PokerStars Michigan Review

PokerStars Michigan is our number one pick for regulated online poker in MI. It offers the most cash games, the biggest tournaments, and has world class software. For this reason, we recommend PokerStars as the first choice for most players.

PokerStars launched in Michigan in January 2021. It was soon joined by BetMGM and WSOP, but despite this competition PokerStars remains our first pick. In large part, that’s because it is the only operator to connect its New Jersey and Michigan online poker rooms together. This means it has a much larger player pool, so there are more cash games running around the clock, a wider variety of formats offered, and big tournament prize pools.

But it also has one of the best bonuses for new players. Its $150 in Bonus Play after playing just one hand is by far the most generous offers for new casual players in the state. For more serious players, it offers 100% deposit bonus up to $600, which is also very competitive offer with good clearance terms.

On top of that, PokerStars Michigan offers world class desktop and mobile apps, a 20-year history of leading the online poker industry in safety and security, and a decent loyalty program.

Is PokerStars Michigan rigged?

PokerStars Michigan is not rigged. The site is owned by one of the largest and most reputable companies in the gaming industry and licensed by the MGCB, while its RNG software is regularly checked by fairness by independent auditors. Furthermore, PokerStars takes game integrity very seriously and has a great reputation over two decades of offering safe and fair games.

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. We have broken down some details to help you choose which bonus offer is best for you.

Great 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 procedure is 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.

The bonus will give you a mix of casino funds, tournament tickets, and bonusspins, spread across six days, as follows:

1. Immediately after playing a qualifying hand: Two $5 Spin & Go ticket & 50 $1 Spin & Go tickets
2. Day 1: 50 bonus spins to use in a casino
3. Day 2: Two $5 & one $10 Spin & Go tickets
4. Day 3: $10 casino cash bonus
5. Day 4: Two $10 tickets
6. Day 5: $30 casino cash bonus

If this welcome offer by PokerStars Michigan seems interesting, it is important to note that you must opt-in for the promotion and meet the qualifying requirement (play one cash hand) within the first five days of opening the account. After that, the $150 bonus welcome offer will no longer be available.

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.

Great 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 fully 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.

Depositor Freeroll Ticket

No matter which Welcome Bonus offer you choose, you will also get a ticket to the monthly Depositor Freeroll. This promotional tournament takes place on the last Sunday of every month at 18:00 ET.

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.

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.

WSOP MI offers a larger match bonus as you can get 100% up to $1000 on your first deposit. In terms of bonus funds, the room provides a free play bonus of up to $100, depending on the amount of the first deposit.

BetMGM Poker MI also offers a $1000 welcome bonus and up to $75 in tournament tickets. However, the room no longer features any free or easy-to-obtain bonuses, so PokerStars MI comes out ahead in that department, as anyone can get $150 in bonus funds after making just the minimum deposit and playing a single hand.

All in all, the PokerStars bonus stacks up well against the competition. 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

PokerStars Michigan: A Brief History

PokerStars MI became the first site to go live and offer real money online poker in Michigan, launching on January 29, 2021.

PokerStars brought legal, regulated online poker to Michigan as part of a coordinated launch, going live simultaneously with brandmates Stars Casino and FOX Bet Sportsbook in Michigan.

After the first year in the MI market, PokerStars stood out as the number one poker operator despite the competition from BetMGM Poker MI. PokerStars’ staple series the Michigan Championship of Online Poker aka MICOOP and the Michigan Spring Championship of Online Poker aka MISCOOP attracted a great number of players each year they’ve run.

On Jan 1, 2023, PokerStars MI combined its player pool with PokerStars NJ, creating a multi-state network featuring a large player pool and cash game traffic that makes it the absolute leader among regulated poker operators in the US.

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.

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.

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.

MTTs (Multi-Table Tournaments)

Multi-Table Tournaments are one of the most well-known types of poker tournaments, as they are the type of tournaments that most people have seen on television. Combining player pools with PokerStars NJ gave the operator even more opportunities to create major events and series with big guarantees.

You can find MTTs running around the clock. They are spread in buy-ins for almost all sized bankrolls and are available in a variety of different poker variants, including:

• Hold’em
• Omaha
• 5-Card Draw
• Stud
• Badugi
• Mixed Games

There is also a full slate of Sunday Majors at PokerStars MI. Sunday is perhaps the most popular day for playing MTTs, as the tournaments that run that day usually have the biggest prize pools.

If big prize pools are your thing, you will also find big tournament series running. During these series, which run several times a year (sometimes as frequently as once a month during the busy season), tournaments usually carry bigger guarantees. The total guaranteed during a typical tournament series regularly reaches $1 million in prize money.

While these tournaments typically have larger buy-ins, PokerStars runs satellites and qualifiers that allow players to win their way into these big-money tournaments for a tiny buy-in.

The Michigan Championship of Online Poker (aka MICOOP) was the first tournament series run in the state. PokerStars Michigan has also launched the Michigan Spring Championship of Online Poker (aka MISCOOP).

SNGs (Sit & Go Tournaments)

If the time you have to dedicate to playing online poker tournaments is limited, SNGs (Sit & Go Tournaments) may be right for you.

These tournaments are confined to a single table and are available in both No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). They are available 6-handed, which runs at Turbo speed, and heads-up, which runs at Hyper-Turbo speed.

Spin & Gos

Spin & Gos exploded in popularity a few years back because they gave players a chance to turn a small buy-in into a big payday in a very short amount of time while still maintaining the skill involved in poker.

Spins (as commonly called) are three-handed Hyper-Turbo SNGs with a random prize pool ranging from twice the buy-in up to 1000 times the buy-in. each player starts with 500 chips, and the blinds go up every three minutes.

Spins has five buy-in levels: $1, $2, $5, $10, and $25.

If you are lucky enough to join a Spin with one of the top three multipliers (1000x, 160x, or 80x), you are guaranteed to walk away with a payday as all three of the players in the tournament win prize. The second and third-place finishers get prizes equal to 8%-10% of the prize pool.

PokerStars Michigan Spin & Go buy-ins & prizes

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.

Cash Games Available at PokerStars MI

1. No-Limit Hold’em
2. Limit Hold’em
3. Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
4. PL Omaha H/L
5. Limit Omaha H/L
6. PL 5 Card Omaha
7. Limit Stud
8. Limit Stud H/L
9. Limit Razz
10. PL 2- 7 Triple Draw
11. Limit 2- 7 Triple Draw
12. 8 Game

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

PokerStars MI Traffic History

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.

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 MI 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

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.

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.

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.

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.