Online Poker in the US: Regulatory Developments and Market Trends 2025

That dynamic shifted in April 2025, when Pennsylvania joined the MSIGA, the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. The expansion of shared liquidity delivered larger player pools, stronger tournaments, and improved guarantees, confirming that regulated online poker can function efficiently across state borders. As a result, 2025 stands out as a structural turning point rather than a year of gradual change.

Current Configuration of the US Market

The present structure of the country’s online poker regulation is the result of state-level autonomy established by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. This decentralised approach continues to shape the sector in 2025.

Currently, card tournaments are officially allowed in only 5 regions:

• Nevada;
• Michigan;
• Delaware;
• New Jersey;
• Pennsylvania.

Several others have passed enabling legislation but have yet to launch active platforms. In most states, online poker remains either prohibited or unregulated, driving punters to offshore operators that offer little consumer protection.

Shared liquidity through MSIGA has been the single most effective mechanism for sustaining customer engagement in regulated sectors. Without it, even licensed platforms struggle with low traffic and reduced tournament appeal. However, until major population centres such as California, New York, and Florida adopt clear legislation, the national market will remain constrained in size and competitiveness.

Forces Accelerating Regulatory Alignment

Several structural drivers are pushing US authorities toward greater consistency and cooperation in the oversight of online card tournaments.

The most influential factors shaping reform include:

1. Audience protection. Offshore poker rooms often lack robust safeguards, leaving players exposed to fraud, unfair practices, and unresolved disputes. Regulated operators, by contrast, are required to implement identity verification, age checks, KYC procedures, and secure payment systems.
2. Industry liquidity. Sessions rely on active tables and diverse player pools. Fragmented markets lead to longer wait times and declining interest. The expansion of MSIGA has shown that shared liquidity directly improves game quality and retention.
3. Economic growth. International markets demonstrate that well-regulated poker ecosystems generate stable tax revenue, encourage innovation, and attract long-term investment. Compared to Europe, the US market remains underdeveloped, primarily due to inconsistent oversight.

Technology as the Foundation of Regulatory Compliance

In modern controlled markets, innovation is the primary mechanism for enforcing governance standards and integrity. In 2025, online poker platforms are expected to integrate security, transparency, and stability directly into their infrastructure.

Key technological requirements for authorised businesses include:

• certified random number generators to ensure fairness and game integrity;
• real-time fraud detection targeting collusion, chip dumping, and automated play;
• advanced cybersecurity systems to prevent account takeovers and data breaches;
• robust KYC and AML processes to meet regulatory and consumer protection standards.

When implemented effectively, these systems enhance trust while maintaining a smooth consumer experience.

International Regulatory Reference Models

The US is not navigating this transition in isolation. Other regions offer clear examples of effective oversight methods.

European jurisdictions that adopted shared liquidity frameworks have demonstrated stronger engagement, improved market depth, and greater confidence in oversight. Regulatory clarity has encouraged operator investment and positioned poker as a stable iGaming vertical.

In Latin America, several countries are developing supervision models focused on mobile-first audiences and scalable oversight. In contrast, regions with strict prohibitions but weak enforcement continue to experience high levels of unregulated activity, underscoring the risks of fragmented or incomplete frameworks.

Prospects for the US Online Poker Market

The trajectory of the US online poker beyond 2025 depends on continued regulatory alignment and operator readiness. Platforms designed with compliance, scalability, and security at their core are positioned to adapt quickly as new jurisdictions open.

If fragmentation persists, the audience will remain exposed to offshore platforms with limited protections.

Coordinated oversight, by contrast, offers the foundation for:

• larger tournaments and healthier liquidity;
• safer participation and improved consumer trust;
• sustainable growth for operators and regulators alike.

By 2026, the US online poker industry will have the structural foundations to transition from a patchwork of state-level markets to a more cohesive, mature ecosystem. Progress will depend on decisive regulatory effort and proactive operator investment in compliant, resilient technology.