Five Developments We Foresee For US Online Poker in 2024
Online poker has been rapidly spreading globally in the last few years. Networks like GGPoker have increased their trustworthiness and influence, with many new players showing interest in poker tables. While this trend is set to continue in 2024, some countries, like the US, might have a more difficult time allowing it.
Five US Developments
The US has already experienced various upheavals surrounding iGaming in 2024, and it’s still only the first month. Join us as we look into five developments we foresee for the US poker scene during the rest of the year.
1. US States Won’t Legalize iGaming
Three US states have been negotiating to legalise iGaming: Illinois, Maryland, and New York. However, as much as these states work towards legalising it, there’s a similarly strong opposition against it. As such, we don’t expect to see any progress in 2024. All three states will likely go back and forth about whether to pass legislation or not.
2. New Sweepstakes Platforms Will Launch
Sweepstakes are extremely popular with US players in states that don’t accept iGaming. Players can try their favourite games and win real money in sweepstake tournaments. However, authorities don’t consider these activities gambling. Global Poker is currently the only US poker sweepstakes platform. As the demand increases in 2024, we expect to see more pop up.
3. RIO Will Launch Multi-State Online Endeavour
Rush Street Interactive (RSI) acquired Run It Once Poker (RIO) in 2022, and it sounds like this network is aiming to launch in the US this year. We feel that the RIO network will debut in 2024’s first six months and might even revive Delaware’s poker community.
4. BetMGM Wil Merge Its NJ and MI Player Pools
PokerStars combined its MI and NJ player pool to create a liquidity network in 2023. Though BetMGM and WSOP haven’t joined in this endeavour, we hear whispers that it might not yet be off the table. BetMGM has hinted about its possible offering of a multi-state network in the near future.
5. iPoker Finds A US Partner to Enter the States
One of the largest networks is iPoker, which partners with more than two dozen global brands. It boasts over 50 skins and is present in multiple jurisdictions. The poker network also set its sights on Ontario in 2022, and the US is its next conquest. However, to enter the market, it must secure a US partner, which it is enthusiastic to find.
Other Developments
The above predictions aren’t all that we believe may happen this year, here are a few more:
- BetMGM to enter the Nevada market
- Rhode Island will launch iGaming without poker
- Delaware once again welcomes online poker
- Pennsylvania joins the MSIGA
What Lies Ahead for US Poker in 2024
The year 2024 will bring various steps forward in online poker, but also take a few steps back. While it’s unlikely that any new states will legalise iGaming, we look forward to new networks launching in the US. The probable introduction of iPoker and the RIO network in the States will bring the game to more players. We’ll closely monitor the developments and keep our readers informed.
Regardless, some rooms will continue to accept players from the US, including the WPN and the Chico network.
