Online Poker Revenue Increases in Michigan With Small Dips In Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Revenue numbers continued with some overall consistency in September as online poker shows holding power. Overall revenue saw a small decline in regulated states, but overall iGaming is up.
US online poker revenue still remains at historical highs since the pandemic. Poker promotions and solid online events continue to help online fields grow.
Currently legalized states include:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Delaware
New Jersey online poker holds strong
Garden State online poker operators accounted for $2.4 million in September, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE). This was almost dead even with August numbers.
In New Jersey, there are currently three online poker operators:
- WSOP.com/888poker
- partypoker US Network (including Borgata Poker and BetMGM skins)
- PokerStars
Partypoker US Network overtook WSOP.com for the top spot in the state in September. Party achieved over $1 million in reported revenue, up from $800,113 for August.
The company held the WPT Online Borgata Poker Open in September that helped boost numbers.
WSOP.com came in second with $804,887. The site continues running monthly promotions such as the popular WSOP Circuit ring series.
WSOP.com remains the only operator offering shared liquidity with Nevada and 888poker in Delaware.
PokerStars held about even for the month with revenue of $665,808.
On the brick and mortar side, currently three live poker rooms are available in Atlantic City including:
- Borgata
- Harrahs
- Tropicana
In October, Borgata launched weekly tournaments for the first time since before the pandemic. This is the first live tournament in New Jersey since the pandemic started.
NJ online gaming on the rise
In September, overall online casino gaming in NJ accounted for $122.6 million. This number reflects a 39.9% increase over the $87.6 million a year ago.
The Borgata/BetMGM brand continues to grow and dominate the market. The operator remains in the top spot for the seventh straight month.
BetMGM set a new record and took in $38.2 million with Golden Nugget in second place with $31 million. Resorts continued to climb as well and came in third with $28.3 million.
Total gaming taxes for the month were $46 million. Gaming taxes represent 8% of taxable casino gross revenue and 15% of Internet gaming gross revenue.
PA online poker takes a small hit
Pennsylvania online poker saw a small decrease month-over-month in September. Pennsylvania reported $2.9 million in revenue, down from $3.1 million in August.
The commonwealth continues to top New Jersey in total poker revenue month over month. PokerStars stayed consistent and held the top spot, maintaining $1.9 million again for September.
WSOP.com saw a small dip to $603,466, down from $819,249 in August. BetMGM/Borgata Poker saw small decreases with revenue reaching a total of $368,246. Currently there are three online poker options in the Keystone state:
- PokerStars
- partypoker US Network via the Borgata Poker and BetMGM skins
- WSOP.com
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), online gaming overall generated gross revenue of $97.8 million in September.
PA continues to show impressive year-over-year growth as the Keystone State reported $57 million during the same period in September 2020.
More brick-and-mortar poker rooms are now offering live tournaments. Click here to see all live poker rooms with tournaments now available in the state that are open.
Here’s a look at the state’s live poker rooms that are now open:
- Parx Casino
- Mohegan Sun Pocono
- Mount Airy Casino Resort
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
- Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Philadelphia Live Casino
- Wind Creek Bethlehem
Michigan sets another record
Another record was set in the Wolverine State according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The state produced $102.4 million in online gaming revenue.
This was up from the previous record of $97.2 million in August. Michigan combines poker and online gaming in the state’s revenue report and there are two Michigan online poker sites:
- PokerStars
- BetMGM (part of the partypoker US Network)
BetMGM saw another increase and continues leading the state in online gaming gross revenue with $40.5 million. FanDuel Casino has rebounded from the last two months and saw a small increase to $15.3 million in September.
Sports betting revenue reached $23.7 million with a $354.3 million handle. Handle was up 84.2% from the prior month.
A few major online poker events are coming to the state. BetMGM in Michigan continues offering monthly promotions with another Online Series running in October.
PokerStars is also running the Michigan Classic on Oct. 24 with $250,000 in guarantees.
Online gaming operators delivered $19.3 million via tax revenue to the state including:
- Internet gaming taxes and payments – $18.9 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and payments – $426,873
Live poker rooms open in Michigan
At the moment six Michigan brick and mortar live poker rooms have reopened including:
- MGM Grand Detroit
- Motor City Casino Hotel
- Greektown Casino-Hotel
- Odawa Casino Petoskey
- Firekeepers Casino Hotel
- Island Resort & Casino
With the reopening of casinos, the sites are actively seeking employees to fill the growing void. Michigan casinos are offering open interviews for people looking for employment.
Delaware poker down
The First State saw a decrease month over month from August. In September the state reported total revenue of $27,134.
According to the Delaware Lottery, iGaming in general reported $794,644. On a positive note, for the third month in a row, Delaware saw its biggest month this year for new player registrations with 973.
888poker provides all the software for poker sites in the state. Currently 888 operates three different skins in partnership with the state’s racetrack casinos including:
- Delaware Park
- Dover Downs
- Harrington Casino and Raceway
Delaware Park continues as the top provider in the state and has done so each month in 2021. Delaware Park brought in $15,437 and is also the only live poker room open in the state.