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By now, Michigan’s online poker players have become quite knowledgeable about the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.
On April 6, Michigan’s acceptance into the MSIGA marked an important milestone, granting in-state poker players the opportunity to compete against participants from Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada.
Although it may have appeared as a setback for the state, the successful launch of interstate poker will necessitate a bit more patience.
At the Michigan Gaming Control Board meeting on Tuesday, a timeline that was less ambiguous yet still somewhat unclear was presented.
Michigan needs to approve proposal to join MSIGA
On Tuesday, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams pointed out that despite being accepted into the MSIGA by the other states, Michigan still needs to agree to the terms of the agreement.
“Last Wednesday evening, we were pleased to receive a formal response inviting us to participate in the agreement. Currently, we are carefully assessing the revised agreement to ensure its alignment with Michigan’s legal framework,” stated Williams. “Although certain news reports suggest that we have already joined the agreement, I want to clarify that we have not done so. Our decision to proceed will be contingent upon the Attorney General’s office thoroughly examining all pertinent documents and confirming that joining the agreement complies with Michigan law. We anticipate the review process to be finalized in the near future.”
Michigan’s poker community may not be pleased with the uncertain timeline and the disappointing choice of words.
One of the variations in laws across states is the requirement for the governor’s involvement in certain agreements. However, in Michigan, the agreement only necessitates the participation of the MGCB, represented by its executive director.
In contrast, Michigan only permits multi-state online gambling for poker, while other states authorize the inclusion of additional casino games such as blackjack.
Additional licensing requirements needed for interstate poker
Once the details of the agreement are approved by Michigan, the MGCB will still require additional approvals from licensees in order to operate multi-state platforms.
“Williams explained that even if we proceed with the agreement, the implementation of multi-state poker will not occur right away. Licensees who wish to offer multi-state poker in Michigan are required to submit additional information and obtain further approvals for various aspects, including internal controls, occupational licenses, and platforming game technology.”
As mentioned earlier, World Series of Poker Michigan will need to upgrade its software in order to facilitate interstate gaming within the state.
Based on the New Jersey example, it took approximately six months for WSOP to launch interstate play after being accepted into the compact.
History of interstate poker play
The concept of the interstate poker compact is straightforward: it enables players from various states to engage in competition with one another.
The initial MSIGA agreement was signed in 2015 between Delaware and Nevada, enabling them to pool their online poker liquidity. Under this deal, each state retained the revenue generated by players from their own jurisdiction.
Expanding the playing field, New Jersey joined the agreement in 2017, becoming the third state to do so.
After a span of five years, Michigan successfully joined the agreement, becoming the fourth state to do so. Pennsylvania, which also has WSOP as an operator, appears to be a suitable candidate as well. However, there still exist obstacles that need to be overcome in Pennsylvania before it can join the agreement.
Online poker was first legalized in Michigan in 2019, but it wasn’t launched until January 2021.
Michigan signed multi-state online poker compacts into legislation in late 2020.
Michigan officially joined the MSIGA on April 6, 2022.
