DraftKings Launches Multi-State Poker in Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania After MGCB Approval
DraftKings has become the latest operator to join Michigan's multi-state online poker market, giving players in three states access to a shared player pool.
DraftKings has received approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to offer multi-state online poker in Michigan, allowing the operator to combine player pools across Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The platform officially went live on July 8.
In a press release, the MGCB said that DraftKings met all regulatory requirements to conduct multi-state internet poker.
This approval reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement.
“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.”
Michigan’s Shared Liquidity Market Continues to Expand
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022. Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are also members of the compact. Connecticut also explored joining the agreement last year, although legislation to do so ultimately failed to advance.
DraftKings could eventually expand its shared player pool into Delaware, Nevada and West Virginia if it obtains the necessary approvals in those jurisdictions.
Before joining MSIGA, Michigan poker players could only compete against other players located within the state.
The launch marks another significant development for online poker players in the three states. In June, Playtech debuted its iPoker platform through FanDuel’s PokerStars integrated product. The Playtech-powered network also spans Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, adding another competitor to the growing shared-liquidity market.
DraftKings Also Debuts in Alberta
The Michigan press release came on the same day DraftKings launched its online sportsbook and casino products in Alberta, as the Canadian province opened its regulated multi-operator iGaming market.
DraftKings was among 22 platforms that went live on July 13, alongside operators including FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365. The launch made Alberta the second Canadian province, after Ontario, to adopt a competitive online gambling framework.
For DraftKings, the new launches underscore the company’s continued expansion across North America’s sports betting and iGaming markets, even as it has increasingly turned its attention to the emerging prediction markets sector. Earlier this year, the company’s sportsbook also launched in Arkansas.
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