Michigan will be the fourth state to join a multi-state poker agreement that allows internet players to compete across state lines. Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey are already part of the agreement.
A written release from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said the new rule could double the amount of online poker players in Michigan.
Jared Halter is a Central Michigan University faculty member who streams poker games on Twitch and TikTok. He says expanding the player pool means competitors have the opportunity to win more money.
“First your state has to make (online gambling) legal,” he said. “Then you have to decide that you want to join the compact.”
Halter said games like slots and roulette are more reliant on chance, while poker requires more skill from the players.
“Poker really builds a lot of critical thinking and problem solving skills,” he said.
Halter said more money can be earned from playing multiple online poker games at once. In person, he said, players can only play one game at a time.
The MGCB says there’s still work to do in order to ensure online players are protected before Michigan residents can officially join multi-state poker games.
