Pennsylvania is another step closer to launching multi-state poker after regulators gave their unanimous approval Wednesday for the state’s entry into an interstate compact that supports online poker.

Kevin O’Toole, executive director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), asked the board to ratify a staff request for the state to begin negotiations for membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

O’Toole confirmed to the board that Governor Josh Shapiro sent a letter to PGCB on October 10 requesting the agency begin the process of negotiations for the Keystone State’s membership in MSIGA.

“History has shown that the increased customer base — which goes along with adding jurisdictions, which is referred to as shared liquidity — has increased the number of poker games available for play at various buy-in price points, and has generally helped the online gaming industry by creating more customer interest in online poker,” O’Toole said.

The agency head said the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, a statute from 2004, authorizes the state to join multi-state compacts like MSIGA. “However, the governor must approve any such action on behalf of the commonwealth,” he said.

“[With] Governor Shapiro’s expressed desire, we can now pursue online interstate gaming.”

After O’Toole spoke, a motion was introduced to formally ratify the staff request. The board gave its unanimous approval without asking any questions.

https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/221595-pennsylvania-gaming-board-unanimously-backs