BetMGM Poker has become the third US operator to offer multi-state online poker. The company announced it is merging player pools in Michigan and New Jersey on Wednesday. Both states are a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows online poker networks to share liquidity and players in participating markets.
The two-state network went live Wednesday afternoon after morning maintenance.
Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams discussed the latest development for BetMGM Poker in a press release.
“This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries. We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
New tournaments available through NJ merger
As the launch of merged pools for BetMGM Poker takes place, the operator is offering special promotions to kick things off.
BetMGM Poker will host its biggest tournament series to date starting Sunday, Nov. 17. The BetMGM Poker Online Championships will run November 17-December 1 and feature $2 million in guarantees, nightly trophy events and a series leaderboard.
BetMGM VP of Gaming, Angust Nisbet, commented on the new availability in a press release.
“This is a landmark day for our poker product as we combine player pools in select markets. With the introduction of shared liquidity, we’ve listened to players’ desire for more games and larger prize pools. By showcasing our best-in-class omnichannel experience – spanning property, sports betting and online casino – we’re committed to providing an unparalleled poker experience for our players.”
The arrival of merged player pools brings additional omnichannel poker opportunities with MGM Resorts properties. Players in Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania can win their way to the following events:
- Borgata Fall Mini-Series (November 11-17)
- National Harbor BetMGM Poker Fall Festival (November 20-24)
- ARIA Poker Open (December 4-22)
Merger strengthens multi-state poker
Michigan is the newest operational online poker market, passing legislation in 2020 and launching in early 2021. This was more than seven years after New Jersey online poker went live in November 2013.
New Jersey joined MSIGA in 2017, two years after Nevada and Delaware entered into the agreement. Michigan joined in 2022, a relatively short timeframe compared to the states preceding it.
Michigan’s entrance has fast-tracked interstate online poker compared to the slow progress made before.
Its first multi-state venture came on Jan. 1, 2023, when PokerStars Michigan combined its New Jersey and Michigan markets. WSOP Michigan became part of a three-state agreement with New Jersey and Nevada in May 2024, and BetMGM marks the state’s third major operator joining forces across state lines.
Despite Nevada and Delaware having the oldest ties to MSIGA, Nevada only has one online poker operator (WSOP), and Delaware currently has zero. West Virginia joined in November 2023 but has no licensed operators, and Pennsylvania began negotiations in October to become the sixth member in the agreement.
Bigger player pools to come
BetMGM Poker will create a more prominent player pool for New Jersey and Michigan online poker players. By nature, this will result in larger tournament prize pools for both states.
It will also add extra competition for the other two multi-state sites in the two markets.
PokerStars was the first to go live in Michigan and has maintained an edge in both states, even before becoming the first multi-state operator. Despite having Nevada in its corner, WSOP.com has not gained market share in 2024. BetMGM now has a chance to put itself under a brighter spotlight.
Additionally, BetMGM positions itself for a three-state solution when Pennsylvania can join. Pennsylvania is the second-largest online poker market in the US, second to Michigan, and would likely reclaim the top position once it abolishes its ring-fenced laws.
Future competition and markets on the horizon
Undoubtedly, Pennsylvania would make the most significant impact on the multi-state online poker landscape. Joining the likes of Nevada, New Jersey and Michigan would make a stronger case for other states to follow with proof that the model works.
BetRivers Poker launched in Pennsylvania on October 31 and should follow suit in Delaware later this year. The site uses software acquired from Run It Once Poker, founded by Phil Galfond.
BetRivers should seek licensure in New Jersey and Michigan if the launch goes well. It already operates online casinos and sportsbooks in both states.
Given its market size, West Virginia will look to multi-state poker as soon as it goes live.
Delaware and West Virginia would have a much smaller effect than Pennsylvania on MSIGA traffic and revenue. Still, all three entrances could result in a five-or-six-state online poker site.
It’s taken some time to get here, but as Ernest Hemingway wrote, “change happens slowly, then all at once.”
