Key Takeaways
- Michigan regulators have authorized FanDuel to launch multi-state online poker connecting players across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, effective April 1, 2026
- The poker platform will operate under the PokerStars brand with MotorCity Casino serving as FanDuel’s Michigan partner
- Michigan became part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022, joining five additional states in the compact
- February revenue from Michigan’s online gaming sector reached $313 million
- Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal includes new gaming taxes on sports betting and online casinos projected to generate approximately $200 million annually
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has granted FanDuel authorization to launch multi-state online poker services, enabling Michigan players to compete against poker enthusiasts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This authorization became effective April 1, 2026.
FanDuel’s poker services in Michigan will carry the PokerStars brand name. The company has partnered with MotorCity Casino to establish its presence in the state.
According to the regulatory body, the approval followed a comprehensive evaluation of FanDuel’s adherence to Michigan’s gaming regulations. The operator successfully satisfied all criteria necessary for multi-state internet poker operations, the MGCB confirmed.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed confidence in the platform’s readiness for Michigan players. “FanDuel is a well-established operator in the Michigan gaming market,” Williams stated. He emphasized that the same regulatory standards governing all licensed gaming operations in Michigan would extend to this poker network.
Prior to receiving this authorization, poker players in Michigan were restricted to competing exclusively against other in-state players. The enlarged player pool is anticipated to deliver enhanced game variety and more substantial tournament opportunities.
Michigan’s Participation in Interstate Online Poker
Michigan entered the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022. The compact includes Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as fellow participants.
The MSIGA permits licensed gaming operators to combine player pools from multiple states while preserving individual state regulatory authority. FanDuel now joins the roster of operators authorized to leverage this interstate framework in Michigan.
“FanDuel’s approval reinforces the MGCB’s commitment to enabling legal, regulated gaming opportunities while upholding responsible gaming practices,” the regulator said in a statement released on Wednesday.
This development provides Michigan poker enthusiasts with access to a substantially expanded competitive landscape. It also aligns FanDuel with competing operators already providing cross-border poker services throughout the region.
Market Performance and Tax Proposal Developments
This approval comes amid robust performance within Michigan’s online gaming industry. February figures showed $313 million in online gaming revenue across the state.
While this represented a 12.2% decline from January’s totals, it nonetheless demonstrated the market’s considerable scale. Online casino games accounted for $273.1 million in revenue, with sports wagering adding $39.9 million.
When compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, online casino revenue surged by more than 25%. Sports betting revenue experienced a modest year-over-year decline. The combined gaming activity produced over $55 million in state tax collections.
Currently, fifteen operators maintain online gaming platforms throughout Michigan. The state has emerged as one of the nation’s most significant regulated online gaming jurisdictions.
Concurrently, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced proposals to modify the online gaming tax structure. Her budget blueprint incorporates a per-wager fee on sports betting operations, beginning at 25 cents for the initial 20 million wagers and escalating to 50 cents beyond that threshold.
This framework resembles the system Illinois has already implemented. Under the proposal, online casino operators with substantial operations could face tax rate increases from 28% to 36%.
Whitmer’s strategy would additionally eliminate operators’ ability to deduct promotional free play credits. State administrators project the new taxation structure could yield approximately $200 million annually for Medicaid funding.
Gaming operators have voiced opposition to the suggested tax increases. Legislative approval for the plan remains pending.
