Michigan Legal Online Poker Overview
Essential MI Online Poker Info
Status:
- Online Poker Legalised: January 22, 2021
Legal Online Poker Sites in MI:
- BetMGM
- PokerStars
- WSOP
Available Online Poker Bonuses:
- Deposit bonus
- Matched bonus
- No deposit bonus
- Tournament tickets
- Welcome bonus
Permitted Online Poker Variations:
- Omaha
- Open-faced Chinese poker
- Stud poker
- Texas hold ’em
- Three-card poker
Legal Gambling Age in MI:
- 21+
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Mastercard
- PayNearMe
- PaySafeCard
- PayPal
- Play+
- Skrill
- Visa
- Automated Clearing House (ACH)
- Online bank transfer
Michigan Online Poker Regulator:
- Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB)
Michigan Online Poker Laws Summary
The earliest form of online gambling in Michigan started in 2014 with the Michigan Lottery’s online program. However, it wasn’t until December 2019 that online gambling, including online poker, was officially legalized in the state. The ‘Lawful Internet Gaming Act’ paved the way for the launch of online poker operators in Michigan, and on January 29, 2021, PokerStars MI dealt the first hand, marking the official launch of the Michigan online poker market.
The journey towards legalization faced some obstacles and required compromises. Various proposals and bills were introduced, with support for online gaming steadily growing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s counterproposal led to the passage of the amended bill, allowing for the legalization of not only online gambling and sports betting but also online poker. The Michigan Gaming Control Board became the regulatory body overseeing the online poker industry in the state.
In October 2020, Michigan passed SB 991, allowing the state to merge player pools with other legal states. This opened the doors for shared liquidity poker player pools, prompting PokerStars to combine their Michigan and New Jersey pools in January 2023.
Legal Online Poker Operators in Michigan
Michigan currently has three legal online poker operators offering their services to the state’s residents. These operators are:
BetMGM
BetMGM launched its online poker site in Michigan on March 22, 2021. Along with traditional poker games, they offer daily tournaments and regular cash games. The site is available on both mobile and desktop platforms and is merged with the BetMGM casino and sportsbook app. Notable features of BetMGM include:
- MGM Resorts M Life Rewards Program used throughout the US
- Monthly online poker tournament series
- Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments
PokerStars
PokerStars entered the Michigan online poker market on January 29, 2021. Their platform is accessible via mobile or desktop and supports various operating systems. PokerStars offers a wide range of poker games and tournaments, including the yearly Championship of Online Poker (COOP) tournaments and the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Noteworthy features of PokerStars include:
- Great operational software systems
- Spin and go tournaments
- World Series of Poker bracelet events
WSOP
WSOP.com launched its online poker platform in Michigan on March 28, 2022. The site can be accessed on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. WSOP.com offers a variety of poker games and tournaments, including monthly circuit ring events and direct satellites to the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas. Key features of WSOP.com include:
- Monthly circuit ring events
- Direct satellites to the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas
- Online Bracelet Tournaments
How to Play Online Poker in Michigan
Getting started with online poker in Michigan is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to join a virtual poker table:
- Select one of our recommended Michigan poker operators. You can visit their website on your mobile or desktop or download their app.
- Click on the “sign-up” or “register” button, which is typically found on the homepage. Provide the required personal information, including your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You may also need to enter part of your Social Security number. Create a unique username and password.
- Confirm your email address and complete any additional identity verification steps. This may involve uploading a picture of your driver’s license or other documents.
- Make a deposit by visiting the cashier section of the poker site. Choose a payment method, enter the deposit amount, and follow the instructions to fund your account. Take advantage of any available bonus codes and meet the requirements to earn maximum rewards.
- Once your account is funded, you can use your cash and bonus funds to play your favorite poker games. If you win, you can withdraw your winnings by following the instructions in the cashier section.
Playthrough Requirements
Playthrough requirements, also known as wagering requirements, determine how many times you must wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw the associated funds. Each online poker operator in Michigan has its own playthrough requirements for their bonuses.
BetMGM Playthrough Requirements
BetMGM offers a deposit bonus that players can take advantage of by earning rewards points. The bonus funds are cleared in 10% increments and need to be played through 14 times. Players have seven days from the date of deposit to satisfy the playthrough requirements.
PokerStars Playthrough Requirements
PokerStars provides a deposit bonus, and to clear these funds, players must earn a certain number of Redemption Points (RPs). The rate at which RPs are accrued varies depending on the type of poker game being played. Players have four months from the deposit date to clear the bonus.
WSOP Playthrough Requirements
WSOP has its own system of Action Player Points (APPs) to track playthrough requirements. Players can clear the bonus by accumulating a certain number of APPs. The rate at which APPs are earned is determined by the type of poker game being played. Players must clear the bonus within 60 days.
Michigan Poker Tournaments
Michigan poker sites offer various tournaments to cater to players’ preferences. The most popular types of tournaments include:
Knockout Tournaments (KO)
Knockout tournaments, also known as bounty tournaments, are popular in the poker community. In these tournaments, players receive a cash prize for each opponent they eliminate from the game.
Progressive Knockout Tournaments (PKO)
Progressive knockout tournaments add an exciting twist to bounty tournaments. When a player knocks out another player, they receive 50% of their opponent’s bounty, while the remaining 50% is added to the winner’s own bounty. This keeps the bounties growing as the tournament progresses.
Live Tournament Satellites
For players looking to compete in prestigious live events such as the WSOP Main Event, online poker sites offer satellite tournaments. These tournaments have smaller buy-ins and give players a chance to qualify for major events.
Turbos and Super Turbos
Turbo and super turbo tournaments are designed for players who prefer faster-paced games. These tournaments have shorter blind levels and quicker rounds, allowing players to finish the events within a shorter timeframe.
Guaranteed Prize Pool Tournaments
Online poker rooms often offer guaranteed prize pool tournaments, ensuring that a minimum amount is available to win regardless of the number of participants. Guarantees can range from a few hundred dollars to six-figure sums.
Special Formats
Michigan poker sites occasionally host tournaments featuring special formats, such as mixed games, pot limit Omaha, seven-card stud, and other unique variations of poker.
Jackpot Sit & Gos
Jackpot sit & go tournaments combine elements of slots and poker. These tournaments feature a small number of players and offer surprise bonus amounts that are revealed at the start of the game. The winner takes home the jackpot prize.
Types of Poker Games Available in Michigan
Online poker sites in Michigan offer various poker game variations to cater to different players’ preferences. The most popular games include:
No Limit Hold ’em (NLHE)
No Limit Hold ’em, often referred to as NLHE, is the most widely played poker game in Michigan and the United States. Players receive two hole cards and must combine them with the community cards to make the best five-card hand.
Omaha
Omaha is the second most popular poker variation in Michigan. In Omaha, players are dealt four hole cards and must use exactly two of them, along with three community cards, to form their hand. Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) is the most commonly played variant of Omaha.
Open-Faced Chinese Poker
A newer poker trend is Open-Faced Chinese Poker (OFCP). This variation starts with five cards and players receive additional cards one at a time until they have 13 cards in their hand. The goal is to form three rows of hands, with each row containing a different number of cards.
Three-Card Poker
Three-Card Poker is a table game that can be found in both online and offline casinos. In this game, players compete against the house rather than each other. The objective is to have a better three-card hand than the dealer.
Stud Poker
Stud Poker, specifically Seven-Card Stud, is one of the oldest forms of poker. In this game, players receive seven cards, with four of them being face-up and three face-down. Participants must create the best five-card hand using any combination of their cards.
How to Deposit & Withdraw at MI Online Poker Sites
Michigan online poker players have multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds from their online poker accounts. Common methods available in the state include:
- Credit or debit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
- Direct bank deposits
- Direct cash deposits at physical casinos
- E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
- E-wallets such as Neteller and PayPal
- PayNearMe cash deposits at select stores
- Prepaid or gift cards like Play+ and Paysafecard
In order to make a withdrawal, online poker sites may require identity verification and the submission of relevant documents. Withdrawals can take several business days to process and be accessible to the player.
Live Poker Rooms in Michigan
In addition to online poker, Michigan offers numerous brick-and-mortar poker rooms for players who prefer a live poker experience. Some of the poker rooms operating in the state include:
- Burton Eagles Poker Room
- Ciccarelli’s Sports Bar
- FireKeepers Casino
- Greektown Casino
- Island Casino
- King’s Poker Room
- Krazy Kopz at Vision Lanes
- Langan’s All Star Poker Room
- Legends Poker Place of Metamora
- MGM Grand Detroit
- Momo’s Poker Room
- MotorCity Casino
- Muskegon Poker Room
- Northville American Legion
- Odawa Casino
- One Eyed Jacks Poker Room
- On The Dunes Sports
- Rosemack Poker Room
- Roundtree Poker Room
- Soaring Eagle Casino
- The Event Spot Poker Room
- The New Saginaw Poker Room
- Thompson Poker Room
- Waterford Card Room at 300 Bowl
- Westgate Poker Room
Future of Online Poker in Michigan
The future of online poker in Michigan looks promising. With a large population and the merger of player pools between Michigan and New Jersey, the state’s online poker scene is set to thrive. New online poker operators, such as Rush Street Interactive’s potential launch, could further enhance the online poker options available to Michigan players.
Michigan Online Poker Responsible Gambling Resources
Michigan provides several resources for individuals facing gambling-related issues. These include:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Offers support through phone numbers and a live chat, as well as referrals to local and national organizations.
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services: Provides a helpline and refers individuals to treatment programs, along with advice on responsible gambling.
- Michigan Association on Problem Gambling: Helps individuals find local support and offers self-assessment questions for identifying problem gambling behavior.
- Free Gambling Helpline: Michigan offers a free helpline available 24/7 for crisis intervention and referral to treatment or support groups.
- Self-Exclusion Program: Individuals can voluntarily enter a self-exclusion program that prevents them from registering with any gambling operator in the state and restricts access to gambling marketing material.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in Michigan?
Yes, online poker is legal in Michigan. The state passed legislation in December 2019 to legalize online poker, online casinos, and online sports betting.
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Michigan?
In Michigan, players must be at least 21 years old to play online poker.
What do I need to play online poker in Michigan?
To play online poker in Michigan, you need a valid government-issued ID, a social security card, a valid email address, and a verified bank account.
Do I have to be in Michigan to play online poker?
Yes, you must be physically located within the borders of Michigan to play online poker. Geolocation services are used to verify your location.
What are the legal online poker sites in Michigan?
The legal online poker sites in Michigan are BetMGM, PokerStars, and WSOP.com.
Are online poker sites in Michigan safe?
Yes, online poker sites in Michigan are safe and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. They adhere to strict regulations to ensure financial safety and responsible gambling support.
Can you compete in the WSOP in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan online poker players can compete in online bracelet events hosted by WSOP.com exclusively for Michigan players.
Do I have to pay taxes on online poker winnings in Michigan?
Yes, players are responsible for declaring their online poker winnings on their tax forms. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional for guidance on reporting gambling income.
Can I play poker online outside of Michigan?
Yes, players can participate in online poker games in other legally regulated states, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware.
Can I play poker online against people in other states and countries?
While playing online poker in Michigan, you can potentially compete against players from other states or countries who are using the same platform, as long as they are physically located within the borders of Michigan at the time of play.
Do you have to be in Michigan to play at a Michigan legal online poker site?
Yes, to play at a Michigan legal online poker site, you must be physically located in Michigan.
Which online poker sites will be available in Michigan in the future?
Rush Street Interactive is a potential operator that could launch an online poker room in Michigan in the future. They currently oversee BetRivers online gaming.
