WSOP.com Online Poker Goes Live in Michigan, Becoming Fourth State for Operator
Online poker players in Michigan have another option as of Monday. Those looking to qualify for a World Series of Poker are also in luck.
The WSOP.com platform officially launched in Michigan, becoming the fourth state for the platform along with Pennsylvania, Nevada, and New Jersey.
The site is now the industry leader in the number of states reached. In Michigan, the site now includes a state with a population of almost 10 million.
“With two world champions coming out of this state (Joe Cada, 2013, and Ryan Riess, 2009), Michigan is a special market for the WSOP,” WSOP Senior Vice President Ty Stewart said in a news release.
“We’re sorry it’s taken so long, but WSOP.com is ready to make up for our late entry with industry-leading promotions, the biggest weekly tournaments, and player appreciation benefits like freerolls to the Main Event in Las Vegas.”
What to expect at WSOP.com Michigan
As in Pennsylvania, the Michigan platform will be a “ringed-in” environment. That means players only compete against others within that state.
However, the Michigan Gaming Control Board recently released a plan for interstate compacts. Shared liquidity is at least being considered and may be heading to players in the state at some point this year.
WSOP officials promise a broad mix of live games including No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. Players can also look for a full slate of daily guaranteed tournaments.
Quick-play BLAST tournaments also offer a chance to win up to 10,000 times the initial buy-in. Players hoping to head to the live WSOP this summer in Las Vegas will also find exclusive satellites.
Qualifiers for the Main Event start as low as $1. First-time depositors can participate in a monthly freeroll for a VIP trip to Las Vegas to play in the biggest event on the live tournament schedule.
Bracelet and Circuit events on tap
Along with WSOP qualifying opportunities, Michigan online poker players can expect even more. As seen in other states, the WSOP plans to offer online gold bracelet events in Michigan.
These give players a chance to compete for one of the biggest prizes in poker all in the comfort of their own homes. A complete schedule of online bracelets events is expected to be unveiled soon.
As part of the site’s daily schedule, WSOP.com also features major weekly online tournaments. Some of those include the Sunday Major and Six Figure Sundays, with guarantees starting at $50,000. Other key tournaments come with guarantees of more than $100,000.
Also like in New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, the Michigan site will regularly run WSOP Circuit Online series. The first of those festivals is set for April 20 through May 1 with 12 championship rings up for grabs.
On the player rewards side, company officials say WSOP.com Michigan will become the “most rewarding poker site” in the market. Players receive two online reward credits for every dollar of rake or fee created.
They can also redeem their points online for cash or tournament tickets. Players can also link their Caesars Rewards account for hotel, food and beverage, entertainment, and gaming opportunities at Caesars destinations.
WSOP deals in Main Event champion Joe Cada
As part of the announcement, the WSOP has signed a partnership with 2009 Main Event champion and Michigan resident Joe Cada. He will serve as a local poker ambassador for the platform.
The four-time bracelet winner is also offering a $1,000 bonus to any Michigan resident who can outlast Cada in this year’s $10,000 Main Event. Even more is planned for the four-time bracelet winner.
That includes live streaming sessions from the site, participating in bounty events, and hosting live tournaments around the state.
“It’s go time in Michigan,” Cada said. “I know a lot of local players are excited that WSOP.com is finally live in the state, and I’m personally looking forward to getting to know all of the great poker players at tournaments and online events soon. Game on!”