MGCB Authorizes DraftKings Multi-State Poker Launch

DETROIT: DraftKings has launched multi-state internet poker in Michigan after approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The launch connects Michigan players with poker pools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, expanding regulated online poker liquidity for DraftKings customers.

The MGCB announcement said DraftKings launched the multi-state poker product on July 8. The platform is operating in Michigan through the Bay Mills Indian Community, which serves as the company’s Michigan operator partner for the poker product.

MGCB Says DraftKings Met Requirements

The regulator said it approved DraftKings following a review of whether the company met requirements to conduct multi-state internet poker. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said the approval reflected the regulator’s process and its partnership with Bay Mills MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said the approval reflected the regulator’s process and its partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community.

“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,” Williams said.

The approval gives DraftKings access to a larger pool of online poker players than a Michigan-only product would allow. Shared liquidity can help online poker operators offer larger tournaments, more cash-game availability and a wider range of tables.

Michigan Joined MSIGA in 2022

Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022. The agreement currently includes Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Before Michigan joined the agreement, players in the state could only play online poker against other players physically located in Michigan. Multi-state poker allows approved operators to combine player pools across participating states, subject to regulatory approval.

DraftKings’ launch currently connects Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The approval adds another operator to Michigan’s growing multi-state online poker network and reinforces the state’s position in regulated U.S. internet gaming.

Player Protection Remains Focus

The MGCB said the approval supports legal, regulated gaming opportunities while maintaining responsible gaming practices and industry integrity. The agency also directed players to responsible gambling resources, including 1-800-GAMBLER and Michigan’s self-exclusion tools.

The move is a market development as well as a regulatory milestone. Online poker has often depended on player liquidity, and multi-state approval gives operators a stronger base for games and tournaments while keeping activity inside regulated channels.

For Michigan, the DraftKings launch shows the practical effect of joining MSIGA. For DraftKings, it expands the company’s poker footprint in three major regulated online gambling states.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation