The first legal hands of online poker in Michigan were played in January 2021 when global industry heavyweights PokerStars MI entered the market.
BetMGM Poker MI arrived in the state two months later, and it took almost a full year for WSOP MI to join the party. Poker aficionados in Michigan thus have the luxury of enjoying a unique online poker experience with a star-studded trifecta of world-class poker sites.
People reading this article are probably well aware of the vast opportunities for poker players in the Wolverine State. Nevertheless, there is always more to learn, and you certainly do not want to miss out on anything that might benefit your wallet.
Here are the five things you didn’t know about Michigan online poker.
Shared Liquidity Brings More Traffic and Tables for MI Players
We don’t need to underline the importance of a big player pool for poker players. More action means a higher chance for wins, provides access to larger tournament prize pools, lets you in on a much wider array of promotions, etc. What’s there not to like?
Luckily for the Wolverine State residents, Michigan allowed multi-state poker by passing a bill into law in January 2021. As of January 1, 2023, players from Michigan can play against those from New Jersey on one unified PokerStars US network.
And the proof is in the pudding. Since PokerStars combined its NJ and MI platforms, cash game seats have soared, and revenue has followed as the operator dominates the MI online poker market.
MI Online Poker Market Cash Game Traffic Size Today (90-day moving average)
| Network | Seats |
|---|---|
| PokerStars US (MI+NJ) | 187 |
| BetMGM Poker MI | 73 |
| WSOP MI | 51 |
| Total | 311 |
Before the merger, the three individual MI online poker apps collectively reported an average of slightly above 250 concurrent seats during this period.
Michigan has been a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) since May 2022, but only PokerStars has taken advantage of this opportunity thus far. However, we fully expect the other two poker giants in the state to offer cross-state player pooling soon, especially BetMGM, which already shares liquidity with partypoker within the state borders.
- 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.
Start Your Bankroll with Minimum Risk
On top of providing a larger pool for cash games and running tournaments around the clock, PokerStars MI represents an ideal place for starting a new bankroll, thanks to its generous promotion for new customers.
Anyone who creates a new account on PokerStars MI and plays just one hand in a real money cash game or wagers $1 on any casino game may receive $150 in bonus cash. The bonus is paid over five days in the following fashion:
- Day 0 –2 SAG tickets worth $5 each and 50 SAG tickets worth $1 each (total worth of $60)
- Day 1 — 50 bonus spins
- Day 2 — 2 SAG tickets worth $5 each and 1 ticket worth $10 (total worth of $20)
- Day 3 — $10 as a casino instant bonus
- Day 4 — two tickets worth $10 each (total worth of $20)
- Day 5 — $30 as a casino instant bonus
You must opt-in by heading to the Challenges Window on your Pokerstars MI account to claim this offer. Make note: you can’t use this promo with the first deposit offer, which is a 100% bonus of up to $600, so you’ll need to decide which offer suits you best.
Follow this link to sign up and claim your bonus!
If you Bet on Sports or Play at an Online Casino, You’re Already in the Loyalty Program
Most online gambling operators use special rewards programs to attract new and keep existing players. Those who are into poker are probably familiar with rewards programs on Michigan’s three big online poker sites. However, not all players know they can be part of an operator’s loyalty program even before playing their first poker hands.
This is because most operators use the same rewards system across multiple platforms. In Michigan, you have the famous BetMGM Rewards program that replaced the old M Life Rewards scheme in February 2022. The program offers five tiers: Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir. The higher your tier is, the more exciting benefits you can claim. BetMGM MI promises some extraordinary perks on top of regular bonus money, such as air travel credits, complimentary tickets to concerts and events, access to a dedicated VIP host, full-stay vacations, etc.
If you are only starting your poker career at BetMGM MI but have already placed sports bets or played casino games there in the past, check your BetMGM Rewards status because the program merges the action from the company’s sportsbook, casino, and poker sites.
The same can apply to PokerStars Rewards. While $1 paid in rake in cash games nets you 100 Rewards Points, every $1 spent in PokerStars Casino MI action will get you 1.7 Rewards Points.
- Up to $75 worth of MTT tickets on top of the bonus
- Freerolls & loyalty bonuses
- Access to sportsbook & casino
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.
Find Big Overlays Every Week
We all like to get that little extra value when playing poker, and Michiganders are lucky enough to get big overlay opportunities every week these days. BetMGM’s Six-Figure Sunday High Roller is a monthly event for Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania players.
A $1k buy-in for a $100k guaranteed prize pool in an event that rarely receives more than 100 entries brings some serious value, with the top three finishers guaranteed to pay well above $10k. Also, the tournament is not reserved for high rollers, as you can find your way into it for as little as $2 via On Demand Qualifiers. Pay attention to the list of events on BetMGM MI and check our site to find the latest news on the upcoming big overlays.
Similarly, WSOP MI runs high-value tournaments such as the Mystery Bounty Series or PKO Series with several events and significant overlays. Not familiar with Mystery Bounties? They’re the hottest thing in poker these days and you can learn all about them in our complete guide to Mystery Bounty Tournaments.
- Up to $100 in free play on your first deposit
- Fresh & modern Poker 8 software
- Great tournament action 24/7
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.
Win a Real WSOP Bracelet
Last but not least, the arrival of WSOP Michigan to the Great Lakes State in March 2022 gave Michiganders a chance to win real WSOP gold bracelets while playing poker at home.
Poker fans from Michigan can participate in real WSOP tournaments as the online WSOP schedule brings multiple online circuit events with gold bracelets and circuit gold rings up for grabs as a part of the prizes. If you’re on the hunt for some coveted poker bling, then WSOP MI is the place to be. You won’t find these sparkly beauties anywhere else in the state or the country!
