DraftKings Debuts Multi-State Online Poker Network Linking Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey

DraftKings has launched a shared online poker platform that pools players from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, marking the second operator to connect a Michigan poker product to out-of-state players through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) confirmed the launch on July 8 after determining that DraftKings met all regulatory requirements to operate the multi-jurisdiction offering.

Regulatory Approval and Partnership

The MGCB’s clearance followed a review process that assessed DraftKings’ compliance with Michigan’s standards for interstate internet poker. In the state, DraftKings runs the product in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community, which serves as the operator’s local partner. MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stated that the approval “reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process.” He added that as Michigan’s multi-state poker network grows, the board remains focused on “ensuring every operator meets the same high bar for fairness, security, and player protection.”

The Multi-State Framework

The three-state link operates under MSIGA, a compact Michigan joined in 2022. Other signatories include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania became the most recent member, signing on April 28, 2025. Before Michigan entered the agreement, online poker players in the state could only compete against fellow Michigan residents, limiting table options and prize pools. By combining pools, DraftKings now draws from a larger base of active players—an important factor because online poker relies on player versus player competition rather than house-banked games, making liquidity essential for filling tables and sustaining tournament fields.

Expansion Potential and Industry Context

DraftKings’ network currently includes Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, but could eventually extend to other MSIGA members, such as Nevada and West Virginia, pending regulatory approvals in each jurisdiction. The move follows the MGCB’s April approval of PokerStars (operating on the FanDuel platform) for multi-state poker connectivity in Michigan. The regulator’s announcement emphasized that DraftKings’ clearance “reinforces the MGCB’s commitment to enabling legal, regulated gaming opportunities while upholding responsible gaming practices and ensuring the integrity of the industry.” DraftKings also operates online sportsbook, casino, and daily fantasy products in all three states.

Player Liquidity Benefits

Pooling player populations across state lines is particularly critical for online poker, where a critical mass of live participants is needed to offer a variety of games and stakes. With roughly 150,000 poker players across the participating states (a figure cited in connection with Pennsylvania’s entry into the compact), the shared network provides more tables and larger prize pools, benefiting both operators and players. The MGCB’s oversight ensures that all operators meet consistent standards for fairness and security as the multi-state network expands.