PokerStars Michigan Review
Review, FAQ, & New Player Guide
PokerStars Michigan is our number 1 pick for online poker in the Michigan.
It has the best game selection, the largest tournaments, a fantastic welcome bonus for new players and state of the art software.
PokerStars is the only site in the US to combine its Michigan and New Jersey players together. This means a lot more cash games, more tournaments, and much bigger guarantees than anyone else.
The $150 bonus for new players is the best in the market but a wide margin; and for bigger bankrolls, the $600 deposit match has great clearance terms.
PokerStars is a brand you can trust — it has been dealing online poker for over twenty years. It has a well-earned reputation for running safe, secure games and keeping your funds secure.
Get $150 worth of bonus play for poker & casino as soon as you play a single real money cash hand.
NO CODE NEEDEDAlternatively, PokerStars will match your first deposit 100% up to $600.
STARS600Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
PokerStars Michigan is our number one pick for online poker in the state. It has the biggest schedule of tournaments, the largest cash game traffic in the market, and its mobile app is world-class.
Uniquely, PokerStars combines its Michigan and New Jersey player pools together. This means there are more people to play against and the best spread of daily and weekly tournaments that run around the clock. Iconic tournament series like SCOOP run throughout the year and offer the biggest headline guarantees.
The free-play welcome bonus is a must for casual players — we rate it to be the best in the market by a wide margin. For your first deposit of any amount, you unlock $150 in bonuses, letting you experience a lot of the PokerStars product for a week without risking any of your own money.
Alternatively, the deposit match bonus is also very good. While the $600 matched is less than competitors, its quick clearance terms means you’ll unlock the bonus much faster. The only negative is you have to pick between two great options.
By choosing PokerStars MI, players are accessing the world class PokerStars brand — it has a well-earned reputation for safety and security earned over 20 years of dealing online poker.
| PokerStars MI: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| ✨ Main Highlight | Best Tournaments in Michigan |
| 🚀 Date Launched | January 29, 2021 |
| 🤜🤛 Shared Liquidity | PokerStars MI & PokerStars NJ players compete together on one combined platform. |
| 🤑 Freeplay Bonus | $150 in Bonus Play after playing one cash hand |
| 💰 Deposit Match Bonus | 100% up to $600 with code STARS600 |
| 🏆 PokerStars Tournaments | MI Championship of Online Poker (MICOOP), MI Spring Championship of Online Poker (MISCOOP), Bounty Builder |
| 🏦 Banking | PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Bank Transfers/ACH, Skrill, PayNearMe, Vanilla Direct |
| 🎁 Rewards | PokerStars Rewards |
Can I play on PokerStars in Michigan?
Yes! PokerStars Michigan is our number one pick for online poker in the state. It is safe, secure, regulated and has the largest cash game traffic in the market. Plus here you will find the biggest schedule of tournaments and state of the art software and mobile app.
PokerStars Michigan Welcome Bonuses
PokerStars Michigan offers two different bonuses — one for casual players, the other for more serious players. Both are great offers, but only one bonus can be claimed per account. Although you can only choose one bonus, PokerStars will also give you a Depositor Freeroll Ticket that takes place the last Sunday of every month.
Here we have broken down some details to help you choose which bonus offer is best for you.
Best for Casual Players: $150 Bonus Play
PokerStars MI has upgraded its long-standing welcome offer for new players. You can now get $150 worth of bonus play as soon as you play a single real money cash hand.
The steps to qualify are very simple. After opening an account with PokerStars, opt-in for the offer. After that, play just one cash hand at any of the tables and you will qualify for the bonus. You need to play the one cash hand within the first five days of opening the account. After that, the $150 bonus welcome offer will no longer be available.
The bonus will give you a mix of casino funds, tournament tickets, and bonus spins, spread across six days, as follows:
- Immediately after playing a qualifying hand: Two $5 Spin & Go ticket & 50 $1 Spin & Go tickets
- Day 1: 50 bonus spins to use in a casino
- Day 2: Two $5 & one $10 Spin & Go tickets
- Day 3: $10 casino cash bonus
- Day 4: Two $10 tickets
- Day 5: $30 casino cash bonus
All winnings resulting from the tournaments played using tickets are yours to keep with no restrictions or wagering requirements. Funds are added straight to your cash balance. Casino funds must be wagered through before you can make a withdrawal.
Best for High Volume Players: 100% First Deposit Matching Bonus up to $600
If you plan on playing a fair amount of poker after you open your account, then perhaps the 100% Match First Deposit Bonus is the better choice for you. If you can clear this bonus and make the required deposits, you could end up with an additional $600.
To claim this bonus, you will need to make your first real money deposit with the exclusive PokerStars Bonus Code STARS600. The First Deposit Match Bonus actually applies to your first three deposits as long as you meet the following requirements:
- Make your first deposit using promo code
STARS600 - Make up to two additional deposits (up to $600 in total) within the first 60 days, also using the promo code
STARS600
To clear the bonus, you will need to earn redemption points. For every 140 redemption points you earn, you will receive $10 of your bonus. That works out to a 35% return on each dollar of rake and tournament fees you pay while playing.
You have 120 days to clear the entire bonus.
You can check to see which bonuses you have in the My Stars section of the PokerStars lobby. It is important to verify that you have received the correct bonus so that you can try to rectify the situation in the event something does not look right. You will also find the expiration dates of your bonuses in this section, along with redemption point requirements and other relevant details related to your bonuses.
Check out PokerStars Michigan in action
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
Michigan Online Poker Bonus Comparison: PokerStars vs WSOP vs BetMGM
The PokerStars welcome offer is quite decent overall. It caters to serious players looking for a big bankroll boost as well as recreationals who can get a lot of extra funds with very little risk. But how does it compare to what other operators in the state have in store.
While the maximum match amount is smaller than what two other rooms have to offer, the operator’s interesting reward scheme more than makes up for the difference.
Michigan Online Poker: Comparing New Player Bonuses
| Operator | Earn Rate | Bonus | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Poker | 42% | 100% up to $1000 | Up to $75 in MTT tickets |
| Pokerstars | 36% | 100% up to $600 | OR $150 after one cash hand |
| WSOP | 20% | 100% up to $1000 | Up to $100 in extra funds |
PokerStars MI Promos
The operator offers a variety of promotions beyond the PokerStars welcome offer. The room hosts many Freeroll Tournaments giving players a chance to qualify for its major events, for example, and requirements to get into these are often easy to meet (get a promo code or make the minimum deposit during a certain period).
There are also Missions, which make playing at PokerStars more exciting and rewarding at the same time. These missions feature many tasks, from very simple ones (like being dealt a particular hand) to more challenging ones, like finishing first in a sit-and-go or winning a pot on a showdown with a particular hand.
By completing missions, you can get many rewards — tournament tickets, bonuses, and cash. The more challenging the mission, the better the rewards you can expect to get. These may not be of great value for serious grinders but they definitely add to the experience for casual players.
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
PokerStars Rewards Program
Stars Rewards is a personalized loyalty program that rewards players for their play on PokerStars Michigan. It provides extra value for real money players on the poker site and those that place wagers at PokerStars’ Stars Casino MI and at FOX Bet Sportsbook MI.
Each player will receive different amounts and types of Stars Rewards based on the games they play, but you will still want to make sure that you fully understand how the rewards system works to help ensure that you get access to the best rewards possible.
We have compiled the list of important information below to help you maximize your rewards.
- Track your rewards through the My Stars section of the PokerStars MI lobby
- You can earn Reward Points when playing real money games on the poker site or casino and placing wagers in the sportsbook.
- Your Progress Bar shows how close you are to achieving your next reward.
- Every Reward Point you earn will advance your Progress Bar.
- When you complete a Progress Bar, you will receive a Chest that contains prizes such as Bonus Play and StarsCoins (the currency used by Stars Rewards).
- The StarsCoin that you receive can be redeemed for PokerStars merchandise, electronics, and tournament tickets at the Rewards Store. You can even convert your StarsCoins into cash!
Rewards Points
The amount of Reward Points you earn is the basis of the number of rewards you receive. How many Reward Points you earn depends on things such as how frequently you play, which games you play, and your net deposits.
However, you can use the following general guidelines to estimate the amount of Rewards Points you will earn based on the games you prefer to play:
- Poker: PokerStars Michigan — For every $1 you pay in rake and tournament fees, you will receive 100 Reward Points
- Casino: Stars Casino MI — The number of Reward Points you earn at casino games will depend on which games you play. There are multiple rates at which Reward Points are earned depending on if you play slots, table games or video poker. See the Terms and Conditions available at Stars Casino to verify the number of Reward Points that your favorite casino games will yield.
- Sports: FOX Bet Sportsbook MI — For single bets, you will earn 1.7 Reward Points for every $1 in wagers. If you place a multiple bet, you will receive 4.7 Reward Points for each $1 wagered.
Chests
When you complete a Progress Bar, you will receive a Chest. Inside will be a tournament ticket, StarsCoin, or a promotional item.
The color of the Chest you receive will determine the range of value of the rewards it contains.
There are six levels to the system that have corresponding colored Chests, and the higher the level, the greater the value of the reward you will find inside. The different levels and colors of Chests, along with the range of the rewards they contain, are:
- Level 1: Blue Chests contain rewards from $0.36 to $6
- Level 2: Bronze Chests contain rewards from $0.72 to $12
- Level 3: Silver Chests contain rewards from $1.80 to $30
- Level 4: Gold Chests contain rewards from $6 to $100
- Level 5: Diamond Chests contain rewards from $15 to $250
- Level 6: Black Chests contain rewards from $42 to $700
You can open a Chest up to three calendar months after you receive it. Any unopened Chests that expire will be lost.
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
PokerStars Tournaments
Around the world, PokerStars has a reputation for hosting top-notch online poker tournaments, and the company has continued that tradition in the great state of Michigan.
There are a wide variety of tournaments to choose from, including popular formats such as MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments), SNGs (Sit N Go Tournaments), and the newest tournament format, Spin & Gos.
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
Cash Games
PokerStars Michigan offers one of the widest selections of cash games available in the US.
No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) are the two most popular poker variants, and at PokerStars MI, these games are available at 6- and 9-handed tables. The stakes for NLHE and PLO range from the micro-stakes, which start at $0.01/$0.02 and go to $25/$50 at the high-stakes tables.
Since the NLHE and PLO tables are the most popular, you should be able to find a game running no matter what day or time you look to play. This is especially true since Jan 1, 2023, as it joined forces with PokerStars NJ to bring one combined player pool, guaranteeing even better traffic across the board.
Still, if you are hoping to play some of the less popular games, you may have to visit the poker site on the weekends or during the evening when traffic in the cardroom is at its highest. That does not mean that the less popular games are not running at other times, but when there are fewer players online, you may need to play short-handed or wait for action.
Cash games & stakes at PokerStars MI
| Game Type | Min Stakes | Max Stakes |
|---|---|---|
| No Limit Hold’em | $0.01/$0.02 | $25/$50 |
| Pot Limit Omaha | $0.01/$0.02 | $25/$50 |
| Mixed Games | $0.25/$0.50 | $100/$200 |
PokerStars MI Traffic History
| Month | PokerStars MI | Other sites | Market share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 23 | 310 | 155 | 67% |
| Apr 23 | 275 | 160 | 63% |
| May 23 | 265 | 150 | 64% |
| Jun 23 | 240 | 140 | 63% |
| Jul 23 | 235 | 145 | 62% |
| Aug 23 | 185 | 130 | 59% |
| Sep 23 | 215 | 135 | 61% |
| Oct 23 | 195 | 120 | 62% |
| Nov 23 | 170 | 120 | 59% |
| Dec 23 | 195 | 140 | 58% |
| Jan 24 | 265 | 160 | 62% |
| Feb 24 | 240 | 165 | 59% |
How to Sign Up at PokerStars Michigan
If you are new to PokerStars MI, the first thing you will need to do is create your account. This process will only take you a few minutes, and you will be ready to join the action immediately after. If you do not know how to start, just follow the simple steps below:
- Visit the PokerStars MI website
- Click on the green “Join” button in the top-right corner
- Enter your email address, desired alias, and your password
- On the next screen, fill in your personal details (name, surname, DOB, etc.)
- Verify your account using the link sent to you in the email
- Log into your PokerStars MI account
- Navigate to the cashier to make your deposit and claim your welcome bonus
PokerStars Online Poker Software
Online poker software quality has a direct impact on the user experience. Because PokerStars is one of the most established and respected online poker providers in the world, you can count on the software to enhance your experience at the tables.
The software is available for desktop users on the Windows and MacOS platforms. And its PokerStars App is available for Android and iOS devices.
In our years of experience covering the online poker industry, we have determined that there are three factors to consider when assessing the quality of online poker software. Those factors are functionality, reliability, and appearance.
Functionality
Having software that does not crash or freeze may seem like a low bar to set, but reliability is not something to take for granted when you have your hard-earned money on the line.
Functionality is also being able to load the software on your preferred device. As we pointed out earlier, the PokerStars software is available for both Windows and Mac computers and Android and iOS (Apple) mobile devices.
Besides having stable software available on the device you use, functionality is also a consideration when it comes to the design of the tables and the lobby. These are two of the areas of the software where being well-designed will enhance the player experience.
Readable text and graphics, easy-to-click buttons and sliders, resizable tables, and customizable controls are just some features that are highly rated.
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
Reliability
Besides having stable software, it is also important for the backend servers to properly connect you to your table, as disconnections can cost you a lot of money and could even cause you to go on tilt which could cost you even more money.
And though some disconnections are inevitable, the reliability of the system will have a direct impact on the satisfaction of the player.
The PokerStars software has been around for two decades, with some of the best tech people in the industry contributing to what is one of the best online poker platforms in the world.
Even the experience garnered by PokerStars when disconnections happened played in its favor because it allowed them to develop fair and balanced well-document policies to deal with disconnections when they occur.
Appearance
The PokerStars software also boasts some of the best graphics, animations, and sounds in the industry. The quality of the visual experience at the tables puts PokerStars on par with some of the more popular non-poker games.
Players can also customize the appearance of the software using one of its many preset themes, or they can change the appearance of individual aspects (such as felt color, card backs, and background) to create a truly custom experience.
PokerStars Michigan Mobile App
Michigan players can enjoy action on the go thanks to the state-of-the-art PokerStars Michigan app. This is arguably the best poker mobile app available in the state, so if you spend a lot of time playing on your phone, this is an additional reason to go with PokerStars.
You can download the app from official stores for Android and iOS so the whole process is very simple. It will take you a couple of minutes and as soon as the app is installed, you will be able to log in with your existing details or create a PokerStars account if you do not have one already.
You will have access to all the cash games and tournaments available on the platform as well as banking options through the mobile app interface. The app allows you to play up to five tables at the same time (max. four cash game tables), and it features a very good alerts’ system to ensure you never miss action when it is your turn to act on any of the tables.
Banking at WSOP MI
PokerStars MI offers a variety of options players can use to fund their accounts and withdraw their winnings. The minimum deposit amount is just $10, so you do not have to break the bank to build your bankroll here.
Regardless of what method you pick, your sensitive financial information will be fully protected. PokerStars Michigan utilizes high-level encryption protocols when transferring the information between the player and the server, making it virtually impossible for this information to get into the wrong hands. As far as handling customers’ funds goes, the operator adheres to very strict rules set up by the regulator, so you can rest assured your money is always safe.
In the table below, you will find all the payment options currently supported by the operator.
| Payment Method | Deposits | Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|
| MasterCard | Yes | No |
| Visa | Yes | No |
| Paysafecard | Yes | No |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Transfers | Yes | Yes |
Players have access to responsible gambling tools, which allow them to set deposit limits and otherwise maintain a higher level of control over their transactions.
PokerStars keeps all player deposits in segregated accounts, separate from operational accounts, so your money is protected at all times.
PokerStars Michigan Safety & Fairness
Fully licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, PokerStars MI provides a very safe and reliable online poker platform. The operator must conduct business in line with stringent rules and regulations imposed by the operator and designed to protect players from any shady practices.
This means that games on the site are completely fair and random, governed by an independently-tested random number generator. You do not have to worry about hands being rigged when playing at PokerStars.
It is important to note that only players physically present within Michigan borders are allowed to access real money games on the client. To ensure this, the operator performs geolocation checks, whether you play from a phone, PC, or a laptop. You should not try to find the way around these and play from outside Michigan as this could lead to your account being closed and create even bigger legal issues.
PokerStars Michigan FAQ
Is PokerStars legal in Michigan?
Yes! Michigan passed legislation regulating all forms of online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and online poker, in December 2019. PokerStars became the first operator to offer online poker games in the state, launching on January 29, 2021.
Playing on PokerStars Michigan is completely legal and in line with the current state and federal laws. The poker site operates under a valid gaming license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, so you can be assured that your play on the site is safe and secure.
Is there a PokerStars App?
Yes! To download and install the software, you simply need to visit the PokerStars Michigan site and download the desktop software or the mobile app for your OS.
The entire process is very simple and straightforward and should take no more than a few minutes to get set up and into some real money online poker action.
Is PokerStars MI safe?
Yes! The state regulators ensure that every operator meets the strictest requirements for safety and security so that you — and all your information — are kept safe.
All operators are also required to provide a suite of responsible gambling tools to help players mitigate potentially harmful gambling behaviors.
Do I have to be physically present in Michigan to play on PokerStars?
Like with other states where PokerStars is operational (New Jersey, Pennsylvania), players do need to be physically present within Michigan state borders to log in and access the games.
You can open an account from outside of Michigan, but you will need a US-based address and Social Security Number. You do not have to have an address in Michigan, but you will only be able to play real money online poker games while physically present in the state.
Other important conditions you will have to meet to play for real money are:
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- You must go through the electronic account verification process
Is there a PokerStars no deposit bonus or deposit bonus?
PokerStars Michigan offers two bonuses for new players. The first one does not require a deposit, but you must play at least one real money raked hand at any stake. This will give you $150 worth of bonus funds (for both poker and casino) issued over several days. To qualify for this offer, you must opt in from your account and play the qualifying hand within the first five days since registering your account.
There is also a more traditional first deposit bonus, whereby you can claim a 100% boost to your deposit of up to $600. Use the code STARS600 when making your first deposit and you will receive a 100% matching bonus in your deposit amount.
Your first three deposits (up to $600) are eligible for this bonus offer as long as you use the proper bonus code with each deposit and they are all made within 60 days of your first deposit.
The bonus is released in $10 chunks, every time you accumulate 140 redemption points.
- Play one hand & get $150 in casino & poker funds
- Home of the MICOOP
- Fast-paced Spin & Go action
Bet With Your Head, Not Over It.
Must be 21 or over and in Michigan to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the MDHHS Gambling Disorder Help-line at 1-800-270-7117 or visit the MDHHS website.
How do I cash out?
You can cash out via Skrill, PayPal, and direct bank transfers for withdrawals.
What cash games does PokerStars Michigan offer?
PokerStars in Michigan offers cash games, multi-table tournaments (MTTs), Sit & Go tournaments (SNGs), and the popular Spin & Go jackpot tournaments.
The room features an excellent range of game variations across their cash tables. Besides No-Limit and Limit Hold’em, you can also play:
- PLO
- PLO 8
- Seven-Card Stud
- Limit Omaha
- Limit Omaha 8
- Razz
- Stud 8 or Better
- 2-7 Triple Draw (Pot Limit and Limit)
- Razz
- 8-Game
Can players in Michigan play with PokerStars players in other states?
Michigan joined the MSIGA in 2022, paving the way for the operators to combine their player pools with rooms operating in other states in the agreement. On Jan 1, 2023, the operator combined its player pool with PokerStars NJ, which means that PokerStars players from Michigan and New Jersey can now play together in the same cash games and tournaments.