Michigan’s sports betting market reported modest figures in its month of legal betting.
In the first month of legal and regulated sports wagering in Michigan, the state’s land-based sportsbooks generated $105,548 in revenue.
Michigan’s regulated sports betting market launched on March 11 but was forced to close on March 16 after all casinos in the state were ordered to close to help halt the spread of coronavirus. Bettors in the state were also severely limited in what they could bet on as nearly all major sporting events were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Breaking down the figures
According to figures from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) the MGM Grand Detroit generated $84,695 in betting revenue over the first days of legal betting in Michigan.
Penn National’s Greentown Casino came in second place with $15,904 in revenue while the MotorCity Casino generated $4,949 from sports betting operations.
In terms of tax, the state’s three commercial casinos paid a combined $3,989.73 in tax on sports wagering activities in March.
The MGCB’s report did not include sports wagering handle for any of the casinos and is likely to remain unavailable unless one of the state’s operators decide to share the figures.
If Michigan’s regulator continues to leave out the state’s betting handle, Michigan will join New York as the only regulated sports betting market that only shares revenue figures.
Sports betting in Michigan
On 20 December 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4311 into law, creating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. Under this law, mobile and online casino gambling is now legal in the state of Michigan. Under the law, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) will be granted the power to issue licenses for online and mobile casino gambling.
The state’s governor also approved HB 916, creating the Lawful Sports Betting Act. Under this law, commercial and tribal casinos can offer land-based and online sports betting in Michigan. Governor Whitmer also signed HB 4308 into law, legalizing fantasy sports contests in the state of Michigan.
Michigan’s sports wagering market went live on March 11 with the opening of sportsbooks at Penn National Gaming’s Greektown Casino and the MGM Grand Detroit. Online and mobile sports wagering has yet to go live in the state of Michigan.
