DraftKings launches online poker in Michigan following MGCB approval

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has approved DraftKings for a multi-state launch of its online poker platform, previously determining the operator met all regulatory requirements to conduct such activity. 

DraftKings’ online poker platform is currently running through the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan, which serves as the state’s operator partner for the iGaming vertical.

“This approval reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. 

“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.”

Having also gone live in New Jersey and Pennsylvania following thorough regulatory reviews, DraftKings' online poker platform could be part of the operator’s launch in Alberta’s newly regulated iGaming market, which officially opened on July 13. 

Michigan originally joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022 alongside Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Prior to joining MSIGA, online poker players were only able to compete against one another rather than access games across multiple jurisdictions. 

In additional regulatory news across Michigan, the Ingham County Circuit Court granted Attorney General Dana Nessel a temporary restraining order against Kalshi on June 29, following her original enforcement action filed against the operator in March. 

Kalshi unsuccessfully attempted to move the case to the federal level after Nessel’s motion to remand the lawsuit to state court was approved by the US District Court for the Western District of Michigan on June 25. 

Kalshi’s efforts to operator and promote prediction market offerings have now been halted in Michigan, although the case is set to continue through the court system.