Odawa Online Receives Permission to Launch Multistate Poker in Michigan
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The Stars Group (TSG) and Michigan-based online gaming provider Odawa Online are now authorized to introduce multistate internet poker games in the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) gave its permission on December 20, while New Jersey gave TSG PokerStars permission on December 23 to begin operations on January 1 of 2023. Players from Michigan and New Jersey can now play together.
According to Henry Williams, executive director of the MGCB, poker players in Michigan have been anxiously awaiting the introduction of multistate online poker. He commended TSG Poker Stars and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians for becoming the first provider and operator to receive approval to introduce multistate internet poker in Michigan.
Williams signed the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in May after Michigan requested to join in April. New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada are the other MSIGA members. The arrangement enables TSG and Odawa Online to combine the players from Michigan with those from the other states where TSG is legally permitted to conduct business.
Before the upcoming launch, all poker players in Michigan could only play online versus other residents of the same state. The agreement permits licensed operators and suppliers to combine the players they have in Michigan with those they have in other jurisdictions where they are legally permitted to conduct business.
According to Williams, there will be more games for players to enjoy and higher tournament awards since there are more players.
To offer multijurisdictional poker, any operator with a license in Michigan can collaborate with a platform provider. Before a launch, an operator and platform supplier have to meet the requirements of MGCB.
To provide poker and multijurisdictional games, other operators and platform providers would need to gain the relevant licenses. The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and MGM Grand Detroit are both now approved poker providers in Michigan, however, they are not permitted for multijurisdictional play.
