Online Gambling Platform BetMGM enables interstate poker playing between Michigan and New Jersey
BetMGM Granted Approval to Expand Online Poker Operations in Michigan
BetMGM, a leading online gaming company, has received regulatory approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board to connect its online poker rooms in Michigan with those in New Jersey. This development marks a significant step forward in the growth of online gaming within Michigan.
The partnership, which was announced on Wednesday, June 23, 2025, will enable Michigan players to legally participate in online poker games on a larger scale. This expansion is expected to enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.
Henry Williams, the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, commented on the approval, stating, "This partnership with BetMGM will provide Michigan players with a more engaging and rewarding online poker experience, while also contributing to the continued growth of the industry in our state."
BetMGM is licensed to operate online casino gambling in Michigan, including interactive slots and table games, through a partnership with MGM Grand Detroit. The company's online poker rooms in Michigan are currently only connected with those in New Jersey.
Michigan is a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which also includes Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This agreement allows for the pooling of online poker player liquidity among participating states, offering a better player experience and increased game quality.
Michigan officially joined MSIGA in the spring of 2022, after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the agreement. Poker platforms like PokerStars were among the first to link Michigan and New Jersey player pools in early 2023, creating one of the largest U.S. online poker networks at that time. Other operators in Michigan, including BetMGM Poker and WSOP, have also joined the multi-state player sharing, allowing their Michigan players to compete against players in other MSIGA states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
In January 2023, PokerStars launched its multi-state poker offerings in Michigan, with WSOP following suit in May 2024. Pennsylvania joined the interstate compact in April 2025, allowing sharing with Michigan and New Jersey, further expanding the shared player pools.
The sharing under MSIGA has significantly increased game liquidity, prize pools, and tournament guarantees, thus improving game quality and player engagement. As a result, Michigan and New Jersey have become the two richest online casino gaming states.
BetMGM becomes the third online entity to gain approval to share player liquidity out of Michigan. The company's online casino gambling operators in Michigan have won over $1.75 billion from players in the nine months of 2024, while in New Jersey, the total gross gaming revenue from internet casinos, tables, and poker rake exceeded $1.73 billion in the same period.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) publicly breaks down internet gaming revenue by game. Between January through September 2024, online poker operators in New Jersey collected about $21.3 million in fees. PokerStars is the market leader in New Jersey's online poker market, accounting for almost $7 million of the rake. WSOP is second at $4.8 million, and Borgata and BetMGM are tied for third at $2.9 million each. PartyPoker rounds out the top five at $1.5 million.
MGM Grand Detroit is owned by MGM Resorts International, which is a 50-50 partner in BetMGM with London-based Entain. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved BetMGM's Multi-State Poker Submission Form this week, paving the way for the expansion of its online poker offerings in Michigan.
This development is expected to further boost the online gaming industry in Michigan, offering Michigan players more opportunities to participate in bigger games and tournaments with players across participating MSIGA states.
- BetMGM's online poker rooms in Michigan can now connect with those in New Jersey, thanks to regulatory approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
- With this expansion, Michigan players can now legally engage in larger-scale online poker games.
- Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, has praised the partnership, calling it a contribution to the growth of the industry in Michigan.
- BetMGM is currently licensed to operate online casino games in Michigan, but until now, their online poker rooms have only been connected with those in New Jersey.
- Michigan is part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing for the pooling of online poker player liquidity with other participating states.
- After joining MSIGA in 2022, Michigan has been connecting its online poker player pools with those in New Jersey, creating one of the largest U.S. online poker networks.
- Poker platforms like PokerStars and WSOP have led the way in multi-state player sharing, with BetMGM Poker and WSOP also joining in.
- The shared player pools under MSIGA have led to increased game liquidity, prize pools, and tournament guarantees in Michigan and New Jersey.
- The expansion of BetMGM's online poker offerings in Michigan is expected to boost the online gaming industry further, offering players more opportunities to play with others across participating MSIGA states.
