Pennsylvania players continue to wait for a second online poker room to launch in the Keystone State. There has been only one online poker option in the state since PokerStars PA went live in Nov. 2019. But both BetMGM Poker and WSOP have indicated 2021 will be the year they join the virtual table in PA as well.
Indications are WSOP.com Pennsylvania will come online soon, perhaps this spring or summer. When it does, the site will feature a brand new design thanks to software provider 888 and its new Poker 8 client. Down the road, PA players could also get an 888 Poker site, but no details yet on those launch plans.
Poker 8 to provide major updates to WSOP desktop, mobile clients
One common response to WSOP online poker sites in other states has been the infrequent updates. The sites have retained a similar look and playing experience for many years.
By contrast, WSOP PA will start afresh. When Pennsylvania poker players first log on, they will encounter a decidedly different product than the one familiar to players on other WSOP sites.
This week Pokerfuse shared a sneak preview at the new Poker 8 client as it will appear on WSOP PA.
The new client reflects updates 888 has been making to its global site over recent years.
What awaits WSOP PA online poker players
The desktop lobby features a darker color scheme. The design adopts a more modern look that at first glance appears easier to scan than the current WSOP client. Tables have been redesigned as well.
Players will be able to use filters as before to highlight favorite game types in the lobby. However the management of filters appears easier to navigate in the new design. Rather than hiding in small font along the bottom, the choices are more prominently displayed along the top of the screen.
The mobile client will feature significant updates as well, including allowing players to play up to four tables at once. They will also play Omaha games on the app. At present, WSOP mobile players can neither multi-table nor play non-hold’em games.
As far as game formats go, the new client also features the fast-fold “SNAP” game featured on 888poker’s global site, not currently an option at WSOP.com.
Plan to launch in PA prior to 2021 WSOP Online series
The launch of WSOP PA and debut of Poker 8 in the US is not expected to happen immediately. Pokerfuse reports, however, that according to 888 the plan is to be live in PA in time for World Series of Poker online bracelet events.
Prior to 2020, the WSOP ran several online bracelet events during the live tournament series in Las Vegas every summer. These events were available to players on WSOP New Jersey and WSOP Nevada.
In 2020, the WSOP had planned to stage 14 such online bracelet events while the live series ran from late May to mid-July. However the COVID-19 pandemic forced the WSOP to scrap the original schedule. Ultimately the WSOP did stage various online series and a version of the Main Event.
It is unknown as yet what the WSOP plans for 2021. But thanks to increased vaccinations, a “normal” WSOP with both live and online events might possibly happen some time this year. If such a series were to take place, it may happen later than the mid-May to July time frame.
Keep an eye out for the WSOP announcing its summer plans. That may provide an early indication of when WSOP PA will go live as well.
Lead image credit: AP Photo/John Locher
