Though Connecticut does not have online poker rooms, a new bill would allow the state to share online poker liquidity with other states. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Sports betting primary focus of bill
Lawmakers in Connecticut have begun a push to connect the state to others for online poker. On Wednesday, state Rep. Tony Scott introduced SB 1464, “An Act Concerning Sports Wagering And Multijurisdictional Internet Gaming,” which, among other things, aims to allow online poker operators to share liquidity with other states.
general consensus is that it is a good idea
In a public hearing during a meeting of the state’s General Law Committee, the focus of the discussion largely revolved around consumer protections in the sports betting arena. The bill’s intent to allow Connecticut to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) was barely touched upon, though this could very likely be because the general consensus is that it is a good idea.
Topics such as how betting operators respond to errors in posted odds or how they disclose changes in a customer’s maximum allowable bet fostered more discussion, as there were differing opinions and the need for explanation and education among the lawmakers.
Online poker legal, but no sites
SB 1464 would allow Connecticut to join MSIGA even though there are no online poker rooms in the state. Connecticut legalized online poker in 2021, but because of its size, it has not been attractive enough for poker operators to set up shop.
Though Connecticut is one of the smallest states in terms of area, it is still slightly above Nevada by population. Nevada, though, has only been able to support one online poker room for years. With an estimated population of 3.7 million, Connecticut is still much smaller than the next smallest state that has online poker rooms: New Jersey, population 9.5 million.
And it is because of Connecticut’s size that it needs to join MSIGA. Even if online poker operators did decide to launch there, the poker rooms would not be likely to generate the player traffic needed to thrive. But if they automatically had players from other states at the tables, they would start with a leg up, which would help attract customers.
Interstate poker networks about to grow
There are currently five states in MSIGA: New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia. Only the first three have active online poker rooms.
Pennsylvania is one of the biggest online poker markets in the US and will soon join MSIGA. According to PlayPennsylvania, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Communications Director Doug Harbach said that the plan is to get its operators linked up with other states in April.
West Virginia is similar to Connecticut: online poker is legal, but it has no poker rooms.
Delaware used to have three online poker rooms associated with the state’s racinos, but the Delaware Lottery changed iGaming providers from 888 to Rush Street Interactive in early 2024. Since the poker rooms used 888’s platform, they could no longer operate. BetRivers, owned by Rush Street, did launch its first online poker room in Pennsylvania in the fall of 2024, so it is possible that Delaware could get online poker again at some point.
There are three interstate poker networks: WSOP Online (New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada), PokerStars (New Jersey, Michigan), and BetMGM (New Jersey, Michigan).
