Why Haven’t Interstate Poker And WSOP Launched In Michigan?

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Written By Drew Ellis on November 14, 2021Last Updated on November 15, 2021
Michigan online poker compacting November 2021 (1)

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As Michigan progresses in the realm of online gaming, it often encounters new instances of waiting. Currently, the anticipation revolves around Michigan online poker’s inclusion in interstate compacting, which would enable residents to engage in head-to-head matches against players from other states.

Despite the apparent proximity of the finish line, the precise moment at which the state will surpass it remains uncertain.

While 2021 was frequently mentioned as the goal, it seems that 2022 may be a more feasible timeframe.

What is interstate play?

In 2019, Michigan passed a law to legalize online poker, which became officially active in January of the present year.

Nevertheless, only Michigan residents have the privilege to compete solely against fellow players within the state.

The interstate poker compact enables players in Michigan to participate in competitive games against players from other states that are part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.

In 2012, online poker was first legalized in Delaware, soon followed by Nevada. In 2015, the two states entered into an agreement to combine their online poker player pools, with each state receiving the revenue generated by players from their own jurisdiction. Then, in 2017, New Jersey became the third state to join the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement).

Hopes for Michigan poker compacting fading for 2021

Joining Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Michigan has become the sixth state to legalize online poker.

In December of last year, the legislation permitting multistate online poker compacts was signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This law enables Michigan to become a part of the MSIGA, along with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. However, consent from all three of these states is necessary for Michigan’s participation.

Former Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Richard Kalm and his successor, Henry Williams, expressed optimism earlier this year that interstate play would be implemented before the year’s end.

According to David Murley, the Deputy Director of Online Gaming & Legal Affairs at the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the approval from the other three states is still pending, making the timeline for Michigan’s progress uncertain.

“At the moment, we do not have a specific timeline. We have expressed our interest in joining the compact and have presented certain modifications we would like to make,” Murley informed Playinmichigan. “One of the changes involves Michigan law, where 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 do not foresee any difficulties in our inclusion, it is Michigan that is making the request, and it is up to the other states to admit us, so we must align with their schedule.”

World Series of Poker still awaiting Michigan launch

The World Series of Poker is making its debut in Michigan, marking another exciting milestone in the progression towards interstate play.

Even though PokerStars and BetMGM Poker are already accessible in Michigan, WSOP is the sole poker operator utilizing the MSIGA at present.

Despite initial talks of WSOP launching in the state during the summer, the operator has not yet set a launch date, and it is now mid-November.

WSOP has successfully established a strong presence in the additional states it has entered. In both New Jersey and Nevada, WSOP organized 33 Online Bracelet Series events between July 1 and August 1, awarding a total of over $18.2 million in prizes.

It is becoming less likely that Michigan will participate in any of the WSOP Online Bracelet Series events, as they are scheduled to continue until November 21st.

A definitive schedule for the launch of WSOP, powered by 888 Holdings PLC, has yet to be announced.

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