Interstate Online Poker Launches in Michigan

A couple of years ago, three (3) states entered into an agreement that would allow each respective state's online poker players to play online poker with players from the other states. The agreement, known as the Multi-state Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), was signed by legislators and regulators in Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada.

The effects of this agreement have been nothing but positive for online poker players in the aforementioned states. It ensures that they will always have access to plenty of online poker players with which they can compete. It also ensures that poker tournaments will have larger prize pools due to higher participation rates.

Michigan Signs to Get in on the Action

It's been a year in the making, but now online poker players in Michigan can enjoy the same kind of online poker-playing access. With the signing of the MSIGA by Michigan online gambling regulators, Michigan poker players can play poker against players in other states where the MSIGA agreement has been signed.

It's worth noting that states not aligned with the MSIGA are required to restrict online poker playing access to online poker platforms that provide services on a state-by-state basis. From an avid online poker player's perspective, that kind of access is too restrictive. U.S. online poker players prefer more and better competition with the promise of bigger tournament prize pools. What they don't like is empty tables in the wee hours of the morning when they are ready to play poker. Interstate access eliminates these kinds of issues.

What This Means for Online Poker Players in Michigan

Prior to the signing of the MSIGA, a normal weeknight would find an average of 900 Michigan players signing on to play online poker in Michigan. In just a short two weeks since the agreement was put in place, that number of players has more than doubled to nearly 2,000 players a weeknight. The numbers are much higher during the weekends.

This is all being managed through the PokerStars network, which offers online poker-playing services to millions of people all over the world. In the states, this puts PokerStars at a big advantage over competing online poker platforms like WSOP.com and the BetMGM poker network. Surely, these online poker operators will be looking to create similar agreements in the future. It's important to give end-users what they want in terms of online gambling access.

Driving Up Perks for Online Michigan Poker Players

While the iron is hot, PokerStars has decided to give Michigan online poker players more value for their wagering dollars. In line with the launch of interstate poker in Michigan, PokerStars has beefed up its bonus menu.

First, they are now offering new Michigan customer access to a choice between two strong welcome offers. Both of these offers come with matching bonus components and free tickets for tournament play. The operator is also offering access to a new selection of tournament options with larger guaranteed prize pools and half-price buy-ins. All of this is in the offering to ensure that Michigan online poker players will stay loyal to the PokerStars brand now and in the future.