Yes – Michigan online poker is finally legal since 2021! Thanks to recent legal changes, the Great Lake State is now on the verge of becoming a great US poker region. Currently featuring two MI online poker rooms: PokerStars MI and BetMGM MI, alongside sweeps and play money poker apps. Find out more below.
In this guide, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the Michigan online poker industry, the sites likely to go live, the rules and more. We’ve also added reviews and links to all the top legal sites in the state. Basically, this is your one-stop-shop for all thing’s online poker in Michigan.
Things were moving slow even before the pandemic stifled the progressive of Michigan’s gambling laws in 2020 and 2021, but the shutdown of businesses and services certainly didn't help. That being said, we finally received a launch date: January 22, 2021. With the first Michigan card rooms: PokerStars MI going live almost immediately and BETMGM MI going live less than two months later on March 22, 2021. Check back here regularly for updates, more online poker operators entering this state, and the latest card room reviews.
Legal online poker in Michigan is here, and with the rules and regulations being finalized, operators are currently lining up to grab a piece of the action. First, we saw PokerStars partner with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. A deal which gave PokerStars and its sister sites, FoxBet and FanDuel access to the state. And so we saw PokerStars MI become the first online poker room to launch in the Wolverine state at the end of January 2021. You're able to play poker online on PokerStars in Michigan if you're 21+ and within state borders.
Same with BetMGM poker MI, which launched at the end of March, 2021 after a lot of nail-biting.
PokerStars is part of the gaming giant that is Flutter Entertainment. Previously, as part of the Stars Group, it was one of the largest poker and betting companies in the world. However, following a merger with Paddy Power Betfair in 2020, it became an even bigger entity. Under the wing of Flutter Entertainment, PokerStars is cutting deals in the US and swooping into more states than ever. Michigan is now part of the company’s US expansion efforts thanks to a deal with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. Together, they offer poker games, casino, and sports betting.
For poker fans, that means cash games across all variants, including Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, Stud, Draw, and Mix Games. It also means you’ll get to play fast-fold poker (Zoom = where you’re moved to a new table each time you fold). As well as sit & go tournaments, MTTs, and, of course, Spin & Go tournaments. Spin&Gos are a chance to buy in for a small price and play for random prize pools worth up to $1 million. In March 2021, PokerStars Michigan added Mixed Games to Cash and Tournament games. We can now also see 8-game and HORSE for the first time in Michigan too.
But perhaps one of the more exciting aspects are the MTTs because PokerStars US has set six, seven, and eight-figure guarantees. Their inaugural PokerStars MICOOP also took off with a blast not too long after the poker room itself in February and March 2021, in collaboration with FOX Bet. Offering a guaranteed $1 million over 60 events and over 1,200 players. Indeed, if intrastate liquidity sharing pacts are agreed, these kinds of events can become more frequent and even more lucrative. We already knew that PokerStars was running in two states - Pennsylvania and New Jersey. That said, now we also have a third state to play legal Online Poker, Michigan.
BetMGM poker is an arm of the long-standing BETMGM group, backed by MGM Resorts and Roar Digital. Which means more Roar Digital brands may enter the state soon (see: partypoker). BetMGM MI launched in March 2021 as the second online poker site in the state, ending the short-lived monopoly that PokerStars had. Competition between operators in the states can sometimes mean better offerings, promotions and bonuses. In fact, BetMGM Michigan came out with sizeable welcome bonuses right out the box in order to attract new players.
This launch brings more good news for Michigan players since they can now access to great MTTs, solid cash games, and top bonuses, on top of satellites to WPT Online. The software is powered by the partypoker US network so it's great quality. As part of the great MGM group, BetMGM players will immediately join the Mlife Rewards loyalty program that also runs in their land-based casinos. So you collect iRewards points which you can exchange for great freebies - both online and physical benefits. Like room discounts, express lane for buffets, cashbacks, priority check-ins, complimentary taxis, limos - the works.
For now, BetMGM in Michigan is segregated from the other existing online poker network it has in New Jersey, but we won't eliminate any idea of pool sharing completely. There are also big tournaments and series in their schedule for the near future. As well as continuous freerolls for new players. BetMGM's casino and sports betting verticals went live in January 2021 so there's plenty of options to place bets in between hands and on boring breaks. So now is the best time to sign up to this new legal online poker site in the state of Michigan.
Get a fresh account and welcome bonus by signing up below:
It would be hard to say exactly which operators will follow suite and in what order, but here's what we know for sure. We know that partypoker has a deal with MGM Grand Detroit by virtue of the two companies being linked under the Roar Digital banner.
We also know 888Poker and WSOP.com aren’t on the initial list of 50 license applicants. This may change in the future. Indeed, 888Poker and WSOP.com are active in almost all legal US poker states, including New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. However, for now, it doesn’t look like either operator will be part of the initial launch.
There are other applicants as well. William Hill and Betfair are a virtual lock to go live in Michigan, as are DraftKings, Sugarhouse,and Scientific Games. However, none of these are likely to offer online poker and, instead, will focus on online casino games and sports betting. Finally, we know that Michigan’s three commercial casinos and 12 tribal casinos will be able to offer two online platforms each.
These operators may be able to share players with networks in other states, but nothing has been decided yet. Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. has said there is a desire to offer multi-state pooling for poker. If the bill is approved, it would mean Michigan online poker sites could share players with their counterparts in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.
partypoker has been an operator on the rise over the last five years. When the industry was in its infancy, partypoker quickly became the largest real money online poker sites in the world. Over time, PokerStars took that crown and Party slipped down the rankings. However, after revamping its product and introducing new features, partypoker is back among the top names in the business offering both online poker tournaments and cash games in games such as Texas Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha an Fixed Limit Omaha.
There are many reasons partypoker’s software has struck a chord with players. Firstly, the use of tracking software is prohibited. This means pros and those playing with the aid of a third-party program can’t get an unfair advantage. For the newbies and novices out there, this is great news. In fact, partypoker has also become one of the biggest opponents of bots in recent years. A new task force was brought in to stop cheats and it’s been hugely successful.
Away from these subtle nuances, partypoker Michigan will feature cash games, tournaments, and lottery-style sit & gos (SPINS). Add to these options a wealth of satellites for partypoker LIVE events, leaderboard promos, and annual events like Millions Online, and there’s a ton of opportunities and added value at this site. The other legal poker sites in Michigan will have to keep their eyes open, partypoker is back, and now we have three online poker sites to choose from!
Michigan legal online poker is a mixed bag. Yes, there will be licensed real-money sites, but there’s also another option. Known as sweepstakes poker, this option allows you to play online poker for free and stay within the confines of the law. Leading the charge is Global Poker, a platform that’s legal in 49 US states, including Michigan.
The reason Global Poker is legal in Michigan is because it follows US sweepstakes laws. Basically, you purchase packs of gold coins instead of making deposits. These coins don’t have any real-world value, but you can use them to play cash games and tournaments. This dynamic makes it a free-play site.
Alongside coins you also get sweeps. Sweeps can be exchanged for gift vouchers that do have some real-world value. It’s not technically the same as withdrawing your winnings from a real-money site, but it’s close. You can choose to receive your vouchers electronically or physically. Either way, you’re getting some type of return on your investment. But, importantly, the model is such that you’re not breaking the law therefor Global Poker is counted among the legal online poker sites in Michigan.
In terms of what Global Poker offers, it’s just like any other online poker site. Michigan online poker players can play cash games, sit and go´s and tournaments. The latter often have quirky names like Bonanza, which tells you this site is aimed at newbies and novices. That makes it an ideal place to hone your skills and have some fun. Our tip is to make use of this free online poker Michigan site before testing your skills at PokerStars MI et al.
Online poker in Michigan is legal. Thanks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, local operators can partner with online brands and offer digital poker, casino gaming, and sports betting. The law states that tribal and commercial casinos in the state can offer these products in conjunction with an online partner. The licensing fee is $150,000 ($50,000 application fee + $100,000 initial licensing fee). Operators are then required to pay $50,000 every year to renew their license, as well as tax on gross receipts of between 20% and 28%.
Alongside these rules and regulations, Michigan online poker bill 4311 also states the following:
Michigan poker laws state that players have to be old enough and in the right location to ante up. Specifically, you have to be 21+ and based in Michigan. You don’t have to live in the Great Lake State, but you will need to be within the region if you want to register and play. To facilitate this and ensure operators don’t contravene Michigan online poker legislation, two things are in place:
When you join one of our recommended Michigan online poker rooms, you’ll be asked to provide details of your name, age, address, and social security number. The site’s security software will check these details against national databases to confirm everything lines up.
Additionally, when you request your first withdrawal, you’ll have to submit a copy of your ID. This will be used to confirm your details against what’s been submitted. You only have to do this once. If everything checks out, you can pay, play, and withdraw at will.
It’s not enough to say you’re in the state. Each time you play online poker in Michigan, geolocation software is activated. This will either take place in the background or overtly. Either way, you’ll have to allow the geolocation software to access your IP address and, therefore, your location. Assuming you’re in Michigan, the site will work. If you’re not, it won’t. Any attempt to circumvent the geolocation software will cause you to lose your account. What’s more, it will open you up to cheats. Michigan poker laws are designed to protect everyone. Therefore, by breaking the rules, you’re putting yourself at risk.
The history of online poker in Michigan goes back to 2006 and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Part of the SAFE Port Act designed to stop terrorists laundering money online, UIGEA made it illegal for offshore operators to process funds from American players. The law didn’t make poker illegal. However, by cutting it off at the source (i.e. making deposits and withdrawals illegal), the industry crumbled.
Some operators exited the US, others stayed. Those that stayed eventually found themselves entangled in a legal battle with the Department of Justice (DOJ). In 2011, the DOJ unsealed indictments against poker sites active in the US. This became known as Black Friday and brought an end to online poker in America on a national scale. However, the same year, various state lotteries pushed for clarification on the Wire Act.
These lottery operators wanted to know if the Wire Act prevented them from selling tickets online. The DOJ concluded that the law only applied to cross-state wire communications related to sports betting. This opened the door to a state-based regulatory system. In essence, the DOJ’s 2011 opinion meant states could offer poker and casino online gaming if they wanted to.
States such as Nevada and New Jersey were quick to seize the initiative. Michigan followed in 2016 courtesy of Senator Mike Kowall. He introduced SB 889 in April 2016. Although his Lawful Internet Gaming Act didn’t make it through the Senate or House, it got the ball rolling.
The Lawful Internet Gaming Act was revived, in part, by Governor Rick Snyder in 2018. The updated bill included provisions for sports betting as well as poker and casino gaming. It also contained provisions for a new regulatory body known as the Michigan Division of Internet Gambling. The bill was approved in December 2018 but, for some reason, Snyder vetoed it.
Snyder’s unexpected move could have been the death knell for Michigan poker rooms, but it wasn’t. In 2019, HB 4311 basically packaged up the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Lawful Sports Betting Act.
With the Supreme Court ruling that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) violated states’ rights, there was nothing to stop HB 4311. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill into law on December 20, 2019. Since then, lawmakers have been working to finalize the nuances of what’s permissible and, in turn, vet prospective Michigan poker operators.
PokerStars became the first regulated online poker site to launch on January 29, 2021, shortly after the online gaming behemoth launched both its online casino and online poker verticals. The reception by the poker community has been strong since the launch and they are still the leading company of the three regulated online poker rooms. The online poker room has also hosted large online festivals including the 2021 MICOOP which featured 68 tournaments and $1.5 million in guarantees.
BetMGM was next to launch on March 22, 2021 on the popular partypoker software. During most parts of the year, the online poker room is last in traffic, however, there are still good cash games and tournaments. The online poker room periodically hosts the monthly BetMGM Online Series with buy-ins for everyone ranging from $20 to $1,060. Additionally, this is a great place to play for those that also play live at MGM Grand Detroit and other MGM venues as players can earn M Life Rewards through their online play.
During a meeting of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) on January 12, 2021, Executive Director Richard Kalm stated, “We’re very close. I wish I could give an exact day and time, but each day that changes.” So we're expecting to hear word of this any day now with speculation for news coming in before the end of January. “Most operators will launch online gaming and sports betting simultaneously,” Kalm said. So when we finally do hear the official launch date, we expect poker online to lag behind the other games by “four to five days.”
This news comes just over a year since Governor Whitmer signed the bill. But in comparison, New Jersey took 9 months and Pennsylvania took almost 20 months. However, Michigan players will be able to place real cash wagers within days of Michigan online casinos, betting and online poker becoming legal. And you can bet on the top online poker rooms to become available in the state. Think of the likes of PokerStars who are already working on regulation - and BetMGM, William Hill and partypoker who have already hinted at opening up in new states.
Suddenly news came that Michigan online gambling was a go from January 22, 2021 - noon. This means players can now start depositing and playing at nine major gambling brands: BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, TwinSpires (formerly BetAmerica), William Hill and WynnBET.
It started with just betting and casino, but poker was soon to follow. PokerStars MI launched as the first online poker site in the state at the end of January, 2021, while BetMGM launched became the second Michigan poker site at the end of March. We're expecting William Hill to follow suit any time now.
Regarding shared liquidity, Kalm says “I don’t expect that to be launched anytime soon...In fact, maybe the end of 2021.”
In May 2022, Michigan joined Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing it to combine liquidity with three other regulated online poker states in Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
All three existing regulated networks already operate in New Jersey making this a no-brainer with WSOP.com also operating as well with a combined network of players from Nevada and New Jersey. It is also possible that the combined liquidity could attract some new operators to Michigan and the other states in the compact.
While no date has been announced, there is still regulatory and operational work to be done before we will witness the first site launched. If New Jersey is any indicator, it took six months for that state to join the agreement and when WSOP.com became the first to go live with interstate liquidity.
Legal online poker sites in Michigan should be your first and only port of call for a multitude of reasons. Even if you find an illegal site with offers that seem too good to be true, you shouldn’t run the risk of using them. Why? Well, here are a few reasons why licensed Michigan online poker sites are the only option:
Card rooms licensed in Michigan have to go through a series of stringent checks. To even be considered for a license, operators have to have a reputable partner based in the state, pay a fee, and submit documents proving their software is legit. Once licensed, an operator can’t abandon its duties. Checks are carried out on a regular basis and, if the operator can’t follow the rules, they lose their license. Therefore, you can be confident that every legit Michigan poker room will have SSL encryption, reputable payment processors, and games certified as fair by third-party agencies.
Unlicensed sites will often have bonuses that look impressive on first inspection. However, when you dig down into the details, the wagering conditions are almost impossible to meet. Legal poker rooms in Michigan can’t do things like that. Although there are not set standards, all licensees have an obligation to be fair. This means promotional terms and conditions can’t be overly restrictive.
If an operator takes the time to apply for a license, there’s a good chance it will take the time to craft a world-class poker platform. When you look at names like PokerStars and partypoker Michigan, these companies didn’t pop up overnight. They’ve been refining their products for years in countries around the world. Because of that, they’re able to offer a high-quality service. From poker games to software, everything will be slick, stable, and safe. That’s why you should use legal poker apps.
Live poker is great but, in some ways, Michigan poker online is better…
If you want to play for smaller stakes, Michigan online poker sites are perfect. Live poker rooms have bigger overheads and costs. This means the smallest stakes they offer have to be higher than they are online. In general, live games start around the $1/1 mark. Online, you can play cash games for as little as $0.01/$0.02.
Michigan poker rooms online have hundreds of games. From cash tables and tournaments to novel innovations such as Spin & Go, SPINS, and Zoom, the apps are awash with options. Add to this access to casino games and sports betting, and there’s literally something for everyone.
Live poker rooms in Michigan are safe. However, you’re equally safe online. Random number generators (RNGs) provide random results that are, in many ways, more random than a human dealer. Add to this SSL encryption, safe payment processors, identity checks, deposits limits, and 24/7 security surveillance, and there’s no doubt the platforms are safe.
Michigan could become one of the leading regulated poker states in the US. As it stands, New Jersey is the top dog for three reasons. Firstly, it’s been active since 2013. Secondly, it has a population of almost nine million. Finally, it has liquidity sharing pacts with Nevada and Delaware. These factors help the leading New Jersey sites have around 500 players logged in at any one time.
Michigan has a population close to ten million. It’s also set to welcome some of the world’s best-known poker brands, including PokerStars and partypoker. This suggests traffic will at least match what New Jersey’s finest achieve. However, the crucial part of the equation that’s missing is liquidity sharing. This will probably happen in the future, but it’s not certain - although there are talks already underway as of the start of 2021. Because if Michigan’s poker rooms want to attract enough players, it’s something they should be pushing for.
Michigan poker tournaments will cover the full spectrum of options. PokerStars and partypoker are known for offering low stakes MTTs, mostly in games like Texas Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha, but there are more poker variants also. They also offer weekly majors with guarantees worth more than $100,000, and annual events. This means you’ll get a steady stream of tournaments at all levels. From $0.10 to $100+, there will be something for everyone.
The likelihood is that Michigan cash games will mainly run at low and mid stakes. Specifically, Texas Hold´em and Pot Limit Omaha tables at $1/$2 and below will be popular. We know PokerStars has some higher stakes games in other states ($3/$6 and above), as well as Stud and Draw tables. Therefore, you should be able to find something that piques your interest when you want to play poker.
Standard, turbo, six-max, and heads-up. Whatever your preferences, there will be a sit & go to suit. The games you really need to look out for are lottery-style sit & go tournaments like SPINS and Spin & Go. These short-handed tables feature three to four players and random prizepools. At the top end, you could win prizes worth more than 10,000x your buy-in.
Poker freerolls will be available for newbies and existing players. These games allow you to enter for free and win a cash prize. You’ll often have to complete a task, such as making a deposit, to receive a freeroll ticket.
You’ll have to verify your identity before making a deposit or withdrawal at any legal site in Michigan. Once you’ve done that, you can follow these steps to add funds to your account or cash out your winnings:
All MI poker rooms online are safe and fair. As we’ve said, SSL encryption technology comes as standard. This will protect your personal and financial details. You’ll also be able to use reputable payment processors that are regulated by financial watchdogs. Finally, every game is controlled by random number generators (RNGs). RNGs use complex algorithms to spit out random results. This means every hand dealt is 100% fair.
