DraftKings launched multi-state online poker across Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Key Takeaways
- DraftKings launched its multi-state poker product July 8.
- Michigan is carefully growing its multi-state gaming portfolio.
- DraftKings' expansion could spur broader participation in multi-state online poker.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced DraftKings met all the state’s regulatory requirements to operate a multi-state internet poker platform. The product operates in Michigan through its partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community.
“This approval reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams said. “As Michigan’s multistate poker network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring every operator meets the same high bar for fairness, security, and player protection.”
As of last Wednesday, DraftKings offers its multi-state platform in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The network could eventually expand to Delaware, Nevada, West Virginia and other states that participate in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), subject to regulatory approvals.
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Path to expansion
The Wolverine State joined the MSIGA in 2022, looking for a way to expand the Michigan online casino sector. Until then, Michigan’s online poker players could only play among themselves. The MGCB approved PokerStars on FanDuel to connect Michigan players to a multi-jurisdiction poker network in April.
Unlike most online casino games, online poker needs a critical mass of live players. In online poker, players don’t play against the house or the site, they play against each other. The more players on a site, the more games and tables the site can offer - and the better they can attract even more players. For players, it increases the likelihood that they can find a game to their liking.
By creating the MSIGA, states open up the player pool, benefiting both providers and users. Michigan has embraced that approach while maintaining its regulatory oversight. In its announcement Monday, the MGCB stated, “DraftKings’ approval reinforces the MGCB’s commitment to enabling legal, regulated gaming opportunities while upholding responsible gaming practices and ensuring the integrity of the industry.”
