Michigan Officially Joins Multi-State Online Poker Group

Fans of online poker in the Wolverine State are in for a treat. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced it has officially signed a multi-jurisdictional poker agreement.

This new contract allows online poker players in Michigan to compete against players from Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. 

There are still a few procedural measures that need to happen. However, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams noted if the state’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) app is ready in time, players would be allowed to compete in next week’s NJ & NV bracelet events. 

Michigan online poker basics

So far, there are three Michigan online poker operators. 

• BetMGM Poker – MGM Grand Detroit
• WSOP – Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Ind
  ians
• PokerStars – Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Following the signing of the agreement, Williams had this to say:

“I am happy to announce Michigan has joined the multi-state poker compact, and much of the increased tax revenue from multi-state poker will go to support K-12 education in Michigan. By joining, Michigan will almost double the potential pool of participants in multi-state poker games.”

As for the launch of multi-state online poker, operators must adhere to a five-page set of guidelines before receiving approval from the gaming board. 

“The operators still have work to do before Michigan residents may join multi-state poker games. The MGCB must make sure Michigan residents are protected when they play multi-state poker, and we will apply the same rigor to review of the new offering as we have other internet games,” Williams said.

About the multi-state poker agreement

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allows online poker play across state lines. For now, only the WSOP uses this option in all three states and soon Michigan as well. 

Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey have been part of this collective since 2017. The inclusion of Michigan means increased liquidity and bigger player pools. 

Following the announcement, Sen. Curtis Hertel said:

“Michigan poker players will enjoy more options and will likely play for bigger money when they can compete against players from other states. I am glad we were able to make this possible for Michigan poker players.”

Hertel sponsored SB 991, which amended the internet gaming law to allow “multijurisdictional” play. The bill was later signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 and became effective on March 24, 2021.