As of January 2021, playing online poker in Michigan has been legalized. This makes Michigan the fifth US state to legalize online poker and the second-most populous.
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There are a handful of options to play online poker in Michigan and it is important to know all the facts about each option. We have taken a close look at the best online poker sites in Michigan to give you an in depth breakdown.
One thing is abundantly clear after our analysis; the Michigan poker online sites leave Michiganders spoilt for choice.
Michigan Poker Sites Ranked by Traffic
| Poker Site | 7 Day avg | Online | Cash | 24 H Peak | Last Week | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM MI | 280 | 178 | 513 | |||
| WSOP MI | 140 | 262 | 288 |
Reviews of Michigan Online Poker Rooms November
There are numerous sites where you can play online poker Michigan. Many of which have been fully reviewed in our offshore poker sites page.
The ones available in Michigan are the most popular online poker sites out there, so the fact that you are able to play on them while in Michigan is a big positive for the Great Lake State.
We, at PokerScout, took a close look at five different sites to help you determine the best poker sites in Michigan.
1. CoinPoker – Best MI Online Poker Site for Crypto Payments
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9.5/10 – CoinPoker has the classic games of Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha available to play. But we noticed that it also offers 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha which is not something that every site has which gives CoinPoker a bit of a boost.
- Poker Tournaments 9.2/10 – There is a good variety of poker tournaments. PKO tournaments are the standout as something different that may grab your attention. The Sunday special tournaments are a fan favorite.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Not the busiest site out there for tournaments. There are always players available for decent action but at times the traffic slows. The lack of traffic at certain times has led people to question on internet forums why there are not more players playing CoinPoker.
- Software Quality 9.6/10 – The software is very sleek and modern looking. There are no issues with the graphics and everything always appears up-to-date.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9.2/10 – CoinPoker has a wide array of betting limits which allows for you to play at pretty much any stakes you wish.
- Mobile Friendliness 9.5/10 – The mobile app is available for both Android and Windows devices. It is easy to use and runs without a hitch.
CoinPoker is a very strong site for Michigan poker players. In addition, professional player, Tony G is a frequent visitor which makes the tables more exciting. The brand’s software is pristine and the many betting limits and payment options make it one of the best choices for a Michigander.
Pros
- 5-card omaha
- modern software
- easily available app
- wide variety of deposit methods
Cons
2. Ignition Poker – Best MI Online Poker Site for Rakeback
Poker Network License Payout Speed
PaiWangLuo Poker Curaçao eGaming Within 48 hours
- Poker Games Variety 9.3/10 – Ignition Poker has Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha available to play. There’s also Omaha Hi-Lo as an option for something a little bit different. You can find out more of the brand’s poker games and features with our complete Ignition Poker review.
- Poker Tournaments 9.7/10 – We were impressed with the plethora of tournament options available. The many freerolls and satellites, plus numerous series make it among the best options for MI online poker.
- Traffic and Player Base 9.1/10 – Ignition Poker has a lively atmosphere thanks to a wide range of players and tables. We noticed that it was busy throughout the day, with the tournaments giving you plenty of players to face off against.
- Software Quality 8.3/10 – Clean-looking software without a lot of unneeded distractions. You will not be able to use any hand tracking displays because it goes against the terms of service.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8.9/10 – You will have a large selection of betting limits on this site. This starts from as low as $0.01/$0.02, and payment options include Bitcoin and cards as well.
- Mobile Friendliness 9.2/10 – The mobile app is easy to use and does not have the same complexity as some other apps, which can be a positive or negative depending on your preference. For example, it may lack some features you may want.
Ignition Poker is a strong choice with the great tournament variety and a strong rakeback bonus. The software is the only thing that is holding it back from being even better.
Pros
- Large player base with bust tournaments
- Clean looking software
- Speedy payouts
- Many deposit methods
Cons
– Less reliable data for tournaments
3. ACR Poker – Best MI Online Poker Site for Tournament Players
Poker Network License Payout Speed
Winning Poker Network (WPN) Curaçao eGaming Within 48 hours
- Poker Games Variety 9.4/10 – ACR has Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha available to play along with Omaha Hi-Lo to coincide with some of the other sites who offer a similar selection.
- Poker Tournaments 9.9/10 – It is hard to beat the tournament selection on ACR. There are satellites to massive prize tournaments and daily smaller stakes events. Examples include the popular Route 66 $100,000 GTD, as well as the $50,000 GTD Sunday Squeeze. Overall, we say that ACR is the best among the Michigan poker sites for tournaments.
- Traffic and Player Base 9.4/10 – The traffic is typically very busy with the wide tournament selection. While there are many special tournaments and series, we also enjoyed the ability to play huge field events basically every day without needing to wait for a special series.
- Software Quality 8.8/10 – We do think the look of the software is a little bit plain at first glance but the efficiency of the software can not be debated as it is top notch in nearly every aspect.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9.3/10 – ACR has some of the widest range of betting limits thanks to the large player base and the large amount of tournaments available.
- Mobile Friendliness 8.4/10 – The mobile app on ACR is available for Android and for your PC. There are a few areas to improve with the app as there have been some bugs and issues reported by players who are frequent users.
ACR Poker is a prime candidate for Michigan poker players. The huge selection of tournaments is the biggest positive for ACR. You will ever run out of players to compete against on this popular site.
Pros
- Huge tournament selection
- Massive amount of players to play against
- Professional feeling software
- Many analytical features
Cons
– Mobile app bug issues
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
4. Black Chip Poker – Best MI Online Poker Site for Game Variety
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao eGaming | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9.8/10 – Black Chip Poker has the games that we expect from poker sites in Michigan. But it also has Seven Card Stud and Stud Hi-Lo which is not something that some of the other sites have.
- Poker Tournaments 9.3/10 – The selection of tournaments is impressive. We scrolled all of the options and quite frankly there were too many to even fully grasp. All stakes are represented and you can choose your favorite type of tournament from the vast selection.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – The amount of players is pretty high at Black Chip Poker. We noticed a constant buzz on the site with large amounts of players in nearly every tournament.
- Software Quality 8.1/10 – The software is easy to navigate and has a good structure. The look of the graphics are slightly older looking, like something from the 2010s more than the 2020s but that did not distract us from enjoying the overall experience.
- Betting Limits and Payments: 9/10 – Black Chip Poker has the standard range of limits and has enough for every stake. There is a good mix of payment options, from Luxon Pay to Bitcoin to person to person. The betting limits are wide and starting with micro stakes and extending to larger ones.
- Mobile Friendliness: 8.8/10 – Only available for Android, which takes off a few points. The app is nice looking. It has a welcoming menu which quickly lays out your options and encourages you to jump right into playing at the tables.
Black Chip Poker has advantages on other sites with their broad selection of game variety. The software may be a little bit on the dated side but definitely do not confuse that for lack of quality.
Pros
- Big selection of tournaments
- Stud and Stud Hi-Lo available
- Access to big tournaments with potential for huge prizes
- Sleek looking app
Cons
– Slightly outdated lookin graphics
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
5. BetOnline Poker – Best MI Online Poker Site for Casual Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Chico Poker | Panama Gaming Commission | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9.4/10 – BetOnline Poker has a lot of slight variations of popular poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha for a more diverse offering.
- Poker Tournaments 9.6/10 – You will have access to large tournament guarantees which makes the tournament offerings quite juicy. There is a great variety of formats like mystery bounty and PKOs. Tournaments are daily.
- Traffic and Player Base 8.8/10 – While the traffic may not be as high as some of the other Michigan poker sites, there is nevertheless plenty of player volume to keep you satisfied.
- Software Quality 8.9/10 – The software has a good amount of features that makes gameplay immersive. While some of the navigation is a bit convoluted, it only takes a few moments to figure it out.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9.2/10 – The limits and payments on BetOnline have pretty high amounts such as $50/$100 at the top which is one of the attractive features that we noticed. BetOnline also has one of the largest selections of payment and deposit options from common ones like Bitcoin to some more obscure crypto currencies such as Polygon or Solana.
- Mobile Friendliness: 8.9/10 – Like a few other sites, the app is available for Android only. The app works well and is an enjoyable experience overall.
BetOnline Poker is another fantastic choice for poker players in the state of Michigan. The large selection of payment options is one of the quality perks for BetOnline.
Pros
- Ability to use many poker games at once
- High tournament guarantees
- Many payment options
- Software perks to make it feel interactive
Cons
– Lower traffic than other sites
- Fast seating with Boost for zero waiting time
- Huge tournaments like Sunday Million and PKO's
- Solid traffic on Chico Poker Network
Green Flags for the Best Online Poker Michigan Sites
Online poker in Michigan has changed a lot over the few short years it has been legal. With all that change, it can be hard to know all the details which is why we looked at some specific criteria to rate these sites.
When looking for the best online poker sites in Michigan, you will undoubtedly be interested in what games each one has to offer. We look at the variants of poker available like Texas Hold’em, Omaha and others.
The depth of tournaments is a key variable that we take great care in assessing. The traffic of each Mi online poker site is also critical as you will surely be aiming to find games with a lot of competition.
HUD (Heads up display) is an ever increasingly important part of online poker these days as players look to sharpen their skills.
We took this into consideration as well when evaluating these sites.
Obviously getting money in and out of a site is a critical part of every online poker site and the poker sites in Michigan are no different.
We took great care to monitor each option of deposit and withdrawal so you can know the low-down for real money poker in Michigan.
The safety and security of each MI online poker site is a prime concern for us and thus was heavily reviewed.
All of our recommended Michigan online poker sites as well as Michigan poker apps are secure and well regulated.
Having reliable customer support is another key factor that we looked at in analyzing these Michigan poker sites.
We looked at the means of communication available through customer support at each site.
The five MI online poker sites that we evaluated all passed the test in each category with flying colors.
We can therefore recommend playing on each one and ultimately choosing your preferred destination based on personal preferences.
How to Deposit and Play Real Money in Michigan
As of August 2024, online poker in Michigan is only gaining in popularity as many players, new and old are jumping into the waters every week.
We found that the process to sign up and deposit is similar to other states where online poker is legal.
Players can quickly set up and fund an account from anywhere, quickly and succinctly which is typically the case of crypto poker sites.
The first step is to download the CoinPoker app (or your preferred MI poker site). All operators will ask for some basic information to set up an account:
- Name
- Address
- Username
- Password
Depositing is also a simple and quick process. Legal MI online poker sites undergo similar scrutiny to brick and mortar casinos. You can expect that their funds and personal information will be safe.
When ready to make a deposit, you will find trusted financial firms to use and transfer funds to your newly created account:
- Echeck bank payments (ACH transfers)
- Visa/Mastercard
- Wire payments
- Ewallets
- Cash at partner casinos
How to Withdraw from Michigan Poker Sites
Once you are ready to withdraw funds from your online choice Michigan poker site, it is a fairly straightforward and easy process.
Each site has multiple options on the ways you are able to withdraw.
The process for withdrawal is as follows:
CoinPoker exclusively accepts crypto deposits and withdrawals.
- Select the Cryptocurrency you would like to receive eg BTC, ETH, CHP, etc.
- Withdraw to your private wallet.
Learn more about the operator with our CoinPoker review.
A reputable gambling brand with many withdrawal options available.
- Click the profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Select “Withdraw”.
- Click the chosen method of payment from the list eg cryptocurrency, cards, etc.
- Enter your desired amount and any required information.
- Click “Request Withdrawal”.
Read our detailed Ignition Poker review for more information.
Here’s how to withdraw your winnings at ACR Poker:
- Visit your “My Account” section.
- Click on “Withdraw”.
- Select the payment method.
- Enter the amount you would like to withdraw and any necessary personal details.
Similar to other poker sites in Michigan, the withdrawal process is quick and short.
- Login to your account.
- Navigate and choose the “Withdrawal” option.
- Choose your preferred method and follow instructions from there.
If you want to learn more about this poker brand, check out our Black Chip Poker review.
BetOnline is a popular operator with various flexible payment methods. Here’s how to withdraw your money:
- Log into your account and request “Withdrawal”.
- Choose your amount and follow the on-screen prompts.
| Site | BTC | ETH | USD | Cards | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | N/A |
| Ignition | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Check, money transfer |
| ACR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Check, money transfer |
| Black Chip | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | E-Wallet |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Dogecoin, bank wire |
Real Money Poker Michigan Bonuses
Another thing we looked at when considering the best MI online poker sites was the real money bonuses. Taking advantage of promotions is an important part of legal online poker in Michigan.
Whether you’re a new or existing player, there are several types of bonuses which to choose from. These have also been outlined in our poker bonus page.
To qualify, make sure to fully read each promotion’s terms and conditions. Each site will have their own set of them and are usually clearly laid out, which was also the case when we took a look at the poker sites in Michigan.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is often available with a promo code that gives new users bonus funds to use when they first join the site.
This bonus type is meant to encourage action and get new players firing at the tables immediately.
Best Michigan Online Poker Site For Welcome Bonus: CoinPoker
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
Rakeback Bonus
Many of the Michigan online poker sites also offer a rakeback bonus.
This is a common bonus where players receive a percentage of the rake they have generated. It encourages players to play because the more that they do, the more rakeback they will generate.
But the real kicker for Michigan players is that ACR gives a whopping 65% progressively.
Best Michigan Online Poker Site For Rakeback Bonus: ACR Poker
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
Michigan Online Poker Games
Michigan online poker sites all have a variety of poker games to choose from.
We took a close look at each option and reached a conclusion about the best of the five sites for each poker game.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most popular form of poker by a wide margin.
Thanks to its fast swings and ability for things to change in an instant it is commonly known as “the Cadillac of Poker”.
Players are dealt two hole cards and use those in combination with five community cards to make the best five-card hand with four rounds of betting.
Texas Hold’em has blown up in popularity and therefore has had a ton of poker training and coaching avenues available for players to use to improve their game.
There is a very wide array of skill types, from beginner to very advanced players in Texas Hold’em.
Best Michigan Online Poker Site for Texas Hold’em: ACR Poker
Omaha
Omaha is currently the second most popular form of poker.
Usually played in pot-limit form, Omaha is a game where you’re dealt four hole cards and must use exactly two of them with exactly three of the five community cards to make the best five-card hand.
While PLO is the most popular style of Omaha, it can also be played as a high-low split, also known as PLO8.
Here, half the pot goes to the best “high” hand and half the pot to the best five-card, unpaired, “low” hand, if all five cards are eight or lower.
There is also a five-card PLO available more rarely where the same rules apply, just with five cards dealt to you in the hole instead of four.
Best Michigan Online Poker Site for Omaha: Ignition Poker
Ignition offers PLO as well as PLO8. The Omaha games on Ignition poker are usually pretty busy and offer more variety than some of the other MI online poker sites.
Stud
Stud used to be the most popular form of poker as recently as the 90s but has since waned in popularity with the advent of Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Stud is played in fixed betting amounts.
Players are dealt two down cards and one up to start. There are five rounds of betting, with fourth, fifth and sixth street cards dealt up.
The final card known as “seventh street” or “the river” is dealt down.
Best Michigan Online Poker Site for Stud: ACR Poker
The only Michigan site that offers stud is ACR and therefore the best by default. ACR offers Stud8 as well where the pot is split between the high and low hands.
Are There Real Money Michigan Poker Apps?
Real money poker apps are key to an online poker experience and most sites realize this by offering a quality app for their player base.
There are several real money Michigan poker apps to choose, all of which are compatible with different operating systems. The table below displays our top MI poker sites and the devices available for downloading their mobile app.
| Michigan Poker Site | Android | iOS | Windows | Mobile Browser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinPoker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ACR Poker | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Black Chip Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetOnline Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Michigan Live Poker
Poker is not just confined to the screen in Michigan as there are many live poker options as well.
Players can easily split their time between online and live poker in Michigan which has solidified the Great Lake State as one of the best states for poker overall in the United States.
Where Can I Play Live Poker in Michigan?
There are a grand total of 32 poker rooms in Michigan which gives you so many options to battle it out in person on the felt. We took a look at some of the best options within the state:
- MGM Grand (Detroit) – High-end poker room with 17 tables.
- MotorCity Casino (Detroit) – Another quality option in Motown with 17 tables.
- Firekeepers Casino (Battle Creek) – One of the most popular poker rooms in Michigan with 26 tables. Also a huge spot for tournaments as it has hosted record breaking MSPT fields in recent years.
- Soaring Eagle Casino (Mount Pleasant) – 24/7 poker with 18 tables in a good spot within the state, nearby several decent sized cities.
- Island Casino (Harris) – One of the only offerings in the Upper Peninsula part of the state. Has 10 tables ready for play.
History of Michigan Online Poker Laws
One question that commonly comes up is; ‘is online poker legal in Michigan?’
Well, the history of online poker in Michigan is pretty complex and has gone through a lot of changes throughout the years. We took a look at what has gone down in the state over the past decade or longer.
Online poker was finally fully legalized in Michigan in January of 2021, to become the sixth state in the USA to do so.
Legally Approved Online Poker Sites in Michigan
All of the poker brands shown on this page are legal to sign up to and play online poker in Michigan.
Start by claiming any welcome bonus that appeals to you and create an account.
Nonetheless, Michigan has even more potential for growth going forward if other brands can also obtain licensing.
How Big is the Online Poker Market in Michigan?
As can be seen by the variety of poker sites in Michigan, it is clear that the Michigan online poker market is pretty big.
Many sites have targeted the state because they see a large pool of potential players. With just over 10 million people, Michigan is the second largest state in the USA that has legalized online poker.
The popularity of the live poker scene in Michigan also indicates that there is a strong market for legal online poker in Michigan.
There have been some pretty big time players to hail from Michigan through the years including two WSOP Main Event champions:
- Joe Cada – the youngest player ever to win the WSOP back in 2009.
- Ryan Riess – 2014 WSOP Main Event champion who famously wore a Detroit Lions jersey during the final table when he captured the title.
Are Poker Winnings Taxable in Michigan?
Yes. Poker winnings go under the umbrella of gambling winnings and are therefore subject to Michigan individual income tax.
Your taxes will change based on your tax bracket and gambling winnings are taxed like any other income.
Poker in Other States
Other than Michigan, there are a few other states where online poker is also legal.
- Pennsylvania – This is the only state with a greater population than Michigan to have online poker as a legal option. Online poker became legal in PA in November of 2019. Traffic has been very high since it was made legal.
- West Virginia – West Virginia started the attempt to legalize online poker in the state in 2019, and finally succeeded in mid-2020. Today, there is a range of online poker sites in West Virginia to explore.
Play Online Poker Michigan – Key Takeaways
After a thorough look into online poker in Michigan, we have come away with three main takeaways.
- Online poker in Michigan has become a big business – Michiganders are not lacking in choices and browse several MI online poker sites before deciding the welcome bonus they want to redeem.
- Live poker in Michigan – In-person card rooms have been boosted by the advent of online poker in Michigan. It has become a symbiotic relationship where online grows the in-person numbers and vice versa.
- Great selection of MI online poker sites – With our site reviews above, online Michigan poker players can make an informed decision of where they want to play Texas Hold’em, Omaha, etc.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in Michigan?
Where can you play online poker for real money in Michigan?
What is the best site for online poker in Michigan?
Are MI online poker sites safe?
Is live poker available in Michigan?
Is online poker popular in Michigan?
How many US states have legal online poker?
References
- playmichigan.com/history/ (Michigan Poker History)
- michigan.gov (Government of Michigan)