Michigan Online Poker Currently #1 in the US
The online gaming and poker in Michigan has been live since January this year. In that short time, however, the state has climbed right to the top of the U. S. industry, bypassing other more established states.
Currently, PokerStars MI is the only operation in action in the Wolverine State. The new online poker room has been able to become the biggest online poker site in the States of America.
Not only that, but according to PokerScout, PokerStars MI is now the 15th largest online poker room in the world. The site is pulling in a seven-day average of 500 cash game players, the industry standard for measuring online poker traffic. This is better than much more well-established outlets in the States.
PokerStars PA, which itself just celebrated its first anniversary, is currently the #2 site in the U. S., bringing in 400 players on average. Meanwhile, the three-state compact between the WSOP operations in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, have 240 players on average. The other operations in New Jersey, PokerStars NJ and PartyPoker NJ, pull up the rear of the field with 130 and 100 players on average, respectively.
Michigan reported the first revenue numbers since online gaming and poker was launched. According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), online gaming and sports operators reported $42.7 million in gross receipts for the 10-day period from January 22-31. Online casinos in Michigan accounted for $29.4 million of that total. That also included PokerStars, which launched on January 29.
“Internet gaming operators are off to a good start in Michigan,” MGCB executive director Richard S. Kalm said in a news release. “The taxes and payments from online gaming will provide funding for K-12 students, the city of Detroit, and Michigan tribal communities.”
The operators delivered $4.4 million in tax revenue. For online poker players, PokerStars remains the only poker site in Michigan to play so far. But, that might change as another online poker room should launch in the state soon.
BetMGM has been licensed to offer online gaming, including poker, in Michigan, although a launch date hasn’t been confirmed. Also, 888 is awaiting approval from gaming regulators in Michigan.
