The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has been asked by the Keystone State’s Governor Josh Shapiro to begin the process of joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
In a letter dated 10 October to the PGCB’s Executive Director Kevin O’Toole, Shapiro requested that Pennsylvania joins the MSIGA to help the state “continue to remain competitive in the legalised gambling sector”.
The MSIGA allows a state’s online poker players to play against players in other US states that are also part of the agreement.
Managed by the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, the agreement was first established by Nevada and Delaware in 2014, but it has since grown to include New Jersey in 2017, Michigan in 2022 and West Virginia in 2023.
Shapiro highlighted how the gaming sector is an important contributor to the state’s economy, referencing the market’s 17 retail casinos and 22 online casino sites that employ more than 15,000 people.
The Governor also brought attention to the $1.9bn reported in igaming revenue last year, which produced $841m in tax revenue for the state, with legalised gambling in Pennsylvania bringing in over $2bn annually.
“In order to continue to remain competitive in the legalised gambling sector, I am expressing my strong support for Pennsylvania to join the MSIGA alongside Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia,” stated Shapiro in his letter.
“Pennsylvania should capitalise on our status as a leader in legalised gambling, and join this compact, which would bring in additional revenue for the Commonwealth and allow players more gaming options.
“My administration is prepared to do our part to help Pennsylvania compete in the gaming sector and continue to build a strong economy that works for everyone. My staff stands ready to assist you with this effort to ensure Pennsylvania’s joinder to the MSIGA as soon as possible.”