Online Poker Revenue Jumps After PokerStars Michigan-New Jersey Market Merger
US online poker revenue saw some nice growth in January as Michigan and New Jersey merged player pools via PokerStars. The merger saw immediate dividends and helped propel online poker in both states.
Online gaming was also strong with record-breaking numbers in legal states. American markets opened the year with some of its biggest results to date. States like New York and Illinois are also considering bills to possibly legalize online poker.
In the US, online poker is currently live and legal in the following states:
New Jersey poker merger brings $2 million month
Online poker revenue hit the $2 million mark for the eighth month in a row in the Garden State. The PokerStars merger with Michigan launched on Jan. 1 and has already paid dividends. PokerStars took over the top spot in the state after reporting $1.1 million.
In total, the state started off the year with $2.7 million in January, up from the $2.2 million in December, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).
New Jersey currently hosts three legal online poker operators:
- WSOP.com/888poker
- BetMGM (including the Borgata Poker and partypoker US skins)
- PokerStars
BetMGM fell from the top of the podium, finishing the month in second place. The site reported month over month growth however. In January the platform reported $817,228 compared to December’s $797,100. WSOP.com rounded out the month in third but also saw growth with revenue of $801,940.
In the New Jersey live poker scene, only three rooms are open in Atlantic City including:
- Borgata (offers weekly tournaments)
- Harrahs
- Tropicana
Multiple NJ iGaming sites rack up $40 million
According to the NJDGE, online casinos reported $152.9 million in revenue for January. That’s a 10.9% increase from 2022. The Borgata/BetMGM brand hit over $40 million for the eighth month in a row with a report of $40.7 million.
The online platform has remained No. 1 in the state for 22 straight months, but other casinos also produced significant numbers. Golden Nugget saw a nice rebound and posted $40.5 millions. Resorts was right behind with $40.2 million.
The NJDGE reported that overall gaming revenue by casino, racetracks, and partners reached $436.9 million for the month. Year over year, that’s a 14.5% increase from January 2022. Gaming taxes represent 8% of taxable casino gross revenue and 15% of Internet gaming gross revenue.
Pennsylvania closes in on $3 million
The Keystone State saw another month of growth in January. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported $2.9 million for online poker, up from the $2.6 million in December.
Pennsylvania players currently have three online poker platforms to pick from:
- PokerStars
- BetMGM (and the Borgata Poker skin)
- WSOP.com
PokerStars holds the top slot in the state again and reported growth, posting $1.8 million. WSOP.com came in second again and saw a small increase to $594,558. The site is hosting two series this month, which should add to February’s numbers. BetMGM saw an increase as well, finishing third for $482,893.
iGaming stays strong in PA
In January, the Keystone State reported a gross of $133.1 million for all forms of online gaming. This was a 22.9% year-over-year increase.
State combined total revenue generated in December from all forms of gaming reached $464 million. This is an increase of 16.9% compared to 2022.
Michigan online poker merger goes live, state sees a new iGaming record
Online poker revenue continues to grow and now PokerStars offers a shared player pool in Michigan and New Jersey. Michigan revenue is combined with other iGaming in the state. However, based on the surge in numbers in New Jersey, it seems likely PokerStars also saw a major increase in the Wolverine State as well.
There are currently three online poker operators including:
- PokerStars
- BetMGM
- WSOP.com
According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Internet gaming gross receipts for January reached a record $153.7 million.
That topped the previous monthly record of $152.8 million set in December. With sports betting included, the state posted a total of $187.3 million.
BetMGM and FanDuel held strong numbers again in the state. MGM reported the highest with $52.8 million while FanDuel came in second with $28.9 million.
Gaming operators in total produced $26.1 million in tax revenue and local share to the state including:
- Internet gaming taxes and payments – $24.9 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and payments – $1.2 million
Delaware online poker awaits bidding process
The First State showed growth for the third month in a row for online poker, reaching a revenue total of $45,127. That’s up from the $40,007 in December. In total Delaware iGaming revenue reached about $1.2 million.
According to the Delaware Lottery, new player registrations for online gaming started off the year with just over 1,200. In Delaware, 888poker operates three different skins in partnership with racetrack casinos including:
- Delaware Park
- Bally’s Dover
- Harrington Casino and Raceway
888’s exclusive contract for online poker is now up for bid and will be awarded by March. It’s possible other operators may bid to take over the market
Delaware Park continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the state. The platform reported $31,398 and is also the only live poker room open in the state. The casino is offering high hand bonuses weekly.