Another big earner from the first half of 2023 is PokerStars, thanks in part to the launch of interstate poker in Michigan. PokerStars became the first brand to introduce interstate poker in the Great Lakes State and has already seen accompanying growth since the measure.
PokerStars launched interstate poker in Michigan on Jan. 1, 2023, and has since witnessed a 13.8% growth. In addition, the casino posted a higher half year revenue growth than other leading gambling platforms in Michigan, including BetMGM and WynnBet MI Casino.
The sharp increase in revenue between December 2022 and January 2023 has been one of the sharpest indicators that interstate poker contributed immensely to the growth of the brand. Between December 2022 and January 2023, PokerStars saw its revenue grow by a whopping 64.6%, from $2.2 million to $3.6 million.
Throughout the first five months of the year, PokerStars recorded a positive year-over-year growth compared to the first few months of 2022. Its revenue has also steadied in the $2.7 million to $3 million range. Unfortunately, the MGCB combines online poker revenue with iGaming figures, so it’s impossible to determine exactly how much came from interstate poker.
PokerStars Michigan is hoping to improve upon its position with the World Championship of Online Poker series scheduled for September 10 this year. The series will run for three weeks and is set to end on October 4. While PokerStars is yet to release the full schedule and prize pool, there’s a very good chance the brand would outclass the $100 million prize pool from last year when it hosted 367 tournaments.