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Online Poker in Michigan | The Best Poker Sites for MI Players

Written by Jennifer Newell
Last updated on

Michigan online poker has entered a new era of opportunity. Since joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), the state's regulated platforms now offer bigger prize pools, tournaments, and a thriving player community.

At the same time, many players in the Wolverine State are expanding their options by playing at trusted offshore poker sites, where international player pools, creative tournament formats, and generous bonuses create even more ways to compete.

Whether you prefer the security of regulated sites or the variety of offshore rooms, players in the state today have more ways than ever to enjoy real money poker from anywhere in the state.

Michigan Online Poker Legality Snapshot

Online PokerAvailable — Regulated and Offshore Options
Commercial PokerAvailable at Tribal and Commercial Casinos
Legal Gambling Age21+
Poker RegulatorMichigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB)

How to Play Online Poker in Michigan

Michigan players have more ways than ever to enjoy real money online poker. Since the state legalized online poker, residents and visitors can choose between fully licensed, state-regulated platforms and reputable offshore poker sites that welcome Michigan players.

Finding the right site is simple whether you're looking for tournament action, cash games, or unique bonus offers. We'll walk you through the top platforms that offer safe, seamless poker experiences in Michigan.

Recommended Sites for Online Poker in Michigan

Choosing the right online poker site in Michigan means looking beyond game variety. The top options combine steady player traffic, strong competition across skill levels, and smooth, secure banking. Thanks to Michigan's regulated market and trusted offshore alternatives, players have more options than ever.

Below, we highlight the sites that stood out most after carefully reviewing and testing platforms available to Michigan players.

  • Ignition Poker - Best for Anonymous Tables
  • Black Chip Poker - Best for Rake Backs
  • Bovada Poker - Best for Soft Games

Comparing Online Poker Rooms in Michigan

Finding the right online poker site in Michigan depends on factors like bonus offers, tournament variety, player traffic, and banking reliability. Some platforms stand out for their regulated gameplay and strong security, while others attract players with large prize pools and fast-moving cash games.

The table below highlights the key differences among our top picks, helping you easily find the best fit for your preferences and playing style.

Poker RoomPoker BonusFreeroll TournamentsVisit Site
Ignition Poker100% up to $1,000YESPlay at Ignition
Black Chip Poker100% up to $2,000YES Play at Bovada
Bovada Poker100% up to $500YESPlay at Black Chip

How We Choose the Best Online Poker Sites in Michigan

We take the guesswork out of finding trusted poker sites by following a careful, player-focused evaluation process. We only recommend platforms that meet our high security, fairness, and gameplay quality standards. Making sure Michigan players have a safe and rewarding experience.

  • Availability for Michigan Players: Every site we recommend legally accepts players from Michigan. This means no last-minute registration issues or geo-restrictions when you're ready to sign up and hit the tables.
  • Strong Player Traffic and Healthy Competition: Busy poker rooms create better games. We prioritize platforms with active cash games and tournaments, ensuring you'll always find the right stakes and competition level, day or night.
  • Bonuses and Promotions That Deliver Value: Great bonuses go beyond flashy numbers. We favor sites offering transparent welcome offers, fair wagering requirements, and rewarding loyalty programs to help maximize your bankroll over time.
  • Game Variety and Access: Whether you're a Hold 'em specialist, an Omaha fan, or enjoy fast-paced sit-and-gos, we look for sites offering a deep game lineup and round-the-clock access. Michigan players deserve plenty of options, no matter their skill level or bankroll.

Is Online Poker Legal in Michigan?

Online poker is entirely legal in Michigan, but getting there took years.
Since 2017, Michigan lawmakers pushed to bring online gambling into the legal fold, responding to strong public demand and recognizing the revenue potential for the state. Their work culminated in 2019 with the passage of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, a landmark achievement that paved the way for legal online poker.

It also positioned Michigan to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), expanding player pools and tournament opportunities across state lines. Today, Michigan's evolving gambling laws continue to support a thriving, growing online poker community.

Why Michigan Lawmakers Pursued Online Poker Legalization

Legalizing online poker in Michigan was a lengthy and challenging process, spearheaded by a dedicated group of lawmakers.

Beginning in 2017, State Senator Mike Kowall and State Representative Brandt Iden led the charge to address the increasing demand for online gambling and to capitalize on its revenue potential. Their efforts aimed to modernize Michigan’s gaming laws, providing regulated and secure alternatives to offshore poker sites that many residents were already using to play real money games.

Paving the Way for Online Poker in MI

The first major push for legal online gaming came with the introduction of SB.203 and HB.4926, early versions of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. Despite some success in committees, these bills stalled and garnered a veto from Governor Rick Snyder, who feared potential damage to land-based casino revenue.

Undeterred, Brandt Iden returned in 2019 with Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. by his side. This time, they encountered resistance from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Treasury, who expressed concerns about the state lottery.

Ultimately, they brokered a compromise that involved raising taxes and licensing fees, leading to the passage of HB.4311 into law in December 2019.

Multi-State Poker Internet Agreement

Almost a year after passing the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Michigan lawmakers took another big step by approving the amendment of SB991 in December 2020.

The amendment allowed the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to enter multi-jurisdictional internet poker agreements, paving the way for interstate play. By then, the MGCB had already granted 15 provisional iGaming licenses, several covering online poker. PokerStars partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians to become the first site to launch in January 2021, with BetMGM following in March via partypoker. WSOP.com waited until March 2022 to join the market.

The next goal was Michigan's entry into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allowed poker operators to pool players with states like New Jersey and Nevada. Michigan officially joined MSIGA in early 2023, with Governor Whitmer and others signing the updated agreement that May, opening the doors to larger tournaments and shared player pools.

Regulated Online Poker in MI

The state provides five main types of gambling: commercial casinos, tribal casinos, pari-mutuel betting, and a state-run lottery. Both commercial and tribal casinos are spread throughout Michigan, with the highest concentration located near Detroit.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates all gambling activity, from licensing operators to enforcing rules and tracking industry revenue. Today, Michigan players can legally access state-licensed online poker sites, online casinos, sports betting (both retail and online), and daily fantasy sports platforms alongside traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

While Michigan regulates in-state online gambling, there are no laws prohibiting residents from playing at offshore poker sites. These international platforms remain a popular alternative for players seeking larger tournament fields, a wider variety of games, and unique bonuses not always available through local operators.

Gamble Responsibly in Michigan

Playing online poker in Michigan should be seen primarily as a form of entertainment. If you start to feel that gambling is affecting important areas of your life, the Wolverine State offers a robust set of resources to help you maintain control. Be sure to check the support links provided for assistance.

Start Playing Online Poker in Michigan

Online poker in Michigan continues to grow in popularity. Players have more options than ever, from regulated state-licensed platforms to trusted offshore poker sites that welcome Michigan residents.
Offshore sites offer even larger player pools, unique tournaments, and tailored poker bonuses—perfect for players looking to expand their experience beyond the state-licensed options.

Ready to play? Browse our recommended offshore poker sites, sign up, and take a seat at the tables when you're ready.

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Jennifer Newell

Jennifer Newell

Editor in Chief
View All Posts By Jennifer Newell

Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.

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