BetMGM was authorised to operate shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games between Michigan and New Jersey yesterday (6 November).
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said the authorisation of the shared liquidity was implemented in line with the state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
The MSIGA is a pact between five states, Michigan, New Jersey, Delaware, Nevada and West Virginia, that aims to share players across state borders, thereby boosting the liquidity of online poker games.
The pact has helped created the largest shared liquidity pools since the pre-crackdown online poker grey market of the 2000s, which saw players pool liquidity on an international scale.
MGCB executive director Henry Williams said: “This authorisation 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.”
BetMGM applies to launch inter-state poker
According to the regulator, BetMGM submitted a Multi-State Poker Submission Form to the MGCB in late May, which requested the ability to share multi-state internet poker games between Michigan and New Jersey.
Games covered under the authorisation included No Limit Hold’em, Fixed Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha Hi, Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi, and Fixed Limit 7-Card Stud Hi-Lo.
The MGCB said any new online poker games must be submitted to it for approval.
Angus Nisbet, BetMGM VP of gaming, added: “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.”
Michigan joined MSIGA in May 2022, approximately eight years after it was first agreed in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania is likely to become the latest member of the group after state regulators entered into negotiations to join last month.
It follows Caesar launching a three-state poker pool, the largest legal sharing scheme in US history, in May through its rebranded WSOP Online business.