Table Of Contents
- Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Casinos
- Party Poker Michigan
- Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Free
- Pokerstars Michigan Download
It took just over a year for the first online poker room to go live when on January 29, 2021 PokerStars officially became the first online operator to offer real-money cash games and tournaments to the players in Michigan. Play Real Money Poker Online in Michigan. Poker joined other forms of legal online gambling in Michigan in the fall 2020. Many of the biggest and best online poker sites have set up Michigan-only platforms. You can play cash games, tournaments, and innovative new forms of poker from your desktop — or by using a mobile poker. On paper, it seems as if Michigan would be a prime candidate to regulate online poker and legal real money Internet poker. Boasting one of the most active gambling and betting communities in the Unites States, Michigan is one of only a handful of states that permits all forms of real-money wagering, including real cash poker betting. Do Casino Sites in MI Offer Online Poker? Generally speaking, yes! Online poker has been extremely popular in the US for years. Today, most reputable Michigan casino sites offer at least some poker gambling options. Some sites are known to offer better poker. Michigan Online Poker Latest updates on Michigan online poker, bonus offers and best poker sites Online poker is live in Michigan! PokerStars became the first online site to open its doors for Michigan players in January 2021.
At the end of January, PokerStarslaunched in Michigan, making it the fifth state to offer legal and regulated online poker. Two weeks in, the numbers have impressed with the Wolverine State surpassing established markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
PokerNews spoke with several Michigan players to get their thoughts on the early days of online poker in their state. Those same players will soon have the opportunity to participate in the first-ever major online series to be held in Michigan as PokerStars has announced the inaugural Michigan Championship of Online Poker (MICOOP) series to run February 20 through March 8.
First Impressions
Not surprisingly, players flocked to the virtual tables from the get-go. Kyle “louieluck” Thompson was one such player, opting to fire up $10 buy-in tournaments on Day 1.
“That seemed to be where everyone was at, over 200 entries,” Thompson told PokerNews. “The structure was good and enough playable stacks late even with just starting at 5k. The software seems good with no issues and easy to navigate.”
Kerry Moore was also participating in those same games. He said, “I played for about four hours yesterday. The gameplay was seamless playing on my laptop. I played in a $5 knockout tourney and was surprised with what some people were going all in with. Lots of , , type of all-ins. Also tried a few of the Spin and Go’s, but had lengthy waits to get a full table at the $10 level.”
Brent Burrows was one of the players competing into the early morning hours on that first night.
“Everything is working perfectly so far. Buttery smooth. It’s pretty much just how I remember it. The nostalgia is definitely there despite a more modern looking Pokerstars client. It’s 3 a.m. and there are 197 people online. Doesn’t seem too bad for the first several hours of opening.”
He continued: “I think there’s a lot of demand for something like this in Michigan. We have a lot of poker players in general, and the normal live players are itching to play somewhere. With the pandemic, I’m sure it’s been tough for most to get out and play. So, this is just what the poker community needed. I’m excited for interstate compacts to potentially come to fruition sometime this year with supposed talks already underway with New Jersey regulators.”
Indeed, at the end of December, Governor Gretchen Whitmer did sign a law allowing for interstate play, though that doesn't go into effect until March 29.
Some Mobile Concerns
The biggest complaint stemming from the first two weeks of play was in regards to the mobile app, which seemed to be causing a lot of players a headache.
“The mobile version is very difficult for the average user. I’d like to think I’m advanced at this stuff and I was having trouble figuring it out,” admitted Matthew Ploof. “I found that app after downloading the wrong app twice. I downloaded the casino followed by the play money then finally the real money. The main flaw is you don’t have the option to see all cash game tables, and you can’t see if the game is running with players or empty. As far as tourneys the mobile does a better job and relaying us the information we want see.”
Eric Manssur also had some grips with the mobile experience: “My biggest complaint is when playing via mobile app sometimes when you get moved to a different table it will sit you out. Try connecting and it won't. I've closed the app and opened it only to still be ‘sitting out.’ Also noticed it happens when playing on the laptop then trying to log onto the app and transfer. It's happened to me a few times.”
Andrew LaCross had the same issue: “I've spoken to several others who experienced the same thing. The way the site disconnects for some reason and the amount of time to get reconnected is ridiculous. It's already cost me one $200 pot. Customer service doesn’t care. They need to fix it. I have no disconnecting issues with any other sites or apps.”
David “steadymobbin420” Poppenfuse: “I've put $50 on total and have had nothing but success profiting $2,000 as of right now playing mostly tourneys. Tourneys are super soft at the moment. My only complaint would be the mobile software, it can be better. Multi-tabling from the computer tends to be little laggy but for the most part it's just fine.
There are always hiccups whenever online poker launches in a new state, and while there have been some regarding PokerStars in Michigan, for the most part, everything has gone well as thousands of players have been grinding the virtual tables with no issue.
Inaugural MICOOP
From February 20 through March 8, PokerStars and FOX Bet will host the inaugural Michigan Championship of Online Poker (MICOOP), which will be comprised of 60 tournaments ranging in buy-ins from $10-$500 and offer $1,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools.
Things will kick off on February 20 with the $100 buy-in, $30K GTD Event #1: Kick Off NLH, and the online festival will conclude with a $300 buy-in, $125K GTD Main Event on March 7-8. In between, there will be a full slate of tournaments including a $500 High Roller, a Mini-Main Event with a $50 buy-in as well as multiple game varieties including Progressive Knockout Tournaments, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games.
“Coming off the launch of our real-money gaming brands in Michigan, it is clear that players want the world-class offerings that only PokerStars can bring,” said FOX Bet CEO Kip Levin. “As the sole online and mobile poker product in Michigan, our commitment and investment in PokerStars is vital as we aim to bring all aspects of a great customer experience to the poker community. We are excited for Michiganders to join our most popular series and crown our first big winner who will join in the prestigious footsteps of other Championship Of Online Poker (COOP) champions.”
Satellites for the MICOOP are running now for as little as $2. Additionally, players can win their way via freeroll routes.
- Main Event Depositor Freeroll: Deposit $30+ with code 'MICOOP' and get a ticket to a MICOOP Depositor Freeroll on March 7, where 35 Main Event seats will be up for grabs.
- Second Chance Freerolls: Play a MICOOP event and fail to make the cash, and receive a ticket to a second chance freeroll, running daily.
To enjoy MICOOP, players need to register for PokerStars HERE.
MICOOP Schedule
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20-Feb (Sa) | 6 p.m. | $100 NLHE [MICOOP Kick Off, Nightly Stars SE], $30K Gtd |
| 2 | 20-Feb (Sa) | 7 p.m. | $20 NLHE [Rebuy], $10K Gtd |
| 3 | 20-Feb (Sa) | 8 p.m. | $50 NLHE [8-Max], $20K Gtd |
| 4 | 21-Feb (Su) | 2 p.m. | $100 NLHE [8-Max, Deepstacks], $25K Gtd |
| 5 | 21-Feb (Su) | 4 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Progressive KO, Sunday Warm Up SE], $10K Gtd |
| 6 | 21-Feb (Su) | 5 p.m. | $200 NLHE [Sunday Special SE], $40K Gtd |
| 7 | 21-Feb (Su) | 5:30 p.m. | $25 NLHE [Sunday Special Mini], $12.5K Gtd |
| 8 | 21-Feb (Su) | 7 p.m. | $100 PLO [8-Max], $10K Gtd |
| 9 | 21-Feb (Su) | 8 p.m. | $75 NLHE [Second Chance], $7.5K Gtd |
| 10 | 21-Feb (Su) | 10 p.m. | $50 NLHE [8-Max, Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Supersonic SE], $5K Gtd |
| 11 | 22-Feb (M) | 7 p.m. | $100 NLHE [4-Max], $15K Gtd |
| 12 | 22-Feb (M) | 8 p.m. | $50 NLHE [6-Max, Progressive KO, Battle Royale SE], $20K Gtd |
| 13 | 22-Feb (M) | 9 p.m. | $50 PLO8 [8-Max], $7.5K Gtd |
| 14 | 23-Feb (Tu) | 8 p.m. | $200 NLHE [Super Tuesday SE], $30K Gtd |
| 15 | 23-Feb (Tu) | 8:30 p.m. | $30 NLHE [Super Tuesday Mini], $15K Gtd |
| 16 | 23-Feb (Tu) | 9 p.m. | $50 PL 5-Card Draw [Turbo], $3K Gtd |
| 17 | 24-Feb (W) | 7:30 p.m. | $100 PLO [6-Max], $7.5K Gtd |
| 18 | 24-Feb (W) | 8 p.m. | $500 NLHE [6-Max, High Roller], $35K Gtd |
| 19 | 24-Feb (W) | 8:30 p.m. | $50 NLHE [6-Max], $20K Gtd |
| 20 | 25-Feb (Th) | 8 p.m. | $200 NLHE [Progressive KO, Thursday Thrill SE], $30K Gtd |
| 21 | 25-Feb (Th) | 8:30 p.m. | $30 NLHE [Progressive KO, Thursday Thrill Mini], $15K Gtd |
| 22 | 25-Feb (Th) | 9 p.m. | $30 5-Card PLO [6-Max, Turbo], $3K Gtd |
| 23 | 26-Feb (F) | 5 p.m. | $100 FLHE [6-Max], $5K Gtd |
| 24 | 26-Feb (F) | 8 p.m. | $100 NLHE [Big Antes], $7.5K Gtd |
| 25 | 26-Feb (F) | 8:30 p.m. | $150 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo], $10K Gtd |
| 26 | 27-Feb (Sa) | 6 p.m. | $50 HORSE [Turbo], $3K Gtd |
| 27 | 27-Feb (Sa) | 7 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Rebuy], $10K Gtd |
| 28 | 27-Feb (Sa) | 8 p.m. | $100 NLHE [Turbo, Saturday Speedway SE], $10K Gtd |
| 29 | 28-Feb (Su) | 2 p.m. | $100 NLHE [8-Max, Marathon], $25K Gtd |
| 30 | 28-Feb (Su) | 4 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Sunday Warm Up SE], $12.5K Gtd |
| 31 | 28-Feb (Su) | 5 p.m. | $250 NLHE [Sunday Special SE], $50K Gtd |
| 32 | 28-Feb (Su) | 5:30 p.m. | $30 NLHE [Sunday Special Mini], $15K Gtd |
| 33 | 28-Feb (Su) | 7 p.m. | $50 PLO [8-Max, Turbo], $5K Gtd |
| 34 | 28-Feb (Su) | 8 p.m. | $100 NLHE [6-Max], $10K Gtd |
| 35 | 28-Feb (Su) | 10 p.m. | $75 NLHE [Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Supersonic SE], $10K Gtd |
| 36 | 1-Mar. (M) | 7 p.m. | $50 NLHE [4-Max], $10K Gtd |
| 37 | 1-Mar. (M) | 8 p.m. | $100 NLHE [6-Max, Progressive KO, Battle Royale SE], $25K Gtd |
| 38 | 2-Mar. (Tu) | 8 p.m. | $250 NLHE [Super Tuesday SE], $35K Gtd |
| 39 | 2-Mar. (Tu) | 8:30 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Super Tuesday Mini], $20K Gtd |
| 40 | 2-Mar. (Tu) | 9 p.m. | $50 Stud Hi-Lo, $5K Gtd |
| 41 | 3-Mar. (W) | 8 p.m. | $250 PLO [6-Max, High Roller], $12.5K Gtd |
| 42 | 3-Mar. (W) | 8:30 p.m. | $30 PLO [6-Max], $5K Gtd |
| 43 | 3-Mar. (W) | 9 p.m. | $100 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo], $10K Gtd |
| 44 | 4-Mar. (Th) | 8 p.m. | $250 NLHE [Progressive KO, Thursday Thrill SE], $35K Gtd |
| 45 | 4-Mar. (Th) | 8:30 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Progressive KO, Thursday Thrill Mini], $20K Gtd |
| 46 | 4-Mar. (Th) | 9 p.m. | $20 NLHE [Turbo], $15K Gtd |
| 47 | 5-Mar. (F) | 6 p.m. | $10 NLHE [6-Max, Rebuy], $10K Gtd |
| 48 | 5-Mar. (F) | 8 p.m. | $75 NLHE, $15K Gtd |
| 49 | 5-Mar. (F) | 9:30 p.m. | $20 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo], $5K Gtd |
| 50 | 6-Mar. (Sa) | 6 p.m. | $50 8-Game, $3K Gtd |
| 51 | 6-Mar. (Sa) | 7 p.m. | $50 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo, Zoom], $15K Gtd |
| 52 | 6-Mar. (Sa) | 8 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Turbo, Saturday Speedway SE], $5K Gtd |
| 53 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 2 p.m. | $50 NLHE [8-Max, Marathon], $10K Gtd |
| 54 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 4 p.m. | $100 NLHE [Progressive KO], $30K Gtd |
| 55 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 5 p.m. | $300 NLHE [Main Event], $125K Gtd |
| 56 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 6 p.m. | $50 NLHE [Mini Main Event], $35K Gtd |
| 57 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 7:30 p.m. | $200 NLHE [6-Max, Turbo], $20K Gtd |
| 58 | 7-Mar. (Su) | 10 p.m. | $100 NLHE [Hyper-Turbo, Sunday Supersonic SE], $10K Gtd |
| 59 | 8-Mar. (M) | 7 p.m. | $100 NLHE [Nightly Stars SE], $30K Gtd |
| 60 | 8-Mar. (M) | 9 p.m. | $20 NLHE [Heads-Up, Turbo, Progressive KO, Zoom], $10K Gtd |
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MichiganMobile PokerOnline PokerPokerStars
Real money online poker is now live in Michigan! PokerStars became the first real money online poker site off the blocks in MI and the online poker industry in the US has gained even more momentum.
With a population of 10 million people (about 1 million more than New Jersey), Michigan is immediately an intriguing online poker market. While play is limited to in-state pools at first, adding Michigan as a legalized online poker state adds a nice number of poker players to the total US player pool.
See our page below for all the key information about online poker in Michigan including the best no deposit poker bonuses. Online casinos in Michigan also went live as of Jan. 22, 2021.
Latest Michigan online poker updates
- by StaffMarch 4, 2021
- by Anthony Cicali IIIFebruary 18, 2021
Michigan Online Poker Bonus Codes
| Poker Site | Free Play Bonus | Bonus Code (Click to claim bonus now) |
|---|---|---|
| PokerStars MI | Free $30 (with $20 deposit) | FREE30 |
Play Real Money Poker on PokerStars Michigan Now!
The online poker era officially began in Michigan on Friday, January 29, when PokerStars became the first platform to launch. That meant Michigan became the fifth state to offer real money online poker along with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
It’s the third state for PokerStars, along with PA and NJ. The Wolverine State has also approved allowing interstate compacts, but that will have to wait for various states reaching regulatory approval.
In the meantime, players will be in a fenced-in market. That means Michigan players will only play against others in the state. PokerStars also currently operates “fenced in” poker online in New Jersey and fenced-in poker online in Pennsylvania. That means the player pools aren’t shared between the three states, but that will change eventually.
The addition of the PokerStars platform is welcome news to Michigan online poker players. Given their license also includes casino game and sports betting, your PokerStars Michigan account also offers an integrated online casino and a sportsbook.
Include in the PokerStars launch are first-rate software and game selection PokerStars is known for, from big guaranteed MTTs to Spin & Gos to mixed cash games and plenty of poker variants. If you want to play free online poker with friends, you can play via the Home Games feature.
PokerStars’ casino partnership is with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. The tribe operates three properties including the Odawa Casino Resort in northern Michigan.
Claim your $30 free play or $600 deposit bonus on PokerStars MI via the link below
Real money poker apps in Michigan
Most Americans are now accustomed to using mobile apps for productivity, gaming, and various other life-organizing tasks. That goes for online poker too and a major percentage of players now use real money poker apps to play.
All online poker sites offer poker apps as well a traditional desktop or laptop-based downloadable software client. These allow for plenty of player mobility. Michigan can expect the same amount of app options starting with one of the best, PokerStars.
Poker apps offer easy-to-use game play features and navigation. Players will find extensive game and tournament options with features specifically designed for phones or tablets.
Players can expect the same level of safety and security on a poker app as well. You can also still sign up, claim any no deposit poker bonus or promotional offer, make additional deposits, and withdraw funds from anywhere. Downloading a poker app is simple and fast.
Download and play on the PokerStars app in Michigan right here:
How to Open a New Online Poker Account
After downloading the app or poker software, signing up is a fast and easy process. Players will first be asked to input some basic information including:
- name
- address
- username
- password
You then need to confirm your identity and email. After that you’ll be ready to give the platform a test drive. New players also usually have the opportunity for some great bonuses for signing up and making a deposit.
When ready to make a deposit, there are several options and it’s an easy process. Look for standard industry deposit methods not always available at unregulated sites. Some of those usually include:
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa/Mastercard
- Wire payments
- E-wallets such as Neteller
- Cash at partner casinos
Once that’s complete, finding a game is as simple as launching the poker client or app and heading to the lobby. Players will find something for most budgets such as:
- Cash games
- Multi-table tournaments
- Sit and go tournaments
- Jackpot-style tournament events
- Major tournament series
An advantage to playing online is that players will find lower stakes and buy-ins than they might at a casino. You can work on your game without breaking the bank or worrying about being intimidated as you learn.
Players also have the option to play for virtual (play money) currency at most sites. This offers a great way to learn the games and software without risking any money.
Sweepstakes poker still an option for Michigan players
While poker players anxiously await for more major brands such as MGM and partypoker to launch in Michigan, they can still play 100% legal real money poker online through sweepstakes poker sites.
Because these sites follow a unique sweepstakes or social gaming model, players in 49 US states (excl. WA) are currently eligible to play.
Global Poker is one of the biggest and best known among these. Players in the US and Canada (excluding Quebec) can enjoy a comparable online poker playing experience with an opportunity to win real money.
Global Poker uses a free-to-play virtual currency called Gold Coins. Players get 1,000 Gold Coins free on sign-up and can use these to play free cash games and tournaments.
Players that purchase more Gold Coins also receive a second virtual currency called Sweeps Coins. These coins are used in separate Sweeps Coin poker games such as:
- Ring games
- Tournaments (& tournament series)
- Sit & go’s
- Jackpot sit & go’s
Unlike Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins can be cashed out for real money. Global Poker’s business model offers a fun social gaming experience with the opportunity to win some real cash.
Global is owned and operated by VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia. The Malta Gaming Authority regulates VCW’s social gaming platforms, which include free sweeps cash casinos as well.
Players can expect fair games and feel safe in the knowledge that their account information and player funds are secure. The site offers the following poker variations with stakes for every bankroll level:
- Crazy Pineapple
Michigan players can currently access an exclusive USPoker bonus offer for a free $20 Gold Coin package just for signing up or a $40 package for depositing $20. Click below to start the process:
Which other poker brands will offer online poker in Michigan?
partypoker + MGM Grand Detroit
The MGM Grand Detroit is also the largest casino in the state. MGM partners with partypoker in New Jersey through the Borgata, and that may be an option in Michigan as well. A partypoker entrance into the market offers a nice option for online poker players.
CaesarsCasino doesn’t have a property in Michigan but could reach an agreement to operate WSOP.com. The WSOP online poker platform has the only shared liquidity market among New Jersey, Nevada, and with its partner 888poker in Delaware.
The Greektown Casino is owned by Penn National Gaming. The company owns some online gaming operations in Pennsylvania but hasn’t offered online poker. But that could always change as more states become possible.
Michigan offers another big opportunity for online poker operators and expect some considerable interest from the big players. Other international brands like GG Poker or Run It Once Poker might also be interested as the US online poker market continues to expand.
Can I play on a Michigan poker site from outside the state?
Online poker sites use geolocation software to make sure players are located within that state. According to regulations, you must physically be within the legal jurisdiction to play.
That doesn’t mean you can’t sign up for an account, make a deposit, or withdraw funds from anywhere, however. All of this can be done in other states including, for example, in nearby Illinois, Indiana or Ohio.
Simply sign up and deposit for an account and then be ready to play when you’re in Michigan. It doesn’t matter if you’re a resident of another state for eligibility. You do, of course, need to be of legal age to play as well.
Michigan Online Poker FAQ
Which Michigan casinos have online poker site partners?
So far, only The Stars Group (PokerStars) has a partnership with a casino operator. The company entered into a partnership with the Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority in January 2020.
Stars became the first operator to reach a partnership deal to operate online gaming in the state. That would also be expected to include online poker.
While it hasn’t announced anything yet, the MGM Grand Detroit could also be a player. MGM partners with GVC Holdings (partypoker) in New Jersey and is a good bet to enter the Michigan market as well.
This page will be updated as more partnerships are announced.
Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Casinos
Can I play on PokerStars in Michigan?
Yes. Online poker went live in 2021 and PokerStars’ parent company has signed a partnership agreement with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. PokerStars now offers all legal forms of online gaming including poker. PokerStars is the largest online poker operator in the world and also offers poker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Can I qualify for the WSOP from Michigan?
Players using WSOP.com in Nevada and New Jersey can currently qualify for the WSOP online. They can even play in exclusive WSOP online bracelet events along with players on WSOP.com partner 888poker in Delaware.
WSOP owner Caesars Entertainment doesn’t own a property in Michigan. That doesn’t mean the company can’t reach an agreement with a partner in the state. In fact, it’s probably a good bet that may happen – at some point.
WSOP.com has been a leader in the US online poker industry. While it hasn’t yet launched in Pennsylvania, that state and Michigan offer opportunities to grow its brand and player footprint. A growing US market only offers more opportunities for both the WSOP as a whole and its online platform.
Do I have to live in Michigan to play online poker in Michigan?
No, you can sign up for a new online poker account and even make a deposit from anywhere. However, players must be physically located within the state when playing. Poker sites will make use of geolocation software to make sure of this.
However, those outside the state who register and deposit can easily play once they’re in the state.
Does Michigan share a player pool with any other states?
As of now there are no immediate plans for a shared player pool through interstate compacts. This could be added at a later date however. Pennsylvania went ahead with online poker in a similar situation – waiting for the legalities involved with the Wire Act to be worked out.
That issue cleared up in January 2021, with a federal appeals court ruling that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting. That allows expanded interstate compacts for online poker operators. With PokerStars launching in January 2021, that could mean the company eventually will combine player pools in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Michigan, along with other high population states with poker players including Florida and Texas, has great promise as a legalized online poker market. An interstate compact with shared liquidity could be in the works down the line. That would make for an even better and secure industry with more growth potential.
Will Michigan allow online casino games?
Yes. See the full run down on our Michigan Online Casinos page.
Why choose legal online poker sites?
Players can expect safe and secure legal US online poker sites. Online operators undergo rigorous licensing procedures and regulations just like a land-based casino
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has standards and procedures in place to protect players and they enforce them appropriately. That includes securing player funds, which are placed into separate secure accounts.
Deposits and cash outs are also extremely safe and use encryption technology to make sure account details are secure. A player can feel safe that his personal information is also kept safe.
Legal online poker sites also offer several customer service options to help players sort out any issues. Those can include:
- Phone
- Live chat
- By mail
- FAQ section
- Information database or help section
Along with these security and help features, online poker platforms work to provide security among players. Anti-collusion and bot software helps weed out elements that might affect game integrity and fairness.
It’s important to note that “offshore” poker sites (ie those based in other countries) can’t offer this same level of security. They aren’t always regulated and players receive no guarantees that their funds and personal information are safe.
Many of these sites have been known for slow payouts and have even gone under and not paid back players. Players will feel much safer using a regulated US site.
Michigan Live Poker Rooms
Poker players have several options to bet and bluff to each others’ faces in Michigan. The state boasts more than 15 poker rooms. Here’s a look at a few that stand out:
MGM Grand (Detroit) – 17 tables with plenty of cash games and tournaments in an elegant, high-end environment. MGM is known for great poker rooms at its properties and that includes Michigan.
Motor City Casino (Detroit) – 17 tables with daily tournaments and cash games. Look for generous comps.
Soaring Eagle Casino (Mount Pleasant) – 14 tables and plenty of promotions. The property also offers a large number of games spread.
FireKeepers Casino (Battle Creek) – The 26-table room is newly renovated and offers a great place to play.
Gun Lake Casino (Wayland) – This 14-table western Michigan room receives nice reviews among players. Action heats up on the weekend.
Party Poker Michigan
Greektown Casino (Detroit) – 12 tables and another great option for players located in the Detroit area.
Michigan Online Poker History
Michigan is no stranger to live gaming opportunities. There are three full-service casinos in the Detroit area and 23 tribal properties scattered throughout the state. Other legal gambling options include pari-mutuel wagering and the state lottery. The latter may have gotten the online gaming ball rolling.
In 2014, the Michigan Lottery launched an online lottery and by mid-2015 more than 300,000 instant tickets were being sold each day. In April 2016, online gambling proponent and State Senator Mike Kowall introduced SB 889. Entitled “The Lawful Internet Gaming Act,” the bill would have authorized online poker and online casino games in Michigan.
SB889 would have granted up to eight licenses to Michigan-based commercial and tribal casinos. That bill died in committee, but set the stage for making the issue a possibility. Michigan voters were hopeful in 2018 for legislation that legalized online poker but, after approving a bill late in the year, outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder ultimately vetoed it. That added yet one more delay to the eventual reality of Michigan online poker.
Fortunes reversed however in 2019 and on Dec. 20, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill into law. So now that Michigan has legalized online poker, when can players expect to jump in to the action at online poker tables?
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) made a major announcement in December 2020 that several online casinos had received provisional licenses. This would allow final approvals to begin taking place and what was expected to be a launch of online gaming by mid-January 2020.
That didn’t mean necessarily that online poker would be one of the first offerings to hit the ground running in January. However, the good news for poker players was that two of the companies receiving provisional approval have poker brands. Those two receiving approval were:
- Roar Digital – This is the gaming partnership between MGM and GVC Holdings in the US. GVC is the owner of partypoker.
- TSG Interactive – TSG stands for the The Stars Group, which is a part of international online gaming company Flutter Entertainment. Flutter is also the parent company of PokerStars.
Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Free
WSOP.com and its software partner 888poker weren’t listed among those companies that had been approved yet.
Beyond PokerStars and MGM/partypoker getting approved, several other gaming entities also received approval in December 2020 from the MGCB. The board had reached agreement on rules for:
- Sports betting
- Fantasy sports
Beyond creating rules for the various gaming offerings, the MGCB had approved numerous other operators in December 2020. A complete list of those groups receiving provisional licenses included:
- TSG Interactive US Services Limited (Fox Bet, PokerStars)
- BetMGM (Roar Digital and partypoker US Network)
- American Wagering, Inc. (William Hill Sports Book)
- Betfair Interactive US (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Churchill Downs Interactive Gaming (TwinSpires)
- Crown MI Gaming (DraftKings)
- GAN Nevada Inc. (online gaming technology provider)
- Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.
- NYX Digital Gaming USA (digital gaming supplier)
- Parx Interactive Inc.
- Penn Sports Interactive
- PointsBet Michigan
- Rush Street Interactive MI
- Sports Information Services Limited (Kambi sports betting service)
- WSI US, LLC (Wynn Sports)
Senate approved multi-state legislation
Pokerstars Michigan Download
In October 2020, some legislation in the state Senate also produced some good news. The Senate passedSB 991, which allowed the state’s gaming entities to enter into interstate compacts.
The future of these shared liquidity markets remains to be seen. The Department of Justice has argued that the Wire Act applied to more than just sports betting.
The issue remained tied up in court and could have a huge impact on the iGaming industry (more on this below). However, in January 2021 the court ruled in favor of gaming interests. This clears the way for shared liquidity markets among states and could greatly help the regulated US online poker industry.