The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has opened the application process for online sports betting and igaming licences in the state.
Commercial casinos and tribes in Michigan are able to apply for the new licences, while companies supporting operators and suppliers in the state can also apply for vendor registration.
The launch comes after the MGCB in May also opened up applications for online gaming supplier licences ahead of the state’s igaming roll-out.
“The MGCB continues to make progress toward the launch of online gaming by adding forms for operators and vendors,” MGCB executive director Richard Kalm said.
“Operators should file applications soon so we can conduct investigations and work with them on internal controls, technical standards, lab certifications and other requirements.
“In addition, the operators and suppliers should encourage their vendors to complete and submit registration forms.”
Kalm also revealed that the state expects to launch legal igaming and online sports betting later this year or early in 2021. The roll-out was expected early next year, but the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic prompted efforts to accelerate the process, following disruption to the state’s land-based gaming sector.
Bills to legalise sports betting and igaming were signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December 2019.
In related news, sports betting supplier Kambi Group has agreed a new partnership with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos in the state.
Under the deal, Kambi will provide its on-property sports betting technology and services to the three Four Winds’ casino in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford, Michigan.
The agreement also includes the launch of online sports betting in partnership with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and the three Four Winds casino sites.
“We are very proud to be entering this partnership with the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos,” Kambi chief executive Kristian Nylén said. “They are a leading operator in the Midwest and share our commitment to providing customers with consistently engaging experiences.”
Four Winds Casinos’ senior vice president of gaming operations Frank Kennedy added: “We are excited to partner with Kambi to bring sports betting to Four Winds Casinos and take the gaming experience we offer guests to the next level.”