Last Updated: January 31, 2026

Online poker is fully legal in Michigan, with state‑licensed sites offering real‑money games to players across the state. Since launching in January 2021, Michigan has become one of the strongest regulated online poker markets in the US, combining local player pools with shared liquidity through interstate agreements.
This guide explains where and how to play online poker in Michigan, focusing exclusively on legal, regulated poker sites overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Whether you’re looking for cash games, tournaments, mobile apps, or an overview of how Michigan’s market compares to other states, you’ll find clear, up‑to‑date information here.
Pokerfuse covers Michigan online poker from both a player and industry perspective. That means practical guidance for players, alongside deeper insight into licensing, regulation, and how the state’s poker ecosystem actually works. If you want to play online poker in Michigan with confidence, this guide shows you what’s available and what to expect.
| Online Poker in Michigan | |
|---|---|
| 📃 MI Online Poker Status | ✔️ Legal and regulated. |
| 📅 Launch date | January 29, 2021. |
| 😎 Best overall site | BetRivers Poker with sleek software and huge combined player pool. |
| 💰 Best welcome bonus | BetMGM Poker MI $1000 bonus match — fast to clear, combined MI + NJ + PA network. |
| 🥇 Best tournaments | WSOP MI online bracelet series, Main Event qualifiers and shared player pool with PA, NJ and NV. |
| ⚖️ Regulated by | Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). |
| 🧔 Legal gambling age | 21+ |
Michigan’s online poker market is fully regulated and relatively compact, meaning players have fewer choices than in some other states, but those options meet strict licensing and operational standards. All poker sites listed above are approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and offer real‑money games to players physically located in Michigan.
When choosing between Michigan online poker sites, it’s worth looking beyond welcome offers alone. Key factors include player traffic and liquidity, the range of cash games and tournaments available, software quality, mobile performance, and how each site connects to shared player pools through interstate agreements. These elements have a much bigger impact on long‑term play than short‑term promotions.
Yes, online poker is fully legal in Michigan. The state legalized online poker as part of a broader internet gaming framework, with real‑money sites launching in January 2021 under the oversight of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Only poker sites licensed by the MGCB are permitted to offer online poker in Michigan. These operators must meet strict regulatory standards covering player protection, game integrity, geolocation, and responsible gambling. Players must be physically located within Michigan to access real‑money games.
Michigan is also a member of the Multi‑State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows licensed poker sites to share player pools with other participating US online poker states. This shared liquidity helps support larger tournaments and more consistent cash game traffic compared to ring‑fenced markets.
Michigan online poker sites offer welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, but poker bonuses work differently than those found at online casinos or sportsbooks. Instead of large headline offers, poker promotions are typically designed to reward real play over time through matched deposits, tournament tickets, or rakeback‑style rewards.
Most Michigan poker welcome bonuses are based on a percentage match of a player’s initial deposit and are released gradually as real‑money games are played. This means bonuses are earned by generating rake in cash games or paying tournament entry fees, rather than meeting traditional wagering requirements.
Promotions and bonus terms can change frequently, and offers may vary depending on whether a site is operating within Michigan only or sharing player pools through interstate agreements. Players should always review current terms and conditions before signing up and focus on long‑term value, such as game availability, traffic, and tournament schedules, rather than bonus size alone.
Playing online poker in Michigan is straightforward, but players must meet a few basic requirements before accessing real‑money games. Only state‑licensed poker sites are permitted to operate, and players must be physically located within Michigan when playing.
To get started, players first need to choose a licensed Michigan online poker site and create an account. Registration typically requires basic personal information and identity verification to comply with state regulations. Once verified, players can make a deposit using one of the approved payment methods and begin playing cash games or tournaments.
Michigan poker sites use geolocation software to confirm a player’s location each time they log in. This process runs automatically in the background and is required by law. After setup is complete, players can access the full range of available poker games on desktop or mobile, depending on the site.
All licensed Michigan online poker sites offer mobile and desktop access, allowing players to compete in real‑money games from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Access is available either through dedicated mobile apps or mobile‑optimized browser platforms, depending on the operator.
Most major Michigan poker sites provide native apps for both iOS and Android, which can be downloaded directly from the operator’s website or the relevant app store. Desktop players can either download dedicated software or play directly through a web browser, depending on the platform.
Regardless of device, players must be physically located within Michigan to access real‑money games. Licensed sites use geolocation technology to confirm player location before allowing gameplay. Once logged in, the overall experience is largely consistent across desktop and mobile, including access to cash games, tournaments, and account management features.
Michigan online poker sites support a range of secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Because all licensed operators are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, payment processing follows strict security and verification standards.
Common deposit options include debit and credit cards, online banking transfers, and digital wallets such as PayPal. Some sites also support alternative methods, depending on the operator and platform. Availability can vary, so players should check which options are supported before signing up.
Withdrawals are typically processed using the same method used for deposits, where possible. Processing times vary by payment type, with digital wallets often offering faster payouts than traditional banking methods.
Below are detailed profiles of each licensed online poker site currently operating in Michigan. These overviews focus on real‑world play, including traffic levels, game variety, software quality, mobile performance, and the type of player each site is best suited for.
BetRivers Poker operates on the Rush Street Interactive platform and is one of the newer entrants in Michigan’s online poker market. The site focuses on a clean, straightforward poker experience, offering a solid selection of cash games and tournaments without unnecessary complexity.
Traffic levels are more modest compared to larger interstate networks, which may appeal to players looking for smaller fields and a more relaxed environment. The software is stable across desktop and mobile, with an interface designed for ease of use rather than advanced customization. BetRivers Poker is best suited to casual and mid‑stakes players who value simplicity and a regulated, no‑frills poker room.
WSOP MichiganWSOP Online is closely tied to the World Series of Poker brand and operates on a shared player network that includes other regulated states. This connection allows Michigan players to access large multi‑state tournaments, including bracelet events and major series.
Game selection focuses heavily on tournaments, although cash games are also available. The software is functional and familiar to long‑time WSOP players, with mobile apps available for both iOS and Android. WSOP Online is a strong option for tournament‑focused players, particularly those interested in major series and nationally shared player pools.
BetMGM Poker is one of the largest and most established online poker rooms available to Michigan players. The site benefits from shared liquidity through interstate agreements, allowing Michigan players to compete in larger tournaments and access a wider range of cash games.
The platform offers strong traffic at most stakes, regular tournament schedules, and reliable software on both desktop and mobile. BetMGM Poker is well suited to players who want consistent game availability, larger prize pools, and integration with a broader online gaming ecosystem.
PokerStars Michigan is one of the most established online poker rooms in the state and operates on a standalone Michigan‑only player pool. The site offers a wide range of cash games and tournaments, with a particular strength in lower‑ and mid‑stakes formats and a consistent schedule of daily events.
PokerStars is known for its polished software, strong mobile apps, and extensive customization options, making it popular with both recreational and more experienced players. Features such as fast‑fold games, detailed player settings, and frequent tournament series help distinguish the platform from competitors.
Because PokerStars does not currently share liquidity with other states, tournament prize pools are generally smaller than those on interstate networks. However, the overall quality of the software and depth of game formats make PokerStars Michigan a strong option for players who value usability, variety, and a well‑refined poker experience.
DraftKings Poker does not operate as a traditional online poker room in Michigan, but it does offer a real‑money poker variant called Electric Poker through the DraftKings Casino platform. While accessed via the casino client, Electric Poker is a player‑vs‑player game and not a house‑banked product.
Electric Poker is a three‑handed, winner‑takes‑all sit and go format with randomly assigned prize multipliers. Buy‑ins range from $1 to $25, and each game progresses through short blind levels before entering an automatic all‑in “Electric Mode” that guarantees a fast conclusion.
The game is available on both desktop and mobile through the DraftKings Casino app and supports limited multi‑tabling. While it lacks the depth and variety of a full poker platform, Electric Poker may appeal to players looking for a quick, high‑variance poker experience that differs from standard cash games and tournaments.
DraftKings Casino typically offers welcome bonuses for new players, though these are casino‑focused and cannot be used directly in Electric Poker games. Any winnings generated from casino credits may be used to enter Electric Poker.






Cash games are widely available across Michigan’s licensed online poker sites, offering options for players at nearly every bankroll level. Stakes typically start as low as $0.01/$0.02, making online poker accessible to beginners, while higher‑stakes games are also available for more experienced players.
No‑Limit Hold’em is the most commonly offered game across all platforms, with Pot‑Limit Omaha also widely available. Players looking for a broader range of poker variants, including mixed games and less common formats, will generally find the most variety on PokerStars.
Cash game traffic and stake availability can vary by site and time of day, particularly depending on whether a platform participates in shared interstate player pools. Sites connected to multi‑state networks tend to offer more consistent action at a wider range of stakes.
Yes. Online poker is fully legal in Michigan and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Only state‑licensed sites may offer real‑money poker to players located within Michigan.
Players must be at least 21 years old to play real‑money online poker in Michigan.
Yes. Michigan participates in the Multi‑State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allows certain licensed poker sites to share player pools with other participating states.
Yes. Players must be physically located within Michigan to access real‑money games. Licensed sites use geolocation technology to verify location.
Licensed Michigan poker sites are required to meet strict standards for security, fairness, and player protection. This includes identity verification, secure payment processing, and responsible gambling tools.
Yes. All licensed Michigan online poker sites support mobile play, either through dedicated apps or mobile‑optimized websites.