Pennsylvania Online Poker Revenue Falls Further in June

Summary:

• Pennsylvania’s online poker revenue dropped to $2.4 million in June 2023
• New Jersey now takes the lead for the first time in two years
• Joining the MSIGA could turn things around for PA

Pennsylvania is experiencing a continuing decline in online poker revenue in recent months and this trend is likely to continue unless something is done.

One way to reverse the pattern is for the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) which currently has four members, the latest of which is Michigan.

New Jersey Online Poker Overtakes Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania launched its regulated online gaming market back in November 2019. Revenue peaked during the COVID-19 period in 2020 and understandably fell back to stable figures the following year. However, since 2022, the market hasn’t seen that much growth, and beginning March this year, online poker revenue has been on the decline.

Pennsylvania’s online poker revenue has surpassed that of New Jersey over the last two years, but in June 2023, the latter took over the lead, with the figures boosted by the addition of Michigan to the MSIGA network.

Based on the latest data from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the state generated just $2.4 million in online poker revenue in June this year, a 2.9% drop from the $2.5 million it recorded in May, and down 6.6% year over year.

Things are quite the opposite in New Jersey, with its online poker market reporting $2.5 million in revenue in June, up from $2.3 in May, according to figures provided by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). This means New Jersey has now regained the top position from the Keystone State for the first time since July 2021.

PokerStars PA’s monthly revenue dropped to a record low in June of $1.4 million, though it remains the largest online poker operator in the state. Revenue generated by BetMGM Poker ($340,000) and Borgata Poker PA ($107,000) for June also represents a month-over-month drop. The only exception was WSOP PA which recorded an increase in revenue in June to $547,000. But that’s still down almost 21% from June 2022.

Joining MSIGA Could be the Key

These results only mean one thing – Pennsylvania needs to step up if it wants to be back in contention for the largest online poker market in the US. Joining the MSIGA could make a difference, however, it remains uncertain whether the state will get there anytime soon, with Governor Josh Shapiro seemingly uninterested in making the move. PGCB spokesman Doug Harbach stated this week there has been no progress on this matter.

PokerStars has greatly benefited from its shared pool in New Jersey and Michigan, and there are rumors both the WSOP and BetMGM are waiting for Pennsylvania to join MSIGA so they can also strengthen their respective networks.