By Jerry Smith
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: January 16, 2024
Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.
| MI Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Poker Games | Poker Tournaments | Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 7 | Yes | Play Here! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | Not Needed | 5 | Yes | Play Here! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
All poker sites featured in this guide are 100% safe to play at. To start with, all operators have a valid license from the state regulator, without one they could not legally accept real money bets. At the same time, we only recommend legal poker sites that adhere to industry standards to insure that the sites are not only fair, but safe to use.
First-time poker players will be curious to learn about the best online poker games. We recommend checking out our section on the best online poker games in Michigan lower on this page. We break down some of the most popular options, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker.
| 🥇 Best Poker Site | WSOP |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Best Poker Bonus | BetMGM |
| 💻 Best Cash Games | BetMGM |
| 🔝 Top Poker Tournaments | BetMGM |
| ♦️ Best Game Selection | WSOP |
| 📱 Best Poker App | WSOP |
| 💳 Best Banking Options | BetMGM |
The Michigan online poker market is growing fast, which is why we split the top-rated sites by category to make it easier to select your preferred operator. We listed the most appealing Michigan poker bonuses for those who want to boost their budgets, and we featured the platform with the highest payout rate.
As players' preferences vary, some of you will be more interested in the games and competitions available. We rated poker sites by checking the number of live tournaments on offer, and we found titles such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Stud.
Meanwhile, many players prefer to play on the go, so we featured poker apps for Michigan players. These are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets and offer a smooth mobile gaming experience. We also featured poker platforms that accept various payment methods, including debit cards, e-checks, pre-paid cards, and e-wallets.
A good online poker platform must meet certain criteria to satisfy players' needs. It should be 100% secure, organize daily tournaments, and offer the most popular game variations. A great promotions section is always welcome, which is why we selected the following operator as the best poker site in Michigan for April 2024:
There are several factors to consider before choosing an online poker room. First and foremost is your safety, so always start by checking that your preferred operator has a valid license in Michigan. Legal poker rooms are trustworthy and generally receive positive reviews online. More importantly, they have the necessary safeguards to protect your personal and financial details.
The quickest way to check if an operator is regulated is by scrolling to the bottom of their website, where the licensing information is displayed. If your preferred site does not have a valid license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), then it would be wise to avoid it. We have listed some of the main factors to consider below:
These factors will be more important to some players than others. Nevertheless, we trust that our top Michigan poker sites will have something for everyone. For certain players, liquidity is the most important factor, which refers to the number of players on a site at any given time. The more players on a site, the more action there will be at the tables.
As mentioned earlier, safety and security are paramount when playing poker online. The last thing you want is to join a site only to realize afterwards that your personal and financial details are at risk. All the poker operators recommended in this guide are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and must comply with state gaming laws and regulations.
The MGBC is the main regulatory body in Michigan and oversees all online gambling activities, including online poker. Operators must have a valid license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board to operate legally in the state. The gaming board typically conducts thorough background investigations before awarding licenses to ensure all licensees are committed to fair and responsible gaming protocols.
Naturally, online poker rooms are only as good as their games. The top online poker Michigan sites have a wide selection of games with various stakes levels, which start from as little as $0.01. The most popular form of poker is Texas Hold'em and is available in formats such as No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit.
That said, No-Limit Texas Hold'em is the most popular format (thanks to the WSOP) and allows players to raise any amount of chips. You will find plenty of daily cash games and tournaments where NLHE is the main variant. Players new to online poker can learn the rules by checking out the poker school on sites like BetMGM.
| Online Poker Game | Play At | Pot Limits | Game Rating | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Hold 'em | WSOP | $0.20 - $5,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Omaha High | BetMGM | $0.60 - $5,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Omaha Hi/Lo | PokerStars | $0.60 - $5,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 5 Card Omaha | WSOP | $20 - $200 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 5 Card Omaha Hi/Lo | PokerStars | $20 - $200 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Courchevel | WSOP | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Courchevel Hi/Lo | PokerStars | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Seven Card Stud | BetMGM | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Stud Hi/Lo | BetMGM | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. | |
| Razz | PokerStars | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Five Card Draw | WSOP | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 2-7 Triple Draw | PokerStars | $10 - $1,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 2-7 Single Draw | WSOP | $2 - $50 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| HORSE | PokerStars | N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| 8-Game Mix | PokerStars | $5 - $5,000 | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Badugi | PokerStars | $5 – N/A | Play Now! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Other variations provided by the best casino developers in MI are Omaha Hi, Seven Card Stud, and Five Card Draw. The main perk of playing is the chance to test your skills against real gamblers and potentially win real money prizes. Furthermore, there is no shortage of daily events, and the buy-in for these games will suit all budgets.
Playing in poker tournaments is a different experience from cash games. Each player starts with the same number of chips and must use their skills to outsmart opponents until only one player remains. The sites with the best online poker in Michigan will have several daily tournaments. The main formats are Single-Table Tournaments (STT) and Multi-Table Tournaments (MTT).
Single-Table Tournaments, commonly known as Sit & Gos, do not have a specific start time and begin as soon as enough players have joined, usually six to ten players. The games run for 30-60 minutes, making them the perfect option for novice players. You also don’t need to beat hundreds of players for a share of the prize pool.
| Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Tournaments | Highest Prize | Min. Deposit | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 70+ Tournaments Daily | $3,000 Guaranteed | $10 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | Not Needed | 70+ Tournaments Daily | $3,000 Guaranteed | $10 | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
On the other hand, MTTs are known for their massive prize pools and can run for several hours. There are usually many different tables with up to ten players who compete to make it to the final table. Online MTTs are popular with intermediate to expert poker players since you require a lot of patience and discipline when betting.
Novice players looking for opportunities to sharpen their skills can enter freeroll tournaments at the best Michigan online poker sites. Freerolls do not have an entry fee, which means you can compete for a share of the prize pool without risk.
The top operators in Michigan will run regular freeroll tournaments, while some will offer automatic entry as part of the welcome bonus.
All operators offer exciting Michigan poker bonuses to attract new players. Such promotions include welcome packages with extra cash and can be quite generous. In Michigan poker rooms, you can claim a new customer offer with your first deposit. It's a great way to boost your bankroll from the get-go and will vary in size depending on the site you wish to join.
| Online MI Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Wagering | Poker Contribution | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | Not Needed | 10.5x | 100% | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
For existing players, there are a host of daily and weekly deals to be had, which may include reload bonuses, rakeback rewards, and entry into cash tournaments. Most bonuses come with wagering requirements, so always read the terms and conditions before claiming.
Deciding on a poker bonus to claim will often come down to your personal preference. As a rule, always select the bonus that will benefit your style of play the most. You can also check out the best Michigan casino bonuses if you want to branch out into blackjack or baccarat. Regardless of what or where you play, you will need to check the bonus requires, and if there are any limitations on the games you can play.
Nowadays, we do just about everything on our phones. So, why should how we play poker be any different? Therefore, it will come as no surprise that all the top online poker sites in Michigan have quality poker apps for iOS and Android devices. You can download these for free and play anywhere, anytime within the state.
We typically rate poker apps by evaluating factors such as usability and reliability. The top-rated Michigan poker apps will come with seamless navigation and user-friendly interfaces so that you can join your favorite tournaments without issue. Check out the best poker app in Michigan in the table below:
| MI Poker Apps | Rating | Poker Bonus | Mobile Games | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | 5 | Android, iOs | MI, NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
It's important to note that you can only play poker on your mobile device by downloading the official apps. There is no browser based play for any of the poker sites in Michigan, regardless if you are on desktop or on a mobile device.
One factor you should consider before downloading a mobile poker app is the multi-table functionality. For example, the BetMGM mobile app allows you to play up to four tables simultaneously. Playing on multiple tables on your smartphone may prove annoying for some, while tablet users will have no issues jumping between tables.
The software available for download from poker sites in Michigan can significantly impact your experience. Seasoned poker players will argue that downloading the software is still the best way to play poker online, while others would prefer to have the option to play in their browser. However, downloading the software is necessary to play poker at the legal poker sites. Additionally, you will need to use Geocomply to ensure your location.
To begin with, software from the best online poker sites in Michigan is fully customizable, giving you more control over the appearance of the lobby. You can also filter tournaments according to your preferences and arrange them by several advanced options, including the buy-in amount and blind levels. Another advantage is the option to add scheduled events to your favorites.
An important part of any Michigan online poker site are the payment methods available. The payment methods are often overlooked, but can make or break your poker experience. Fortunately, all poker sites in Michigan have a wide range of trusted payment options, which include everything from debit and credit cards to online banking, and digital wallets.
Making a deposit with your debit card is probably the most convenient way of funding your poker account. Visa and Mastercard have excellent security features, and are accepted at all venues in Michigan. Depositing money into your account is instant, meaning you can start playing your favorite games immediately.
Withdrawals, on the other hand, require more time to process because of the various security checks. Still, the quickest way to withdraw funds is with methods like, PayPal, Play+, Venmo, and prepaid cards. Your funds will generally be available within 24 hours when using these options, while some venues allow you to visit the casino cage for payment within 12 hours.
Michigan has a rich selection of online poker sites you can join. Each poker site is different, so selecting the right option for you will depend on factors such as your playing style and bankroll. Novice players can join several low-stakes poker sites for real money, while advanced players will likely prefer to test their skills on high-stakes sites.
Low-stakes poker sites are perfect for players just getting started and those who prefer not to invest too much money just yet. The good news is that low-stakes players make up most of the online poker community and are welcome at any of our recommended Michigan poker sites, where the stakes start from as little as $0.01/$0.02.
Apart from affordability, poker sites with low wagers provide the ideal opportunity to learn to play without taking unnecessary risks. During peak times, low-stakes poker sites will have plenty of cash games and tournaments with real money prize pools up for grabs.
| Low Stakes Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Min. Poker Bet | Min. Deposit | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | $0.05 | $10 | NJ, PA, MI, NV | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | $0.05 | $10 | MI, NJ, PA | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Low stakes tournaments generally start from around $0.50-$1.00, making them suitable for all bankrolls. However, bankroll management is immensely important when you are still learning how to play poker, even when playing at the lowest stakes. That's because turning a profit on low stakes poker sites will often require loads of disciple and patience.
At the same time, players can take advantage of the satellite structure to win entry into larger tournaments. Satellite events can take the form of Sit & Gos, Rebuys, and Freezeouts. The idea is to progress through the ranks into one of the finishing positions to win your seat in events with large prize pools.
Many poker sites in Michigan also offer other types of gambling products. If low-stake play is your gameplay style, then there are other types of games that you can enjoy as well. Excellent alternatives can be seen at the best online roulette sites in MI as this casino game has interesting versions for low-stakes players.
Before the advent of online poker, the only places you could find high stakes games were gambling meccas like Las Vegas. Much has changed over the past decade, and many of the best online poker sites Michigan has available now feature regular high stakes tables where the limits start from around $100/$200.
MTTs are the preferred option for high stakes players and often come with guaranteed prize pools worth over $10K. Just keep in mind that high stakes tables also come with more risk. Therefore, it would be wise to leave these to advanced poker players with a keen understanding of making calculated decisions under pressure.
| High Stakes Poker Sites | Poker Bonus | Max. Poker Bet | Max. Deposit | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | $500 | N/A | NJ, PA, MI, NV | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | $500 | N/A | NJ, PA, MI | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
One factor to consider is the availability of high-stakes games on poker sites. For example, BetMGM accepts high rollers daily, while other operators may only have a single high-stakes event per week. Also, some payment options will have daily limits, so you may need to make multiple deposits to cover the buy-in.
You can play for real money at any of our featured poker sites. The most important thing to consider is the stakes. As mentioned earlier, there are low stakes and high stakes poker sites, so deciding which level is right for you could be the difference between turning a profit and spending your entire bankroll.
Another factor when joining a real money poker site in Michigan is the payment methods available. You will need to fund your account to play for real money, so choose an option that offers security and convenience. You can check out the popular payment methods to see if your preferred option is available.
| MI Real Money Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Cash Out Time | Payment Methods | Real Money Poker Games | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | 1 – 5 days | Visa,Mastercard,VIP Preferred,PayNearMe,Play+,PayPal,Bank Wire Transfer,Online Banking | 23 All Poker Games1 Live Poker13 Mobile Poker | NJ, PA, MI, NV | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | 1 – 5 days | Visa,Mastercard,VIP Preferred,PayNearMe,Play+,PayPal,Bank Wire Transfer,Online Banking | 13 All Poker Games1 Live Poker13 Mobile Poker | NJ, PA, MI | PLAY NOW! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Playing poker with real money adds an extra level of excitement that practice money cannot match. Most times, players will throw caution to the wind when betting with practice money and, as a result, fail to sharpen their skills. Having something to lose makes playing even more thrilling at the end of the day.
However, the important thing to remember when playing poker for real money is to bet responsibly. Bankroll management is essential if you don't want to lose more money than you can afford, so always make sure that you stick to your budget. We cover responsible gaming in this guide should you need more details.
Free online poker sites in Michigan are perhaps the quickest way to learn the basic rules of poker. Fortunately, most of our recommended Michigan poker sites provide games in practice mode without the risk of using your own money. However, you will need to switch your account to a real money account and deposit funds before you can test your skills against real players.
Players who do not wish to switch to real money can also enter a variety of freeroll tournaments. These do not require any buy-in and follow the same structure as regular cash tournaments, meaning the blinds increase periodically until a winner is left. Keep in mind that some operators require you to fund your account to enter freerolls.
| Online MI Poker Site | Poker Bonus | Bonus Code | Wagering | Poker Contribution | Eligible States | Secure Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match | Not Needed | 10.5x | 100% | NJ, PA, MI, NV | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | 100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play | Not Needed | 10.5x | 100% | MI, NJ, PA | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new MI players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Min. deposit $10. Full T&C's apply. |
Poker sites in Michigan may offer no deposit bonuses on occasion, so check back regularly if this is the type of deal you are looking for. No deposit bonuses make it possible to play poker without using your own money and, consequently, do not require you to make a deposit. As always, we recommend reading the terms and conditions for the wagering requirements.
The regulator responsible for overseeing land-based and online poker is the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The MGCB is part of the treasury department and was formed in 1997. Online poker has been legal since 2019 when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill No. 4311 into force to allow online poker, sports betting, and online casinos in Michigan to operate legally.
To play online poker, you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state. Online poker operators require all registrants to provide personal details such as a valid SSN to confirm your identity and age. As required by law, operators also use the geolocation software Geocomply to confirm your current location.
Today, the Michigan Gaming Control Board is responsible for ensuring that all land-based and online poker operations are conducted in a fair and transparent manner. It also means that the board will regularly conduct inspections and audits of all licensees. Third-party agencies typically conduct these audits and investigate everything from the safety and fairness of the poker software to the payout times.
Michigan online poker sites have entered a multi-state agreement that will see operators share liquidity with other states, namely Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey. The three states form part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA), of which Michigan became a member in 2022.
The agreement allows all four states to pool their players and resources to improve the customer experience. Shared liquidity across multiple territories is good news for players and paves the way for the launch of multi-state tournaments with large prize pools. It also means more games at various stakes levels.
However, since the announcement that Michigan had become a member of the MSIGA, not much else has happened. Is it because of legislative issues? Only time will tell. Therefore, we advise you to check back regularly for updates on when Michigan will launch multi-state online poker alongside its sister operators in New Jersey and other regions.
No matter if you are play poker at a land-based casino or at one of the online sites in Michigan, winnings are subject to tax in Michigan. Your tax rate will depend on your annual income and tax bracket. At the same time, you will be responsible for state and federal taxes. The state income tax withholding rate is 4.25%, while the federal income tax withholding rate is 24%.
Furthermore, in December 2021, Michigan Gov. Grethen Whitmer signed legislation (Senate Bill 764) that allows for the deduction of certain gambling losses. However, taxpayers must itemize their deductions on their federal tax return to claim any losses. Also, if you do not have any winnings, you will not be eligible to deduct any losses.
Playing online poker vs. land-based poker has many noticeable differences. The main advantage of real money poker sites in Michigan is the ability to play more hands more regularly. The number of hands you can play online is much higher, given the fact that you can join multiple tables at once.
It’s not uncommon for expert poker players to join as many as four tables simultaneously, which considerably increases the number of hands they play per session. Another noticeable difference is the convenience of playing online poker from anywhere, anytime. With that said, here are some of the main pros and cons of playing at Michigan poker sites:
While playing online poker in Michigan is a popular pastime, even the most responsible players can develop negative gambling behaviors. The most common sign of compulsive gambling is the desire to spend more money than your bankroll allows. If you or anyone you know demonstrates that they need help with problem gambling, it may be time to reach out to professional organizations.
Michigan has several resources available for persons seeking assistance with gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous are the most well-known, while players can also contact the Michigan Gaming Control Board and request to be excluded from all gambling activities within the state.
We trust that this guide on the top legal online poker sites covers all the information you need to select an operator where you can play poker safely and responsibly. If you need any additional info, we recommend checking out the section below for the most frequently asked questions about playing online poker in Michigan.
We would like to conclude this guide by inviting you to join any of our recommended Michigan poker sites. The operators on this page are some of the best in the US. As mentioned, we rate poker sites based on various factors and trust that the ones featured here will not disappoint you.
With his experience as a casino manager, Jerry is a valuable member of our team. He's a poker enthusiast who prepares detailed guides on the topic and is also an expert in live table games. Jerry is responsible for following the latest US gambling regulations and will update you about upcoming changes.
More about JerryMoreover, our recommended poker sites are all licensed and regulated in Michigan, meaning they are committed to responsible gaming practices and fair & transparent terms and conditions. Finally, each site has a generous welcome bonus that you can claim to enjoy action-packed tournaments in the state.