MGCB Signs Agreement, Takes Next Step Toward Interstate Poker For Michigan Players

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On Monday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board made an announcement stating that they have entered into an agreement that permits Michigan online poker players to participate in competitions with players from other states.

This marks the most recent progress in allowing residents of Michigan to join online poker games with players from Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey, the other states participating in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Now, the responsibility lies with Michigan’s three online poker operators — BetMGM Poker, PokerStars MI, and World Series of Poker MI — to meet the requirements set by the MGCB and facilitate complete access for players.

What’s next to get to interstate poker?

Monday signifies another significant milestone for Michigan’s online poker players, bringing them closer to the much-anticipated finish line in their journey.

“In a press release, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed his delight in announcing Michigan’s inclusion in the multistate poker compact. He further revealed that a substantial portion of the additional tax revenue generated from multistate poker will be dedicated to supporting K-12 education in Michigan. Williams highlighted that this move will effectively amplify the potential participant pool in multistate poker games, nearly doubling its size.”

The authorization of platforms to launch multistate poker is now the responsibility of the MGCB. In order to participate, licensed operators and platform providers must complete the steps outlined in the April issuance.

• In order to comply with the multijurisdictional agreement, it is necessary to fulfill all conditions and requirements outlined within it. Additionally, when engaging in multistate poker activities, it is important to limit participation strictly to the jurisdictions included in the agreement.
• New platforms or modifications, remote gaming systems, and game software require approval.
• To establish a new data center, compliance with technical security standards, coupled with review and inspection, is mandatory. Moreover, the agency’s written consent is necessary for servers situated outside of Michigan that have the capability to accept wagers.
• New suppliers involved in multistate poker must acquire internet gaming supplier licenses to operate. This requirement applies to both new platform providers and any other vendors who may need to register with the MGCB.
• Employees of new operators or platform providers who are involved in the organization of poker games across multiple states may be required to obtain occupational licenses from the MGCB.

Williams stated that the operators need to complete certain tasks before Michigan residents can participate in multistate poker games. He emphasized that the MGCB is committed to ensuring the protection of Michigan residents while playing multistate poker. The review process for the new offering will be conducted with the same level of scrutiny as other internet games.

WSOP working on requirements

Software updates mark the culmination of this multi-year endeavor to enable interstate poker gameplay.

On March 28, WSOP Michigan was introduced, utilizing the Poker 8 Platform. This platform initially premiered with WSOP Pennsylvania and was regarded as an advancement over the older software employed by other states in the MSIGA.

Before the MGCB can approve interstate play for WSOP, the states in the MSIGA need to resolve the various platforms they will be using.

WSOP has not yet given 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, but it wasn’t launched until January 2021.

In December 2020, the Michigan Legislature approved a bill that grants the MGCB permission to participate in a multijurisdictional poker compact. Subsequently, on December 29, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially signed the bill into law.

On April 6, the state’s application to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement was approved, marking its successful inclusion into the agreement.

After a span of six weeks, the proposal to join the MSIGA has been approved by Michigan.

Sen. Curtis Hertel expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating that the inclusion of players from other states will provide Michigan poker players with a wider range of choices and the opportunity to play for larger sums of money. He added that he is pleased to have been part of the effort to make this a reality for Michigan poker players.

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