On Monday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board made an announcement stating that they have entered into an agreement which permits online poker players from Michigan to participate in competitions beyond state boundaries.
This marks the most recent progress in bringing together players from Michigan, Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Now, it is up to the three online poker operators in the state – BetMGM Poker, PokerStars MI, and World Series of Poker MI – to fulfill the MGCB’s criteria and successfully facilitate this expansion.
What’s next to get to interstate poker?
As the journey for online poker players in Michigan approaches its end, Monday signifies yet another significant milestone, bringing them closer to the finish line.
“In a press release, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed his delight in Michigan joining the multistate poker compact. He further mentioned that a significant portion of the additional tax revenue generated from multistate poker will be dedicated to supporting K-12 education in Michigan. This move will effectively increase the potential player base in multistate poker games by nearly twofold.”
The authorization of platforms to launch multistate poker must now be granted by the MGCB. In order to participate, licensed operators and platform providers must complete the steps outlined in April.
- In order to participate in multistate poker games, it is necessary to adhere to all conditions and requirements outlined in the multijurisdictional agreement. Furthermore, it is essential to restrict the involvement solely to jurisdictions that are included in the agreement.
- New platforms or modifications to existing platforms, novel remote gaming systems, and fresh game software require approval.
- To establish a new data center, it is mandatory to adhere to technical security standards and undergo a thorough review and inspection process. Additionally, any servers intended for accepting wagers from outside of Michigan must receive written approval from the agency.
- All suppliers involved in multistate poker must acquire internet gaming supplier licenses, which includes new platform providers. Additionally, new vendors may need to complete registration with the MGCB.
- Employees who work for new operators or platform providers and are involved in conducting multistate poker may be required to acquire occupational licenses from the MGCB.
“Before Michigan residents can participate in multistate poker games, there are still tasks to be completed by the operators,” stated Williams. “The MGCB’s priority is to ensure the protection of Michigan residents while engaging in multistate poker, and we will thoroughly evaluate the new offering with the same level of scrutiny applied to other online games.”
WSOP working on requirements
Software updates mark the concluding phase of this long-term endeavor aimed at facilitating interstate poker gameplay.
On March 28, WSOP Michigan was introduced using the Poker 8 Platform, which was previously unveiled with WSOP Pennsylvania. This platform was regarded as an enhancement over the outdated software utilized by other states in the MSIGA.
Before the MGCB can approve interstate play for WSOP, the states in the MSIGA must first resolve the issue of using different platforms.
WSOP has not yet announced a timeline for when it anticipates meeting the MGCB’s requirements on its platform.
History of Michigan’s efforts to get to interstate poker
Online poker was legalized in Michigan in 2019, however, it was not made available to the public until January 2021.
On December 2020, a bill was approved by the Michigan Legislature, granting permission for the MGCB to become part of a multijurisdictional poker compact. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill on December 29, 2020.
On April 6, the state successfully applied and was accepted into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.
After a span of six weeks, the proposal to join the MSIGA has been approved by Michigan.
Sen. Curtis Hertel expressed his satisfaction in making it possible for Michigan poker players to have increased options and the potential to play for larger sums of money by competing against players from other states.
