DraftKings Expands: Multi-State Online Poker Now in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey

The online poker landscape in the USA continues to grow. A significant step is the recent launch of multi-state internet poker by DraftKings. Since July 8, 2026, players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey can compete at virtual poker tables together. This was announced by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, MGCB.

DraftKings is collaborating with the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan. This community serves as the local operating partner for the poker product. The MGCB approved this after a thorough review. DraftKings meets all regulatory requirements for operating multi-state internet poker.

Numbers and facts

Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022. This agreement is crucial for cross-border online poker operations. Before joining, poker players in Michigan could only compete against other players within their own state. Current member states of MSIGA include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It is notable how the number of participating states is gradually expanding. Rebecca Satterfield, Manager of MSIGA and Internet Gaming for the Delaware Lottery, already welcomed Michigan's accession in April 2022. She emphasized that the merger expands variety for nearly ten million residents. DraftKings is also expanding in other areas. For example, the company introduced “DK Replay” in Oregon to allow betting on historical MLB games, showcasing the provider's innovation. Senator Ron Watson of Maryland is currently pushing legislative bills to legalize online casinos and multi-state poker in his state, with hearings scheduled for March 11, 2026.

Background

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement was initiated in Delaware in 2014. From the outset, its goal was to improve liquidity for online gambling across state borders. Liquidity refers to the pooling of players and resources across multiple territories. This creates a better player experience, especially in poker tournaments. A large number of players of varying skill levels is advantageous here. Until 2017, the agreement only offered poker liquidity. With the accession of New Jersey, this was expanded to include all online gambling. DraftKings is also expanding in other areas. For example, the company introduced “DK Replay” in Oregon to allow betting on historical MLB games, showcasing the provider's innovation. Senator Ron Watson of Maryland is currently pushing legislative bills to legalize online casinos and multi-state poker in his state, with hearings scheduled for March 11, 2026.

Henry Williams, the Executive Director of the MGCB, commented positively on the latest decision:

"This approval reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process. As Michigan’s multistate poker network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring every operator meets the same high bar for fairness, security, and player protection." - Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB

Why it matters for German players

In Germany, the situation is different. The Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) regulates online gambling nationwide. The multi-state principle, as practiced in the US, is not envisaged here. The German gambling market is strictly oriented towards the national framework. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is responsible for regulation and licensing. A 1 Euro stake limit per spin on slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euro are among the core provisions. In addition, players must register in advance with the central self-exclusion system LUGAS (Länderübergreifendes Glücksspielaufsichtssystem). These strict requirements are intended to ensure player protection. A cross-state poker pool like in the USA does not exist in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For online casinos licensed in Germany, i.e., GGL-casinos, this means a clear distinction from the US market. They must adhere to the requirements of the GlüStV 2021. Innovations like DraftKings' multi-state poker are not implementable in this regulated environment. The focus is instead on locally adapted offerings in compliance with German licensing conditions. This includes not only technical limits but also extensive measures for player protection. Anyone playing in a German online casino knows that they are operating in a regulated and secure environment. Even if the game selection or pot sizes in poker might be larger internationally, as in the USA. The GGL places great emphasis on transparency and responsible gaming. German players cannot simply access international poker networks via VPN. This would be a violation of local regulations.