All three major U.S. online poker operators now offer shared liquidity, following BetMGM’s approval to offer a combined platform in Michigan and New Jersey. The updated site went live on Wednesday, and BetMGM now joins WSOP Online and PokerStars in offering online poker pools across multiple states.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said the move would allow players from both states to participate in online poker games on a larger scale, providing “a more engaging and competitive experience.”
“This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries,” MGCB executive director Henry Williams said. “We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
BetMGM applied for multi-state poker in May, and is now allowed to spread several games including no-limit hold’em, limit hold’em, and various formats of Omaha and seven card stud. Any other new games must be submitted to the MGCB for approval.
Larger player pools are expected to create bigger prizes for those competing on the platform. However, U.S. online poker has stagnated a bit lately, according to state revenue reporting. PokerStars began operating shared liquidity between Michigan and New Jersey in 2023 and WSOP Online began pooling players in Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan in 2024.
The country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) allows states to engage in shared liquidity. Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan are all members. Pennsylvania has yet to join, but Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has indicated the state is now working towards it.
Delaware and West Virginia are also members of the MSIGA, but have yet to see any operators go live. In March, West Virginia Lottery executive director John Myers predicted that at least one online poker operator would enter the market this year.
Two other players have also entered the U.S. online poker market recently. DraftKings launched a sit-n-go style poker game in Michigan in August and in Pennsylvania in October. Rush Street Interactive and BetRivers also launched online poker in Pennsylvania in late October.