DraftKings has launched multi-state online poker in Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania after receiving approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), allowing players in the three states to access a shared player pool. The platform went live on 8 July, making DraftKings one of the latest operators to join the expanding US market for interstate online poker.
Michigan approves shared player pool
The MGCB confirmed that DraftKings had met the regulatory requirements needed to offer multi-state online poker in Michigan. The approval allows the operator to combine players from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, increasing liquidity across cash games and tournaments.
“This approval reflects the strength of our partnership with Bay Mills Indian Community and the thoroughness of our regulatory process,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said in a statement. “As Michigan’s multi-state poker network continues to grow, we remain focused on ensuring every operator meets the same high bar for fairness, security and player protection.”
Multi-state poker market continues to expand
Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in 2022. The agreement also includes Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Before joining the compact, online poker players in Michigan could only compete against other players located within the state.
DraftKings could eventually expand its shared player pool into other MSIGA states, including Delaware, Nevada and West Virginia, subject to regulatory approval. The launch follows another development in the market in June, when Playtech rolled out its iPoker platform through FanDuel’s PokerStars-integrated product. That network also links players across Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
As regulated online poker continues to expand across North America, many players also compare game offerings, tournament schedules, and platform features through guides to the best online poker sites before choosing where to play.
Alberta launch announced on same day
The Michigan announcement came on the same day DraftKings launched its online sportsbook and casino products in Alberta, as the Canadian province opened its regulated multi-operator iGaming market.
DraftKings was among 22 operators that went live on 13 July alongside FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and bet365. Alberta became the second Canadian province after Ontario to introduce a competitive online gambling framework.
DraftKings returned to profit in first quarter
The latest expansion follows a profitable first quarter for DraftKings. For the three months ended 31 March 2026, the company reported net income of $21.1 million, compared with a loss of $33.9 million a year earlier.
Revenue rose to $1.65 billion, up from $1.41 billion in the same quarter of 2025. DraftKings attributed the increase to customer acquisition, ongoing engagement, and stronger sportsbook margins.
The company maintained its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue of between $6.5 billion and $6.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of between $700 million and $900 million.
Monthly unique payers fell 4 per cent year-on-year to 4.2 million, largely due to lower lottery-related activity after DraftKings exited Texas lottery operations in 2025. Excluding lottery operations, monthly unique payers increased 2 per cent from the previous year. Average revenue per monthly unique payer rose 21 per cent to $131, compared with $108 in the same period last year.
Growth continues amid regulatory scrutiny
DraftKings has continued expanding across North America while also investing in new betting products, including prediction markets. At the same time, the company faces growing regulatory and legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, DraftKings was named in a lawsuit alongside the NFL and FanDuel over allegations related to microbetting products and AI-driven betting engagement tools.
The launch of DraftKings’ multi-state online poker adds another operator to the growing shared liquidity market in the US, where more states are allowing players to compete across state lines.
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