ShareOnline poker has been revolutionized by the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement ever since its conception. This compact has played a pivotal role in some of the recent adjustments witnessed in several states that have welcomed it. Through the participation of keen states across the country, players have enjoyed more benefits from a larger and more vibrant poker scene. Here, we unpack the significance of this agreement to both players and state authorities and provide a snapshot of the latest developments on this agreement.
The MSIGA-participating states are growing in number and with more states joining, the healthy competition amongst operators it promotes engenders them to improve the level of service provided. For example, one of the latest trends sweeping the iGaming industry has seen the use of cryptocurrency expanding at online casinos. Among the best Bitcoin casinos now available online, operators that accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method are setting new standards in the iGaming industry as their underlying blockchain technology allows them to provide perks like faster payout time and a more private experience since blockchain transactions are recorded using pseudonyms.
The benefits of this agreement extend beyond the diversity of available platforms but also encompass an improved experience for the players. Larger player pools provide platforms with the opportunity to provide other perks like better payouts, jackpots, and bonuses. Additionally, broader player pools improve competition among players that form a more diverse group of participants.
The MSIGA was formed back in 2011, dealing online poker players in the United States a big blow as it essentially cut players from those states off from international poker sites. Shortly thereafter, individual states established regulations and allowed players to participate in games that were made available in those states. Fast-forward to February 2014 and Nevada and Delaware have agreed to share the same player pool across both states, forming a compact known today as the Multi-State Internet Gambling Agreement.
In 2017, New Jersey joined the compact agreement which has now grown to five participating states as it stands. Some of the more recent states that have joined include Michigan and West Virginia. This scene is very promising as more states such as Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have geared toward signing the agreement in 2024.
As the MSIGA compact grows, stakeholders await regulatory adjustments for the overall improvement of online poker delivery to players. For example, as players are now more conscious of their privacy, the integration of crypto gambling into this agreement may also end up on the agenda. All regulatory adjustments will require careful coordination between participating state authorities and the federal government.
However, state authorities have already reaped the benefits of the iGaming industry multi-state through the revenue generated by it from taxation. Existing legislation in some states and the involvement of the Multi-State Internet Gambling Association create a platform to monitor compliance and engage in fair allocation of tax revenue distribution for the MSIGA. In addition, states now have the convenience of adopting an existing legal framework that’s already in use in other states rather than needing to create a fresh regulatory regime of their own.
Despite the benefits of the multi-state compact, there are still challenges with the implementation and technical integration for a seamless user experience. As a result, some states currently don’t have operational online poker sites but contribute a considerable amount of players to the MSIGA player pool. Although these states benefit from tax revenue distribution comparable to their contribution, they have a dire need to secure licensed operators within their state borders to have a greater share.
Overall, this compact agreement seems to be the future of online poker and internet gambling at large as it represents a positive step toward enhancing the gambling landscape while emphasizing responsible practices.
