ShareSince Michigan made the move to approve sports betting and online casinos back in 2019, the scale of the iGaming industry in the state has been expanding rapidly. Attracting both poker professionals and brand new players, this enormously popular entertainment opportunity is redefining the classic casino experience, whilst also making significant contributions to the local economy. As part of the wider trend towards more digitalized casino gaming, it is fascinating to consider how high-stakes poker culture is being impacted and shaped by the growing influence of Michigan’s regulated online casino market.
To explore this connection further, we had the opportunity to sit down with Ian Zerafa, Content Manager and iGaming expert who currently leads the US team at the leading casino guidance platform, Casino.org. With over four years of experience in the iGaming space, Ian has reviewed hundreds of online gambling sites and keeps a keen eye on the latest developments in Michigan. As a self-confessed poker fanatic, it was fascinating to hear Ian’s expert opinion on the current interplay between the iGaming space and high-stakes poker culture in Michigan today – let's dive in!
Hi Ian, thanks for joining us. First of all, please can you talk us through the impact of iGaming regulation in Michigan, and the current status of the online casino market in the state?
Of course. The advent of regulated online casino activity in Michigan has attracted widespread attention, and the state is now a major contributor to the overall iGaming landscape in the United States – Michigan’s online casinos generated a record $3.1 billion USD in gaming revenue in 2025 alone. Since the first platforms launched back in January 2021, regulation has been a gamechanger for players here, and I think the oversight of the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has helped to boost safety measures and increase standards across the sector. Those looking to partake in online poker tournaments now have more licensed options to choose from, so at Casino.org we’re committed to regularly updating our guidance which is specifically tailored to players in Michigan.
Around the world, the continued rise of online gaming reflects our increasingly digitalized lives. How has the arrival of Michigan’s regulated iGaming market affected the high-stakes poker environment? Are leading players now migrating into the online casino space?
It’s a fascinating time for the world of poker, and for the casino industry as a whole. We’re seeing an incredible number of casinos in MI which offer a high-quality online poker experience, and many of my fellow Casino.org experts are seeing the result of this amongst both experienced professionals and new players alike. I don’t think high-stakes players are moving fully into the online casino space, but the availability of these platforms is definitely allowing them to expand their activities. These regulated Michigan iGaming platforms have presented new opportunities, which means that players are now often complimenting their brick-and-mortar poker games with these online alternatives. To me, this looks like an increasingly blended experience which can offer the best of both worlds.
There are obviously discernible differences between the experience of an online poker game and the brick-and-mortar poker table. Are any strategies from high-stakes poker transferable within online casino tournaments?
As you say, there are distinct differences between high-stakes poker strategies and the online casino experience, but there’s interestingly a lot of overlap too. Obviously, the competitive culture of high-stakes poker is also being applied to the online space, and professional players are enjoying the opportunities to expand their gameplay into a new environment. These players are highly trained in bankroll management and risk calculations, and these skills can certainly be directly applied to online poker tournaments. Most high-stakes players seem to view these online platforms as a nice addition to their existing portfolio of gaming opportunities, so really it seems to complement their existing gambling activity quite well.
Liquidity is a vital aspect of high-stakes poker, and the online world is no different. What is the current situation for player pools in Michigan, and how might this change in the coming years?
Michigan’s decision to authorize shared liquidity by joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) has boosted player pools, prize pots and the overall uptake of online casino gaming. By pooling players across states like New Jersey and Nevada, high-stakes players in Michigan can now access larger player pools and bigger tournaments. I think this has been a real solidifier for the iGaming scene in Michigan, as professional players know that they can have a really exciting and competitive experience. It’s also boosted overall engagement and revenue in the sector by giving Michigan players greater opportunities to play at that high level. In my opinion, this will only grow in the coming years – particularly if other states in the US decide to follow suit, as more permissive regulation will widen player pools even further.
It’s an exciting time for the US iGaming industry, as changes to regulation and advancements in technology continue to transform our experience of classic casino games. What are your predictions for the future of high-stakes poker?
Poker is one of my all-time favorites, as I just love the endless enjoyment you can get from strategy-based games. I think poker is timeless, and there’s no doubt that it will endure across all mediums in the future. We’re obviously seeing some exciting impacts of new technologies, with AI and live-dealer formats creating new opportunities within the online space, and it’ll be fascinating to see how digital poker evolves in the coming years. Overall, I think we’re looking at a hybrid model which is already beginning to emerge in places like Michigan, where high-stakes players will continue to enjoy widening their portfolio and joining large online player pools. Any changes to US regulation in the coming years will also have a key impact, and I think it’s not unlikely that many more states will begin to embrace iGaming in the same way as Michigan. Whatever happens next, we’ll be keeping everyone in the loop over at Casino.org!
