The legal landscape of online poker in the United States continues to evolve in 2025, with several states making significant strides toward regulation, expansion, and player pooling. While federal law remains largely unchanged, state-level initiatives are reshaping the way Americans access and enjoy real-money poker online. Poker Online From Pennsylvania’s long-awaited entry into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) to renewed legislative pushes in New York and Illinois, this year’s updates reflect a growing appetite for legal, regulated online poker across the country.
One of the most impactful developments is Pennsylvania’s official membership in MSIGA, a multi-state compact that allows regulated poker sites to share player pools across state lines. This move, finalized in early 2025, means that Pennsylvania’s nearly 13 million residents will soon be able to compete in larger tournaments and cash games alongside players from New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia. The integration process involves technical testing and regulatory approvals, with platforms like WSOP.com, PokerStars, and BetMGM Poker expected to launch multi-state operations later this year. The timing is strategic, potentially aligning with the WSOP Online 2025 series and boosting prize pools and participation.
Meanwhile, New York is once again pushing for online poker legalization. Senator Gary Pretlow has reintroduced Senate Bill 2614, which aims to legalize online poker as part of a broader online casino package. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, which Pretlow chairs. While the proposal has strong initial backing, it notably omits any mention of MSIGA or shared liquidity—a potential drawback that could limit the competitiveness of New York’s poker market if passed in its current form. A separate bill from Senator Joseph Addabbo seeks broader iGaming regulation, including measures to curb unregulated sweepstakes casinos. Together, these efforts signal a renewed legislative focus on digital gambling in the Empire State.
Illinois is also on the cusp of joining the regulated online poker club. If successful, it would become the ninth state to legalize online poker, following in the footsteps of New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and others. With nearly 13 million residents, Illinois would instantly become one of the largest regulated poker markets in the country. The state’s legislative momentum is being closely watched, as its entry could further expand the reach and liquidity of MSIGA member networks.
Other states are making quieter but meaningful progress. Connecticut has passed online poker legislation, with Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun holding exclusive rights to operate platforms. While no launch date has been confirmed, the groundwork is in place for future rollout. Ohio’s Senate Bill 312, introduced in 2024, could make it the tenth state to legalize online poker, adding another major market to the mix.
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) remains a cornerstone of U.S. online poker expansion. Originally formed by Nevada and Delaware in 2014, the compact now includes New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. MSIGA allows member states to combine player pools, resulting in larger tournaments, more active cash games, and improved liquidity. Operators must meet strict technical and regulatory standards to participate, but the benefits are substantial—especially for states with smaller populations.
Despite these advances, federal law continues to play a background role. The Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) still shape the boundaries of online poker, but recent interpretations have clarified that states can regulate poker independently without federal interference. This legal clarity has emboldened state legislatures to pursue regulation, knowing they won’t face federal pushback.
However, not all states are embracing online poker. Georgia and Hawaii remain firmly opposed, with constitutional bans and no regulated options for real-money play. These states represent the more conservative end of the spectrum, where gambling expansion faces significant political and cultural resistance.
In regulated states, players can access licensed platforms like WSOP.com, PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, and Borgata Poker. These sites offer secure banking, verified RNGs, and responsible gaming tools. Players must complete geolocation checks and identity verification to ensure compliance with state laws. The experience is designed to mirror live poker in terms of fairness and integrity, with added convenience and accessibility.
Looking ahead, the future of U.S. online poker appears promising. With Pennsylvania joining MSIGA, New York and Illinois pushing legislation, and other states exploring regulation, the market is poised for growth. Shared liquidity will continue to be a key driver, enabling larger prize pools and more competitive games. As technology improves and public support grows, more states are likely to follow suit—bringing online poker closer to nationwide availability.
For players, these legal updates mean more opportunities, better games, and safer platforms. Whether you’re grinding tournaments in Michigan or chasing cash game action in New Jersey, the digital felt is expanding—and the cards are in your favor.