Michigan Gaming Control Board Authorizes More Gambling Operators

Following the successful lunch of online gambling in the Wolverine State, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) approved three new remote licenses for local casinos. They include poker giant PokerStars, Pala Interactive and Penn Sports Interactive with its new brand Barstool. There are now 12 operators in the state.

Launching with record-breaking numbers in January and with continued growth expected for the rest of the year, this seems to be the perfect time for Michigan to be expanding its offerings.

A Record-Breaking January with $115.2 Million Handle for 10 Days

Michigan mobile sportsbooks were only live for 10 days during January. However, the state recorded over $115.2 million in mobile bets for that small amount of time. Despite this outstanding number, there was a loss of $5.2 million. This was due to the huge amount of money, $18.5 million, which was paid out in promotions and bonuses.

The Wolverine State by the end of January recorded almost $150.9 million in bets. These were placed both on mobile and retail sportsbook within the Michigan casinos. However, only $35.7 million was placed using the retail sportsbooks available., proving the overwhelming popularity of Michigan online gambling.

FanDuel and DraftKings are currently the top two within the state. This isn’t a surprise as the companies usually find themselves in a similar position in all the states, they have launched in.

Michigan Online Gambling Makes $42.7 Million in First 10 Days in February

February is being projected as another brilliant month, and the state could be the next state in the US to hit the top five for sports betting activity. No one expected the figures especially for such a new addition to the market.

The Great Lakes State is one to watch as the numbers are set to surge over the next couple of months. For more information on the casinos currently operating within the state, Best Michigan Casino has a complete guide

MGCB Authorizes the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians

The Stars Group announced it has an agreement with Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indian’s Gaming Authority (Little Traverse). It gives the Group access to the Michigan online gambling market.

Allowing The Stars Group the ability to brand and also operate, online betting, poker and Michigan online casino. Robin Chhabra, Chief Executive Officer, FOX Bet commented:

“We are excited to announce this agreement with the Odawa tribe, which further strengthens our market access as we work to continue to build our FOX Bet business into one of the leaders in the emerging U.S. online betting and gaming market,”

Under the terms of the agreement, Odawa will receive a revenue share from the operation of the applicable online offerings by The Stars Group.

Little Traverse will receive a revenue share due to the current terms of the agreement and Fred Harrington Jr., Tribal Council, LTBB Odawa said regarding the deal:

“The Tribe’s partnership with The Stars Group extends beyond our reservation and places the thrill of world-class sports betting and online gaming under every finger-tip sliding across a touch screen in the State of Michigan.”

Michigan is the third state where Pokerstars have launched. This follows launches in New Jersey in 2016 and Pennsylvania in 2019. PokerStars is the world’s largest online poker operator. It has expanded its brand with PokerStars Casino and run both operations alongside each other.

The online gaming contract also includes Fox Bet as the platform provider for online sports betting. Fox Bet is run under The Stars Group and can be seen the betting arm that is bridging the gap between poker players and sports punters..

Little Traverse built the Odawa Casino in Michigan in 2007 in order to replace other ageing casinos in the area. The resort itself is comparatively small with a 137-room hotel and 50,000 square feet of gaming space.

Also, there are three restaurants, retail outlets as well as a concert venue and nightclub just to name a few of the many facilities. For more details check out Best Michigan Casino.

MGCB Authorizes Detroit’s Greektown Casino

With both online casinos and sports betting becoming legal in December 2019. Detroit’s Greektown Casino partnered with Penn Sports Interactive/ Barstool Sportsbook as its platform provider. This deal allowed the casino to offer both online sports betting and an online casino. It consequently launched its online gaming on January 22

This Michigan casino had expressed interest in joining the Michigan online gambling market and was one of the first casinos in Michigan to offer a sportsbook, opening in March 2020. After being closed due to COVID-19 it reopened to limited numbers in late January 2021.

Under the Barstool Sports brand, Greektown offers an online sports gambling service. The app, although from a relatively new brand has impressed bettors so far.

“This is an exciting time to be launching our online Barstool Sportsbook in Michigan,” said Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National. “We have been incredibly pleased with the success of the mobile app since launching in Pennsylvania in September. Our customers have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with Dave Portnoy, Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz and other Barstool fan favorites, and we expect more of the same in Michigan. As the only gaming operator with a fully integrated sports media and entertainment partner, Penn can provide our customers with the opportunity to interact with Barstool personalities online and also in-person at our new Barstool Sportsbook at Greektown.”

The other offering from Greektown will be its Michigan online casino. Although not launched yet, players in the state should expect that shortly. Mainly known for its wide choice of slots, there are big expectations from slot players. However, there will also be a good selection of table games.

MGCB Authorizes Pala Interactive

The latest addition to the Michigan online gambling market, Pokagon Band of Indians (Pokagon) operates three casinos under the Four Winds brand. Its locations include Dowagiac, Hartford and New Buffalo. For the platform provider, the Pokagon has partnered with Pala Interactive LLC.

“We welcome the addition of Four Winds Casinos and Pala Interactive to Michigan’s growing online gaming and sports wagering market,” Richard Kalm, MGCB’s executive director, said in a statement. “Their participation will generate revenue to support education, economic development and the Pokagon Band’s tribal community.”

Pala Interactive is still growing within the online gambling space. It is currently offers online sports betting and other online gambling services. The Michigan online casino and sports betting is its second launch, with it already being live in New Jersey.

The platform launched on February 15 at noon.

Find the Best Michigan Casino and Play Online

With Michigan online casinos and gambling launching with such great results finding the best Michigan casino has become just a little more difficult. You can find out more at Best Michigan Casino, with in-depth reviews and a welcome bonus.

So don’t miss out on the excitement. As long as you’re within the state of Michigan, over 21 you can register to play. It’s 100% safe and legal!