- The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has awarded 15 provisional licenses to almost every major online sportsbook in the U.S.
- Online sports betting in Michigan is slated to launch in 2021.
- Retail sports betting in Michigan has already launched.
LANSING, Mich. – Online sports betting and iGaming in Michigan looks to start off with a bang next year as the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has granted 15 provisional licenses to companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, Barstool Sportsbook, and more.
The MGCB’s announcement doesn’t mean these companies will begin offering their services right away. There is still more regulatory work that needs to be done before that can happen.
“The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting Dec. 2 with the Office of the Great Seal,” said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. “The platform providers still must meet other regulatory requirements before online gaming and sports betting can launch in Michigan. The launch date will depend on how quickly they can fulfill the requirements.”
Some of those requirements include independent testing so that the MGCB can ensure gaming integrity and securing occupational licenses for employees of the company that require it.
The current companies with provisional licenses to launch online sportsbooks in Michigan include these listed below.
- Barstool Sportsbook (License granted to Penn National Gaming)
- BetMGM
- BetRivers (license given to Rush Street Gaming)
- Churchill Downs (will most likely use BetAmerica)
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- FOX Bet
- GAN
- Golden Nugget
- Kambi
- Parx
- PointsBet
- Scientific Games
- William Hill
- WYNNBet
While online sports betting still has weeks to go before it can be available to Michigan gamblers, retail sportsbooks are still up and running.
The only issue is that MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer has placed extensive lockdowns on commercial casino properties in Detroit in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Governor Whitmer placed lockdowns on Detroit casinos during the holiday season especially because of increased tourism.
USA online gambling should help bring a balance of safety and money for the state as all companies licensed will have to pay taxes on their gross gaming revenue.