The table for Michigan online poker players got a lot bigger with new WSOP Platform

Online poker players in Michigan have a new place to play and…a whole lot more competition.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) approved the launch of Caesars World Series of Poker’s multi-state platform (now branded WSOP Online) allowing Michigan residents to go head-to-head against players in New Jersey and Nevada.

This expansion means bigger potential payouts and more games for poker enthusiasts in Michigan.

“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.”

The announcement comes in tandem with the union of Caesars and the World Series of Poker to create a new network.

WSOP online is the first poker operator to cross three U.S. states. It is the new name for WSOP.com, and comes with enhanced poker offerings, including four-table ability on mobile devices, multi-flight re-entry tournaments and new game variations.

“This platform upgrade is long overdue and is a big win for our players,” said Danielle Barille, Vice President of Online Poker at Caesars Digital in a press release announcing the union. “The best is yet to come for WSOP Online tournaments, and we’re thrilled to bring Michigan players into the fold with Nevada and New Jersey, resulting in a better experience, more value, and the biggest prize pools of the year.”

In May of 2022, Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allowing online poker players to compete against players in other states.

To get Michigan online poker players connected to other states it meant a lot of different pieces had to come together.

Currently, three licensed operators provide online poker for Michigan residents. The MGM Grand Detroit through BetMGM, the the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with World Series of Poker, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian and provided PokerStars (PokerStars was approved for multi-state play on Jan. 1, 2023).

Those three groups put together a multi-state poker submission form to the MGCB to share poker games between the three states under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and MSIGA. The MGCB approved the request opening the door for Caesars to offer Texas Hold’em and other variations. Any new internet poker games must be cleared by the MGCB going forward.

The MGCB is also trumpeting the third anniversary of Williams as Executive Director. Since assuming the role as the head of the government agency, total handle for internet sports betting and retail sports betting has reached $14.1 billion.

This revenue has meant the state of Michigan has received a staggering $1.26 billion in wagering taxes, with $772 million to the city of Detroit and $978 million to the Michigan School Aid Fund.

Williams is also credited with acquiring a yearly $3 million grant from the Michigan legislature for the state’s award-winning Don’t Regret the Bet campaign, which promotes responsible gambling activities.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve at the helm of the Michigan Gaming Control Board for the past three years, leading a talented team of dedicated public servants,” Williams said. “Together, we have achieved remarkable success in overseeing the state’s gaming industry, resulting in significant multi-billion dollar revenues that benefit our state and its residents. I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Whitmer for consistently supporting our budget requests and to the legislators for their bipartisan approval of our funding. Their continued support ensures the MGCB’s ability to effectively regulate the gaming industry and protect the public interest.”