The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) recently awarded provisional licenses to 15 online gaming platform providers, meaning online sports betting is another step closer to being available for Super Bowl LV—possibly as soon as mid-January.
MGCB Executive Director Richard S. Kalm said, “The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting December 2 with the Office of the Great Seal. The platform providers still must meet other regulatory requirements before online gaming and sports betting can launch in Michigan. The platform providers’ ability to meet the requirements of the laws and rules will determine which entities can be licensed for launch first.”
All provisional license holders still must complete independent platform testing and receive MCGB approval for internal controls and key employees. The board is allowing operators to make their mobile apps available to be downloaded prior to launch so bettors can register and create accounts—however, no wagers can be placed without final approval.
The approved operators include: Betfair Interactive (FanDuel), Crown MI Gaming (DraftKings), Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers), BetMGM (Roar Digital), American Wagering (William Hill), PointsBet and Penn Sports Interactive. FanDuel, BetMGM and Penn Sports also operate sportsbooks at Detroit’s three casinos, which have been closed since November 18 due to Covid-19 and were expected to remain closed until December 20 at the earliest.
William Hill, DraftKings, BetRivers and PointsBet will enter Michigan through tribal gaming partners; Michigan’s regulatory framework is the first in the nation to include both tribal and state government oversight. Penn Gaming’s Barstool Sports is expected to be a strong competitor, thanks to its retail connection to Greektown Casino in Detroit and Barstool founder Dave Portnoy’s association with his alma mater, the University of Michigan.
The Detroit casinos are anticipating a significant boost from online sports betting. The three venues generated slightly more than $120 million in retail sportsbook handle since they launched in mid-March–just days prior to the first Covid-19 closure. Prior to the latest shutdown, they produced $25 million in handle in November even though they operated at just 15 percent occupancy.
In addition, regional players Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Parx Interactive, and Wynn Sports are expanding their footprints for both sports betting and online gaming. All three are active in both areas in New Jersey.
The MGCB also approved Churchill Downs Interactive Gaming, doing business as Twin Spires, TSG Interactive US Services (FOX Bet), GAN Nevada, Sports Information Services (Kambi) and NYX Digital Gaming.
