Online poker players in Michigan now have access to even bigger prizes thanks to WSOP’s launch of an interstate pool with New Jersey and Nevada.
As previously reported by PlayMichigan WSOP was on track to merge with those two state before the end of the month. Now, the wait is finally over.
On Saturday, WSOP and Caesars Entertainment announced the official launch of its consolidated online poker platform, WSOP Online.
With the tri-state launch, WSOP MI became the first poker operator to pool liquidity across three US jurisdictions.
“The best is yet to come for WSOP Online tournaments, and we’re thrilled to bring Michigan players into the fold with Nevada and New Jersey, resulting in a better experience, more value, and the biggest prize pools of the year,” said Danielle Barille, Vice President of Online Poker at Caesars Digital in a press release.
Previously, PokerStars Michigan had launched an interstate pool with just New Jersey.
Until the merger, WSOP MI had solely operated within The Great Lakes State since it gained entry in 2022.
MGCB: tri-state pools “another opportunity for online poker collaboration and innovation”
On Tuesday morning, the Michigan Gaming Control Board sent out a press release announcing its approval of WSOP’s multi-state pool.
“By offering seamless connectivity between players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada, the Board’s approval of Caesars’ platform establishes another opportunity for online poker collaboration and innovation,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
“Michigan citizens can anticipate a safe, secure gaming environment — in what will likely be a larger pool of online players — as they engage in World Series of Poker games across state borders in a responsible manner.”
In Michigan, Caesars is the authorized platform provider for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The MGCB said Caesars made the formal request to share pools with New Jersey and Nevada in late April.
The press release said the MGCB has authorized Caesars to “offer Texas Hold’em and Omaha Internet poker games, along with variations of those games. Any new Internet poker game(s) must be submitted to the MGCB for approval.”
WSOP upgrades, greater prize opportunities inbound with new platform
As part of its official rebrand to WSOP Online, the new tri-state platform comes with several welcomed additions.
On the players’ side, Caesars says users can expect exciting new features, bigger promotions, and weekly tournaments. The latter, in particular, will boast its deepest player pools yet.
Upgrades are also coming on the operational side. Here, players will have access to four-table capabilities on mobile, multi-flight re-entry tournaments, in-app gift drops, and updated game options.
If not for the platform upgrade, the historic merger would not have been possible. In order to share liquidity and become compatible with WSOP MI, both New Jersey and Nevada needed to update their software.
“This platform upgrade is long overdue and is a big win for our players,” Barille said.
To celebrate the revamped platform, players will receive a complimentary entry into a $100,000 player appreciation freeroll No Limit Hold’em event for making a deposit between May 28 to June 29.
Bracelet schedule also revealed
There are 30 online bracelet events packed into WSOP’s loaded summer schedule, which runs from June 1 to July 21.
The highly-sought-after gold bracelets will be up for grabs every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, including during the new $10,000 WSOP Online Championship on July 11.
WSOP Online will also play host to satellites to qualify for land-based tournaments, with entry fees starting at $1. On the flip side, big spenders can compete through the online portal, too.
Five high-roller events will take place, each in a hybrid format with a different start date. The finals for each of the five contests will run live in Las Vegas at the WSOP.
The first events begin online on June 18 and June 29, with the final six players from this section meeting live on July 14.
Those starting on July 10 and 11 will play live on July 15. The final event, which begins July 13, will see its remaining six contestants meet in person on July 17.
Michigan, which boasts the top online poker market in the US, should be well-represented come this summer.
