Real Money Online Poker In Michigan

According to Adrian Stern e from Top10PokerSites.net there are 9 Michigan real money online poker sites that allow player to play online. Do Casino Sites in MI Offer Online Poker? Generally speaking, yes! Online poker has been extremely popular in the US for years. Today, most reputable Michigan casino sites offer at least some poker gambling options. Some sites are known to offer better poker.

Real money online poker is now live in Michigan! PokerStars became the first real money online poker site off the blocks in MI and the online poker industry in the US has gained even more momentum.

With a population of 10 million people (about 1 million more than New Jersey), Michigan is immediately an intriguing online poker market. While play is limited to in-state pools at first, adding Michigan as a legalized online poker state adds a nice number of poker players to the total US player pool.

See our page below for all the key information about online poker in Michigan including the best no deposit poker bonuses. Online casinos in Michigan also went live as of Jan. 22, 2021.

Latest Michigan online poker updates

• by StaffMarch 4, 2021
• by Anthony Cicali IIIFebruary 18, 2021

Michigan Online Poker Bonus Codes

Play Real Money Poker on PokerStars Michigan Now!

The online poker era officially began in Michigan on Friday, January 29, when PokerStars became the first platform to launch. That meant Michigan became the fifth state to offer real money online poker along with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware.

It’s the third state for PokerStars, along with PA and NJ. The Wolverine State has also approved allowing interstate compacts, but that will have to wait for various states reaching regulatory approval.

In the meantime, players will be in a fenced-in market. That means Michigan players will only play against others in the state. PokerStars also currently operates “fenced in” poker online in New Jersey and fenced-in poker online in Pennsylvania. That means the player pools aren’t shared between the three states, but that will change eventually.

The addition of the PokerStars platform is welcome news to Michigan online poker players. Given their license also includes casino game and sports betting, your PokerStars Michigan account also offers an integrated online casino and a sportsbook.

Include in the PokerStars launch are first-rate software and game selection PokerStars is known for, from big guaranteed MTTs to Spin & Gos to mixed cash games and plenty of poker variants. If you want to play free online poker with friends, you can play via the Home Games feature.

PokerStars’ casino partnership is with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. The tribe operates three properties including the Odawa Casino Resort in northern Michigan.

Claim your $30 free play or $600 deposit bonus on PokerStars MI via the link below

Real money poker apps in Michigan

Most Americans are now accustomed to using mobile apps for productivity, gaming, and various other life-organizing tasks. That goes for online poker too and a major percentage of players now use real money poker apps to play.

All online poker sites offer poker apps as well a traditional desktop or laptop-based downloadable software client. These allow for plenty of player mobility. Michigan can expect the same amount of app options starting with one of the best, PokerStars.

Poker apps offer easy-to-use game play features and navigation. Players will find extensive game and tournament options with features specifically designed for phones or tablets.

Players can expect the same level of safety and security on a poker app as well. You can also still sign up, claim any no deposit poker bonus or promotional offer, make additional deposits, and withdraw funds from anywhere. Downloading a poker app is simple and fast.

Download and play on the PokerStars app in Michigan right here:

How to Open a New Online Poker Account

After downloading the app or poker software, signing up is a fast and easy process. Players will first be asked to input some basic information including:

• name
• address
• email
• username
• password

You then need to confirm your identity and email. After that you’ll be ready to give the platform a test drive. New players also usually have the opportunity for some great bonuses for signing up and making a deposit.

When ready to make a deposit, there are several options and it’s an easy process. Look for standard industry deposit methods not always available at unregulated sites. Some of those usually include:

• E-check bank payments (ACH transfers)
• Visa/Mastercard
• Wire payments
• E-wallets such as Neteller
• Cash at partner casinos

Once that’s complete, finding a game is as simple as launching the poker client or app and heading to the lobby. Players will find something for most budgets such as:

• Cash games
• Multi-table tournaments
• Sit and go tournaments
• Jackpot-style tournament events
• Major tournament series

An advantage to playing online is that players will find lower stakes and buy-ins than they might at a casino. You can work on your game without breaking the bank or worrying about being intimidated as you learn.

Players also have the option to play for virtual (play money) currency at most sites. This offers a great way to learn the games and software without risking any money.

Sweepstakes poker still an option for Michigan players

While poker players anxiously await for more major brands such as MGM and partypoker to launch in Michigan, they can still play 100% legal real money poker online through sweepstakes poker sites.

Because these sites follow a unique sweepstakes or social gaming model, players in 49 US states (excl. WA) are currently eligible to play.

Global Poker is one of the biggest and best known among these. Players in the US and Canada (excluding Quebec) can enjoy a comparable online poker playing experience with an opportunity to win real money.

Global Poker uses a free-to-play virtual currency called Gold Coins. Players get 1,000 Gold Coins free on sign-up and can use these to play free cash games and tournaments.

Players that purchase more Gold Coins also receive a second virtual currency called Sweeps Coins. These coins are used in separate Sweeps Coin poker games such as:

• Ring games
• Tournaments (& tournament series)
• Sit & go’s
• Jackpot sit & go’s

Unlike Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins can be cashed out for real money. Global Poker’s business model offers a fun social gaming experience with the opportunity to win some real cash.

Global is owned and operated by VGW Holdings Limited, a publicly traded company incorporated in Australia. The Malta Gaming Authority regulates VCW’s social gaming platforms, which include free sweeps cash casinos as well.

Players can expect fair games and feel safe in the knowledge that their account information and player funds are secure. The site offers the following poker variations with stakes for every bankroll level:

• Crazy Pineapple

Michigan players can currently access an exclusive USPoker bonus offer for a free $20 Gold Coin package just for signing up or a $40 package for depositing $20. Click below to start the process:

Which other poker brands will offer online poker in Michigan?

partypoker + MGM Grand Detroit

The MGM Grand Detroit is also the largest casino in the state. MGM partners with partypoker in New Jersey through the Borgata, and that may be an option in Michigan as well. A partypoker entrance into the market offers a nice option for online poker players.

CaesarsCasino doesn’t have a property in Michigan but could reach an agreement to operate WSOP.com. The WSOP online poker platform has the only shared liquidity market among New Jersey, Nevada, and with its partner 888poker in Delaware.

The Greektown Casino is owned by Penn National Gaming. The company owns some online gaming operations in Pennsylvania but hasn’t offered online poker. But that could always change as more states become possible.

Michigan offers another big opportunity for online poker operators and expect some considerable interest from the big players. Other international brands like GG Poker or Run It Once Poker might also be interested as the US online poker market continues to expand.

Can I play on a Michigan poker site from outside the state?

Online poker sites use geolocation software to make sure players are located within that state. According to regulations, you must physically be within the legal jurisdiction to play.

That doesn’t mean you can’t sign up for an account, make a deposit, or withdraw funds from anywhere, however. All of this can be done in other states including, for example, in nearby Illinois, Indiana or Ohio.

Simply sign up and deposit for an account and then be ready to play when you’re in Michigan. It doesn’t matter if you’re a resident of another state for eligibility. You do, of course, need to be of legal age to play as well.

Michigan Online Poker FAQ

Which Michigan casinos have online poker site partners?

So far, only The Stars Group (PokerStars) has a partnership with a casino operator. The company entered into a partnership with the Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority in January 2020.

Stars became the first operator to reach a partnership deal to operate online gaming in the state. That would also be expected to include online poker.

While it hasn’t announced anything yet, the MGM Grand Detroit could also be a player. MGM partners with GVC Holdings (partypoker) in New Jersey and is a good bet to enter the Michigan market as well.

This page will be updated as more partnerships are announced.

Can I play on PokerStars in Michigan?

Yes. Online poker went live in 2021 and PokerStars’ parent company has signed a partnership agreement with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority. PokerStars now offers all legal forms of online gaming including poker. PokerStars is the largest online poker operator in the world and also offers poker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Can I qualify for the WSOP from Michigan?

Players using WSOP.com in Nevada and New Jersey can currently qualify for the WSOP online. They can even play in exclusive WSOP online bracelet events along with players on WSOP.com partner 888poker in Delaware.

WSOP owner Caesars Entertainment doesn’t own a property in Michigan. That doesn’t mean the company can’t reach an agreement with a partner in the state. In fact, it’s probably a good bet that may happen – at some point.

WSOP.com has been a leader in the US online poker industry. While it hasn’t yet launched in Pennsylvania, that state and Michigan offer opportunities to grow its brand and player footprint. A growing US market only offers more opportunities for both the WSOP as a whole and its online platform.

Do I have to live in Michigan to play online poker in Michigan?

No, you can sign up for a new online poker account and even make a deposit from anywhere. However, players must be physically located within the state when playing. Poker sites will make use of geolocation software to make sure of this.

However, those outside the state who register and deposit can easily play once they’re in the state.

Does Michigan share a player pool with any other states?

As of now there are no immediate plans for a shared player pool through interstate compacts. This could be added at a later date however. Pennsylvania went ahead with online poker in a similar situation – waiting for the legalities involved with the Wire Act to be worked out.

That issue cleared up in January 2021, with a federal appeals court ruling that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting. That allows expanded interstate compacts for online poker operators. With PokerStars launching in January 2021, that could mean the company eventually will combine player pools in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Michigan, along with other high population states with poker players including Florida and Texas, has great promise as a legalized online poker market. An interstate compact with shared liquidity could be in the works down the line. That would make for an even better and secure industry with more growth potential.

Will Michigan allow online casino games?

Yes. See the full run down on our Michigan Online Casinos page.

Why choose legal online poker sites?

Players can expect safe and secure legal US online poker sites. Online operators undergo rigorous licensing procedures and regulations just like a land-based casino

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has standards and procedures in place to protect players and they enforce them appropriately. That includes securing player funds, which are placed into separate secure accounts.

Deposits and cash outs are also extremely safe and use encryption technology to make sure account details are secure. A player can feel safe that his personal information is also kept safe.

Legal online poker sites also offer several customer service options to help players sort out any issues. Those can include:

• Phone
• Live chat
• Email
• By mail
• FAQ section
• Information database or help section

Along with these security and help features, online poker platforms work to provide security among players. Anti-collusion and bot software helps weed out elements that might affect game integrity and fairness.

It’s important to note that “offshore” poker sites (ie those based in other countries) can’t offer this same level of security. They aren’t always regulated and players receive no guarantees that their funds and personal information are safe.

Many of these sites have been known for slow payouts and have even gone under and not paid back players. Players will feel much safer using a regulated US site.

Michigan Live Poker Rooms

Poker players have several options to bet and bluff to each others’ faces in Michigan. The state boasts more than 15 poker rooms. Here’s a look at a few that stand out:

MGM Grand (Detroit) – 17 tables with plenty of cash games and tournaments in an elegant, high-end environment. MGM is known for great poker rooms at its properties and that includes Michigan.

Motor City Casino (Detroit) – 17 tables with daily tournaments and cash games. Look for generous comps.

Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Online

Soaring Eagle Casino (Mount Pleasant) – 14 tables and plenty of promotions. The property also offers a large number of games spread.

FireKeepers Casino (Battle Creek) – The 26-table room is newly renovated and offers a great place to play.

Gun Lake Casino (Wayland) – This 14-table western Michigan room receives nice reviews among players. Action heats up on the weekend.

Greektown Casino (Detroit) – 12 tables and another great option for players located in the Detroit area.

Michigan Online Poker History

Michigan is no stranger to live gaming opportunities. There are three full-service casinos in the Detroit area and 23 tribal properties scattered throughout the state. Other legal gambling options include pari-mutuel wagering and the state lottery. The latter may have gotten the online gaming ball rolling.

In 2014, the Michigan Lottery launched an online lottery and by mid-2015 more than 300,000 instant tickets were being sold each day. In April 2016, online gambling proponent and State Senator Mike Kowall introduced SB 889. Entitled “The Lawful Internet Gaming Act,” the bill would have authorized online poker and online casino games in Michigan.

SB889 would have granted up to eight licenses to Michigan-based commercial and tribal casinos. That bill died in committee, but set the stage for making the issue a possibility. Michigan voters were hopeful in 2018 for legislation that legalized online poker but, after approving a bill late in the year, outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder ultimately vetoed it. That added yet one more delay to the eventual reality of Michigan online poker.

Fortunes reversed however in 2019 and on Dec. 20, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill into law. So now that Michigan has legalized online poker, when can players expect to jump in to the action at online poker tables?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) made a major announcement in December 2020 that several online casinos had received provisional licenses. This would allow final approvals to begin taking place and what was expected to be a launch of online gaming by mid-January 2020.

That didn’t mean necessarily that online poker would be one of the first offerings to hit the ground running in January. However, the good news for poker players was that two of the companies receiving provisional approval have poker brands. Those two receiving approval were:

• Roar Digital – This is the gaming partnership between MGM and GVC Holdings in the US. GVC is the owner of partypoker.
• TSG Interactive – TSG stands for the The Stars Group, which is a part of international online gaming company Flutter Entertainment. Flutter is also the parent company of PokerStars.

WSOP.com and its software partner 888poker weren’t listed among those companies that had been approved yet.

Beyond PokerStars and MGM/partypoker getting approved, several other gaming entities also received approval in December 2020 from the MGCB. The board had reached agreement on rules for:

• Sports betting
• Fantasy sports

Beyond creating rules for the various gaming offerings, the MGCB had approved numerous other operators in December 2020. A complete list of those groups receiving provisional licenses included:

• TSG Interactive US Services Limited (Fox Bet, PokerStars)
• BetMGM (Roar Digital and partypoker US Network)
• American Wagering, Inc. (William Hill Sports Book)
• Betfair Interactive US (FanDuel Sportsbook)
• Churchill Downs Interactive Gaming (TwinSpires)
• Crown MI Gaming (DraftKings)
• GAN Nevada Inc. (online gaming technology provider)
• Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.
• NYX Digital Gaming USA (digital gaming supplier)
• Parx Interactive Inc.
• Penn Sports Interactive
• PointsBet Michigan
• Rush Street Interactive MI
• Sports Information Services Limited (Kambi sports betting service)
• WSI US, LLC (Wynn Sports)

Senate approved multi-state legislation

In October 2020, some legislation in the state Senate also produced some good news. The Senate passedSB 991, which allowed the state’s gaming entities to enter into interstate compacts.

The future of these shared liquidity markets remains to be seen. The Department of Justice has argued that the Wire Act applied to more than just sports betting.

The issue remained tied up in court and could have a huge impact on the iGaming industry (more on this below). However, in January 2021 the court ruled in favor of gaming interests. This clears the way for shared liquidity markets among states and could greatly help the regulated US online poker industry.

The state of Michigan legalized online poker in December 2019 when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills into law including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

The first online poker room in Michigan (PokerStars Michigan) launched on January 29, 2021.

With a population estimated at just over 10 million, Michigan is the second-largest US state to offer regulated online poker.

Currently, online poker is live in four other states: Nevada (3 million population), Delaware (under 1 million), New Jersey (under 9 million), and Pennsylvania (around 13 million).

Michigan became the fifth state to launch online poker. West Virginia also legalized online poker in 2019 but has yet to launch an online poker room.

Where Can I Play Online Poker in Michigan?

Currently there is only one online poker room in Michigan: PokerStars Michigan.

You can download the PokerStars MI software and sign up for an account here.

As a Welcome Bonus, PokerStars is offering $30 worth of free play when you make your first deposit of $20 or more and use the Bonus Code ‘FREE30’. $20 will be credited to your account in the form of a cash bonus and you will receive the remaining $10 in Spin & Go tickets.

PokerStars is also offering a 100% First Deposit Match Bonus up to $600. Just use Bonus Code STARS600 on your first deposit ($10 minimum) to claim the bonus. Your first three deposits within 60 days qualify for this promotion.

Which online poker rooms are expected to be available in Michigan?

PokerStars Michigan launched in the state on January 29, 2021, and other online poker rooms are expected to follow soon.

BetMGM will likely be the next operator to launch online poker in Michigan, as it received a provisional license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board late in December 2020. The company is expected to offer multiple brands in the state including BetMGM MI, partypoker MI and Borgata Poker.

All brands will operate on the partypoker US Network, however, the Michigan portion of the network will remain segregated from the New Jersey segment until the MGCB authorizes its online poker operators to share liquidity with their online poker rooms in other US states.

In July, the MGCB issued a notice to potential applicants that desired to be a part of a coordinated initial launch to submit their applications to the board with a deadline of August 14.

Nearly 50 applications were sent to the state regulators, a majority of them showing interest in both internet gaming (poker and casino) and internet sports betting.

Notably missing from the list of applicants is WSOP.com and 888 Holdings. Neither of the two operators has their applications pending with the MGCB, raising doubt whether WSOP MI or 888 MI will be part of the initial online gaming launch in Michigan. However, given their presence in other US states, it is very likely they will offer online poker to customers at some point in the near future.

Is online poker legal in Michigan?

Yes, online poker is legal in Michigan. In December 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bill HB 4311, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, into law legalizing online poker along with online casino, sports betting and fantasy sports contests.

It became the sixth state in the US to legalize online poker following Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Players must be 21 years or older to play at a regulated online poker room in Michigan.

How did online poker get legalized in Michigan?

On December 1, the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) waived the 15-day waiting period to approve state regulations, allowing them to be submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

Following that crucial administrative step, the MCGB believed that it could still launch igaming before the end of 2020, but just days later, MCGB Executive Director, Richard Kalm, estimated that the launch of online gaming in the state was still at least six weeks off.

Later in December 2020, the MGCB completed another required procedural step when it issued provisional licenses to 15 gaming platform providers.

It is notable that neither WSOP.com nor 888 were among those to submit applications to the MGCB in time to be considered for the initial launch.

Will Michigan Online Poker Players be Able to Play with Players in Other US States Where Online Poker is Legal?

In mid-December, the Michigan House of Representatives followed the example of the Michigan Senate and approved SB 991 – legislation that will grant the MGCB the power to enter into an agreement with other jurisdictions within the US for the purpose of allowing cross-border liquidity sharing in online poker once the market goes live.

The bill is currently with Governor Gretchen Whitmer who is expected to sign it into law in the opening days of 2021.

However, at the time of launch, online poker in Michigan is ring-fenced, meaning players will only be able to compete with players within the state.

A measure to give the law immediate effect was defeated, meaning that it will be at least 90 days before shared liquidity with Michigan is eligible to become a reality.

Are Online Gaming Operators Required to Partner with Land-Based Casinos in Michigan to Offer Online Gambling?

Yes, just like in other US states, online gambling in Michigan will only be permitted through partnerships with land-based Michigan casinos.

Who Regulates and Licenses Online Gaming in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is overseeing the licensing applications for internet gaming and internet sports betting suppliers and vendors and is in the process of drafting regulations and issuing licenses.

Have the Online Poker Rooms Partnered with Land-Based Michigan Casinos?

PokerStars’ parent company, The Stars Group (TSG) now called Flutter has secured a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority, gaining first skin market access for real-money online poker, casino games and sports betting in Michigan.

partypoker’s parent company (GVC) has a partnership with MGM Resorts which owns the MGM Grand Detroit.

Do Michigan players have to pay taxes on their online poker winnings?

Poker does not enjoy a special status in Michigan. It is regarded the same as sports betting or casino gambling. Thus, players do have to pay taxes on their online poker winnings.

Any tournament wins exceeding $5000 will be automatically reported and taxed by the operator. However, players are supposed to pay taxes on all of their winnings, regardless of the amount. For winnings under $5000, players need to report and pay the federal tax themselves.

The state tax is not withheld by the operators regardless of the amount so players need to take care of this bit themselves.

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