One more sportsbook in Michigan
Michigan sports betting has gone from strength to strength since its sportsbooks first began taking bets in January this year. Now, the Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians, otherwise known as the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Tribe, will join the state’s fast-growing online market in partnership with Parx Interactive.
the partners already offer an iGaming app in the state
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) authorized the tribe to launch its internet sports betting offering starting at 9am local time on Monday morning. Through their agreement, Parx Interactive and the Gun Lake Tribe already offer an iGaming app in the state.
In a statement on its website released Friday, the MGCB confirmed it has now given the green light to 14 operators for both iGaming and sports wagering across the state. The regulator said the resulting revenue will go toward “responsible gaming, the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund, K-12 education, and economic development.”
A multi-vertical partnership
The Gun Lake Tribe and Parx Interactive first launched their iGaming offering in Michigan after receiving regulatory approval at the end of April of this year. The partners entered the market with their Play Gun Lake app, which utilizes the platform and Player Account Management features of supplier Playtech.
The MGCB authorized Gun Lake and Parx to add sports betting to that offering on Friday. In an effort to expand its exposure in the state in the build up to launch, Parx Casino featured its branding on advertising boards at Detroit Pistons games during the past NBA season.
The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Tribe already launched on-site sports betting at its Gun Lake Casino in Wayland last year. Parx also powers these retail wagering operations at the Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge.
iGaming down, sports betting up
News of the Gun Lake Tribe’s sports betting approval comes as Michigan iGaming revenue continues to decline month-on-month. June represented the third straight month in which Michigan internet gaming operators reported declining revenue.
iGaming revenue was down 6% overall from May
In total, Michigan online gaming and sports betting operators saw $114.2m in June revenue. Within that figure, iGaming revenue was down 6% overall from May, generating $89.2m.
Meanwhile, sports betting continues to grow across the state. Online sports betting operators reported total revenue of $24.9m for June, up almost 28% month-on-month. The state has seen all-time online sports betting handle of $1.5bn and revenue of $119.87m since the market’s launch in January this year.