Michigan Opts In For Multi-State Online Poker

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement is gaining traction as Michigan now joins Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey. Pennsylvania may also soon join the agreement between these states to offer online gambling across state lines.

MSIGA is making it possible for states with legalized online poker to offer services to one another. Players from New Jersey can play against those from Delaware, and Las Vegas players can compete with residents of Michigan. The ultimate effect is increasing the pool of players. This could create larger games with chances at higher profits.

About 23.5 million people will be affected by this new compact among gaming states. It will help the various poker rooms doing business in each state a better opportunity to thrive.

This is important given the recent revelations about cheating in online poker. Prior to the closure of online poker websites in the US on April 15, 2011, some insiders have now revealed that cheating regularly occurred. It may also have happened after the seizure of sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.

Now, legalized poker and other forms of online gambling is on an upswing in the United States. Many states have now legalized poker as well as sports betting and even casino gambling. The initial numbers have been fantastic, and more states are looking at jumping on the bandwagon.

Michigan stands to gain substantial revenue from online poker. This is money that the state sorely needs in the wake of an ongoing economic crisis. Being able to add more players to the pool could mean higher revenue for the state.

Under the MSIGA, players with a valid online poker account in their state would be able to play with the same poker provider in other states. Some lawmakers hope this legislation will spread to include all states that choose to legalize online gambling.