Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians selected Kambi Group PLC to provide sportsbook management services to its three Four Winds Casinos in Michigan. Terms were not disclosed, but the retail sportsbooks will begin before mobile wagering launches.
“The partnership was approved by the Pokagon Gaming Commission and Pokagon Gaming Authority,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority.
Bettors will be able to place wagers at self-serve kiosks at the tribe’s casinos in New Buffalo, Dowagiac, and Hartford. Indeed, Four Winds Casinos premiered the sportsbook at its New Buffalo property July 13 allowing people to wager on basketball, football, hockey, baseball, soccer and other sports.
Chicago Bears legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael, an ESPN commentator, placed the ceremonial first bet, according to Northwest Indiana Times.
Four Winds New Buffalo has 18 kiosks across the casino floor where guests can place bets. They also can use their camera to scan a QR code to reach the website. After they place their bets, they get a new QR code they can take to the Sportsbook counter to be scanned to make the bet official.
“The Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos continually strive to exceed expectations and enhance the entertainment experience of our guests. We feel the Four Winds Sportsbook will add an additional level of excitement sports enthusiasts have been looking for,” said Frank Freedman, chief operating officer of Four Winds Casinos.
Pokagon also operates a casino across in South Bend, Indiana. While the state allows sports betting, the current tribal compact does not. Negotiations continue to change the situation, according to Native Business Magazine.
