The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has approved provisional licenses for 15 platform providers to support commercial and tribal casinos in the state with online gambling and sports betting.
The state’s regulator launched its online gaming supplier licensing process in May and has issued provisional licenses ahead of the market’s expected launch early next year.
Successful applicants include the American Wagering division of William Hill, GAN, Golden Nugget, Scientific Games’ NYX Digital Gaming arm, Parx Interactive and Flutter’s FanDuel.
Penn National Gaming also secured a license for its Penn Sports Interactive arm, while PointsBet, Rush Street Interactive, Sports Information Services (SIS) and DraftKings Crown Gaming brand were also given approval.
Other successful applicants included Churchill Downs’ TwinSpires division, The Stars Group’s Fox Bet brand, Wynn Sports and BetMGM, the brand operated by the Roar Digital joint venture between Entain – formerly GVC – and MGM Resorts International.
“The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting December 2 with the Office of the Great Seal,” MCGB executive director Richard Kalm said.
“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 fulfil the requirements.”
Prior to launching, all platform providers must complete additional regulatory requirements including independent testing of their platforms and games, and securing MGCB approval for their internal controls.
In addition, providers must secure occupational licenses for certain employees.
“The platform providers’ ability to meet the requirements of the laws and rules will determine which entities can be licensed for launch first,” Kalm said.
Confirmation of the provisional licenses comes after the MGCB this week also revealed that revenue from the three commercial casinos in Detroit, Michigan more than halved in November.
This followed a temporary order closure issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in relation to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Total revenue for the month – from table games, slots and sports wagering – amounted to $50.4m, down 50.3% from $101.4m generated by the properties in October.