Lawmakers voted in December 2019, and then again in April 2021, legalizing both online casino games & online poker throughout the state. The governor signed off on both bills, making it official that internet gaming & mobile sports betting are now legal in MI. And licensing of operators began this year with an official launch date in January of 2021. So, you’ll now be able to play at multiple legal card rooms like the top ranked site above.
Our team of experts have decades of online gambling experience. We were some of the first writers covering offshore online poker back in the early 2000s. As well as writing about the US industry since 2006. So, when looking at the new options for players located in Michigan, we thoroughly examined every aspect of each site. Including software, game selection, security features, bonus offers, banking methods and customer support systems. So, you can pick an operator with confidence, knowing it measures up across the board.
Best Online Poker MI Sites 2023
See the list of poker sites available to Michigan players.
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Online Poker Michigan Sites
You will find a list of the best real money online poker Michigan rooms below. All are operated by big-name companies which also run major land-based casinos around the country and indeed worldwide. Therefore, you get premium poker client software, with smooth gameplay, great features and plenty of game variants and stakes to choose from.
The operators listed below have all been licensed and certified by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGM). This means they have undergone strict security testing in order to legally offer real money online poker in the state. You can therefore enjoy tournament series, big guaranteed events and cash games with peace of mind.
We’ve only included Michigan gambling poker sites that hold licenses within US laws. Thus ensuring you get a legal poker room that adheres to local regulations and provides a safe user experience. It goes without saying, but we always recommend avoiding unlicensed and unregulated poker sites. Not only are they illegal, but they often provide sub-standard service and put your personal data at risk. Stick to our recommended MI poker online sites and you won’t go far wrong.
How We Ranked the Best Poker Sites in Michigan
When it comes to choosing a poker room for real money action, there are many factors to consider. While some players prioritize a wide range of games, others look for lucrative bonuses or soft competition. Here at PokerListings, our evaluations are based on a number of key criteria. By scoring each factor out of five, we can compare different room objectively. Below, you can see the categories we assess when reviewing online poker sites in Michigan.
If you don’t have time to read our detailed poker reviews, the scores we give in these categories can help you quickly spot the best sites. Besides game variety, software and bonuses, we always check licensing and security credentials first. After all, your safety must come before anything else. Once those boxes have been ticked, we analyze the range of games and how they perform on smartphones and tables. Additional factors such as deposit bonus offers, promotions and reward schemes are taken into account too.
As Michigan shares liquidity with other states, player pools are connected to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which includes Pennsylvania and Delaware. So, you’ll benefit from one of the biggest player bases in America right now. With more states expected to join in the coming years. Traffic levels are comparable to Californias separate network. Making it the second biggest in the US behind only New Jersey. Which in turn is boosted by its fusion with the global poker giant, partypoker . More information on traffic can be found here:
1. Software and Graphics
You should expect slick software when you play poker online in Michigan. Licensed operators have to pass stringent technical standards checks. So gameplay, including speed and integrity of game results, will be up to standard at all legal sites. Our experts assess the appearance and customization options of the lobby, seating options, table pointers, betting sliders, avatars and cards sizes. Animations, sound effects and music are also considered, as these can affect the overall playing experience.
There are several reputable software providers that supply poker operators in the US. Such as global leaders like , and Intertain (owner of BetOnline, Tiger Gaming and Sportsbetting.ag). As well as indives and networks such as Revenue Giants and Chico Poker Network. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. So you’ll find variations in regards to graphics, filters, hot key capabilities and statistics.
Michigan Online Poker Apps & Mobile Compatibility
All of the leading poker platforms originally started out as physical venues. With names like MGM, Caesars and MotorCity boasting bricks and mortar casinos, they know what it takes to deliver a premium gambling experience. In terms of online poker software, all of the big brands possess their own technology. However, a few share liqudity between networks, which we cover below in our guide to the .
Poker games and tournaments are fully compatible with iOS and Android devices, thanks to web play and downloadable apps. You can access all of the leading poker sites through a mobile or tablet browser, as well as download native apps from the app store. Another option for iPhone, iPad and Android users is to download a fully functional private network app. We explain more in our guide to the . If you want to dive straight in, .
2023's Best PA Casino Sites - Our Top Ten Online Casinos Ranked2. Poker Games Available in Michigan
Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular poker variant played live and online. Therefore, you’ll find an abundance of cash games and tournaments using the format at Michigan poker sites. Yet, as an licensed operator, you’ll get to choose from a wider range of poker game variations. Including Seven Card Stud, Razz, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Omaha.
It’s not just variants that you can spread. You can also mix them up by playing mixed games, such as HOSE (Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Stud, 8-or-Better). Some sites even allow you to create your own favorite poker game mix. Or should we say brew? One player on the partypoker US network once offered the patented “Beer Game”. A sit and go where you win a beer for every bust, up until a jackpot prize for winning.
Cash Games
The beauty of a legal Michigan online poker room is that it can spread any variant, limit or format. So there is scope for high stakes pros to battle each other on huge tables with advanced stats and customizations. Or for amateurs to play six-max $10 NLHE with no stress SPAMing the table. You can even sit at the same table with players from other states. Thanks to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Although, there are no cross-border tables at this time.
One big advantage at a large shared liquidity network, is the scope for cash games. There will naturally be more players searching for tournament prizepools, so smaller sustainably staked cash games may struggle at peak hours. However, head over to a separate cash game lobby, and you’ll find a world of opportunity. Including sites with mostly recreational players on them—like PokerStars PA—and others with a more even split of fish and sharks, like partypoker.
Some of the Michigan poker rooms offer fast fold poker, where you’re transported to a new table with a fresh hand every time you fold. This maximizes the amount of action and sees you straight up in the running for pots. It’s particularly good for beginners who might find themselves overwhelmed by the speed of a standard Michigan cash game table. It can also be fun trying to master the nuances of short-handed and heads-up cash poker games. So take a seat and try some small and medium stakes today.
Best Online Slots Casinos of 2023 – Top Slot Sites for Real Money3. Tournaments & Freerolls
Sit and go tournaments are an essential component of a thriving online poker ecosystem. They come in all shapes and sizes, from two players up to hundreds. Heads-up, single table, multi-table – the works. There’s non-stop action available 24/7 on the Michigan poker network. The satellite tournaments where you can play your way to higher buy-event via a series of smaller tournaments.
In fact, with its vast player pool, you’ll find a full schedule of weekly and monthly Michigan series. Complete with Main Events and millions of dollars in guaranteed prizepools. You can qualify for these major events for just a few dollars through a series of satellite tournaments where you can play your way to higher buy-in events via a series of smaller satellites.
These big tournament series take place regularly throughout the year at PokerStars MI, and at partypoker there’s a weekly Sunday SRSR (Super Regional) tournament where you can play for a ringtail tiger shirt and trophy, plus a chair, cooler and other SWAG—worth up to $5,000—if you win! Plus, during the summer months, partypoker runs its famous and life changing . Satellites for this start from just $1 and I guess we can call it life changing because partypoker will even throw in a $30k package for your friend too!
☝️ Is It Legal to Play Online Poker in Michigan?
Yes. Following the passing of Senate Bill 0029 and House bill 4308-4310, Governor Whitmer signed off on regulations to make online poker and casino games legal in the Wolverine State. This was signed into law in December 2019 and took effect from March 2020. Operators could then apply for licences to go live in Jan 2021. DraftKings became the first to do so, with BetMGM, WSOP.com and others following soon after.
That means residents and visitors can now play online poker in MI legally and safely. Across a selection of top brands. So you can compete against players from other regions too, as part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Which connects playerpools in Michigan, New Jersey, Delaware and soon Pennsylvania.
4. Generous Welcome Bonuses & Promotions
New customers are treated to a very warm welcome at Michigan’s best online poker rooms. That includes deposit matches, free tickets to tournaments and Twister SNGs, plus some valuable bonus cash. Indeed, there are plenty of opportunities to grab additional value along the way courtesy of loyal player promos.
Free Penny Slots To Play Online - Plus 4 Top CasinosWelcome bonuses at legal online poker sites in Michigan are generous. Typically in the form of a deposit match release when you play real money hands or tournaments. So unlike a sportsbook sign up bonus where you get a lump sum, a poker welcome bonus will be released in increments. Usually $10 for every $50 in player reward points earned. You can earn points by paying rake or fee on shared or private cash games and tournaments. Or sometimes just by entering a tournament or sitting at a cash game table (rake free/charged to the pot).
Most welcome bonuses expire after 90 days, so it pays to jump in and get familiar with the lobby, cash tables and tournament tab asap. You’ll need to make a deposit to trigger the offer and meet a minimum play threshold. If you don’t hit the requirements in the first 90 days, your bonus funds will expire. But if you clear it, the cash is immediately available in your withdrawable balance.
5. Customer Service and Support
Getting access to reliable and helpful customer support is another vital consideration when picking a poker site. On busy tables, nothing is more frustrating than having a query and waiting ages for a reply. So we test response times for common issues using phone, email and live chat functions where possible.
Fortunately for players in Michigan, the poker sites we recommend all have strong reputations for quality customer service. In addition to having efficient support channels, licensed poker sites will also provide a wealth of resources to improve your game, protect your account and stay in control of your playing habits. These can include game strategy guides, playing tips, videos, chat guidelines, responsible gambling tools and self-exclusion options.
regional Rivalries
With legalized online poker in more US states, regional liquidity sharing compacts have been formed. Michigan online poker players get the benefit of four states currently linked together, creating bigger prize pools and more game variance. Here’s a quick rundown of the other members of MSIGLA besides the Wolverine State.
New Jersey
Atlantic City has been at the forefront of US online gambling ever since Black Friday. The first regulated skins launched in November 2013 and it remains the biggest market. The main poker sites in NJ are PokerStars, partypoker, BetMGM, 888poker and Betfair. Whatsmore, the market has developed a reputation for innovative products, such as mobile Encore Boston Harbour.
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Legislated in October 2017, online poker in PA went live the following summer. Due to a joint agreement between Mount Airy and American Athletic Club, PokerStars became the only operator offering poker. During peak hours, it seems the site spreads around 100 tables across all variants and limits - mainly Hold’em and Mixed Martings. Of course, when PASCOC forges its own liquidity Compact and/or PokerStars is allowed to run promotions, Pennsylvania will receive a significant boost.
Delaware
The first state to go live with regulated poker after Black Friday, with just three racinos offering 888poker. NV and NJ overtook Delaware in terms of revenue due to larger population sizes and PokerStars absence. Although, when PASCOLC formed, it helped close the gap, benefitting from the large player base in New Jersey alone. The only poker games available are No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. With the highest stake being $3/$6.
Advantages of Online Poker in Michigan
- Convenience: The obvious reason is the freedom to play poker from anywhere in Michigan. As long as you’re within state borders, you can log in and take a seat at the table. Unlike brick and mortar casinos, you don’t even have to get changed — you can play while on the couch in your pajamas.
- Bonuses and promotions: Online poker operators in Michigan use bonuses and promotions to attract new customers. This means you can take advantage of deposit matches, freerolls, and other perks to boost your bankroll.
- More game options: While every licensed site is required to offer Tennessee Valley Authority poker variations, you’ll find even more at the legal card rooms. Like seven-card stud, razz, five-card draw, and lowball.
- Lower costs: Online operators don’t have the same overheads as brick and mortar casinos. Consequently, they aren’t charging you extra to play. You’ll tend to find lower rakes and tournament fees on the internet, thus giving you more opportunities to profit.
- Security: Your online poker site will be protected with SSL encryption and various other security protocols. Provided you keep your login details safe and secure, the law of large numbers suggests it’s highly unlikely you’ll suffer a loss as a result of someone else fraudulently. Added to that, the ePayments methods accepted by trusted sites further reduce risks associated with making payments online.
History of Online Poker in Michigan
The state has had its fair share of legislative hurdles before finally becoming the latest state to legalize online poker and gambling in Dec 2019. Lawmakers still have to approve operator licenses and agree commercial and tribal revenue splits. Technicals of going live during the COVID pandemic also needed addressing. So it wasn’t until January 2021 that online poker sites could officially launch.
There’s certainly an appetite among Michigan’s 10 tribes and the three casinos for online gambling. Especially after seeing the success of neighboring states, Indiana and Ohio. Former governor Rick Snyder included language in his 2018 budget proposal to legalize iGaming. Even attaching a tax rate. Although the legislature didn’t approve the plan, it showed there was momentum building. Senator Curtis Hertel Jr introduced bills to regulate online poker and casino games in 2019.
The Long Road to Regulation
After amendments, the Language was attached to nearly 500 other bills and finally signed off by the House (101-9) and Senate (33-4) in December. Governor Whitmer then signed off on bills 4308, 4310, and 4311, sending them to the Attorney General for publication in the State Register. A 28 day period commenced before they would take effect on 01 March 2020.
Operators then had until midday on January 30, 2021 to submit a $40,000 license application fee. Contracts for online gaming platform providers, Internet gaming managers, online gaming service providers and online gaming suppliers must have been received by the Division by February 1st, 2021. Anyone submitting an application after these deadlines would be charged a late fee of $1,000 per month.
Thanks to the delay in receiving applications, remote gaming was launched on January 22, 2021. Initially, ten of Michigan’s 12 Indian tribes partnered with operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, and WSOP.com. Plus, the three commercial casinos also applied for licenses.
- December 4, 2018 – Legislation is introduced to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.
- April 3, 2019 – Bills are passed by the Senate with a 35-2 vote.
- May 2, 2019 – Five house committees convene for a joint committee on Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming act.
- June 5, 2019 – Approved by the House with a 71-38 vote.
- December 4, 2019 – Final approval in a 33-4 vote by the Senate. Later the same day signed off by the House in a 101-9 vote.
- January 15, 2021 – Applications to offer online poker and casino games open.
- January 22, 2021 – Online gambling launches in Michigan.
Security and Fairness of Michigan Poker Rooms
Security is at the heart of all licensed online poker sites in Michigan. Firstly, state regulators only grant licenses to established operators who can prove their abilities to maintain a safe and fair playing environment. Then there are various technical security measures, starting with SSL encryption.
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll have a number of tools at your disposal to set spending limits and time restrictions. This helps with responsible gambling, which is another crucial element of online poker sites operating according to legal and regulatory guidelines.
Online Casinos With Fast Payouts - Play in 2023Secure Deposits and Withdrawals
First things first, you can trust the recommended Michigan poker sites to handle your money securely. Not only are they regulated to hold your deposited balance separate from their operating funds. But you’ll also benefit from SSL encryption when making payments and eWallet and pre-paid card options.
SSL encryption ensures all transactions take place in a secured area of the site. Furthermore, you can avoid using debit cards by using convenient alternative payment methods. These include convenient eWallets like PayPalMI, which you can easily load up and withdrawal directly from. You can also use prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard, to deposit and withdraw cash at retailers.
Avoid Illicit Operators
Any website that hasn’t been granted a license to offer poker in Michigan is operating illegally. That doesn’t necessarily mean their software is rigged or that your money will be stolen. Many offshore sites have gotten away with offering their services in the past. However, you cannot guarantee the software is fair, and you have virtually no comebess if things go south.
By sticking with trusted Michigan poker operators, like those featured on this page, you know you are getting a fair game and have protection if something isn’t right. If you have any concerns about the service or experience a problem, you can contact the operator, and the will step in to arbitrate a resolution. You won’t get that kind of protection with an illicit online poker operator.
Cities in Michigan
Residents in all cities across Michigan state can access the state’s top poker sites. That includes college towns like Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Kalamazoo. As long as you’re located within the Wolverine State, you’ll be free to fire up the best legal poker mobile apps and desktop clients.
- Ann Arbor
- Battle Creek
- Bay City
- Benton Harbor
- East Lansing
- Flint
- Grand Rapids
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Lansing
- Marquette
- Muskegon
- Saginaw
Can You Play Michigan Poker Sites from a Mobile Device?
All of the operators we recommend have excellent mobile poker apps. Either in the form of a downloadable app or HTML5 web app. You can get involved in tournaments and cash games, redeem bonuses, and climb the leaderboards with ease. For more info, check out our dedicated guide to the .
Do Michigan Poker Rooms Offer a Bonus to New Customers?
Absolutely. You will find that the top Michigan poker rooms offer various types of welcome bonuses, including deposit matches, cash backs, and free tickets to tournaments. Check out the individual reviews on this page for more details on the offers currently available to new players.
New Casinos to Try in 2023 (and 4 to Avoid At All Costs)Tips for Deeper Runs in Michigan Online Poker Tournaments
Naturally, the basics remain constant, regardless of whether you’re in a live poker tournament or battling it out online. You need a solid understanding of hand rankings, bet sizing, position, stack management and opponent analysis. But there are certain advantages to playing online, such as being able to use a hole card reader, like an aid to enhance your focus on player behavior patterns.
However, when it comes to lasting the distance and improving your chances of finishing in the money, there are certain strategies that are more suited to online poker. By minimizing luck and external variables, such as reads on a player’s facial expression, you can impose more discipline on your game and stick to a more mathematical approach. Check out our comprehensive for more info.
More on Online Poker
We hope you found all the information you need to get started with legal Michigan poker. If you have any questions about our rankings, the methodology we used to compare card rooms, or simply why you should play online instead of at local poker nights, check out the following pages.
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Is online poker in Michigan legal?
Yes. Governor Whitmer signed bills 4308, 4310, and 4311, sending them to the Attorney General for publication in the State Register. Provided you are aged 21+ and physically located within the state, you can access the best regulated real money Michigan poker sites.
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Who can play online poker in Michigan?
You can trust the recommended Michigan poker sites to handle your deposited balances separately from their operating funds. Not only are they regulated to hold your deposited balanced separately from their operating funds. Anybody aged 21+ and physically located within the Great Lake State can access the best regulated real money Michigan poker sites.
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What is the best Michigan poker site?
The best Michigan poker site is the one that suits your preferences regarding game formats, software usability, and bonus offers. So we list the top operators on this page offer generous bonuses, big player rewards, and a diverse selection of cash games and tournaments.
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Where can I play online poker in Michigan?
There are ten of Michigan’s twelve Indian tribes who have partnered with operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, and WSOP.com. Plus, the three commercial casinos also applied for licenses when online gaming was finally launched on January 22, 2021.
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Can I play online poker in Detroit Michigan?
Yes, you can play online poker in Detroit Michigan if you are physically located within the state’s borders. Under the laws passed in December 2019, you don’t have to be a resident, just within state lines and over the age of twenty-one.
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What poker sites offer Michigan?
Several . They include BetMGM, DraftKings, WSOP.com, PokerStars MI, and partypoker MI. You’ll find a selection of exciting games on each site, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud Low.
