The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) stated in May that all gaming operators have a lot to do to get interstate poker approval. But, the Wolverine State hasn't made any progress yet.
The MGCB will declare when multistate poker will be ready to launch in the state as the announcement doesn't have a specific timeframe. The state joined Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey in being an interstate gaming compact member after its online poker regulators signed a Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
Many poker diehards celebrated the move as Michigan is the tenth biggest state in the U.S., with 10.1 million people. Signing the MSIGA allowed it to offer more liquidity to back interstate poker, and its player pool would double.
The MGCB's Executive Director was firm when the Mitten State joined the gaming compact. Its three leading online operators needed to put in more effort to match other states' top operators.
How Did the Interstate Poker Compact Affect Michigan?
Generally, many people can see why World Series of Poker Michigan (WSOP MI), BetMGM Poker MI, and PokerStars MI haven't gotten interstate poker approval. The MGCB said earlier that it will ensure that each operator complies with the state's gaming regulations.
The gaming board urged them to accept some of Michigan's online poker operators' minimum operators before the state became a full MSIGA member. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware agreed, and the Wolverine State insisted that MSIGA operators should do the following:
- Detect and prevent illegal activities such as fraud, embezzlement, cheating, collusion, and theft
- Protect clients' privacy
- To detect and prevent online gamers from using software
- Keep enough records and data about transactions and customers
- Set strict security measures
Michigan's three major gaming operators have subsidiaries in New Jersey, and it is uncertain whether any of them will fail to meet its minimum requirements. The MGCB states that each operator should fulfill all MSIGA requirements and conditions before they provide interstate poker.
Also, the gaming control board has to approve platform modifications and new platforms such as game software and remote gaming systems.
Online poker providers in the Wolverine State have to inspect their data centers and review their security measures. The MGCB should sign servers that can accept sports bets outside the state. Besides, platform providers and suppliers that venture into interstate poker need to apply for a gaming supplier license from the board.
The MGCB Hasn't Given an Update
The MGCB hasn't explained interstate poker's status in Michigan. It ignored some questions about the three operators' progress in the process since April.
Mary Kay Bean, the MGCB spokeswoman, stated that the gaming control board doesn't disclose various license applications' status. She promised that the MBCB will reveal when multistate poker will launch.
A WSOP spokesperson revealed that they don't have an update on interstate poker in the Mitten State. PokerStars and BetMGM representatives haven't replied to messages about the issue.
No one knows what the MGCB is planning about reviewing the three popular online poker operators. It lacks a fixed timeframe in which it should perform the review, and some people are speculating that the delay has been due to the numerous tournaments that the operators have organized of late.
