Michigan Online Poker

Michigan residents can now enjoy the thrill of online poker from the comfort of their homes. With only a few clicks, almost any adult can create a poker account and play Michigan online games for real money.

Gamers now have access to multiple apps and tournaments—each offering an immersive poker experience tailored to fit different screens.

Is Online Poker Legal in Michigan?

Yes. With the signing of House Bill No. 4311 online poker, casino gambling, and internet sports betting became legal in the Great Lakes State. The law made it possible for local operators - tribal and commercial casinos to legally offer real money online poker, digital poker, casino gaming, and sports betting platforms.

Prospective players must, however, fulfill several conditions to ensure they are not playing unlawful poker in Michigan:

• All players must be at least 21 years old

• All online gaming players must be based in Michigan. This condition does not mean you have to be a resident in the state; you may be a visitor, but you must be physically present within the state borders to play the game legally.
  To prove that you comply with this requirement, a player must turn on the geolocation software when creating an online poker account or using the app.

• All players must also provide their social security numbers and government-issued ID cards to verify their identity during the registration of their online poker account and before their first withdrawal.

Who Regulates Online Poker Sites in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) licenses and regulates online gaming activities, including online poker. The Michigan Gambling Control Board is authorized to administer, regulate, and enforce the system of internet gaming" devised by the agency, according to the Lawful Internet Gambling Act, passed into law in December 2019.

In other words, the MGCB monitors Michigan's online sportsbooks, online casinos, daily sports, and online poker.

In keeping with the lawful internet gaming act, the Michigan Gaming Control Board ensures the fairness of poker games, the security of players' finances, and the protection of participants from fraud by enforcing a strict set of rules.

Online casino operators and sports betting platforms, licensed and regulated by the MGCB, typically display the agency’s logo on their website. Their license status can also be checked on the MGCB's website.

Address

Michigan Gaming Control Board

3062 West Grand Boulevard, Suite L-700

Detroit, MI 48202 - 6062

Email: MGCBweb@michigan.gov

Tel: 313 - 466 - 4100

Fax: 313 - 466 - 4100

Asides from the above rules, it would be a good idea for players who want to play online poker in Michigan to read up on the gambling-related statutes. For instance, Section 432.218 clearly shows that it is illegal to offer gambling without having the proper license in the State, and gambling licenses can only be issued by the MGCB.

As written in Michigan law (Section 432.202(v)), “gambling games” appear to include all forms of real money poker. These include any game played for money, credit, or anything of value, using cards, dice, equipment, or a machine.

Also included in this category are electronic mechanical or electronic devices such as computers and cashless wagering systems. Social games of poker without rakes are, however, excluded from the definition above.

How Do I Find a Safe Michigan Poker Site?

Players in Michigan can identify safe free play poker sites by ensuring the platforms meet the following conditions.

Licensing and Regulation

Checking to see if an online poker site is licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board is one of the best ways to determine if it is safe to play on. If a free play poker site has a valid gaming license from the MGCB, it means that it follows rules and is watched over.

Because unregulated and unlicensed online poker sites offer no safety and security guarantees, players who share personal information on such gaming sites have no assurance that their data will not be sold or used by bad faith actors.

To verify that an app or poker software is licensed by the MGCB, players should check for the agency’s logo on the website of the online poker operator. In addition, you can also confirm the genuineness of any logo displayed on the website of the online operator from the list of licensed online gambling providers on the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website.

Use of Encryption Technology and other Security Protocols

All licensed online poker sites in Michigan offering cash games make use of Secure Safety Layer (SSL) encryption to keep players’ funds secure and also protect their personal data from being stolen. Visitors can verify that an online poker site has a valid SSL Certificate through these visual clues:

• Padlock on the left of a URL
• An https URL prefix instead of http
• A trust seal
• A green address when an EV SSL Certificate is issued.

Safe online poker sites can also be identified by other safety measures that are put in place to ensure that only eligible players are playing within the state borders. You can locate safe online sites for poker gaming through the geolocation tracking software they use to pinpoint your location through the ID address or by tracking your mobile phone/device location.

Online poker rooms are mandated by law to verify the current location of customers through geolocation tracking software, and this service is provided by geolocation service providers listed on the MGCB’s website.

Note: An Extended Validation certificate is a type of SSL Certificate that confirms that the certificate holder has undergone rigorous vetting and identity background checks to verify that their website is authentic and legitimate.

Find Reputable Poker Sites licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board

Besides checking out the website of the MGCB, interested persons can also get valuable information about a poker site by going through the hundreds or thousands of reviews of an online poker site that pops up during a web search.

Usually, these review sites will assess the features and offers of the available poker sites, highlighting the best deals. You can confirm the fairness of these reviews by checking if the same amount of information is provided for all listed operators, or does the review clearly favor some of them by pointing out all bonus offers and additional information while keeping the assessment of other genuine sites relatively brief?

This would signify that the review sites are biased and probably have special deals with specific brands.

Customer reviews are also another way you can check how safe an online poker site is. Although one negative customer feedback may not be enough to sound the alarm, many negative reviews and complaints of transaction challenges with cash games should set off a red flag.

Use of Random Number Generators

A major source of concern for online gamers is the fairness of the games. As a result, legal and reputable poker sites use random number generator (RNG) technology to guarantee the fairness of poker games.

Basically, the RNG technology is made up of complex algorithms that ensure every hand is dealt fairly and randomly, in a way that does not favor any player. These RNG softwares are certified by independent third-party companies; players can check for these certificates on the sites of online poker providers.

Safe and Easy Banking

Perhaps the most important thing to check when looking for an online poker site is the available payment options; the security of your funds is very important. Safe online poker sites will typically provide customers with various payment options for promotion deposits and withdrawals.

As a player, you should check the site does not try to impose one or two deposit/withdrawal options on you, the site doesn’t usually have transaction fees, and that they have a minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limit that caters to the needs of different types of players.

Responsive Customer Support Services

Because the absence of effective communication leaves room for doubts that may compromise the integrity of a safe online poker site, reputable online poker service providers tend to provide excellent customer support systems.

These customer services respond promptly to players' questions and complaints, using different channels such as live chat, email, phone, and mobile messaging.

Comparison of Top 3 Poker Sites in Michigan

PokerStars MI

PokerStars is a renowned brand in the global online poker industry. It became the first legal and regulated online poker site to launch in Michigan in 2021. It offers an impressive collection of cash games and tournaments around the clock through great desktop software and mobile apps.

PokerStars has a broad range of ring games, tournaments, and sit-n-gos, in many formats, including No Limit Hold ‘Em, Pot Limit Omaha, and more poker variants. There are also major tournament series such as MICOOP and MISCOOP, which feature big fields and large prize pools.

Gaming Online on PokerStars Michigan

PokerStars has many interesting and engaging game features. There are many freeroll events with relatively easy requirements that allow players to qualify for major tournaments. Also, players can participate in easy and hard missions to get rewards like tournament tickets, bonuses, and cash.

Furthermore, there is a Stars Rewards loyalty program that rewards regular players. By playing real money games, regular players can earn reward points to receive a Chest that contains prizes such as Free Play and StarsCoin (Stars Rewards currency)

PokerStars offers new players a great welcome package. By using the bonus code — STARS600, you can choose between getting $50 free play in Spin & Go tickets after a single cash hand or a 100% first deposit bonus of up to $600. Your choice should be based on whether you are a low-stakes player or an experienced player. The $50 free play bonus is more suitable for low-stakes players, while the 100% first deposit bonus is perfect for experienced players with a large bankroll. To get the bonus, you must make three deposits over 60 days.

Pros

• PokerStars is considered the best cash-game option.
• Quality and reliable software.
• It has the most user traffic in Michigan.
• It has a great rewards program.
• Offers the most lucky chances to win big.

Cons

• There is no cash part to the incentive; rather, tickets.
• The bonus has to be claimed within five days of the account being opened.
• Bonus funds have less flexibility to be used.

BetMGM Poker MI

A part of the Partypoker U.S. Network, BetMGM provides Michigan poker players with an awesome gaming experience through its tested and trusted software for desktop and mobile. You can assume that BetMGM offers first-class gambling and entertainment from the MGM brand name. It became the second online poker site in Michigan.

It has a wide range of cash games and tournaments. These include MTTs, frequent tournament series, SNGs, and cash games. The cash games are for poker variants like No Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, PL Omaha Hi-Lo, Limit Stud, and Limit Stud Hi-Lo.

Gaming on BetMGM Poker MI

BetMGM comes into the online poker industry with incredible promotions like freeroll tickets, deposit bonuses, volume bonuses, and game-specific bonuses. Players can also spin the wheel and win poker prizes every day.

BetMGM players can also enjoy programs like the BetMGM Rewards and MGM Rewards systems. As of 2022, you can earn 500 BetMGM Rewards points for every $100 you deposit.

Furthermore, newly registered players are offered a 100% first deposit bonus of up to $1000 and up to $75 in MTT tickets. This bonus can be gotten by using the SHARPCHIP bonus code.

Pros

• BetMGM offers a great welcome bonus.
• It has an active user base.
• BetMGM uses a beautifully designed and easy-to-navigate interface.
• It offers a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal options.

Cons

• The guaranteed MTTs of BetMGM are not great.
• The withdrawal process may be a bit confusing.
• Low traffic at high stakes tables.

WSOP MI

WSOP MI broke into the Michgan online gambling market with a modern app that provides players with an excellent gaming experience on desktop and mobile.

Most poker players know that the World Series of Poker (WSOP) is synonymous with quality poker options, which is exactly what the online site provides. From the comfort of their own home, players can compete in a variety of WSOP poker tournaments to win coveted WSOP gold bracelets and rings.

Gaming on WSOP Michigan

WSOP players enjoy a wide variety of promotions aimed at keeping them engaged and giving them more value for their money. There are numerous types of leaderboards for different types of gamers, such as:

• MTT leaderboards
• BLAST leaderboards
• SNG Leaderboards

The objective is to cater to the various interests and preferences of gamers while also rewarding them for their efforts. There is a multi-tier loyalty rewards program for already enrolled gamers where users can accumulate points and then exchange them for cash.

In addition, players can take advantage of a variety of special bonuses and promotions that are offered from time to time. You must opt-in and apply the specific promo code to receive the bonus.

Although WSOP seems to focus on tournaments, this does not mean it does not offer a good number of cash table games. They have the current standard of cash play, which is Texas Hold’em or Pot-Limit Omaha, with all activities taking place on six-handed tables.

The WSOP does an excellent job covering all bases in terms of stakes for all players. The NL2 tables have a $1 minimum buy-in, while Hold’em tables go up to NL5000. Pot-Limit Omaha is accessible in stakes ranging from PLO10 to PLO200.

Furthermore, WSOP offers a welcome bumper package for all new players. They enjoy a no deposit bonus of $50 ($25 sign-up bonus and $25 free on first deposit) and a deposit bonus of up to $1,000. The WSOP promo code is 25SHARP. You have to deposit a minimum of $10 to receive the bonus.

Pros

• WSOP has excellent MTT offerings.
• The exclusive site to win WSOP gold bracelets and WSOP Circuit championship rings.
• Regular promotions.

Cons

• It uses an outdated interface.
• Since it is a newcomer, it does not have a lot of player traffic.

What is a Poker Loyalty Program?

A poker loyalty program is essentially a means by which poker rooms reward players for being loyal to their room. Loyalty implies that a player regularly plays and spends money with them.

In return, they give players money and other gifts to ensure that plates continue to play in their rooms and do not patronize other competitors.

Although legal online poker sites may do things a little differently in relation to their loyalty program, the premise remains the same; you earn points, and these points move you up the status tiers to access more unique gifts, bonuses, and comps.

These gifts may include free bonus money to play with, free tournament entries, stays at affiliated casinos and hotels, and more.

To better understand the similarities between loyalty programs at Michigan online poker sites, consider some of the top online poker gaming sites in the wolverine state: PokerStars, BetMGM, and World Series of Poker.

At PokerStars MI, the first site to offer online poker in Michigan, players receive reward points based on the number of rewards received. The amount of reward you earn depends on how frequently you play, which games you play, and your subsequent deposits.

For poker games, each player gets 100 Reward Points for every $1 they pay in rake and tournament fees. The Reward Points earned move a player along a Progress Bar which shows how close you are to achieving your next reward.

When you complete a Progress Bar, you receive a Chest that contains prizes such as Free Play and StarsCom (the currency used by Star Rewards, the PokerStar reward program). The StarCom received can be redeemed for PokerStars merchandise, electronics, and tournament ticks at the Rewards store. Players can also convert their StarCom into cash,

BetMGM gives two types of points to online poker players under its BetMGM Rewards program:

• BetMGM Reward Points
• MGM Tier Credits

BetMGM Reward Points can be converted to cash bonuses through the online loyalty store, or you may wish to turn them into MGM Reward points that can be used to get comps at all MGM Resorts-owned live venues. Also, when playing poker games, you will earn up to 500 BetMGM Reward points for every $100 you pay in rake at cash game tables and also for each $100 you spend in tournament fees.

Tier credits are used to determine the level of reward you get; the higher the tier level, the more lucrative the rewards received. The BetMGM Rewards program has 5 tiers ranging from the Sapphire (starting level) to Noir (fifth level). The Noir level is based on invitation only.

All World Series of Poker (WSOP) rewards are given through a points conversion system, with Apps buying the basic points all players accumulate. Whether you are playing cash games or tournaments, you will receive 2APPs for every $1 you pay in race or tournament fees.

Depending on your VIP status, these points can be converted directly into cash. The VIP levels at WSOP consist of five levels: Players, Bronze, Silver, Elite, and Champions Club.

Individuals who wish to play online poker at WSOP should note, however, that new players starting out at the player level cannot convert their points into cash. You have to reach the Bronze level before you are allowed to start converting points into cash.

And just like the principle behind the other sites' reward system, the higher you climb up on the VIP scale, the more money you will receive for the time and money spent at the tables.

What are Poker Bonuses and Rewards?

Bonuses and rewards in online poker consist of different offers that online poker operators give to their customers to keep them happy after they create a poker account.

Due to the intense competition among online poker providers, these sites provide various types of bonuses to attract new players who will sign for accounts and rewards to retain and appreciate playing real money online poker in their poker rooms.

Michigan poker bonuses, like other promotional offers, usually come in two varieties:

No-deposit bonus

Most of the time, players receive no-deposit poker bonuses -which are basically** free money when they sign up for a poker account**. Even though you might be able to withdraw them as cash, most no-deposit poker bonuses in Michigan are available as site credits that you have to play through a certain number of times before you can cash out.

Deposit bonus

With deposit bonuses, the legalized online poker site will match a position of the money a player deposits and also more money on top of that. The percentage of the matched amount can be any sum, even 100%.

However, you won’t be able to match more than a specified amount. Often, the site will keep the total bonus amount and give it to you in installments as you play. Bonuses may be instant or in the form of a bonus code. Therefore, it is worth remembering that you might not experience a benefit right away.

As the name implies, rewards are given in recognition of one's efforts or achievements. In online poker, players are rewarded for constantly playing real money power in the power room where they frequently play. The leading online poker sites in Michigan, as in most other states, reward players through loyalty or reward programs.

In most cases, when you sign up for an account, you automatically become a member of the poker site's program. However, you will not reap the benefits of these programs until you begin playing on a regular basis and spend increasing amounts of money.

As you start to play regularly, you accumulate points that may be redeemed for cash or prizes. The cash or prize value varies depending on the degree of membership (tier status based) you achieve. Typical presents, however, include free-money bonuses (given as a bonus code), tournament tickets, and merchandise from the site's store.

Players should be aware that online casinos rarely hand out unrestricted cash as rewards or withdrawable bonuses. What they usually give out are site credits or tournament tickets.

Site credits function like cash, but you cannot withdraw them until you have met the site’s playthrough conditions. Meanwhile, tournament tickets are expected to be used as tournament buy-ins. You cannot convert tickets or a bonus code to cash, and they cannot be transferred to another person.

Can Online Poker Possibly Be Safe?

Playing online poker online can be done with minimal risks to players if it's done on poker sites licensed and regulated by the regulatory agency with the statutory responsibility of carrying out such duties.

In addition, the sports betting or online poker sites must be trustworthy and have a reputation for fulfilling promises made to their customers.

All human endeavors come with risks. Whether you fly over oceans, drive a car, or keep your money in a bank, there are risks involved in all these activities.

What happens in most cases is that there are safety mechanisms built into these activities that reduce the risk involved to a manageable level. In the same manner, players can check that there are safety measures in place that protects them while gambling online.

Standard and Regulations

Online poker gambling on licensed and regulated sites helps safeguards players' personal information and finances. The industry regulator of legal online poker sites constantly monitors the activities of these providers and responds with strict sanctions if sites engage in unfair gaming practices.

Some of the ways in which licensed and regulated poker sites work to ensure that their sites are safe include the following:

i. Third-party auditing: Regulated online poker sites in Michigan are mandated by law to adopt independent third-party auditors that will periodically assess their sites in order to get an accurate security level.

ii. Regular internal security audits: Asides from the external security audit, poker sites also conduct regular internal security checks. These checks include scheduled assessments of technology, servers, programs, procedures, and processes to ensure they offer players the safest means of playing real money poker online. Typically, the online site operators have a dedicated security team for these exercises.

iii. Proper data encryption: Perhaps the biggest security threat to poker players is transferring personal and financial data back and forth between the player’s device and the online poker sites. If your data, as a player, is not properly protected and encrypted, there will be issues. Therefore, licensed legal poker sites protect and encrypt players' data using the best secure sockets layers software.

iv. Industry reputation: The risks involved in online poker gaming are minimized when a site has a management team with a good track record and positive industry reputation. Players can assess the reliability and safety of Michigan online poker sites by scrutinizing the industry reputation of the companies.

v. Secure banking integration: To prevent hackers and online thieves from stealing players' money, the industry regulator ensures that online sites choose high-quality partners and securely integrate the banks into their software. This way, the transit of money to and from the bank and the online poker operator’s site is safe and secure.

vi. Prompt customer care: The security of online poker is enhanced when the site's customer service channels respond quickly to complaints of security breaches. If online poker rooms do not react promptly to such issues, the security of player cash may be compromised.

Finally, players can improve their online poker game safety by ensuring that their computer software and antivirus are always up to date. Furthermore, the use of strong passwords that are not stored on real money poker sites and are changed regularly will help to improve the safety of online poker.

Do I Have to Play For High Stakes Online in Michigan?

No. Indeed, one of the best things about online poker is that it widens the range of players who play the game. Online innovations in poker gaming mean that players who could not afford to splash large sums of money at poker tables in the past can now take their seats with amounts as low as a few cents.

Not everyone has what it takes to play high-stakes poker online. Playing high-stake poker online requires next-level thinking, high confidence, lots of discipline, a desire to keep improving, and, more importantly, a large bankroll.

On the flip side, some recreational players play poker for fun and often focus on short-term goals, play short sessions but less frequently, and like to keep the ball rolling with low-stakes games. This group of players tends to be emotional while playing, which affects their decision-making. If you exhibit any of the traits above, high-stakes poker isn’t for you; stay away!

Can I Deposit Just a Small Amount at an Online Poker Room?

Yes. Most online poker rooms allow players to make minimum deposits. These online poker rooms, also called minimum deposit poker sites, enable players to make deposits as small as $5 to $20. Because not all players can afford to deposit large sums of money for poker, these sites cater to the needs of players who just want to play online poker as a hobby.

Ordinarily, online poker sites would not mind collecting pennies from deposits if they had their way. But because they have online payment changes on such transactions from the banks, accepting micro-deposits would be extremely harmful to their finances. It is for this very reason that players are mandated to make minimum deposits that, even though modest, may be more than the amount the player is willing to part with.

When searching for licensed poker sites that accept law minimum deposits, there are a few things you take note of:

Minimum deposits vary by payment method

Not all payment methods have the same minimum deposit. When a room advertises a certain minimum or a review says the minimum deposit is a certain amount, please remember that they may be talking about a specific method, not a blanket policy. Credit cards and online wallets like skill have the lowest minimum deposits, while direct bank and wire transfers have the highest.

Confirm withdrawal minimums

Be mindful of poker rooms that have minimum deposit requirements but also have large withdrawal requirements. This is a nasty trick. The aim is to get such players in and not allow them to leave. For instance, you may have a tall order, except you win a huge sum or consistently make a profit at real money poker games. You should only go to a poker room where the minimum deposits are not far apart.

Are Online Poker Deposit Bonuses Real Money?

Yes. All a player has to do is make a deposit, meet the playthrough requirement, and they get the money. In fact, most players believe that online poker deposit bonuses, if taken advantage of, are one of the easiest ways to make money playing poker.

The most common setup of online deposit bonuses is one in which the online poker rooms offer matching bonus dollars as a percentage of a player’s deposit.

For instance, if an online poker room offers a 100% deposit bonus up to $300, that means if you deposit $300 in your account, the legalized online poker platform will match the deposit with an extra $300 free, making your total on-site balance $600.

However, the money may be given to you in lump sums or released in installments. For players to receive a lump sum, there is usually a playthrough requirement to be met before they can cash out.

Are the Games at Online Poker Rooms Rigged?

Michigan online poker laws are designed to help prevent rigging. Industry watchdogs constantly monitor online poker platforms for any hint of unlawful gaming practices. This oversight helps deter any licensed online poker operator from messing with the deck.

Acquiring an online gambling license costs a few million, but hundreds of millions of dollars more can be made in legitimate revenue. Therefore, it does not make economic sense for these online sites to risk going bankrupt by engaging in dishonest dealings.

How Do Michigan Casinos Calculate the Rake?

There are ways in which Michigan casinos calculate and collect rake. There are aspen of the primary methods cardrooms and websites in Michigan calculate and collect rake.

Pot Rake

Cash games are charged a fee called “pot rake” consisting of a certain proportion of the pot. To get rake, the hand must go to flop. In addition, there is a maximum rake that will be taken from the pot. So, if a casino takes 5% of cash game pots as rake, they will typically not take more than $10.

Since most low and medium-stakes poker players love pot rate, it is the most widely used method at the best online sites.

In land-based casinos, if the pot goes over the threshold, the dealer will extract the chips by hand and place them in a drop box. On the other hand, the rake is automatically deducted by the algorithm in online cash games.

Also, the majority of cardrooms and poker sites have a “no flop, no rake” policy. As a result, there will be no charges if the hand does not go to a flop.

Online Rake Rates

The rake at legal online poker sites varies based on the limits. For the rates below represent what a typical rake for an online full-ring cash game could look like:

$0.10/$0.25 - $10/$20.5 up to $3 max.

$1/$2 - $5/10.5 up to $4 max

$15/$30 - $25 - $50 15% up to $5 max

Dead Drop

Some land-based casino poker rooms charge a dead drop fee-a rate where everybody pays the same.

In pot rake, the rake is taken from the winner. In a dead drop, on the other hand, the button often pays a fixed amount of rake before the hand starts, ensuring that each player pays the same amount, whether they win or lose.

Fixed Fee

Following complaints of winning players at land-based cardrooms, fixed rates were introduced. The winning players argued that why should they have to pay all of the rake while other players do not have to.

A fixed-rate ensures that every person who sits down at the table pays a fee. This way, the casinos can keep taking rake even if there are many losing players at the table. It is also preferable for high stake players who may have to pay a lot of rake on big pots.

Timed Collection

Timed collections are targeted at players who spend considerably long hours playing in card rooms or online poker rooms.

Using a timed collection system, poker players pay a rake for every hour that the table is in use. Even if you only spend 30 minutes at the table, you will still have to pay the fee. With time collection, the casino is assured of a fee from every player who is sitting down for that hour.

Tournament Fees

Regardless of whether you play at a live or online casino, the rake is totally charged into the buy-in of a tournament. The tournament fees often vary across cardrooms and websites, but the average rake is usually between 10 - 20%. So, if you play a Texas Holdém tournament that costs $10, the rake would be $1. That is, $1 is retained by the house, and $10 goes into the prize pool.

Often, the rake goes down as the stake goes up. Common buy-in amounts are listed as follows:

• $10 + $1
• $50 + $5
• $75 + $5
• $150 + $12

Is the Software of an Online Poker Site Safe?

Gamers playing on a site or using an app that is licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board are assured of a safe and secure online gaming environment. This is because the gaming regulators demand that legal online poker sites use the very best software to protect their players online.

In keeping with the lawful internet gaming act, industry regulators of online gaming sites often require that commercial casinos and poker sites conduct internal security and safety checks on their servers, software, and other technical equipment used to keep the sites running smoothly.

In addition, the online poker operators must also conduct independent third-party audits of their software as well. Industry-recognized audit companies usually carry out these audits.

Players with concerns about security can confirm if the website's poker software is regularly audited by looking for the information on their website. If you are not fully convinced, you also search for the audit reports on the website of the relevant gaming regulator.

What are the Stats I see in the Lobby?

Average pot size

The average pot size refers to the size of a typical pot at the table. Usually, the last 50 to 200 hands played at the table are used to figure this out.

You can use this static to tell what kind of table you’re looking at on different online poker platforms or across online poker tournaments. A** small average pot site suggests a tight table and there isn’t much going on, while a big average pot size may indicate that there is a lot going on**.

Players in hand

Sometimes called VPIP or "players to flop," this stat generally indicates how many players are contesting an average hand at the table. The higher the number, the looser play at that table is likely to be.

In poker, VPIP is a very common statistic. VPIP is used by players who study the game—both their own and their opponents' play. Online poker players, primarily hold'em players, use the statistic while reviewing hand histories to document and track performance.

VPIP is sometimes described as the most significant stat in online poker. It indicates how frequently a poker player adds money to the pot. Knowing someone's VPIP informs you how tight—or loose—they are.

Waiting list

A waiting list is a group of persons who are waiting to play in a cash game, whether it is an online cash game or a live casino cash game.

One of the main reasons why players want to get on the waiting list, especially professional poker players, stems from the desire to sit at a table with a weak player. As a result, most professional players tend to abuse this opportunity by booking almost all tables where they believe they can play with recreational players.

To counter this abuse in the online gambling industry, some poker rooms came up with the “äctive waiting list” option. The main features of the active waiting list are as follows:

1. You must be actively playing at another table with the same stake to be allowed to join the waiting list.
2. Those players on the list who have currently played the most hands at other tables will be given preference for a free seat. The “first come, first serve” principle has been removed.
3. If a player leaves the game, they are instantly removed from all waiting lists.

Is my Money Safe if I Deposit it on a Poker Site?

Yes. Due to the secure sockets layers (SSL) encryption technology that Michigan online gambling sites are mandated to put in place, your deposits on these sites are safe and secure.

With the use of an SSL security protocol, an encrypted link is created between a web server and a web browser. What this means is that criminals cannot read or modify information between a player's account with the online site and their payment provider (bank).

Therefore, it is vital that reputable online sites add SSL certificates to their websites to keep customer information private, safe, and secure, and also protect online transactions.

What are VIP Programs?

A VIP program is basically a reward system put in place by a poker room to appreciate the loyalty displayed by their existing players who consistently play real money poker or online casino games on their sites.

Due to intense competition across the online poker industry to attract new players and retain the existing ones, most legalized online sites offering online poker in Michigan have rivaling VIP programs—also known as loyalty programs.

Typically, poker room VIP programs are tier-based. That is, the program is split into VIP levels. And the biggest rewards come with the highest VIP level. Essentially, what you have to do as a player is to regularly play and earn points and the points help you progress from the lower VIP levels to the higher levels.

As expected, the biggest rewards come with the highest VIP levels, and these are the toughest to reach, especially on the best online poker sites. Generally, VIP levels may expire every month or every year, depending on the terms and conditions of each online poker brand, and must be earned again after expiration.

Undoubtedly, cash awards are at the top of the list of the best incentives, but VIP programs also offer plenty of other enticing rewards. You may be rewarded with anything from fancy merchandise at the poker operator’s stores to an all-expense-paid trip to a luxury resort if you join a loyalty program.

Other benefits may include higher cash deposits and withdrawal limits, as well as faster cashouts when it’s time to withdraw funds from your online account.

For Michigan online poker players to be eligible to enjoy the benefits of a VIP program, they need to sign up with an online poker room. That will involve making an initial cash deposit. After that, you can play and start earning points right away.

Some sites’ VIP programs sign you up automatically, while others need you to sign up. Before you start playing poker, make sure to read up on that area of the website.

What are the Main Differences between Online and Live Poker?

Even though the rules for Texas Hold’em and other types of poker are the same whether you play them online or in person, there are still significant differences between playing online and in a live casino.

The Pace of the Game: Playing multiple tables at once and seeing hundreds of hands every hour is the norm for online poker. With live games, however, players can only be at one table at a time, and the pace is much slower than any online game you have ever played.

Across the US online poker industry, live games are generally slower-paced compared to online poker games for several reasons. First, it takes time for the dealer to shuffle and deal the cards, collect the chips, and pass out the pots, among other things.

Secondly, when the stakes are low, many live Michigan online poker players like to take their time and are not fully focused on playing; a lot of them are there to have fun, laugh, and talk.

Players used to playing online are likely to find the pace of the game and other players' behavior in this regard annoying, but that’s the reality of live play.

Role of Physical Reads: Because of the inability to see your opponents or them see you, the role of “physical reads” is non-existent in online poker games. Also, the absence of physical reads affects table talks, which is crucial when playing in person. Experienced Michigan online poker players believe it is much easier to “profile” opponents during live games because less experienced players tend to give away information about the strength of their hand at the table.

Bet Sizing: Live cash games often have different bet sizes than online games, especially with regards to the opening preflop raises. In an online cash game, Michigan online poker players might open 2x, 2.5x, or 3x the big blind. However, in live games, players often open 5x, 6x, or even more, especially in lower-stake games, such as $1/$2 NL.

Tournaments are different, but sometimes beginner players who have trouble keeping tabs on the port sizes will bet more than they should.

Multi-Way vs. Heads-Up Pots: Most of the time, Michigan online poker players do a lot more calling in live games, which indicates looser play. One effect of this behavioral pattern is that it results in more multi-way pots in live than online where preflop betting usually leads to heads-up situations. In a live cash game, it is not unusual to witness a few limper preflops and/or several calls of a preflop raise, resulting in a multi-way situation.

Folding vs. Calling: Although live players are usually looser with their preflop calls than online players, the reverse is the case during postflop. At this stage, online Michigan players are more likely than live players to make substantial postflop calls with weak or medium-strength hands. This means that large river bluffs pass through more frequently in live play than they do online (although, of course, everything depends on the player and situation).

One explanation for this tendency is that many Michigan online poker players find it easier to press a "Call" button than to make a tough call in a live game. Because such calls do not require the shame of guessing incorrectly in person, they are easier to make online.

Frequency of Bad Beat: As a result of the tendency to encounter more callers online, many players report experiencing "bad beats" more frequently online than live. This is especially true at the "micros" and lower limits in online poker, where the low stakes encourage callers with substandard cards that occasionally outdraw better ones.

The notion that bad beats occur more frequently online is heightened, of course, by the game's pace.

Variance: Variance in poker games refers to the “swing” player’s experience. The higher your “variance,” the bigger your short-term gains and losses compared to your results over an extended period of time. Again, the faster pace of online play changes what “short term” means in an artificial manner. For instance, you may play poker online for a week and play 10 times as many hands as you would in a week of live poker, thus making it seems like your variance has increased greatly.

Even if the difference is artificial, this higher variance when playing online results in faster, more marked bankroll swings in shorter periods than when you play live.

Relative Stakes: When the same limit is set for both live and online games, the online game will usually have more skilled Michigan players, on average.

For example, you would not find as many tough opponents at a live $1/$2 NL cash game as you will find in a typical $1/$2 NL online game. This is because there usually are not lots of them online.

Can I play at More than One Poker Site?

Yes. Playing on multiple Michigan online gambling sites is fine—as long as you are not breaking any law. Just be sure you can handle the physical and mental rigors of such an endeavor.

If you are planning to operate multiple accounts across different poker platforms, here are some pros and cons you should keep in mind.

Pros

1. Enjoy multiple bonuses: If you sign up for more than one legalized online platform, you can take advantage of the welcome bonuses and ongoing bonuses that each site has to offer. It's always an advantage to have access to good bonus packages, especially if you play poker for a living.

Of course, if you want more than one bonus at the same time, you'll probably have to work more hours, so you should be ready for that. Still, it would be best if you never let the quality of your game suffer because you're playing too long sessions or operating more tables than you can handle.

1. Variety of poker games: More sites equals more games. With more sites to play, you can try out more options and have a different experience at each poker site. Even if you can only get a few tables on each site, if you're running three rooms at the same time, you can easily acquire up to nine or ten tables.

Tournament players are especially motivated to have many accounts with multiple rooms. Various websites host tournament series with large prize pools and a lot of action. There will always be something to keep you busy if you spread your action out correctly.

1. More action around the clock: When you play on different platforms, you will rarely come across a situation where there are no games available at your preferred stake, be it cash games or tournaments.

Cons

1. Software issues: Different online power platforms do not always work well together. When you run multiple accounts simultaneously, you might have difficulties with the software. These flaws can detract from your game experience while also costing you money. This also applies to various poker equipment. You'll have to configure your HUD for each site independently, and you may get unusual or unexpected issues along the way.
2. Need for a bigger bankroll: If you want to play on more than one site, you’ll need more money. You need to have enough money in each account to last you a few sessions, at least, so that you don’t have to wait around. While moving money online has gotten considerably easier in recent years, you will still have to wait at least a few hours to move money from one site to another.
3. Quality of play across sites may vary: When you play in more than one poker room, it is important to remember that the overall quality of play at certain sites can be different. As a result, different tactics will be required at various gaming tables. Something that works on one website may not work on another

Keeping track of this in real-time and across multiple tables can be a real challenge. Your sessions will require more concentration on your part if you want to make the best plays possible.

Will Poker Sites Let Me Cash Out When I Win?

Yes. Because poker is a game of skills, where Michigan online players compete against one another, there’s no house advantage whatsoever. Rather, casinos charge a scaled fee for hosting games, taking a rake out of each pot in cash games, and assessing tournament fees.

This situation is quite different from a blackjack game where you are competing against the house. Therefore, you do not have to worry about sites offering online poker in Michigan preventing you from withdrawing your winnings.

Since most of the licensed poker sites in Michigan have been in operation for decades and processed millions of transactions for Michigan online players, you can be confident that you will be able to withdraw your winnings anytime you want, as long as you have fulfilled all essential withdrawal conditions.

Also, because Michigan poker players' funds are held in separate bank accounts and are not used for any operational expenditures, these sites offering online poker in Michigan will allow you to cash out whenever you want.

Do I have to Download Software to Play Poker Online?

No. the choice of whether to download a software to play poker online or not is a personal decision based on preference and gaming experience.

Most Michigan poker sites provide players with the option to download software and play games directly from their browsers without any download. Michigan online players who do not want to bother with the hassles of downloading apps will naturally go for the no-download option (also called instant play).

No-download Michigan poker software works in most cases like the downloaded version. They are particularly good for quick cash games or sit-and-goes, but you can also play multi-table tournaments with them; just ensure you have a reliable internet connection.

On the other hand, if you want to access the full range of products/features available on sites offering online poker in Michigan, then you should opt for the downloadable mobile app. The reason is not far-fetched; downloading the mobile app gives you more games, better quality, and extra bonuses.

Can I play Online Poker with a Mac, my Phone, or Tablet?

Yes. Michigan online poker sites provide website-based browsers or downloadable apps that are compatible with various hand-held devices. These sites usually provide directions on their website to where Michigan players can download software suitable for playing poker (including cash games) on mobile devices.

If the software compatible with a device isn’t available on the poker site, then you should visit the online store of mobile devices to search for Michigan poker apps that are supported by your device’s operating system.

Most Michigan poker sites would provide website-based and download apps for Android OS devices, unlike devices like iPhones and IPads that tend to require tricky workarounds or having to install multiple apps. However, most licensed Michigan poker sites are now actively working with software companies to provide iOS-compatible software that will improve the playing experiences of the ever-growing Apple device users.

Some Michigan online poker gamers are of the view that while the quality of playing Michigan online poker on hand-held devices has improved greatly in the last few years, it doesn't quite replicate the experience of multi-tabling on massive monitors using the desktop.

In other words, some gamers may find that multi-tabling on smaller devices such as Macs, phones, and tablets does not provide the same gaming experience as using desktop computers with large monitors.

Do I Have to Use a Credit Card to Play Online Poker in Michigan?

No. There are various payment methods available to you; your credit card is just one of them. While many Michigan online poker rooms do accept credit cards for deposits, some payment issuers do not accept gambling activities like poker as a valid sales purchase and may subsequently block the transaction.

Some popular e-wallets (such as PayPal and Moneybookers) allow you to make deposits and withdrawals at poker rooms without hassles. These payment methods will not subject your personal details to exposure risks, unlike credit card usage, which requires revealing sensitive information such as their card number, CVC number, the name of the cardholder, the card expiry date, and a physical address.