PokerStars and WSOP Online are going to have new competition for the largest online poker site in the United States. On Wednesday, BetMGM Poker officially started pooling players between the Michigan and New Jersey markets.
BetMGM now rivals PokerStars in cash game players
“This is a landmark day for our poker product as we combine player pools in select markets,” said VP of Gaming, BetMGM Angus Nisbet. “With the introduction of shared liquidity, we’ve listened to players’ desire for more games and larger prize pools. By showcasing our best-in-class omnichannel experience – spanning property, sports betting and online casino – we’re committed to providing an unparalleled poker experience for our players.”
The pooling coincides with the launch of an updated app with a new lobby design.
“This authorization represents a significant step forward in the development of online gaming within our state boundaries,” Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams added. “We are confident that the partnership with BetMGM will enhance the gaming experience for Michigan players and drive growth in the industry.”
According to the MGCB, BetMGM submitted a request to start pooling players in May.
BetMGM joins PokerStars as the second site to pool players across just the two states. WSOP Online combines players from the two states in addition to Nevada, where it is the only regulated online poker site.
According to data from Pokerfuse, BetMGM’s merging should put it neck and neck with WSOP as the largest online poker site for cash games based on active players. However, those numbers are relatively small, at just 170 players per state.
Online poker in the US picking up steam
These poker networks should get even bigger in the future. Last month the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announced that Gov. Josh Shapiro has directed them to move forward towards allowing operators in the state to pool with these other states.
It is a busy time for online poker with new interest from operators in the U.S. that have previously stood on the sidelines. DraftKings launched its Electric Poker Sit & Gos within the casino app in Michigan in August, expanding to Pennsylvania last month.
Additionally, Phil Galfond and the team at Rush Street debuted BetRivers Poker in Pennsylvania last week.
