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At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2020, the musical chairs online gambling game in Michigan officially commenced.
Online brands wasted no time in forming lucrative partnerships with the state’s 15 casino operators, as the heavy hitters swiftly found their access partners in this promising market.
However, as the launch date approaches, the largest and most renowned tribal casino in the state continues to operate independently, at least according to official records.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has not made any official announcements or publicized any intentions regarding partnerships, sports betting, iGaming, or online poker.
On Monday, Mike Bean, the CEO of Soaring Eagle, informed Playinmichigan that the plans will be made public in the near future.
Soaring Eagle wants to be part of MI online gambling
On Monday, Bean informed Playinmichigan that the tribe intends to venture into the realm of online gambling. Additionally, he mentioned that a renowned operator will soon join forces with the casino, allowing them to capitalize on their well-established brand and extensive customer database for this endeavor.
He had expressed that the sports bar of the casino, known as Ascend, is fully prepared to be converted into a retail sportsbook. The same holds true for Creekside Lounge at Saganing Eagles Landing, a smaller casino operated by the tribe in close proximity.
Additionally, Bean mentioned that the plans, initially aimed at launching a retail sportsbook in spring, and later in summer, were further disrupted due to COVID-19.
Soaring Eagle well-known throughout the state
Apart from Central Michigan University, what most Michiganians are familiar with in Mount Pleasant is the majestic Soaring Eagle.
The national entertainment acts and expansive gaming options at the Saginaw Chippewa tribe casino have earned it a solid reputation.
Soaring Eagle is renowned as one of the largest casinos in the country, boasting an impressive 210,000 square feet of gaming space.
In addition to their extensive marketing efforts, the tribe has sponsored various events like Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats & Eats festival and invested in advertising slots during Detroit Tigers games.
However, the level of visibility might add complexity to their decision-making process.
Soaring Eagle could brand its own online casino, sportsbook
The tribe had the opportunity to associate the Soaring Eagle brand with its online sports betting and online casino apps due to the high visibility of the casino.
This eliminates the need for a partner or operator, yet demands a substantial investment for its development.
Smaller Michigan tribal casinos like Bay Mills in the Upper Peninsula do not have the option available.
During the summer, Bryan Newland, chairman of the Bay Mills Indian Community, openly acknowledged their strategy of actively pursuing DraftKings, comparing it to engaging in a substantial endeavor like big-game hunting.
They found success with it.
Nevertheless, the tribes responsible for overseeing Four Winds and FireKeepers in Michigan have entered into agreements with Kambi and Scientific Games, respectively. These partnerships may enable them to effectively handle the technology required for their individualized operations.
Although Soaring Eagle has not made an official announcement regarding this agreement, Bean suggested that it will be announced in the near future.
Operators and partners are still out there if desired
It was certain that operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel would secure an access deal in the Michigan market. The only uncertainty was regarding the specific parties involved.
If those brands are already taken, it is possible that other operators may be interested in making a deal, but only if the conditions are favorable.
Soaring Eagle could also be true for that.
Brands that are yet to establish their presence in Michigan and have not yet secured a pathway include:
- 888
- Bet365
- Caesars
- Circa Sports, a renowned establishment
- SportsBetting.com
- theScore
- Unibet
Waiting game could pay off for Soaring Eagle
Soaring Eagle may still be evaluating their choices and determining the optimal course of action.
Additionally, they had the opportunity to observe the market’s development during its early stages.
Might tribes regret their decision to join forces with an operator? Did tribes who intended to establish their own brand end up getting more than they expected?
It is possible that the plan all along was to sit back and survey the state.
And it could potentially still turn out to be a positive one.
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