Proposed Legislation in Connecticut Allows State to Share Online Poker Profits Across Jurisdictions
Let's talk 'bout sports, baby! But, no, wait. Let's talk 'bout Connecticut and its ambitious plan to jump into the world of online poker. That's right! Last week, our beloved state Rep. Tony Scott introduced SB 1464, a bill that could potentially connect our state to others for cross-jurisdictional online poker games.
Now, during a recent public hearing at the state's General Law Committee, the discussion was entirely focused on consumer protections in the sports betting arena. The bill's intention to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) was barely touched upon, but since the general consensus (y'all know, the good vibes) seems to be that it's a swell idea, we'll probably see it happen anyway.
So what's all the fuss about? Well, topics like how operators handle errors in posted odds or how they disclose changes in a customer's maximum wager proved to be hot spots, with differing opinions necessitating some serious explainin' and educatin' among our dear lawmakers.
Online poker legal, but crickets from operators
Here's the thing: Connecticut legalized online poker in 2021, but chances are you haven't noticed, 'cause, well, there are no dang sites. Why, you ask? It's all because of our humble size. Although, to be fair, our state simply hasn't been appealing enough for poker operators to set up shop here.
However, since our size is the very reason we need to join the MSIGA, even without an online poker room in sight, it's like we're already playing the game! If operators did somehow miraculously decide to launch here, the poker rooms, alone, likely would not generate enough traffic to thrive. But with players from other states straight outta the gate, they'd get a leg up, making them way more attractive to customers.
Interstate poker networks gearing up for a growth spurt
At the moment, there are five states part of the MSIGA: New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia. Now, only the first three have active online poker rooms, and Pennsylvania, a major online poker market in the US, is on its way to joining the fun! According to PlayPennsylvania, Pennsylvania's Gaming Control Board Communications Director Doug Harbach stated that Pennsylvania's operators would be linked up with other states in April.
Interestingly, West Virginia, like Connecticut, has legalized online poker but doesn't have any poker rooms. But hey, there's always hope! Right? Delaware, too, used to have three online poker rooms, but the Delaware Lottery switched iGaming providers, and since its poker rooms were based on the old platform, they no longer exist. But fear not, Delaware! BetRivers, owned by the new platform provider, launched its first online poker room in Pennsylvania in the fall of 2024, so a comeback might be in the cards.
Lastly, there are three interstate poker networks: WSOP Online, PokerStars, and BetMGM.
So buckle up, folks! The world of online poker is about to get a whole lot bigger, and Connecticut might just be at the center of it all!
- Connecticut's proposed bill SB 1464 aims to connect the state to others for cross-jurisdictional online poker games, potentially expanding the casino-and-gambling scene.
- Despite Connecticut legalizing online poker in 2021, there are currently no sites offering poker, due to the state's size and lack of appeal to operators.
- By joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), Connecticut could attract poker operators, even without a local online poker room, as it would gain access to players from other states.
- Currently, five states are part of the MSIGA, with New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia leading the way, and Pennsylvania expected to join soon.
- Interestingly, West Virginia, like Connecticut, has legalized online poker but doesn't have any poker rooms, suggesting that legalization alone may not be enough to create a thriving market.
- There are three interstate poker networks, including WSOP Online, PokerStars, and BetMGM, where Connecticut might find a place in the growing online poker trends, especially with sports-betting also on the rise.
