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The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has officially cleared FanDuel to connect its poker players with opponents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, beginning April 1, 2026.
The approval allows FanDuel to operate under the PokerStars brand in Michigan, with MotorCity Casino serving as its local partner. Regulators said the decision followed a detailed review of FanDuel’s compliance with state rules, confirming that the operator met all requirements for multi-state internet poker.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams urged players not to worry as the regulator was still in firm control of operations, stating, “FanDuel is a well-established operator in the Michigan gaming market. Michigan players can have confidence in the integrity of the games they play, backed by the same rigorous oversight the MGCB applies across all licensed gaming activity.”
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022, alongside Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Before joining, Michigan poker players could only compete against others within the state. Now, with FanDuel’s approval, they gain access to larger player pools across multiple jurisdictions.
“FanDuel’s approval reinforces the MGCB’s commitment to enabling legal, regulated gaming opportunities while upholding responsible gaming practices and ensuring the integrity of the industry,” the regulator stated in its Wednesday release.
Michigan’s gaming market continues to grow with tax increase talks
The approval of FanDuel’s multi‑state poker platform comes at a time when Michigan’s gaming industry is showing strong momentum. February alone brought in $313 million in online revenue, a figure that, while down 12.2% from January, still reflects the scale of the market.
Online casinos led the revenues, generating $273.1 million, while sports betting added $39.9 million. Compared to last year, sports betting dipped slightly, but online casino play surged more than 25%. Altogether, the activity produced over $55 million in tax revenue for the state, with fifteen operators currently running online platforms.
At the same time, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed major tax changes in her new budget. She wants sportsbooks to pay a per‑bet fee, starting at 25 cents for the first 20 million wagers and rising to 50 cents afterward, mirroring Illinois’ system.
Online casinos could face a higher tax rate of 36% for larger operators, up from the current 28%, and the plan would also end the practice of writing off free play promotions.
Officials estimate the charges could raise nearly $200 million annually for Medicaid, though operators are pushing back and lawmakers must still decide whether to approve the proposal.
