Reasons For Delayed Launch of WSOP in Michigan Remain Unclear

Time running out for WSOP MI to go live and offer any bracelet events before World Series Online Bracelet festivals draw to a close.
Reasons For Delayed Launch of WSOP in Michigan Remain Unclear
By
October 29, 2021

It has been a big year for WSOP and 888poker: Highlights have included the launch of WSOP PA, the rollout of Poker 8 software, World Series Online Bracelet festivals and, of course, the return of the WSOP live series.

And just in the last couple of weeks, 888 has ventured into the nascent regulated market of Colorado, launching its SI Sportsbook in the Centennial State.

However, there has been one blot on the copybook this year: the long-awaited arrival of WSOP MI, which, as we approach November, is yet to materialize.

As far back as February, Senior Vice President and Head of US at 888 Holdings, Yaniv Sherman, said that the licensing process in Michigan was underway— though the statement came with a caveat that the regulators’ position on shared liquidity would “determine the timing of when we can launch.”

Shared liquidity on the horizon

Nevertheless, the message was clear: WSOP intended to go live in both Pennsylvania and Michigan in the first half of 2021. Even in May, it still seemed possible that WSOP MI could launch either simultaneously with Pennsylvania, or closely behind.

At the time, Sherman had said, “we’re looking to roll out WSOP in Pennsylvania, and we hope that Michigan would follow suit. If not concurrently, then soon after.”

In June came the momentous news that the DOJ had declined to appeal January’s Wire Act ruling, leaving the door open for shared liquidity, and making the Michigan launch seem more likely than ever. In July, it was reported that 888 was planning to go live in three new states before year’s end.

It seemed beyond doubt that Michigan would be one of them.

WSOP PA launched the following week. At the beginning of September, 888 CEO Itai Pazner was still confidently predicting that a Michigan launch would happen, “in the next few weeks” — yet here we are approaching Halloween and Michigan’s WSOP online poker room appears no nearer now than it did then.

Immediate future remains unclear

The reasons for the delay are not completely clear: perhaps there are some unforeseen technical issues; or maybe some legal loose ends to tie before shared liquidity becomes viable.

Or it may be something less tangible. The bounce in online revenue due to COVID-19 has long-since dissipated, and whilst the Pennsylvania launch went ahead more-or-less on schedule, the site’s first few months were perhaps not the big splash the operator had hoped for: Tournaments have consistently seen overlays and cash-game action has barely put a dent into PokerStars’ dominance in the market.

Data provided by GameIntel

Whatever the reason, the delay in launch looks increasingly awkward for the operator.

There are just four weeks of the live World Series of Poker left to go. Eleven online companion — for Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are part of this schedule. It is reasonable to assume that bracelet events were also planned for Michigan, but as time rolls on it becomes less and less likely that WSOP MI will be up and running before the flagship live festival draws to a close.

It is still possible than Michigan online bracelets will run. If the site launches in the next two weeks, one would expect the WSOP to announce a bracelet or two in the market almost immediately. The key date here is November 21: If the site is up and running ahead of this, it will likely drop in a Mini Main Event to go alongside those in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada.

However, in a trading update from 888 last week, it was stated again that the site was expected to launch “in the coming weeks”. But it is not the first we have heard that, and it may not prove to be the last.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VACPG) helpline at 1-888-532-3500

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