BetMGM Offers Interstate Online Poker, Merges New Jersey and Michigan Markets
BetMGM Poker has become the third US operator to offer multi-state online poker. The company has merged its player pools in Michigan and New Jersey. Both states are a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows online poker networks to share liquidity and players in participating markets. The two-state network went live Wednesday afternoon after morning maintenance.
BetMGM VP of Gaming, Angust Nisbet, said: “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.”
Michigan is the newest operational online poker market, passing legislation in 2020 and launching in early 2021. This was more than seven years after New Jersey online poker went live in November 2013.
New Jersey joined MSIGA in 2017, two years after Nevada and Delaware entered into the agreement. Michigan joined in 2022, a relatively short timeframe compared to the states preceding it.
Michigan’s entrance has fast-tracked interstate online poker compared to the slow progress made before.
Its first multi-state venture came on Jan. 1, 2023, when PokerStars Michigan combined its New Jersey and Michigan markets. WSOP Michigan became part of a three-state agreement with New Jersey and Nevada in May 2024, and BetMGM marks the state’s third major operator joining forces across state lines.
BetMGM Poker will create a more prominent player pool for New Jersey and Michigan online poker players. By nature, this will result in larger tournament prize pools for both states. It will also add extra competition for the other two multi-state sites in the two markets.
