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.
Ladbrokes has continued to leverage HungryBear’s Slot Masters series by gaining an exclusive launch for Genie Jackpots Rapid Rounds, which utilises IP from Blueprint Gaming.
The latest installation in HungryBear’s free-to-play multiplayer slot series is the first title to incorporate instant prizes, turning away from the series’ typical leaderboard format for a ‘significant shift in gameplay’.
Players will only be able to access the latest Slot Masters title via Entain‘s Ladbrokes’ platform, as part of an ongoing collaboration between HungryBear and the UK operator.
Grant Alexander, Head of Gaming Product Marketing at Ladbrokes, commented: “Launching Rapid Rounds is a natural evolution of the immensely popular Slot Masters multiplayer game. The instant win mechanic adds a whole new layer of excitement for players, and we’re excited to offer this exclusive experience at Ladbrokes.
The online casino supplier called upon IP from Blueprint Gaming’s Genie Jackpots to develop the title, building on an existing relationship between the two UK-based studios.
Last year, the two suppliers came together to launch Slot Masters versions of classic Blueprint Gaming slot releases.
Alexander added: “By utilising Blueprint Gaming’s legendary Genie Jackpots as the foundation, we’ve created an experience that feels familiar yet offers something entirely fresh.”
Ladbrokes continues to leverage HungryBear’s Slot Masters series for added gamification on its UK online casino platform, having offered players the chance to win various prizes using the game’s multiplier format in recent years.
Additionally, the two companies have collaborated on exclusive Slot Masters titles before Genie Jackpots Rapid Rounds, launching football-themed title Clash of the Day last year.
Following that activation, HungryBear CEO and Founder Justin Chamberlain praised the firm’s partnership with Ladbrokes, stating: “We’re proud to have taken our partnership with Ladbrokes to the next level. The operator was among the first to back the Slot Masters concept, and we value their trust in deploying this latest sports version.”
