A bit of competition is healthy in poker, and it also helps when it comes to online poker sites. With the addition of BetMGM Poker MI, one of the leading online poker and gambling companies operating in the US, there are now three operators to choose from in Michigan, which means each room will be doing more to attract players and cater to their needs.
BetMGM Poker launched in Michigan in March 2021, just two months after its online sportsbook and online casino went live in the state. BetMGM has two big names in its corner. It is backed by MGM Resorts, with the land-based partner MGM Grand Detroit, and it uses the PartyPoker software, which has a long history of running online games.
BetMGM Poker is one of the three skins that make up the PartyPoker US Network. The other two operators are PartyPoker and Borgata Poker. They all use the partypoker software. The network is currently only active in New Jersey, where all three sites run, and BetMGM Poker MI does not share liquidity with these sites or other BetMGM poker rooms in other states. However, we are hopeful that the sites on the PartyPoker network will all be able to share a player pool soon.
The sports betting and casino games at BetMGM MI are all accessible through the same account, so you can consider it the home of all your online gambling activity. The site is regulated and licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). It is a clear sign that BetMGM Poker is 100% legal and safe.
In this BetMGM Poker Michigan online poker review, you will discover how the site compares to its main rival PokerStars. Plus, learn about bonuses, tournaments, and the software. Read on to find out if it is the right fit for you.
Welcome Bonus
If you are going to sign up for BetMGM Poker MI, you will want to know what it offers new players. Fortunately, there is a generous welcome bonus package that helps you explore the site with a little something extra in your balance.
The BetMGM Poker Michigan bonus has two elements. Both are connected to your first deposit, where the operator matches the amount up to $1000 by 100%. On top of this, you will also receive up to $75 in MTT tickets depending on the total deposited amount.
Get a 100% Match up to $1000 on First Deposit
The deposit bonus is awarded after you add funds to your account. You receive the amount as restricted cash, which is separate from your real-money balance. It is intended for exploring the site, so you cannot withdraw it immediately. The restricted cash can be used to play various games and tournaments across the site.
The offer is similar to the one you get at BetMGM Poker’s main competitor, but the rules are slightly different. For example, at PokerStars, your $600 bonus is spread over your first three deposits, which need to be made in 60 days of creating your account.
How to Claim the Bonus
Follow this guide to claim both aspects of the welcome bonus package:
- Register for an account at BetMGM Poker MI. There is no need to enter a bonus code. You will need to have entered the last four digits of your social security number, as well as your name and date of birth, to show that you are eligible to play.
- To trigger the welcome package, you will need to make a deposit within seven days of creating your account.
- The minimum amount you can pay in is $10, and the maximum is $1000. If you pay more than this, you will still only receive a deposit match of $1000.
- Once you have successfully made the deposit, you will receive the 100% match as restricted cash.
Releasing the Bonus
As with all bonuses, there are requirements for the player to fulfill. If you want to use the amount to explore the site but also hope to have some real-money winnings to withdraw, follow these rules to release the BetMGM Poker Michigan bonus:
- The deposit bonus is awarded in restricted cash, which means you will need to play games and tournaments to release it.
- The amount is released in increments of 10%. If you deposited $300, you will be seeking increments of $30 each time. You need to earn BetMGM Rewards Points to trigger the release each time.
- You need 10.5x the increment amount in points to receive the restricted funds as cash. If it is $30, you will need 315 points to release it each time. You have 120 days to release the bonus before it expires.
- Once you release an increment, you can withdraw it.
- Solid MTT schedule
- Reliable software
- Quality rewards program
Promotions
Beyond the initial bonus, there is a wide variety of BetMGM Poker Michigan promotions for regular players. They are a mixture of new offers that appear frequently, as well as long-standing promotions. Examples include game-specific offers, with prizes available for trying different games and formats. Alternatively, you might see cashback being offered for cash games.
The Grind
You do not need to opt in or use a bonus code for this promotion. It rewards players for how much they grind the felt; the more you put in, the better your prize. If you reach certain iRP milestones during the month when this promotion is running, you will get cash rewards. It starts as low as $1 and goes up to $6,500. At the end of the month, you receive your prize depending on the last milestone you reached.
Leaderboards
Most months, you will see SNG leaderboards running. They will have an expiration date, which lets you know how long you have to climb your way up the rankings. Those finishing near the top get prizes. Points are earned by playing eligible sit and go tournaments during a specific timeframe.
Tournaments
This BetMGM Poker Michigan review would not be complete without an analysis of one of the main components of poker sites: tournaments. They provide great opportunities to play and to potentially win big money. However, a site needs to have different types, games, and frequent tournaments starting with a variety of buy-ins.
The overall offering at BetMGM Poker can be split into two categories, the MTTs and SNG tournaments. The MTTs tend to follow more specific timings and prize amounts and can go on for several hours. SNGs, on the other hand, are shorter and do not run to a particular schedule.
MTTs
The Michigan online poker scene has plenty of opportunities for players to see some action. At BetMGM Poker MI, you can expect weekly events, as well as a daily schedule with around 70 MMTs. They run from the morning through to late in the evening, making it likely for you to find something when you want to play.
Tournaments are listed with their buy-in amount and guarantee if there is one. A significant number of the events are accessible, starting as low as $0.25. Plus, you will find many in the $1, $5, and $10 range. They go up to as much as $535 for the big weekly tournament. Guarantees can range from a few hundred dollars to the thousands.
The majority of the tournaments are No Limit Hold ‘Em (NLH). However, you can also find Pot Limit Omaha (PLO), including eight and hi-lo versions. Traffic usually picks up from 7 pm onward. If you are interested in large prize pools and plenty of players, these major events might interest you.
Daily $10K
This daily tournament guarantees to pay the top 14 finishers. You can buy in using tournament dollars, cash, or a $109 ticket. As the name suggests, the guaranteed amount is $10,000. You start with a 50,000 chip stack, and it is an NLH game with re-entries. It starts every day at 7 pm.
Weekly Tournaments
There are two significant weekly events to look forward to at BetMGM Poker MI. Mega Tuesday is a $535 buy-in tournament. It is six-max, NLH, and players have a starting stack of 75,000. The guarantee is $12,000, although it usually ends up being much more. It starts at 8 pm and attracts a lot of players.
If you are more of a weekend player, then the Sunday $40k will suit you better. You will need a $215 buy-in, and that will give you a chance to benefit from the guaranteed $40,000 prize money. It starts at 5 pm and is also an NLH re-entry tournament.
Progressive Knockout
This bounty tournament gives you the chance to enjoy something a bit different. As you progress, your winnings grow. When you eliminate a player, you win 50% of their bounty in cash, while the remaining half is added to your bounty.
These tournaments are played on Thursdays at 8 pm. The buy-in is $150, plus a $20 fee and your $150 bounty. There is a guarantee of $10,000; it is the thrill of watching those bounties add up that attracts players.
Tournament Series
BetMGM Poker MI runs a big online tournament series, which includes a mix of PLO and NLH. Since the launch, several installments in the series have appeared, usually lasting eight days, with over $300,000 up for grabs over the course of the event. They typically start with an attractive opening tournament and culminate in the main event with guarantees of $50k and $75k.
Although some events do experience overlays, the Sunday tournaments particularly have exceeded. With improvements made to scheduling, future series can expect to have increased player numbers.
Shared Liquidity
BetMGM Poker MI does not have shared liquidity. There are no shared player pools with other sites in the state or outside of the state. However, as the operator is part of the PartyPoker US Network, that could change.
Michigan online poker could be set to enjoy shared liquidity. At present, poker sites like BetMGM Poker NJ, Borgata Poker, and PartyPoker NJ can share players as they are within the same state. However, legislation and regulations for player pooling across state lines are still evolving, and there are expectations that shared liquidity will be coming to the PartyPoker US Network soon.
With the clarification that the Wire Act only applies to sports wagers, interstate online poker is expected to expand soon. As state legislators and regulators assess and adapt to this change, it is likely that shared liquidity will be a reality in Michigan soon. And BetMGM Poker MI in an excellent position as a part of the PartyPoker US Network.
SNGs
If you are looking for something faster and more immediate, the SNG tournaments at BetMGM Poker Michigan might suit. They start as soon as enough seats are filled. The formats are usually either regular, turbo, or hyper turbo. You can find three-handed, six-handed, and 10-handed tournaments.
Most games are NLH, though you will find PLO, too. The buy-ins offer a range that appeals to high rollers and micros, as you will find $0.10 to $500. Spin and go tournaments, which are even faster and have a jackpot-style format, are not active on the site.
Cash Games
Tournaments can be fantastic for big scores and gaining some poker prestige. However, cash games are at the core of any poker site and are where players head with their eyes on the cash prize. As part of this BetMGM Poker Michigan online poker review, you can learn about the variations on offer and what to expect.
There is a fine line between having the right number of poker game variants and diluting the player pool too much. As a newer operator, BetMGM has played it fairly safe with the standard game variants:
- Omaha
- Omaha Hi/Lo
- Seven-Card Stud
- Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo
- Texas Hold ‘Em
By leaving out razz, HORSE, and other options, the site has managed to focus the traffic on the main games. Where you will find variety is in the stakes. They range from as little as one or two cents up to $30/$60. Most games are six-max, although there are full-ring options with up to nine players.
Overall, the traffic is reasonable. There are some strong areas, such as NLH, and PLO games run fairly regularly. The low-stakes tables see more action, although micro and medium options can do very well at peak times. The fast forward games, where players can move on quickly from a hand with no potential, do not have a lot of traffic. You might find it challenging to get a game.
Software
BetMGM Poker MI uses the PartyPoker software, which you will find on other poker rooms in New Jersey, including Borgata Poker and PartyPoker. They have been leading the way for two decades and still produce a cutting-edge platform. Players will find it familiar and intuitive, yet also a slick setup.
As with all poker rooms, you need to download the software to your desktop. Alternatively, you can use the BetMGM Poker Michigan mobile app to access the poker room from your iOS or Android device. However you access the games and tournaments, you will need to use the accompanying geolocation application to verify your location in Michigan.
The app might be considered plain compared to the PokerStars equivalent. However, it prioritizes features and navigational functionality, which every player will appreciate. Playing at multiple tables is easy, and access to promotions and banking is just as straightforward from the mobile app as it is from the desktop.
Reliability
Michigan online poker is in safe hands with the PartyPoker software. It has expertise and years of experience backing it. The result is a platform that does not often have disruptions. There are no known bugs in the software, so freezing and crashes happen rarely.
There is also an experienced tech team on hand to maintain the servers that keep you connected to the platform. In the unlikely event of an issue, they handle the matter professionally, which means you will be back up and running in a matter of minutes.
Functionality
The software can be accessed on PCs running Windows and on Macs. The mobile version is available for Android devices and iOS smartphones and tablets. There is a smooth experience on all platforms.
You can access all of the key features on every version of the software. You can play at multiple tables and will receive a notification when you need to act in any of the games. It is easy to search for the game you want using filters. They include category, buy-in range, and game type. You can adjust how your games are positioned on your screen, as well as change your background, the deck style, a four-color or two-color deck, and felt color.
Appearance
While this BetMGM Poker Michigan review concludes that the desktop client will not win any awards for style, it is not ugly. Both the apps and the desktop software are functional rather than visually appealing. The plain nature of the design is the primary downside.
There are many upsides, though. The gold and black color scheme is subtle and instantly recognizable as MGM. Most importantly, it does not detract from the main event, which is poker. Clean lines and white space are part of what makes it easy to use.
Mobile
BetMGM Poker MI offers mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. You can download the appropriate app from its respective location, and the installation process is fairly straightforward.
The app itself features a modern interface that ensures a smooth gaming experience. It is not as advanced as that of the operator’s main competitor, PokerStars, but it does the job. You can access the full range of cash game tables, scheduled tournaments, and sit and goes, and navigating the app is very easy and intuitive.
- Solid MTT schedule
- Reliable software
- Quality rewards program
FAQs
Is BetMGM Poker MI really legal and trustworthy?
Yes. The site has a license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which also oversees its practices. That means that it is legally allowed to operate in the state of Michigan. It also means that BetMGM has to meet certain standards in terms of financial transactions, verifying customer identities, and having fair rules.
Is BetMGM Poker Michigan rigged?
No. As this BetMGM Poker Michigan review sets out, the site has fair policies in place for all aspects of the operation. That ranges from bonuses, terms and conditions, financial transactions, and handling of customer data. It also means that the poker games and tournaments are conducted fairly too.
Do I have to be in Michigan to play on BetMGM Poker MI?
Yes. You might be able to access a free play version or a different state version when you are elsewhere. However, to play at the MI site or on the app, you need to be located in Michigan. The software uses a geolocation application to verify your current position, which means you will not be able to deposit or play if you are out of state.
Can I register for BetMGM Michigan without being in the state?
Yes. You can create an account from another state. When you first sign up, you will need to choose your preferred location. If you are out of Michigan at the time, you can still complete the procedure or sign up for another state where BetMGM poker operates. However, you will need to be in MI to play.
Does BetMGM MI Poker share liquidity with any other sites in Michigan?
No. BetMGM Poker MI does not have a shared player pool in the state. If one of the other brands in the network launches in Michigan, then shared liquidity would be possible. There are only two operators in the state at present.
Does BetMGM Poker MI share liquidity with any other BetMGM sites in the US?
No. Shared liquidity between states is not possible due to legislation. However, that is changing. It will take some time for state gaming boards to arrange how it can be done, but there is a possibility the BetMGM Poker MI will be able to take advantage of this. It is part of the PartyPoker US Network, which means it will already have partners with an established player pool.
Can I play on BetMGM Poker Michigan from my phone?
Yes. You can access the poker rooms from the BetMGM Poker Michigan app. You can download it on Android devices and iPhones and access the same brilliant features as on the desktop client. You will still need to use the geolocation app to make sure you are in the state of Michigan.
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