PokerStars Raises MICOOP Main Event Guaranteed Prize Pool

For the second consecutive week, PokerStars is raising its prize pool for its Michigan Championship of Online Poker (MICOOP).

For the MICOOP Main Event, taking place Saturday and Sunday, the guaranteed prize pool will be increased from $125,000 to $200,000.

“We are heading into the final stretch of what has been a fantastic run in Michigan where we have had thousands of entries and record prize pools,” said Rebecca McAdam Willetts, PokerStars associate director of group public relations. “We are (again) thrilled to increase the value on offer to our players competing in the Main Event.”

Through nine days of the event on March 1, the total prize pool from the event has surpassed $1,205,000 with 35 of the 37 events surpassing their guaranteed prize pools. The MICOOP concludes with the Main Event. The two-day tourney features a $300 buy-in.

In order to take part in the MICOOP, players must register for PokerStars on its website. New signees will then be able to take part on PokerStars’ platform, which includes cash games, daily tournaments and tournament series such as MICOOP.

PokerStars Live in Michigan

PokerStars officially went live in Michigan on Jan. 29 when it was approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. PokerStars gained access to the Michigan market through its partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

“We welcome the addition of Odawa Casino, PokerStars … to Michigan’s growing online gaming and sports wagering market,” Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director, said in a media release. “Their participation will generate revenue to support education, tribal communities and the city of Detroit.”

By late February, PokerStars Michigan became the 15th largest online poker room worldwide, according to data from Poker Scout. The data shows PokerStars Michigan recording a seven-day average of 500 cash game players with a 24-hour peak of 1,111.

PokerStars remains the only poker operator in the state.