Go directly to the content.
A third option is now available for online poker players in Michigan.
On Monday, March 28, at 10 a.m., the World Series of Poker Michigan commenced. WSOP.com has now become a part of the online poker options alongside BetMGM Poker MI and PokerStars Michigan.
In mid-July 2021, the software provider 888 Holdings PLC introduced its product in Pennsylvania, which powers WSOP.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of numerous live poker events, the WSOP has responded by incorporating a greater number of online bracelet events into their schedule.
Will WSOP.com MI players be able to compete across state lines?
Michigan is set to launch the WSOP before joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, enabling players to compete with participants from other states. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has stated that the delay is due to the need for acceptance from Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
Despite the board’s previous statement about entering into a compact by the end of 2021, this did not occur. Nevertheless, recently the MGCB released a form on Multistate Internet Poker Potential Tasks and Considerations for Operators and Platform Providers.
Mary Kay Bean, Communications Specialist of the MGCB, stated that they have not yet heard back from the current compact states regarding the status of their application. She mentioned that the agency has shared multistate internet poker considerations for operators and providers to assist them in preparing for potential multistate poker competition in the future. As an example, Bean suggested that operators and providers should start focusing on establishing internal controls at present.
Once Michigan is approved by the MSIGA, players from the state would have access to competitions like the WSOP Online Circuit.
During July 1-August 1, 2021, WSOP organized a total of 33 Online Bracelet Series events in New Jersey and Nevada, awarding over $18.2 million in prizes.
This year, the WSOP Online Bracelet Series events are scheduled to commence on June 5 and continue until July 17. It is anticipated that players from Michigan will have the opportunity to participate this time.
Caesars’ purchase of William Hill paved way for WSOP Michigan
Caesars, the owner of WSOP, has recently acquired William Hill, thus providing a pathway for WSOP to venture into the online market. This acquisition grants WSOP access to the online market through a deal with the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who operate two casinos in the Traverse City area.
Michigan saw the launch of online gambling on January 22, 2021, with PokerStars MI emerging as the inaugural regulated online poker site on January 29. Notably, the revenue reports by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) do not distinguish poker earnings from those of online casinos in the state.
Michigan’s internet gaming industry has been flourishing, generating an impressive nine-figure revenue for the past six months. As of February, the state has accumulated a remarkable $1.4 billion in revenue, placing it alongside industry leaders such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
