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Can you believe it? We’re almost at the one-year mark since the launch of online sportsbooks and online casinos in Michigan.
On January 22, 2021, a significant milestone was achieved in Michigan’s sports betting and casino sector. As we commemorate Saturday, it marks the first anniversary since 10 apps were launched in Michigan.
In the past year, we have witnessed significant developments that will set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the journey.
Take a glimpse at five significant moments that occurred during the initial year of the online product, and get a sneak peek into what awaits in its upcoming phases.
Jan. 22, 2021 – Online sportsbooks & casinos launch
Online and mobile access to sports betting in Detroit was granted almost a year after the launch of the first physical sportsbooks on March 11, 2020.
Ahead of a significant sports weekend, a total of ten online sportsbooks and eight online casinos actively participated in the initial launch. This exciting opening weekend encompassed highly anticipated events such as the AFC/NFC Championships and the thrilling UFC match between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
From the start, the launch proved to be a success as Michigan and Virginia jointly facilitated 7.5 million online transactions. These transactions originated from over 400,000 accounts, with players capitalizing on various new-user account bonuses, often registering with multiple operators.
The year had barely started, promising great success ahead.
Michigan currently has 14 active online sportsbooks available, and there is a 15th one on the horizon. Soaring Eagle Casino will soon introduce Ascend Sportsbook on-site, along with Eagle Casino & Sports online. The trend continues with online casinos, as there are currently 14 in operation, and Soaring Eagle is preparing to join the lineup.
Jan. 29, 2021 – PokerStars MI launches
Online poker made its grand debut on Jan. 29, marking a significant milestone in the online gambling industry.
PokerStars MI became the inaugural platform to debut in Michigan, only a week following the launch of online casinos and sportsbooks.
Michigan recently became the fifth state to permit real money poker games, following in the footsteps of Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Impressively, in its inaugural week, the Great Lakes State took the lead nationwide with a remarkable 1,100 seats occupied on the popular platform, PokerStars.
On March 22, 2021, BetMGM Poker is set to launch in Michigan, becoming the second state to offer this service after New Jersey.
The primary concern lies in determining when the state will implement interstate compacting, enabling Michiganders to compete directly against players from other states.
Despite initial projections for a 2021 launch of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Michigan, we have now entered 2022 without any progress. The anticipated launch of WSOP, in addition to Michigan’s participation in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, is expected to pave the way for interstate compacting.
Michigan seems prepared to join, however, it is currently awaiting the approval of the other states to proceed.
In-state poker players are bound to be captivated by the Online Bracelet Series events once WSOP is introduced in their state.
Feb. 15, 2021 – First tribal online casino & sportsbook launches
In February, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians will become pioneers in the realm of online sports betting and casinos.
In 2021, Four Winds Casinos became the pioneer among three self-branding tribal operators by teaming up with Kambi. Four Winds currently manages casinos in Dowagiac, Hartford, and New Buffalo.
In November, Four Winds accumulated a total of $19.2 million in revenue from its online casino operations. Additionally, it successfully generated over $4.8 million through online sports betting activities.
Starting from February 15th, FireKeepers Casino and Play Gun Lake have become tribal operators to introduce online sportsbooks and casinos.
In the future, Michiganders will have an abundance of options across the state with the upcoming addition of Soaring Eagle to the mix.
Michigan bettors should take note of these significant developments.
In addition, it is important to consider the broader perspective of how tribes perceive their portion of the online gambling industry. Numerous states will closely observe the dynamics between tribes, operators, and state governments, aiming to gain valuable insights and knowledge from this relationship.
July 22, 2021 – Evolution provides live dealer games
In July, a significant achievement occurred last year with the introduction of live dealer online casino games.
On July 22, the Michigan Gaming Control Board granted approval to Evolution for the launch of their latest addition. This new feature allows players to enjoy blackjack, baccarat, and roulette right from the comfort of their homes, with a live dealer orchestrating the game from a studio located in Southfield.
This significant move aimed to draw in players who desired social interaction while playing and offered increased transparency to those who harbored doubts about an AI dealer.
In July, Michigan’s internet gaming sector witnessed a 3.5% surge in revenue, reaching $92.3 million, subsequent to its launch.
Currently, users can access live dealer casino games from a total of 11 different casinos. These operators not only provide branded tables but also offer enhanced interaction features, all within a single platform.
In a significant shift, Playtech has introduced its live casino offerings in collaboration with PlayGunLake, breaking Evolution’s monopoly in Michigan. In 2021, a single block in Southfield has seemingly generated a greater number of gaming employment opportunities than any other region in the state. As we move into 2022, how will these neighboring entities navigate coexistence?
October 2021 – Record Revenue Month
In 2021, the online gambling industry, specifically online casinos, witnessed significant growth in revenue figures.
October showed the largest results thus far, although we are still anticipating the outcome of December.
In a remarkable achievement, the 14 operators managed to generate an astounding $109.7 million in revenue for the month, setting a new record.
Throughout the year, BetMGM has consistently maintained its position as a frontrunner in the industry. In October alone, it generated an impressive revenue of $41.38 million.
It is reasonable to assume that Michigan will conclude the year with four consecutive months of revenue in the nine-figure range, although the December numbers are not yet available.
Can Michigan sustain the upward revenue trend beyond the first year?
The significant surge in online gambling began in April 2021, and within a year, Michigan is projected to surpass $1 billion in online gambling revenue. This is a stark contrast to the $257.4 million generated from online sports betting revenue until November, and the less than $100 million in taxable revenue once promotional write-offs are considered. It is evident that other states should take note of where the real online gambling profits originate.
Due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, the necessity for many gamblers to stay at home and resort to online platforms remains prevalent. Furthermore, Michigan is poised for significant expansion in its casino games and poker offerings, owing to continuous advancements in the industry.
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