BetMGM merges poker player pools across New Jersey and Michigan
Gaming-led operator hails interstate development as a “landmark day,” with the combined adult population in both states topping 14 million
BetMGM has combined its poker player pools in New Jersey and Michigan, a move both the operator and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) labeled as “significant” for the evolution of online poker in the US.
The New Jersey-based JV between MGM Resorts International and Entain submitted its multi-state poker submission form to the MGCB at the end of May, asking to comingle poker pools between both jurisdictions.
That approval saw the shared liquidity agreement come into effect from November 6, giving the operator access to a combined adult population (over 21) of more than 14 million. BetMGM Poker is also available in Pennsylvania.
As part of the announcement, BetMGM Poker will host the BetMGM Poker Online Championships from November 17 to December 1, which will feature $2m in guarantees, nightly trophies, and a series leaderboard.
BetMGM Poker also recently rolled out an upgraded app with a streamlined login journey and a refreshed lobby in all its markets.
Alongside the merged pools, which BetMGM hailed as a “significant milestone”, the operator notes there are additional omnichannel opportunities with MGM’s casino properties.
For instance, online players can qualify for three live events: the Borgata Poker Fall Mini-Series from November 11 to November 17, the National Harbor BetMGM Poker Fall Festival from November 20 to November 24, and the ARIA Poker Open from December 4 to December 22.
The latter is a new tournament that includes BetMGM’s $1m Winter Championship from December 13 to December 16.
On the merging of liquidity across New Jersey and Michigan, BetMGM vice-president of gaming Angus Nisbet said: “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.”
Meanwhile, MGCB executive director Henry Williams commented: “This authorization 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.”
New Jersey joined the poker liquidity-sharing pact, known as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), in 2017, while Michigan signed up in 2022.
BetMGM’s announcement follows Caesars Digital-owned WSOP pooling players in three US jurisdictions, Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey, back in May – becoming the first operator to do so, although Caesars announced three months later it was selling the WSOP brand to GGPoker parent company NSUS Group for $500m.
Online poker is legal in eight states – Nevada, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan – though no operators have launched the vertical in Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, and West Virginia due to their modest populations.
Last week, October 31, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) launched a new online poker offering, BetRivers Poker, built from a B2C poker platform the company snapped up in 2022.
RSI acquired Run It Once Poker for almost $6m from high-stakes pro and poker coach Phil Galfond.
BetRivers Poker initially launched in Pennsylvania and has plans to expand into other US jurisdictions.
This looks set to include Delaware, which is part of the MSIGA and where RSI holds exclusive rights with the state’s lottery to offer online sports betting and icasino.