Published on: November 7, 2024, 02:11h.
Last reviewed on: November 7, 2024, 02:14h.
BetMGM has gained regulatory approval in Michigan to link its online poker players with players in New Jersey who are also using the iGaming platform.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) stated on Wednesday that it “is pleased to announce” the approval of BetMGM to connect poker players across its online platforms in Michigan and New Jersey. This authorization enables players from both states to legally join online poker games on a larger scale, providing a more immersive and competitive gaming experience.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams commented, “This authorization marks a significant advancement in online gaming development within our state boundaries. We believe that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and stimulate industry growth.”
In late May, BetMGM requested the MGCB’s approval to connect its online poker rooms in Michigan with those in New Jersey. The state gaming regulatory agency approved the company’s Multi-State Poker Submission Form this week.
Competitive Aspect
BetMGM holds a license to operate online casino gambling in Michigan, offering interactive slots and table games through a partnership with MGM Grand Detroit. MGM Resorts International, the owner of the brick-and-mortar casino, is a 50-50 partner in BetMGM with London-based Entain.
BetMGM becomes the third online entity to receive approval for sharing player liquidity from Michigan.
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) platform, operating in the state in partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and PokerStars through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, also facilitate multistate poker in Michigan. PokerStars initiated its multistate play on Jan. 1, 2023. WSOP started player sharing across state borders in May 2024.
Michigan participates in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), enabling player liquidity sharing among six states, including Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan itself. The agreement was established in 2014 when gaming officials in Nevada and Delaware agreed to allow their online poker players to compete against each other, with New Jersey joining in 2017.
Leading iGaming States
Currently, BetMGM’s online poker rooms in Michigan will only connect with online rooms in New Jersey, the two most lucrative online casino gaming states.
In the first nine months of 2024, online casino gambling operators in Michigan collected over $1.75 billion from players. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, gross gaming revenue from internet casinos, tables, and poker rake exceeded $1.73 billion.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) publicly discloses internet gaming revenue by game. From January to September 2024, online poker operators earned about $21.3 million in fees.
PokerStars leads in the New Jersey market, generating almost $7 million from rake. WSOP follows with $4.8 million, while Borgata and BetMGM tie for third at $2.9 million each. PartyPoker completes the top five with $1.5 million.