by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Jul 8, 2021 | Updated on Jul 8, 2021
WSOP.com has announced that it will launch online poker operations in Pennsylvania on July 12.
The online poker operator announced that it will start serving online poker players in the Keystone State next week, accompanied by the U.S rollout of 888poker‘s newest software, Poker 8.
WSOP PA is expected to undergo a soft launch period of up to three days to ensure that its software and functions operate without issues or interruptions.
For the time being, only players based in Pennsylvania will be able to have access to WSOP PA, with its player pool to be initially ring-fenced.
This will continue to be the case unless PA decides to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) which currently exists between New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. The state could also form a compact with Michigan and other regulated markets.
With WSOP.com also present in both New Jersey and Nevada, the operator will be able to merge its player pools across the US once PA participates in the interstate agreement. The online poker site is also set to go live in Michigan this year.
What’s In Store for WSOP PA Players?
WSOP PA officially becomes the third online poker operator to launch in the Keystone State, joining PokerStars, and BetMGM/Borgata. The site is expected to run various promotions, such as Welcome Week Freerolls, a Deposit Match Welcome Bonus of up to $1000, as well as a $50 free play to celebrate its launch.
It remains unclear whether WSOP.com will host a separate WSOP 2021 Online Bracelet series exclusive to PA players. However, it’s highly likely that it will run a Circuit online series in the state, which means local players will be able to compete for the highly-coveted Circuit ring this year, as part of the 2021 WSOP Circuit season.
The launch of WSOP PA will also mark the first time that 888poker’s brand-new, innovative software Poker 8 is introduced in the US, meaning players in Pennsylvania will be the first in the country to experience the software’s new exciting features and improved functions, including a revamped poker lobby, enhanced site functionality, fresh table themes and avatars, additional animations and sound effects and a new hand replayer.
Mobile players will also get to enjoy Poker 8’s new portrait layout, with a fresh option to play up to four tables simultaneously.
The PA online poker market is poised for more growth with four active online poker rooms operating in the state, two of them, BetMGM and Borgata, share the same player pool. PokerStars PA has maintained its dominance in the Keystone State, but things could change with the entrance of WSOP PA.
