Top Online Poker Sites in Michigan

BetMGM Poker in Michigan

You can play via your device browser with the fantastically designed website or download the mobile app in the Google Play Store or App Store. Either way, you’ll have access to over 70 daily poker tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from $0.25 up to $535. 

BetMGM poker also runs on a rewards points program, where players can win cash prizes and exclusive buy-ins just for taking part. And because BetMGM operates over 20 luxury resorts in Las Vegas and beyond, you can cash in your rewards in person to give you that VIP feeling with every visit. 

New players also have a lot to gain, with a poker-specific welcome offer of a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 and up to $75 in tournament tickets.

Caesars Casino Poker in Michigan

While it doesn’t have an online poker section like BetMGM, Caesars went one better by acquiring the World Series of Poker (WSOP). This includes a dedicated online poker hub where you can download software for your mobile or desktop, make a deposit using trusted payment providers and access a world of tournaments and cash games. 

Just for signing up, you’ll be eligible to collect a no-deposit $25 in free play and a further $25 in free play by making your first deposit. Once you make your first deposit, you’ll also be eligible for seven $100 freeroll tickets. If you prefer to stick to Caesars online casino, you can play video poker with a risk-free welcome offer when you deposit $10 or more.

Borgata Poker in Michigan

Borgata online poker is part of the brand’s gambling verticals, including a sportsbook, an online casino, and a bingo site. The poker division offers a great range of games and invites players in with a dedicated poker welcome offer of a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 and up to $75 in tournament tickets. 

If you think this sounds similar to BetMGM’s offer, it’s because it is. Borgata is owned by the MGM group, which should give players that extra layer of reassurance. Borgata is friendly to new players, hosting a mini-poker academy for those still learning. 

Their tournament section is loaded with events for all kinds of players, including free rolls and seasonal tournaments for all budgets and risk appetites. Like all quality sites, Borgata has dedicated poker software to streamline your playing experience. You can download it onto your PC or laptop or use the mobile app. 

BetRivers Poker in Michigan

BetRivers offers players in Michigan a top-of-the-range online casino packed with slots, table games, and video poker. While you won’t find a dedicated poker hub with cash games and tournaments, BetRivers has a wide selection of different video poker machines. 

These generally operate on a five-card poker model, and although many confuse them with slot games, they function very differently. The return on your money and odds of winning a hand are higher than any slot spin. In June 2022, BetRivers launched live dealer games with Evolution Gaming, which also meant a new online poker experience. 

Live Ultimate Texas hold ’em and three card poker joined the ranks, giving players a truly immersive experience. If you choose to play poker online at BetRivers online casino as a new customer, you’ll qualify for the $250 welcome bonus offer. 

Golden Nugget Poker in Michigan

The Golden Nugget, or “The Nugget” as it’s affectionately known, is home to one of the most famous poker rooms in Las Vegas. Most televised High Stakes Poker is streamed live from the infamous High Roller Suite. But the dynamic is a little different if you rather take things online. 

You can choose between video poker and live dealer poker, but there isn’t a dedicated poker hub as you’ll find with sites like BetMGM and Borgata. The live dealer section comes very close to replicating an in-person visit to this Las Vegas institution, allowing players to choose between ultimate Texas hold ’em and three-card poker, 24 hours a day. 

A look at Michigan Online Poker Laws

It’s no secret that the US is far stricter regarding offline and online gambling laws than many other parts of the world. Luckily for MI residents, it’s one of the more relaxed states with regard to gambling legislation - including poker. 

In fact, in January 2021, Michigan became just one of five states in the US to allow online poker, overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. This includes video poker machines, live poker tournaments and cash games, and live dealer poker games. 

Of course, the adoption of online poker wasn’t an instant process, and the range of poker operators in the state continues to expand today. Today, players and visitors can choose from several websites and apps offering a selection of popular poker styles. These include Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-card stud, Five-card draw, High Low Chicago, HORSE, and Chinese Poker. 

Casino gambling operations approved in MI

The state was granted legal gambling status in 2019, allowing online sports betting, land-based casinos, and online casinos. The lottery, horse betting, and daily fantasy sports accompany these. 

In short, no gambling vertical’s off limits in Michigan, with both brick and mortar and online operators flooding the state to compete on odds, bonuses, and game range.

Where can you play online poker for real money in MI?

There are several places to play online poker in MI, but your choice will depend on what kind of poker you’re after. The first thing you need to do is decide if you’re looking for video poker, live dealer poker or a dedicated online cardroom. 

Video poker and live poker are available at every online casino in Michigan, but online cardrooms are a little less common. The first online cardroom to offer its services to Michigan players was PokerStars, and it's still thriving today. 

But PokerStars soon began collecting competitors, with BetMGM Poker, Borgata Poker, and the World Series of Poker MI forming a top-quality range of options for locals.

History of Online Poker in Michigan

• In 1996, Michigan opened its first land-based casinos, giving locals a legal place to gather for a good game of poker.
• In 1997, the Michigan Gaming Control Board was established to oversee several forms of gambling, including poker.
• 2019 was the biggest year in Michigan's online poker history, as a house bill was passed that allowed operators to offer several online gambling services in the state - and online poker was one of them. 
• In 2021 online casinos were also legalized, giving MI players the option to try out live dealer games and online video poker. 

How Big is The Online Poker Market in Michigan?

You might think states like New Jersey dominate the online poker scene, having been one of the first and most established legal online poker states. 

But Michigan recently obtained an edge over the other states when Caesars Casino launched WSOP MI. The World Series of Poker is a big brand with a huge following. 

It stirred up plenty of excitement amongst the state’s poker enthusiasts, stirring many of them into action. According to poker fuse news site, WSOP MI’s three online poker rooms grossed about $2.5 million in May 2022. This placed its profits ahead of those generated by New Jersey, its biggest online gambling competitor.

New Michigan Online Poker Sites in 2023

The most established online poker sites / online cardrooms in Michigan are PokerStars, BetMGM, Borgata, and WSOP MI. This is already a lot more variety than in most other US states. Remember that this selection doesn’t include the range of live dealer poker and video poker options found at Michigan’s legal online casinos. 

It’s safe to say that online poker in Michigan isn’t sitting still, with month on month profits causing largescale international operators to pay attention. There are a couple of new dedicated online poker sites that are on the cards for the Great Lake State, launching very soon. 

• PartyPoker - PartyPoker is often more active behind the scenes, lending its platform to other operators like BetMGM. Now the time has come for PartyPoker to strike out in its own right. For a long time PartyPoker was the most popular place to play, but over time its popularity became eclipsed by PokerStars. Many are expecting a huge comeback, increasing its market share as a platform, as well as under its own brand. This online cardroom can be found in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with its Michigan site going live sometime in 2023. 
• 888Poker - This site has developed a great reputation for itself thanks to high-speed cash games and tournaments backed by generous player promotions. Currently, 888Poker is only live in New Jersey. However, the operator is looking to expand into additional legal states, and Michigan is at the top of the list. Of course, launches such as these aren’t quick, and they require copious amounts of legal, due diligence, digital infrastructure, planning, and manpower. That’s why we don’t have a launch date yet, and we’re likely to remain in the dark for a while longer. 

Where can I play Live Poker in Michigan?

Michigan is a land of opportunity when it comes to online gambling, and that includes poker. If you want to test your skills and take a seat in a live poker game in MI, you’ll have a number of options, both in-person and online:

• Land-based casinos - All of Michigan’s land-based casinos feature card rooms. There are about 30 brick and mortar casinos in the state, most of which are Native American tribal casinos. However, there are three state-licensed casinos located in Detroit. Once you pick a venue, you’ll be able to sign up to live poker games and play in person with a range of buy-in options and poker styles.
• Online casinos - There are plenty of big-name online casinos in Michigan. These include BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, Golden Nugget, WynnBET, PointsBet, Stars Casino, and Barstool. You can play several types of video poker or live dealer poker online on each of these sites. 
• Online card rooms - If you want to stick with online poker, it doesn’t get better than dedicated poker card rooms. Michigan has the best ones in the business, allowing registered users to play live poker against other players in both cash games, sit and go, and tournaments. Choose from BetMGM, Borgata, WSOP MI, or PokerStars.

Other Online Table Games in MI

Where there’s an online casino, there are table games. Michigan online casinos are no exception, playing host to a series of table games ranging from the classic to more novelty and niche options. Here’s a little more information on the most popular table games in MI.

Michigan Online Blackjack

As one of the few table games that give the player an increased edge, blackjack is immensely popular all over the world. It’s also one of the few games that benefit from the players skill, where multiple blackjack strategies can be employed. In Michigan, there are no restrictions on blackjack. 

You can play at a land-based casino table or online from your PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. If you choose to play online, you’ll have access to more tables and a wider range of blackjack styles. Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Face Up 21, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and Spanish 21 and all very popular types of video poker. 

Live dealer poker opens things up further with exciting varieties like Infinite Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack, Power Blackjack, and much more.

Michigan Online Baccarat

Baccarat is the most popular casino game in Asia, accounting for over 80% of the money wagered in Macau casinos. But this banker and player game doesn’t gather up the same level of monetary in Las Vegas casinos, coming in at about 20% of all gaming revenue. 

Whether you play baccarat online or at one of Michigan’s land-based casinos, the rules remain the same. You’ll be treated to the online bonuses and more choices with online casinos, but keep an eye o the bonus terms, as baccarat is often excluded from gameplay with bonus cash. All of Michigan’s land-based and tribal casinos feature baccarat tables, where the rules are exactly as you might expect for standard baccarat play. 

Michigan Online Texas Hold'em and Ultimate

Two of the most popular forms of poker at Texas Hold’em and Ultimate Texas Hold’em (UTH). In fact, such is the demand that they’re the two main versions of the game found on all major online casinos as video poker or a live dealer game. 

While Texas Hold’em is the most recognized version of the game, UTH is the format it takes when it’s moved out of a cardroom. Instead of playing against other players, you’ll be pitted directly against the house. 

The betting system takes some getting used to, and you’ll have to choose when to bet during each hand. It’s the most strategy you’ll get out of online casino poker, and it also offers some seriously big prizes. For example, a royal flush is often worth 500x the bet. 

You’ll find UTH at all of Michigan’s land-based casinos, as well as online with sites like BetMGM, Caesars and Golden Nugget. 

Are Michigan Online Poker Sites Safe?

So long as you stick to online poker sites that operate legally in Michigan, there’s nothing to worry about. Licensed and approved sites must pay licensing fees and operate under the state’s strict legal requirements. 

They’re subject to frequent checks and audits to ensure player safety and player fund protection. On top of all this, Michigan poker sites come fully encrypted, protecting sensitive data and financial information. A reputable site offers players a choice of payment options, including e-wallets, which prevent the site of viewing your banking details. 

The only thing to watch out for is misleading advice from online sources, many of which will attempt to persuade you to register and play at poker sites not yet legal in MI. Should you choose to play with these sites, you’ll forgo the opportunity to seek jelp from legal authorities if things go wrong. 

Are There Michigan Online Poker Mobile Apps?

Online poker apps are seeing rapidly increasing demand all over the world. Online poker lends itself very well to a phone display, making it very comfortable for players to sit through a lengthy tournament. 

Another obvious benefit is that apps make it easy to play on the go and from any location with a WiFi connection. Poker apps are generally available for iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, and Macs) or Android devices (mainly used on phones, tablets, and laptops from Google and Samsung). 

For iOS apps, users must visit the App Store, and for all android apps you’ll need to find the Google Play Store on your device. These are some of the best apps for playing online poker and online casino games in Michigan.

Casino App	iOS Compatible	Android Compatible	Rating (1-5)
BetMGM	Yes	Yes	4.5
Borgata	Yes	Yes	4
Golden Nugget	Yes	Yes	3.5
WSOP MI (Caesars)	Yes	Yes	4
PokerStars	Yes	Yes	4
DraftKings	Yes	Yes	4.5
Barstool	Yes	Yes	3.5
WynnBET	Yes	Yes	4.5
BetRivers	Yes	Yes	4
PointsBet	Yes	Yes	3

Best Payment Methods for Online Poker in MI

Deciding the best payment methods for Michigan players depends entirely on their priorities and needs. A great online poker or casino site offers multiple options, including e-wallets, bank transfers, and debit cards. These are some of the most popular options:

• Debit and credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are always available. Sometimes Discover and American Express are accepted too. 
• Online banking and bank transfers allow players to conduct transactions without using an intermediary service provider.  
• Prepaid cards like Play+ are offered by some gambling sites, allowing bettors to acquire a physical card that links directly to their gambling account and can be used for ATM transactions and retail purchases. 
• E-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill and extremely popular because they offer players the option to hide their financial information from the gambling site for increased security.
• PayNearMe is sometimes available for players who prefer to fund their casino or poker accounts using cash. This is generally only a deposit option.

How We Rank Online Poker Sites in MI

The first rule of choosing a poker site in Michigan is selecting an operator with a legal Michigan license. We can’t consider operators that aren’t approved by the state, even if they are fantastic places to play. 

Narrowing the range of poker and casino sites available can be daunting; we utilize a few benchmarks to help us rank the sites and root out the bad from the good.

• Game options - A truly great poker site or online casino has a strong game library loaded with multiple types of poker and gambling games from a the best game providers in the business. When it comes to live poker, the more tables, the better, to avoid frustrating waiting times.
• Promos and offers - If you’re a poker bonus lover, you need a site that goes beyond a great welcome offer. The on-site promotions page should be fully stacked with deposit match bonuses, tournament tickets, leaderboard contests, and more. All of this should come wrapped up with fair wagering requirements and bonus terms.
• Payout speed - Aside from a solid range of payment options, the gambling site must also have a dependable payments team. These are the people who approve your withdrawal requests, and an overwhelmed site can slow down your payout rate.
• Reputation - As a rule of thumb, the longer the betting site has been around, the safer it is. That’s because it’s stood the test of time, paying out winnings and sticking to applicable laws. You’ll also have a decent record of player reviews to go through.
• Functionality - The content could be great, but if it’s too hard to navigate around the site, you won’t have a great experience. While the website should be top notch, it’s even better if it also comes with an iOS or android app.

Michigan Online Poker FAQs