Michigan Accepted Into Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement: MI Online Poker Players To Compete Across State Lines

Michigan poker players have eagerly anticipated this day for several months.

On Wednesday, April 6, the state officially joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which signifies a significant step forward in establishing an interstate poker compact. The Multi-State Internet Gaming Association made the announcement regarding the state’s acceptance in a press release.

Michigan poker players will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one poker games with players from other states within the MSIGA through an interstate poker compact.

Now that this significant milestone has been achieved and the recent introduction of World Series of Poker MI just a week ago, it presents an opportunity for local players to receive their Christmas gift ahead of time (or rather belatedly, depending on one’s perspective).

What is an interstate poker compact?

In 2019, the state of Michigan passed legislation to legalize online poker play. It was officially launched in January 2021, but with a restriction that players can only participate in games within the state.

Currently, players from within the state will have the opportunity to compete alongside players from Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. Pennsylvania is also aiming to join this group, although it is still awaiting approval from local authorities.

After Delaware legalized online poker in 2012, Nevada quickly followed suit.

The MSIGA was established in 2015 when two states agreed to collaborate and pool their online poker players. This agreement ensured that each state would retain the revenue generated by players from their own state.

The agreement was joined by New Jersey in 2017, making it the third state to do so.

What was holding up the deal?

Legislation authorizing multi-state online poker compacts was signed into law by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in December 2020.

Despite Whitmer signing the deal into law, Michigan’s acceptance into the agreement still required the approval of the other three states already involved.

David Murley, the Deputy Director of Online Gaming & Legal Affairs at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, stated that while Michigan did present a few minor adjustments during the application process, it was expected that the state would be granted acceptance by the conclusion of 2021.

However, the state’s desire was not the reason for it not happening.

“In 2021, Murley informed Playinmichigan that we currently do not have a specific timeline. We have expressed our interest in joining the compact and have outlined the changes we would like to propose. One notable difference is that, according to Michigan law, the Executive Director is responsible for entering the compact on behalf of the state, whereas the multi-state compact requires the Governor’s signature for joining and admitting future members. While I don’t foresee any issues with our admission, it is important to note that Michigan is the one making the request, and it is up to the other states to accept us, so we must align with their timetable.”

WSOP Michigan launch another key component

The launch of WSOP Michigan took place on March 28, being the sole poker operator in MI that currently utilizes the MSIGA. It is anticipated to soon enable Michigan players to participate in its interstate play.

During the period of July 1 to August 1, 2021, WSOP organized a total of 33 Online Bracelet events in New Jersey and Nevada, with prize money exceeding $18.2 million.

The WSOP Online Bracelet Series is scheduled to commence on June 5th and continue until July 17th this year. It is anticipated that players from Michigan will also have the opportunity to participate in these events.

The inclusion of the Wolverine State in an interstate poker compact opens up opportunities for PokerStars MI and BetMGM Poker to combine players from their Michigan and New Jersey sites.