BetMGM, the gaming platform provider for MGM Grand Detroit, has received approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to enable shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games between Michigan and New Jersey.
According to MGCB’s official news release, the authorization is permitted in accordance with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. The authorization of shared liquidity will allow players from both states to participate in online poker games.
More importantly, gamblers from both states can play online poker games on a larger platform, “providing a more engaging and competitive experience.”
BetMGM submitted a multi-state poker submission form to the MGCB for approval in May
BetMGM submitted a multi-state poker submission form to the MGCB in late May. This move is expected to boost the overall gaming industry and create new opportunities for players in both Michigan and New Jersey.
“This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
Additionally, the shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games allows BetMGM to offer games including Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi, Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo, Fixed Limit Hold’em, No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha Hi, and Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo.
Any new internet poker game(s) must be submitted to the MGCB for approval.
Four licensed operators and providers currently offer online poker in Michigan: the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with World Series of Poker, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, MGM Grand Detroit with BetMGM, and provider PokerStars.
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in May 2022
Furthermore, PokerStars was approved to launch multi-state play on Jan. 1, 2023. Caesars’ World Series of Poker was also approved in May 2024.
In May 2022, Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, allowing Michigan online poker players to join with players in four other U.S. jurisdictions: Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
All four aforementioned U.S. jurisdictions allow licensed operators to conduct multi-state poker. Prior to the state joining MSIGA, Michigan poker players could play online only against other players located throughout the state.
In December 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer passed several bills that legalized online gambling and poker in the Wolverine State.