Michigan Online Poker - Best Real Money Poker Sites in Michigan 2023
In December 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that finally legalized online poker in Michigan. We were waiting for a long time to see this happening, but we have to show a bit more patience. It will take a bit more time before legit Michigan online poker sites become available.
In addition to online poker, the new legislation opens opportunities for casino gambling and sports betting as well. It’s possible for poker sites to be launched after regular online casinos and sportsbooks. That’s because those two types of gambling bring more revenue and taxes to the state.
Best Online Poker Casinos for Michigan Players
Speaking of taxes, the poker operators will be subjected to a tiered tax structure, following the same principles of the online casino industry. The tax for providers starts at 20% for providers that generate less than $4 million, and it goes up to 28% for those that generate more than $12 million.
So keep saving money to gamble; you’ll have a great thrill from the comfort of your home.
For now, we’re left with liberal legislation and great expectations for playing online poker for real money in Michigan. Although the market is in its infancy, there’s a lot to talk about.
Which Brands Will Offer Online Poker in Michigan?
In January 2020, The Stars Group secured a license for online gambling in Michigan. We expect to see PokerStars launched soon. It’s almost certain that PartyPoker will enter the market, and WSOP/888poker is expected as well. Maybe we won’t have plenty of options, but the most popular real money poker websites are expected to show up.
PartyPoker
MGM Grand Detroit partnered with New Jersey brand PartyPoker to provide a tested and proven online platform for Michigan players.
The brand was established in 2001. It offers popular progressive slots, roulette, all-table games, and live casino rooms. Poker games take up an entire category on the website.
PokerStars
PokerStars is one of the best poker sites for U.S. gamblers. The Stars Group reached an agreement with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority soon after online poker was legalized in Michigan.
PokerStars is currently available for players from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but the player pools are “fenced in,” which means that they aren’t shared between the states.
PokerStars is mainly a poker room, and it attracts the largest number of players in a legitimate way.
Why Should You Opt for Legal Online Poker Sites?
Under the new regulations, the Michigan Gaming Control Board will be responsible to license, regulate, and ensure the safety of online gambling. This is a big plus for residents who want to play poker from any location:
- They can be sure that they are using a secure site, which will not leak their private information.
- The Gaming Control Board guarantees that the websites that operate under its license protect their players with high safety standards and procedures. They must secure the player’s funds and ensure fair payment, in accordance with the terms and conditions.
- You can use convenient banking methods without being afraid that your bank will call you about risky transactions. You will have the online poker PayPal option, too. You don’t get that payment method on sites licensed abroad.
- If anything happens and you don’t get the money that you won, you can take the company to court, and you’ll get legal protection.
Yes; websites with off-shore licenses are available. Although many of them are outstanding and maintain their reputation well, they cannot offer you the same level of security as the ones that legally operate in the state.
Now that top recommended poker sites are legal in Michigan, there’s no point in seeking alternatives.
Will Michigan Join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association?
The governors of Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey signed an agreement and formed the MSIGA in March 2015. This agreement’s purpose is shared poker liquidity. That does not affect the revenue of the states, but it enables players from different locations to compete against each other.
The MSIGA gave an opportunity for the World Series of Poker – branded online poker site to accept players from these three states.
So far, no other state has joined the pact. We know that Michigan’s players would love to join the WSOP online, but so far it remains unclear if they will get that chance.
There was a clause in the suggested bills for online gambling, which would’ve made interstate collaboration possible and easy. However, it was abandoned before the bill was signed. The reason was that the lawmakers did not want to legalize multi-state progressive jackpot slots.
Michigan Online Poker overview: How Will the Games Work?
From what we know so far, Michigan online poker rooms will be fenced-in. It means that the players from this state will only face each other. The sites will verify identification documents, so they will make sure the players are at least 21 old. They will also rely on geolocation technology to make sure that all users play from within the state. Using a VPN is strictly prohibited!
The providers will let you play on tables for various types of poker. You’ll be able to join tournaments, too. The best online gambling sites offer live dealer games, too.
Poker Variations
It’s still early to claim what the best poker sites will offer for Michigan players. It’s safe to assume that we’ll see the most variations of poker:
- Texas Hold’em
- Pot-Limit Omaha
- Seven-Card Stud
- Razz
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- 2-7 Triple Draw
- Five-Card Draw
- Chinese poker
- HORSE
- Badugi
Since all online casino games besides poker are also legal, you’ll also be able to play video poker as soon as these websites launch.
Poker Mobile Apps – How to Play on Mobile
Both PartyPoker and PokerStars have downloadable apps that work for iOS and Android devices. They give you all the updates and leaderboards, so you’ll keep pace with the gambling community. These apps will also allow you to play poker on the go.
The PartyPoker app is especially good, since it gives you a selection of tables, multi-table tournaments, live events, freerolls, and sit & go events.
PokerStars has a great selection of games through its app as well. Knockout Poker is its highlight – you get a reward for each player you eliminate.
Once you choose an app, you will use the same username and password to log into the profile that you created on the real money sites. You’ll get access to your balance, and you’ll be able to choose a game.
When you play poker online on your smartphone, it’s important to be on a safe network. We do not recommend using public Wi-Fi, which could expose your private info.
Online Poker Bonuses and Rewards
Michigan online gambling sites will be able to offer free play to welcome new players.
We can’t know for sure what bonuses and rewards will be available for the players from this state. However, they will probably be similar to the offers available for the current users of the platforms.
At the moment, PokerStars offers a 100% first deposit bonus, up to $600. There’s another bonus program, which gives $30 for free play on a deposit of $20 or more. The players activate it through a bonus code.
PartyPoker gives up to $30 for free play on spins. Those who deposit $10 get $10 in tickets, and those who deposit $20 get $30 in tickets. The platform’s Refer a Friend program is awesome; it gives you cash back payments on the funds they spend at real money tables.
Casino Banking Methods
Since Internet poker is legal in Michigan, its residents will be able to use all types of payment methods without being afraid that they would get a call from their bank.
The methods that are available on the sites we expect include MasterCard, Maestro, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, PaySafeCard, Diners Club International, fast bank transfer, and more.
Where Can I Play Poker Live in Michigan?
Michigan has three major hotel-casinos and a huge number of tribal casinos. All of them have poker rooms for gambling with real cash. Poker rooms are also available in the charity model. You can play card games in casinos, lodges, bars, and individual poker rooms.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel is the most popular destination for seasoned players. They can participate in midmajor tournaments series there.
If you can’t wait for online poker to become available and you’re ready for the real experience, you can choose from these venues:
- MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Gun Lake Casino
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Greektown Casino Hotel
- Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
- Bay Mills Resort & casino
- Kewadin Casino
- MGM Grand Detroit
- Ojibwa Casino Marquette
- Ojibwa Casino Baraga
About the Legislation Regarding Online Poker in Michigan
Michigan has a long history of legal gambling. The State Lottery was legalized in 1972, and horse race betting was available even earlier – since 1933. In the 1990s, all other forms of gambling became legal.
But when the industry started expanding online, Michigan, like most other states in the country, remained silent. In 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4311, which enabled the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to start licensing online casino games.
The main concerns were about legal online poker destroying the lottery revenue. That’s why the lawmakers were discussing taxes for several months. Finally, the Lawful Sports Betting Act was created and signed under HB916. It regulates the taxes that the providers will pay to the state. It enables commercial and tribal casinos to offer online sports betting and casino games. Fantasy sports contests were also legalized under HB4308.
The future is bright for all forms of online gambling in Michigan. Now that we have the legal framework, we have to stay patient. Playing online card games for real money is expected to become available in 2021 since the coronavirus pandemic set the implementation back.
FAQ
- Is it legal to play online poker in Michigan?
- Yes! In December 2019, online poker was legalized and the Michigan Gaming Control Board got permission to issue licenses. That being said, legit platforms are still not available. There are some hints on the sites that we can expect, but we’ll have to be patient.
- Do poker sites accept PayPal, PayNearMe, and Skrill?
- Yes; legal poker sites will accept eWallets, cards, bank wire, and other payment methods. The choice of deposit and withdrawal methods varies from site to site.
- How to get bonuses and play with them?
- First, read reviews that enable you to compare the bonus programs between different platforms. Choose the one you like and read the terms. Bonuses and rewards come with specific regulations, which require you to play through the amount before you’re able to withdraw.
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