Connecting the Poker Stakes: Interstate Online Poker Expansion
Connecticut Proposal Enables State to Facilitate Cross-Border Online Poker Sharing
That's the hot topic in Connecticut's political sphere right now! Lawmakers are pushing to link the state to others for online poker, kickstarting a discussion on sports betting regulation. On a Wednesday meeting, Rep. Tony Scott introduced SB 1464, aiming to merge Connecticut with the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing online poker operators to share liquidity across states.
The main focus of the public hearing's debate revolved around safeguarding consumers in the sports betting sector. Despite the bill's potential to leap Connecticut into the MSIGA fold barely making a blip, the consensus among lawmakers seems it's a smart move.
Intricate issues like how betting operators address betting odds errors, or adjust maximum allowable bet disclosures, sparked lively debates, raising differing opinions and the need for enlightenment.
Poker uncharted, but legal in Connecticut
In 2021, Connecticut legalized online poker, but lacks operational platforms due to its relatively small market. Joining the MSIGA serves as a lifeline for the Nutmeg State, as local poker rooms could struggle to sustain a substantial player base without the interstate interconnectedness.
With MSIGA, Connecticut poker rooms would have a built-in customer base across state lines, improving their odds of attracting players from the get-go.
Interstate poker networks on the rise
Currently, there are five MSIGA members: New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia. Only the first three have operational poker sites.
The soon-to-beMSIGA member, Pennsylvania, boasts one of the largest online poker markets in the US. As per PlayPennsylvania, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Communications Director Doug Harbach shared their plan to link up operators with other states in April.
Like Connecticut, West Virginia legalized online poker but hasn't managed to attract operators.
In early 2024, Delaware switched iGaming providers from 888 to Rush Street Interactive, causing its online poker rooms to shut down. BetRivers, owned by Rush Street, launched its first online poker room in Pennsylvania in fall 2024, offering Delaware a possible roadmap for reviving its online poker scene.
The interstate poker network landscape includes leading platforms like WSOP Online, PokerStars, and BetMGM.
The widening online poker landscape rejuvenates competition, fosters revenue streams, and encourages responsible gaming regulation among participating states, propelling the market forward and benefiting local economies.
Casino-and-gambling regulations in Connecticut could potentially expand, with the introduction of SB 1464 aiming to join the state's online poker market with the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This would open up opportunities for casino-games like poker to be played across state lines, providing a boost to struggling local poker rooms and attracting players from other regions.
