BetMGM has been authorised by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to enable shared liquidity for multi-state internet poker games between the US states of Michigan and New Jersey.
Under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), the authorisation will allow players from both states to play online poker against one another, a move which the MGCB says should “boost the overall gaming industry and create new opportunities for players”.
BetMGM, the platform provider for MGM Grand Detroit in the Wolverine State, submitted a Multi-State Poker Submission Form to the state’s gambling regulator back in May, which has now been approved.
“This authorisation represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries,” commented Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.
“We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
Games that BetMGM will be able to its players through the multi-state authorisation include 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.
However, any new internet poker titles must be submitted to the MGCB for approval.
Angus Nisbet, VP of Gaming at BetMGM, noted: “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.”
BetMGM now joins the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians with the World Series of Poker (WSOP), as well as the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians with PokerStars, as multi-state operators in Michigan.
WSOP – whose brand intellectual property rights were recently sold by Caesars Entertainment to NSUS Group – was authorised by the MGCB for multi-state play earlier this year in May, while PokerStars was approved in January 2023.
Michigan has been a part of the MSIGA since May 2022. Other states that are part of the agreement include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia.
More states could soon be added to that list, as last month, Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro asked the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to begin the process of joining the MSIGA.
Greentube has continued the expansion of its services across North America after going live with its first customer in the US state of Connecticut.
The customer, who has not been named, will gain access to a variety of the supplier’s titles in the Constitution State, including Piggy Prizes Wand of Riches, Starlight Jackpots and Athena Goddess of War.
“We are delighted to continue our US expansion and bring our content to Connecticut, a state that has quickly embraced the potential of igaming,” commented Michael Bauer, CFO at Greentube.
“It is our goal to support our customers in as many US states as possible. Therefore, this launch ensures our titles will reach a wide audience, offering players the chance to experience the unique entertainment that defines the Greentube brand.
“This go-live is an exciting new venture, and we look forward to forming additional partnerships in the state in the near future.”
The digital gaming and entertainment division of NOVOMATIC has been licensed in Connecticut since February last year, growing its presence in North America where it is already present in the US states of New Jersey and Michigan, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.
Earlier this month, Greentube agreed to a partnership with the operator Hard Rock Digital, bringing its roster of slot releases to the Hard Rock Bet casino platform in New Jersey.
In addition, the supplier recently announced a content agreement with FanDuel, initially partnering with the Flutter Entertainment brand in Michigan and New Jersey, with Connecticut to follow.
Greentube also has a deal in place in Ontario with Caesars Digital, bringing its selection of gaming titles to Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino players in the Canadian province.
