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Michigan has finally welcomed the long-awaited arrival of legal online poker. On Friday, PokerStars was granted approval and subsequently launched, making Michigan the fifth state to permit real money poker games.
Following the announcement, the site commenced testing and players were unable to play immediately. However, by Friday afternoon, online poker games at PokerStars were successfully launched in Michigan.
Currently, the Michigan market is restricted to in-state competition, limiting players to compete solely against opponents within the state. However, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has indicated that interstate play will be introduced later this year.
On January 22nd, a total of 10 sports betting operators and eight casinos were introduced, marking the launch of online sports betting and online casinos.
In addition to the release of PokerStars on Friday, the MGCB granted approval for Fox Bet to offer online sports betting and PokerStars Casino. Furthermore, the MGCB authorized Barstool, which initiated sports betting last week, to launch their online casino at 11 a.m. on Monday.
PokerStars Michigan is finally here, but who’s next?
According to Online Poker Report, Michigan has become the third state in the US where PokerStars offers real money games. Although some users may have experienced download difficulties in the past, it is now suggested that clearing your browser cache can resolve these issues.
Michigan players now have the opportunity to enjoy cash games, daily tournaments, and the prestigious Championship of Online Poker Series upon its launch.
Playinmichigan has contacted BetMGM, the recently launched operator in Michigan, to inquire about the expected timeline for the launch of their online poker platform. BetMGM Poker is anticipated to become the second online poker operator in the state.
WSOP and 888 Poker have yet to establish partnerships in Michigan, unlike in Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey where they have already formed shared player pools.
Interstate online poker should come later this year
Currently, Michigan players are restricted to playing exclusively with other players located within the state when it comes to shared player pools.
Last year, Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. made efforts to pass legislation enabling the MGCB to engage in compacts for interstate play. The law was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late 2020.
The MGCB is still required to join compacts like the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, which presently consists of New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.
The MGCB stated that the occurrence of such a deal will be postponed until a later time in the year.
Richard Kalm, the executive director of the MGCB, expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of Odawa Casino, Poker Stars, Fox Bet, and Barstool Casino in Michigan’s expanding online gaming and sports betting industry. In a statement, he highlighted that their involvement would generate revenue to aid education, tribal communities, and the city of Detroit.
Fox Bet gets launched before Super Bowl week
On Thursday, we inquired whether Fox Bet would debut before Super Bowl LV. The response we received was that it would be launched “with ample time to spare.”
The sports betting brand aims to leverage its reputable name in Michigan and intends to expand its customer base by targeting participants of its Fox Bet Super 6 contest. Michigan joins Colorado, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as the fourth state for Fox Bet.
The company announced on Friday that Super 6 has achieved the highest number of downloads among free-to-play sports prediction apps (including fantasy) since the return of sports in July 2020.
Fox Bet plans to capitalize on the well-established reputation of FOX by leveraging its association with the broadcasting of numerous Detroit Lions games and various Michigan and Michigan State football games. In order to cater specifically to the Michigan audience, Fox Bet has disclosed its intention to introduce Michigan-centric versions of Fox Bet Live on FOX2 in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, and FOX 66 in Flint.
Kip Levin, CEO of Fox Bet, stated that our valuable partnership with the FOX Corporation and the exceptional FOX Bet Super 6 product, along with the PokerStars business, have always set us apart. As we enter the Michigan market, we intend to fully utilize these distinct assets. By combining Fox Bet Sportsbook, PokerStars, and Stars Casino, customers can conveniently access all three apps with a single account. This will provide our Michigan audience with a plethora of thrilling and enjoyable options, enhancing their overall experience.
