Will Michigan Governor Approve Interstate Online Poker?
- Michigan could be the fourth state to have interstate online poker in 2021.
- The Wolverine State has passed legislation and is awaiting approval by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
- Online and mobile gambling platforms will launch in Michigan in January.
DETROIT – A bill that would make interstate online poker playing legal in Michigan is now sitting on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk awaiting approval. Whitmer can either sign off on the bill, veto it, or do nothing.
If she decides on the latter, Michigan will turn Senate Bill 991 into law by default.
Should the Governor approve through action or lack thereof, gambling in Michigan on poker will be able to see this offering available to sometime in 2021. January will see the launch of mobile casino and sports betting applications for the Wolverine State. Interstate poker could be integrated into these platforms seamlessly when the time comes for interested operators.
Currently, Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey are the only states participating in this form of gambling, giving residents the ability to play poker amongst each other. Pennsylvania is expected to roll out interstate poker soon, as they already have legal online poker and this would be the next step in giving their gaming industry an added boost.
With the legislation passed, Michigan will likely be the next state added to the list, making them the fourth to legalize interstate poker.
What Happens After Michigan Is Approved?
Even if the Governor turns MI SB 991 into law, there are still many things that need to take place before an official launch can occur for eager poker players in Michigan. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) will have to enter an agreement with the states already involved in interstate online poker to properly add themselves to that club.
After that, poker operators for the Wolverine State will get to choose whether they want to offer interstate poker with their platforms and incorporate the correct software to do so within their applications before going live.
Until these three things happen, legal online poker in Michigan will remain something that can be done by players residing within the state.
Platform roll outs for casino gaming will be happening in the coming weeks. Players can get a feel for using the state-affiliated gambling applications until they are given the opportunity for what looks like it could be later in the year to play against gamblers in other states during internet poker tournaments.