Michigan Sports Betting Expected to Launch on March 11

  • MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino, MotorCity Casino to kick off sports wagering in the state
  • Michigan Gaming Control Board must provide final approval today before operations can begin
  • Goal was for Detroit casinos to launch sports betting products in time for March Madness
  • Online sports betting will be on hold until early 2021 to allow finalization of administrative rules 
Greektown Casino and Hotel in Detroit
Sports betting could be coming to Detroit’s three commercial casinos as early as March 11 if the Michigan Gaming Control Board gives its final approval today. [Shutterstock.com]

Sports betting coming to Detroit casinos

Legal sports betting is set to begin this week in Michigan. The state’s Gaming Control Board is expected to authorize Detroit’s three commercial casinos to launch their offering as early as March 11 from 1 pm.

Detroit’s three commercial casinos to launch their offering as early as March 11 from 1 pm

The MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino, and MotorCity Casino will meet with the board today to deliver a final presentation of their service plans. Approval is expected after the operators already met preliminary requirements.

The run-up to March Madness

The Michigan Gaming Control Board had 11 weeks to prepare for the launch of sports betting in the state. The goal was to have the Detroit casinos kick off their wagering services in time for March Madness.

goal was to have the Detroit casinos kick off their wagering services in time for March Madness

The board’s executive director, Richard S. Kalm, said the casinos and their suppliers assisted by sharing information needed to authorize the betting option. He added: “This new gaming opportunity has been highly anticipated, and we hope citizens will enjoy it and see benefits from additional revenue to both the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.”

Wagering products ready to roll

The Michigan Gaming Control Board previously provided suppliers with provisional licensing for on-site betting services. This included data solutions and betting kiosks.

The BetMGM sportsbook is now expected to launch on March 11. It will offer its sports betting services at the MGM Grand Detroit. Penn National-owned and operated Greektown Casino will roll out a sports betting product courtesy of Kambi. It is unclear whether this will be under the Barstool Bet brand, in view of the partnership Penn National has with Barstool Sports.

According to VSO News, the MotorCity Casino will be focusing its sports betting option on a familiar brand. It reportedly signed a deal with FanDuel recently, with the sports giant set to operate the facility’s retail sportsbook and an online option in the future. FanDuel will also manage an online casino for MotorCity. The online services will not launch until 2021.

The creation of administrative rules is causing a delay in online sports betting. It is also impacting the momentum of the online casino industry and fantasy sports.

Regulations should be finalized by early next year, which will see online and mobile betting and gaming licensing awarded and services launched.

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