Nevada and Delaware to Pool Player Liquidity

The States of Nevada and Delaware have struck the first ever Multi State Internet Gaming deal, which allows operators to pool their player liquidity across state borders.

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed an agreement between the two US states that makes poker history: the Multi State Internet Gaming deal allows operators on the two regulated markets to pool their player liquidity.

The agreement “authorizes internet poker operators in Delaware and Nevada to open up their games to players in both states,” Markell said, adding that it makes the game on both markets “more diverse, more competitive and more enjoyable.”

Players still need to play from within the borders of either of the two states to be able to play and can only access the offering of operators licensed on the respective market. However, rooms holding licences in both states are allowed to pool their player liquidity, that is, if WSOP acquires a licence in Delaware to its existing one in Nevada, it can operate much like a network on the .com market, allowing players from the two states to face each other at the tables.

In Delaware, only 888’s Delaware Poker is operating, yet the company does not have a licence in Nevada, despite WSOP using their software. Consequently, no operator has the option readily available at the moment but it becomes a simple matter of time, as the agreement is signed. According to OnlinePokerReport, the first room to offer poker on both markets with a shared player pool may launch its services within a couple of months.

In terms of taxing, rooms pay after players to the respective state, no sharing here. With the agreement, the Multi State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA) has also been established to represent operators present in multiple states. Apparently, the Association has already contacted New Jersey, although the third regulated US market is not yet interested in joining.

The Multi State Internet Gaming deal is the first step towards and interstate poker market nevertheless. It is within reasonable time to open with a couple of states involved, paving the way for more to join. Also, a major US market may stimulate Europe as well; with more and more US regulars returning home, the .com pool may lighten up, not to mention the future possibility of US rooms accepting foreign players.