BetMGM's Multi-State Expansion Unites Michigan and New Jersey Players
November 7, 2024 Marija D
BetMGM is now able to share players and liquidity between these two states, creating expanded gameplay options and larger prize pools for online poker enthusiasts.
The two-state network officially went live on Wednesday afternoon following maintenance earlier in the day.
Michigan Gaming Board Sees Milestone in BetMGM Partnership
Henry Williams, Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, expressed optimism about BetMGM’s latest move into multi-state online poker. Williams remarked, “This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries. We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
The MSIGA arrangement has already shown substantial benefits for the states involved, allowing operators to pool resources across borders and generate larger prize pools through a shared player base.
To celebrate the network launch, BetMGM Poker has announced several exclusive promotions and events. The BetMGM Poker Online Championships, set to begin on Sunday, November 17, will span two weeks through December 1 and feature $2 million in guaranteed prizes, along with nightly trophy events and a leaderboard that will track players’ performance throughout the tournament series.
Angust Nisbet, BetMGM’s VP of Gaming, underscored the significance of the milestone, stating, “This is a landmark day for our poker product as we combine player pools in select markets. With the introduction of shared liquidity, we’ve listened to players’ desire for more games and larger prize pools. By showcasing our best-in-class omnichannel experience – spanning property, sports betting and online casino – we’re committed to providing an unparalleled poker experience for our players.”
Through BetMGM’s extensive platform, players in Michigan and New Jersey can also participate in unique events that connect online play with in-person tournaments at MGM Resorts properties. Among the events that Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania players can compete for are the Borgata Fall Mini-Series from November 11 to 17, the National Harbor BetMGM Poker Fall Festival from November 20 to 24, and the ARIA Poker Open running from December 4 to 22.
Strengthening Multi-State Poker Networks
Michigan’s relatively recent entry into the online poker market has accelerated multi-state network growth in the US. After launching online poker in early 2021, Michigan ed MSIGA in 2022, allowing operators like BetMGM to integrate player pools across state lines. BetMGM follows the path of other operators that have seen successful cross-state collaborations, such as PokerStars and WSOP.com.
PokerStars Michigan was the first to forces with its New Jersey counterpart in early 2023, while WSOP integrated Michigan into its multi-state network with New Jersey and Nevada in May 2024. BetMGM’s entry into the Michigan-New Jersey network marks the third multi-state poker provider in Michigan.
Despite Nevada’s and Delaware’s earlier MSIGA participation, poker offerings remain limited in these states. Nevada has a single operator, WSOP.com, while Delaware currently lacks licensed online poker operators. As of November 2023, West Virginia also ed MSIGA but has not yet licensed any operators. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania recently initiated discussions to become the sixth member, with BetMGM potentially poised to add Pennsylvania players to its Michigan and New Jersey pools once interstate play becomes available.
Pennsylvania’s possible entry into the MSIGA network would be a significant development for multi-state online poker in the US. As the second-largest online poker market after Michigan, Pennsylvania’s addition would bring a substantial increase in players and prize pools, likely strengthening the case for more states to .
BetRivers Poker’s recent launch in Pennsylvania on October 31 offers further opportunities for growth. With its software sourced from Run It Once Poker, founded by professional poker player Phil Galfond, BetRivers aims to build on its success and potentially expand to other MSIGA states. The operator currently offers online casino and sportsbook services in both New Jersey and Michigan, making it a viable candidate for multi-state poker licensure if it secures approval.
Smaller states, such as Delaware and West Virginia, would add less volume but still contribute to MSIGA’s growth by increasing player pool diversity and generating additional revenue. West Virginia, which lacks licensed online poker operators, is also expected to consider multi-state gaming once it goes live.
Disclaimer: Visit BetMGM.com for and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable . Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).
Source:
Michigan Gaming Control Board authorizes BetMGM to enable shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games, michigan.gov, November 06, 2024.
