Michigan Goes Live with Sports Betting on Friday, Jan. 22

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced that the state will launch online sports betting and gambling operations on Friday, January 22.

Michigan Launches Online Gambling Industry

Michigan’s long-anticipated gambling launch is on the cards with the date set for Friday, January 22 when nine casinos will go ahead with their online launches at noon. Meanwhile, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the state’s regulator, is in the process of reviewing additional applications and may authorize more launches.

Commenting on this development, MGCB executive director Richard Kalm made a short statement about Michigan’s rapport with sports betting and the interest residents have been showing in the activity.

“Michigan residents love sports and, judging by inquiries we’ve received, eagerly anticipate using mobile devices to place bets through the commercial and tribal casinos,” Kalm said. There are high hopes about the potential impact online betting will have on local communities, bringing fresh tax dollar to depleted state coffers.

Nine Highly-Anticipated Launches

Michigan’s casinos are all stepping up with their licenses and partners on the ready. Commercial and tribal properties have added numerous established brands in the state, including:

• Bay Mills Indian Community – DraftKings
• Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians – William Hill
• Greektown Casino – Penn Sports Interactive and Barstool Sportsbook
• Hannahville Indian Community –TwinSpires
• Keweenaw Bay Indian Community – Golden Nugget Online Gaming
• Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Rush Street
• MGM Grand Detroit – BetMGM/Roar Digital
• MotorCity Casino – FanDuel
• Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians – Wynn

Michigan Takes Its Due

Michigan will charge 8.4% on all sports betting with the online gambling levy ranging from 20% to 28% and Detroit’s casinos may contribute an additional municipal fee on top of any tax mandated by law.

In Detroit, 30% of all tax proceeds will go to the city. Another 65% will go to state funds, with an additional 5% going to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund. The city is given the legal right to collect at least $183 million a year.

Meanwhile, tribal casinos will see 90% of all online sports wagering tax go to the state fund. Another 10% contributed to the Michigan Strategic Fund. Online gaming tax revenue will be divvied up. Local municipalities will receive 20%, a state fund – 70%, and Michigan Strategic Fund another 10%.