Jump straight to the main content.
Top poker sites in Michigan were mostly closed down by the US Department of Justice on a Wednesday, nine years ago.
Next year marks the official return of legalized online poker to Michigan, almost a decade after the Black Friday anniversary.
Although Michigan is currently not benefiting from the poker surge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is expected to have an advantage once regulations are established and online poker becomes available statewide in early 2021.
Black Friday crushed US online poker
Michigan proved to be just as fertile as any other during the poker boom of the early 2000s, with Rounders, Chris Moneymaker, and the World Series of Poker emerging as influential cultural phenomena.
The champions of the WSOP, Joe Cada (2009) and Ryan Riess (2013), both originate from the state of Michigan, with Cada hailing from Shelby Township and Riess from Clarkston.
On April 15, 2011, the federal government took action to make US online poker illegal by initiating the closure of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker.
Online poker has made a comeback in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania since April 2013.
Legal MI online poker was made possible when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan signed expanded gambling legislation in December 2019.
Although retail sportsbooks were the initial focus of regulation and opened in March, the introduction of mobile sports betting, online casinos, and online poker is anticipated to occur in early 2021.
Online poker thriving with everyone home
With limited activities available at home, online poker has become a popular choice worldwide, providing entertainment and satisfaction to many.
During the month of April, Global Poker, a well-liked and legally operating online poker platform, is providing the opportunity for free play.
The site operates legally in the US by using a sweepstakes model instead of real-money gambling.
According to ESPN, PokerStars recently achieved a new record in a tournament with 93,016 entries and a prize pool of $18.6 million, resulting in a payout of nearly $1.2 million for the winner. However, it is important to note that real-money games are currently unavailable in Michigan.
Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Spring Championship of Online Poker has gained considerable momentum, as witnessed by the impressive turnout of over 6,000 participants on its opening night.
Over $1 million was raised for Feeding America through a charity online poker game on Saturday, with the participation of notable figures like Ben Affleck, Tom Brady, Matt Damon, and Adam Sandler.
PokerStars already locked into Michigan
Poker enthusiasts in Michigan can now anticipate PokerStars as a platform for their gaming needs, as The Stars Group has established a partnership with a Native American tribe located in northern Michigan.
In January, the partnership between the Odawa Casinos in Petoskey and Mackinaw City and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority was announced.
With a solid partnership already in place with GVC, the parent company of partypoker, it is highly probable that the platform will be introduced at MGM Grand Detroit. Consequently, it is reasonable to anticipate the arrival of BetMGM Poker in Michigan.
Potential online poker partners still out there
If you’re looking out for other online poker companies that haven’t disclosed partnerships yet, WSOP/888 Poker is worth keeping an eye on. They are the primary competition for PokerStars and partypoker in New Jersey, and also the exclusive provider of online poker software in Delaware.
According to Mary Kay Bean, a representative from the Michigan Control Board, the names of online gaming partners will not be disclosed until the rules are fully established and applicants undergo thorough evaluation, as stated in her interview with USPoker.com.
She stated that the agency is unable to grant licenses to casinos or applicants who intend to facilitate online betting until the administrative rules have been established. Additionally, she mentioned that the names of the applicants will be disclosed only after they have undergone thorough evaluation and are prepared to seek approval for licensing from the five-member board.
Online sports and casino-style betting is anticipated to be accessible by early next year.
