DraftKings Links Michigan Poker Players Across Three States
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved DraftKings to run a shared online poker network across Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The multi-state platform went live on July 8, 2026, five days before regulators made the approval public.
DraftKings operates its Michigan poker product through the Bay Mills Indian Community, the tribal operator partner for the platform in the state. MGCB confirmed that DraftKings met all regulatory requirements for multi-state online poker before it cleared the launch.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said the approval followed a detailed regulatory review and reflected the agency’s partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community.
“As Michigan’s multistate poker network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring every operator meets the same high bar for fairness, security, and player protection,” Williams said.
Michigan Expands Its Shared Poker Network
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022. Before Michigan joined the agreement, online poker customers in the state could only compete against other players inside Michigan.
Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia also belong to MSIGA. DraftKings’ network currently connects players in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey only.
MGCB released no figures on player counts, expected liquidity, tournament schedules or revenue tied to the launch. The regulator also gave no timeline for DraftKings to add players from other MSIGA states.
The approval also fits MGCB’s policy to allow legal, regulated gambling products, while the agency maintains responsible gambling controls and protects the integrity of the market. It also offers a Multistate Poker Submission Form for operators that seek approval to join shared poker networks.
💡TGJ Take
DraftKings now reaches a larger regulated poker pool and does not need to wait for another state to legalize online poker. The immediate value comes from a combined customer base across three approved markets. That base should make it easier to keep tables active and tournament schedules full. For rival poker operators, the approval highlights the value of regulatory access across several MSIGA states rather than strength in a single market. MGCB, however, published no player, revenue or liquidity data, so the commercial impact of the launch cannot yet be measured.
