Michigan Approves 15 Online Operators

The start date for Michigan online sports betting and online casino gaming has been changed a number of times, but an early 2021 start has now been confirmed.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has taken longer than expected to get things in place, but that group moved one step closer this week.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has updated its website to announce an “early 2021” start, which means that bettors will be unable to place an online bet on the Detroit Lions. MI Online sports betting is expected to launch during the NFL Playoffs and be ready for the Super Bowl.

Not only did the MGCB give an updated launch date, but that group also announced 15 provisional licenses awarded to future iGaming and online sportsbooks. A provisional license gives each operator a chance to fulfill the final requirements needed before a launch date is confirmed.

A number of operators will be providing both sports betting and online casino gambling, and just one app will be needed. Other companies will strictly focus on either sports betting or iGaming, but both will be extremely competitive markets.

Here is the list of online operators that have perceived provisional sports betting licenses:

• Barstool Sportsbook
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Churchill Downs
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• FOX Bet
• GAN
• Golden Nugget
• Kambi
• Parx
• PointsBet
• Scientific Games
• William Hill
• WYNNBet

At least one tribal casino and one commercial casino must receive final approval before the industry can launch. Many of these operators have been getting things in place or months, and final approval should not take longer than four to six weeks.

Experts predict that Michigan will become a major factor in the online gaming industry, especially when it comes to online sports betting. Sports betting revenue totaled $2.3 million at the three commercial casinos during the first 16 days of November. These properties have been shut down since that time.

Casinos Still Closed

The casino industry has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is expected to continue throughout the end of the year. All three commercial casinos will remain closed through Dec. 20 per an executive order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

These three properties are all located in the city of Detroit, and the state is attempting to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Tribal casinos are still allowed to stay open, but they have all implemented new health and safety protocols that limit the number of guests allowed inside at one time.

Online slots and casino games will provide instant relief to these properties, and it will also be much safer for the city of Detroit. The iGaming industry has been extremely successful in other states, and the same is expected in Michigan.

The online gaming industry will be open for anyone within state borders, and that could attract bettors from other states as well, especially those that live close to the border. It has taken a long time to get to this point, but early 2021 will provide some much-needed relief to the entire gaming industry.

If you want to stay up to date on the latest MI sports betting news and MI online casino info, then make sure to come back and check our news blog.

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