The state of Michigan is gearing up to be the next to launch online gambling services in the US. The state has fast-tracked legislation and worked as quickly as they can to prepare the industry to get going. Just this week, it was announced that BetAmerica has joined forces with the Hannahville Indian Community to launch in the state. The operator will function online via a partnership with the Island Resort & Casino.
What’s To Come?
BetAmerica is preparing to offer sports betting in retail and mobile format in the states, as well as online casino games. They will use the license of the casino to do so. It looks like the land-based sportsbook might be the first to launch, followed by online gaming.
The sports betting market is already live, so this makes since. The new industry started in March just days before the US shut down gaming facilities due to Covid-19. The commercial casinos remain closed now but the tribal venues are up and running. The Four Winds and Firekeepers launched retail sprots betting options in May and BetAmerica will soon join the group.
Online gaming is not a reality in Michigan right now, but is is coming. The state is making progress in its efforts, with the Gaming Control Board just releasing a regulation draft last week. A public hearing is also on the schedule before a final version of the regulations will be released. It is estimated that online gambling could begin as early as October.
Who is BetAmerica?
If you are unfamiliar with the BetAmerica brand, it is because they are still relatively new in the US. The company was founded from Churchill Downs in 2007 and operated a racebook for a decade before expanding in 2018 via a partnership with SBTech. BetAmerica still works in the racebook sector, but they now also offer sports betting and online casino games as well.
Currently, BetAmerica offers services in Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They continue to grow and expand as more states legalize forms of gambling, including sports betting and online casino games.
As Michigan gets closer to launching iGaming, we should see more partnerships like this one established. Major brands will want to get in on the action as a new state enters the fray.
It is a good time for Michigan to launch online gaming as the US continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The virus is not showing any sign of slowing down and Michigan has been one of the harder hit states.
With online gambling options, sports betting and casino games included, the state will be able to bring in revenues as the virus remains an issue. People are encouraged to social distance and stay home when needed, so having a form of online entertainment in the state that is new and fun will certainly drive in new revenues.
We shall see if the new industry launches in the fall and just how many operators are ready to begin offering services at that time. Our bet is that once Michigan launches iGaming, players will begin signing up for accounts in large numbers.
