With budget shortfalls and a shift in entertainment demand, Michigan could be the next big online poker hotspot.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to put pressure on state economies, Michigan is looking to the online gaming industry—specifically, online poker—as a potential source of much-needed revenue. And the timing couldn’t be better.
Currently, only Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have legalized online poker. But that list may soon grow, with Michigan and West Virginia in the process of laying the legal and regulatory groundwork for internet-based poker within their borders.
While West Virginia may face hurdles due to its smaller population base, Michigan stands out as a promising market, boasting a population larger than New Jersey’s. With a strong gaming infrastructure already in place, the state could become a significant player in the U.S. online poker scene.
Regulatory Work Underway
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is actively developing a framework of rules and regulations for online gaming. Despite staff working remotely due to the pandemic, the agency’s efforts remain on track.
“The agency cannot license casinos nor applicants that will support their online betting operations until the administrative rules are promulgated,” said Mary Kay Bean, MGCB Communications Specialist. “We will share applicants’ names after we’ve completed vetting them and are ready to seek licensing approval from the five-member board. We expect online sports and casino-style betting to become available early next year.”
This sets the stage for online poker to launch in early 2021, assuming no major delays.
Industry Players Already Positioning
Several big names in gaming are preparing to enter the Michigan market through strategic partnerships. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority, which operates three casinos in the state, has already signed a key partnership agreement. Meanwhile, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan’s largest casino, is planning to bring its existing online poker platform—already operating in other states—into the local market.
These moves show strong interest from both tribal and commercial operators, signaling that once regulations are in place, Michigan’s online poker industry could launch quickly and grow fast.
