Michigan Reviews Online Poker Interstate Agreement, But Launch Still Not Imminent

Online poker in Michigan has had a promising beginning, however, its success will be confined solely within the borders of the state.

BetMGM Poker MI and PokerStars Michigan have experienced a prosperous period, as both operators now provide intrastate gaming options.

Once barriers are torn down in the fenced-in Michigan online poker market, we can expect to see bigger prize pools, an increase in tournaments, and more players joining the scene.

Recently, the executive director of Playinmichigan informed that the Michigan Gaming Control Board is currently examining an agreement that would enable players from Michigan to engage in competition with players from other states.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that the possibility of multi-jurisdictional play in the Great Lakes State is not likely to happen in the near future.

Online poker compact among first tasks in Williams era

Henry Williams recently started his inaugural complete month as the executive director of the MGCB.

As the state concludes its initial year of internet sports betting, online casinos, and online poker, there remains significant tasks ahead with the launch of online gambling on Jan. 22.

Last year, lawmakers and the governor granted approval for the concept of compacting with other states to facilitate interstate online poker play, marking it as one of the most significant tasks in this realm.

Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware have formed a multi-state agreement to allow cross-border play. Pennsylvania and Michigan are likely to join in the near future, pending approval from regulators who are currently working on it.

Williams informed Playinmichigan that the approval process is currently in progress.

Williams stated that they are currently engaged in discussions with other jurisdictions and carefully reviewing the agreement.

Despite this, Williams has not yet revised the seemingly conservative timeframe for the establishment of interstate poker agreements, even though it may create an impression of an impending launch.

He further stated that our goal is to have something established by the end of the year.

WSOP waiting on interstate play to launch in Michigan

888 officials announced during their public first-quarter earnings call that they have intentions to launch the WSOP brand in Pennsylvania and Michigan in the near future.

WSOP, being the sole operator with interstate play, has the potential to broaden its player pools and enhance shared liquidity.

Furthermore, WSOP has a clear route to enter the Michigan market due to its parent company, Caesars, acquiring William Hill in a recent transaction.

In the future, Caesars Casino is set to assume online branding for William Hill Casino in Michigan. William Hill Casino has secured market access in Michigan through a partnership with the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The tribe, which operates Turtle Creek Casino and Leelanau Sands Casino near Traverse City, still has the opportunity to form a partnership with an online poker operator in order to gain market access.

PokerStars Michigan and BetMGM Poker may soon reap the advantages of interstate poker agreements once Michigan and/or Pennsylvania enter the scene.