Best Online Poker Sites in Michigan: Play Real Money Poker in MI

Michigan

The best poker websites Michigan has to offer are listed right here in this article! PokerNews has you covered with a detailed poker site comparison so that you can make the best choice on where to play poker online!

Whether you're looking for the best poker bonuses in Michigan, the best poker apps in Michigan, the best poker freerolls in Michigan, or simply want to know what the best poker sites in Michigan are (which we've got right here!), we've compiled the ultimate guide for you to make the best choice among the poker sites.

A General Overview of Online Poker in Michigan

In 2019, Michigan became the fifth state to pass legislation offering online gaming and legal online poker. It took a couple of years for operators, who must be partnered with a land-based casino, to get things up and running, but right now it's full steam ahead for online operations in the Wolverine State.

As of early 2022, PokerStars, BetMGM and WSOP MI are the only three legal online poker operators in Michigan.

Michigan Internet Gambling

Gambling in Michigan dates all the way back to the 1930s with horse racing. The Michigan Lottery was established in 1972, marking another significant step for gambling in the state. Later, the first tribal casinos opened to business in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1996, Michigan authorities approved the first commercial casinos in Detroit. MGM Grand Detroit was inaugurated in July 1999, followed by MotorCity Casino Hotel and Greektown Casino Hotel.

Expanding gambling into the online market was the next logical step. Despite some early initiatives, and after a failed attempt in 2018, internet gambling was finally signed into law in 2019. The Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act allowed land-based operators to offer sports betting as well as online casinos,online poker, and online sportsbooks. All licenses to operate in the Great Lakes State are issued by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. All commercial and tribal casinos in Michigan can operate one skin for online poker, online casino, and online sportsbooks.

The three Detroit casinos were the first ones to offer sports betting in the state. MGM Grand Detroit launched its BetMGM sportsbook on March 11, 2020. That same day, Greektown Casino also launched its retail sportsbook under a partnership with Barstool Sports. A day later, MotorCity Casino launched its own sportsbook as well, under a partnership with FanDuel.

Online casino games and poker would follow and are currently offered across the board in Michigan, providing plenty of options for playing online poker in Michigan.

Michigan Online Poker Sites Guide

Michigan online poker players were able to fire up the virtual tables in early 2021. PokerStars was first to market launching on January 29, and the partypoker US Online Network followed on March 22 when BetMGM MI became the second operator to offer online poker in the Wolverine State, followed by WSOP MI in early 2022.

After the first attempt in 2018 which did not go through, Michigan finally signed its gambling sites legislation in 2019. The Great Lakes State took its first significant step towards an internet gambling launch with the first land-based sportsbooks. Sports betting was part of the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act package. The new legislation also included online casinos, online sports betting, and online poker sites as well.

It took a couple more years for all ducks to get in a row, and right now Michigan poker players can enjoy online play.

PokerNews is the source for Michigan Online Poker News
Michigan Online Poker News

All Michigan gambling operators have the right to launch one skin for online poker, online casino, and online sportsbooks. These Michigan poker and gambling sites are all regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which is the gambling authority for the state.

PokerStars (AKA The Stars Group), the largest real money online poker operator in the world, has a deal with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Meanwhile, BetMGM Poker MI owns an internet gambling license through MGM Grand Detroit. More importantly, it has a partnership with GVC Holdings for the US market. GVC is the owner of partypoker, one of the largest internet poker operators in the world. Both BetMGM and PartyPoker already offer online poker rooms in New Jersey.

WSOP MI, one of WSOP's many ventures into the world of online poker, operates using Poker 8 software by 888poker, which is a fresher update on the WSOP client used in Nevada and New Jersey.

The Poker 8 software offers up a sleeker experience and darker color scheme. It’s designed to allow players to quickly and easily find their favorite poker cash games and tournaments.

It’s expected that the WSOP will waste little time in offering players in Michigan the opportunity to compete for coveted gold bracelets and WSOP Circuit gold rings, a great opportunity for Michigan online poker players.

The long-term goal is for WSOP to upgrade to the Poker 8 software in all available states, which in turn would ideally enter an expansive interstate compact allowing players from Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to compete against one another in combined player pools. Michigan became the latest state to join the MSIGA in April 2022, so eyes are now on Pennsylvania.

Michigan Interstate Compact

At the end of December 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law allowing for interstate play. That law went into effect on March 29, 2021, thus allowing online poker sites to link player pools with other states.

In March 2022, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) posted a five-page document about multistate internet poker that identifies “potential tasks and considerations for operators and platform providers," indicating the state's interest in entering the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) and combining player pools with New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.

The next month, regulators announced that the Wolverine State had been admitted to the interstate compact, a massive victory for shared liquidity in the US. However, it wasn't until January 1, 2023, that PokerStars became the first site in Michigan to officially join player pools with New Jersey.

Free Online Games in Michigan

If you're looking to try your hand at one of Michigans free online games before you're ready to dive into real money poker games, you can! Check out our comprehensive list of tried and true free games to scratch your Michigan poker and gaming urge.

And, as the name would suggest, the best thing is these games are completely free to play! Click below to go straight to one of PokerNews' trusted social casino sites or keep reading to discover everything there is to know about Michigan poker.

Michigan Online Poker Rooms

Michigan has some of the best online poker sites on the web. Sites like PokerStars and BetMGM Poker MI are always providing players with unparalleled game quality, deposit bonuses, cashback deals, and more! We offer expert reviews for all these top online poker rooms so that you can understand what they have to offer you as a player. You can also see which bonuses they have available for new players as well as the latest promotions.

We know that you want to find the great Michigan poker sites so that you can play some of the best Texas Hold'em and other poker games around. We can help with that too! Our directory provides information on all your favorite poker variations including the ever-popular Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and more.

If you're looking for a site to play at that has the latest Michigan poker games available then we recommend visiting our online poker sites directory. We also provide you with detailed reviews of each poker room so that you can make an informed decision as to which Michigan poker sites you want to play.

Play at PokerStars Michigan

PokerStars Michigan, which shares an interstate compact and combined player pools with PokerStars New Jersey players, offers real money poker, sports, and casino games as a gaming operator for Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. You need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN) to play real money gaming on PokerStars in the state of Michigan.

PokerStars is arguably the most famous of the poker sites in the online gambling industry and its Michigan counterpart abides by all of the Michigan online poker laws and those for casino gaming.

Online Poker Games and Tournaments on PokerStars MI

Like its worldwide counterpart, PokerStars offers the widest variety of games, both cash and tournaments, and stakes including free play, micros ($0.01/$0.02), mid-stakes ($0.50/$1.00, $1.00/$2.00, etc.), and high stakes ($25/$50 NLHE and $100/$200 8-Game Mix). Table formats include heads-up, 3-Haneed, 4-Handed, and 8-Handed. Needless to say, it's considered among the best poker software on the planet and the most trustworthy of the online poker sites.

Cash Games on PokerStars MI

When it comes to cash, PokerStars Michigan offers a wide array of both games and stakes. No-limit hold’em (NLHE) cash games start as low as $0.01/$0.02 all the way up to $25/$50, while the 8-Game mix goes as high as $100/$200. In terms of popularity, it seems the $0.50/$1.00 NLHE cash games are the most popular on PokerStars Michigan, the most popular online poker site.

While no-limit hold’em (NLHE) is the popular format, PokerStars offers a plethora of other games including limit hold’em, pot-limit Omaha (PLO), Omaha Hi-Lo, 7-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo, Razz, 2-7 Triple Draw, 8-Game, and more, giving you a slew of options for a night of online gambling at a global poker phenomenon.

Like most online gambling sites, most players are in action during the evenings on weekdays, in this case approximately 5-11 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), and a little more on Saturdays and Sundays usually from Noon to Midnight.

PokerStars MI

Online Poker Tournaments on PokerStars MI

Among the popular daily tournaments on PokerStars Michigan are The Big $5, The Big $10, The Big $15, and The Big $30, as well as “The Hot” turbo tournaments at $5, $10, $30, and $50 price points. The Lunchtime Hot $20 $1,000 GTD is also quite popular, as is the $100 Nightly Stars $10K GTD.

Each week, PokerStars also hosts the $200 buy-in, $15K GTD Thursday Thrill; $30 buy-in, $3K GTD Sunday Warm-Up; $50 buy-in, $5K GTD Sunday Supersonic; and $100 buy-in, $10K GTD Sunday Marathon. As is the case with most operators, the largest and best PokerStars tournaments occur on Sundays.

BetMGM Poker Michigan

One of the most popular brands and poker sites on the East Coast, BetMGM operates in several markets including Michigan. In order to play BetMGM Poker powered by partypoker US (AKA Roar Digital), players need to be 21 years or older and have a Social Security Number (SSN).

BetMGM Poker

Online Poker Games and Tournaments on BetMGM Poker MI

BetMGM Poker does not spread as many games as PokerStars, but they do have a full offering of no-limit hold’em (NLHE), pot-limit Omaha (PLO), PLO Hi-Lo, and limit hold’em, adding a great second option to the legal online poker sites in Michigan.

Cash Games on BetMGM Poker MI

In regards to ring games, BetMGM Poker in Michigan offers micro stakes starting at $0.01/$0.02 all the way up to high stakes at $25/$50. Primetime for cash game and tournament action on BetMGM is in the evenings on weekdays from approximately 5-11 p.m ET., and on weekends the afternoons and evenings are busy from approximately Noon-11 p.m. ET.

BetMGM Poker MI

Online Poker Tournaments on BetMGM Poker MI

The online poker site offers in excess of 70 daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $0.25 up to $525.

BetMGM Poker offers both NLHE and pot-limit Omaha ring games with stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 up to $25/$50. There are also fixed-limit hold’em games with options ranging from as low as $0.02/$0.04 up to $30/$60.

On BetMGM Poker, popular tournaments include the $109 buy-in The Daily $10K; $535 buy-in, $12K GTD Mega Tuesday; and the $215 buy-in Sunday $35K.

Similarly, both sites offer Sit & Go’s (SnG’s) with buy-ins ranging from $1-$500.

BetMGM Poker MI

WSOP Michigan

WSOP MI, one of WSOP's many ventures into the world of online poker sites, operates using Poker 8 software by 888poker, which is a fresher update on the WSOP client used in Nevada and New Jersey.

Online Poker Games and Tournaments on WSOP MI

As one of the biggest and most trusted names in poker and with one of the best poker sites, WSOP has no trouble drawing players in Michigan to its games, whether it be cash games, sit & go's or tournaments.

A look at the WSOP MI lobby will show an array of cash game options in various formats, including No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha, as well as regular tournament offerings. Check out the site today and begin to play online poker.

Cash Games on WSOP MI

The cash games offered at WSOP MI start at the micro stakes and climb up to the medium and high-stakes, though it may be difficult to get a game running at the higher stakes.

No-Limit Hold'em tables are the most popular, but WSOP also offers Omaha tables and other games including Limit Hold'em, showing there are plenty of ways to play online poker.

WSOP lobby

Online Poker Tournaments on WSOP MI

WSOP.com MI launched in March 2022, bringing with it both World Series of Poker bracelet and Circuit ring events.

Not only can you play for bracelets and Circuit rings, as well as satellites to the World Series of Poker, WSOP MI also has regular multi-table tournament offerings runnings at various stakes.

Play Online Poker Games in Michigan

Michigan players have access to some of the best real money poker games available. Poker sites in Michigan offer Texas Hold’em variants, including No-Limit Hold’em as well as Pot-Limit Hold’em. Other popular poker games available to play online for real money in Michigan are Omaha Hi-Low and Seven-Card Stud, among others.

Michigan poker sites offer cash games for their players. Cash games have been very popular lately, and these are probably one of the biggest draws for Michigan poker sites. You can also enjoy poker tournaments in Michigan, which includes the popular Sit ‘N Go tournaments.

PokerStars Michigan also offers even more options. Some of the games available at PokerStars Michigan include 5-Card Draw and 8-Game Mix. Some of the poker tournaments include the popular Spin & Go, satellite tournaments, all-in shootouts, and many more.

MICOOP 2021

In addition, both the Michigan online poker sites PokerStars and BetMGM Poker MI offer larger tournament series and festivals.

In February into March 2021, PokerStars hosted the first-ever Michigan Championship of Online Poker (MICOOP), which was the state’s first-ever major online series of the legal online poker sites. The 60-event series proved to be a huge success by catering to 28,830 combined entrants and awarded $2,208,002 in prize money, well ahead of the $1.4 million in guaranteed prize pools.

PokerStars would go on to host several other successful series including the MISCCOP, yet another great opportunity to play online poker.

In April 2021, BetMGM Poker MI held its first-ever online poker series – the BetMGM Online Series Poker Michigan. The weeklong series wound up catering to a combined 2,229 entries across its 10 events while awarding $374,102 in prize money.
Both PokerStars and BetMGM continue to host online poker tournament series in Michigan.

Michigan End Boss Poker Series on BetMGM Poker

Darren Elias End Boss

In November 2021, Darren Elias hosted his "The End Boss Poker Series" on the BetMGM Poker platform in a trio of states — Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Each state held its own seven-event series with buy-ins ranging from $150-$1,060, and as a whole it proved to be a success as a combined 1,737 entrants competed and $856,600 prize money awarded.

The End Boss Poker Series in the Wolverine State catered to a combined 548 runners over its seven events and awarded $248,200 in prize money.

What Tribes Are Online Poker Operators in Michigan Partnered With?

PokerStars, which launched operations in January 2021 to become the latest of the Michigan online poker sites, is partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians under the license of Odawa Casino Resort. BetMGM Poker is partnered with the largest casino in Michigan, the MGM Grand Detroit Casino. Golden Nugget Online Gaming, which does not offer online poker, is partnered with Ojibwa Casino.

The Best Michigan Online Poker Deposit Bonuses

If you're looking for the best welcome bonuses and online poker bonuses in Michigan, you've come to the right place! Some of these deposit bonus offers are among the best in the legal online poker industry!

PokerNews recommends the following bonus offers on two of the online poker sites in Michigan, BetMGM Poker and PokerStars. They are the two best Michigan poker sites there are and offer the best bang for your buck. Both poker rooms in Michigan are great to play at, and we heartily recommend both of these offers.

Right now, BetMGM Poker is offering a Welcome Bonus of $25 in FREEPLAY plus a deposit match bonus up to $1,000. No bonus code is required, just sign up and you’ll be good to go.

PokerStars is known industry-wide for generous welcome and deposit bonuses, and poker players in Michigan can get a 100% match up to $600 on their first three deposits in their first 60 days at PokerStars.

The Best Michigan Online Poker Mobile Apps

Players in Michigan can enjoy online poker on the go thanks to the mobile apps. Poker sites have apps available for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to play their favorite games wherever they want to.

Poker apps are a great way to enjoy cash games. You will have the chance to play your favorite poker games on mobile, while also enjoying beautiful and immersive graphics. And given how easy it is to play on the phone, it also means that there will be plenty of poker rooms available to play real money games at any time.

Mobile poker apps are available to download on the App Store for iOS devices. Android users will need to download the apps directly from their respective poker sites since Play Store doesn’t allow real money gambling apps.

You can also try social poker apps. However, this option does not offer real money games. Instead, you will be playing for an in-game currency, which is restricted to the app. An alternative for real money poker is sweepstakes poker. This option allows you to play for sweepstakes, an in-game currency that can be later exchanged for real cash. While it’s not the same as real money poker, it is a legal alternative.

Are WSOP or WPT Online Events Offered in Michigan?

While WPT events are not currently offered in Michigan, WSOP.com MI launched in March 2022, bringing with it both World Series of Poker bracelet and circuit ring events.

Meanwhile, BetMGM Poker is powered by partypoker US, which enjoys a strong relationship with the World Poker Tour (WPT). Together, the brands have hosted several events on their New Jersey online poker platform, so it’s not unreasonable for them to try offer the same for players on the Michigan online poker sites.

The market for Michigan poker is growing, so it’s only natural that players get the opportunity to win tournament tickets to poker most prestigious tournament brands.

MGM Grand Detroit
MGM Grand Detroit

There are more than two dozen casinos spread throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. MGM Grand Detroit is the largest casino in the state, while others in the same city include Greektown Casino and MotorCity Casino Hotel.

Outside the state capital, other popular tribal casino venues include Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Gun Lake Casino, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, and FireKeepers Casino and Hotel, home to the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Michigan State Poker Championship. Plenty of these tribal casinos have their own live poker rooms.

Famous Michigan Poker Players

Joe Cada and Ryan Riess

Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Poker Hall of Fame Tom McEvoy relocated to Las Vegas before winning the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 1983 for $540,000. By doing so, he became the first player to win the WSOP Main Event after qualifying via a poker satellite.

In 2009, 21-year-old Joe Cada topped a 6,494-player field to win the WSOP Main Event for $8,546,435 becoming the youngest player in history to accomplish the feat. Nine years later, he almost did it again by finishing fifth out of 7,874 players in the same tournament, good for $2.15 million.

The other player from Michigan to win the WSOP Main Event was Ryan Riess, who bested a 6,352-player field to win the 2013 WSOP Main Event for $8,361,570. With more than $15 million in lifetime earnings, Riess sits atop Michigan’s all-time money list at the end of 2021 when it comes to poker winnings.

In 2018, Nick Manion nearly became another Michigan player to win the WSOP Main Event, but he ultimately came up short finishing fourth out of 7,874 players for $2.825 million.

Aside from crowing several WSOP Main Event champions, Michigan has also produced some very accomplished poker players. Dan Heimiller is a veteran poker player with more than $6.3 million in lifetime earnings and two WSOP gold bracelets.

Another two-time bracelet winner is Dash Dudley, who hails from Lansing, Michigan. Dudley, who learned to play poker from his mom in 2002, has pot-limit Omaha bracelets from both the WSOP in Las Vegas and the WSOP Europe.

Dash Dudley
Dash Dudley

Jeff Gross is a popular poker vlogger, streamer, and podcaster originally from Michigan, and with more than $3.5 million in lifetime earnings he’s accomplished in both live and online poker.

In 2021, Brek Schutten from Grand Rapids, Michigan made a name for himself when he came out on top of a 2,482-entry field to win the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open $3,500 Championship for $1,261.095.

How to Download PokerStars Michigan

PokerStars Michigan client
The PokerStars Michigan Client

Downloading the free-to-use PokerStars Michigan software is easy and available for both Windows and Mac, as well as on mobile devices via the PokerStars app for Android and iOS.

We have easy-to-follow instructions for all three platforms here so you can download your software now.

The PokerStars Michigan Client gives you access to every great feature we offer, including our huge range of games and tournaments, regular promotions and rewards program, and 24/7 support via the PokerStars customer service team. Download the PokerStars Michigan software to start playing now, or click through to our PokerStars reviews page for further info.

PokerStars Michigan supports Windows XP or later, Mac OS X 10.7 or later, iOS 7+ and Android 4.4+. The download file size is around 100MB so don't forget it!

Simply follow these three steps to download PokerStars Michigan today:

  • 1.) Download and Install

    Click the relevant link above to download the software onto your desktop, or to install the app onto your smartphone or tablet. Then, simply follow the instructions onscreen and you’ll be up and running in minutes. Already have an account? Log-in with your existing details. New player? Follow step 2.

  • 2.) Create Your Free Account

    Open the desktop software or launch the app, and follow the easy steps to create your free account. Make sure you enter a valid email address before submitting your form, as we’ll be sending you a message to validate your new account.

  • 3.) Find Your Game

    There are free-to-play games running non-stop across a huge range of variants and stake levels. The game lobby is easy to navigate on all devices, which makes finding the perfect game a quick journey.

How to Download BetMGM Michigan Online Poker

BetMGM MI final hand

While you must be within the state of Michigan to play BetMGM Online Poker, you can actually download the client from anywhere, and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Simply download BetMGM for either Windows or Mac and follow these three easy steps to get started.

  • 1.) Create Your Account

    Simply enter a few basic details and pick a username - you’re on the way to playing poker on one of the best Michigan online poker sites!

  • 2.) Start Playing

    With tournaments and cash games running 24/7, there’s a game for you! Beginners might want to start with our free games, before progressing on to real money tables.

  • 3.) Make a Deposit

    Open up the cashier to make a quick, simple and safe real money deposit. You’re now ready to hit the tables, where you can earn up to 40% cashback, play our reduced-fee PKOs, compete in thrilling tournament festivals and more!

How to Download WSOP Michigan

  • 1.) Create Your Account

    After downloading the WSOP app, enter a few basic details and pick a username.

  • 2.) Start Playing

    Now that you've got you're account made, you're ready to make a deposit before hitting the tables.

  • 3.) Make a Deposit

    Open up the cashier to make a quick, simple and safe real money deposit. Now you're ready to start playing!

How Do I Know If I’m Playing on a Safe Poker Site in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) licenses online gaming operators in the state and ensure they’re operated in a fair manner. Operators must follow a strict set of laws, which includes keeping a money reserve on hand at all times to properly secure all player funds.

Licensed and regulated sites will often have the MGCB logo displayed, which can also be verified on the MGCB website. Other online poker sites, those that are not regulated in the state of Michigan, are not safe to play on from this state.

What to Do If You Experience a Problem Playing Online Poker in Michigan

First, you should contact the operator to see if they can assist you with your issue. If you file a written complain, the operator must respond in kind within 10 days. If they don’t, or if you’re not happy with their decision, you should then contact the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

They offer an online form for customers to fill out. As part of that former, players must include the written response from the operator, which is why it’s important to try and contact the online site first.

If the online operator is either unable or unwilling to offer a resolution to your issue, the MGCB may get involved to help settle the matter.

Online Poker Deposit Options in Michigan

For those looking to play legal online poker in Michigan, getting money into your Michigan online poker account is easy. Options available to players include:

  • Major credit and debit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and more.
  • Wire Transfers
  • PayPal, NETELLER, and other E-wallet options.
  • ACH / e-checks
  • Prepaid cards

Depositing with a credit card such as American Express, Visa, or MasterCard is the quickest and easiest way to deposit into your online poker account. However, there may be fees associated with using a credit card that vary from one poker site to another which you should check before making a deposit.

The History of the Legality of Poker in Michigan

PokerNews Michigan

Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware were the first states to legalize online poker back in 2013, and four years later in 2017 Pennsylvania joined the fray, though they didn’t launch operations until 2019. That same year, Michigan passed legislation to make online gaming legal.

However, it wouldn’t be until January 29, 2021, that the Wolverine State actually dealt a hand, thus becoming the fifth state to offer legal online poker with PokerStars being the first to market. They did so alongside FOX Bet and Stars Casino, which offered online betting and casino games, respectively. The real-money brands are partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority.

“We welcome the addition of Odawa Casino, Poker Stars, Fox Bet, and Barstool Casino to Michigan’s growing online gaming and sports wagering market,” said MGCB executive director Richard S. Kalm in a news release at the time. “Their participation will generate revenue to support education, tribal communities, and the city of Detroit.”

In March 2021, the partypoker US Online Network by Roar Digital launched BetMGM to offer online poker in michigan.

BetMGM, which had previously launched casino and sportsbook operations, become the second legal online poker operator in the Wolverine State band launched with both cash games some of the best tournaments in Michigan.

“The launch of BetMGM Poker in Michigan fully rounds out our premier gaming portfolio in the state,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM. “BetMGM’s sports betting and casino offerings have been met with incredible early success in Michigan and we’re thrilled to provide players with another exciting gaming option.”

In March 2022, WSOP MI launched launched with 2009 Main Event Winner Joe Cada as a Michigan ambassador, giving players a third option for online poker in Michigan.

"Super excited for this," Cada said about the launch of WSOP.com in Michigan. "(I)f you're playing any poker online in Michigan, make this your go-to. There will be many cool promotions in the first few months, and they will have WSOP Main Event Satellites before the summer."

Shortly after the launch of WSOP.com MI, Michigan was admitted to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows Michigan players to compete in a combined pool with players from New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.

"The Multi-State Internet Gaming Association welcomes Michigan to its ranks, along with its nearly 10 million residents, who can now avail themselves of a full array of interactive gaming among the Association's member states," said Rebecca Satterfield, Manager of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association LLC and the Internet Gaming Manager for the Delaware Lottery. "The Association continues to be forward thinking and welcomes the interest of additional gaming jurisdictions in becoming party to the Agreement."

On January 1, 2023, PokerStars became the first, and thus far only, operator to link their Michigan player pool with another state. By joining PokerStars New Jersey, the merged network immediately became the largest in the United States, surpassing the WSOP.com interstate network (Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware).

"Michigan and New Jersey joining forces is great news for our players in these two states, and poker, more generally," said PokerStars US Managing Director, Severin Rasset. "As it promises a better experience and even more value, all with the confidence a trusted, licensed operator provides.”

Michigan Michigan

  • Online Poker is allowed
  • Online Poker is legal since 2019
  • Live Poker is allowed
  • Live Poker is legal since 1999
  • Online Casino is allowed
  • Online Casino is legal since 2019
  • Sports Betting is allowed
  • Sports Betting is legal since 2019

Michigan Online Poker FAQ

Can you play poker online in Michigan?

You can play poker at land-based casinos in Michigan. You can also download and play online poker on PokerStars, BetMGM or WSOP MI.

Is online poker legal in Michigan?

Yes, real money online poker is legal to play in Michigan. It was legalized along with online casinos and online sports betting thanks to the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

How old do I have to be to play online poker in Michigan?

State law mandates that players must be 21 years or older to play online poker in Michigan. This applies even if certain tribal casinos only require patrons to be either 18 or 19 to enter their brick-and-mortar casino.

Can I play poker online for real money?

Yes, you can play poker online for real money if you are at least 21 years old and physically located in a state that offers legal online poker. For now, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are the only other states that offer the option to play real money poker.

What online poker operators are in Michigan?

PokerStars, BetMGM and WSOP.com are the three current online poker operators in Michigan, with WSOP MI having launched in March 2022.

Can you play PokerStars in Michigan?

Yes, you can play PokerStars in Michigan now.

Does Michigan share player pools with any other states?

Michigan entered Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in April 2022, meaning Michigan players can compete in a combined pool with players from New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware. However, as of January 1, 2023, PokerStars in the only operator providing a merged network (Michigan and New Jersey)

Can I play online poker on my computer?

Yes, PokerStars MI, BetMGM MI, and WSOP MI are available on both Windows and Mac.

Can I play online poker on my mobile device?

Yes, PokerStars MI, BetMGM MI, and WSOP MI offer mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices.

Does Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offer online poker?

Yes, players can play online anywhere in Michigan as long as they’re geolocated within state borders.

Can you play 888poker in Michigan?

Yes, you can play 888poker in Michigan through WSOP MI, which uses Poker 8 software and launched in March 2022. The site is also available in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Does Golden Nugget Offer Poker in Michigan?

Golden Nugget online gaming offers progressive online slots, online blackjack, roulette, video poker, keno and an online Sportsbook, but unfortunately it does not offer online poker. Golden Nugget is partnered with the Ojibwa Casino in Michigan.

What is the safest online poker site for US players?

The safest online poker site for US players are the ones regulated by the local gambling authority and available in your state. While US players are allowed to join offshore poker sites, this isn’t recommended. These sites operate under lax regulations from their respective gambling authorities and offer little protection to the players, leaving the door open for potential scammers. Always stick to playing at legal poker sites.

Do I have to be in Michigan to play online poker?

Yes, you will need to be within state borders in order to play online poker in Michigan. Geolocation software utilizing your device’s IP address and other information are used to verify your physical location. The software is highly accurate, and anyone trying to circumvent it runs the risk of being banned and having any funds confiscated.

Who regulates and oversees online poker in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is responsible for overseeing online gaming operations in the state. They test technology, ensure operators comply with rules and regulations, and make sure games are offered in a fair manner.

When was the first online poker hand dealt in Michigan?

PokerStars was the first online poker site to offer online poker in Michigan and dealt their first hand on January 29, 2021. BetMGM Poker followed nearly two months later on March 22, 2021.

Where else can I play regulated and legal online poker in the United States?

Going forward, we can expect more states will join Michigan in regulating online poker, so be sure to check PokerNews for the latest updates on this developing story.

Check out PokerNews' picks for the best online casino sites in Michigan!

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Executive Editor U.S.

Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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Senior Editor U.S.