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The majority of poker players recognize the importance of exercising patience. In other words, they understand that it is unwise to participate in every single hand. By folding unfavorable hands and patiently waiting for more advantageous opportunities, one enhances their likelihood of achieving success in the game.
The recent launch of legal online casinos and sportsbooks in Michigan has generated considerable excitement. However, poker enthusiasts will have to exercise some patience as they await the commencement of the first legal online poker rooms and the opportunity to play hands.
First Michigan online poker sites due soon
Michigan witnessed the launch of a remarkable 10 new online gambling platforms and applications last Friday. With the exception of two, all of them provide a combination of online casino games and sports betting. Nevertheless, online poker is still awaiting its legal introduction in the state of Michigan.
It was not surprising that this happened. Prior to last Friday, there were indications that online casinos and sportsbooks would be operational from the beginning, but it was anticipated that the first online poker rooms would take a few extra days to become available.
However, poker is on its way and will probably arrive soon. The necessary elements are almost in position, if not fully established.
Conditional approvals were granted by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to BetMGM and PokerStars in early December. This signifies that these renowned poker brands are likely to be the first ones to introduce online poker rooms in Michigan. In fact, the launch of these rooms is anticipated to occur within a few days or weeks.
Just three days prior to the online launch on Friday, the MGCB gave official approval for online poker. However, out of all the operators planning to introduce poker, only BetMGM received the green light for online gaming and sports betting. Although online gaming encompasses poker, BetMGM has yet to specify the exact date for when its website will become active.
Legal online gambling is here; unlicensed sites remain a risk
While waiting, online poker players in Michigan may find themselves tempted to play on unlicensed or unregulated sites.
Nevertheless, it is crucial for players to understand that the legality and availability of online gambling in Michigan does not imply the legality of unlicensed and unregulated online poker platforms. These sites persist in operating beyond the boundaries of Michigan’s gambling regulations.
The popular multi-day tournament called The Venom was recently launched by the Winning Poker Network (WPN). Americas Cardroom, one of the various skins within WPN, is notably the most well-liked.
The tournament offers a buy-in of $2,650, providing multiple starting flights and an impressive guaranteed prize pool of $8 million. It is expected to attract approximately 4,000 entries, potentially surpassing that number. If it does achieve that milestone, the prize pool would soar to $10 million.
This would establish a fresh milestone for WPN, marking the largest online poker tournament on a platform catering to US players in almost ten years.
Since “Black Friday,” April 15, 2011, there has been minimal competition for breaking that record. The reason being that on this day, the leading global online poker sites ceased their services to Americans due to the unsealing of indictments and civil complaints against them by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Sites such as Americas Cardroom, which cater to US players, now run the risk of encountering comparable legal consequences. Specifically, players in Michigan should be aware that the WPN made the decision to withdraw from Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware following the legalization of online poker in each of those states.
Playing on legal sites ensures protections for players
Michigan players who participate on WPN sites and other unlicensed or unregulated platforms are also subject to risk. The absence of the state’s legal safeguards leaves these players without any recourse if they encounter issues regarding the safety of their funds or the reliability of the sites.
On the other hand, opting for licensed and legal online poker platforms in Michigan guarantees that these sites will adhere to the regulations and guidelines established by the MGCB. These rules encompass safeguarding players’ funds and ensuring the games’ fairness.
Both BetMGM Poker and PokerStars are required to possess a valid online gambling license issued by the state of Michigan. Moreover, they must adhere to the account security and safety regulations set forth by Michigan.
To put it differently, it would be wise for poker players in Michigan to remain patient and be on the lookout for the upcoming debut of the initial online platforms that are legally authorized.
Keep watching Playinmichigan for updates on when the sites will start dealing out cards. Hopefully, we’ll have hands to play soon.
