BetMGM has now become the third platform to offer interstate gaming for poker players in Michigan after it gained the approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The platform joins the likes of WSOP and PokerStars. Michigan players will now be able to play with poker players from New Jersey via the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.

BetMGM, a major player in the online gaming sector, has gained regulatory approval to connect its online poker platforms across Michigan and New Jersey. With this green light from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, BetMGM becomes the third online platform to enable interstate poker in Michigan, joining PokerStars and the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

In a statement released Wednesday, Executive Director for the MGCB Henry Williams expressed enthusiasm about the decision, highlighting the impact it will have on Michigan's online gaming landscape. "This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries," Williams said. "We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry."

The recent approval means that poker players in Michigan can now compete against players in New Jersey on a broader platform, benefiting from larger pools of participants and fostering a more engaging and competitive gaming experience. BetMGM's interstate player-sharing capacity follows a petition it submitted in late May, which was finally approved after an assessment of its Multi-State Poker Submission Form by the MGCB this week.

The increasingly competitive landscape of interstate poker

With Michigan's inclusion in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which permits player liquidity sharing between six states, BetMGM joins a growing list of operators leveraging interstate poker connections. The MSIGA, established in 2014 by Nevada and Delaware, expanded to include New Jersey in 2017 and later welcomed Michigan in 2021. This cooperative effort now spans Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with the potential to link even more states in the future.

BetMGM's entry into multistate poker puts it in direct competition with other major platforms operating in Michigan. PokerStars, in partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, launched multistate play on the 1st of January, 2023. The WSOP followed in May of 2024, through collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Now, BetMGM brings its own player-sharing capabilities to the mix, adding a new level of choice for Michigan poker enthusiasts.

BetMGM's interstate poker operations are backed by a partnership with MGM Grand Detroit, a property of MGM Resorts International. This alliance is supported by Entain, a UK-based gaming giant, which co-owns BetMGM as part of a joint venture with MGM Resorts. Through this network, BetMGM has built a foundation to offer diverse online gaming options, including slots, table games, and now, a robust interstate poker component.

Boosting the iGaming market in Michigan and New Jersey

Michigan and New Jersey represent two of the most lucrative online casino markets in the United States. For instance, from January through September 2024, Michigan's online casinos have generated over $1.75 billion in gaming revenue. New Jersey's internet casinos and poker platforms collectively raked in over $1.73 billion during the same period.

According to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, online poker has contributed significantly to New Jersey's gaming revenue, collecting around $21.3 million between January and September 2024. PokerStars led the New Jersey poker market, earning nearly $7 million in rake, followed by WSOP with $4.8 million, and a tie between Borgata and BetMGM at $2.9 million each. PartyPoker rounded out the top five with $1.5 million in revenue.

Future prospects for online poker growth

With BetMGM's interstate poker integration, Michigan players gain a broader range of competitive options, potentially revitalizing interest in online poker and providing the state's gaming industry with new avenues for growth. For now, BetMGM's interstate play is limited to New Jersey, but the success of this partnership could open the door for broader collaborations across additional states in the future. As Michigan and New Jersey continue to lead in the online gaming space, they set a precedent for the evolving role of regulated online poker in the United States.

BetMGM's entry into the multistate poker realm reflects a growing trend toward player-sharing agreements that enhance gameplay, create stronger communities of players, and drive growth in the iGaming market.