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Michigan Online Poker Sites

Online poker is legal in Michigan, with the market in the Great Lake State launching on January 22, 2021. There are currently three online poker providers available in MI – BetMGM, PokerStars and WSOP.

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Best Real Money Poker Sites in Michigan 2024

Top Rated Poker
100% up to $1,000
Welcome Bonus
10.0
Casino Rating
Payout Speed
1-8 days
Win Rate
N/A
Banking Options
Visa Mastercard Maestro Creditcard
$25
Welcome Bonus
Pros
  • Live streaming on the site and in the apps
  • Great range of sports with plenty of betting options
  • Free bets offered every week
  • Access to the casino and poker sections
  • Trusted bookmaker with low margins
Cons
  • Withdrawals take at least two banking days
  • Not that many promotions for sports bettors
  • Customer support is not available by phone
9.6
Casino Rating
Excellent
Payout Speed
1-2 days
Win Rate
N/A
Banking Options
Visa Mastercard Skrill Paypal Maestro
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How We Rate
Reputation
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Contents

Michigan Online Poker Laws Summary

The earliest form of online gambling in Michigan launched in 2014 with the Michigan Lottery’s online program. In 2017, Senator Mike Kowall introduced SB 889 with the intention of legalizing online poker and online casinos. This bill died in committee but Kowall and Representative Brandt Iden launched another proposal a year later, grouping SB 203 and HB 4926 under the guise of the ‘Lawful Internet Gaming Act’. Both bills passed the Senate and House respectively but were vetoed by then-Governor Rich Snyder on the basis that online gambling would affect retail gambling revenue.

However, support for gaming in Michigan remained, and in early 2019 Iden and Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. launched identical bills – HB 4311 and SB 186 – once again under the name of the ‘Lawful Internet Gaming Act’. The House Bill was initially opposed due to its potential impact on land-based gaming establishments, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a counterproposal suggesting removing online slot games and raising tax rates, which eventually led to a compromise.

The amended bill comfortably passed the Michigan Senate and was re-approved by the House before Whitmer signed HB 4311 into law on December 20, 2019. The all-encompassing bill, which legalized online gambling and sports betting as well as online poker, came into effect immediately but online poker operators still had to wait for approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. By December 2020, several online casinos had received newly-minted licenses in the state and the Michigan online poker market officially launched on January 29, 2021, when PokerStars MI dealt the first hand.

The Michigan Senate passed SB 991 in October 2020, which allowed the state to merge player pools with other legal states. Originally, MI ran into issues from the outdated US Wire Act, but in January 2021 the courts ruled in favor of the gaming companies and allowed for mergers to proceed in regulated markets. Shared liquidity poker player pools in Michigan finally became a reality on January 1, 2023 when PokerStars combined their MI and New Jersey pools.

How to Play Online Poker in Michigan

Signing up to an online poker operator may seem confusing if you have never gambled online before. However, the process is straightforward – just follow the simple steps below and you’ll be at a virtual table in no time:

  1. Select one of our recommended Michigan poker operators. You can visit your chosen operator on mobile or desktop, or download the relevant app.

  2. Click ‘sign-up’ or ‘register’. This process will be similar across all operators and platforms, and you will need to input personal information such as your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You may also be required to enter part of your Social Security number. Most of the information is required in the same format that is displayed on your driving license or state ID.

  3. Players are then asked to provide a unique username and password, and you may need to confirm your email and identity. New players might also have to provide follow-up documents, such as a picture of their license.

  4. Once all your personal information is confirmed, you can make a deposit on the site. Go to the cashier section, choose a payment method and deposit amount, and follow the instructions to fund your account. Enter any relevant bonus codes and satisfy any welcome bonus deposit requirements to earn maximum rewards.

  5. You do not have to live in Michigan to sign up for a site, but to legally play you must be physically located within MI state boundaries at the time of bets being made. Poker operators verify this by using geolocation services so you may have to allow this on your phone to access the sites.

  6. Use your cash and bonus funds to play your favorite poker games. If you win, revisit the cashier page and follow the instructions to withdraw.

Michigan Poker Bonuses & Promotions

Michigan poker sites offer a range of welcome bonuses for new players. Each site in MI offers players credit to use in free games, plus there are plenty of real money bonuses to take advantage of in the form of no deposit sign up promotions and matched offers.

Visit your preferred Michigan poker site to start building a bankroll using these bonuses:

Welcome Bonus

  • BetMGM bonuses

    • Up to $75 in free tournament tickets on deposit

    • 100% match up to $1,000 on deposit

  • PokerStars bonuses

    • $50 in free tournament tickets (no deposit necessary)

    • 100% match up to $600 on deposit OR play 1 hand and get $50 free dollars

  • WSOP bonuses

    • $25 free on sign-up (no deposit necessary)

    • $25 free on first deposit

    • 100% match up to $1,000 on deposit

Loyalty Programs

  • BetMGM Rewards

BetMGM have replaced their M life Rewards program with two separate reward systems – BetMGM Rewards and MGM Rewards. When playing with BetMGM Poker, you will be operating under the BetMGM Rewards program. These reward points can be redeemed online for cash bonuses or converted into MGM Reward points, which can then be used to secure comps at live venues owned by MGM Resorts.

Players can earn up to 500 BetMGM Rewards points for every $100 paid in rake during cash games, and the same for every $100 paid in tournament fees. Tier credits determine the level of rewards that players receive.

  • PokerStars Chest Rewards

PokerStars’ online Chest Rewards system has six levels of rewards. Each chest has different values, and the higher the Chest Level, the more rewards you’ll win. The number of reward points you accrue within 28 days determines the size of your chest. The system resets after that point.

  • WSOP Loyalty Program

The WSOP rewards program sees players earn Action Player Points (APPs) for various activities. Once you have collected 200 APPs (Bronze Status), you can convert them into WSOP points which are redeemable for playable credit. Every 100 WSOP points earns you $1, but you can only redeem these when you have 1,000 or more WSOP points.

Players receive two APPs for every $1 in rake collected at a table during a standard game, and you will also receive two APPs for every $1 in fees paid during tournaments.

Your WSOP rewards program can be linked to a Caesars Rewards account, meaning players are able to accumulate wagering points across multiple platforms. You can then redeem those points for a prize of your choice, including tournament tickets and free play. You can also redeem cash back or use your points as loyalty points in retail Caesars properties.

Playthrough Requirements

What are Playthrough Requirements?

A playthrough requirement refers to how many times you must wager the bonus amount before you are able to withdraw the bonus funds. Otherwise known as a rollover requirement or a wagering requirement, it is usually presented as a multiplier so the size of the bonus determines the amount you are required to bet. Always check the wagering requirements and T&Cs before depositing any cash.

BetMGM Playthrough Requirements

Michigan poker players looking to take advantage of BetMGM’s offer to 100% match up to $1,000 on deposit must earn rewards points to clear their bonus.

The following terms usually apply too:

  • Funds are cleared in 10% increments and need to be played through 14x.

  • 5.5 reward points are accumulated for every $1 spent on tournament fees/raked in cash games.

  • Players have just seven days from the date of deposit to satisfy playthrough requirements.

PokerStars Playthrough Requirements

PokerStars offers Michigan players up to $600 as a deposit bonus. In order to clear these funds, you must earn a certain number of Redemption Points (RPs):

  • For every $1 in a tournament buy-in or raked cash games, 5 RPs are accrued.

  • Players will receive $10 for every 180 RPs earned.

  • RPs are cleared on every live cash game and also set rates on tournaments.

  • Players have four months from the deposit date to clear the bonus.

WSOP Playthrough Requirements

WSOP offers a 100% match up to $1,000 on deposit and uses its own Action Player Points (APPs) system to track playthrough requirements. These APPs can be gained by playing cash games or real money tournaments.

To clear the bonuses, the following regulations also apply:

  • The first bonus $10 clears at a rate of $1 per 10 APPs.

  • After the first $10 bonus, $50 can then be unlocked at a rate of $5 for every 50 APPs accumulated.

  • The final release rate occurs at $10 for every 100 APPs.

  • APPs are cleared on every live cash game and also at set rates on tournaments.

  • The bonus must be cleared within 60 days.

Michigan Poker Tournaments

Michigan poker sites mainly offer no-limit hold ’em and Omaha-style tournaments. These often include progressive and bounty knockout tournaments. The sites also offer freezeouts, turbos, deepstacks and satellites. Each site runs multiple daily tournaments and generally offer a major event series once a month.

Knockout Tournaments (KO)

Also known as bounty tournaments, knockout tournaments are popular in the poker community. Players earn a predetermined cash prize for every opponent they knock out.

Progressive Knockout Tournaments (PKO)

Progressive knockout tournaments (PKO) are unique bounty tournaments. When a player is taken out by another player, that winner receives 50% of the loser's bounty.

The other 50% is added to the winning player’s own collective bounty. Bounties keep rising every time a player eliminates another, which means that near the end of the tournament bounties can be worth a lot of money.

Live Tournament Satellites

Paying entry to events such as the WSOP Main Event ($10,000) can be a lot of money for players. Online players can instead play in weekly satellites with smaller buy-in qualifying tournaments for as little as $1.

Turbos

For players that do not have all day and night to grind out a tournament, turbos consist of an accelerated format that allows players to finish an event in around four hours. The structures (e.g., blinds, antes and payouts) usually increase every five minutes.

Super Turbos

To take it one step further, super turbos are generally completed in under three hours. The blind levels usually increase about every three minutes. These are perfect events for recreational players that want to kill some time and still make it to work the next morning.

Guaranteed Prize Pools

Online poker rooms will offer guaranteed prize pools for different events. The guarantees can range from $500-$100,000+, depending on the series tournament. The poker operator guarantees that no matter the amount of entries, the prize pool will still be there to win. If there are less players than required to generate the funds, this is called an overlay. That means the poker site is responsible to cover the money needed to fulfill the guarantee.

Special Formats

Some special tournaments such as mixed games, pot limit Omaha, seven-card stud, and other additional games can sometimes be found on Michigan poker sites.

Jackpot Sit & Gos

Jackpot sit & gos (SNGS) are a mix of slots and poker. These small tournaments may include three or four people and offer bonuses that aren't known to the players until the game starts. Each player buys in for a certain amount and plays until there is a winner. At the end, a special prize amount is awarded as a jackpot. These can payout big wins occasionally.

Types of Poker Games Available in Michigan

Online poker sites in Michigan offer many different variations of the popular game. No limit hold ‘em (NLHE) is widely regarded as the most popular, but there are plenty of other options available and sites will sometimes include special variants. These events generally pop up during major series and can be lots of fun to try.

Texas Hold ‘em

Texas hold ‘em can be played in no limit, limit, or pot limit fashion. This is currently the most popular game in the US. You receive two cards in the hole before five community cards are spread across the felt for all players to use. You must use the best five cards to make your hand.

Omaha

The second most popular poker format in Michigan is Omaha. As with hold ‘em, players can play in no limit, limit, or pot limit. Pot limit is the most popular and this is referred to commonly as PLO. Omaha plays almost identically to regular hold ‘em, except a player gets four hole cards instead of two. Out of those four cards, players must only use two in their hand to complete their best five-card hand.

Open-Faced Chinese Poker

One of the newest poker trends in the last 10 years is a game called open-face Chinese poker (OFCP) – a variant of Chinese poker. Players start with five cards and are then given one card at a time until they reach 13 in their hand. Players must make rows of their strongest hands, with three cards in their front row and five cards each in the middle and back rows. Despite its name, the game variation is said to have originated in Finland.

Three-Card Poker

Three-card poker is a table game found in both retail and online casinos. Unlike other forms of poker, three-card is played against the house and not against other players. The goal of the game is for the player’s hand to beat the dealer’s hand.

Stud Poker

One of the oldest forms of poker is stud poker. This game is still popular on the east coast but is generally not played as much online. Stud poker today usually includes seven-card stud. In seven-card, players must make the best five-card hand. Four out of each player's seven cards are exposed to the table face up. Earlier formats included five-card stud, but that game is rarely seen anymore.

How to Deposit & Withdraw at MI Online Poker Sites

When it comes to making a deposit, Michigan poker players have many options to pick from. Regulated sites allow players to choose a method that best suits their needs.

The following are some examples of how deposits can be made:

  • Credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard).

  • Direct bank deposits.

  • Direct cash deposits at physical casinos.

  • eCheck bank payments (ACH transfers).

  • eWallets such as Neteller, Paypal.

  • PayNearMe cash deposits at 7-Eleven and Family Dollar stores.

  • Prepaid/gift cards – Play+ and Paysafecard gift card deposits.

Verifying Banking Methods in Michigan

You need a verified account to make a withdrawal from an online poker site, and you may have to show identification before any withdrawal is processed. Online players may also have to show online paperwork proving where the money is being deposited to and that they own the account which the funds are being sent to. Withdrawals can take up to 5-7 business days to be accessible by the player.

Live Poker Rooms in Michigan

In Michigan, poker players have multiple brick-and-mortar poker rooms to choose from. The Wolverine State also allows for casino poker rooms and charity poker rooms. Each fall under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Casino Gaming Board for regulations and procedures.

The list of active poker rooms in the state include:

Location Address Phone Number
Burton Eagles Poker Room 3317 E. Bristol Road, Burton, MI 48529 (810) 542-3339

Ciccarelli's Sports Bar 46793 Hayes Road, Utica, MI 48315 (586) 495-0055

FireKeepers Casino 11177 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 660-5631

Greektown Casino 555 E Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226
 (313) 309-2465

Island Casino W399 US Highway 2 and US Highway 41, Harris, MI 49845 (906) 466-2941

King's Poker Room 6209 Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 550-7399

Krazy Kopz at Vision Lanes 38250 Ford Road, Westland, MI 48185 (734) 674-4807
Langan's All Star Poker Room 257 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 705-0809
Legends Poker Place of Metamora 3546 S. Lapeer Road, Metamora, MI 48455 (810) 678-3801

MGM Grand Detroit 1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226
 (313) 465-1070

Momo's Poker Room 5841 Telegraph Road, Taylor, MI 48180 (313) 492-2692

MotorCity Casino 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 237-6735

Muskegon Poker Room 1751 Evanston Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 450-2912
Northville American Legion 100 W. Dunlap Street, Northville, MI 48167
 (248) 847-9090
Odawa Casino 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 439-6100

One Eyed Jacks Poker Room 48922 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI 48317 (810) 246-0089
On The Dunes Sports 2055 Haggerty Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390
 (248) 847-9111
Rosemack Poker Room 20791 East 13 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066 (586) 495-0202
Roundtree Poker Room 2203 Ellsworth Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (734) 434-1234
Soaring Eagle Casino 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 (989) 775-5198
The Event Spot Poker Room 5601B W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 282-7724

The New Saginaw Poker Room 5982 State Street, Saginaw, MI 48603 (989) 297-4645
Thompson Poker Room 100 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (734) 881-7181
Waterford Card Room at 300 Bowl 100 S. Cass Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
 (248) 912-5108

Westgate Poker Room 4486 Alpine Avenue NW., Comstock Park, MI 49321
 (231) 580-4929


Future of Online Poker in Michigan

The state of online poker in Michigan is a bright one. With over 10 million residents, a booming live scene and big-name online operators, the state has huge potential. A major boost in poker popularity is also expected to occur now that PokerStars has merged its Michigan player pools with New Jersey.

Michigan Online Poker Responsible Gambling Resources

Michigan has set up a free gambling helpline for crisis intervention and referral to treatment. Trained and experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or online to provide immediate help to address issues related to gambling disorder, including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups.

Michigan also runs a self-exclusion program, which anyone can enter from any online casino. This program will prevent people from registering with any gambling operator in the state and stop them from receiving gambling marketing material.

FAQs

Is online poker legal in Michigan?

Yes, online poker is legal in Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting into law on December 20, 2019. The first online casino launched on January 22, 2021.

How old do you have to be to play online poker in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, players must be 21 years of age to play online poker.

What do I need to play online poker in Michigan?

Players trying to sign up for online poker in Michigan need a valid government-issued license, social security card, valid email, and validated bank account.

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

Players must be physically located in Michigan to play online poker. Online poker sites use geolocation services to pinpoint a player’s location in the state. Players must have location services enabled on their devices to play.

What are the legal online poker sites in Michigan?

Currently Michigan online poker sites include WSOP.com, PokerStars and BetMGM.

Are online poker sites in Michigan safe?

Online poker sites in Michigan are safe and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The MGCB imposes strict regulations on financial safety measures and responsible gambling support.

Are there multi-state player online poker pools in Michigan?

As of January 1 2023, PokerStars became the first online poker operator to offer shared player pools when they merged their Michigan and New Jersey networks.

Can you compete in the WSOP in Michigan?

Players can compete for online poker bracelets in Michigan. WSOP.com hosts online bracelet events exclusive to Michigan players.

Do I have to pay taxes on online poker winnings in Michigan?

Yes, players are responsible for declaring their online poker winnings in Michigan on their 2-WG tax forms every year. Michigan sportsbooks may also hold a percentage of your money for tax purposes.

Can I play poker online outside of Michigan?

Players can currently play online poker outside Michigan in other legally regulated states. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Delaware.

Can I play poker online against people in other states and countries?

While in Michigan, online poker players can only play against people from other states or countries using the same operator if they are physically located in the Wolverine State at the time of game.

Do you have to be in Michigan to play at a Michigan legal online poker site?

Yes, Michigan online poker players must be physically located within state boundaries to play poker in MI.

Who regulates poker in Michigan?

Online poker is currently regulated in Michigan by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, (MGCB).

Which online poker sites will be available in Michigan in the future?

At this time, there is speculation that RUSH Street interactive has the potential to open an online poker room in Michigan and could be the next operator to launch in MI. Rush St currently oversees BetRivers online gaming.