4,000 to the winner Caitlyn Arnwine, but she’s also going to London for the PokerStars Women’s Winter Festival!

Another package to London will be awarded to the winner of the Women’s Event at the NAPT as well, so if you’re a poker-playing lady able to get out to Vegas, get after that big value.

Poker is surging in America, and I’m thrilled to be your ambassador here in Pennsylvania. For more information, check out our PokerNews Pennsylvania page here, and be sure to follow me on socials to stay in the know. I’ll be back next month with another update!