What to Know About the State of Michigan and Online Poker in 2024

GambleSpot prides itself in providing its readers with up-to-date trends in the casino and iGaming space. This time around, we’re here to talk about the Great Lakes State’s poker scene. While many are familiar with various poker types like Omaha or Pineapple or have Texas Hold’em as a go-to poker game, Michigan online poker is a thriving landscape offering diverse options for both new and seasoned players. Read on to see whether Michigan poker is something you can look into and whether or not you can thrive in Michigan’s online poker community.

What to Know about Michigan and PokerStars

PokerStars is not foreign to any poker pro or avid iGamer. In Michigan, it made its presence known legally in January of 2021 and eventually became the pioneering game operator to offer online poker as a product in Michigan state.

PokerStars collaborates with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians to provide online poker in the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan signed a number of laws in December 2019 that made online poker and gambling legal in the state. Michigan became the sixth US state to legalize online poker after Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia passed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

HB4311: The Lawful Internet Gaming Act

There are now 26 land-based casinos in Michigan. There are twenty-three tribal casinos managed by various Michigan tribes and three commercial casinos located in Detroit.

How Do I Play Poker in Michigan?

If you’re a Michigan local or someone who’s fond of poker and just moved to the state, then online poker in Michigan is a possibility to explore. If you're asking yourself what you can expect, here’s a quick look to guide you through your transition.

• Legal gambling age in Michigan: You must be at least 21 years old to play Michigan poker on internet sites.
• Age and ID verification checks: To make sure you are of legal age, online poker rooms will run ID checks. It is probable that you will need to present a legitimate Social Security number together with a government-issued picture ID, like a US driver's license or passport.
• Geolocation tools: When you log in, Michigan poker sites will employ geolocation technologies like GeoComply to determine your exact location. You can log in and play as long as you are inside state lines; you don't even need to be a resident of Michigan. In other regulated jurisdictions, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, geolocation technologies are standard.
• Numerous deposit options: Since online poker is allowed in Michigan, operators are able to provide players with a safe selection of banking choices. Deposit money quickly and safely with Play+, PayPal, debit, and credit cards, or by sending money straight from your checking account.
• Cash games and tournaments: Michigan's top legal poker rooms will provide a wide range of poker games, just like the greatest ones in other states. Start with as little as $0.01/$0.02 to play cash games, or invest in bigger single- and multi-table tournaments. You can even come across satellites that offer you the opportunity to earn a spot at major live events held throughout the United States.

Where to Play in Michigan: Online and Offline

Michigan is becoming a prime spot for poker fans, offering regulated online platforms and vibrant offline venues. You could be a passive lazy body at home looking to test out your Hold’em skills or if you’re into the fun of live poker rooms, Michigan has great options for every type of player. Check out our list of the best online poker rooms for Michigan players to find the perfect place to start playing.

Online: WSOP Michigan

What to Like:

• Shared player pool with NJ and NV
• Great user experience with a smart, high-functioning client
• WSOP tournaments, live event satellites, and Caesars Rewards

You probably won’t miss this one, World Series of Poker (WSOP) online is easily one of the most sought-after poker sites in Michigan. In March 2022, WSOP made its debut in Michigan, providing high-stakes competitions along with a weekly $100 buy-in, $50,000 guarantee tournament.

The sophisticated Poker 8 software is used by WSOP Michigan to deliver a smooth, intuitive experience. By collaborating with 888poker, WSOP Michigan increases player experience and competition by pooling player pools with NJ and NV.

Online: BetMGM Poker MI

What to like:

• Easy navigation with a clear design
• Monthly tournaments with buy-ins from $20 to $1,060
• Earn M Life Rewards and enjoy Fast Forward cash games

BetMGM Poker launched in Michigan in March 2021, using the same software as partypoker US sites. Partnered with MGM Grand Detroit, BetMGM offers a functional and easy-to-use client. While it trails PokerStars in traffic, it hosts a monthly tournament series and is available on desktop, iOS, and Android.

Offline: Motor City Casino

What to Like:

• 17 poker tables
• High-stakes NLHE cash games
• Mixed games available
• Affordable weekend and Thursday tournaments

One of Michigan's top poker venues, this 17-table spot in Detroit features NLHE cash games up to $10/$20 on weekends and occasional $20/$40 Mixed Games. Weekend and Thursday tournaments have buy-ins under $200, making it accessible for all players.

Offline: Greektown Casino-Hotel

What to Like:

• 24-hour poker room
• Weekly tournaments
• Bad beat jackpots and high-hand bonuses
• Smaller rooms: B Boomers and Momo’s

Greektown Casino-Hotel offers a 24-hour poker room with Detroit's "best live poker." Weekly tournaments, bad-beat jackpots, and high-hand bonuses are featured. Detroit also has smaller rooms like B Boomers in Allen Park and Momo’s Poker Room in Taylor.

Maximize Michigan Poker: Pro Style!

What a time to make the iGaming and casino scene your cup of tea. There’s so much beyond Texas Hold’em in the world of Michigan poker gaming. Find the perfect spot—whether at a bustling casino like MGM Grand Detroit or a cozy local room—to hone your skills, compete in tournaments, and enjoy the vibrant poker community across the Great Lakes State.

Learn more about the best gamble spots in Michigan from your go-to guide in all things iGaming; GambleSpot.