We all knew that Michigan online casino and poker app, PokerStars would get a lot more traffic once it integrated with New Jersey’s player pool. But even then, most optimistic predictions said traffic would increase by 50%.
The numbers are in for the first month of interstate play, and they’re massive. Whereas weeknight PokerStars traffic peaked at around 900 users before interstate play, the platform is now seeing more than double that, according to PlayMichigan.
The traffic figures are records for PokerStars Michigan.
Additionally, the traffic spike pushes PokerStars even further ahead of its in-state competitors, BetMGM and WSOP.com.
Why interstate play led to a giant increase in traffic
Interstate poker play is a way for poker players in different states to sit down and the same table and play against each other. Typically, states that offer online poker only allow players within their borders to play online poker.
That model falls in line with other types of gambling like sports betting. However, it limits player pools, which means tournaments may not offer as big a prize pool. Also, the number of cash games tends to be smaller.
Knowing that New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware created the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This agreement allowed the three states to share online poker player pools.
Michigan wanted in on the interstate action. And, after around a year of negotiations, the MSIGA announced last year Michigan would join its ranks.
In December, PokerStars said the merging of player pools from New Jersey and Michigan would happen soon. The merge went live in January. The results have been astounding.
PokerStars Michigan offers plenty of promos for poker players
Looking ahead into February, it’s clear that PokerStars Michigan wants to capitalize on its growth.
This Sunday, the platform is offering five guaranteed prize pools with half-price buy-ins. The big draw is the 7 p.m. Half-Price Sunday High Roller tourney. The buy-in is $125 and the prize pool is a guaranteed $50,000.
Additionally, PokerStars Michigan is offering a choice between two welcome bonuses to new players. First-time users can get $100 in free play as soon as their account is active, or they can receive up to a $600 deposit match.
Michigan online casino market competition heats up
WSOP.com and BetMGM have to be feeling the heat. They were lagging behind PokerStars to end 2022.
Now, with interstate play thrusting PokerStars even further ahead, expect to see action from the two competitors in the form of bettor promos and in-house efforts to acquire new customers.
