The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has officially granted FanDuel the authorization to connect its poker players with opponents in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Effective April 1, 2026, the approval allows FanDuel, operating under the iconic PokerStars brand, to leverage its partnership with MotorCity Casino to offer a unified multi-state experience.
Strengthening the Multi-State Agreement
Michigan’s entry into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022 paved the way for this expansion. Previously, Michigan poker players were restricted to competing within state lines. Now, the MGCB’s detailed compliance review confirms that FanDuel meets all requirements to merge its player pools across jurisdictions, providing users with larger tournaments and increased prize liquidity.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams assured the public of continued regulatory vigilance:
“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.”
Economic Impact and Proposed Tax Hikes
The launch comes as Michigan’s iGaming market continues to post record numbers, with February online revenue reaching $313 million. However, the industry is closely watching Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new budget proposal.
The plan seeks to raise online casino taxes to 36% for larger operators (up from 28%) and introduce a per-bet fee for sportsbooks starting at 25 cents. While these changes could raise $200 million for Medicaid, operators are actively lobbying against the hike, citing potential impacts on market growth and player incentives.
