In what could be a sign of progress towards launching shared liquidity, BetMGM US has finally upgraded its software platform in New Jersey.
This makes the software in line with the BetMGM Poker download in Michigan, which is already operating on the new engine — and a necessary step for BetMGM to merge its New Jersey player pool with MI.
The new software comes with various new features including Run It Twice (RIT), gamified features such as throwables and emojis, better filters, support for real names and more.
- Up to $75 in MTT tickets on top of the bonus
- Frequent MTT series with good guarantees
- Combined player pools in Michigan and New Jersey
New Jersey Platform Now Matches Michigan & Pennsylvania — and is Ready for Cross-State Player Pools
BetMGM Poker uses partypoker’s software to run its operations. The original partypoker client in the global dot-com market received a branding and software overhaul many years ago. These upgrades have been making their way over to BetMGM’s operations in North America.
Upon their debut, BetMGM Poker Michigan and Pennsylvania came with these new platforms. In Ontario, where BetMGM shares its network with partypoker and bwin, the site was using the latest version from Day 1.
However, the BetMGM New Jersey platform had been left to languish. Whether this was because of logistic reasons, regulatory approvals, or just lack of attention remains unclear. But at long last, this situation has improved — the software now matches Ontario, MI & PA. The Borgata and partypoker clients in New Jersey have also been refreshed.
It is a long-awaited upgrade. It is thought that the operator had to update the New Jersey platform to bring it up to parity before sharing liquidity with Michigan is feasible. That has now finally happened — and it puts the operator one step closer to launching US multi-state poker.
However, it is difficult to estimate when that could happen. Based on the scheduling of BetMGM tournament promotions for the next few weeks, it does not look like the merger of BetMGM NJ and BetMGM MI will happen this year. But the software upgrade in New Jersey is definitely an encouraging sign and indicates that the operator may be readying itself for the big event.
While operators are keeping mum about their shared liquidity plans, momentum has certainly been growing. At least one operator has hinted at “exciting news” concerning its US network. Pokerfuse believes this development could very well be the announcement of the PokerStars NJ + MI merger.
WSOP, the sole operator in the country with the shared liquidity facility, has shown no progress in including MI to its existing NJ/NV/DE pool. In fact, WSOP NJ and WSOP NV still run under the old 888poker software, while WSOP MI & WSOP PA uses 888’s new Poker 8 software.
Lots of Upgrades — Though No SPINS Yet
The software upgrade brings cosmetic tweaks to the main poker lobby. The BetMGM branding has become slightly smaller in size and the option to choose poker, casino and sports vertical have been placed at the top, allowing for more space at the bottom.
Furthermore, the scroll bars have been improved and the games tab button has gone back to the traditional inflated design moving away from the trendier flat buttons. The color coding for the highlight has also been changed from the old green to blue.
However, with the upgrade, a couple of major features have been left out — including the ability to chat with other players and the waitlist option at cash game tables.
The updates were rolled out on the desktop platform last week on November 16 and the mobile apps this week.
Unfortunately, BetMGM’s software upgrade in NJ did not include the popular lottery-style sit and go variant SPINS. The game is available in both its counterpart states: Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Last year, BetMGM confirmed to pokerfuse that it intends to offer Spins in all US markets in which it operates. While Michigan did get the game in October 2021, New Jersey remains on the sidelines. What could be stopping the operator from launching SPINS is unknown, but NJ players should keep their eyes on the client because SPINS are very likely on their way — as is, eventually, interstate online poker.
