Michigan regulator approves Caesars’ World Series of Poker Online multi-state launch

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced the approval of Caesars’ World Series of Poker (WSOP) for the launch of its multi-state online poker platform in the state. "This move enables residents of Michigan to join in cross-state competitions and reinforces the agency’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic gaming industry," the Board said in a press release. 

Currently, three licensed operators and providers offer online poker in Michigan: MGM Grand Detroit with BetMGM, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with World Series of Poker, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and provider PokerStars. PokerStars was previously approved to launch multi-state play on January 1st, 2023.

“By offering seamless connectivity between players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada, the Board’s approval of Caesars’ platform establishes another opportunity for online poker collaboration and innovation,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Michigan citizens can anticipate a safe, secure gaming environment — in what will likely be a larger pool of online players — as they engage in World Series of Poker games across state borders in a responsible manner.”

Today, we announce the launch of an all-new real-money poker platform, @WSOP Online that combines player pools in MI, NV, and NJ into one network. The move makes online poker history, as WSOP becomes the 1st poker operator to pool liquidity across three U.S. jurisdictions. pic.twitter.com/iR0hwALNuF

— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) May 25, 2024

American Wagering (Caesars), the authorized platform provider for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, submitted a Multi-State Poker Submission Form to the MGCB in late April. Through this form, the company requested the ability to share multi-state internet poker games between Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada pursuant to the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (LIGA) and Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). 

“The MGCB has approved their request, authorizing Caesars to offer Texas Hold’em and Omaha internet poker games, along with variations of those games. Any new internet poker game(s) must be submitted to the MGCB for approval,” the Board said in a statement on Tuesday. 

In May 2022, Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, allowing Michigan online poker players to join with players in other jurisdictions — Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and West Virginia — where licensed operators are authorized to conduct multi-state poker. Prior to the state joining MSIGA, Michigan poker players could play online only against other players located throughout the state.

The platform upgrade from WSOP.com to WSOP Online was announced by Caesars and WSOP earlier this week. Concurrently, WSOP Online has revealed ‘Welcome Offers’ for the state of Michigan on its website. These include winning up to a $100 bonus in free play, and a $10k drawing entry through which players who make their first deposit may secure a seat at the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event.