DraftKings has officially entered Michigan's multi-state online poker arena, enabling players from three states to access a unified player pool.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has granted DraftKings the necessary approval to operate multi-state online poker, allowing it to merge player pools from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The platform went live on July 8.
According to a press release from the MGCB, DraftKings fulfilled all regulatory requirements to engage in multi-state internet poker.
Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB, commented, “This approval highlights the strength of our collaboration with the Bay Mills Indian Community and the meticulousness of our regulatory processes. As Michigan’s multi-state poker network expands, we are dedicated to ensuring that every operator meets the same high standards for fairness, security, and player protection.”
Michigan’s Shared Liquidity Market is on the rise, having joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022. Other states in the agreement include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Connecticut also considered joining last year, but the proposed legislation did not progress.
If DraftKings secures the necessary approvals, it may extend its shared player pool to Delaware, Nevada, and West Virginia.
Previously, Michigan poker players were limited to competing only against others within the state.
This launch signifies another major advancement for online poker enthusiasts across the three states. In June, Playtech introduced its iPoker platform through FanDuel’s integrated PokerStars product, further intensifying competition in the expanding shared-liquidity market.
On the same day as the Michigan announcement, DraftKings also launched its online sportsbook and casino services in Alberta, coinciding with the province's opening of its regulated multi-operator iGaming market.
DraftKings was one of 22 platforms to go live on July 13, joining other operators like FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365. This launch makes Alberta the second Canadian province, following Ontario, to implement a competitive online gambling framework.
These new ventures highlight DraftKings' ongoing growth across North America's sports betting and iGaming sectors, even as the company increasingly focuses on the emerging prediction markets. Earlier this year, DraftKings also launched its sportsbook in Arkansas.