You can soon play real money poker on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone in Michigan. This follows a major expansion of the gambling laws that regulated online expansion of sports betting, casino games, and poker.
Many of the biggest and best-known poker brands should be coming to Michigan. They include PokerStars, WSOP.com (888 Poker), and Party Poker. Once live, you can enjoy regular cash games and tournaments via poker apps. You will also be able to try out new forms of poker, including fast-fold and lottery sit and go formats.
PokerStars: Widely considered by players to have the best poker app software, PokerStars is the single biggest global poker room. The PokerStars Michigan app gives you access to cash games, sit.
We’ve got you covered for the latest info on Michigan poker sites expected to launch, bonuses, and mobile poker games. You will find information on no deposit bonuses, getting around the apps and exactly which games are perfect for playing on your phone.
The biggest brands will have poker sites in Michigan. These sites will allow you to play against others from the Great Lake State. Player pools potentially may be able to be combined with sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada at some point.
Here are the brands:
You can access Michigan poker sites by downloading the software on your desktop or by installing apps on your mobile devices. Each way of accessing the games has benefits and drawbacks. If you are on the move, then the geolocation software in poker apps is vital. The sites will only work within Michigan state lines. If there is any doubt about your true location, you will be locked out of the games.
Certain poker formats work better on desktop. In fact, many of the non-flop games are not available on certain poker apps, depending on the operator.
If you are playing a five-hour-plus guaranteed prize pool tournament, then a desktop is ideal. If you want to play a short cash game session while traveling, then your iPhone is definitely an option.
Pros of Michigan online poker apps:
Cons of Michigan online poker apps:
To ensure that you get the best bonuses and the latest version of the Michigan poker apps, follow our links to the websites using your phone or tablet. The poker brands will then direct you to the correct poker app download page.
If you are using an Android phone or tablet, the poker app for Android download will come directly from the poker site. This is safe and secure. You will need to OK the download from an “unknown source.” These messages are standard for apps from outside the official Google Play Store.
For iPhones and iPads, your download will come via the Apple App Store after you visit the poker site to claim the best available bonus.
Registration through the app is quick and easy. You will be asked for the following information:
You will be ready to play with your no deposit bonus or make a deposit and jump into the higher stakes action within minutes of completing the download. There is no need to be a permanent resident of Michigan to play. You do need to be inside state lines, and 21 or older to play real money poker legally.
Many of the new formats work well via online poker apps, allowing you to play a lot of hands without the need to multi-table.
Here are the different poker formats available:
As real money poker sites gain traction, online poker events will become possible. Examples include the online championship tournament series held by PokerStars or WSOP. These are typically two-week tournament festivals, with multiple big guaranteed prize pools.
By using a mix of welcome bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs on the poker app, you can help grow your poker bankroll. Competition among the brands is intense, giving you plenty of opportunities to take advantage of bonus deals.
No deposit poker bonuses give you an opportunity to try the poker apps without risking your own money. They are restricted to one per person and household. If you win money, you will need to wager this multiple times. This prevents people from simply claiming and withdrawing the bonus money. If you get lucky or play well, you can use these deals to start a bankroll and grind it up from there.
Deposit bonuses are the bigger welcome offers. Offers are as big as $1,000, matched to your first deposit. This type of bonus typically clears in increments as you play real money cash games and tournaments.
Welcome offers are only a small part of the long-term rewards that the poker apps offer. Promotions and loyalty rewards will make a bigger difference the longer you play at a site.
Reload bonuses, free-to-enter poker tournaments, extra points for trying out different games, and one-off/unique promotions all make a difference. Loyalty rewards based on the volume of your play and buy-in levels are a great way to get consistent rewards.
It should also be noted that poker apps are free to download and once you register an account, you can enjoy free poker games. The PokerStars poker app, for instance, offers the largest selection of free-to-play games for poker players, including free tournaments, ring games, sit and go’s, and more. Players are therefore able to hone their poker skills before deciding to make a deposit online.
Depositing and withdrawing your winnings can be handled via the cashier screens within the poker apps. Regulated poker sites are extremely safe and allow you to cash out almost instantly. You won’t need to wait 4-6 weeks for a check, as you do with offshore sites.
Michigan poker sites will accept bank cards, transfers from your bank account, or an electronic wallet service with complete peace of mind. For players who prefer cash, you can use this at the casino cage of the live venue that holds the license for each poker room.
Here are the banking options expected:
Note that withdrawals will need to be via the same banking method you used to fund your account whenever this is possible. If you are unable to use any of the regular withdrawal options, you can receive a paper check via USPS mail.
Online poker is under the control of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Its licensing requirements were set out in Michigan House Bill 4311, which became law in December 2019. Compared to offshore “gray market” poker sites, you have a lot of protections when playing for real money in Michigan. If you do end up with a dispute, you can escalate this to the MGCB.
The shuffling of cards on poker apps is controlled by advanced random number generator (RNG) software. This generates random numbers at the start of each new hand. Part of the licensing requirement in Michigan is that the RNG software is externally audited.
Big brand names that operate the MI poker apps have been running around the world for years. Between PokerStars, 888 (WSOP) and Party, billions of hands have been dealt. Despite tracking services, audits, and individual player databases tracking these hands, there is zero evidence of a rigged deal.
Part of the safety processes for Michigan poker sites is to look after individuals who may develop problem gambling behavior. You will find self-assessment questionnaires, links to support groups, and tools to take timeouts or self-exclude included in the apps.
Some of the biggest poker brands have Michigan-specific apps. These work for iPhones/iPads and for Android phones. Poker apps for real money on iPhone and Android work only inside Michigan state lines.
Not all types of poker are suitable for playing on smaller screens. It is hard to play multiple tables. New fast-fold poker games solve this problem by speeding up the action.
Make sure you take advantage of bonuses and promotions. The intense rivalry among the brands means that there are some excellent poker bonuses available. They include no deposit deals, welcome matched bonuses, and loyalty rewards.
While lots of online poker players still download the full poker software platform to play on a laptop or desktop computer, more players are moving their poker action to real moneypoker apps on their smartphones or tablets.
This goes especially for recreational or casual poker players who jump on a poker app for a few hands while on their way to and from work or play a few Sit & Go’s (SNGs) while they’re out enjoying the weekend.
While social poker apps are a popular subcategory in the app store (think Zynga Poker), on this page we focus on the best downloadable poker apps that let you play both free and real money online poker.
What apps should you consider for real-money poker? Here are some of the best poker apps for NJ, PA, MI and NV. Click the download link to claim your bonus and register an account. Check below the table for more on each app.
App | iPhone/iPad App | Android App | States Available | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
PokerStars | Claim $30 free play | Claim $30 free play | NJ, PA, MI | As good as it gets. Best poker app with many of best features of PokerStars' signature poker software. Great for Spin & Gos & Zoom (Fast-Fold) Poker |
WSOP | Claim $10 free | Claim $10 free | NJ, NV, DE | Signature poker brand with much-improved app. Best way to access official WSOP satellites & real gold bracelet events. Only intra-state-shared player pool |
partypoker | Claim $25 free | Claim $25 free | NJ | Fully revamped app now offers a growing lineup of MTTs, SnGs and Jackpot SnGs. Speed Poker also a big hit and perfect for app play. |
888poker | Claim $20 free | Claim $20 free | NJ, DE | Shared player pool but different app from WSOP. Great tool for hitting quick Blast Poker SnGs (jackpot SnGs) and weekend MTTs. |
Borgata Poker | Claim $20 free | Claim $20 free | NJ | Skin of the partypoker network with Borgata branded app but shared player pool. Not as well developed as other apps but easy to access casino and sportsbook from both. |
BetMGM Poker | Claim $25 free | Claim $25 free | NJ | Skin of the partypoker network with branded MGM app but shared player pool. Not as well developed as partypoker but easy to access casino and sportsbook also. |
There are numerous poker apps in the “social gaming” category in the app store, but real-money poker apps are different. These poker apps are a slimmed-down, easy-to-use version of the full online poker client you would typically download for your computer.
Unlike social poker apps, these apps allow you to put real money on the line in your poker games. It can be as small as pennies per hand, of course, but also run all the way up into the hundreds and thousands for buy-ins if you prefer.
Most of the standard poker games you love (SNGs, MTTs, etc.) are available on a poker app, although the lobby and functionality are tailored toward mobile players. That means a slightly condensed game menu and simple-to-use features for betting and gameplay.
You don’t have to play for real money on these poker apps, either; they also allow you to access all the standard play-money games offered on any online poker site. Either way you can still claim a free no deposit bonus of $20-$30 at most poker apps just for creating a new account
Currently, five states offer legalized online poker apps. Legalization has been done on a state-by-state basis since Black Friday in April 2011. Legal online poker states are:
Online poker in West Virginia was legalized in 2018-19, but real-money poker apps or poker sites are yet to go live. The five active states above adhere to a completely legal and regulated online gaming framework. Just like brick-and-mortar casinos and poker rooms, online poker platforms, including apps, face strict regulation and oversight.
PokerStars is famously the largest poker site in the world and is available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Michigan. However, these are all “fenced-in” markets, meaning player pools are exclusive to each state. Pennsylvania has offered a large pool of players since going live in November 2019.
PokerStars is known for its great software, and that applies to the poker app experience as well. The app is available for iPhone and Android devices and offers an easy-to-navigate lobby when looking for a tournament, cash game or another option (Jackpot SNGs, for example).
The actual gameplay on the app is also a strong point. You will find smooth movements for betting and raising. Tiling between a game and the lobby is simple. Simply put, PokerStars offers a great mobile gaming experience.
You can get in all the best promotions and major tournament series on the poker app and access the ultra-popular Zoom Poker games. Another strong suit for PokerStars is its range of online Omaha games, which you can’t find elsewhere. You can’t, as of yet, play poker online with friends with the Home Games feature on the app, but it is likely to come soon.
PokerStars also offers a seamless transition between its sportsbook and PokerStars casino gaming.
Available: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan
Partypoker is available in New Jersey and is also a leader in the online poker industry. The site also offers access to its casino for those who might also enjoy some slots, blackjack and more.
The partypoker app is easy to use and straightforward. Finding a cash game, tournament, Sit & Go or Fast Forward poker game (partypoker’s speed poker variation) is easy. The app is uncluttered and finding deposit, promotions and bonus information is also simple with a menu located at the top left of the screen.
In New Jersey, BorgataPoker and BetMGM Poker also function as partypoker skins and feature the same ease of use. Their poker apps make use of the same player pool and offer qualifiers to live events at the Borgata and other partypoker series.
Available: New Jersey
The WSOP app is available in New Jersey and Nevada. It is the only operator offering a shared liquidity pool with players in both states, which also includes 888poker in Delaware. Operator 888 remains the sole online client in that state.
The WSOP app and poker client are based on its partner 888poker’s software. You will find that the WSOP app offers a nice landscape view of all the action. The lobby options are visually appealing, and it’s simple to scroll among cash games, sit and gos, and scheduled tournaments.
Finding a game and registering is quick. Tapping for raises and betting is smooth and simple. You will discover that WSOP.com is an easy and enjoyable experience. The 888poker mobile app is similar, and you will find the two apps offer the same functions.
With shared liquidity, WSOP.com generally provides larger player pools, prize pools and payouts. The site also offers online bracelet WSOP Circuit events and live WSOP event qualifiers.
Available: Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware
WSOP.com, partypoker and PokerStars offer an iOS app for iPhone and iPad users with great functionality. Downloading each of them is quick and straightforward.
You can also create an account and deposit a matter of minutes on all iOS platforms. The lobby for online poker is generally compact and easy to toggle among game types.
If you’re ready to download a poker app for your iPhone, use the links above to take advantage of the excellent sign-up and deposit bonuses.
The poker apps above are also available to Android device users as well. You should find similar gameplay and options as seen on the desktop version, but in a similar platform as the Apple offering.
As the Google Play Store does not offer any gambling apps, if you’re ready to download for Android, you’ll need to download directly from the poker site itself. Use the links above to do so and take advantage of the sign-up and deposit bonuses.
For those not in legalized online poker states, such as California, Florida,Illinois or Texas, there are other options.
For one, you can download the app of your choice right from your home and travel to a legalized state to play poker on the app. For poker players in New York, for example, where getting to New Jersey or Pennsylvania may be fairly quick and easy, this could be an option.
Another option is sweepstakes poker, which is based on social gaming and has become quite popular in the US. Global Poker is the most popular among those.
Global Poker allows you to play for free with Gold Coins, but it also allows you to play a form of legal real money online poker via Sweeps Coins, which you get when purchasing extra Gold Coins.
Sweeps Coins are usable to play in separate tournaments and ring games. You can win more Sweeps Cash, which, unlike Gold Coins, can then be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards. While it may not offer an app, Global Poker offers easy mobile play with instant play from a browser. The experience is smooth, and the gameplay flows well.
The lobby isn’t too busy and it is simple to navigate. You’ll find ring games and tournaments easily. Like other poker sites, you can use the app for major tournament series as well. The site also has excellent customer service, simple deposit and cashout options, and plenty of game customization options.
Global Pokeradded even more to its tournament offerings in Spring 2020, with several interesting daily events featuring big guarantees. The site also beefed up its Saturday and Sunday majors.
Note: As Global Poker is regulated as a sweepstakes casino, you can get free Gold Coins by mailing in a request to the home office, too.
One great thing about using a real money poker app is that you can qualify for bonuses and free play money for simply signing up. That can add up even more when making a deposit.
Those looking to take advantage of some of those bonuses and free cash should use the links above for exclusive USPoker bonuses and offers. After downloading, you have a quick process to sign up. You’ll need to provide some basic information, including:
Poker apps offer similar security measures to traditional online poker sites. Downloading a poker app will also require downloading authorized geolocation software to make sure you are physically within the state offering legal online poker.
Note: Players don’t have to be in the state to download the app or deposit into an account. If you plan to travel to a legal poker state (e.g., Nevada, PA, MI or NJ), getting started ahead of time is just as easy. You’ll also qualify for the bonuses and free money.
When you’re in the legal state, simply break out your mobile device and start playing. While you might not find every game or tournament option you’d find on the full desktop poker client, the app will offer a wide range of game options. Some of those can include:
It’s important to note that real-money poker apps are still always free to download. You can also play for free with virtual currency or “play money” on any real-money poker app.
This offers a great way to learn the app, practice your skills and simply have some fun. Creating a new account on a poker app will also come with some free money or tournament tickets to take a shot at a couple of real-money events.
Unlike social gaming poker apps, there is (usually) a higher level of play on an app for real money. Players with no “skin in the game” are much less likely to fold, and the game isn’t really close to what one might experience in a real live poker room.
Poker as a game is entirely different when played for money. Some of that real-world play also carries over to the play-money experience on a real-money poker app. The quality of play on the poker app may be slightly better and improved over what social gamers are used to, as well.
This is a good thing, though, as it makes the games far more predictable and better prepares you for eventually diving into real-money poker games. If you’re looking for the best free poker games solely for social gaming, check our page here:
Online poker apps offer a safe and secure playing environment. Just like traditional land-based casinos and poker rooms, operators must meet strict licensing requirements and regulations.
That means all player information and funds are secure. Unlike unregulated, offshore sites, legal online poker operators have systems in place to offer numerous player protections — and are required to do so by state laws and regulations.
Online poker platforms, including apps, also work toward the prevention of player collusion. Each operator monitors gameplay in this way, and player collusion and discrepancies are commonly discovered by monitoring software. This technology can help assure players of a square game.
You can look for the following when it comes to online poker apps and the operators themselves. These are signs of a safe and secure poker site:
After setting up an account, making a deposit using an app is easy and safe. There should be several mainstream deposit options, and all these can usually be used via an app as well. Some of those may include:
These may also be a means of cashing out any winnings. Many poker apps also offer deposits and cashouts at the cashier cage at their partner casinos. Banking is as fast and efficient as most other online retail experiences.
Can I multi-table on a poker app?
Yes, and some mobile apps offer ways to make this easier. That small screen may not be as conducive to tiling through numerous games, but playing a few tables is possible.
Can I access the same games and tournaments on a poker app?
For the most part, yes. While some events and functions may not be available, most tournaments, cash games, sit and gos, and other games are usually also on the app. Players can expect a similar experience they’d find using a desktop or laptop computer.
Can I cascade tables on a poker app?
Yes, but there may be reduced numbers, and it will depend on the app and operator. Playing more than one game or event is possible, however.
How many players use the poker apps over desktop?
More and more players are using mobile devices, and surveys show that 10% of all time spent on an average person’s phone is for gaming. It’s a good bet a good portion of that is poker. Poker apps offer the flexibility of playing wherever and whenever a player wants as long as they’re within the boundaries of a legalized online poker state.
Sweepstakes poker apps can be played freely across virtually all states (it’s only off-limits in Washington) and player pools and growing rapidly.
How much data do I use on a poker app?
If using Wi-Fi, players don’t have to worry about data demands. When using cellular data, some apps may use only eight to 10 megabytes per day.
Can I see poker odds on a poker app?
Most sites and apps offer tutorials on learning how to play so you can learn the odds and what to expect. Some may also offer odds on certain hands as the game progresses or is in action. Playing for free offers a nice way to learn and get accustomed to the game and individual gameplay of each app.
Can I play casino games and bet on sports through a poker app?
Most apps offer this seamless feature, and player funds can be used for other forms of gaming. However, Nevada has only legalized poker and sports betting. Pennsylvania and New Jersey also offer other forms of gaming including online casinos with no deposit bonuses for new players. Delaware also offers limited online gaming. Global Poker has some sweeps casino games as well.