Where to Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania
3 minutes
Last Updated: January 3, 2024
Real money online poker is starting to take off in the USA. Pennsylvania is one of seven states that has rolled out the red carpet for players, and there is ample choice for its residents to capitalize on.
But how have things developed in PA? How does the online poker scene compare to other states? And what are the best sites to compete for real money? All this and much more will be covered in this detailed guide.
PokerStars
A globally recognized brand, PokerStars has become a premier destination for PA poker players. The high-quality software, a diverse range of games, sit&go’s, and other tournaments means PokerStars is held in high regard, and it has become a trusted option.
On top of that, there have been some novel features added, such as Zoom Poker, which is essentially a fast-fold cash game. For those players seeking an enriching experience, PokerStars will more than fit the bill, especially for those looking to amass big wins.
BetMGM
Having made a grand appearance in PA in April 2021, BetMGM is famed for staging no-limit Hold’Em games, with some Pot Limit Omaha and a healthy dose of Omaha 8 sprinkled on top for good measure.
With a brilliant app to boot, BetMGM has been a bit of a game-changer for PA poker players, and it continues to transcend the poker scene in general.
Borgata Poker
Borgata Poker and Atlantic City go hand-in-hand, but now PA players can reap the rewards of the full Borgata experience online. Apart from sharing its player pool with BetMGM Poker, tournament tickets, and generous bonuses are part and parcel of Borgata’s offering.
Aside from that, Borgata has a comprehensive schedule of low-to-mid-stakes tournaments with the promise of high cash guarantees. While there are jackpot-style spin-and-go’s, sometimes availability is limited due to player volume, so that’s something to be aware of.
What is the Poker Situation Like in Other States?
As things stand, with just seven states legalizing real money online poker, it has some way to go before it becomes a phenomenon in the iGaming industry. Nevertheless, there are plenty of conversations that are being had in some states, such as New York. There is also growing momentum in other states that were previously resistant, which seems to indicate that previously held beliefs are subtly beginning to shift.
The real money online poker market in the US, however, is showing signs of greater fluidity. For those who want an in-depth guide to online poker and where to play, the sites listed by the experts at legaluspokersites.com should provide a source of inspiration, and many of these will host a regular gamut of tournaments to entertain players.
A Worrying Trend for Pennsylvania
At present, PA players are ring-fenced in terms of where they can play, but the last few months of 2023 suggested a worrying decline, at least from a revenue perspective.
Indeed, PA’s online poker rooms grossed $2.3million in October, which reflected a 1.5% drop when compared to September’s return of $2.4m. PokerStars, as reported figures have shown, continues to dominate the online poker landscape in PA, but they couldn’t hide away from a poor showing in October, as it proved to be its second-worst month for revenues in 2023.
Pennsylvania Future Prospects
By all accounts, Pennsylvania is a mature market, and it has largely blossomed over the past few years. Although the debate surrounding PA and its reluctance to sign up for the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement) continues to rage on, perhaps it will come around to a different way of thinking. It helps to foster a larger poker community by combining player pools from other member states into a single platform.
Inherently, MSIGA is an issue that needs to be revisited, especially when you consider the nosedive in revenues at the end of 2023, and the fear is that this could spill over into 2024.
Conclusion
Online poker players, as mentioned, aren’t stuck for choice when it comes to options in Pennsylvania. The sites available will appeal to a large cross-section of players regardless of abilities, and there are a myriad of bonuses and tournaments to keep them occupied.
The nagging question remains over whether Pennsylvania will sign up for the poker compact and commit to the MSIGA, which arguably, would give the state more flexibility moving forward. In the meantime, those players who wish to engage with online poker sites are reminded of gambling responsibly, so they can maximize their enjoyment at the operators they play with.
