WSOP.com is now live in Pennsylvania. The online poker site launched in the state on July 12 and is currently going through a testing phase which is expected to complete on July 15. While still on soft launch, PA players are allowed to download the app, register, and play real money cash tables and tournaments, though for limited hours only.
After the trial phase, a full-scale launch will follow.
Poker 8 Debuts in US
WSOP.com’s launch in the Keystone state has been accompanied by the US debut of Poker 8, 888’s new innovative software. Pennsylvania has officially become the first US state to have access to the new platform, which was already rolled out across European markets over the past two years.
The new cutting-edge software represents a major upgrade on the classic platform currently being used by the rest of WSOP.com sites. The new Poker 8 software comes with a redesigned lobby, a user-friendly interface, new customizations, fresh mobile features, and improved functions all aimed at enhancing the overall player experience.
The most notable updates have been introduced to the mobile client, which now has a new portrait mode and a modern layout, compatible with both Android and iOS. Players who want to play mobile poker will have the option to play a max of four tables at once. Players will also have the option to play PLO games on their mobile devices. The mobile lobby and scrolls are now displayed in vertical orientation which is how it works nowadays for most modern mobile devices.
Players in Michigan will be the next to experience the new platform, once WSOP.com goes live in the state this year. The software will then be deployed to the rest of WSOP/888’s US markets, including New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
Generous Welcome Package for WSOP PA Players
Those creating an account with WSOP PA, recreational players or experienced grinders alike, are set to enjoy a generous welcome package from the site. First, there’s a $50 free play bonus up for grabs for players making a deposit of at least $10. It can be used to play in various WSOP PA tournaments, cash games, as well as BLAST sit and go’s.
Players are also entitled to a 100% match bonus up to $1000 on their very first deposit, plus the site is giving away Welcome Week Freerolls, where players can play in $100 daily freerolls for each of the first seven days after making their first deposit.
WSOP.com’s US Expansion
WSOP.com already has a presence in both New Jersey and Nevada. It currently benefits from the only interstate online poker deal in the US, the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), involving New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
The timing of WSOP.com’s launch in both Pennsylvania and Michigan couldn’t be more perfect. The Department of Justice finally put an end to the Wire Act battle by refusing to appeal a ruling issued by the First Circuit back in January that the law only applies to sports betting. This represents a major victory for online poker in the US, as interstate deals have now become officially legal.
It will only be a matter of time before PA and MI decide to form their own pact or join the existing MSIGA. When this happens, WSOP.com will have access to a much bigger player pool.
The Keystone state in particular, which has a population of 12.8 million, is showing a lot of potential, given its huge player base. WSOP.com will be among the operators to hugely benefit from that once interstate deals are implemented.
WSOP PA’s player pool is ring-fenced for now. Players in the state cannot take part in the ongoing WSOP Online Bracelet Series, but the operator is expected to host a PA-exclusive Circuit Online festival, which means players will be able to compete for gold rings soon.
The Keystone state is now home to four online poker rooms: PokerStars, BetMGM/Borgata (both share the same pool), and WSOP.com.