Key Highlights
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- Michigan gaming authorities have granted FanDuel permission to launch interstate online poker connecting players across Pennsylvania and New Jersey as of April 1, 2026
- The poker platform will be branded under PokerStars, partnering with MotorCity Casino for its Michigan operations
- In 2022, Michigan became part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement alongside five additional states
- February figures show Michigan’s online gaming sector generated $313 million in total revenue
- Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal includes new gaming levies projected to generate approximately $200 million annually
Michigan’s Gaming Control Board has given the go-ahead for FanDuel to launch multi-state online poker services, enabling Michigan-based players to compete against users in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This authorization became effective on April 1, 2026.
The poker service will be delivered through the PokerStars brand in Michigan’s market. FanDuel has partnered with MotorCity Casino to establish its presence in the state.
According to regulatory officials, the authorization followed a comprehensive evaluation of FanDuel’s adherence to Michigan’s gaming regulations. The company successfully satisfied all criteria necessary for interstate internet poker operations, the MGCB confirmed.
Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, expressed confidence in the platform for Michigan participants. “FanDuel has demonstrated its reliability as an operator within Michigan’s gaming ecosystem,” Williams stated. He emphasized that identical regulatory standards applicable to all licensed gaming operations in Michigan would govern this service.
Previously, poker enthusiasts in Michigan were restricted to playing only against fellow residents within the state’s boundaries. The broadened player network promises enhanced game variety and more substantial tournament offerings.
Michigan’s Participation in Interstate Online Poker
Michigan became a signatory to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022. Other participants in this compact include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
The MSIGA framework permits licensed operators to combine player pools from different states while preserving individual state regulatory authority. FanDuel has now secured approval to operate within this structure in Michigan.
“FanDuel’s approval reinforces the MGCB’s commitment to enabling legal, regulated gaming opportunities while upholding responsible gaming practices,” the regulator said in a statement released on Wednesday.
This development provides Michigan poker enthusiasts with entry to a significantly expanded competitive environment. The approval also aligns FanDuel with competing operators already providing interstate poker services throughout the region.
Market Performance and Tax Proposal Developments
This regulatory approval comes as Michigan’s online gaming industry continues demonstrating robust financial performance. February data revealed $313 million in total online gaming revenue for the state.
While this represented a 12.2% decline from January’s figures, the numbers still underscore the market’s substantial scale. Online casino operations accounted for $273.1 million of the total, with sports wagering contributing $39.9 million.
Year-over-year comparisons show online casino revenue climbing more than 25% from the previous February. Sports betting revenue experienced a modest decrease compared to the same timeframe. The aggregate activity produced more than $55 million in state tax collections.
Michigan currently hosts fifteen operators managing online gaming platforms. The state has established itself among the nation’s most significant regulated online gaming jurisdictions.
Simultaneously, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced modifications to the state’s online gaming tax structure. Her budget blueprint incorporates a per-wager charge on sportsbooks, beginning at 25 cents for the initial 20 million bets and increasing to 50 cents beyond that threshold.
This framework resembles the system Illinois has already implemented. Online casino operators with more extensive operations could experience their tax obligation increase from 28% to 36% if the proposal advances.
Whitmer’s strategy would additionally eliminate the ability for operators to deduct promotional free play offers. State administrators project these new levies could produce nearly $200 million yearly designated for Medicaid funding.
Gaming industry operators have voiced opposition to the suggested tax escalations. Legislative bodies have yet to render a verdict on whether to adopt the plan.
